Journal of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems
Open Access
ISSN: 2376-0419
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 2376-0419
+44 1300 500008
Akpotuzor Josephine O
University of Calabar, Nigeria
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Pharma Care Health Sys
The Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic have had a profound effect on the health and social life of people in Nigeria. This study was aimed at assessing the perception level of voluntary counseling/ testing and knowledge/ awareness of HIV/AIDS among the adult population in Ugep town of Cross-River State of Nigeria. 160 residents of Ugep metropolis between the ages of 17 and 60 were surveyed. Structured questionnaire was administered.77.5% of the participants understands what HIV/AIDS is 98.1% are aware of the routes of transmission. 65% and 98.8% respectively have a good knowledge of the signs/symptoms and prevention of the disease. Only 15.6% of the respondents are aware of the availability of medical treatment for HIV/AIDS. 47.5% 0f the respondents affirmed that they will stigmatize people living with HIV/AIDS. 93.1% were aware of Voluntary Testing and Counseling (VCT) of which 59.4% had undergone one. A minority group of the respondents 39.4% believed that life would still be worth living if they are sero-positive. 61.2% said they cannot disclose their HIV status to anyone while 40.6% believed that VCT can bring about an HIV-free society. 40.6% respondents have never gone for VCT for several reasons. Alarmingly, 13% of the respondents said they would commit suicide if they were to be sero-positive while 3% would spread the virus to others. Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS is yet to achieve desired goals and impact therefore urgent intervention by the relevant bodies to educate and enlightening of the populace is required.
Email: josephineakpotuzor@yahoo.com