| Abstract
|
:
|
The purpose of this study was accomplished by using a panel of internationally renowned experts (N = 27) who were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and socio-cultural issues in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The experts used the Delphi process to transform literature-based constructs generic to sub-Saharan Africa into specific measurable variables about the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The findings from the analysis provided the basis for creating an educational training model for empowerment based on a relevant instructional framework for HIV/AIDS prevention. This framework consisted of key variables within six categories which included (1) the geopolitical context of HIV/AIDS transmission in Nigeria; (2) political economy and HIV/AIDS; (3) culture and religious diversity; (4) the social context of HIV/AIDS; (5) women and HIV/AIDS in the Niger Delta; and (6) HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and education. The data garnered from the Delphi process revealed that, in the context of the Niger Delta, the variables in the construct framework were not all significant for transmitting HIV/AIDS in the region. Nevertheless, prostitution, labor migration, poverty, low literacy, sexual promiscuity, stigmatization, gender roles, lack of safe sex practices, cultural worldview, and corruption were identified as major contributory factors to HIV/AIDS transmission in the region. Among minor contributory factors included oil exploration activities and sexual behaviors of oil workers, urbanization, lack of sexual and reproductive education, female genital mutilation, culture, beliefs, and values vs. condom use. Empowerment education was acknowledged by panelists as the most appropriate educational approach for preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS in the Niger Delta. The results showed that the panelists considered the construct framework to be an appropriate theoretical structure for examining the transmission of HIV/AIDS in the Niger Delta.
|