International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Impact of Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to the Spread of HIV/AIDS in Sudan A Case Study of Dar Al Salaam Displaced Camp, Omdurman, Sudan
Elfaki; Samia. I. T.

Abstract
AIDS has become geopolitical diseases that threaten people, and became preoccupied with scientific research in this matter. The study aims at exploring socio-cultural factors that may impact the spread of HIV/AIDS among the displaced in Dar a salaam camp in Omdurman – Sudan. The study was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 450 respondents (aged between 18 - 65 years) resident at the camp, who include various tribes, religious and ethnic groups and gender. A quantitative approach technique is used to collect data and Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 18) for Data entry and analysis. The study shows that 79.3 percent of respondents heard about the disease (AIDS), but only 13.8 percent are aware of the modes of transmission. 67.6 percent do not know where to have test for HIV/AIDS, with only 6 percent who actually had the test for various reasons. However 50 percent prefer to keep the infection of relative secret for fear of stigma and discrimination. The study indicated that there is clear adherence to socio-cultural practices that may contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS including polygamy, piercing, widow inheritance, cross marriage, circumcision in groups, Fissadah, Hijamah, etc. Consequently, the study makes recommendations in the areas of policies, and behavior change, Increase testing centers and integrated with reproductive health centers and primary health care units, because of the fear of stigma. Increase the number of units and psychological counseling staff.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v8n2a10