The AIDS education needs of black, grade 10 pupils in Grahamstown

Abstract

In the absence of a cure for HIV/AIDS, it is necessary to concentrate efforts at prevention of HIV infection. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed to inform a future educational intervention for black adolescents in the Rini and Joza areas (periurban) of Grahamstown. A systematic sample of three hundred (n = 300) grade ten pupils from five senior, secondary schools in the area was selected for inclusion into the study. The adolescents were requested to complete a structured, anonymous questionnaire exploring their perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS according to the constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM). A response rate of 98o/o was achieved. The aim of the study was to investigate the perceived threats and benefits around HIV and sexuality in adolescents, by exploring knowledge, belieft, current sexual practices, perceived barriers to practicing safe sexual behaviour, and opportunities for future interuention presentation. This will inform the future development of a health promotion intervention. The results revealed that the HIV/AIDS education needs of adolescents in the Rini andJoza areas of Grahamstown are unique. It was found that the knowledge of the adolescents with regard to HIV/AIDS was superficial, which led to the illustration of widespread confusion and frustration. Regardless of the poor levels of knowledge and misconceptions harboured by the respondents, and the fact that many (83.1olo) were sexually active, a high proportion of the adolescents did not regard themselves as being at risk to HIV infection. Moreover, the study has idenUfied numerous risk-taking practices of the adolescents for acquiring HIV. These include low levels of condom use, living with sexual partners, early ages at becoming sexually active, and high levels of Sexually Transmissible Infection rates. The study has also identified possible opportunities for future intervention development and reported barriers to practicing of safe sexual intercourse. Appropriate recommendations for intervention design and implementation are made in this regard.