Abstract

This study is set to determine the impact of the knowledge of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV,)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (HIV/AIDS,) among technical trainees on their sexual behavior. HIV/AIDS is currently the most threatening menace to the current and future generations. The national and county governments are employing intensive HIV/AIDS campaigns and have even provided a life skill curriculum to technical colleges. However, high levels of new infections are still being reported among the youths and technical trainees in particular. This could be attributed to low level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among them. The study was carried out in Matili Technical Training Institute, Kimilili- Bungoma sub-county, Bungoma County. Ex-post facto design was used. The target population of 350 trainees was used and a sample of 240 trainees, 155 male and 85 female was selected through stratified and proportionate simple random sampling methods. Data was collected by use of questionnaires which were self-administered by the researcher. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics namely, frequencies and cross-tabulations. The study findings indicated that on average 51% of the trainees do not have correct facts about HIV/AIDS. This is an indication of low knowledge level of HIV/AIDS and its impact on sexual behavior among the trainees. It was further observed that teenage sex is common among technical colleges’ trainees with 45% of all respondents being sexually active. Trainees engage in unprotected or casual sex since 80% of the sexually active youth revealed that they have never used a condom. The study recommends that precise and simplified HIV/AIDS information sources should be made available to technical Colleges’ trainees. These may include wall charts, brochures and HIV/AIDS information updates from the ministry of health; peer group directed programmes on sexual behavior and spread of a HIV/AIDS should be strengthened in the technical training colleges is hoped that the recommendations of this study are helpful in improving and re-inventing the findings and HIV/AIDS awareness campaign strategies in Kenya.