Cultural Practices Contributing for Transmission of HIV Infection and Affects use of ART at Gambella Hospital,South west Ethiopia,

Abstract

This study was assessed the cultural practice that contribute the transmission of HIV infection among people living in Gambella region especially in Gambella woreda. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, potential variables contributing for the HIV transmission, and affecting adherence of ART use from people living with HIV (PLWH) and attending Gambella hospital (n=384) and health professional working in ART clinic were collected using prestructured questionnaire. Sample size was selected by Systematic sample technique and data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software .Response rate was 100%. Factors contributing for HIV transmission in the study sites were; polygamy (29.7%), widow inheritance (17.7%), early marriage (11.2%), male uncircumcision (9.4%), weekend parties (4.4%), cutting of fore head by nuer ethnic group (4.2%) and taking out the lower tooth in Anguwa and Majang ethnic group (3.6). PLWH agreed to the potential role of cultural practices contributing to the high HIV transmission in the region were significantly larger (P<0.0001) than those disagreed. Number of respondents engaged in all cultural practices were significantly higher (P<0.01) than nonengaged. Among the PLWH enrolled in the study, about 8.3% (n= 32) were not started use of ART. For majority of those PLWH not yet started use of ART had CD4 count >350 cell/mm3. Most of the respondents (230 (79.58) used ART for more than three years. Those non-adhered to ART use were, 17.89% (n= 63). Adherence of male participants to ART use were significantly lower (P=0.023) than female. Significantly differences were observed on the cultural practices affecting adherence of respondents to ART. These were perception on toxicity of ART (P=0.015), interference of ART use with daily activity (P=0.026), those prefer traditional medicinal treatment and prayer to over ART use as a remedy for the HIV infection (P=0.044). This finding was supported by responses from the health professionals working in the ART clinic. Use of traditional medicinal plants and prayer over than use of ART, fear of ART toxicity and thinking that use of ART interfere daily activities were suggested as factors affecting use of ART. Thus, awareness creation activities and consultancy of PLWH and on ART is very important to ensure their adherence.