Gender relations and spread of HIV/AIDS among fishing communities in Kalangala district : a case study of Kyamuswa sub-county.

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Date
2011-05
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The study was carried in Kyamuswa Sub County, Kalangala district. It was carried out to analyze how Gender Relations influence the Spread of HIV/AIDS among Fishing Communities. The study used an exploratory research design to describe how gender relations influence the spread of HIV AIDS in the fishing communities of Kyamuswa Sub county, Kalangala district. The study population included Fisher folk, local council leaders, Beach Management Units, Community Development Officer, Sub county chiefs and health workers. A sample of 300 respondents was selected using simple random, and purposive sampling research methods. Data was collected using interview guides and questionnaires from both primary and secondary sources. Collected data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively and presented in form of tables, pie charts and photographs. The study investigated the economic activities of fisher folk and how they influence the spread of HIV/AIDS. These activities included fishing, drying mukene, deep frying, retail shops, video clubs, restaurants and smoking fish. Among the effects of HIV/AIDS to fishermen included loss of labour, death, inadequate food, reduction in fish catch, selling assets for medical care among others. The study revealed that women in the fishing communities of Kalangala were perceived as physically and sexually weak, economically disadvantaged, illiterate, prohibited from fishing as it is regarded as a taboo for them to carryout fishing, weak in decision making and money hungry all of which increase their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The study suggested on what should be done to improve the status of women including need to educate girl child, electing women to leadership positions on Local Councils, Beach management units, improving the quality of government services. Training women on different skills and extend credit services near to women. Basing on high incidence of HIV/AIDS and its effects to fishermen, the study recommended that the government should fight poverty in fishing communities, invest in preventing infection, address the social economic disadvantage of women, improving the life of people living in fishing communities, and sensitize the fishermen on dangers of HIV/AIDS and control measures available.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences in partial fulfillment for the award of a Bachelor’s degree in Guidance and Counselling of Kampala International University
Keywords
Gender relations, HIV/AIDS, Fishing communities, Kalangala District
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