An investigation of the physiological and socio-psychological needs of human immuno-deficiency syndrome orphaned children in some selected divisions in Nyeri district

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate on the needs of I IIV/AIDS orphaned children in some selected divisions of Nyeri District. It also intended to find out who meets the needs of the HIV/AIDS orphaned children. The study used descriptive research method to collect Data structured questionnaires were personally administered to guardians and to orphaned children in the sampled secondary schools. An interview was also conducted with the deputy head teachers and teacher counselors in the sampled schools. A total of 93 respondents successfully filled the questionnaires. They included 54 students orphaned by FIIV/AIDS from four selected schools and 39 guardians of HIV/AIDS orphaned children. A total of four head teachers and four teacher counselors were also interviewed. The study revealed that the HIV/AIDS orphaned children had the following needs: Food. clothing, shelter, medical care, love, and guidance and counseling The findings revealed that most students felt that their needs were met by their guardians. However the study also revealed that .the schools offered no special attention to the orphans hence the orphans had a lot socio-psychological problems within the school. The study recommended that the schools should play a more active role in helping the HIV/AIDS orphaned children adjust. The study also recommended that although 11 the government gave financial assistance to some of the guardians of HlV/AlDS orphaned children, they should increase on this financial support so that they could ensure that the orphaned children remained in school as much as possible.