Factors Influencing the Spread of Hiv/aids Among the Maasai Women in Kajiado East Sub-county, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Approximately more than thirty million persons globally die from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is estimated that around thirty-eight million people will be living with HIV by the end of 2019. There were more than half a million HIV- associated deaths and more than one million new infections (WHO, 2021). Since the recording of the first case of the virus in the year 1981, HIV/AIDS outbreak has the world’s leading extreme health and development problem. This research employed cross-sectional descriptive survey design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from respondents. The study involved 151 Maasai women from Kajiado East sub-county who filled the questionnaire and returned them for analysis. Tables, charts, and percentages were used to display the data after it was examined using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). According to the report, the primary drivers of HIV/AIDS transmission among women are sexual conduct, pervasive violations of women's rights, sexual violence, gender inequality, and conventional sex attitudes. The Maasai women are in charge of domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, home upkeep, child-rearing, and collecting firewood and clean water. They work as caregivers, guardians, educators, nutritionists, and housekeepers. The study discovered that the majority of Maasai women had no knowledge about women living with HIV/AIDS and that socializing with women living with the virus puts them at little risk of infection. The results show that women living with HIV/AIDS are stigmatized and stigmatized, which leads to negative beliefs and attitudes towards women, leading to discrimination and a highly stigmatized life. The majority of people living with HIV/AIDS have low self-esteem, which contributes to community transmission of the virus. People with low self-esteem are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and substance abuse, which increases their susceptibility to HIV/AIDS. Risk of spreading HIV/AIDS. Lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted is a major factor contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS among Maasai women. Certain cultural practices and beliefs in the Maasai culture contribute to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. For example, traditional beliefs and practices may prevent multiple sexual relationships and condom use. Culturally sensitive interventions need to be developed and implemented to promote safer sexual practices while respecting Maasai culture