EFFECTS OF HIV/AIDS ON YOUTHS IN

KIBWEZI SUB-COUNTY,MAKUENI
COUNTY

MUTIO FREDRICK MUENDO

INDEX NUMBER: 3251010004

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO

KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATION
COUNCIL {KNEC} IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF CERTIFICATE IN
SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION THROUGH
KIBWEZI INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL
STUDIES
MAY 2023
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this report is my
own original work and has not been
presented in any institution of learning
for an award of certificate.
NAME_______________________
DATE_________

Signature_________________
This research report has been conducted
under my supervision as the student supervisor.
NAME__________________________
Signature_______________
Date_______________
 DEDICATION
The study is dedicated to almighty father for giving
me good health throughout during undertaking this
research project work.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My sincere gratitude goes to my supervisor
Ms.Everlyine Nthenya of KIBWEZI INSTITUTE OF
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES whose advice, tolerance
and commitment were of great help.
Lastly but not the least I can’t forget to thank my
father and mother who persevered in the period of
my studies all through. May God bless them all!
 ABSTRACT
This study aimed at identifying the effects of
HIV/AIDS on youths to find ways of minimizing the
chances of their occurrence and where they occur,
minimize their effect as much possible. The study
adopted a combination of descriptive and
quantitative methods in a survey research.
Descriptive research determines and reports the
way things are, and attempts to describe such
things as possible behavior attitudes value and
characteristics. The study was located in Kibwezi
sub-county in accordance with single ton et al
(2001), who asserts that the ideal setting for any
study should be easy accessible to the researcher.
The study used two research instruments to collect
data from the respondents one of which was
parent’s questionnaire while the other were youths
questionnaire. These questionnaires were
personally developed and administered by the
researcher. The data collected was analyzed by
discussion of themes emanating from respective
research questions as well as by a discussion of the
contents within the identified themes quantitavely
and qualitively.The main findings of the study were
illustrated by use of graphs, tables and frequencies.
1.7 Scope of the study.
The study investigated the effects of HIV/AIDS on
children’s academic performance in youths at
Kibwezi sub-county. The center’s covered all youths
both public and private ones. This was in Athi zone
of Ikutha District. The zone has 23 centers attached
to primary schools however there are other
independent youths. The community in the zone
practices substance farming. The zone is served by
the Kitui-Kibwezi weather road though the bigger
part of the zone has very poor infrastructure.

1.8 Theoretical and conceptual framework.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW>

2.0 Introduction
Literature was reviewed under the following sub-
heading as per the variables of the study; however
there are some other sub-sections which bring in
other ideas related to the title being researched.
1. Levels of HIV/AIDS awareness.
2. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS affection and
infection.
3. Effects of HIV/AIDS on children’s holistic
development.
4. Intervention strategies on curbing HIV/AIDS
pandemic.

2.1 Level of HIV/AIDS awareness.

In both developed and developing countries it
cannot be taken for granted that facts about
HIV/AIDS are known. Muthoki (personal
communication 2011).
In view of this opinion it would be good to
briefly look into what AIDS is.
2.1.1 HIV/AIDS
 According to Wangari (2006) this is Human
Immune Deficiency virus which causes AIDS i.e.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
2.2.2 Transmission of HIV.
As discussed by Wangari (2006) the modes of
transmission of HIV/AIDS is as follows:-
1. Sexual intercourse 80%
2. Blood and blood contact 10%
3. Through transfusion
- Contaminated needles and syringes
- Sharing circumcision knives
4. Mother to child transmission 10%
- During pregnancy
- During delivery (carries the higher risk
about 60-70%)
- During breast feeding

2.1.3 Myths and misconceptions.

Several writers Kamau et al (2008), Wangari (2006)
and Njoroge (2008) have raised several myths and
misconceptions on causes of HIV/AIDS.
 Hugging
 Sharing of toilets
 Shaking hands
 Sharing clothes
  Living in the same house
 Mosquito bites
 Kissing
As argued by Wangari (2006) other people have it
that so fight the spread of HIV/AIDS:-
- It is better to have more than one wife in
case one is unwell or is away.
- The more wives you have the less you will
go to look for other sexual partners hence
decrease risk of HIV/AIDS.
- There are more women than men and
therefore, polygamy is advisable to keep
women off the streets.
In view of argument cited above Makau (2009) is of
the opinion that in Kenya today and elsewhere in
the World we have varied and rich cultures due to
our much ethnic groups. Each community holds
cultural practices dearly. Such practices include
polygamy, male and female circumcision,
midwifery, wife inheritance among others. Each of
these practices plays an important role in the life of
the community. However viewed in the light of
HIV/AIDS modes of transmission, these practices
can promote the spread of the infection.
2.1.4 Statistics on HIV/AIDS awareness in
urban areas.
YEARS 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Rural 0% 0% 20% 40% 50% 60% 85%
Urban 0% 2% 40% 50% 70% 80% 90%
Average 0% 1% 30% 45% 60% 70% 85%

Source primary source on estimates of

HIV/AIDS awareness in rural/urban areas.

HIV awareness Known HIV status

Men 99.3% 14.1%
Women 98.4% 12.8%

Increase on this awareness can be attributed to

HIV/AIDS campaign by PLWAS’S, NGO’S and
both MoE and MoH Mulwa personal
communication (2011).

2.2 The prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection and

affection.
According to Wangari (2006) President Daniel
Arap Moi (The 2nd Kenyan President) declared
HIV/AIDS as a national disaster in Kenya in
 1999. The 3rd Kenyan President Kibaki
vigorously promoted VCT in Kenya.
The following are estimates of HIV/AIDS status
by the year 2003 as per UNAIDS report for 2003
as cited by Wangari (2006)
- People living with HIV/AIDS – 37.8 million.
- Orphaned children 13 million.
- HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa 5
million.
According to 2003 Kenya Demographic Health
Survey:-
- People living with HIV/AIDS 1.1 million.
- National prevalence was 9.4%.
- HIV prevalence was almost twice as high
in urban areas as in rural areas i.e. 10%
and 6% respectively.
- The following table shows HIV/AIDS
prevalence per age group and gender wise
as illustrated by Wangari (2006).
Age group prevalence Women prevalence Men prevalence
15-19 3.5% 0.5%
20-24 8.7% 2.4%
25-29 12% 6.5%
30-34 11.6% 6.1%
35-39 11.8% 8.6%
40-44 10.8% 8.6%
45-49 4.7% 6%
- Deaths due to HIV/AIDS approximately 500 per
day.
- Orphans due to HIV/AIDS approximately 1.3
million.

2.3 Effects of HIV/AIDS on children’s Holistic

Development.
Several studies such as Swadener et al (2000),
Mwana Mwende, (2006) revealed that in many
Kenyan communities most parents value their
children and have high aspirations for them.
They hope that their children grow to be
disciplined, responsible and capable of leading
productive and healthy life.
2.3.1 Holistic development
As argued by kimanthi mandere, Kerigo (2001) development consists of several dimensions or aspects
which are interrelated and interdependent. These aspects include physical, social, emotional, mental,
spiritual language and moral. A youth who is usually an happy and cannot learn effectictfully.

2.3.2 Effects on cognitive development

According to Kimathi et al (2009) this entails

abilities to reason, think, plan things, recognize,
interpret, and compare etc. children’s mental ability
is developed through interaction with security is
talked to, listened to, offered a range of interesting
opportunities to explore and whose company is
enjoyed by the people around him or her will have
more advanced intellectual abilities compared to
one who is neglected.

2.3.3 Effects on social development

Social development refers to the ability to relate to
others interaction at various levels as discussed by
kimathi et al (2009).it involves respect , sharing,
cooperation ,feeling for others and the ability to
conceptualize self in a community and n the society.
In his opinion youth need to be equipped with
social skills to enable them develop positive and
acceptable behavior that will enable them to be
acceptable members of the society. Neuberger
(1997) in support of this elaborate some of the
ways this aspect can be stimulated. Some of these
are: showing love and concern , touch,hug,praising
,rewarding, training on self-control , providing
opportunities for them to interact with adults .
2.3.4 Effects on emotional development
Kimathi et al (2009) describes it as the development
of inner feelings about one self, other people and
situations .it also refers to the expression of inner
feelings and perception about one self .youth who
feel good about themselves are self-confident,
independent and relate well with others to
stimulate emotional development youths should be
encouraged and praised. They should be rewarded
and acknowledged on their efforts. This helps to
build self-esteem. According to kabiru and njenga
(2007) HIV and AIDS infected and affected person
have many worries and fears. Some may be angry
or confused.
2.3.5 Effects of HIV/AIDS on Health.
According to Ngonye, wachira, thanga (2002) AIDS
is a disease in which the body defense system
against disease is lacking. People with AIDS may
suffer from many types of diseases which the body
would otherwise fight quite easily. These diseases
are referred to as opportunistic infections. They are
called opportunistic because they lower body
immunity. Similarly the youth help will be adversely
affected in any case. Their healthy who contribute
to their holistic development will be affected.in this
case youth will have a delayed developmental
milestone.
2.4.0 Intervention strategies on curbing the
HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Many strategies have been put in place on how to
eradicate the pandemic but have failed. Some of
them as suggested by many researchers are:-
Abstinence, faithfulness among the married and use
of protective devices e.g. condoms. Rate of
infection and death rate is very high on productive
age. They should be shown why we should unite to
eradicate HIV/AIDS out of Kenya. Some of the
strategies he advocates include:-
 Abstinence
 Keeping only one sexual partner
 Use of protective devices such as condoms
 Use of VCT’s
 Education on HIV/AIDS
 Emphasis on moral living
 The community should a role model
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction.
This chapter focuses on the research design location
of the study, target population sampling techniques
used, research instrument data collection
procedures employed by the research during the
study.
3.1 research design.
Survey design was used. It was used for it collects a
lot of information on the subject to be studied. The
researcher used qualitative and quantitative
approach since the investigation required both
numerical and descriptive data presentation.

3.2 target population.

This study targeted public pre-schools alongside the
caregivers in Athi Zone of Ikutha District. It involved
all the youth’s centers, all the youth in the whole
division.

3.2.2 Sampling technique.

Sampling methods used where purposive, simple
random and systematic sampling. Purposive
method was used because some of the information
required by the study was considered sensitive and
very confidential. Responsible respondents were
targeting by this method. Random method was
used on other subjects simply to ensure that
respodents have equal chances to be used by the
study. Systematic method was also employed with
an aim of getting reliable information from the
respodents.

3.2.1 Sample size.

Purposive sampling was used on gathering data
from teachers at least 2 from every sub
county.systemic sampling for parents was used
while the others were randomly picked as for pupils
and sub county youths

3.3 Data collection procedure.

Permission letters were sought from the DEO
Kibwezi district Kibwezi division and finally from
local leadrs whicw were targeted by the study.

3.3.1 research instruments

The following instruments were used in data
collection.
3.3.2questionares.
This was given to local leaders,sub-chiefs and chiefs
who can read and write.there were closed and open
ended questions.questionares saves time, collects
all kinds of data and it is cheap for it can be mailed
to the respondents.

3.3.3interview schedules.
This was for any illiterate respondents or those who
may prefer to be interviewed.incase where
detailed information may be required interviewers
were to conducted.

3.4data analysis.
This study employed quantitative and qualitative
data analysis.data presentation was inform of
tables.These tables comprised of frequencies and
percentanges.bar graphs wre alsop used.
3.5limitation of the study.
The study was based in kinyambu of Kibwezi
district.to make it a success,the study observed the
following:-

i. Time-the resecher is a full time

employee.so there was limited time to visit
all the schools.questionares will therefore
be posted to the villages to collect data.it
was hoped that it would be returned to the
study in good time.the researcher only took
the tools where challenges were expected
either on illiteracy basis or on interview
schedule.

ii. Finances-use of money will highly be

controlled for the study is self
sponsored.the reseacher will only visit for
villages for interviews and when collected
information from illiterate respondents.
 CHAPTER FOUR:RESERCH FINDINGS AND
DISCUSSIONS.
4.0introduction.
The major purpose of this study was to investigate
the effects of HIV/AIDS on youths in Kibwezi Sub
County. The study used questionnaires and
interview schedule to achieve this. The
questionnaires were administered to youths and
educational centres.some youths were chosen
randomly from each village. There were 100%
participation on both the questionnaires and the
interviews which were conducted.
The intended objects wre as follows:-
a) To find out the level of HIV/AIDS awareness in
Kibwezi sub county.
b) To find out the prevalence of HIV/AIDS
affection and infection in youth centres.
c) To look in to effect of HIV/AIDS in youths
holistic development in the youth centres.
d) To find out the intervention strategies to
curb the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
4.1findings and discussions.
The following were the findings of the study as
represented by use of tables with frequencies and
percentages. Bar graphs were also used.
The researcher successfully involved both gender of
intended age bracket and most of the respondent
like the chiefs were of a long experience as shown
by the following table.
Table 4.1 Teaching Experience.
EXPERIENCE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
10 – 20 Years 10 30%
20 – 25 Years 5 30%
Over 25 Years 15 40%
TOTAL 30 100%
Table 4.2 HIV/AIDS Awareness
AIDS is transmitted through sex alone.
RESPONSE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
NO 12 60%
YES 8 40%
TOTAL 20 100%

As observed in the above table 60% 0f youths know

other causes of HIV/AIDS while 40% are of the
opinion that it is sex which transmits HIV/AIDS.
This can attribute to lack of awareness. On parents
awareness of HIV/AIDS their response was as
follows:-
Fig 4.1 Causes of HIV/AIDS.
Causes of HIV/AIDS.
14% 7%

21% 35%

deep
unsafe sex
punishment from God
23%
witch craft
Mother to child Transmission
Fig 4.2 HIV/AIDS awareness on teachers and
parents.
80

70

60

50
parents
40
teachers
30 Column1
20

10

0
several times twice once never

The above graph indicates that HIV/AIDS awareness

has not been created so far to the youths and adults
because 70% of the youths as well as 20% 0f the
teachers are not sensitized.
Table 4.3 number of orphans.
status frequency Percentage
Total orphans 20 44.44%
Single mothers 15 33.33%
Single fathers 10 22.22%
Total 45 100%

Table 4.4 causes of the state of orphanage.

response frequency Percentage
HIV/AIDS 20 20%
Other causes 10 40%
Unknown 20 20%
Total 50 100%
Table 4.5 guardianship for orphans.
Response frequency percentage
Grandparents 25 55.56%
Brothers/sisters 10 22.22%
Other relative 5 11.11%
Non relative 5 11.11%
total 45 100%

Fig 4.3 age group and gender infected by HIV/AIDS.

80

70

60

50
female
40
male

30

20

10

0
under 15 yrs 16 -20 yrs 21 - 30 yrs 31 -40 yrs over 40 yrs
Table 4.6 cases or signs of HIV/AIDS seen or heard
on youth in the centers.
centers frequency percentage
A 6 25%
B 12 50%
C 4 16.67%
D 0 0%
E 2 8.33%
Total 24 100%
The table above indicates that in all the centers
apart from center D cases or signs of HIV/AIDS
infection or affection were repeated. Center B leads
with 50% followed by center A with 25% then
center C with 16.67% and center E which has only
8.33% cases reported.
Fig 4.5 intervention strategies to curb the spread of
HIV/AIDS.
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Abstinance faithfulness use of protective Category 4 education and
devices sensitisation

Looking into the above figure use of protective

devices as condoms leads with 80% followed by
moral living with 50%.faithfulness took
40%,abstinence 30% and lastly education and
sensitization which took only 20%.There are hpes of
eradicating HIV/AIDS as per these measures.
CHAPTER FIVE:SUMMARY CONCLUTION AND
RECOMMENDATION.
5.O introduction
The aim of the study was to investigate effects of
HIV /AIDS on holistic development in youth centers
in Kibwezi sub county.the study was led by the
following objectives:-
-To establish the level of HIV/AIDS awareness
-To find out the effects of HIV/AIDS on youths
holistic development.
-To find out the interventions strategies on curbing
HIV/AIDS pandemic .
-To establish the prevalence of HIV/AIDS affection
and infection.
5.1 Summary and Discussion of the findings
On the basis of the objectives of the study, the
researcher found that:-
i. A good number of parents know what
causes HIV/AIDS.However it is alarming to
find that some attributes it to witch craft
and punishment from God.
ii. HIV/AIDS awareness has been created to
parents and youths .
iii. Ther are forty five orphans in the division in
youth centers.
iv. Most of the youths are under care of non
relatives.
v. Most of infected population is aged
between in (15 – 30)years.
vi. There are already notable signs of HIV/AIDS
in the centers which means there are some
youths who are not only affected by the
virus.
5.2conclusion.
From the findings of the previous section it can be
concluded that there are indeed many effects of
HIV/AIDS.interacting with these youths it is very
hard.Indeed the cost of living with HIV/AIDS is an
issue.most of the funds are either for treatment of
opportunist diseases and purchasing a very
expensive diet.
5.3reccommendation.
On the strength of the main findings and conclusion
of the study discussed in the previous sections are
going to be proposed in a bid to reduce this effect
or eradicate them once and for all.
I. There short be established a very hot
campaign on creation of awareness of
HIV/AIDS in the media,chief
barazas,schools,and in churches.
II. Voluntary counseling and testing centers
should be introduced in the division.
III. Every expectant mother should be tested of
HIV/AIDS before the child is born.
 REFERNCES
Gichuru (2003) Demographic Health Survey on AIDS Nairobi.

Kamau (2008) Myths / misconceptions on causes of AIDS unpublished

Maisha (2009)Kenya National AIDS strategic plan.Government press Nairobi

Kenya.

Mwana Mwende (2006) Child growth and development.Unpublished

Neuberger J.J (1997) HIV / AIDS Global outlook Watson publishers Mexico
U.S.A

Ngonye Wachira & Thange (2002) Health2.3.5Nairobi hiv/aids healing and

resourse center .phil publishers Nairobi Kenya.

Njenga & Kabiru (2007) Child growth and Development. Focus publisher ltd
Nairobi Kenya.
 RESEARCH TIME PLAN
DURATION ACTIVITY
December 2022 Approval of tittle
Jan – April 2023 Drafting of proposal in
preparation
April 2023 Proposal presentation
May – June Data collection analysis
interpretation/presentation
July 2023 Research report draft
writing
August 2023 Presentation of draft
I. December 2023 Fair copies presentation of
reports
 TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PRELIMINERIES
Cover page………………………………………………(i)
Declaration………………………………………………(ii)
Acknowledgement………………………………….(iii)
Dedication……………………………………………..(iv)
Abstract…………………………………………………(v)
Acronyms/Abbreviations……………………….(vi)