An investigation into the knowledge and attitudes of youths towards HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS Sufferers in KwaZulu-NAtal: Implications for Health Education
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Date
2004
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Abstract
The main aim of this study was to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of youths towards HIV/AIDS and people living with AIDS and its implication on health education. The study was done in five high schools in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A descriptive survey was undertaken. The total sample consisted of seven hundred (700) pupils from grades 8-12.
The study revealed that some youth have negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS sufferers.
The majority of youths expressed that they were haunted with fear, killings, torture and discrimination of people living with AIDS. The study also revealed cultural; political; religious and psychological factors that contributed to negative attitudes to some, however others were quite sympathetic and the majority was against the discrimination of HIV/AIDS sufferers.
Recommendations made highlighted the urgent need for health education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns. AIDS stigma is still a problem that all health professionals should root out. Health education about HIV/AIDS programmes must also integrate diverse cultural beliefs when dealing with black traditional African people.
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Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Nursing Science at the University of Zululand, 2004.
Keywords
HIV/AIDS -- youth attitudes, Health education -- schools