Influence Of Pentecostalism And Psychoeducation On Hiv/Aids Prevention Among Young School Age Children (5-9years) In Western Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the influence of Pentecostalism (church teaching) and psycho-education on the HIV/AIDS prevention awareness of young children aged 5-9years. A control group design with a pre and post test was used. The results of the analysis revealed a significant main effect of church (Pentecostalism) for (a) length of time children engaged in interactive play with each other irrespective of their status X=396.8 vs260.7 (b) children's initiation of connecting others to the lyrics X=6.4vs2. (c) Children's engagement (i.e. time duration) of connecting others to lyrics X=187.6 vs121.2 .The results further indicated that the control group (non church group) spent less time on the interactive play activities. The children in Pentecostal group exhibited more connecting behaviour with their church teachers and passing on the lyrics to other groups, as reflected by both the frequencies of initiation and the time duration. This study has shown that the participants have been neglected from HIV/AIDS awareness creation. There is need for increased attention on HIV/AIDS awareness for the children of this age group (5-9). In the same vein, the religious bodies especially churches should be encouraged to anchor part of their moral teachings on socio- education via HIV/AIDS.

Keywords:Pentecostalism, Psycho education, HIV/AIDS, Prevention, and School Age children.

IFE PsychologIA Vol. 16 (2) 2008: pp. 1-15