Rural perspectives on the HIV/AIDS dinosaur: A case of four communities in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) constitute one of the most worrisome public health problems in the world today. The impact of HIV has been devastating in many developing countries, especially sub-Saharan Africa; the area hardest hit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global estimates of HIV infections as of 2006 were 39.5 million, with 64% of those infected living in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS, 2006). Despite the interventions put in place by successive governments, Ghana still experiences some rates of HIV transmission. The goal of this study was to examine the rural perspectives of HIV/AIDS among four communities in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. Specifically we looked at the level of HIV knowledge, HIV-related attitudes and behaviour, HIV testing, among four communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Some of the responses were encouraging (e.g. awareness of HIV) but others also left a lot to be desired (HIV can be transmitted through mosquito bites, witchcraft and spiritual means, stigmatization and the misconception that all HIV patients end up with AIDS). A number of recommendations were proposed; predominant among them is the need to intensify education on HIV in the four communities. Key words: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitudes, behavior, testing, Brong Ahafo, Ghana.