Attitudes towards people living with hiv/aids: A study of Idemili north and Oyi local government areas of Anambra state, Nigeria

Abstract

The HIV / AIDS (Human Immune Deficiency Virus / Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome) pandemic has brought the problem of attitudes towards people living with HIV / AIDS (PLHIV). The nature of the disease made it imperative to study people's attitudes towards PLHIV as it has serious implications for how PLHIV cope with the disease. Negative attitudes towards PLHIV make life very difficult for PLHIV. This study examined Anambra people's attitudes towards PLHIV with the goal of exploring those practices / behaviours that affect PLHIV. The study was carried out in Idemmili North and Oyi local government areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. Quantitative methodology was used to elicit information from respondents who are adult males and females of 18 years and above. The survey was employed. Questionnaires were administered on 1000 respondents and 914 questionnaires were completed. The findings were: The people generally have very positive attitudes to PLHIV. In conclusion, the positive attitudes towards PLHIV are products of the people's cultural beliefs and practices which made it imperative for the people to care for sick relations. This means that PLHIV in the study area receive care and support from relations. These cultural practices could be harnessed fully with effective intervention programmes.