Transmission and Prevention of HIV/AIDS among LGBTQIA+ Community

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education and awareness focusing on its modes of transmission and preventive measures are timely and relevant in the country across all ages and sexual identities. The study aimed to assess the extent of transmission and prevention among the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual and more (LGBTQIA+) community members in eastern parts of Pangasinan including Urdaneta City, Villasis, and Umingan. The self-administered questionnaires that include the HIV/AIDS modes of transmission and preventive measures were distributed to the LGBTQIA+ community members with a total sample of 133. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of data. The results revealed that most the members of the LGBTQIA+ community members were moderately knowledgeable on the transmission of HIV/AIDS. In terms of the extent of prevention which is classified into three aspects, namely: physical, behavioral, and social preventive measures.  The members strongly agreed to behavioral and social preventive measures however, physical preventive measures got the lowest rating or agrees. Young adults, male, those who finished higher education, and who are highly aware regarding HIV/AIDS have higher regards on the extent of transmission and prevention as compared to older adults, females, who finished elementary level, and those who are not aware. The nursing intervention proposed was to conduct a virtual seminar regarding HIV/AIDS comprehensive education focusing on transmission and prevention. The researcher recommended LGBTQIA+ communities and schools conduct virtual seminars that will widen the knowledge of the community and the youth about HIV/AIDS.