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Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS of Sudanese and Bantu Somali immigrant women living in Omaha, Nebraska

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: A needs assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and beliefs about HIV/AIDS prevention was conducted among 100 Sudanese and Bantu Somali women immigrants aged 19 years and older, recruited through a community organization between April and July 2006. Information was collected by interview using interpreters to administer a 60-item test and a 116-item questionnaire that had been translated into Nuer and Arabic. Women in this study had low levels of education, poor knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention and safer sex practices, and poor attitudes to HIV/AIDS. They believe that HIV/AIDS is a punishment from God, HIV-positive people should be separated from society, carrying a condom indicates having loose morals, women should not experience sexual pleasure, and men should decide when and how to have sexual intercourse. Education, gender, and cultural beliefs are critical in the spread of HIV. Efforts to educate immigrant and displaced populations, particularly women, are essential.

Source: Open Journal of Preventive Medicine

DOI: 10.4236/ojpm.2013.31011

Authors: Shingairai Feresu, Lynette Smith

Institutions: Indiana University, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University of Nebraska Medical Center