Attitudes of Tutors towards HIV/AIDS in Teachers Training Colleges in Coast and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

In Tanzania, tutors have been given a major role in creating awareness of HIV/AIDS and in ensuring sustainability of knowledge and skills to youth in particular to protect them. Using cross-sectional research design, we studied the attitudes of tutors towards HIV/AIDS in teachers’ training colleges in Tanzania. Our findings suggested that tutors were aware of transmission of HIV/AIDS but there was low indication of use of condom which is explained partly by the socio-cultural influences on their attitudes and life styles. Other factors included inadequate life skills, use of alcohol and attitudes towards voluntary counselling and HIV/AIDS testing. We recommend that the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) should formulate new strategies, possibly religion-based, to improve socio-norms and promote positive attitudes and awareness of HIV/AIDS challenges for students and tutors/teachers.

Key words: Attitudes, Tutors, HIV/AIDS, Teachers Training Colleges.