Browsing by Author "Mujungu, Alloyce Luwoja Matete"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Contribution of traditional dances in creating awareness on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in Magu district, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2014) Mujungu, Alloyce Luwoja Matete
    This study investigated the contribution of traditional dances in creating awareness on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in two wards each ward with two villages in Magu District, Mwanza region in Tanzania. The purpose of study was to examine traditional dance as a traditional media for behavior change communication on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in the district. Respondents were DMO, DCO, CDO, WEOs, VEOs, religious leaders, Bugobogobo, Buyeye, and Wigashe traditional dancers and villagers. A total of 100 respondents were involved in the study .The study employed the multiple case study research design and the qualitative research approach. Data were gathered through interviews, focus group discussion, observation, and documentary review. The findings showed that most respondents were aware of risk behaviors which cause HIV/AIDS namely teenage pregnancy, alcohol use, drug abuse, and STDS, although HIV/AIDS infection was still high in the villages. The study concluded that traditional dances apart from being recreational activities; they were also forums for health education on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Although traditional dances have not fully resolved the problem of high HTV/AIDS infection, they have generated much awareness of HTV/AIDS in the district. The study recommended that the District Executive Directors should have a budget to enable health officers attend traditional dance performances and provide free condoms, counseling services, and encourage the participants to voluntarily test for HTV/AIDS and support traditional dance performers financially. Also an ethnographic study should be undertaken to generate more in depth information on the effectiveness of government functionaries at village level in handling villagers engaging in HIV/AIDS risk behaviors.