HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Risk Perception of Visually Impaired and Sighted Pupils in Kenya
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find out HIV/AIDS knowledge level, and perception of risk of
infection with HIV /AIDS, of visually impaired and sighted pupils. Differences between
visually impaired and sighted pupils HIV/AIDS knowledge and perception of risk of infection
were studied. Descriptive survey was used to collect data. The sample included 116 pupils.
The mean score for HIV/AIDS knowledge was 92.94% and 87.59% for sighted pupils and
visually impaired pupils respectively. The risk perceptions mean score for sighted and visually
impaired pupils was 71.08% and 68.03% respectively. There were significant statistical
differences between sighted and visually impaired pupils' knowledge of HIV/AIDS and
perception of risk of infection with HIV IAIDS. This study recommended the government and
other stakeholders increase education programmes to address misconceptions about
transmission and make available HIV/AIDS information in accessible formats for the visually
impaired through Braille, audio tapes and large print visual aids.