Deaf Adolescent Students Knowledge on Transmission and Prevention of HIV/ AIDS: Bechem and Ashanti Schools for the Deaf as a Case Study

Abstract

The study examined deaf adolescent students knowledge on transmission and prevention of HIV AIDS in Bechem and Ashanti Schools for the Deaf in the Ahafo and Ashanti Regions of Ghana. The study employed a descriptive design. The total population of Junior High School 2 and 3 made up of 147 (male 82 and female 65) was used. HIV/AIDS Knowledge Questionnaires (HAKQ) was the instrument used to collect data for the study. The questionnaires were analyzed using tables, frequencies and percentages. Two research hypotheses were tested using t-test with an alpha level of 0.05. Results from the questionnaire revealed that majority of students had good knowledge on vaginal/seminal fluid, sex without condom, transfusion with infected blood and sharing sharp/piercing objects as modes of transmitting HIV/AIDS. On the contrary, majority of the students had misconception on mosquito bites, witches and breastfeeding as modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS. Regarding the hypotheses, the study concluded that there is no statistical significant difference between male and female adolescents’ knowledge on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. The study recommended that school authorities, Ghana Education Service and Ghana AIDS Commission should collaborate to provide comprehensive education to expose deaf adolescent students to different modes of transmission and prevention. This will dispel the misconception that mosquitoes and witches can transmit HIV/AIDS. Also proper education will help students understand the fact that the virus can be transmitted by breastfeeding.

Keywords: Adolescents, Deaf students, HIV/ AIDs, Bechem, Ashanti

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-35-02

Publication date: December 31^st 2019