The Impact of Traditional Shona Beliefs on HIV/AIDS Intervention Work in Zimbabwe

This study examined the relationship between secondary students in the rural and peri-urban areas of Mashonaland in Zimbabwe and their tendencies to agree or disagree with traditional Shona attitudes, beliefs and practices as they related to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A convenience, cluster sample was used to identify the 482 students who participated in this study. A questionnaire composed of demographics, hypothetical and open-ended questions was administered to these students within the regular classrooms of their respective schools.</p><p> A notable finding in this study was that traditional Shona beliefs appear to be stronger in the rural areas. However, the students surveyed gave no indication that these beliefs limited their understandings of the cause of HIV/AIDS and the consequences of unprotected sex. The data from study contravene my hypothesis that rural students have more difficulties in understanding the true nature of this disease because of their reliance upon traditional Shona traditions.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy

Year dc:date.available

2004

Author dc:creator

• Goercke, Brian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Daniel Lieberfeld
• Joseph D. Yenerall

• African Culture
• HIV/AIDS
• Shona Culture
• Traditional Beliefs
• Traditional Healers
• Zimbabwe

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/588

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-1604