|
HIV
Knowledge And Sexual Practices Of Kuna Males
Roberta Zeri Horth
Tulane
University
School
of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Objective:
The purpose of this research was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and
sexual practices of Kuna males living in the San Blas Islands of Panama
that can potentially impact their risk to HIV infection.
This paper also seeks to explore the availability and utilization
of HIV preventative services in the area. The main goal of this research
is to add to the limited literature available on HIV/AIDS in indigenous
communities of Latin America in hopes to encourage institutions to begin
taking steps to stop the spread of HIV in these communities.
Background: In
Panama indigenous persons account for ten percent of the national
population. The Kuna are the second largest indigenous group in the
country numbering 61,707 and accounting for about 21% of the indigenous
population. Records indicate that the reported AIDS incidence rate among
the Kuna people is approximately 45% higher than that of the average for
the general population of Panama.
Methods:
This study design is based on a cross-sectional convenience sample of
Kuna men between the ages of 18-50 complimented by qualitative data.
Quantitative data collection methods included a knowledge,
attitudes and practice (KAP) survey of 90 men, stratified by geographical
micro-region, among five islands of the Nargana district of Kuna Yala,
Panama. Qualitative data collection methods included short-answer
interviews with 15 key members of the island communities, namely health
workers, community leaders, and key informants.
Results:
Qualitative results found that socio-economic factors such as low levels
of education, insufficient income, and lack of access to health prevention
and treatment services were found to be important in influencing male
Kuna’s vulnerability to HIV, mostly because these factors contributed to
the large scale migration. Quantitative results found that although all respondents
surveyed had heard about HIV/AIDS and 65% had assisted a class on HIV,
about one in five could not name any method through which HIV is spread
and 37% believed that if a person looks healthy they must not have HIV.
Perception of risk was also high with 42% of respondents feeling
they are at high risk for having HIV. Results also found that HIV
knowledge and perception of risk also differed significantly (p<0.05)
by island and age category. Access
to condoms was also limited and its was low with 80% of persons reporting
not using one during last intercourse.
Conclusion:
The results indicate a pressing need to increase HIV/AIDS prevention
programs in the region. However, to date only small scale educational
interventions have been implemented in the indigenous communities of
Panama. Fortunately in some communities the need for interventions has
already been recognized by their populace. In the region surveyed local
leaders, health workers, and community members have demonstrated their
eagerness to collaborate in efforts to increase HIV/AIDS prevention among
their fellow Kuna. These
interventions include addressing short-term goals such as increasing
utilization of condoms and HIV testing services as well as long-term
development goals such as the increase of local economic and educational
opportunities to avert out migration.
|
Conference Homepage
