Attitudes Toward HIV/Aids and Sustainable Health-Seeking Behaviour

Abstract

Studying people’s attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS and their sustainable health-seeking behavior has the potential to contribute greatly to the development of effective measures for preventing HIV/AIDS. This study conducted a thorough assessment of the attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and sustainable health-seeking behavior among the population of Lafia in North-Central Nigeria. A survey was conducted using a cross-sectional methodology, involving 260 individuals. Data was collected using the Attitudes Toward HIV/AIDS Scale and the Health-Seeking Behavior Scale. The results indicated a strong unfavorable attitude towards HIV/AIDS (χ² = −82.41; p< .001), and these attitudes were found to strongly predict sustained health-seeking behavior, R = .24, R² = .059, F(1, 195) = 12.26,p < .001;among the population of Lafia in North-Central Nigeria. Individuals with negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS showed significantly lower levels of sustainability in their health-seeking behavior compared to those with positive attitudes (β = −.243, t = −3.502; p < .01). There were gender inequalities in the sustainability of health-seeking behavior, as evidenced by statistical analysis, t (257) = 3.41, p < .05. Male residents (M = 124.89; SD = 61.67) had significantly higher scores in health-seeking behavior sustainability compared to their female counterparts (M = 120.33; SD = 59.56). To promote a healthier and more knowledgeable community, the study suggests implementing targeted awareness efforts in Lafia to reduce the discrimination and stigmatization of persons, particularly girls and women, who are living with HIV/AIDS. This prejudice worsens their condition.