Knowledge and attitudes of high school learners regarding people living with HIV/AIDS

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : South Africa (SA) is the leader in the world with regard to the numberof people that are infected with HIV/AIDS in the world. This poses athreat to South Africa's political, social and economic developmentinitiatives as majority of those that are infected are between ages 15 -49 . HIV/AIDS has no cure and it is a serious problem that needeverybody undivided attention and dedication.It was previously an accepted belief in life that children will grow andtake care of their parents once they are grown ups, but today theynever live to see that happening as they continue to be robbed of thisopportunity by deaths caused by HIV/AIDS infection. Children arealso robbed of parental warmth, guidance and caring environment astheir parents are also dying of HIV/AIDS infection and then leftbehind to fond for themselves. HIV/AIDS infected people are alsofacing the challenge of dealing with negative societal attitudes whileat the same time they had to fight for their lives against the diseaseas it is not regarded as other diseases by the broader society. Theyare continuously rejected ostracized, discriminated against, nottreated with respect, love, cared and supported for. Everyone needsto help in creating a supportive and enabling environment whereHIV/AIDS victims can speak out openly without the fear of beingvictimized and rejected.The aim of this study is to assess the learner's knowledge ofHIV/AIDS and to determine their attitudes towards People Living withHIV/AIDS (PLWHA). It was found that HIV/AIDS knowledge andawareness was high among learners, even though there was somelimited knowledge in certain aspects. With regard to perception andattitudes it was discovered that learners had a fair and positiveattitude towards PLWHA.It is recommended that these positive attitudes, perception and highknowledge and awareness be sustained through education atschools as they are the appropriate places to teach youth aboutHIV/AIDS prevention strategies and high risk behaviors.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University