Influence of Knowledge on HIV/AIDS Spread

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Influence of Knowledge on HIV/AIDS Spread

Introduction

The article Influence of the knowledge of HIV/AIDS on behavior change among adolescents appeared in November’s edition of International Journal of Psychology and Counseling, where the authors focused on the influence knowledge of AIDS had on its spread in developing countries. The article is the result of research carried out in a Nigerian state aimed at determining the level and correctness of knowledge regarding AIDS in developing countries’ adolescents. The authors seek to investigate whether the massive AIDS awareness forums and campaigns have corresponding impact on behavior change. Additionally the article assessed the influence of the knowledge on behavior change in adolescents in light of AIDS being the leading cause of death in the age group chosen. Lastly, the research article addressed other factors influencing sexual and non-sexual behavior change in adolescents as regards to AIDS. The behaviors investigated included deep kissing, premarital sex, sharing barber clippers, use of condoms, multiple sex partners and use of unscreened blood. Influencing factors include fear of death, stigmatization, peer pressure, parental advice, teacher influence or knowledge on the disease (Anyamene1 et al. 2011).

Claims

The authors admit the level of knowledge presently among adolescents is high thought there are provisions for improvements. Additionally, there is little to no difference in levels of knowledge between adolescents in urban and rural areas as well as developed and developing regions. Provisions for improvements arise in discrepancies and truthfulness of information passed regarding AIDS. For instance, few adolescents are aware of the risk inherent in using a condom where ejaculation fills the condom making it vulnerable to tear. The author observed behavior change is not proportional to knowledge on AIDS where most male adolescents did not carry barber clippers regardless of the inherent dangers. Additionally, the adolescents were still engaging in premarital sex or sharing sharp objects with people they considered close (Anyamene1 et al. 2011).

Consequently, the author makes a claim likely to reduce risk and predisposing behavior of education primary and low-grade students on AIDS to improve behavior by the time they are adolescents. Behavior change is the best chance of containing the spread of the disease in developing countries where individuals are more responsible in context of actions increasing vulnerability of infection such as sexual relations, circumcision and use of syringes. Moreover, the authors were convinced of the need for a more “do approach” given behavioral changes were instigated most by fear of death. Behavioral changes were also prompted by interaction or viewing of AIDS patients but was impeded by other information such as exposure to pornography. Adolescents needed more information on the do’s rather than the don’ts where instead of being advised against premarital sex they need more emphatic advice on alternative behaviors to dispense the time and energy.

Perspective: Global or National

The authors integrate both national and global perspectives while stating the importance of knowledge in prompting behavior change to reduced spread of AIDS. While stating comparisons and emphatic points the authors refer to global statistics from institutions such as UNAIDS where the author note AIDS as the leading cause of death among adolescents while noting the discrepancy between the expected results and actual results in decreasing infection rates. The authors also make comparisons with authors of different nationalities such as American and South Asia (Sharma, 2006). While making conclusions the authors, apply the research results to adolescents at large since they establish knowledge on AIDS has minimal inequality between regions (Sekopane 2008).

The research however, has a national perspective where the persons investigated were from a developing country. The recommendations given by the authors were regional in perspective than global with reference to level of competency and skill possessed by counselors. Regionally, the authors pointed out the counselors need fresh approaches to catalyze behavior change need to curb spread of AIDS. Among the recommendations, the authors took a global perspective while suggesting early encounter of children with Knowledge concerning AIDS to encourage positive behavior when they attain adolescence. Additionally, making mandatory the interaction between counselors with mid-level students regarding behavior change to reduce infection risk is a global stance since many regions are yet to adapt the approach (Anyamene1 et al. 2011).

Conclusion

The article Influence of the knowledge of HIV/AIDS on behavior change among adolescents appearing in November’s edition of International Journal of Psychology and Counseling demonstrates the real impact of the AIDS awareness on behavioral change. The authors acknowledge substantial success in spreading knowledge on AIDS to adolescents but note the resulting behavior change should be better. The authors underscore the importance of such knowledge in curbing spread of AIDS however, inadequate skills in counselors and inaccurate information regarding infection. The recommendations made are both global and regional in application where suggestions such increased compulsory interaction between mid-level students and AIDS is globally applicable. Regionally applicable suggestions include increased funds and subsidies to lower prices of equipment such as barber clippers and syringes. Overall, the authors perpetuate the notion of knowledge instigating change if properly and promptly presented to adolescents.

References

Anyamene1 A, Nwokolo C. , Anyachebelu E. & ObumI. (2011). Influence of the knowledge of HIV/AIDS on behavior change among adolescents. International Journal of Psychology and Counselling Vol. 3(8), pp. 154-158.

Sekopane, M. A. (2008). HIV/AIDs awareness campaigns: Perceptions of school principals. Saarbrucken, Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller.

Sharma, M. (2006). Aids awareness through community participation: An action research. Delhi: Kalpaz.