Journal of Sociology and Social Work

Mandatory Premarital HIV/AIDS Test and Break Up of Marital Engagement among Intending Couples in Some Pentecostal Churches in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria
Onyema, Okwu Augustina, Isokon, Brown Egbe

Abstract
The study examines mandatory premarital HIV/AIDS test and break up of marital engagement among intending couples in some Pentecostal churches in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria. One hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted while data were collected from 720 intending couples from 36 selected Pentecostal churches in the study area. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaire and confirmed with Focus Group Discussion, carried out in ten randomly selected Pentecostal churches. Cluster and purposive sampling procedures were applied at appropriate stages of the study. The data were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Finding revealed that significant relationship existed between mandatory premarital HIV/AIDS tests and break up of engagements among intending couples in the study area. Based on this finding, it is recommended, among others that social workers and other development agencies should embark on vigorous education campaigns that will bring about change in church policies in regard to premarital HIV/AIDS test. This can be carried out through workshops, seminars, and conferences. Pentecostal churches should be conscientized to allow for voluntary HIV/AIDS test instead of the mandatory premarital HIV/AIDS test.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v5n2a13