7 What would you do? - Case studies on transmission

Purpose

Stories about people’s lifestyles, their risk of HIV and what they can do to prevent the spread are an effective way to describe risk situations to students in a realistic way.

What the teacher does

1. Decide how to teach this activity:

a) Give each student an activity sheet and have them follow the instructions.

b) Read each story to the students, ask them the questions under each story and put the risk continuum on the board. Ask various students to put the name of the character on the continuum where they think that person’s risk is located (only one activity sheet is needed).

c) Divide the class into three groups with a leader in each group. Give each leader one of the stories which they will read to the rest of the group. The group will then answer the questions and come to a consensus as to what risk the person in their story has for HIV/AIDS/STD. The leader will report on the answers (only three activity sheets needed or cut three stories out of one activity sheet).

2. Take up the answers with the students. Possible answers are provided below:

· Story 1

a) What could Natombie tell his mother about the spread of HIV?
He could say that there is no chance of him getting HIV/AIDS because it is only transmitted during unprotected sex and by dirty (bloody) needles, syringes or other instruments.

b) Does he need to quit his job? Why or why not?
No. In fact, if he did, it would be a pity because he has no chance of getting HIV/AIDS and he would lose valuable money.

c) Risk for HIV.

X
no risk	low risk	high risk

· Story 2

a) Do you think he should continue going to school? Why or why not?
Yes, he should continue going to school since he feels well enough and because he cannot spread HIV to other students.

b) Should he tell anyone? Who? Why?
That is up to Haiwa, but probably a school official should know so that if he becomes ill, the school will help him get proper care. He should get counselling to determine if he should tell others in the school.

c) How would you react if he told you?
You will get individual answers to this question but you should encourage students to be supportive and help Haiwa whenever he needs help.

d) Risk for HIV.

X
no risk	low risk	high risk

· Story 3

a) What should you tell Maria? Why?
You should tell her the truth - that is, that HIV is transmitted by sex and that if Roberto has had sex with others (which you suspect he has) she had better: 1) not have sex with Roberto; 2) use a condom if she is going to have sex.

b) What risk would Maria have of getting HIV if she had sex with Roberto?
If they use a condom properly or if they use no protection.

	with a condom	no protection
	X	X
no risk	low risk	high risk

Additional preparation Be sensitive to the fact that some of your students may be in situations that are like the stories in this activity. You may want to remind the students that any questions or concerns are welcome after class in a private session with you.