AIDS epidemic in Kagera region, Tanzania—the experiences of local people

Abstract

This study is part of a collaborative study of HIV infection and AIDS which was launched in 1987 in the Kagera region, Tanzania. This region is characterized as one of the areas most affected by the AIDS epidemic. In order to describe and analyse the epidemiology of HIV infection in the area and also to contribute to the intervention process, a long-term population-based project was initiated. The study was launched in January 1989 as an in-depth behavioural study to describe the experiences of the local people of the AIDS epidemic in the region. The specific objectives were to determine the people's attitudes, perceptions, responses and norms relevant to AIDS-related problems. The data were collected through tape recorded interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations of risk behaviour. The interviews were conducted in 10 villages, in urban and rural Bukoba as well as in Muleba districts. In each Village five householder were selected and visited once a week for about 6 months. The focus group discussions were held mainly with young males, females, married women and married men, elders and religious leaden, government and party leaders, and other key informants. Perceptions, attitudes and patterns of behaviour among the local people are described in the context of the HIV transmission in the area. The descriptions give answers to questions like: How do people perceive and interpret AIDS? How do they react to AIDS? How do they judge causes and risks? What are the attitudes to people with AIDS and those suspected to have AIDS? What are the implications of these values in affected communities?