An evaluation of the level of awareness about biomedical intervention for HIV prevention among the post secondary school youth in Richards Bay

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Despite various strategies such as biomedical, behavioural and political strategies to stop thespread of HIV epidemic among the youth, the risky sexual behaviour among the youth and theresultant increase in unwanted pregnancies is driving the spread of HIV transmission among theyouth of Kwazulu-Natal. This study sought to evaluate the level of awareness of post secondaryschool youth who are living in Richards Bay in Kwazulu-Natal.The researcher conducted the study within a quantitave paradigm. The population for this studyare the post secondary school youth in Richards Bay. The data sources for this study will comefrom survey conducted using semi-structured questionnaire and from the focus group session.The data collection tool was distributed by referral using snowball sampling technique.This study found that the level of general knowledge about biomedical strategies for HIVprevention is low among the youth in Richards Bay since most participants knew only aboutcondoms as a strategy for HIV prevention. The study also found that a significant number of thestudy participants did not know about the role of circumcision in HIV prevention. In addition,the study found that level of knowledge about biomedical intervention for HIV prevention ishigher in female participants than male participants. This study ascertained that the youth havegood attitude towards biomedical intervention for HIV prevention though much mobilisation andeducation will still have to be done with regards to circumcision. The study also identifiedpractices that may impede the use of biomedical strategies such as a lack of availability andaccessibility to female condomsThe study recommends the need to educate and mobilise the community about biomedicalstrategies for HIV prevention such as condoms, circumcision, PMTCT, PEP, PrEP, HAART andVCT. The Umhlatuze municipality needs to create a massive awareness within Richards Bayabout its available facilities and services like free circumcision and condom distribution outletsthat can increase the uptake of biomedical strategies for HIV prevention. Also, the governmentneeds to engage the faith based organisations and other NGOs to integrate biomedical strategiesfor HIV prevention in their awareness campaign. The study also recommends provision offemale condoms in appropriate quantities like male condoms and that multimedia campaignagainst HIV-related stigma and discrimination should be intensified in Richards Bay.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University