EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON HIV AND AIDS-RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG FISHERFOLKS IN SELECTED RIVERINE COMMUNITIES OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fisherfolks participate in unsafe sexual behaviours which can predispose them to HIV infection. However, this population has been neglected with respect to HIV and AIDS prevention interventions because they are highly mobile and hard to reach. This research was, therefore, designed to assess the effects of training on HIV and AIDS-related knowledge and sexual behaviour among fisherfolks in Ajaokuta and Lokoja Local Government Areas (LGAs), Nigeria. The study was quasi-experimental in design. Systematic random sampling was used to select and allocate 208 respondents into Experimental Group (EG, n=103) in Ajaokuta and Control Group (CG, n=105) in Lokoja LGAs, Kogi State, Nigeria. Data were collected at baseline using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire which included questions for eliciting the following information: socio-demographic characteristics; sexual behaviour; a 21-point HIV and AIDS knowledge and 26-point risk-perception scales. Knowledge scores <10, ≥10-15 and >15 were categorized as poor, fair and good, respectively. Risk-perception scores <13, ≥13-20, and>20 were categorized as lowrisk, fairrisk and highrisk, respectively. Thirty questionnaires were pretested among fisherfolks in Idah. Baseline results were used to design a 3-day HIV and AIDS prevention training targeted only at fisherfolks in the EG. Six monthly continuing education meetings were also held with the fisherfolks in EG. A post- intervention survey, using the instrument used at baseline, was conducted among the two groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and student’s t- tests at α 0.05 Ages of respondents in EG and CG were 35.6±11.7 and 28.4±8.1 years, respectively. There were 89.3% and 92.4% males in EG and CG, respectively while there were 10.7% and 7.6% females in EG and CG, respectively. Fisherfolks in EG and CG with good knowledge were 16.5% and 54.3%, respectively at baseline. There was a significant difference between change in good knowledge of fisherfolks in EG (100.0%) compared with the CG (60.0%). Knowledge of EG and CG at post-intervention were 17.9±3.7 and 12.3±7.5, respectively with a significant difference. At baseline, fisherfolks in EG and CG with high risk-perception scores were 26.2% and 59.0%, respectively. At post-intervention, risk-perception of fisherfolks in EG increased to 100.0% compared with 70.0% in control. Fisherfolks that had two or more sexual partners apart from their spouses at baseline were 32.0% and 21.0% for EG and CG, respectively. At post-intervention, there was a reduction in the number of UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY AFRICAN DIGITAL HEALTH REPOSITORY PROJECT sexual partners to 8.5% for EG and 7.7% for CG. Fisherfolks that used condom always at baseline constituted 26.6% and 30.8% for EG and CG, respectively. At post-intervention, significantly more fisherfolks in EG (58.5%) than control (33.0%) had used condom with non-primary partners. Knowledge scores at baseline were significantly different among EG (5.8±5.6) and CG (11.8±7.1). The intervention improved fisherfolks’ knowledge of HIV and AIDS, increased their risk-perception of HIV infection and may have led to a reduction in risky sexual behaviour. Therefore, HIV and AIDS education, public enlightenment and promotion of the adoption of HIV prevention technologies among fisherfolks are recommended to complement training as a strategy for HIV prevention and control.