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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 6(4)

Attitudes and beliefs about HIV/AIDS behaviour and education among Tanzanian youth

Edward Maswanya A D , Graham Brown B and Gareth Merriman C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A National Institute for Medical Research, Headquarters, 2448 Ocean Road, PO Box 9653, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

B Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion Research, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U 1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

C Sexology Program, School of Public Health, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U 1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: maswanya@hotmail.com

Sexual Health 6(4) 293-299 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH08055
Submitted: 14 July 2008  Accepted: 20 September 2009   Published: 13 November 2009

Abstract

Background: Tanzania faced with an increasing problem from HIV sexual infection and vulnerability of students is a key concern. This paper explores beliefs, attitudes and behavioural perspectives on HIV/AIDS education among students in Tanzania as there has been few qualitative information on the subject. Methods: A total of 20 college students of both sexes were interviewed in a qualitative study. Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory were used to guide the interview and constant comparative analysis on their attitudes, beliefs, behaviour and education towards HIV infection risks were utilised. Results: During the interview, the following topics emerged: misinformation and desire for HIV/AIDS education program in school curricula; perceptions of one’s own and peer’s susceptibility to HIV infection; social norms regarding sexual behaviour and perceptions regarding access to education and health services. Lack of accurate information and lack of education at home and at school further contributed to risk behaviour. Conclusion: The study highlighted important perspectives of students towards HIV infection, risk behaviours which are important for HIV prevention programs for students. Based on the findings, recommendations for improvement in prevention programs among college students within Tanzanian schools context are discussed.

Additional keywords: college students, risk behaviour, school curriculum.


Acknowledgements

The authors thank AusAID and School of Public Heath of Curtin University of Technology, Australia, for financial support, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education of Tanzania for their permission to carry out the research. The authors also thank the students for their participations.


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ATime interval between HIV infection and testing positive for HIV.

BMeaning that the scrotum is full of sperm.

C(i.e. radio, newspapers and TV.)



Appendix 1

Interview Guide

I am carrying out research work on risk perception of HIV infection on college students in Tanzania. I would like to interview you for ~90 min to hear about your views on risk perception of HIV infection. The information gathered from this interview will be useful in establishing preventative measures against HIV infection among young people in Tanzania. The Ethics Committee of Curtin University has approved this research project questionnaire. I will be tape recording the session to assist me with filling out my questionnaire. Your responses will not be traced back to you, as you will remain an anonymous respondent. If you wish to ask any questions during the interview please feel free to do so. Please give as much information as you possibly can in answering the questions.

Demographic information

1. When were you born? (Month and Year)

2. Are you a student? Full-time or part-time?

3. What is your marital status?

4. What is your occupation?

5. What is your sex? (Male/Female)

6. Where do you live? (Private home/Hostel)

Risk perception among college students towards HIV infection

7. Do you consider yourself at risk of HIV infection?

8. If you have a sexual partner, tell me about him/her.

9. Tell me about your condom use during sex if you are sexually active.

10. Tell me about your number of sex partners, if any.

11. Tell me about your use of alcohol, if any, during sexual intercourse.

12. Tell me about your use of illicit drugs, if any, during sexual intercourse.