Effects of fear of HIV and AIDS on child defilement in Naivasha town and South Lake

Abstract

study of the effects of HIV and AIDS fear referred to as AIDS phobia on preference of children as sexual partners and actual defilement of children referred to as pedophilia in Naivasha a capitalist town in the Marxist analogy was necessary due to low uptake of HIV and AIDS services in the division attributed to fear of AIDS stigma and the numerous incidences of child abuse reported in the media and in project reports. A number of organizations worked as a consortium in Naivasha between 2002 and 2006 in an effort to prevent HIV infections through behavior change communication built on the health belief model and increase uptake of treatment, care and support services but experienced resistance to HN services coupled with child sexual defilement.

The study was undertaken through a review. of how the available HIV and AIDS information affected perceptions of HN and AIDS and the behavioral outcome using symbolic interaction and social facilitation theories. The study employed non probability purposive sampling method to collect information from six key informants using a structured key informant interview schedule and from six focus groups engaged in discussions using a focus group discussion guide. All respondents were either staff or volunteers involved in the consortium. The study established that fear of HIV aggravated male sexual dysfunctions leading them to opt for inexperienced co-actors with lower standards of evaluating sexual performance. It is recommended that a more comprehensive follow up study be undertaken to reevaluate the application of the health belief model that guided implementation of HN programs in Naivasha at that point in time.