Title:
EXPLORATION OF ATTITUDES INDIVIDUALS HOLD TOWARDS HIV TESTING AND TREATMENT BY USE OF ARTs IN KISII COUNTY

Authors:
Ishmael Nyabuti, 2DR. Callen B Nyamwange, 3Prof. Anakalo Shitandi

Volume - 2 Issue - 11, Pages - 5102-5116

Abstract:
Unlike most counties in Kenya, HIV Prevalence rate in Kisii County is increasing rather than stabilizing or declining. This present study therefore, investigated the correlation between demographic factors and willingness to test and start treatment for HIV; To address the research problem, the study adopted a descriptive survey design that employed a research instrument: a questionnaire, an interview and a focus group discussion schedules were used to collect data. The study was conducted in Kisii central sub-county of Kisii County between June and August 2016. To achieve the objective of the study, triangulation of data sources was employed by recruiting 366 participants from the population using simple stratified sampling strategies, 20 commercial sex workers and 2 medical professionals using purposive sampling techniques. Reliability was determined utilizing the test-re-test method in a pilot study while validity of the data collection instrument was established by two experts - members of the education department, Kisii University. Both qualitative and inferential statistics were employed in analysing data by the help of the statistical package for social sciences version 20.0. In addition, qualitative data was thematically analysed by the help of the QSR NVivo computer programme. The study found that females were more likely than males to hold favourable attitudes towards HIV testing and treatment; majority of the participants preferred employing professional counsellors and peer mentors for better life In conclusion the study provides evidence to suggest attitudes form relationships that are complex, intertwined and viciously which are difficult to understand and hard to break. Arising from the findings and conclusion reached, the study recommends:(a) the adoption of integrative rather than single approaches in combating HIV.

Cite this Article:

[Nyabuti, Ishmael, et al. "EXPLORATION OF ATTITUDES INDIVIDUALS HOLD TOWARDS HIV TESTING AND TREATMENT BY USE OF ARTs IN KISII COUNTY." International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 2, no. 11, 2017, pp. 5102-5116. November. ]