Knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAB) on HIV/AIDS/STDs among workers in the informal sector in Addis Ababa
Zenabu Abera
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development 17(1): 53-61
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1021-6790 DOI: 10.4314/ejhd.v17i1.9781Document Number: 249513
A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 1999 in 10 kebeles of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to determine the knowledge on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexual behaviour of workers in the informal sector. Data were collected using multistage sampling techniques. A total of 1177 respondents were included in this study. Ninety-two percent of males and 86% of females reported that they knew STDs. Fourteen percent of females and 8% of males were unable to name any STDs. Awareness of AIDS declined as age increased. The level of awareness of the respondents was highly associated with educational level. Respondents aged 15-29 years were highly exposed to STDs. Those respondents operating in the core (6.1%) and working outside home (5.3%) were highly affected than their counterparts. Of 1163 respondents asked about the routes of HIV transmission, 94.8% of them used contaminated skin piercing instruments, 88.3% had sex with multiple partner, 55.8% did not use condom during sexual intercourse, 64.4% had sex with prostitutes, 34.1% had mosquito bites and 13.6% shared needles with people living with HIV/AIDS. Females, workers in core business area, those who were working outside home, those who were relatively aged and less educated were less aware about the mode of HIV transmission.