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Nathi Sohaba, Eka Esu-Williams,
Kenau Swart, Darleen Edwards, and Tobey Nelson. "Development of a curriculum module focusing
on abstinence and faithfulness designed to supplement the existing
life orientation HIV/AIDS education program." (Poster no. A247)
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives
Research has highlighted the contributions of a balanced ABC
(abstinence, faithfulness, and condom use) prevention strategy to
decreasing incidence of HIV. In South Africa, a previous study found
that a school-based life skills HIV prevention program demonstrated
positive outcomes related to condom use among youth, but had little
impact on attitudes and behaviors pertaining to abstinence and
faithfulness.
The objective of this project was to design a curriculum module
on abstinence and faithfulness that could be used to supplement the
existing Life Skills and HIV and AIDS Education Program in South
African schools.
Method
Workshops and meetings with key stakeholders revealed a need for
developing a module on abstinence and faithfulness (AB), grounded in
behavior change theory, to supplement and support the existing
primary school Life Skills and HIV and AIDS Education Program. A
team of South African experts in the field of life skills designed a
six-unit AB module, based on adaptations from several existing
curriculums, for sixth- and seventh-grade learners to be implemented by
trained teachers assisted by peer educators.
Educational and advocacy activities were carried out to elicit
community and government support for the module. These strengthened
the initiative considerably. Following pre-testing and module
refinements, eight teachers were trained to pilot the module in three
schools.
Results
Group discussions revealed that learners, parents, and teachers
had positive reactions to the Dare to Be Different module, citing the
engaging activities, helpful homework, and compatibility with the
existing life orientation learning program. Reported challenges to
implementation included variation in the learners’ general knowledge
regarding HIV and AIDS and sexual health, and limited available class
time.
Conclusion
An evaluation of the Dare to Be Different curriculum is planned
for the spring of 2007 among sixth- and seventh-grade learners at
nine primary
schools in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.
3rd South African AIDS Conference Web site
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