Knowledge and attitudes of high school learners regarding people living with HIV/AIDS
Date
2010-03
Authors
Fana, Thanduxolo Elford
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT : South Africa (SA) is the leader in the world with regard to the number
of people that are infected with HIV/AIDS in the world. This poses a
threat to South Africa’s political, social and economic development
initiatives as majority of those that are infected are between ages 15 -
49 . HIV/AIDS has no cure and it is a serious problem that need
everybody undivided attention and dedication.
It was previously an accepted belief in life that children will grow and
take care of their parents once they are grown ups, but today they
never live to see that happening as they continue to be robbed of this
opportunity by deaths caused by HIV/AIDS infection. Children are
also robbed of parental warmth, guidance and caring environment as
their parents are also dying of HIV/AIDS infection and then left
behind to fond for themselves. HIV/AIDS infected people are also
facing the challenge of dealing with negative societal attitudes while
at the same time they had to fight for their lives against the disease
as it is not regarded as other diseases by the broader society. They
are continuously rejected ostracized, discriminated against, not
treated with respect, love, cared and supported for. Everyone needs
to help in creating a supportive and enabling environment where
HIV/AIDS victims can speak out openly without the fear of being
victimized and rejected.
The aim of this study is to assess the learner’s knowledge of
HIV/AIDS and to determine their attitudes towards People Living with
HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It was found that HIV/AIDS knowledge and
awareness was high among learners, even though there was some
limited knowledge in certain aspects. With regard to perception and
attitudes it was discovered that learners had a fair and positive
attitude towards PLWHA.
It is recommended that these positive attitudes, perception and high
knowledge and awareness be sustained through education at
schools as they are the appropriate places to teach youth about
HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and high risk behaviors.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was bepaling van die kennis, houding -en persepsievlakke van leerders wat leef met MIV/VIGS. Bevindings van die studie dui daarop dat kennisvlakke van leerders dikwels gebrekking is en redes word daar voor aangevoer. Dit word verder bevind dat die houding – en persepsievlakke redelik goed is by die leerders. Voorstelle word gemaak vir die beter bestuur van MIV/VIGS op skoolvlak ten einde die pandemie so doeltreffend as moontlik op skoolvlak te bestuur.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was bepaling van die kennis, houding -en persepsievlakke van leerders wat leef met MIV/VIGS. Bevindings van die studie dui daarop dat kennisvlakke van leerders dikwels gebrekking is en redes word daar voor aangevoer. Dit word verder bevind dat die houding – en persepsievlakke redelik goed is by die leerders. Voorstelle word gemaak vir die beter bestuur van MIV/VIGS op skoolvlak ten einde die pandemie so doeltreffend as moontlik op skoolvlak te bestuur.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
Keywords
Learners -- Knowledge of HIV/AIDS -- South Africa, HIV/AIDS -- Prevention -- South Africa, Learners -- Attitudes -- South Africa, Dissertations -- Industrial psychology, Theses -- Industrial psychology, Assignments -- Industrial psychology, Dissertations -- HIV/AIDS management, Theses -- HIV/AIDS management, Assignments -- HIV/AIDS management