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.
Citation
Masters thesis, University of Nairobi (2004)Publisher
University of Nairobi Department of of Education
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning of the University of Nairobi