KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUTE AND PRACTICE OF STUDENT TEACHERS ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND HIV/AIDS IN VIET NAM

This paper is based on the results of a study was implemented in 2009 by the IPSS–National Economics University of Vietnam, funded by Save Children US, The objective of the paper is to determine student teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practice relating to reproductive health (RH) and HIV/AIDS prevention. The study was conducted at Ministry of Education and Training and at four pedagogical institutions of Vietnam. The target population group includes national education officials, university officials and student teachers. The study utilized a combination of a desk review, qualitative and qualitative survey. Data analysed revealed that most student teachers had good basic knowledge but lacked key information and held mixed attitudes about RH and HIV/AIDS prevention. Student teachers are still keeping traditional point of view, were hesitant to share information on RH and HIV/AIDS prevention with other people. College’s or university’s courses and health care facilities were not frequently mentioned as information sources. Some recommendations were suggested on advocating for RH and HIV/AIDS prevention education in all pedagogical colleges and universities, on providing student teachers about in-depth information and skills on RH and HIV/AIDS prevention and on eliminating attitudes of stigma toward people living with HIV.