HIV/AIDS information awareness among market women: a study of Olofimuyin market, Sango-Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Ilo, Promise Ifeoma ; Adeyemi, Aderonke
Introduction
HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest natural challenges that has given
humans concern in recent times. Idoko (2004) calls it a disease starting
as a single infection at the point of contact and then progressing to a
wasting disease known as AIDS. The pandemic is on a rapid global march.
Some of the world's most populous countries are severely affected.
Kanki and Adeyi (2006) observe that Nigeria has been devastated with an
HIV/AIDS epidemic, with nearly a million people dead and more than two
million children orphaned. According to them, the National Intelligence
Council in 2002 identified Nigeria as one of the five countries expected
to bear the heaviest burden of an HIV/AIDS epidemic. The number of
people living with this virus is projected to be ten to fifteen million
by 2010.This situation has an urgent need for effective prevention.
Prevention will help reduce the loss of lives and adverse social and
economic effects on the nation.
The National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS)
(2004) shows that more than 2.7 million Nigerians are presently living
with the virus. Ejeagwu, Nwafor-Orizu, and Uhegbu (2007) aver that mere
mention of the name conjures fear in the minds of people. Those at risk
include those with multiple sex partners, commercial sex workers, people
that need blood transfusions, such as sickle cell patients, and people
who engage in tattooing and giving of tribal marks. The devastating
effects of the disease are numerous, ranging from cost of HIV screening
and economic loss to an increased burden on communities, psychological
trauma, disruption of community life, the cost of preventive measures,
increased number of AIDS orphans, and so on.
Government Intervention
Abdulsalami and Tekena (2006) observe that the first AIDS cases
were diagnosed in Lagos in 1985 and reported at the international
conference that took place the following year. This report resulted in
panic in government circles. President Obasanjo hosted the first OAU
summit on HIV AIDS in 2001 to map out strategies for its prevention and
treatment. His next move was the formation of the National Action
Committee on AIDS (NACA) which later gave birth to State Action
Committee on AIDS (SACA) and Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA).
Other non-governmental organizations also started initiatives. These
include national a network of people living with AIDS in Nigeria
(NEPWHAN), the church action committee on HIV/AIDS (CACA), and Diocesan
Action committee on HIV/AIDS (DACA).
Igbo (2005) observes that the devastating effects of the disease
motivated local and international agencies to act with speed, vigor, and
commitment. The main aim of the initiatives was to break down barriers
to HIV prevention at the community level and support community-based
responses, as well as providing prevention, care, and support
interventions. Obasanjo (2000) maintains that the action against
HIV/AIDS is carried to the interior parts of the country using
workshops, campaigns, and seminars. Ndakotsu (2001) says that radio,
television, and films are powerful ways of educating rural dwellers.
It has been observed that most of these campaigns concentrate more
on cities where the rich and educated live. Most rural dwellers in
Nigeria do not benefit anything from these initiatives and campaigns.
Market women are a typical example of a part of the Nigerian populace
marginalized in the dissemination of HIV/AIDS information. The fact that
they leave their homes early and come back late cuts them off from the
programs packaged for rural dwellers. Most are illiterate. The market
environment is a major place to exchange information, since these women
talk with their customers and colleagues. The researchers are uncertain
if the various rural programs on HIVAIDS are really being extended to
the market environments and if women in Olofinmuyin market, Sango Ota,
are aware of the vital information needed for the prevention and
management of HIV/AIDS.
Objectives of the Study
* To determine if market women in Olofimuyin market, Sango Ota have
information about HIV/AIDS
* To determine if the rural programs on HIV/AIDS are being extended
to women in Olofinmuyin market, Sango Ota
* To determine the sources of information available to these market
rural women
* To establish the effectiveness of these sources
* To suggest ways of helping market women obtain relevant
information in relation to HIV/AIDS
Literature Review
Information is the most potent weapon available for the prevention
and cure of HIV/AIDS. Omagbemi and Omoyiwa (2004) maintain that the
ability to generate information is not a challenge. The challenge lies
in linking the information generated to the information people need to
live a better life. Availability of information for every aspect of life
helps create awareness and makes life worthwhile. Okpeke (1993) notes
that information is reduces levels of uncertainty. Oyegade (2000)
asserts that information differentiates and determines whether a country
is part of the first, second, third. or fourth world.
Creating awareness about HIV/AIDS among rural dwellers has posed
challenges. Though they tap the natural resources of the nation, they
are often starved of information relevant to their well-being. A closer
look at rural areas reveals that communities are seriously marginalized
in terms of the requirements for development such as education, health
care, and leisure activities. Bond (1997) states that they are
disadvantaged in many areas of life, as reflected in the clinical
statistics surrounding AIDS, especially in developing countries.
Nwafor-Orizu (2003) describes the dissemination of information to
the rural areas in Nigeria, including oral sources like face-to-face
interaction, radio, television, traditional institutions, associations,
and written sources like newspapers and magazines. The purpose of these
sources is to facilitate rural information transfer as a way of
eliminating ignorance and superstition.
Lack of awareness contributes to a high rate of riskly sexual
behavior among market women. Omorodion (1993) in his research discovered
the vulnerability of Benin City market women to HIV/AIDS. Their trading
activities involve long distance travels from home. The result of the
study showed that 70 percent of the women were involved in extramarital
sex with strangers for enjoyment and the exchange of gifts and money.
The need for awareness programs to be extended to the market stems
from the fact that these women are rarely found at home during the day
when most educational activities for HIV/AIDS awareness take place. They
gather relevant and irrelevant information from the market environment
and share it with members of their families during meals.
Some of the challenges people face in accessing information are
knowing where to get information and lack of reading ability. Bla Me
(2000) says that more than two thirds of adult women are illiterate and
largely cut off from knowledge about AIDS. They are bound by poverty,
poorly-equipped schools, tradition, and lack of medical facilities. Sina
(2003) states that market women have a small share of economic
infrastructure services, resulting in a general apathy to government and
distrust of politicians for making promises when collecting their votes
and abandoning them in the end.
Ejeagwu, Nwafor-Orizu, and Uhegbu (2007), however, are of the view
that one of the best ways of disseminating HIV/AIDS information is to
increase the use of rural-based sources like women's associations,
churches, age grades, town unions, etc. In the Nigerian rural setting,
town criers serve as important communication links between the opinion
leaders of the town and the rest of the people. Government and
non-government agencies can pass their HIV/AIDS message through the town
crier, because citizens believe in his message.
Akunyili (2005) states that the methods of disseminating HIV/AIDS
information in rural areas is not efficient and result in poor
awareness; however, the provision of the right information at the right
time can avert an epidemic and save lives.
Olofinmuyin Market, Sango Ota
Olofinmuyin market is in Ado-Odo, Ota local government of Ogun
State. The local government was created in 1989 to bring governance
closer to the people. It is noted for one of the major producers of food
and cash crops in Ogun State. Farmers produce kola nuts, palm oil,
coffee, cassava, vegetables, etc. Many industries are located in the
local government and business thrives there.
Olofinmuyin market was constructed in 1999, sponsored by the
Iya-Loja of Ogun State, also known as the Jagunmolu. It was commissioned
by the then governor of Ogun State, Governor Olofinmuyin, and also named
after him. The recently-constructed stalls that serve as the extension
of the market were erected by the developers in collaboration with
market executives. After the construction, Iya-Loja Jagunmolu, the
market executive, and members of the Local Government Council fixed the
price of N200 per month for each stall. The rate is paid to the local
government council.
Methodology
Survey research design was adopted for this research. The sample
for the study consists of 200 market women who had stalls in different
locations of the market. These locations consist of Olofinmuyin main
market and its extensions, labeled A, B, D, and F. The sections were
selected because they have large concentration of women who sell food,
clothing materials, poultry, etc. The population of the women in each
section was large, so the researchers subdivided them into different
strata. The stratified random technique was used and 20 women were
selected from each stratum. A questionnaire and oral interview were the
instruments used for collecting data. The questions had multiple
answers. The women who could read and write were given copies of the
questionnaire to complete by themselves. The researchers had to read and
explain the questions to those who could not read. The administration
and collection of the questionnaire took the researchers two visits to
the market. Each visit lasted from morning to evening, since most women
responded with reservations because of the sensitive nature of the
topic. A total number of 171 copies of the questionnaire were returned.
This was made possible due to the direct administration of the
questionnaire by the researchers. The oral interview was specifically
for the Iya-Loja (Market mother) and members of the market executive
board who are in charge of women's welfare. They responded
positively to the questions and encouraged other market women to do
same. Their responses helped the researchers to get information on the
history of the market and the extent to which they have received
HIV/AIDS information in the market.
Analysis of Data
Table 1 above illustrates the bio-data of the respondents, which
include the age, marital status, religion and level of educational
attainment. Nearly 40 percent are aged 35-44. Two-thirds are Christian
and one-third Muslim. Nearly three-quarters are married, and the most
common educational level is FSLC (First School-leaving Certificate.)
Nearly half the women leave their homes for the market by 7 a.m.
Apart from leaving their homes early, most get home late as a result of
delays.
Three-fifths of respondents said they do not know their status and
were not ready to for the test. More than one-third have gone for the
test and know their HIV/AIDS status.
The second part of the table looks at reasons for the reluctance to
have an HIV test. Nearly 20 percent fear stigmatization. Other reasons
include fear of death and fear of testing positive. More than 70 percent
of respondents, however, gave no respoinse to this question, showing
that they are not well-informed.
On their mode of HIV /AIDS transmission, among the different
options given in the table above, the highest number of market women,
80.1 percent, are aware that people can get HIV virus through a blood
transfusion. A nearly equal number understand that it can be transmitted
through sexual intercourse. Three quarters identified transmission
through unsterilized needles. More than half responded positively about
the transmission of the virus from infected mother to baby.
Nearly half the market women believe that mosquitoes can transmit
HIV/AIDS, while 15.8 percent maintain that it can be contacted by
sharing the same toilets as an infected person. These women need correct
information.
Most of the women have relevant information on prevention. More
than three-fifths advocate the use of condoms. Around 80 percent of
respondents understand that discouraging the sharing of needles and
abstaining from pre- and extramarital sex can serve as a check to
contacting the virus. Less than 10 percent of respondents believe,
wrongly, that people living with HIV/AIDS should be isolated as a means
of prevention. Fear of isolation and stigmatization remains the major
reason why many people living with HIV/AIDS have refused to declare
their status.
The government and nongovernmental organizations have been holding
campaigns in rural areas to make people aware of AIDS and the need for
caution. Unfortunately, rural programmes for awareness are not realistic
in the market environment.
Ninety percent of respondents point out that there is no extension
service of any kind. This coincides with the responses of the Iya-loja
(market mother) and the market executive who admitted that they have
never had any programme or material in connection with AIDS. They have
monthly meetings where all the traders gather to discuss important
issues, but have no information on HIV/AIDS. Though 6 (3.5) respondents
claimed to have been exposed to programmes educating them about
HIV/AIDS, the table is a clear illustration of the fact that market
women are being starved of information.
Slightly less than half of respondents get information through
radio and television. It was observed that some of them have small
radios in the market and others listen to the radio and watch television
late at night. Ndakotsu (2001) observes that radio, television, and
films are powerful facilitators of educating rural dwellers, but should
not be provided at the time when they engage in normal activities.
Smaller numbers get information from posters, pamphlets, magazines, and
newspapers.
The hospital is the best source of information for nearly 30
percent of respondents. When the women go for ante-natal cases and
health challenges, they receive hand bills, posters, etc., and listen to
talks organized for women in the hospital. The church/mosque is a good
source of information for a nearly equal number. The DACA and CACA
organize many seminars and workshops in mosques and churches. Some women
also get information at home through the radio, television, and
newspaper with the help of their educated children.
The effectiveness of information is in the ability of the users to
access it with ease and convenience. The market women occasionally have
access to radio, television, newspaper, magazine, poster, etc. Most of
them do not understand the medium of communication. This is made clear
in the responses of 88 (51.5 percent) respondents. The table also shows
that the time important events are aired in the radio and television is
not an ideal time for them. The power outages which are common in
Nigeria also constitute a challenge to the use of the radio and
television.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Reading improves knowledge. The market women indicated their
interest in acquiring knowledge for the prevention and management of
HIV/AIDS, but most cannot understand the written medium of
communication. It is necessary to repackage relevant books and other
HIV/AIDS materials in their local dialects. There should be exhibitions
of pictures of infected persons at strategic market locations. This will
help sensitize them to the danger of contacting the virus. Occasionally,
flyers should be distributed in the market as a way of reminding them of
what they should know. Billoards could be mounted at strategic locations
in the market.
The state and local action committees should organize monthly
seminars/workshops, talks, and campaigns where medical practitioners can
address the women in their mother tongue. Drama should be used to convey
the information. This can be either through stage plays or films. NACA,
SACA, LACA, and DACA can also engage librarians to repackage information
that can be of use to them to educate market women in different parts of
the country.
There is a great need to educate the rural market women on the
importance of HIV tests. Stigmatization of, and discrimination against,
people living with HIV/AIDS should be strongly discouraged. Though
Nigeria already has significant HIV/AIDS problems, the implementation of
the above measures will equip market women with the information needed
to make a change to this situation.
References
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Abeokuta: Julian.
Promise Ifeoma Ilo
Head, Technical Services Department
Aderonke Adeyemi
Chief Cataloguer
University Library
Covenant University
Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria
Table 1: Bio-Data
VARIABLE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
percent
AGE 15-25 17 9.9
26-34 35 20.5
35-44 65 38.0
45-55 33 19.3
56-above 18 10.5
Undecided 3 1.8
TOTAL 171 100.0
RELIGION Christianity 115 67.3
Islam 53 31.0
Others 3 1.8
TOTAL 171 100.0
MARITAL STATUS Married 125 73.1
Single 9 5.3
Divorced 9 5.3
Widowed 28 16.4
TOTAL 171 100.0
ACADEMIC LEVEL FSLC 99 57.9
WAEC 35 20.6
OND/NCE 14 8.2
B.SC/BA/B.ED/HND 2 1.2
Others 21 12.3
TOTAL 171 100.0
Table 2: Market Opening Time
OPENING HOURS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
6am 28 16.5
7am 78 48.4
8am 50 31.1
9am 2 1.2
Other time 3 1.9
Undecided 10 0.9
TOTAL 171 100.0
Table 3: Awareness of HIV/AIDS Status
HIV/AIDS STATUS FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
YES 59 34.5
NO 103 60.2
Undecided 9 5.3
TOTAL 171 100.0
Reasons for reluctance in knowing
status through test
Fear of death 5 2.9
Prefer not to know 6 3.5
Fear of testing positive 6 3.5
Fear of stigmatization 31 18.1
Undecided 123 71.9
TOTAL 171 100.0
Table 4: HIV/AIDS Information Awareness
MODE OF TRANSMISSION YES
Frequency percent
Sexual Intercourse 136 79.5
Sharing same bed -- --
Hand shake 1 0.6
Mosquito bite 84 49.1
Sharing toilet 27 15.8
Eating with infected person 1 0.6
Blood Transfusion 137 80.1
Sharing market stall 10 5.8
Unsterilized blade/needles 128 74.9
Infected mother to baby 89 52.0
None 1 0.6
MODE OF TRANSMISSION NO
Frequency percent
Sexual Intercourse 35 20.5
Sharing same bed 171 100
Hand shake 170 99.4
Mosquito bite 62 36.3
Sharing toilet 144 84.2
Eating with infected person 170 99.4
Blood Transfusion 34 19.9
Sharing market stall 161 94.2
Unsterilized blade/needles 43 24.6
Infected mother to baby 82 48.0
None 170 99.4
MODE OF TRANSMISSION UNDECIDED
Frequency percent
Sexual Intercourse
Sharing same bed
Hand shake
Mosquito bite 25 14.6
Sharing toilet
Eating with infected person
Blood Transfusion
Sharing market stall
Unsterilized blade/needles
Infected mother to baby
None
Table 5: Awareness of Information on Prevention
PREVENTION YES
Frequency percent
Isolate HIV/AIDS victim 15 8.8
Use of condom 110 64.3
Discourage sharing of blades 132 77.2
Abstain from pre/extra marital sex 140 81.9
PREVENTION NO
Frequency percent
Isolate HIV/AIDS victim 155 90.6
Use of condom 60 35.1
Discourage sharing of blades 38 22.2
Abstain from pre/extra marital sex 30 17.5
PREVENTION UNDECIDED
Frequency percent
Isolate HIV/AIDS victim 1 0.6
Use of condom 1 0.6
Discourage sharing of blades 1 0.6
Abstain from pre/extra marital sex 1 0.6
Table 6: Availability of HIV/AIDS Rural Extension Services in the
Market
PROGRAMMES FREQENCY PERCENTAGE
Workshop/Seminar 1 0.6
HIV/AIDS Campaign 6 3.5
HIV/AIDS Talks 6 3.5
None 154 90
Missing system 4 2.3
Total 171 100
Table 7: Sources of Information
SOURCE OF INFORMATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Poster 28 16.5
Radio television 78 45.6
Hand bills 10 5.8
Newspaper/magazines 25 14.6
Pamphlets 27 15.8
Undecided 3 2.5
TOTAL 171 100
Table 8: Places Where Information Is Available
PLACE OF AVAILABILITY FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Home 42 24..6
Market 3 1.8
Bus 28 16.4
Church/Mosque 48 29.1
Hospital 50 29.2
TOTAL 171 100.00
Table 9: Hindrances to Information Access
HINDRANCES FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Difficulty in understanding language
of resource 88 51.3
Timing of the radio and television
programs 44 26
Constant power outage 38 22.2
Undecided 1 0.6
TOTAL 171 100
