The Effects of HIV/AIDS on Performance of Primary Teachers in Hoima Town Council

Abstract

This study is about the effect of HIV/AIDS on performance of primary school teachers. The study was conducted in 10 selected primary schools in Hoima Town Council. Data was collected from a total of 142 respondents/informants through the use of questionnaires and interview guides. These comprised of 9 infected teachers and 133 other teachers and key informants such as head teachers and the District Education Officer. Data collected was analysed using descriptive and statistical measures to give meaningful inferences. The study revealed that one’s Sero status affects his/her performance. Specifically the study identified the effects of HIV/AIDS on Teachers’ regular attendance and performance in primary schools; it examined the effects of HIV/AIDS on teacher’s responsibility to prepare schemes and lesson notes; it assessed the effects of HIV/AIDS on teacher’s performance in teaching and examined the effects of HIV/AIDS on teachers’ participation in co-curricular activities. This study has established that HIV/AIDS affects teachers in teaching. The quality of instruction in the classroom diminishes as more and more teachers fall sick. This was blamed on the frequent bouts of sickness of either teachers or family members as they spend most of the time nursing themselves or the sick relatives.

The study recommends enacting the HIV/AIDS workplace policy, affirmative action for teachers weakened by HIV+, for example lighter teaching load, exemption from teaching candidate classes, facilities for resting at school. It also recommends sensitization of learners and other teachers against stigmatizing teachers; need for concerted effort towards HIV/AIDS prevention programmes on a community level and the need for voluntary counseling and testing should be emphasized.