Perceived Factors Underlying HIV Risk Behaviour of Young People in South African Schools

Abstract

School-going young people in South Africa engage in HIV risk behaviour despite high levels of HIV knowledge and a variety of interventions focusing on HIV prevention. The lack of empirical evidence on the effectiveness of current interventions leaves programme implementers with little consensus about how best to prevent HIV infection among young people. This research was done to explore factors underlying HIV risk of young people with the aim of developing HIV prevention in the third decade of the epidemic. Focus group discussions were conducted with young people, educators and parents in eight schools in four provinces of the country. A thematic analysis revealed risk factors especially on the interpersonal and community level. Peer pressure, gender norms and culture, poverty and financial gain and a culture of alcohol use were prominent themes. Negative family relationships, lack of role models and lack of sexual education from home contributed to risk behaviour. Community processes such as exposure to media, lack of recreational facilities, and an erosion of supportive culture and community structures created an environment which did not support healthy behaviour. Factors that prevented risk behaviour were identified as self-respect, open communication with parents, implementation of school programmes, positive peer pressure and a focus on young people's future. Prevention programmes should therefore not only focus on individual factors but should be multi-layered interventions involving various community structures aimed at changing the social ecology in communities to support an alternative lifestyle for young people.

Citation

Visser, M.J. (2012), "Perceived Factors Underlying HIV Risk Behaviour of Young People in South African Schools", Wiseman, A.W. and Glover, R.N. (Ed.) The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Education Worldwide (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 18), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 231-258. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3679(2012)0000018013