HIV/AIDS KNOWLEDGE AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF ADOLESCENTS IN THE SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF IN AHAFO AND ASHANTI REGIONS OF GHANA

ABSTRACT This study investigated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) knowledge and sexual behaviours of adolescents in the Bechem and Ashanti schools for the deaf located in the Ahafo and Ashanti Regions of Ghana respectively. Five research questions and five hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study hinged on the Attribution theory by Weiner (1935) and literature reviewed based on the research questions. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The purposive, proportional and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of one hundred and ten (110) students for the study. Self-constructed questionnaire was used to gather data from the students for the study. The data was analyzed descriptively into frequencies and percentages using SPSS software version 20. The ttest with 95% confidence level was used to test the five hypotheses. The results of the study indicated that although the students had some knowledge about HIV/AIDS, the ignorance of the majority about the diagnosis/symptoms, prevention, and the misconceptions they had regarding modes of transmission and cure of HIV/AIDS is a demonstration of gaps in knowledge. Most of the sexually active students engaged in behaviours that could make them susceptible to HIV infection. Students‟ risky sexual life could be attributed to their insufficient knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The study found no significant difference in HIV/AIDS knowledge between male and female adolescents and between students in Bechem and Ashanti schools for the deaf. Also, there was no significant gender difference regarding sexual behaviour. Similarly, no difference in sexual behaviour was found between the schools. The study however revealed a correlation between students‟ HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviour. The heads of Bechem and Ashanti schools for the deaf should organise workshops for their teachers on teaching strategies that can improve students‟ knowledge on HIV/AIDS. The heads of the schools should institute counselling measures to help reduce adolescents‟ engagement in high-risk sexual conduct.