Factors predisposing primary school teachers to risk of sexually related HIV/AIDS infection in Singida rural district.

Abstract

The risk of sexually transmitted HIV I AIDS among primary school teachers has been expressed by researchers in various parts of sub Saharan Africa. Mortality among teachers due to AIDS and AIDS related conditions has been reported to be high including here in Tanzania. A few studies have been conducted in Tanzania regarding HIV I AIDS among primary school teachers. Similarly minimal publications concerning factors predisposing the teachers to sexually related HIV I AIDS are available. This study therefore, focused on the important factors which if worked upon will reduce HIV I AIDS among the teachers, other professionals and the general population.

The broad objective was:- To determine the behavioural and Economic factors predisposing primary school teachers to risk of sexually related HIV I AIDS infection in Singida rural district. The specific objectives of the study aimed at determining whether level of knowledge, attitude and behaviour, as well as economic status predispose the primary school teachers to sexually related HIV/AIDS. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted during the period May - August 2004 where the study population comprised of primary school teachers from 42 selected primary schools as the main elements, and the education administrators and community members for provision of supporting information. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select the wards and the primary schools. All primary school teachers found in respective selected schools during data collection were involved in the research. A total of 377 teachers were researched. Forty five education

Vlll administrators and 39 community members were also researched. Data collection tools included close and open ended questionnaires and an interview guide. Ethical clearance was ascertained before starting data collection. Data analysis was through EPI6 computer program where appropriate statistical tests were carried out. It was found that 90.2% of all teachers interviewed were highly knowledgeable about AIDS infection, transmission and prevention. 3.7% had negative attitude against preventive measures more of them being males than females. 54.6% of respondents expressed high risk sexual behaviour with respect to spreading of HIV / AIDS. On economic status 80.1 % of the teachers expressed inadequate income and 36.3% of them depended upon their sex partners for income support, majority of them being females. In conclusion, the main factors predisposing primary school teachers to sexually related HIV / AIDS are behavioural, that is attitude and behaviour, and economic constraints. Recommendations: The school HIV / AIDS should be reviewed to target both the pupils and their teachers with focus on both raising awareness and behavioural change communication, and on economic issue all teachers should be persuaded to enroll in the Savings and credit society so that they can get loans to relieve their deficits. The research costed Tshs. 1,267,000/= to complete.

IX Dissemination of research findings: The findings from this study will be disseminated to the following bodies:- Muhimbili University college of Health Sciences library, Ministry of National Education, District Executive Director's office- Singida rural, Ministry of health and the World Health Organisation.