Knowledge of Teachers on Cultural Practices that Influence HIV/AIDS Transmission in Kavango West, Namibia

BACKGROUND: In the world there are still ethnic groups that promotes cultural practices that may predispose people to HIV/AIDS transmission and hence increase HIV prevalence rate. Namibia is one of the countries that are badly affected by HIV/AIDS in the world, with Kavango West the worst-affected region in Namibia with the prevalence rate of 12.1%. This is the region where ethnic group known as Ukwangari is located. In Namibia, there are policies, guidelines, and programmes in place to manage the HIV/AIDS epidemic, however, the cultural practices regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS are not well discussed, hence excluded when addressing prevention of HIV.

AIM: Is to explore depth knowledge of basic education school teachers on cultural practices that influence HIV/AIDS transmission in Ukwangari culture in Nankudu district, Kavango West region, Namibia.

METHODS: Qualitative, explorative contextual study was conducted to in which non-probability purposive sampling method was employed. Participants, who knew Ukwangari culture, were purposively selected and focus group discussion was conducted until data were saturated. Data were analysed using Tesch’s open coding system, where themes and sub themes that emerged from the discussion were identified.

RESULTS: The findings indicate that basic education school teachers had fair knowledge about HIV/AIDS, while a few teachers had misinformation on culture and transmission of HIV/AIDS.

CONCLUSION: There is a need to sensitise and educate basic education school teachers in Ukwangari community about their cultural practices that influence HIV/AIDS transmission. This will be possible by collaborating with various ministries and stakeholders.