N.J.A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
USING VISUAL AIDS AND MULTIMEDIA RESOURCES TO HELP PUPILS
DISCOVER THE STAGES OF HIV INFECTIONS AND THE ASSOCIATED
SYMPTOMS IN BUSA M/A TENDAMBA JHS
ABDULAI FATIMA
2023
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the Study
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is a slow acting retrovirus. HIV is transmitted by
unprotected sexual intercourse, contaminated blood used for blood transfusions,
needles contaminated with HIV, prenatally/perinatally, and by breastfeeding
(Alexander, 2019). By the end of 2007, an estimated 33 million people worldwide were
living with HIV of which 2.7 million were new infections and there were two million
HIV/AIDS related deaths. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years accounted
for 45% of new HIV infections worldwide (Zinyemba, Pavlova & Groot, 2019)
The primary mode of transmission of HIV in the Caribbean is through heterosexual
contact although the virus is also spread through homosexual and bisexual contact, and
to a small extent, intravenous drug use (Zinyemba et al., 2019). Since that time, every
country or island in the Caribbean has residents that are either HIV positive or have a
diagnosis of AIDS (Penn Medicine, 2022). Seventy percent of the HIV/AIDS cases in
the English-speaking Caribbean occur in the age group 15 to 44 years old (Zinyemba
et al., 2019).
Research published in 2002 indicated that life issues that are of concern for the
adolescent population of Tobago include limited resources and information about
sexual health (Abubakar et al., 2016). In 2005, six females between the ages of 10 to
14, 49 females between the ages of 15 to 19, and eight males between the ages of 15 to
19 tested HIV positive (Sime et al., 2018). By the end of the third quarter of 2007, no
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teenagers 10–14 years of age were diagnosed with HIV, but in the 15–19 age group, 2
males and 14 females tested positive for HIV (Sime et al., 2018).
Adolescents view themselves as being unique and as such immune to disease and death.
their thinking is that something bad will happen to someone else, not me (Elkind, 1967
cited in Alexander, 2019). In the case of HIV/AIDS, adolescents may view others as
being vulnerable to the disease while they are invulnerable. This personal fable can lead
the adolescent to engage in risky behaviour and/or not use precautions when engaging
in sexual activity. Teenagers often do not plan their first sexual experience; it simply
happens. The fact that sexual intercourse just “happens” indicates that the teenager was
not prepared for the activity and more than likely has not taken precautions to prevent
pregnancy or the transmission of disease (Zinyemba et al., 2019).
In a preliminary interaction with Basic 8 pupils of Busa Tendamba M/A JHS, most of
them indicated that they received information about HIV/AIDS from the radio, local
television broadcasts, posters/pamphlets, and public health/social workers. While
students reported receiving information about HIV/AIDS in the school, the content of
the information was not ascertained. While the incidence of HIV/AIDS is currently
comparatively low in teenagers, it is important to increase pupils understanding and
awareness of HIV regarding the stages of HIV infection and the associated symptoms.
1.1 Perceived Problem
The researcher discovered that there is limited effectiveness of traditional methods of
teaching about HIV infections in JHS settings. The researcher further perceived that the
traditional approaches, such as lectures or textbook-based learning, may not sufficiently
engage and educate pupils about the stages of HIV infections and the associated
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symptoms. This can lead to misconceptions, inadequate knowledge, and potential gaps
in understanding among JHS pupils regarding HIV.
1.2 Diagnoses
Lack of Engagement and Interest: Traditional teaching methods, such as lectures or
textbook-based learning, may fail to engage and capture the interest of Busa Tendamba
M/A JHS pupils when it comes to understanding the stages of HIV infections and the
associated symptoms. This lack of engagement can lead to limited attention, reduced
motivation, and decreased retention of information. Therefore, addressing the perceived
problem, it is important to note that further validated through research and empirical
evidence is vital, necessitating the conduction of this study.
1.3 Statement of the Study
HIV is a significant global health concern, and education plays a crucial role in
prevention and control. However, traditional teaching methods in Busa Tendamba M/A
Junior High School settings may fail to effectively engage and educate pupils about the
stages of HIV infections and the associated symptoms. This can lead to misconceptions,
inadequate knowledge, and potential gaps in understanding among JHS pupils
regarding HIV.
Investigating this problem is essential as it aims to enhance pupils' understanding and
awareness of the stages of HIV infections and the associated symptoms. By utilizing
visual aids and multimedia resources, educators can create an interactive and engaging
learning environment that promotes accurate comprehension, retention of knowledge,
and effective HIV prevention strategies among Busa Tendamba M/A JHS pupils.
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1.4 Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of the research is to help Busa Tendamba M/A Junior High School
pupils to discover to discover the stages of HIV infections and the associated symptoms
using objectives of using visual aids and multimedia resources.
1.5 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are;
1. To identify the challenges pupils face in understanding the stages of HIV
infection.
2. To increase pupils’ awareness and understanding of the stages of HIV infection
using visual aids such as posters, diagrams, and infographics to enhance pupils'
comprehension and retention of the information.
3. To help pupils recognize and understand the associated symptoms of HIV
infection at each stage using visual aids and multimedia resources.
1.6 Research Questions
The following research questions are formulated to guide the conduction of the study.
1. What difficulties do pupils face in understanding the stages of HIV infection?
2. How would visual aids such as posters, diagrams, and infographics enhance
pupils' comprehension and retention of the stages of HIV infection?
3. How would visual aids and multimedia resources aid pupils to recognize and
understand the associated symptoms of HIV infection at each stage?
1.7 Significance of the Study
Education plays a crucial role in HIV/AIDS prevention. By using visual aids and
multimedia resources, the study help raise awareness among Busa Tendamba M/A JHS
pupils and other pupils in other basic schools in Ghana about the risks, transmission
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methods related to HIV infections. This knowledge may empower pupils to make
informed decisions and adopt safe behaviors to protect themselves and others.
Additionally, the findings of the study are also anticipated to promotes the practical
application of knowledge. The findings may increase pupils’ awareness and
understanding in order to aid them develop skills to educate their peers, families, and
communities about HIV infections, leading to a multiplier effect in spreading awareness
and prevention strategies.
Finally, the outcomes of the study will inform educators, curriculum developers, and
policymakers on the importance of incorporating visual aids, such as posters, diagrams,
and infographics, along with multimedia resources, including videos and interactive
presentations into HIV/AIDS education programs, ultimately contributing to more
effective and engaging teaching practices in JHS settings.
1.8 Delimitation of the Study
Geographical, the study will focus on a Busa Tendamba M/A JHS within the Wa
municipality of Upper West Region. The findings may not be applicable to JHS settings
in other areas of countries, as educational contexts, cultural norms, and resources can
vary. The study is primarily focus on the stages of HIV infections and the associated
symptoms, limiting the exploration of other aspects related to HIV prevention, testing,
treatment, and psychosocial aspects. The findings may not encompass a comprehensive
understanding of HIV/AIDS.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
One limitation of the study is that, the availability and quality of visual aids and
multimedia resources limited access to technology, reliable internet connectivity, or upto-date multimedia resources could affect the study's implementation and outcomes.
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Another limitation is that the findings of the study is specific to only Busa Tendamba
M/A JHS setting where the research is conducted. The results may not be easily
generalized to other schools or regions as educational context, resources, and student
populations can vary.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter focuses on review of literature. The review is organised and presented in
the following subheading: Meaning of HIV, stages of HIV Infections, symptoms of
HIV difficulties Pupils face in understanding the stages of HIV Infection,
2.2 Meaning of HIV
According to Vidya Vijayan et al. (2017), HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a
viral infection that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting the Clusters of
differentiation 4 (CD4) cells (CD4 are white blood cells that fight infection), which
play a crucial role in defending the body against infections and diseases. The authors
explains that HIV is primarily transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood,
semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission are
through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and
from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
(Sime et al., 2018).
According to Sime et al. (2018), once a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus
replicates and gradually weakens the immune system, leading to a progressive
deterioration of the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. If left untreated,
HIV infection can progress to a more advanced stage known as AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
2.2 Stages of HIV Infections
Kaplan (2023) documented that HIV infection typically progresses through three
stages:
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Frist Stage: Acute HIV Infection - This stage occurs within a few weeks after
contracting the virus. During this stage, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms
such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, and muscle aches. Some
people may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms.
Second Stage: Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV Infection) - This stage, also known as
the chronic or asymptomatic stage, can last for many years. During this period, the virus
continues to replicate, but at lower levels. People in this stage may not experience any
significant symptoms, but the virus is still active and can be transmitted to others.
Third Stage: AIDS (Advanced HIV Infection) - AIDS is the most advanced stage of
HIV infection. At this stage, the immune system is severely weakened, leaving
individuals susceptible to various opportunistic infections and certain types of cancers.
AIDS-defining illnesses include tuberculosis, pneumonia, certain types of cancers
(such as Kaposi's sarcoma), and severe weight loss (Abubakar et al., 2016).
2.3 Symptoms of HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and the symptoms of HIV can vary
depending on the stage of the infection (Kaplan, 2023). According to Kaplan (2023), in
the first stage (Acute HIV Infection), within days or weeks of exposure to the virus, a
person may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat,
swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. Kaplan argued that these symptoms may last for a
few days or several weeks.
Pietrangelo and Cherney (n. d) argued strong that in the Chronic HIV Infection stage
(second stage), often, there are no symptoms during this stage. The authors however,
explains that if it is not treated, eventually the virus will weaken the body's immune
system. Then the infection will progress to AIDS.
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According to Penn Medicine. (2022), in the late stage of HIV infection, the immune
system is badly damaged, and the body cannot fight off other infections, called
opportunistic infections (OIs). OIs are infections that happen more frequently or are
more severe in people who have weakened immune systems. Some common symptoms
of AIDS include weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
People with AIDS may also develop opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia,
tuberculosis, and certain types of cancer (Penn Medicine, 2022).
2.4 Difficulties Pupils face in Understanding the Stages of HIV Infection
Pupils may encounter several difficulties when it comes to identifying and
understanding the stages of HIV infection (Abubakar et al., 2016). Some these
difficulties include but not limited.
Limited Prior Knowledge: Pupils may have limited prior knowledge about HIV and
its stages. They may not have received comprehensive education on the topic, which
can make it challenging for them to identify and understand the stages of HIV infection
(Abubakar et al., 2016).
Complex Medical Terminology: The stages of HIV infection involve complex
medical terminology and concepts that may be difficult for pupils to grasp.
Terminology such as seroconversion, viral load, CD4 count, and opportunistic
infections may be unfamiliar and require additional explanation and simplification
(Makuru, Simba & Kalinga, 2019).
Lack of Visual Representation: Without visual aids or multimedia resources, pupils
may struggle to visualize and conceptualize the stages of HIV infection. Visual
representations can help students better understand and remember the progression of
the virus and associated symptoms (Makuru et al., 2019).
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Limited Practical Application Opportunities: Pupils may struggle to see the realworld relevance or practical application of understanding the stages of HIV infection.
Without opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, pupils may find
it challenging to connect the information to their own lives or develop appropriate
behaviors and attitudes towards HIV prevention (Abubakar et al., 2016).
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Grace, B., Khamis, K., & Charles, R. N. (2016). Everyone has a secret they keep
close to their hearts’: challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV infection
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