Interpersonal Communication Networks in the HIV/AIDS Prevention: What Works for Young Women from Low Socio-Economic Status in Rachuonyo North District in Kenya

Abstract

The high HIV and AIDS prevalence among women in Sub-Saharan Africa has raised a lot of concern with the effectiveness of the communication approaches used in promoting attitudes and behaviour change (Govender, 2010;Fishebein and Joseph, 2006). Some existing literature suggest tyhat that high risk persons are able to initiate programmes and give direction to each other through interpersonal communication (Govender, 2010; Rogers ans Kincaid 1981;Freire, 1972), contrary to the linear communication approaches which most studies indicate as mainly responsible for creating awareness (Mulwo, 2008; Govender, 2010). Using the convergence model and Social Cognitive Theory, this study focuses on the role of interpersonal and group communication networks and strategies in promoting attitudes and behavour change leading to avoidance of high risk behavioural practices. It also focuses on the way which women explore mechanisms of coping with and avoiding situations of high HIV and AID risks...