Young people¿s perspectives on the adoption of preventive measures for HIV/AIDS, malaria and family planning in South-West Uganda: focus group study
Authors
Graffy, Jonathan
Goodhart, Clare
Sennett, Karen
Kamusiime, Gloria
Tukamushaba, Herbert
Publication Date
2012-11-22ISSN
1471-2458
Language
English
Type
Article
Metadata
Show full item recordCitation
Graffy, J., Goodhart, C., Sennett, K., Kamusiime, G., & Tukamushaba, H. (2012). Young people¿s perspectives on the adoption of preventive measures for HIV/AIDS, malaria and family planning in South-West Uganda: focus group study. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-1022
Abstract
Abstract Background Despite the possibility of preventing many cases of HIV, malaria and unplanned pregnancy, protective measures are often not taken by those at risk in Uganda. The study aim was to explore young people’s perspectives on the reasons why this is so. Methods Focus groups were conducted with 100 secondary school and college students in Kanungu, Uganda in 2011. Three parallel groups considered HIV, malaria and family planning, and common messages were then explored jointly in a workshop based on the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance). Results Participants identified various reasons why preventive action was not always taken. They worried about the effectiveness and side effects of several key interventions: condoms, antiretroviral treatment, various contraceptives and impregnated mosquito nets. Cost, rural isolation and the quality and availability of health services also limited the extent to which people were able to follow health advice. Although there was respect for policy supporting abstinence and fidelity, it was seen as hard to follow and offering inadequate protection when gender imbalance put pressure on women to have sex. Conclusions There is an opportunity to improve the uptake of preventive measures by tackling the misconceptions and fears that participants reported with clear, evidence-based messages. This should be done in a way that encourages more open communication about reproductive health between men and women, that reaches out to isolated communities, that draws on both voluntary and government services and enlists young people so that they can shape their future.
Identifiers
External DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-1022
This record's URL: http://www.dspace.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/244246
Rights
Rights Holder: Jonathan Graffy et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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