AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #25 - Providing HIV prevention education for youth with disabilities in South Africa
Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Poul Rohleder - Anglia Ruskin University
Additional Authors: Prof. Leslie Swartz, Prof. Arne Henning Eide, Dr. Margie Schneider,
Aim: The international literature suggests that people with disabilities may be at increased risk for HIV, yet have been largely overlooked in HIV prevention campaigns. This paper reports on findings of a study in South Africa exploring challenges faced by schools for learners with special education needs in providing HIV prevention education for youth with disabilities
Method / Issue: A survey questionnaire was completed by 34 schools in the Western Cape province of South Africa (representing 53% of initial sample), exploring school’s perception of the HIV risk and the provision of HIV prevention education for people with disabilities. Further data was collected from an interview-based study, involving 21 people involved in HIV prevention education at schools for learners with disabilities
Results / Comments: The respondents felt that people with disabilities may be at increased risk for HIV, citing sexual abuse and exclusion from general HIV education campaigns as particular factors increasing vulnerability. The extent to which HIV prevention education was being provided at schools varied, and participants mentioned various challenges, including lack of appropriate educational materials, barriers to communication and discomfort about the sexuality of people with disabilities. Many schools have a strong Christian ethos, and staff members are also concerned about issues of morality and sex
Discussion: Although HIV prevention education is included in the national curriculum for schools, the quality and quantity of this education varies among schools. HIV education for youth with disabilities present a considerable challenge for educators who may be particularly anxious about the sexuality of disabled people and to be seen to be promoting sexual activity. The paper highlights the need to develop and evaluate specifically adapted HIV prevention education programmes for people with disabilities, across all types of disabilities
Go Back