HIVAIDS knowledge and sexual behaviours among adolescents with hearing impairments in selected special schools for the deaf in Ghana

Abstract

This study explored HIV/AIDs knowledge and sexual behaviours of adolescents with hearing impairments (HI) in some special schools in Ghana. The study employed mixed method designs to achieve its objective. A cluster sampling technique was used to sample the respondents. Self-constructed questionnaire, which was made up of HIV/AIDs Knowledge and sexual behaviour scales, was administered to three hundred and ten (N=310) adolescents from four (4) special schools in four regions of Ghana. Interviews and focus group discussions were used in gathering the data. The data analysis strategies used in the study included frequency distribution tables, mean scores, standard deviation, t-test and correlations through the use of SPSS software version 17.0. Open, axial and selective coding systems were used to analyse qualitative data. Results of the study showed that although adolescents with HI were aware of HIV/AIDs, they had limited knowledge of HIV/AIDs; most of them were engaged in sexual behaviours that placed them at high risk of contracting HIV, and that risky sexual behaviours could be predicted from adolescents with HI lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDs. There was a statistically significant difference between female and male adolescents’ knowledge of HIV/AIDs as well as their involvement in risky sexual behaviours. It is recommended that all stakeholders should work collaboratively to intensify education on HIV/AIDs by using sign language to ensure that information needed by individuals with HI is captured and this should be part of the national HIV Strategic Plans (NSPs). Free health care and counselling services should be provided for persons with disabilities. Also emphasis should be placed on knowledge of HIV/AIDs when planning programmes for HIV/AIDs education and both genders should be involved.