Abstract : In Uganda, 80% of those affected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are 15-45 years of age--a trend that has serious implications for the country's future social and economic development. Of particular concern is the finding that newly diagnosed HIV infections include 10% more women than men. The Government of Uganda's acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) plan prioritizes the reduction of women's inequality and vulnerability to HIV as well as interventions aimed at youth. To facilitate national planning, field research was conducted in three diverse but representative districts--Kabarole, Tororo, and Gulu. The pattern of HIV/AIDS was found to vary according to geographic area, ethnicity, agro-ecological conditions, religion, gender, age, and marital status. Widespread, however, was the existence of young AIDS widows with dependent children entrenched in poverty. Knowledge of HIV was low, especially among young women and out-of-school youth, and individuals tend to blame their partners for HIV infection, without considering their own high-risk behaviors. The prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors has been intensified by war and civil strife, disillusionment with agriculture and a shift toward petty trade in urban areas, high school drop-out rates, alcohol and drug abuse, and general demoralization. Needed are educational interventions that address the socio-cultural contextual factors (e.g., alcohol and drug abuse, bars and discos, early first intercourse, ritual cleansing and wife inheritance) that contribute to young people's AIDS risk. Moreover, if AIDS prevention campaigns are to be effective, young people must be involved in the generation of appropriate messages. Programs aimed at providing youth with income-generating opportunities, management training, recreation, health education, and communication skills are likely to be most effective.
Notes : English
Web site : http://db.jhuccp.org/popinform/expert.html