The incertitude surrounding the use of HIV preventive services among male boda boda operators in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Abstract

Bodaboda operators in the transport sector are a bridge population that gets in contact with both the general population and the key population. This places them at a greater risk of HIV and AIDs acquisition. Due to their high mobility, it makes it difficult to acquire and use HIV prevention measures appropriately. However, this population’s service utilization is not known. The study used the theory of reasoned action due to the fact that it sees a person’s behavior as an intention which is a function of one’s attitude towards the behavior and their subjective norm. The study targeted male bodaboda operators who were aged between 20-40 years. The sample size for the study was 122. Findings from the thematic analysis showed medical pluralism among the operators, low condom use at last sexual intercourse and stigma and discrimination when acquiring and using HIV preventive services. Myths and misconceptions regarding HIV preventive service utilization were ranked the highest (21.3%) while provider attitude was ranked the lowest (2.78%) challenges/barriers towards acquiring and using these services. The study recommends to the CACC through NACC to formulate user-friendly information to reach the operators who in many cases have limited time to attend training on correct use and benefits of these preventive measures.