An investigation into student responses to the University of Zululand's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies
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Date
2008
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Abstract
The general aim of the study was to investigate student responses to the University of Zululand's HIV/AIDS interventions strategies (i.e. from their initial exposure to the university's intervention strategies, during the time of admission in the first term, and fourth term, respectively). The following were the specific objectives of the study: (i) to establish students' demographic factors, (ii) to identify the objectives and methods of the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies, (iii) to assess students' knowledge about HIV/AIDS and intervention strategies, (iv) to establish students' behavioural risks, (v) to assess student attitudes and perception to University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies, (vi) to establish the relationship between student self-efficacy and their response to the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies; and (vii) to propose, suggest and recommend a model that could be used to improve student response.
A longitudinal survey research design was employed in the study through which a combination of research methods was used. These included, survey questionnaire, observations and literature review. Based on the spatial and behavioural modelling, empirical data was collected from 332 respondents before and after their exposure to the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies. Quantitative data from the survey was analysed by use of SPSS and Ms Excel software using descriptive statistics. Content analysis was applied to quantitative data from open-ended questions. The analysed data was used to answer the research questions and to test various hypotheses concerning student response to the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies (i.e. knowledge about HIV/AIDS and intervention strategies, attitudes and perceptions, behavioural risks and self-efficacy).
Indicators reported student's low or limited utilisation of the University's intervention strategies. The study findings indicated that: (i) the University had various HIV/AIDS
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intervention strategies in place with varied objectives and methods, (ii) the majority of the students were single (90%) and in the 17-24 age group (81%), (iii) there were variations in student knowledge about HIV/AIDS and intervention strategies (i.e. both before and after exposure), (iv) students had varied attitudes and perceptions to University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies, (v) student sexual behavioural risks contributed towards their response or non-response to the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies, and there was a significant relationship between students' self-efficacy and their responses to HIV/AIDS intervention strategies.
The study established that student response to the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies needed to be addressed. The study recommended that: (a) a process evaluation of the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies be undertaken to establish the extent to which planned interventions had been achieved, (b) the University's leadership work with students to break the silence, challenge the stigma and eliminate the shame associated with HIV/AIDS, (c) students be provided with correct HIV/AIDS knowledge and information, (d) students be equipped with life skills to put knowledge into practice, (e) students be provided with friendly HIV/AIDS services, (f) University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies implementers work with students to promote their participation, and (g) further longitudinal studies be undertaken to meet the University's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies data needs (i.e. such studies would help identify real response gaps among other University's population groups for timely responses and implementation of intervention measures).
In conclusion, the study suggested an Integrated Early Warning System (IEWS) for the University of Zululand's HIV/AIDS intervention strategies (JEWS). The suggested system is; comprehensive, incorporated mapping and other tools, multi-sectoral in approach, and advocated student response through spatial linkages and relationships that could be aimed at an efficacious identification, address and response to HIV vulnerabilities.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science and Agriculture
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Science in the Department of Geography
and Environmental Studies at the
University of Zululand
University of Zululand, 2008.
Keywords
HIV/AIDS interventions