A study of students' attitudes towards HIV/AIDS pandemic in public secondary schools in Kikuyu division.

Abstract

The main aim of the study of this study was to investigate the students attitudes towards HIV/AIDS pandemic in Kikuyu division. Specifically the study investigated whether there were significant differences in attitude between boys and girls and year of study. It also aimed at finding out the knowledge the students have about the pandemic and the methods they use to protect themselves. A sample of three hundred and fifteen (315) students from Kikuyu division participated in this study. Data was collected from the students through questionnaires. A likert type of attitude scale was used to investigate pupils' attitudes towards HIVIAIDS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse and present data. The data was also analyzed by means of a t- test, Analysis of Variance (AN OVA) and Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Results obtained from the analysis indicated that students have a positive attitude towards the pandemic irrespective of their gender, class or year of study. It also showed that there were no significant differences in attitude towards HIV/AIDS between boys and girls. There were also no significant differences in attitude among students in various years of study. There were significant differences in attitude towards HIV /AIDS among students of different socio-economic background. Those from a higher socio-economic status had a positive attitude while those from a lower status had a negative attitude. The level of knowledge and awareness of AIDS among the students was quite high. A majority of students have been told how to protect themselves against the pandemic by their teachers, parents, friends, relatives, doctors etc. Those who have not been told are also using some means of protection against the pandemic. It was recommended that AIDS education be emphasized in schools. This is because young people can be a positive asset in helping prevent HIV infection and STDs as they are still developing behaviour and therefore can adopt safer practices more easily than adults. Their attitudes are also usually less rigid and they have less entrenched taboos. It was also recommended that all teachers be in -serviced on the teaching of AIDS. AIDS campaigns should also be linked with poverty eradication interventions in preventive management of the disease.