The role of teacher trainees' in the management of behaviour change programmes in prevention and protection aganist HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Over the past 25 years, nearly 25 million people have died from AIDS in the world. In 2007, globally about one million people were living with HIV and AIDS and about 2.5 million people were newly infected with the virus. HIV causes debilitating illness and premature death in people during their prime years of life and devastated families and communities (UNAIDS, 2007). The purpose of the study was to establish the role of teacher trainees in the management of behavior change programs in preventing and protecting themselves against HIV and AIDS in three public primary teacher training colleges in Meru and Embu counties. The study involved 356 respondents (15 tutors and 341 teacher trainees). The researcher used questionnaires to collect data from tutors and teacher trainees. Stratified random sampling was used to get the sample size. The descriptive research design was used as it described the state of affairs as they were. A pilot study was carried out to help validate the research instruments. The data was tallied and frequencies got. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, graphs, and charts were used. The study found out that teacher trainees and tutors were aware and were involved in behavior change programs in place in colleges and social-cultural and religious factors affected the implementation of these programs. The study recommended that dark comers or pairing zone be lit and patrols made. The college administration to encourage tutors and trainees to be more involved in the management of behavior change programs and check on detrimental cultures. The research was conducted in an ethical manner so as to build, uphold trust and cooperation that was aimed at generating valid and reliable