STDs, HIV, AIDS and urbanisation process in Kenya

Abstract

The AIDS epidemic in Kenya constitutes the greatest public health challenge of our time. It has been recognized that social factors associated with urbanization process are important in the rapid spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Kenya. It is, therefore imperative to provide knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) baseline data that would provide a basis for designing intervention measures for changing sexual practices in order to avoid AIDS. The study focused on eight districts of Kenya, namely; Mombasa, Machakos, Kajiado, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu, South Nyanza (now Kuria, Migori and Homa Bay) and Busia (figure 1). There is a high and widespread awareness of AIDS. However, the actual knowledge of AIDS appeared to be lacking since most respondents associated the disease with other forms of "curses". The younger generation appeared to be more aware of STDs, HIVs and AIDS but the awareness decreases with age and increases with the level of education. It is, therefore, important that the programmes on STDs, HIVs and AIDS should be intensified. Mass media and other interpersonal communication channels should also be intensified since they play an important role in imparting knowledge and awareness about the dreaded disease.