Attitudes toward condom education amongst educators for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents in South Africa

BACKGROUND Disabled adolescents are at a critical time in their psychosocial and sexual development. AIM This study explores the attitudes of educators working in schools for Deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils in South Africa toward condom education for their pupils. METHODS We conducted a combination of individual in-depth and joint interviews with a total of 27 participants. The sample comprised educators, school psychologists, school nurses and teaching assistants. RESULTS Results showed that educators were aware of the HIV risk for their pupils and reported the risk of sexual abuse or premature sexual activity as being risk factors for HIV infection. None of the schools had a written condom education policy. Whilst some schools were integrating condom education in existing school curricula, others faced moral or religious dilemmas in doing so. There were differences in attitudes, both amongst schools and amongst educators in the same schools. CONCLUSIONS Given the context of a burgeoning HIV epidemic, it is vital to address adequate condom education in schools.