Knowledge of HIV survival on skin-piercing instruments among young adults in Nyanza Province, Kenya
Ounga, T.; Okinyi, M.; Onyuro, S.; Correa, M.; Gisselquist, D.
International Journal of Std and Aids 20(2): 119-122
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 19182059 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2008.008007Document Number: 204720
In countries with generalized HIV epidemics, people may be exposed to blood-borne HIV at their home as well as during health care and cosmetic services. We asked young adults from the Luo and Kisii ethnic groups in Nyanza Province, Kenya, how long HIV survives in blood and how to clean skin-piercing instruments. Only 21% thought that HIV could survive more than an hour in dry conditions (although it can survive for days), and only 24% thought it could survive more than a week in wet conditions (although it can survive more than four weeks). The Kisii, with lower HIV prevalence, were more knowledgeable than the Luo about HIV survival. Survey participants reported that barbers and other service providers often cleaned instruments by wiping with alcohol or bleach, a practice which does not reliably inactivate HIV. People we interviewed, at risk from blood-borne HIV, did not know enough to protect themselves.