Survey of HIV and AIDS knowledge in internally displaced persons camps in northern Uganda

This paper is a summary of the results of a survey conducted in the Agoro and Potika internally displaced person's camps in Kitgum district of northern Uganda. The survey looked at HIV knowledge levels, service knowledge and levels of stigma. The survey found noteworthy results, one being that the "ABC's" of prevention (Abstain, Be faithful, and use a Condom) were generally well-known; however, many people did not know how the virus was actually transmitted. (11% of men and 17% of women could correctly list the "ABC's" or prevention, but did not know how the virus was transmitted). We found differences in gender, sex and age for most of the categories and found no difference of knowledge and stigma levels between those who knew someone living with HIV/AIDS and those who did not. Levels of service knowledge were very low; women in particular did not know about MTCT (mother to child transmission) and few had used condoms before. The paper concludes with recommendations for current practices and ideas for expanded efforts.