Cultural Determinants of Adoption of HIV/AIDS Prevention Measures and Strategies Among Girls and Women in Western Kenya

This study examines the role of culture in the adoption of measures and strategies for the prevention of HIV/ AIDS among girls and women in Western Kenya. It focuses on levels of awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention measures and patterns of adoption of five the measures that are currently being promoted in Kenya: the use of condoms; screening for HIV at Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Centres; prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT); the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP); and the prompt treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This research is focused on examining the cultural context of HIV/AIDS research and programmes in Western Kenya and aims to reveal how limited has been the critical analysis of culture as a determinant of adoption of these measures despite the stated prioritization of culture as a key factor to consider.