Experiences and Perception of Youths towards HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaigns in Kibera Slums: Nairobi Kenya

ABSTRACT Background: The HIV/AIDS scourge continues to take its toll all over the world. All countries of the world are affected. Regions of the world that were previously thought to have the lowest prevalence’s are now coming into the lime light with increased cases of HIV incidences. Africa remains the global epicenter for the disease accounting for the high cases of HIV reported around the world. Poverty and civil wars has increased the prevalence of HIV in Africa. In Kenya HIV prevalence is reported to have decreased over the last years. It is also important to note that a majority of the population do not know their HIV status and do not go for testing. Also vital is that prevalence has gone down in certain sections of the population, but HIV incidences have continued to rise in other vulnerable groups. The youth (15-25 years) account for over half of new reported cases of HIV; this is also the case in Kenya. Kibera Slum the location of this study accounts for 1/5 of the 2.2 million Kenyans living with HIV, yet it has a population of just over 1 million. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify relevant HIV prevention programmes implemented in Kibera among the youths. It also sought to find out the youths perception and experiences with the HIV prevention campaigns implemented among them. Methods: A cross sectional study using triangulation of research methods was used. Quantitative data was collected from 217 youths aged 13-24 years. Qualitative interviews was conducted with 20 youths and also discourses with 10 organizations and institution that have worked in Kibera slum for more than 2 years on issues related to HIV prevention among the youths. Results: The level of knowledge on HIV was 99.5%, however this was mere knowledge of HIV as it did not correspond with factual knowledge on basic facts of the same. There were over 40 organizations and faith based institutions working in the slum on issues related to HIV prevention. Many emphasized on being a resource to reach out the youths with messages on HIV prevention. The youths however reported that they got most of the information from teachers at school, followed by media while faith based organizations and NGOs come last as a source of information on HIV to the youths. Condoms were perceived as a way of preventing HIV but not effective among the youth. In their experiences condoms burst, reduce pleasure, has a bad oil, has a bad smell and are too expensive. Majority did not think it was effective in preventing HIV. Myths and misconceptions about condoms also hindered their acceptance among the youths. Abstinences was viewed by the organization and the youths (53%) as the best effective way to prevent HIV, yet the youths reported that it was not easy to abstain from sex. The organization also reported that abstinence only campaigns had failed. Being faithful to one trusted partner was seen as another way to prevent HIV, yet problems related to poverty made it hard for women to stay faithful to one man as they sought ways to get money. Prostitution then became an option. Men were also accused of changing partners. They believe it was the only way to remain a real man and a hero among their peers. Conclusions: HIV prevention is a complex issue with no magic bullet for its success. A combination of all the aspects of the HIV prevention campaigns should be given equal emphasis. Conflicting messages from the NGOs and faith based organizations should be harmonized. New ideas and approaches should be explored. Instead of constantly preaching abstinences other approaches like being faithful to one trusted partner with whom you use a condom could be explored. The complexity in the different cultural background of these youths should be taken into consideration in the future campaigns. The social environment and economic deprivation in which these youths languish should be given a more serious though