An investigation into the perceptions of adolescents in KwaDlangezwa township towards HIV and AIDS

Background: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The HIV and AIDS epidemic is one of the largest obstacles that are destroying the lives and the livelihoods of millions of South Africans. Adolescents are the most vulnerable population at high risk of contracting HIV.Department of Health (2010) noted that in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is the province with the highest HIV prevalence. Aims: To explore the perceptions of adolescents living in a township about HIV/AIDS. : To explore factors contributing to adolescents’ high rate of HIV/AIDS infection. To explore the influences of these perceptions on adolescents’ sexual behavior.: To explore adolescents’ general knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS.Method: Data collection instrument that was employed is a questionnaire with both open-ended and closed ended questions. Random sampling was employed and 50 participants from Ongoye high school took part in this study with 44% males (n=22) and 56% females (n=28).Results: Findings of this study revealed that the majority of respondents have enough information in regard to meaning, mode of transmission and preventing methods of HIV/AIDS, however some of the participants listed unrealistic perceptions about HIV/AIDS. When comparing between both genders, females seems to have more misconceptions about HIV and AIDS than males.Conclusion: Adolescents have misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. More programmes that target adolescents should be implemented in order to address these misconceptions as well as the factors that make them vulnerable to contract HIV/AIDS. More research should also be conducted on issues related to HIV/AIDS among adolescents.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Zululand

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Maselesele, Mosiwa Georgina

• HIV --AIDS --perception --adolescents

Licence

• https://devspace.unizulu.ac.za/bitstreams/6676e858-7b0e-4f0c-8193-e80ab6fe2a29/download