ASSESSMENT OF IDPs HIV/AIDS INFORMATION NEEDS AND UTILIZATION IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed HIV/AIDS information needs and utilization by IDPs in Benue State, Nigeria. The study sought to know the HIV/AIDS information needed by IDPs and examine the extent to which the HIV/AIDS information resources are made available and utilized by them. Five specific objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and was carried out in 8 registered IDP camps in Benue State. The population of the study comprises of 399 participants from Abagena, Ortese, Daudu I, Daudu II, Gbajimba, Uikpam, Naka and Anyiin IDP camps. The instruments for data collection were checklist and structured questionnaire. Data was collected with the aid of six (6) trained research assistants using the IDPs' registers as sampling frame work. Frequency and simple percentages were used to analyze research question 2, while mean and standard deviation were used to analyze research questions 1, 3 4 and 5. The study revealed that majority of the IDPs have high interest and needs for HIV/AIDS information with a mean score of 3.8; donor agencies and medical officers' counseling activities were the most common HIV/AIDS information sources available to the IDPs with 92% and 93% respectively. The extent of HIV/AIDS information resources utilization is very low with a mean score of 2.4. Furthermore, the findings revealed certain barriers militating against the utilization of HIV/AIDS information resources by IDPs in the study area to include lack of awareness on where to access HIV/AIDS information resources and Difficulty in understanding the Language of information resources. It was suggested that there should be increase in awareness of vital information contained in the print media and that HIV/AIDS information should be made available in IDP camps devoid of stigmatization and discrimination.