Impact of HIV/AIDS Prevention Promotion Programmes on Behavioural Patterns among Rural Dwellers in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS prevention promotion programmes on behavioral patterns among rural dwellers in Oyo state, South West Nigeria. One hundred and eighty rural respondents were purposively selected from six randomly selected rural communities in Akinyele Local Government and Saki East Local Government areas of Oyo State. Information for this study was gathered with the aid of structured interview schedule. Data was analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Hypothesis of the study was tested using Pearson product Moment correlation (PPMC). Findings showed that majority of the rural dwellers were males, mostly married and without formal education. 73.3% were about 50 years (that is of reproductive and productive age). Abule Olokemerin; a radio drama series, and jingle on radio remains HIV/AIDS promotion programmes widely available to rural dwellers. Only 25% of rural dwellers attended lectures on HIV/AIDS prevention. The result showed that there were no changes in the behavioural patterns of rural dwellers: having sex with more than one intimate partner, was the same, vigorously practiced by 66.6% and 77.7% of the rural dwellers before and after the programmes in Akinyele and Saki East Local Government respectively. No changes in pattern of behaviour were also observed in: using knives for body scarification for medicinal purposes and sharing of clippers for hair cuttings. However, changes in behavioural pattern were found in reusing blades for nail finger cuttings, dancing to music that extols the erotic parts of women, discussing on issues about the opposite sex. The tested hypothesis showed no variation in the behavioural patterns among the rural dwellers in Akinyele (r = 0.731) and in Saki East Local Government (r = 0.680). Much efforts in terms of training and education for the rural dwellers is needed because behavioural practices that could endanger their life to HIV/AIDS infections are still widely and commonly practiced; polygamy in marriage, levirate marriage, divorce and remarriage were all common. Enforcement of positive behavioural patterns in forms of legislation and enforcement agency is required.