HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and level of involvement of volunteers on HIV/AIDS prevention program in Zamboanga Del Norte

The Philippines continues to face a great problem on the increasing number of cases of HIV and it has affected men having sex with men (MSMs). Local government units have looked into the problem by employing strategies such as the utilization of LGBT Community-Based Organizations as well as through peer education training provided by the Department of Health. These strategies provide opportunities for volunteers and are involved in some of the health program activities. A descriptive quantitative study, through survey, was carried out among peer educators or volunteers from fourteen various municipalities, cities, and chapters of Zamboanga del Norte. The study takes a look at how their personal characteristic sand awareness on HIV incidences among family and peer members relate to their level of knowledge and attitude. It also looks into the association of their level of knowledge and attitude with their level of involvement in the program. A self administered questionnaire was distributed to a total of 55 volunteers. Findings reveal that volunteers are all single and are mostly men. 28 of them are young volunteers, while the rest are already adults, and more than half have had college degrees. As for their work-related characteristics, about half of them (n=27) are employed earning Php 4,200 to Php 25,000 a month, and most have been working for three years or less. Less than half of the volunteers have knowledge of HIV incidences among family and peer members. Volunteers exhibit high level of knowledge on HIV transmission, testing, and treatment, and moderate knowledge on prevalence and preventive measures. In terms of their direction of attitude, they have a neither favorable nor favorable disposition towards HIV, and a favorable attitude towards PLHIVs. In addition, volunteers show high involvement for distribution of condoms and lubricants and moderate involvement for all other activities. Inferential statistics identified that volunteers with higher educational attainments are more likely to be more involved in the implementation of the activities. Working volunteers also tend to have a favorable attitude towards HIV. There is also a positive correlation between levels of knowledge and attitude with their level of involvement. This study recommends that future studies should use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods of research and widen the scope and population of the study to include other areas. In addition, this study recommends coordination with other sectors, include other people not part of the LGBT organizations, as well as eliminate stigma on HIV and empower affected populations