HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and risky sexual behaviour of women in Lobatse Botswana

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS has become a global concern and the considerable and disproportionate impact of the disease on women in Botswana, as elsewhere in Africa, has reached a stage where it threatens the social and economic well being of the human society. Therefore this study undertook to examine the levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and practices among women in Lobatse, Botswana by interviewing 145 women through questionnaires.The findings generated from the study suggesting that although the vast majority of respondents are aware of HIV/AIDS and the principal modes of transmission some aspects of their sexual lifestyles, practices and perceptions remain a cause for concern.A good number of the respondents believe that medical solutions exist to the problem of HIV/AIDS. These kinds of misconceptions are certainly a cause for concern. The age at first sexual intercourse is relatively young and this can be explained by the cultural and social norms in the community. Condom use is reportedly inconsistent and low, a contradiction with the observed knowledge levels, only confirming further that knowledge does not necessarily translate into action.Respondents also reported tendencies towards discriminatory practices and attitudes against people infected with HIV/AIDS. This may be a contributory factor leading people to shy away from knowing their status and preferring not to tell anyone in case they know. This calls for more educational interventions, to demystify the disease and curb the arising stigma.The findings also confirm that whereas a lot of effort has been put in information and education, the more difficult and urgent attention should be in translating the knowledge and information into the required behaviour change if we are to win the war against HIV/AIDS.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University