WHILE much has been published and broadcast in all forms of media regarding HIV/Aids globally, local literatures still prove to be a fertile pursuit.
HIV/Aids is more than ever a social problem moving from the confines of a medical pathology: it is a behavioral as well as a pathologic dilemma that seems to spread in geometric proportions.
As such, it is but wise to explore the public’s attitudes and behaviors aside from knowledge regarding this unspeakable morbidity. Much better if we attempt to understand the Filipino psyche and culture.
Fortunately, the 2008 National Demogrphic and Health Survey (NDHS) has summarized some of these findings.
Awareness of HIV/Aids transmission and prevention methods
Although 94 percent of surveyed Filipino women have heard of AIDS, only 53 percent knows the two major methods for prevention and transmission of HIV: using condoms and monogamous relationships.
It is also noteworthy to observe that knowledge of preventive methods is higher in urban areas compared to rural areas and such knowledge seems to increase parallel to education and wealth: the higher the educational achievement or the higher the socioeconomic standing, the more likely the person knows how to prevent HIV/Aids transmission.
In Misamis Oriental Region, 90 percent of the surveyed respondents claimed that they have heard about HIV/Aids.
Rejection of misconceptions about HIV/Aids
Despite the commendable efforts of the Health Department to campaign against HIV/Aids, only 58 percent of surveyed women know that HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing food and 63 percent know that HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
Higher-risk sexual intercourse and condom use
Of the surveyed Filipino women, only 3 percent admitted to have engaged in higher-risk sexual contact which is consummated with someone other than spouse, partner or has contacted a male sex worker. Higher-risk sex is more prevalent among the younger women, those living in the urban areas and those in the National Capital Region.
In Misamis Oriental Region, 54 percent of the surveyed respondents said that they are using condoms during their last sexual contact.
Coverage of HIV testing
Knowledge regarding HIV status will modify ones’ behaviors and attitudes. In fact, a good number of studies suggest that by knowing the status, HIV positive persons will take actions to protect their partners. On the other hand, HIV negative persons will make specific decisions to reduce risk and promote safe sex practices so they can remain HIV-free.
In the Philippines, only 52 percent of women know where to go to be tested for HIV. In Misamis Oriental region, 60 percent knows the social hygiene clinic that offers such services as testing and counseling for HIV/Aids.
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