HIV/AIDS and persons with disabilities

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main aim of this research paper will be to discuss the impact of HIV on persons with disabilities.The study used a quantitative approach, with a KAP (knowledge, attitude and practice) survey done amongst 74 respondents from the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled, Tygerberg Association for the Physically Disabled and Drakenstein Centre for Persons with Disabilities. The questionnaires included close-ended as well as open-ended questions. Data was analysed through five themes in the questionnaire: It included information on their demographic background, their risk sexual behaviour, their HIV/AIDS knowledge levels, their attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and general issues regarding HIV/AIDS.Results show that very few of the respondents are having sex. This could be due to peer pressure from parents not to engage in sexual activities. It is not clear whether persons with disabilities are at risk of HIV infection – it warrants for further investigation. Respondents indicated that HIV is a relevant issue for persons with disabilities. Most knowledge questions were answered satisfactorily. With this said, it seems there are still many issues (especially around the treatment options available for HIV positive individuals) that respondents were unsure of.Overall findings point toward a definite need to invest in further research on this topic so to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between persons with disabilities and HIV infection.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University