In 1992 the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda designed an AIDS prevention project. A baseline survey was conducted to assess prevailing knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Muslim communities in two districts. A low rate of incorrect beliefs about HIV transmission was found, although gaps in knowledge remain, particularly regarding vertical transmission and asymptomatic HIV infection. Less than 10% knew that condoms can protect against HIV transmission. Lack of knowledge was documented regarding the risk of HIV transmission associated with practices common in the Islamic community, such as polygamous marriages, circumcision, and ablution of the dead. The AIDS prevention project has incorporated specific messages and interventions as a result of these findings.
PIP: The Islamic Medical Association of Uganda has designed a project known as Family Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Education and Prevention Through Imams. In a 1992 baseline survey, 1096 persons from the pilot project's two target districts--Mpigi and Iganga--were interviewed. Respondents were recruited from mosques in both rural and trade center areas of the districts. The mass media was identified as the main source of information about AIDS by 49.6% of respondents in Iganga and 80% of those in the more urbane Mpigi district. Only 3% of respondents in both communities viewed the imam (mosque leader) as someone with whom they could discuss concerns about AIDS. Although 80% of respondents were aware that the main route of transmission of the AIDS virus is sexual, only 1.2% knew about the possibility of maternal-fetal transmission. 55.4% recognized a condom, but just 9.9% had ever used one. In this culture, condom use is associated with sexual promiscuity and is not used within marriage. The survey identified three risk factors prevalent among Uganda's Muslim minority: polygamous marriage, practiced by about a third of respondents; use of the same cutting instrument for multiple male circumcision procedures without sterilization in between; and ablution of the dead, without the use of protective gloves. These cultural practices will be targeted in the AIDS prevention campaign. In each district, 10 imams will receive intensive training in AIDS and community education skills. Each imam will be provided with a male and female assistant who, in turn, will train indigenous family workers selected by the mosque. These community workers will make monthly home visits to about 15 families in the mosque area.