KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PREMARITAL SCREENING FOR HIV/AIDS AMONG RESIDENCE OF RURAL AREAS IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Introduction

One of the biggest health challenges threatening the human race in recent times is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. To know one's HIV status is a part of the human right to health. The disease has continued to be on the front burner for many years now, despite initial denials and cover-ups by some countries. Sub-Saharan Africa with just over 10 percent of the world's population has the greatest burden of this disease. It is estimated that close to two-thirds of all people living with HIV are in sub-Saharan Africa with South Africa having the highest number.

Objective

This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of premarital screening of HIV/AIDS among residents of rural areas of Itas Gadau local government area of Bauchi state, North-eastern Nigeria.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 379 eligible respondents comprising residents of Itas and Gadau towns of Bauchi State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the participants for the study. Pearson's chi-square test was used in testing for the association between educational status and premarital screening for HIV/AIDS in rural areas. Results: The results show that all (100%) of the respondents have heard of HIV/AIDS and the dominant source of information was from friends (77.6%) followed by healthcare workers (17.4%). In addition, 90% of participants have good knowledge of premarital screening for HIV/AIDS. Majority of the study respondents had undergone premarital screening for HIV/AIDS (64.4%). The result also shows that there is a statistically significant relationship between educational status and the practice of premarital screening for HIV/AIDS in Itas/Gadau, Bauchi State with p-value of 0.001.

Conclusion

The study found that there was a very high level of knowledge, good attitude, and practice for HIV/AIDS among the study respondents. Thus we recommend that the community should maintain the mandatory premarital screening and continue with regular health education on premarital screening for HIV/AIDS.

ACCEPTANCE AND UTILIZATION OF MODERN FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Introduction

Modern family planning is one of the most "health-promoting" and cost-effective activities in public health promotion and has the potential to avert approximately 30% of maternal and 10% of child deaths. Family planning is an important preventive measure against maternal and child morbidity and mortality. It is an essential component of primary health care and reproductive health. It confers important health and development benefits to individuals, families, communities, and the nation at large.

Objectives

The study examined the acceptance and utilization of modern family planning methods among women of childbearing age in Potiskum town of Yobe State, North-eastern Nigeria.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 271 respondents comprising women of childbearing age (15-49 years) residing in Bolewa 'B', Yerimaram, and DogoNini wards of Potiskum town, Yobe State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the participants for the study.

Results

The findings of the study revealed that the women of child-bearing age in Potiskum town, Yobe State have a high level of knowledge on modern family planning methods (88.6%) with friends and relatives as the predominant source of information (60.4%). More than half of the respondents (54.2%) have good utilization of modern family planning with cultural and religious misconceptions playing vital roles. The unmet needs were found to be (37.4%). Established determinants of utilization of modern family planning services among the respondents include male noninvolvement, side effects, religion, and distance beyond 5km to a health facility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, despite a good level of knowledge of modern contraceptives among the respondents, only half utilize the services. It is recommended among others that, there is a need for the government, through the Ministry of Health, to revive and support family planning education at both household and community levels that targets the woman and her partner. This could be undertaken through community mobilization and engagement using print and mass media, traditional leaders, community resource groups, market places as well as newsletters, posters, and social media.