The Relationship between HIV Knowledge and HIV Protective Behaviours among University In-Service Teachers

This paper presents findings from a study that was conducted on a sample target population of 557 university teacher trainees in two universities, that is, Makerere University College of Education and External Studies in Uganda (MUCEES) and Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) in Tanzania. The purpose and objective of the study was to discuss the relationship between HIV knowledge and HIV protective behaviours amongst this population. The research participants who were selected using systematic random sampling were subjected to two types of research instruments, that is, the HIV knowledge (both general and comprehensive knowledge) scale and the HIV-protective behaviours scale. Data was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings show that although the relationship between HIV knowledge and HIV protective behaviours is positive, it is not statistically significant (p=0.942>0.05). Hence, although an increase in HIV knowledge is related to a increase in HIV protective behaviours, the former is not a significant factor in explaining the latter. These findings contradict what the Social Exchange Theory (Hormans, 1993) advances, that is, basing on knowledge (HIV knowledge), people are bound to assess their behaviours basing on both projections and behavioural outcomes, which automatically influences the decisions they make about behaviour. This calls for more HIV sensitisation programmes and behaviour change strategies among young adults