The knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding HIV/AIDS of high school learners in the Cape Flats area

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The youth of the Cape Flats may still have a distorted perception of HIV/AIDS.This is indicated by the findings of research conducted at five high schools in theCape Town area. The study groups were selected from five different areas in thecity to represent different sectors in the society.The findings of this research project that emerged from the knowledge, attitudesand practices (KAP) test revealed that, while the high school learners might beexposed to a substantial amount of information on HIV/AIDS, this does not meanthat they fully understand the basics about the disease. It is not clear just howmuch information the learners are exposed to, yet there is enough evidence tosuggest that some learners are exposed to more than others.The research was aimed at finding out if there were differences in knowledge,attitudes and practices on the basis of social, religious and economic diversity.Factors like language and religion were also considered, especially in relation to the groups' responses to HIV/AIDS.Judging from the prejudiced responses of some of the respondents, it is clearthat more intervention and awareness programmes are needed, especially in informal settlements. These programmes would have to cater for high school learners between the ages of 14 and 19. This group of respondent falls into thesegment (ages 15-49) that is most at risk of being infected by HIV/AIDS.One of the most telling findings of this study is the difference in attitudes towardsthe disease and people living with HIV/AIDS on the basis of religion. Of therespondents, 60.4% were Christians, 37.2% were Muslims and the remainingwere members of other religions. The research seems to suggest that most ofthe stigma that is attached to HIV/AIDS can still be attributed to differences inreligious norms and beliefs. Muslim respondents from lslamia College showed the most reluctance in interacting and communicating with people infected withHIV/AIDS. This suggests that the stigma attached to the disease could be attributed to limited access to information and awareness programmes.While some respondents seem to know more about the disease than others, there seems to be some misunderstanding about the transmission of the disease.The respondents' knowledge about the disease also seems to be influenced by language. Xhosa and Afrikaans speakers were found to be marginalised, as most of the information on HIV/AIDS in the media is in English. There is a clear need for information and programmes in other languages in order to reach the youth in their homes and schools. The misconceptions of and poor knowledge on allaspects of HIV/AIDS that are prevalent in most of the respondents have to be addressed through effective awareness programmes to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Indeed, it would be most effective if these programmes could be taken to the homes of the respondents. In this way, younger learners would also benefit from the programmes.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University