The Role of Families and Communities in HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control
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Date
2004-04
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
HIV/AIDS has seriously affected the well-being of adolescents in Ethiopia and has posed serious
concern for their parents. However, parental and community involvement in HIV prevention and
control activities has been limited due to top-down approach adapted in the program. To assess
the role of families and communities in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS among
adolescents. A cross sectional community based study was conducted in Jimma town from
January to February 2004 using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
A total of 602 parents were randomly included in the study. Majority of parents agreed to most
of the questions used to assess the risk reduction potentials but only 121(48.4%) fathers and
149(42.6%) mothers agreed with regard to the role of parents in the promotion of condoms use
among sexuality active young adults. On the other hand the responses of the study subjects
were below 50% for most of the vulnerability and impact reduction potential questions.
Education and family income were found to be determinant factors for the perceived risk,
vulnerability and impact reduction potential (p <0.05). Four hundred and sixty two (76%) and
358(59.6%) of parents reported that they made discussion about HIV/AIDS and sexuality with
their children respectively. Yet only 130(21.7%) of the parents reported that they had ever advice
the use of condoms to their sexually active children. Scope of knowledge of modes of
transmission and means of prevention of HIV/AIDS is still worrying. This study identified the
presence of major misconceptions pertaining condom use. CBOs showed an encouraging
commitment in participating in the HIV/AIDS prevention activities. They also have showed a
sense of program ownership and believed that they can serve as a link between the policy makers
and the community.
Parents and community members are aware of their potentials contributions and are willing to
actively participate in HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities. Therefore, parents and
communities have to be given a chance to participate in HIV/AIDS prevention and control
activities as they are at the front in bearing its burden.
Key words: family ,CBOs and HIV/AIDS prevention
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Keywords
family ,CBOs and HIV/AIDS prevention