Knowledge, attitude and practice toward HIIV/AIDS among the Moran population living in Dar-es-Salaam.

The socio-cultural system holding the Wamasai as a unique ethnic group in Tanzania is gradually declining, resulting in the young Masai warriors (Moran) to move away and seek jobs in urban centres without permission of the elders. Living and working in urban centres increases their chances of exposure to risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, which upon their return home will lead to the infection of other Wamasai in their social interaction especially during initiation ceremonies. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HIV/AIDS prevention among the Moran who have migrated to Dar es Salaam City. A cross sectional study was carried out from July to September 2006 in Dar-es-Salaam City. A total of 286 Moran were interviewed. The results shows that 38.1% had no knowledge. 30.4% had low to moderate knowledge, and 33% had high knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its mode of transmission, prevention and voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). The level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS was associated with the participant's level of education. About 62% had negative attitudes toward preventive measures against HIV infection; and about 81% had never used condom in their lifetime. More than 75% were not aware of VCT. In conclusion, despite the fact that Tanzania's national average of HIV/AIDS knowledge is above 90%, there are isolated pockets in societies like the Wamaasai who require additional knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission and methods of prevention.