Perceptions of educators on HIV/AIDS in schools with the view of Wellness Promotion in the Midlands Area in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Date
2012-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of educators regarding HIVAIDS with the view of implementing a wellness programme. The researcher explored the misconceptions that educators, both affected and infected have about the disease. The study objectives were to alleviate the misconceptions that were created by individuals about HIVAIDS and to provide education to individuals on HIVAIDS. It also helped to create an awareness of a healthy wellness promotion programme that will incorporate the physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of HIVAIDS. The study was conducted with educators in the Midlands Area in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The sample was 42 educators and 3 principals from schools in the area. In addition to this a focus group discussion was held with 4 educators. The aim was to get a different perspective from these educators by using probing questions that gave an in-depth explanation to perceptions they had on HIVAIDS and how a wellness programme will help those infected and affected by the disease. Data collection was done through triangulation of three tools: a structured and semi structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and interviews. The researcher identified gaps in knowledge and to help learners to benefit from the HIV/AIDS prevention programme through education; more can still be done if educators are adequately resourced. It was evident that stigma and discrimination is still very rife in schools and this has not been eradicated completely. This was manifested in the focus group discussion. The study revealed educators were personally affected by HIV/AIDS. Some educators knew of others and learners that are infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. Difficulty was experienced to establish if educators knew of colleagues that have HIV/AIDS. During the study the procedures abided by the ethical principle of privacy. A wellness programme was recommended that will include sporting activity as well as educational programmes assisting to create an awareness of a healthy environment. Peer education can contribute to the delay in onset of sexual activity in secondary school learners. Peer education and support can be regarded as an appropriate strategy to deal with the prevention of HIV/AIDS for young people since they discuss personal issues. The concept of using role models from the sporting community to address students will be valuable.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om die persepsies van opvoeders, met betrekking tot MIV/VIGS, te ondersoek met die doel om 'n welwees-program in te stel. Die navorser het die wanpersepsies ondersoek wat opvoeders, beide geinfekteerde en geaffekteerde, het rakende MIV/VIGS. 'n Verdere doelwit was om die wanpersepsies by individue rakende MIV/VIGS te verminder en om onderrig aan individue rakende MIV/VIGS te verskaf. Dit het ook gehelp om 'n bewustheid van 'n gesonde welwees-program te skep, wat die fisiese, emosionele, geestelike en maatskaplike aspekte van MIV/VIGS sal dek. Die studie is onderneem onder opvoeders in die Binnelandse gebied van Kwa-Zulu Natal. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 42 opvoeders en 3 skoolhoofde van skole in die area. Fokusgroep besprekings is ook gehou met 4 opvoeders. Die doel hiervan was om 'n ander perspektief van hierdie opvoeders te kry deur in-diepte gesprekke te voer rakende hul persepsies oor MIV/VIGS en hoe 'n welwees-program kan help. Data is versamel deur drie instrumente: 'n gestruktureerde en semi-gestruktureerde vraelys, fokusgroep-besprekings en onderhoude. Die navorser het tekortkominge gemerk in die kennisvlakke van die opvoeders rakende MIV/VIGS en ook gevind dat stigma en diskriminasie steeds voorkom in skole. Dit is deur die fokusgroep-besprekings bevestig. Die studie het ook getoon dat opvoeders persoonlik geraak word deur MIV/VIGs. Sommige opvoeders is bewus van kollegas sowel as leerder wat deur MIV/VIGS geraak word, maar daar kon nie vasgestel word of die opvoerders bewus is van kollegas wie MIV-positief is nie. 'n Welwees program is voorgestel wat sport aktiwiteite sowel as opvoedingsprogramme insluit om die bewusmaking van 'n gesonde omgewing aan te moedig. Portuurgroep-opvoeding kan bydra tot die vertraging van seksuele aktiwiteit by laerskool leerders. Portuurgroep-opvoeding en ondersteuning kan beskou word as 'n geskikte strategie om met die voorkoming van MIV/VIGS vir jong mense te handel aangesien dit persoonlike sake aanspreek. Die konsep om rolmodelle uit die sportgemeenskap te gebruik om studente aan te spreek, sal waardevol wees.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Keywords
HIV infections -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Teachers -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, HIV infections -- Prevention -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, School children -- Health and hygiene -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management, Assignments -- HIV/AIDS management
Citation