Article

In South Africa, little is known how HIV prevention education is
implemented in schools for learners with disabilities. This article reports on
findings from a study exploring the extent to which HIV education is reached to
people with disabilities in South Africa, and the challenges faced by educators
providing HIV prevention education to learners with disabilities. METHOD: A
survey questionnaire completed by 34 schools for learners with special education
needs in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Additional complimentary data
were collected through interviews with a total of 21 members of staff at schools
for learners with disabilities. RESULTS: Respondents recognise the importance of
providing HIV prevention education for people with disabilities. Staff reports
some challenges in providing HIV prevention education: barriers to communication;
discomfort about issues of sexuality and disability; disagreements among staff
about what is appropriate content for sexual health education; and fears of
promoting sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for HIV prevention
education to be specifically customized to the needs of the specific population.
A general programme, which is included as part of a general curriculum and
generally tailored to "mainstream" schools, would need to be adapted according to
specific needs and disabling barriers faced.

Langue : ANGLAIS