An investigation into the knowledge and attitudes of youths towards HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS Sufferers in KwaZulu-NAtal: Implications for Health Education

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.

Author dc:creator

• Luthuli, Nokuzola Dorcas

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Zungu, B.M.

• HIV/AIDS -- youth attitudes
• Health education -- schools

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/3e9e1f1b-bf42-4b10-a6cd-9b37370899f8/download