Globally there are 34 million people living with moderate to severe disabilities, 80% of whom live in developing countries. For instance, 10% of the Kenyan population has disabilities, while Kisumu County has 4.8%, the highest proportion in Kenya. In addition, Kisumu County records 15.3% prevalence rate of human immune deficiency virus (HIV), double the national rate of 7.4%, and is ranked 3rd in HIV prevalence rate in the region and highest at 1.6% among people with physical disabilities. This study specifically sought to establish the level of awareness of risky sexual behavior among learners with physical challenge in special secondary schools in Kisumu County. The study was guided by the theory of reasoned action behavior, and research design used was concurrent triangulation within a mixed methods approach. Target population was composed of 135 Students, 1School Principal, 12 Teachers, and 1 County Director of Education. Saturated technique was used to select all the 149 out of 149 targeted respondents. Questionnaires was used to collect data from learners, while interview schedules was used to collect data from the principal, the County Director of Education and teachers. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study found that learners with physical challenge do not abstain from sex and exchange sex for money and other favours with multiple partners without using any protection. These learners are also exposed to sexual abuse from non-disabled persons who they are unable to resist due to stigmatization
Physical challenge, Special education, Risk sexual behavior, HIV prevalence Sexual abuse
