Spatial Variation in the Awareness and Knowledge of Hiv/Aids Between Rural and Urban Areas in the Amhara Region The Case of Metema Woreda
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Date
2003-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The major objective of this study was to explore whether there is a significant
variation in knowledge of HIV/AIDS among rural and urban residents of Metema
woreda. An attempt was also made to examine knowledge on HIV/AID in relation to
some selected background characteristics: sex, age, marital status, educational level
and religion using percentage and Chi-square test. The dependent variables were
tested against independent variables sex, age, educational level marital status and
religion were used as useful variables for both sample areas separately.
Four hundred seventy five randomly selected respondents participated in the study.
Data were collected using structured questionnaires.
Misconceptions of the mode of HIV transmission were higher among rural
respondents than among urban respondents (47%) of rural respondents(22 percent of
the males 25 percent of the females) believed that HIV can be transmitted through
kissing whereas only (11.4 %) of urban respondents (5.5 percent of the males and 5.9
percent of the females believed that HIV can be transmitted by kissing.(85%) of rural
participants (Thirty five of the males and 50 percent of the females) mentioned that
HIV can be transmitted by mosquito bits whereas only (4.4%)of urban respondents)
(2.4 percent of the males and 2.0 percent), of the females mentioned that HIV can be
transmitted by mosquito bites.
To see the clear awareness and knowledge variation between rural and
urban head of households about HIV/AIDS, Chi-square test was carried
out. For the question” can AIDS be cured”? “ Can a healthy looking
person have HIV/AIDS”? and “Have you ever used condom” the Chisquare
result shows P< 0.001.
The study revealed that rural respondents had no easy access to condom. As a result
they were the least user of it. Recommendations were forwarded that may enhance
knowledge of HIV/AIDS and bring about behavioral changes among the study
population.
Educational variation, exposure to mass media and place of residence are the major
factors that contribute to the variation in knowledge about HIV/AIDS between rural
and urban head of households
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Geography and Environmental Studies