A Study on Female Teacher Trainees' Awareness and Perception of Voluntary Counselling and HIV&AIDs Testing-A Case Study of KEricho Teachers' Training College, Kericho District, Kenya

Abstract

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains the world’s gravest threat to future generations, especially the women population. Currently, there is an indication that women are now infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) more than men. This has necessitated studies on women populations. In effect, the main purpose of the research was to investigate female teacher trainees’ awareness and perception of Voluntary Counselling and testing in order to establish their HIV status and curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. The study was carried out at Kericho Teachers’ Training College, Kericho District of Rifi Valley Province, Kenya. The target population was 500 First and Second year female teacher trainees and stratified random technique was applied to draw them from their classes. Out of this population, 218 females students from each stratum were sampled out by using simple random sampling method. Data was collected by the use of a questionnaire which was administered to the selected sample. The questionnaire was tested for reliability by means of Kuder-Richardson (K-R 21) method. Data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5 for Windows. The presentation of the results was in form of frequencies, percentages and means. Also t-test statistical technique was used to test whether significant differences existed between variables. The major findings of the study were as follows: Female teacher trainees had adequate awareness and perception of voluntary counselling and testing having learnt from the media and forums. The year of study, marital status and home location was found to be statistically insignificant in their awareness and perception of voluntary counselling and testing. Religious leaders and college lecturers were found to have contributed a lot to awareness of voluntary counselling and testing in training colleges but Medical and Anti-Aids personnel had a low participation. The study may benefit the Government of Kenya, in particular, the Ministries of Education and Health in the provision of adequate and quality Voluntary Counselling and testing services in the various institutions of learning and health.