Mid - Term Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding HIV/AIDS among Communities Adjacent to Road Construction Corridor in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become one of the leading causes of death around the globe, mainly ravaging Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study sought to determine the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding HIV/AIDS among communities adjacent to the road the construction corridor, at mid - term period of a HIV prevention program implementation in Kwale County, along the Kenyan Coast. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, which employed mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative). The participants were members of the communities adjacent to road construction area / corridor who were randomly chosen. Forty (40) self-administered in-depth individual interviews and six (6) focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The study tools were an in-depth questionnaire (individual household interviews) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guides respectively. Quantitative data was processed using a web-based online platform (JIBUSASA). Statistical tables were produced and further processed into charts and text while the qualitative audio recordings and field notes were transcribed and used as verbatim quotes. The KAP mid-term findings for communities adjacent to the road construction show and demonstrate a tremendous improvement in knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst the communities. It can be concluded from the study that exposure to the right behavior based interventions contributes to a positive trend in the HIV/AIDS outcomes, including knowledge, practices and attitudes.