Determinants of implementation of Hiv/aids related programmes targeting secondary school students in Kisumu east district, Kenya

Abstract

Kisumu East District had had the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate which stands at 14% against the National prevalence rate of 6.8% according to the National Aids Control council. Amongst the youth and secondary school going children HIV/AIDS new infections has increased with 8%. However, HIV/AIDS programme have been minimal in schools. For this reason the purpose of this study was to establish determinants of HIV/AIDS related programme among secondary schools students. The study was set to answer the following research questions; to what extent do teacher training influence implementation of HIV/AIDS related programme among secondary schools students in Kisumu East District; to what extent do availability of resources influence implementation of HIV/AIDS programme among students in Kisumu East district? To what extent do government policies influence implementation of HIV/AIDS related programme among secondary school students in Kisumu East? and to what extent do teachers and students' attitudes influence implementation of HIV IAIDS related programme in secondary schools in Kisumu East? The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of this study compromised of 13,905 students, 45 head teachers and 45 Guidance and Counseling department. Using Cole's formula for sample selection, 375 students were selected whereas using 113 rule 15 heads of guidance and counseling departments were picked and 15 head-teachers. Individual students and teachers questionnaires, interview schedule were used to collect data. A pilot study was conducted to establish reliability of instruments whereas validity was ascertained by presenting the instruments to experts of research methods at the University of Nairobi whose suggestions were used to correct the instruments. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages counts whereas qualitative data was transcribed, organized into relevant themes of the study and reported. The study found that there was implementation of HIV/AIDs programme in secondary schools in Kisumu east district. Holders of relevant papers like Bachelors degree and masters employ variety of methods to disseminate information to students. They also exhibit professionalism in the subject. The study further found that the training and in service courses offered to teachers was inadequate. The study established that the curriculum and syllabuses were not relevant. The study found out that resources received for implementation of HIV/AIDS programme were inadequate. The study established that government policies on HIV/AIDS implementation were received by Head teachers but people charged with the responsibilities of implementation do not receive the documents. That is HOD guidance and counseling. The study recommended that teachers, head teachers and HODs guidance and counseling should be more focused at implementation level so that students open up and get the urge to participate in VCT sessions in Kisumu East District. Further, the study recommended that time allocated for teaching HIV/AIDS in secondary schools should be extended with emphasis to bringing out desired behavior change. The study also recommended that concerted effort by all stakeholders was required to set aside resources required for implementation of HIV/AIDs programme in schools. The study further recommended that government should come up with relevant policies on stigma, VCT counseling sessions and enact and implement laws which can protect the infected and work towards eradicating stigma in secondary schools in Kisumu East District. The study was limited to Kisumu East District. Further studies on the same topic could be extended to other parts of Kenya.