The effects of HIV/AIDS on performance among secondary school students in Yatta district Machakos county

Abstract

The study sought to find out the effects of HIV/AIDS on performance among secondary school students in Yatta district in Machakos county. The objectives of the study included; finding out the effects of HIV/AIDS on performance among secondary school students in Yatta district Machakos county, findin out the factors which lead to the spread of HGIV/AIDS in yatta district Machakos county and finding out the support given to students affected and infected by HIV/AIDS at family and school levels. The study adopted descriptive survey research design.The respondents comprised of 5 principals,4 guidance and counselling teachers,4 class teachers and 17 students from 5 schools.The data was collected using questonaires and interview schedules.Quostionaire were closed ened and open ended the test retest method of assessing reliability of data was used to test reliability of the research instruments.Descriptive methods were employed to analyze data and data was presented in form of tables and graphs that facilitated description and explanation of the study findings.From the findings it was noted that HIV/AIDS posed a great challenge to the learners leading to poor performance this was based on the fact that it affected the students more economically leading to poverty hance provision of basic needs such as food and clothing was a great challenge. The researcher then made recommendations to the teachers, religious groups, ministry and playmates to offer guidance and counselling services to the affected and the infested students and to avoid any instances of neglecting them because it would worsen the situation.