Comparison of effectiveness of communication applied in HIV/AIDS education methods in primary schools in Mathare areas of Nairobi

Abstract

Communication that forms an integral part of HIV/ AIDS education methods is believed

to hold great potential for contributing to prevention of HN among school students. In

view of this, the government of Kenya (GOK) through Kenya Institute of Education

(KIE) introduced HIV/AIDS education in Primary and secondary schools. HIV/AIDS

education has been integrated in all the subjects and teachers have adopted different

teaching methods. This study therefore sought to compare the effectiveness of communication strategy used

to teach HIV/AIDS in primary schools in Mathare area. A sample size of 40 students

aged 10 -14 years in ten primary schools (20 students for in-depth interview, 20 students

for focus group discussion) was determined. The study established that the current

HIV/AIDS methods are mostly using communication methods that are convectional

nature (lecture, class assignment, etc) that are not participatory and entertaining. The

study also established that most of the students prefer teaching methods that are using

communication methods that are non-convectional (informal, participatory and

entertaining.

In conclusion, non-convectional HIV/ AIDS education methods that uses participatory

and entertainment communication strategy has the capability of reaching students

effectively with messages that will build their skills required to prevent HIV infections.