Effectiveness of School-Based HIV/AIDS Prevention Programmes in Rural Southern Ethiopia: A Survey Research

Rural areas in Ethiopia often face challenges in implementing comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention programmes due to resource constraints and cultural barriers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including both quantitative surveys (n=300) and qualitative interviews (n=20) with educators and community members. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The survey revealed that students who participated in the programmes had significantly higher knowledge scores on HIV/AIDS than those who did not participate (p<0.05). School-based HIV/AIDS prevention programmes showed promise in enhancing student knowledge, though further research is needed to assess their broader impact and sustainability. Communities and schools should prioritise continuous education sessions and integrate preventive measures into existing curricula to maximise the programme's effectiveness.