Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices toward HIV/AIDSs Prevention among Secondary Students in Ruangwa District.

Mwalyanzi, Scola Anilozi (2024) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices toward HIV/AIDSs Prevention among Secondary Students in Ruangwa District. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Prevention and control of HIV infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is recognized as a national priority in Tanzania. This study aimed to assess the levels of Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards HIV/AIDS Prevention among Secondary School Students in Ruangwa district in Lindi, Tanzania. A cross sectional study was conducted in five (5) randomly selected secondary schools in Ruangwa. Data was collected using a questionnaire designed to measure the student's level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards HIV/AIDS. The data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Results were summarized using the frequencies, percentages and means and presented in charts and tables. The findings generally showed that the majority of students (82.1%) knew how HIV is transmitted and several students (71.7%) knew at least one method of HIV prevention. Furthermore, the results show that several students (50.1%) indicated that teachers at school were the main source of information about HIV/AIDS and its prevention. The results on sexual practices show that some students (46.8%) reported to have experienced sexual intercourse. The peak age of first sexual intercourse is 14 years. These results provide valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of secondary school students in Ruangwa district regarding HIV/AIDS prevention. The relatively high levels of knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, coupled with the reliance on teachers as the primary source of information, highlight the crucial role of the education system in shaping the students' understanding of HIV/AIDS. The findings suggest a need to strengthen the capacity of the education system to deliver comprehensive, age-appropriate, and effective HIV/AIDS education. Similarly, there is a need to improve access to youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services to address the high levels of early sexual activity - effectively promote HIV/AIDS prevention and improve the overall health and well-being of this vulnerable population. Keywords: Knowledge, altitude and practices; Secondary school students; Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

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