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.
Description:
A Thesis in the Department of SPECIAL EDUCATION, Faculty of
EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies
University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
award of the Doctor of Philosophy (SPECIAL EDUCATION (EHI) degree