“Level of Awareness of Sibugay Technical Institute Incorporated Grade 12

Senior High School Students towards HIV/AIDS”

Jeran James S. Morales

Grade 12 STEM
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1Background of the Study

From the time of Pre-1920s in Democratic Republic of Congo wherein HIV, crossed species

from chimpanzees to humans, has widely believed to be originated to the official first term

‘AIDS’ by Center of Disease Control and Prevention (Avert, 2018), HIV/AIDS has rapidly

established throughout the world over the past three decades and has emerged as the fast-

rising important epidemic public health problem.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the deadliest epidemic of our time. The

infective agent, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has already infected more than 60

million people around the world. United States Department of Health and Human Services in

their 2004 report showed that AIDS is the leading cause of infectious disease mortality,

surpassing tuberculosis and malaria. In 2008, about 68% of people living with HIV were in

sub-Saharan Africa with around 35% in eight countries alone. In 2005 and 2009, the G8 met

in Scotland and Italy and committed to achieving universal access to HIV prevention, care,

and treatment by 2010. However, universal access remains a dream for millions of people and

faces serious technical, economic and political challenges on a number of fronts around the

world.

According to UNICEF Philippines (2015), the current status of HIV/AIDS in the country

remains under 0.1% of the total population in 2015.Although, while the prevalence of HIV

and AIDS in the Philippines is still low , yet it has one of the fastest growing numbers of
HIV/AIDS cases worldwide. The country is one of only seven countries globally where the

number of new HIV cases has increased by over 25 per cent from 2001 to 2009 wherein new

infections are largely concentrated among key populations with specific risk behaviors. Such

behaviors contribute greatly to quick rise of new infection includes unprotected male-to-male

sex, transactional sex and intravenous drug use.

Addressing HIV and AIDS in youth requires that young people are provided the tools they

need to reduce their risk, make healthy decisions and get treatment and care if needed.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The youth is one of the most vulnerable groups as far as risk of HIV/AIDS is concerned given

that the early phase of becoming an adult, adolescence, is a sensitive period due to inadequate

and flexible mental, physical and social maturity thus must be provided with proper guidance

and teachings from the parents. An incomplete psychological development during this period

and peer group as well as numerous factors can ultimately influence results in adopting risky

behavior, in sexual-related stuffs specifically, making them more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

Globally, UNAIDS (2004) reported that almost of a quarter of people living with human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is under the age of 25 years and ever since.

Primary prevention of HIV infection for key populations must start in adolescence

mainly because infections now occur at a younger age.

Although the current and previous governments have done a good job in suppressing the

numbers from uncontrolled rising regarding HIV/AIDS, the researchers still believes that by

measuring the awareness level of the students, particularly in Sibugay Technical Institute
Incorporated, and equipping them the facts and killing the myths is the most so far excellent

way to further reduce, or much better to prevent, the cases of HIV and AIDS, hence, the study.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to determine the level of awareness by Sibugay

Technical Institute Incorporated grade 12 senior high school students towards HIV/AIDS.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Find out the misconceptions and myths involving HIV/AIDS of STII SHS students.

2. Determine the awareness level of STII SHS students regarding HIV/AIDS according

to gender.

3. Determine the general awareness level of STII SHS students regarding to HIV/AIDS.

4. Determine the awareness level of STII SHS students regarding to the methods of

prevention of HIV/AIDS.

5. Determine the awareness level of STII SHS students regarding to the modes of

transmission of HIV/AIDS.

1.4 Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were formulated and to be tested at .05 level of significance.

1. There is no significant difference of awareness level of STII SHS students regarding

HIV/AIDS according to gender.

2. There is no significant difference to the general awareness level of STII SHS students

regarding to HIV/AIDS.

3. There is no significant difference to the awareness level of STII SHS students

regarding to the methods of prevention of HIV/AIDS.

4. There is no significant difference to the awareness level of STII SHS students

regarding to the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study titled “Level of Awareness of Sibugay Technical Insititute Incorporated Grade 12

Senior High School Students towards HIV/AIDS” is significant and relevant in various ways.

To students, the results will provide the students with sufficient knowledge to arm

them with proper information regarding the HIV/AIDS as well as to break the existing

misconceptions, if any.

To future researchers, this study will also contribute to those who wished to make a

similar study since HIV/AIDS is a global rising issue with no official treatment.

To the community, as a whole, this research study will help raise awareness and will

contribute ultimately to the existing pool of knowledge and information regarding HIV and

AIDS.
 To the academe, this research will provide data that can be served as a basis for the

STII to establish a safer learning environment conduct HIV/AIDS-related program and help

promote HIV and AIDS awareness to its students and fellow universities.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation

The study primarily aims to determine the level of awareness of Sibugay Technical Institute

Incorporated Grade 12 Senior High School Students towards HIV/AIDS. The study that will

be conducted by the researchers would follow a cross-sectional research design and is

bounded within and will be sourced in Sibugay Technical Institute Incorporated, the senior

high school students, the colleges of ICT, Business Management, Hospitality Management,

Tourism Management, CTE, and Agriculture. Gender will also be investigated as a potential

variable in the awareness level of STII Grade 12 SHS students. The adopted and modified

instrument to be used in the study will be composed of 15 items related to HIV and AIDS and

will be distributed randomly to a sample size of 222 SHS students. The study will use the

mean and percentages as the primary statistical tool in the data analysis.Chi-square and T-test

will also be utilized in testing the hypotheses. A 95% desired validity and a 5% level of

significance will be utilized.

 CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature

2.1 HIV and AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A notorious virus responsible for

breaking down the most important immune system in the human body which are responsible

for defending you from harmful illness and diseases. With the damaged immune system, it’s

easier for you now to get sick and even die from infections that your body could normally

fight off.

According to Planned Parenthood (2019), about 1.1 million in the United States are

living with HIV, and more than 38,000 new infections happen annually. Most people with

HIV don’t have immediate symptoms for many years leaving the victim thinking he’s totally

fine.

In addition to its lethality, HIV doesn’t have a cure. Although you can take medicines

that could only lower or even stops the chances of it spreading to populace.
AIDS info (2019) expressed HIV attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells of

the immune system. The loss of CD4 cells makes it difficult for the body to fight infections

and certain cancers. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and

advance to AIDS.

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the most advanced

stage of HIV infection. As the disease’s name per se, it is acquired when the HIV-infected

body became so badly infected. NHS UK (2010) defined AIDS as a description of a number

of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system

has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.

HIV/AIDS is a chronic disease because the virus contains an enzyme that enables the

integration of the viral DNA into the host cell genome where it can persist. All HIV infected

people that express symptoms that indicate AIDS will be killed by the disease (Engleberg.

2007. pp 376). The human immunodeficiency virus weakens the host’s immune system and

with a weakened immune system the host is then more susceptible to opportunistic infections

and other pathogens, e.g. tuberculosis and malaria. So far, no cure or vaccine has been

discovered that could aid in the eradication of HIV/AIDS. The therapies that do exist are

antiretroviral therapies. The retroviral treatment does not eradicate the virus; it merely inhibits

the virus from replicating. Due to the high replication rate and mutation rate of the virus,

resistance towards the anti retroviral treatment can occur (Engleberg. 2007. pp. 380, 387-388).

2.2 Transmission
 HIV can be transmitted in a variety of ways, through sexual intercourse, through

intravenous drug use, from mother to child (parental exposures), through blood transfusion

and blood products, through organ transplants and through occupational transmission (through

exposure of infected blood or bodily fluids) (Nelson. 2007 pp 815). Transmission through

sexual intercourse accounts for approximately 75% to 80% off all HIV infections globally

(Nelson 2007 pp 816).

In sub-Saharan Africa there exist a lot of infectious diseases, these diseases interact with HIV.

Other sexually transmitted infections can increase the risk of HIV transmission, especially

infections that cause ulceration in the genital area such as genital Herpes (HSV-2) (Nelson.

2007 pp 805). Other STI‟s can add to the risk of HIV transmission due to an increased amount

of active CD4+ cells in the genital regions that act as hosts for the replication of HIV (Nelson.

2007 pp 806).

An uninfected female runs a slightly higher risk of contracting HIV when having vaginal

intercourse with an infected male than a uninfected male having vaginal intercourse with an

infected female. It is important to note that both males and females are at equal risk of

contracting the infection thorough anal intercourse. The type of intercourse has an effect on

HIV transmission; if the intercourse is traumatic (rough intercourse, such as rape, fisting and

anal intercourse) the risk of transmission is increased (Nelson. 2007 pp 816).

In developing countries, a major rural to urban migration is taking place. With the

urbanization often comes a higher prevalence of STI‟s, this is due to the increase of sexual

encounters which in its turn is an effect of many people gathering in one area (Nelson. 2007).
AIDSinfo (2019) expressed that spread of HIV from person to person is called HIV

transmission. The spread of HIV from a woman with HIV to her child during pregnancy,

childbirth, or breastfeeding is called mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by having anal or vaginal sex with someone who

has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines as well as sharing of injection such as

needles, with someone who is infected.

2.3 Methods of Prevention and Treatment

Anyone can get HIV, but you can take steps to protect yourself from HIV

infection. Getting tested and know your partner’s HIV status. Through testing for

positive or negative, you would be able to know if you’re infected or not. And

through communicating to your partner about HIV, you can apply preventive

measures to avoid being infected, if your partner is. Next, having less risky sex is

the ultimate prevention from getting HIV/AIDS given that HIV is mainly spread by

having anal or vaginal sex without a condom or without taking medicines to

prevent or treat HIV. Most common prevention, using condoms correctly also

contributes to ensure from getting this lethal virus. Next, limit the partners you

have. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to have a partner with

HIV whose HIV is not well controlled or to have a partner with a sexually

transmitted disease (STD). Both of these factors can increase the risk of HIV
transmission. Other method is to talk to your health care provider about pre-

exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an HIV prevention option for people who

don’t have HIV but who are at high risk of becoming infected with HIV.

PrEP involves taking a specific HIV medicine every day. Lastly, don’t inject

drugs. But if you do, use only sterile drug injection equipment and water and never

share your personal equipment with others. (AIDSinfo 2019)

2.1 Awareness Level

Shinde, M. et al. (2016) in their study reported it also showed that 86.72% of students

heard about HIV/AIDS. It also showed that 70.7% of secondary students use condoms as best

means of protection against the disease.

Yadav, S.B. et al. (2011) in a similar study showed 61% have heard about HIV/AIDS. It also

showed 82.75% were much aware of blood safety as a prevention to HIV/AIDS although low

scores were recorded regarding to in-depth concept of HIV/AIDS.

Lal, P. et al. (2008) reported in their study that all the participants have heard about

HIV/AIDS and scored 85.2% and 88.1% regarding the disease’s prevention and its mode of

transmission.

Chandramohan, S. et al.(2014) in their study showed that misconceptions about HIV/AIDS

were high among students regarding to the mode of transmission. It includes wrong beliefs

such as mosquito bites, sharing of meals, casual contact and using of public toilets.
 Chatterjee, P. et al. (2012) showed results that school children having various high

record of misconceptions such as hand shaking, kissing, sharing toilets and exchange of

clothes.

Singh, A. et al. (2009) revealed in their study that though a considerable percentage of

adolescents have correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS, yet they lacked in in-depth knowledge

about it.

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the detail of the research design, sample and sampling technique,

instrument for data collection, methods of data collection and analysis which will be

employed for the present study.

3.1 Research Locale

The location of the study will be conducted at Sibugay Technical Institute, Ipil

Zamboanga Sibugay
3.2 Research Design

The cross-sectional survey design will be utilized in the study. A cross-sectional study

according to Cherry (2018). involves looking at people who differ on one key characteristic at

one specific point in time. The data is collected at the same time from people who are similar

in other characteristics but different in a key factor of interest such as age, income levels, or

geographic location. The design is often used in developmental psychology, social science

and education and the choice of the design is relevant to the objectives of the study. Babbie

(1986) in support, he asserted that the design is considered one of the best available

descriptive types of design to the researcher who is interested in collecting original

information for purposes of describing a population that is fairly large. Ali (1996) in support

of this assertion also stated that a cross-sectional survey research design describes conditions

or situations of what is being studied as they exist in their natural settings. Following from the

above stated, the design is therefore, suitable for use in present study.

3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques

The sample size for the study will be consisting of 100 Senior High School (SHS)

students using the Slovin’s formula. The population for the study will be from the colleges of

of ICT, Business Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, CTE, and

Agriculture will be randomly selected by using a random number generator to avoid bias and

to ensure the reliability of data.

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection

 The instrument to be used in the gathering of data is adopted and will be modified and

be composed of 15 items related to HIV and AIDS. The questionnaire will be made into three

sections: A, B and C. Section A will comprise 5 items on general awareness to HIV/AIDS of

the respondents. Section B will comprise 5 items on the awareness level regarding to the

methods of prevention of HIV/AIDS while section C will have 5 items on the awareness level

of regarding to the modes of transmission of HIV/AIDS. The respondents will indicate their

degree of agreement or disagreement through ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. The respondents will check the

ones that apply to them.

3.5 Method of Data Collection

The questionnaire will be given alongside the consent letter as an important ethical

consideration to make sure that the participants are fully informed about the study. The

questionnaires will be distributed at a specific point of time. To those who would complete the

survey on the spot will be allowed to do so. To those who would not be able to do so, one day

is given to complete the survey in which after, the questionnaires will be collected by the

assigned researchers.

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

The data to be collected will subject to inspection for completeness of filling out and

will discard the incomplete questionnaire/s in order to maintain the completeness of data to be

collected and to avoid potential complications in the future. The information to be collected

will be coded on the computer using the Epi Info 7 software for data analysis. The study will
use the mean and percentages as the primary statistical tool in the data analysis. Chi-square

and T-test will also be utilized in testing the hypotheses. A 95% desired validity and a 5%

level of significance will be utilized.

CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

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