Evaluation of athletes' knowledge of HIV/AIDS: the case of Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

The study investigated the sexual, sex risk-taking behaviours, and knowledge on transmission, prevention and voluntary counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS among university athletes. Data were collected through questionnaires from 64 male and 46 female athletes who had volunteered to take part in the study at Kenyatta University. Data were analysed through chi-square and student t-test of independent samples. Findings revealed no significant differences between male and female athletes on knowledge of sexual risk taking behaviour, mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS and Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV/AIDS while a significant difference was found regarding knowledge on modes of prevention of HIV/AIDS. It is recommended that coaches need to integrate training of athletes with HIV/AIDS education. Health care facilities for VCT should be availed to the athletes and they need to be enlightened on their lifestyle behaviours, which predispose them to the pandemic of HIV/AIDS.


Key Words: University athletes, HIV/AIDS, voluntary counseling and testing.


AJPHERD Vol.10(3) 2004: 193-203