Rural Farm Households Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards HIV/AIDS in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated knowledge, attitude and perception of rural farm households towards HIV/AIDS in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to collect primary data from one hundred and eight (180) rural famers (respondents) with the aid of a questionnaire augmented with an interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed in data analysis. Result showed that HIV/AIDS awareness among the respondent was very high (94.44%). Despite this only 33.3% of them know their HIV status. Moreover, the level of knowledge of the rural households on HIV/AIDS was general low (33.3%). The route of transmission known by the majority (66.67%) was sexual intercourse. There were misconceptions about other modes of transmission and prevention of the disease among the rural farm households. Moreover, the general attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients among the rural people revealed to be poor. The result of the multiple regression analysis showed a high value of R2 of 72.3%. This shows that about 72.3% of the variation in the level of knowledge of the respondents on HIV/AIDS infection, transmission and prevention was caused by the socio-economic/personal characteristics of the rural farmers. The result of the factor analysis identified financial, institutional and social constraints as factors limiting rural farmer’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS. It was concluded that there was high level of awareness on HIV/AIDS among rural farm households. Nevertheless, there exist some misconception on the knowledge, mode of transition and preventive measures. The study recommends that Agricultural Extension Agents should encourage the farmers over their fear of HIV/AIDS and to voluntarily present themselves for HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, government should do more campaign on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention measures in the study area, among others.Keywords: knowledge, attitude, perception, rural, farm households, HIV, AIDS, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.