I CAN WAIT: Assessing the effectiveness of using comprehensive sexuality education in improving uptake of HIV testing among adolescent and young people in secondary schools

Kenya is one of the countries in Africa where the HIV/AIDS pandemic still poses huge challenges to social and economic development activities. The Kenya HIV estimates report by National AIDS and Control Council (NACC) indicates that the national HIV prevalence is at 4.9% (Kenya HIV estimates 2018 report); which translates to approximately 1.3 million adults living with HIV in Kenya (KENPHIA 2018). Among those aged 14-24 years, the HIV prevalence among females stood at 1.3%, while that of males was at 2.6% (KARPR 2018). These findings show that the adolescent and young people are more vulnerable to HIV infection. Some of the factors cited as driving the spread of the disease include early sexual debut, inconsistent condom use, lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, multiple sexual partners, and transactional sex (WHO 2006). Studies that have examined effects of interventions based on the social cognitive theory indicate that sexual and reproductive behavioral interventions among young people are effective, especially when targeting adolescent and young people before they become sexually active (Maticka-Tyndale et al. 2007). Primary Objective:To assess the effectiveness of using a CSE program to promote uptake of HIV testing among adolescent and young people in secondary schools.Secondary objectives: 1. To assess the effectiveness of using a CSE program in enhancing uptake of HIV testing services among adolescents and young people in secondary schools.2. To assess the acceptability of using a CSE program to promote primary and secondary abstinence among adolescents and young people in secondary schools.3. To measure the prevalence of self-reported risky sexual behaviours and practices among adolescents and young people in secondary schools.4. To assess the feasibility of using a CSE program to promote primary and secondary abstinence among adolescents and young people in secondary schools to inform future scale up with an aim to inform future scale-up