The Knowledgeability and Susceptibility of Artisanal Marine Elmina Fisher-folks in Respect of HIV/AIDS in Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the HIV/AIDS knowledgeability of artisanal marine fisher-folks and their susceptibility to its infection. By making specific reference to fisher-folks at Elmina fishing community in the Central Province of the Republic of Ghana, it particularly challenges the proposition that fisher-folks are highly susceptible to HIV/AIDS infection. The analysis thereof draws on elements from health belief, social cognition and diffusion of innovation theories that are deemed useful in a study of HIV/AIDS. The study finds that although awareness level among the fisher-folks is high, their understanding and knowledge of the facts of the epidemic are significantly low. It therefore argues that the prevailing knowledge gap could cause many of the fisher-folks to become victims of the epidemic. Also, this paper unearths the fact that the cumulative effectiveness of HIV/AIDS education in Elmina fishing community is doubtful.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, Fisher-folks, Elmina, Knowlegeability, Susceptibility.