MPhil study projects

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV/Aids among the inmates of Windhoek Correctional Facility in Namibia

Student: Ivirn Zimudzi

Country: Zimbabwe

Namibia has witnessed a steady rise in the average number of incarcerated people, with a higher prevalence of HIV among inmates compared to the general population. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV/Aids among inmates at Windhoek Correctional Facility in Namibia.

Using a cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire, participants were selected through simple random sampling. The majority were aged 35 to 44, had secondary education, identified as Christians, were single and unemployed. The results indicated a high level of knowledge on HIV/Aids among participants, with the majority exhibiting positive attitudes towards HIV/Aids and people living with the virus.

Most respondents reported refraining from risky sexual behaviours, with more than 95% abstaining from eight out of ten listed risky behaviours. There were however concerns about inconsistent condom usage and obtaining tattoos in prison.

The recommendations included enhanced peer training, evidence-based information education communication, life skills interventions, the improvement of HIV services in prisons and further investigation into high-risk behaviours among the studied population.

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