Knowledge, Risk Perception And Attitudes Of Learners With Visual Impairment Towards HIV& AIDS And Safer Sex Practices At Margaretha Hugo And Mutendi High Schools In Masvingo District (Zimbabwe)

Abstract: The study set out to interrogate the knowledge, risk perception and attitudes of learners with visual impairment towards HIV& AIDS and safer sex practices at two high schools in Masvingo District of Zimbabwe. The need to carry out the study was necessitated by the way people with visual impairment had not been taken aboard in the way information and education programmes and activities on HIV& AIDS were provided to them. The study used the qualitative paradigm to inform the study. The phenomenological research design was used. The major findings of the study were that learners with visual impairment generally had a comprehensive knowledge base about HIV & AIDS issues. It was also established that contrary to public perception, they regarded themselves as being at a high risk of infection of HIV& AIDS mainly due to being taken advantage of by sighted people for their not having sight as well as not accessing information in the preferred format. Information and education on HIV & AIDS was presented in the same way as it was packaged for sighted people and yet this did not take into cognisance the needs of people with visual impairment, in terms of either Braille or enlarged print. People with visual impairment were highly concerned and ceased by issues to do with safer sex practices even in the face of some sections of society harbouring myths that they were not sexually active. Lastly people with visual impairment were also aware of two major causes of HIV & AIDS namely unprotected sex with infected persons and use of sharp instruments at the expense of the other causes of the disease. The study recommended that information and education on HIV & AIDS be packaged and presented in a user friendly manner. It also recommended that policy makers should take a closer look at the interests of people with visual impairment on HIV & AIDS and consider their interests. Teachers and parents also needed to be properly and effectively oriented on assisting their students and children respectively on safe sex and the perception of risk factors involved with HIV AIDS.