Factors whlch hinder people from changing their sexual behavior in response to HIV/AIDS: a case study of Makutupora and Chamwino wards in Dodoma urban district

The purpose of the present study was to in investigate factors which hinder people from changing their sexual behavior in response to HIV/AIDS. A questionnaire was administered in three villages of Chamwino and Makutupora wards in Dodoma Urban District, in Dodoma Region. A total number of 147 respondents, aged 15-59 years, were sampled from three villages without consideration of their sex. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The finding, of the study showed that Ihe community is largely knowledgeable about Ihe means of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention. The level of HIV knowledge was not associated with any of socio-demographic variables. Regarding reasons which hinder people from changing sexual behavior in response to HiV/AIDS, respondents mentioned several reasons, the most popuiar reason being poverty, Sometimes, Youth are involved in sex in ordcr to get money to buy clothes, soft drinks and other simple luxury goods while at school. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that the centre of focus should shift from HIV knowledge to programs that address issues of changing behavior in order to attain the ABCs. The mass media should therefore focus more on molding community members to change risk behavior to attain sale behaviors towards HIV/AIDS. The research was based on three tasks, demographic characteristics, knowledge of HIV/AIDS and sexual experience and behaviors.