Mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS in Kenyan University Academic Programmes: Impact on Students’ Sexual Behaviour
Sichangi Kasili,
Daniel Patrick Kisangau,
Josphert Kimatu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2016
Pages:
20-26
Received:
12 October 2016
Accepted:
5 November 2016
Published:
5 December 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20160204.11
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Abstract: HIV and AIDS is a global public health problem with 36.7 million people leaving with the virus. HIV and AIDS education is taught in Kenyan universities as an undergraduate course with the aim of reducing levels of new transmission but few studies have been conducted to determine its impact. Using questionnaires, the study was carried out to determine the differences between students who had been taken through HIV and AIDS course (experimental) and those who had not undertaken the course (control) among first year students of South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui. The Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to analyze data.682 students took part in the study. 291 were experimental and 391 were control while 380 were males and 302 were females. A significantly higher proportion of experimental students correctly responded to the following knowledge and awareness indicator issues: HIV spread through semen, vaginal fluid and blood (P= 0.001), there is a female condom that helps to decrease the chances of a woman getting HIV (P=0.03), a person will not contract HIV if he/she is taking antibiotics (P=0.01), taking a test for HIV one week after having sex will inform whether one has HIV or not (P=0.000) and a person can contract HIV by having oral sex (P=0.001). The following attitude, perception and practices indicators were significantly different between the two groups of students: I feel shy talking about condoms with my boy or girlfriend (P=0.02), it is a good idea for students to delay having sex until they are older or until marriage (P=0.01). Some of the differences were due to belonging to a particular gender. 7.9% and 11.8% of experimental and control students respectively had not taken an HIV test in the last one year. 86.2% and 81.8% of control and experimental student respectively appreciated teaching of HIV and AIDS in Kenyan Universities. Differences observed between control and experimental were influenced by beliefs in some myths and lack of or imbalanced HIV and AIDS education regarding transmission, management and prevention. The differences seemed to be contributed by a particular gender of the students. In order to realize the positive impact of these lessons, delivery of HIV and AIDS education content needs to be addressed. Additionally, the subject should be taught during the first semester of their first year of study. Majority of the students appreciated the importance of HIV and AIDS education in Kenyan Universities.
Abstract: HIV and AIDS is a global public health problem with 36.7 million people leaving with the virus. HIV and AIDS education is taught in Kenyan universities as an undergraduate course with the aim of reducing levels of new transmission but few studies have been conducted to determine its impact. Using questionnaires, the study was carried out to determi...
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Attitudes of Elements of the Academic Community in Regard to the Rapid Test of HIV/AIDS
Frias A. M.,
Sim-Sim M. M.,
Chora M. A.,
Barros M. L.,
Silva G. M.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2016
Pages:
27-35
Received:
28 October 2016
Accepted:
10 December 2016
Published:
5 January 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20160204.12
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Abstract: Background: Knowing one’s own seropositivity status of HIV/AIDS is important. Seropositivity can be determined by a rapid HIV/AIDS test. Attitudes towards a rapid test of HIV/AIDS show a predisposition to perform the analysis. Objective: This study investigated, the attitudes of students and staff in a Portuguese university toward rapid HIV/AIDS test. Methods: In a convenience sample, the data was collected on campus in three consecutive years. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. A validated scale for Portuguese students was applied. A sample of 947 (86.3%) students and 150 (13.7%) teaching and non-teaching staff participated. The average age was 24.30 years-old (SD=8.64). Non-parametric tests were applied. Results: Attitudes of professors and non-teaching staff are more favorable in relation to the rapid test of HIV/AIDS, compared to students. Attitudes are also more favorable in the first year in which the study was conducted with both employees and students. The male students express more traditional attitudes. Students of nursing polo have expressed more favorable attitudes to the rapid test of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: The attitudes towards rapid test of HIV/AIDS are generally favorable. It is necessary to conduct further research considering professors and other university staff. Improving favorable attitudes toward rapid HIV/AIDS test must be a positive fact for health.
Abstract: Background: Knowing one’s own seropositivity status of HIV/AIDS is important. Seropositivity can be determined by a rapid HIV/AIDS test. Attitudes towards a rapid test of HIV/AIDS show a predisposition to perform the analysis. Objective: This study investigated, the attitudes of students and staff in a Portuguese university toward rapid HIV/AIDS te...
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Rights of Patients with HIV/AIDS: A Nursing Perspective
Dimitrios Theofanidis,
Antigoni Fountouki
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2016
Pages:
36-41
Received:
2 November 2016
Accepted:
17 November 2016
Published:
18 January 2017
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijhpebs.20160204.13
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Abstract: Introduction: Patient rights, as part of fundamental human rights, are protected and guaranteed both by international and national legislation. Individual rights of a patient are concerned with privacy and freedom protection and are also covered by urban and penal legislation provisions. With regard to health care, patient rights are closely connected to specific policies which include the administration and organisation of health care provision. Aim: The purpose of this position paper is to outline nursing deontology and patients’ rights by discussing critically the case of confidentiality and consent of individuals with HIV/AIDS and related issues involved. Method: A critical debate is undertaken using resources from national and international literature. Results and Discussion: The results of this critical discussion paper are organized in six distinct sections which cover holistically the topic under debate, as follows: Nurses and individuals; Nurse and practice; The current situation in Greece; Patient consent with HIV/AIDS; Medical confidentiality and HIV/AIDS and Ethical implications of HIV/AIDS patients in hospital. This typology ensures that a true nursing perspective is presented regarding the rights of patients with HIV/AIDS both nationally and internationally. In this respect, it was deemed essential that results of this paper incorporate discussion as well as part of a critical comprehensive overview of a complex and challenging health care topic. Conclusions: The ethical, legal and moral dilemmas regarding patients with HIV/AIDS remain controversial and challenging. Respect for patients' confidentiality is a fundamental principle in medical ethics, and also a legal duty that health care providers owe to all their patients. However, the respect of absolute confidentiality has been subject of debate particularly in the case of patients with HIV/AIDS. Currently in Greece, disclosing one's HIV/AIDS status is particularly difficult because the condition is still negatively associated with homo-sexuality or particularly promiscuous behavior. This can bring extra stigma and discrimination against patients infected with HIV/AIDS irrespective of its cause.
Abstract: Introduction: Patient rights, as part of fundamental human rights, are protected and guaranteed both by international and national legislation. Individual rights of a patient are concerned with privacy and freedom protection and are also covered by urban and penal legislation provisions. With regard to health care, patient rights are closely connec...
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