Needs assessment of HIV/AIDS information accessibility to youth in rural areas

Abstract

Abstract by author:

Taking into account all the millions and millions of dollars on HIV/AIDS campaigns the pandemic still appear to be an increasingly acknowledged problem in Namibia. The question needing answer is, why. Perhaps current materials and messages about the disease that claims the lives our people are not well blended with the local reality and enough sources of information and education may be needed more than condoms to specific people considering their cultural norms, beliefs and taboos particularly in an African-Namibian context. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS information dissemination and accessibility to youth in rural areas with specific focal point-North of Opuuo. A sample of 100 respondents (male and female) for the study using the quota sampling method was used. It seems like the youth in rural areas do not get sufficient information regarding HIV/AIDS in general. The study used qualitative, quantitative and non-participatory observation methods to collect data and attempt to test that assumption. The assessment is expected to aid stakeholders have a broader understanding about the youth problems in rural Kunene area and provide a deeper understanding of cultural and socio-economic implications involved. It will also expose the missing gap in information diffusion between urban and rural citizens. Limitations of the study, recommendations as well as literature complementing the study are discussed