Abstract
Background: Evidence indicating that sexual behaviors are the leading mode of acquisition and transmission of Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) responsible for causing the Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in a majority of countries in the world remains. However, knowledge about the disease and methods for its control varies across socio-economic groups as well as between and within countries. This paper reports and discusses the findings from a study done to assess the perceptions of secondary school students and their teachers on the importance of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV among students in Tanzania.
Methodology: The study was conducted in two regions – Iringa and Mtwara using a questionnaire designed with closed and open-ended questions seeking opinions from 125 secondary school teachers and 2,060 students. Two districts from each region were covered. While the teachers were identified using a convenient sampling strategy, a random sampling strategy was employed to identify students from forms I-VI, excluding Form Fours who had left the school. The students were asked to state whether they personally participated in sexual relationships involving sexual intercourses with fellow students or other people, their knowledge of other students who behaved in the latter way, and views regarding the need for VCT services for students, teaching staff and other members within school compounds, Teachers were asked the same questions except their own participation in sexual affairs. Data analysis was aided by the use of the Stata 10 software.
Result: Admission of either personal or fellow students’ recent participation in premarital sex relationships was expressed by students in all districts, although a relatively larger number reported the behavior of fellow students than the respondents stating their own sexual behavior. Possessing multiple sexual partners were claimed as being a common behavior of sexual active students, although most of the respondents in this case also were referring to their peer students. While many students responding appreciated that secondary school students were also at risk of facing HIV, most of the teachers in all districts shied away to confirm this or show their belief in this, and denied to know students who engaged themselves in sexual love relationships. The Majority of teachers did not find it needful for suggesting schools as appropriate centers for delivering VCT services for HIV. Variations in the perceptions about the readiness of the students to undergo VCT were noted between male and female students; female and male teachers, and between the two study regions and districts of the same region. However, the difference was significant statistically for selected cases only.
Conclusion: To attain their goals, HIV/AIDS Control Programs in Tanzania need to address the challenges faced in their quest for enhancing knowledge about HIV/AIDS and encouraging behavior change attitudes towards HIV/AIDS related VCT services.
Citation
Mubyazi GM, Exavery A, Massaga JJ, Rutta ASM, Mashoto KO, Ishengoma D, Msovela J, Kisinza WN and Mushi AK. Gender-Based Perceptions of Secondary School Students and Teachers Regarding Need and Practice of Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV in Tanzania: A Descriptive Analysis of Across-Sectional Survey Data from Iringa and Mtwara Regions. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2015;1(2):1010.