Knowledge on HIV prevention amongst a group of post war re-settlers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The war that prevailed for the past three decades in the North and East of Sri Lanka impeded HIV prevention activities in these areas. The purpose of this study is to assess knowledge on HIV prevention amongst post war re-settlers in Thallavadi-Elephant Pass; Northern Province, Sri Lanka. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the knowledge on HIV prevention amongst post war re-settlers attending a health awareness programme in the community. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study was carried out on 27th January 2012, using a pretested selfadministrated questionnaire amongst all consenting participants before commencement of the educational activities. All questions were close ended and replies were based on three answers-Yes/No/Don't know. No details of identification were included in the questionnaire and responders were requested to place the filled questionnaire in a sealed box to ensure anonymity. Responders who have never heard of HIV were excluded on analysing knowledge on HIV. Results: One hundred and twelve post war re-settlers took part in the health awareness programme and 81(54% males) submitted the filled questionnaire. Seventy one (87%) respondents had heard of HIV. Only 14% identified that a HIV infected person may look healthy. fylajority 70% knew that treatment can improve quality of life of infected persons. 94% recognized condoms as a HIV prevention method. CONCLUSION: 17% of participants answered c01Tectly to all four variables of the UN GASS indicator 13: knowledge on HIV. The knowledge on HIV prevention amongst this group of post war re-settlers is very low.