An impact evaluation of student teacher training in HIV/AIDS education: The case of the centre for continuing education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate changes in student teacher trainees at the Centre for Continuing Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana, after completing a course on the Human Immunodefi ciency Virus/Acquired Immune Defi ciency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). It particularly evaluated changes in relation to improving their level of knowledge on the transmission, stigmatisation, symptoms, prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. The study also considered stigmatisation, the attitudes of students towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their sensitivity to impart knowledge on the pandemic. A descriptive research design was used. The target population comprised all student teachers who had participated in the programme on reducing HIV/AIDS and stigmatisation through education. A sample size of 600 respondents randomly selected from 10 study centres throughout the country responded to a 32-item questionnaire. Section A of the questionnaire collected data on participants’ age, sex, study centre and level or year group. Section B focused on fi ve research questions. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the data. Findings from the study revealed that there was an increase in the knowledge of student trainee teachers on STIs, HIV/AIDS and stigma prevention, and their ability to discuss reproductive health and sexual issues. However, as student teachers were exposed to other HIV/AIDS materials and activities outside their written modules for the programme, it appears that not all of the changes were due to the programme.