Mbutitia F. N
ABSTRACT
There is need to address the ways in which HIV and AIDS psychosocial stressors influence girl-child education. In areas with high HIV and AIDS prevalence the psychosocial stressors are common. This study established that the coping strategies used by girls with HIV and AIDS psychosocial stressors, affect their performance in school. I used the transactional theory of coping process. Girls infected or affected by HIV and AIDS pandemic were purposively sampled and snowball method used to trace girls who were out of school. The sample comprised of 148 teachers from 30 schools, 79 infected and 215 affected girls in school and 15 out of school. Four methods of collecting data were used namely: questionnaire, document analysis, observation and interviews. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. The study established that girls used maladaptive coping strategies like missing lessons and school, not doing schoolwork while others dropped out of school. In the face of HIV and AIDS psychosocial stressors, girls need support to develop adaptive coping strategies. With support, girls will build resilience; thus continue being a resource to their families, communities and the nation at large.
Key Words: Coping Strategies, HIV and AIDS, Psychosocial Stressors, girls
Contact: Mbutitia F. N; Moi University, Department of Educational Psychology,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To cite this article: Mbutitia F. N (2013). Challenges of Coping with HIV and AIDS Psychosocial Stressors, Journal of African Studies in Educational Management and Leadership,
Available online December 2013
Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.kaeam.or.ke
©2013 Kenya Association of Educational Management and Leadership. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED