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Published on: October 31, 2010
HIV Risk Perception Among Migrant Girl Head Porters (Kayayei) in Ghana
1Department of Children Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Accra Ghana.
Public Health Challenges
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Female migrant head porters in Accra fear acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) due to perceived incurability. Despite awareness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS, barriers hinder protective behaviors, necessitating culturally sensitive interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Health Beliefs
Background:
- Female migrant head porters (Kayayei) in Accra face unique vulnerabilities.
- Understanding perceptions of HIV/AIDS is crucial for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fears and perceptions of AIDS among Kayayei in Accra.
- To explore cognitive and emotional responses to HIV/AIDS using the Health Belief Model (HBM).
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods approach: cross-sectional survey (400 respondents), focus groups (24 participants), and key informant interviews (20 officers).
- Utilized the Health Belief Model (HBM) to analyze responses.
Main Results:
- High levels of perceived danger (83.5%) and fear (85.5%) of AIDS.
- Fear linked to perceptions of incurability and suffering; low fear linked to divine protection or fatalism.
- Junior high education correlated with greater awareness of disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Despite awareness, structural/economic barriers impede protective behaviors.
- Culturally responsive interventions are needed to address misconceptions and enhance self-efficacy.
- Interventions must align with the lived realities of young female migrants.
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