dc.description.abstract |
Efforts to stem the tide of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic in Africa emphasise the necessity that learners should
be able to make informed decisions. Although learners in Zimbabwe’s schools are taught about
HIV and AIDS, the extent of their knowledge needed to be determined. The major objective
was to assess the knowledge of secondary school learners in Harare, Zimbabwe, about HIV
and AIDS. Structured interviews were conducted with 75 Grade 8 (Form 1) secondary school
learners from four schools in Harare.
Most learners had obtained their HIV and AIDS knowledge from schools, but some did so
from their parents, community activities, the radio or television. No learner had commenced
with sexual activities and all had heard about HIV, but not all knew what HIV was, and
even fewer could define AIDS. Less than one-third of the learners could mention the three
most important HIV preventive measures. Most learners were willing to undergo voluntary
counselling and testing (VCT), but few had done so. As no learner had commenced sexual
activities, opportunities existed to empower Grade 8 (Form 1) learners with adequate HIV
and AIDS knowledge. Generally the learners’ HIV and AIDS knowledge levels were high but
some misconceptions existed. Schools should engage with radio and television programmes
to address misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Learners should be enabled to access VCT
services. More effective HIV prevention education in Zimbabwe’s schools, could enable more
youth to remain HIV negative. |
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