Browsing by Author "Oliphant, Mandisa Julenda"
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- ItemKnowledge of aids in Southern Africa, with special emphasis on South Africa : a critical review(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Oliphant, Mandisa Julenda; Spangenberg, J. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: AIDS is a killer disease which is spreading like wildfire in all sectors of the population of Southern Africa, in spite of AIDS prevention programmes that are implemented in these communities. Why does this state of affairs exist? Conflicting views exist about the origin of AIDS and about the knowledge of different racial groups with regard to the disease. A number of researchers have argued that knowledge or information dissemination is not a necessary condition for behavioural change, as is evident from historical efforts to combat sexually transmitted disease. However, this thesis shows that knowledge is a variable or component that has frequently been used in almost all studies done on AIDS in Southern Africa. The present author thus searches for the rationale for the phenomenon that knowledge of AIDS does not necessarily result in preventative behavioural change. In this regard the importance of effective communication strategies and cognisance of the nature of target groups are highlighted, because negligence regarding these factors can serve as an impediment to behavioural change. The whole social fabric of the target community and basic individual needs are important elements that should also be major considerations before preventative programmes are implemented.