The role of assertiveness in the fight against HIV among secondary school students at Lubiri secondary school-KampalaThe role of assertiveness in the fight against HIV among secondary school students at Lubiri secondary school-Kampala

Abstract

The study was carried out in Lubiri Secondary School, Kampala. The study aimed at assessing the role of assertiveness in the fight against HIV among secondary school students. The study objectives aimed at; to investigate the benefits of assertiveness as a personal life skill in the fight against HIV among secondary school students; to identify barriers that continue to limit secondary school students’ access to services and meaningful youth participation in community-based responses to HIV; and to suggest essentials to strengthen secondary school students’ assertiveness and participation in community responses to HIV. The study adopted a descriptive research design which used a mixed methods approach of both qualitative and quantitative technique. The target population was head teacher, deputy head teachers, students and school counselors; equivalent to 10 respondents. Data was collected by use of an interview guide was majorly analyzed qualitatively. Findings of the research revealed that seeing young people (students) as collaborators and engaging with youth as partners; the greater and more meaningful involvement of students in the response to HIV; skills enable students to translate information about HIV/AIDS into protective behaviors; personal life skills have been shown to promote risk reduction in certain groups, behaviour change and reduced transmission; and contributing to strengthening the attitudes and intentions favoring HIV/AIDS prevention; these are the major benefits of assertiveness as a personal life skill in the fight against HIV among secondary school students. It was also revealed that anticipated stigma and/or discrimination associated with HIV; lack of interest or motivation among some young people regarding HIV; lack of funding for institutional support; and lack of support from other stakeholders; these are the major barriers that continue to limit secondary school students’ access to services and meaningful youth participation in community-based responses to HIV. It was further revealed that publicity and information sharing; donor leadership and funding; stakeholders’ cooperation and support; and formation of school clubs; and these are the major essentials to strengthen secondary school students’ assertiveness and participation in community responses to HIV. Basing on the above study findings, it is concluded that assertiveness has played a great role towards fighting against HIV among secondary school students in Lubiri S.S. It is x recommended that there is need to strengthen student’s participation in community responses, particularly demand creation and service uptake in the HIV response; and areas of further research were suggested.