HIV-risk sexual behaviors, perceived risk to HIV, and willingness to undergo voluntary HIV counseling & testing of the young deaf in Metro Manila

• Main Author: Dakis, Alvin Cloyd H.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2017
• Subjects: HIV infections; HIV-positive persons; Deaf
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5712
• Institution: De La Salle University

The Deaf community has a distinct culture, language, is maintained by specific social norms, and is smaller than that of the hearing population. Because of their closely-knit community, their access to correct information and services on HIV is very limited. Many young Deaf are unaware and or misinformed about HIV especially on how it is being transmitted and how it can be prevented. To provide a description about the young Deaf persons HIV-risk sexual behaviors, their perceived risk to HIV, and their willingness to undergo voluntary HIV counseling & testing (VCT), a study using descriptive-quantitative survey method utilizing a survey questionnaire was made among the selected young Deaf individuals aged in Metro Manila. Findings reveal that more than half are young males, mostly single, most of who identified themselves to be heterosexuals, and have been living with their families. The mean score of those who have sexual experiences was equated to be at moderate risk. More than half had early sex, have experienced vaginal and oral sex, and failed to use condom during their last sexual contact. Overall perceived risk to HIV is low but they are willing to undergo VCT. The study found a positive, significant correlation between the respondents sexual behaviors with their perceived risks, and with their perceived risks with their willingness to undergo VCT. Some recommendations include the utilization of a qualitative method to explore the nuances & misconceptions not specified in this current survey, upscaling the number of young Deaf to be studied, inclusion of the information on Deaf people in HIV surveillance data gathering, and training of service providers to better HIV information and services to the Deaf and other people with disabilities.