Secondary school students' knowledge on hiv/aids infection and prevention methods: a case study of secondary schools in Dar es Salaam

The study set out to investigate secondary school students' knowledge on HIV/AIDS that secondary school and prevention methods. It recognized from the outset that secondary students were at the receiving end with regard to the knowledge and preventive methods of HlV/AIDS- The reviewed literature revealed that students are in urgent need of health education which should be tailored to approximately address the issue of HlV/AIDS. It is shown that HIV/AIDS education could greately help reduce students' background behaviours. The study made use of various techniques for data collection ranging from interviews through documentary reviews to focus group discussions. The study found that while students manifested high knowledge and showed great awareness on HIV/AIDS the actual practise on the ground was quite different. Many of them are involved in risky behaviours and engage themselves in unprotected sex. The non-use of condom seems to be predominant. At the same time parents and some religious orgnizations put first customs, traditions and beliefs at the expense of HIV/AIDS knowledge on the part of their children and thereby aggravating already dangerous situation of the pandemic. The study concludes that massive educational campaign with regard to HIV/AIDS should be mounted in secondary schools. Through HIV/AIDS educational programme secondary school students could be saved from the menace of HIV/AIDS. In particular it is recommended that HIV/AIDS education should form an independent full fledged subject and that teachers be trained to that eject. Availability of teaching aids should also be catered for. Most importantly efforts should be made to bridge existing comunication gaps between various players in the crusade against HIV/AIDS