Some Determinants of Factors Associated with HIV/AIDS Risk Behaviours Among University of Dodoma Students in Tanzania

The paper examines whether variables of HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and beliefs of Dodoma University students (UDOM) can predict practices which risk HIV infection.A pre-designed questionnaire was administered in a sample of 547 (539 students and 8 staff members). Since variables involved were many and in many cases highly correlated and unobservable, data were analyzed using factor analysis. Multiple regression analysis were used to analyze factor scores obtained from factor analysis.Based on responses of students to practice questions, two factors emerged and were labeled as sex with high risk persons and common risk sexual behavior. The common predictors in the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) for sex with high risk persons score (R2=5.1%, p<0.001, F=4.873) and sex under the influence of alcohol (p<0.001) respectively both had significant contribution from gender, knowledge on transmission through sexual contact, beliefs about HIV/AIDS and attitudes toward VCT testing. The MLR for common risk sexual behavior score (R2=5.4%, p<0.001, F=5.147) and sex without condom (p<0.001) respectively both had significant contributions from gender and attitudes toward condom use.Knowledge on transmission through sexual contact, beliefs about HIV/AIDS and attitudes toward VCT testing and condom use appeared to be common determinants of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among students.Key words: High risk, common risk, factor score, multiple linear regressio

Some Factors Associated with Non – Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Tanzania: A Case Study of Dar es Salaam Region.

Objectives: Tanzania is one of the nations that are highly affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic. Invention of ARVs (Anti –Retroviral) brought hope of extended life to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Though ARV’s are administered in several clinics particularly in Dar es Salaam, there is a problem to adherence. Some factors associated with non-adherence are investigated and ways to optimize adherence are suggested.Methods: This study was undertaken at three treatment and care clinics in Dar es Salaam. A sample of 197 individuals on ARV and 30 health care providers were interviewed. The sample comprised of 76 % females and 24% males, with mean age 34. About 74% ofindividuals on ARV were aged between 25 – 45 years. Logistic Regression and survival analysis models were used in the analysis.Results: Individuals on ARV recommended factors responsible for non-adherence as lack of awareness 63.5%, stigma 56%, side effects 53.3%, and costs 28%. Other factors were being busy 25.4%, away from home 21.3%, forgetting 12.2% and ARVs out of stock 10.2%. Proportion of PLHA lost to follow up was 26%. Awareness and side effects were found to be statistically significant, with p-values of 0.042 and 0.068 respectively (a = 0.1). The median survival time for individuals on ARV was 42 months (95% CI: 41–44) with survival rate of above 0.7. Log-rank test showed significant differences between the male and female on having a shorter time to death. Females seemed to survive longer than males suggesting that females adhere more to ART than males.Conclusion: This calls for emphasis on HIV/AIDS education to the society especially to sensitize men. Another suggestion is that when a woman gets pregnant, both the expectant mother and father should attend maternal clinic so that they both take HIV test so as to increase man’s participation.Keywords: Non-adherence, Antiretroviral, HIV/AIDS, survival, men, wome

Some factors that hinder women participation in social, economic activities in Tanzania

Abstract This paper addresses women's participation in social, political and economic activities. In particular, factors that hinder women from participating in social, political and economic activities in mainland Tanzania are discussed. Analysis shows that factors such as level of education, type of place of residence, marital status, religion, region of residence and age groups, with different levels of magnitude contribute differently to their poor participation. Cross-tabulation is used to establish the relationship between "participation" as the dependent variable and the aforementioned factors. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine the relative importance of the factors. Results indicate that place of residence; age group and region of residence are significant while education and religion are insignificant