Publication:

Level of knowledge associated with practice of safe sex for HIV prevention among administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Background Safe sex behaviors are important for protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. In 2020, about 37.7 million persons were HIV positive globally with nearly two-thirds in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, 1.4 million people are HIV positive with a prevalence of 4.8%. This study assessed the level of knowledge towards safe sex practices for HIV prevention among administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Stratified and systematic random sampling techniques were utilized to choose 372 participants. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires and key informant interview schedules respectively. Essential ethical and logistical clearances from appropriate authorities were requested and informed consent acquired. Quantitative data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and triangulation of qualitative findings as direct quotes. Inferential statistics were computed using chi-square tests.

Results 58.2% of administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County were not practicing safe sex. About 47.8% had moderate level of knowledge on safe sex practice which was significantly associated (p=0.036) with safe sex practice.

Conclusions About 4 out 10 police officers practiced safe sex. The level of knowledge on safe sex practice was moderate. These findings form a basis for improvement of HIV prevention among administration police officers. This may inform policy formulation and implementation by the National Police Service, Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders thus increase chances of practicing safe sex.