This study aimed at exploring perceptions of young adults with regard to condom use in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. With the help of a quantitative, cross sectional descriptive design approach, data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 372 young adults who came for healthcare services at a selected clinic. The findings indicated that there is a relationship between positive perceptions toward condom use and actual condom use. It means that people who have positive attitudes toward condoms are also more likely to use them. In contrast, people with a negative attitude towards condoms are less likely to use them during sexual intercourse. Negative attitudes of health care providers were found to be the barrier that prevents sexually active individuals to access condoms in primary health care facilities. Re-training of health care providers to address negative attitude is a matter of priority. Mass media can also be used as an avenue to communicate consistent and correct condom use. / Health Studies / M. A. (Nursing Science)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Technology: Education, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / This thesis focuses on the alarming situation of the rate of HIV infection which is escalating every day in South Africa, and what can be done to address the rate of HIV infection. Much has been tried to curb this escalation, but all efforts have had little effect. This concerns me deeply. So I have looked at the problem from the perspective of education. I have personally experienced how Zulu indigenous knowledge, in the form of traditional modes of Zulu sexuality education, was used in the past to address the problems of sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy before it was sanctioned. I have seen that the rituals performed as part of traditional Zulu sexuality education have been effective. I believe that indigenous knowledge systems in the South African context refer to a body of knowledge embedded in African philosophical thinking and social practices that have evolved over thousands years. Indigenous knowledge systems acknowledge the rich history and heritage of the people as important contributors to nurturing the values and norms in society, and so form the basis of education for the people. I believe that our indigenous knowledge systems according to the dictates of rites and rituals observed by our forefathers can play a major role in the (sexuality) education of our youth, and can optimise our efforts to fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This study focuses on the adolescent stage. Adolescence is a phase of discovery and experimentation in which young people develop new feelings, which (coupled with physical maturing) lead to exploring new behaviors and relationships, including sexual behaviours and sexual relationships. Therefore, I believe that adolescents should be targeted because they are just beginning to face social situations in which their decisions and actions about their sexual behaviours and sexual relationships will determine their future. In addition, adolescents are – or should be – school going, so they can be influenced by what is in their school curriculum. I have made suggestions about how the Life Orientation Grades 10—12 curriculum can be used to include traditional sexuality education for this purpose. In doing so, I do not suggest that all South African school going teenagers should perform the traditional Zulu rituals, but I am suggesting that the revival and adaption of traditional modes of sexuality education in all cultures could be helpful in the fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic. I use the Zulu traditions because they are the traditions with which I am familiar. I have carried out this study to promote the use of Zulu traditional sexuality education to curb the rate of HIV infection among young Zulu people. I believe that this traditional method, if it is used optimally, can reduce the rate of infection and the speed of mortality, as well as the problem of early pregnancy among our Zulu youth, in South Africa. / National Research Foundation

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / The problem of youth has been a key issue in South Africa since 1994, with youth seen as needing extra guidance and leadership if they are to bring about the country that many hope for. The interest in youth is also spurred on by recent studies that claim that once adolescents establish certain behavioural patterns that it becomes difficult to modify these patterns. Little research exists that describes the ordinary sociological experiences of youth, especially on sensitive issues that attract a lot of public attention- such as teenage sex and pregnancies, and what is perceived as the ‘slipping of youth morals’. There is great concern that youth are experimenting with sex at too early an age in their social and political development (Frimpong 2010: 27). In my thesis I focus on the thinking, choices and decisions that learners at one high school in Cape Town seem to make with regard to sex and sexuality, and how their choices seem to be influenced by a variety of discourses attached to the provision of a sex education programme at the school; discourses that organise their everyday thinking and actions in very concrete ways. A key goal of the study was to disarticulate and re-articulate the deficit mentality that shapes discourses of sexuality in South Africa, and to develop ‘sexual’ stories and strategies of story-telling that allow the voices of learners to be heard (Pillow 2004). My focus in this study is mainly to explore how the sex education programme reconstitutes youth’s sexual identity. In my qualitative study I challenge the tendency to view youth participation in teen sex using mainly an abstinence-only discourse, and suggest that sex education programmes ‘contaminate’ and ‘mutilate’ youth understandings of sex and sexuality in quite complex ways.

A study investigating the contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of coloured unmarried pregnant teenagers.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study was conducted at the Lungisa High School, at KwaDwesi in Port Elizabeth. The study aimed at describing attitudes of parents of adolescents of this school as possible reasons for the lack of sexuality education for their adolescents. The sample comprised 150 parents of adolescents (guardians) who participated in the survey. Probability sampling was used. This means that each member of the parent population had a specificable probability of being chosen. A questionnaire, two focus groups and interviews were used to solicit responses. Use of descriptive statistics helped in presenting and analysing the data. The survey revealed that parents‟ attitudes inhibit them from talking about sexuality issues to their adolescents. Parents also fear that if they talk about sexuality issues to their adolescents, they will be sexually active at a younger age. Responses of participants (married parents living together, single mothers, single fathers and guardians) indicated this concern. It can be concluded that education for parents of adolescents is imperative. They must be caused to join the fight against HIV and AIDS, but first they must shed these attitudes to reduce HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Suggestions and recommendations of the syllabus for this kind of education are discussed under the “Conclusion and Recommendations” part of the research article. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie was uitgevoer by Hoërskool Lungisa op KwaDwesi, Port Elizabeth. Die fokus van die studie poog om die houdings van ouers van adolessente as moontlike redes aan te voer vir die gebrek van seksualiteitsopvoeding vir hul adolessente kinders. 'n Steekproef van 150 ouers (sowel as voogde) het deelgeneem aan die opname. Die waarskynlikheid monsterneming metode was gebruik. Dit beteken dat elke lid van die ouer-populasie het 'n bepaalde waarskynlikheid om gekies te word. 'n Vraelys, twee fokusgroepe en onderhoude is gebruik om reaksie van die deelnemers uit te lok. Die gebruik van beskrywende statistiek het gehelp met die voorstelling en analisering van data. Die opname het getoon dat die houdings van ouers verhinder hulle om seksualiteitskwelpunte met hul adolessente kinders te bespreek. Ouers vrees dat die praatjies met betrekking tot seksualiteitskwelpunte met hul adolessente kinders sal lei tot vroeë seksuele betrokkenheid op 'n jonger ouderdom. Antwoorde van deelnemers (getroude ouers wat saamwoon, enkel ma's, enkel pa's en voogde) het hierdie besorgheid aangedui. Ter afsluiting kan beklemtoon word dat opvoeding van ouers uiters belangrik is. Ouers moet aangemoedig word om aan te sluit by die oorlog teen Vigs, maar hulle moet eers hul houdings aanpas sodat MIV-infeksie en ander seksuele oordraagbare infeksies verminder word. Voorstelle en aanbevelings van die sillabus van hierdie soort opvoeding word bespreek onder die “Slot en aanbevelings” gedeelte van hierdie artikel.

A study investigating the contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of coloured unmarried pregnant teenagers.

The understanding of the patterns of association between positive sexual behaviours and protective factors that have greater impact helps to design appropriate strategies not only on positive sexual behaviour but also for reproductive health outcomes. The purpose of the study was to explore the protective factors and develop strategies to support positive sexual behaviours among high school adolescents. A concurrent mixed method research design was employed to explore the protective factors for positive sexual behaviours. A total of 990 adolescent students attending regular classes were selected using systematic sampling technique for the quantitative study and 33 focus group participants for qualitative study. Pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative whereas focus group discussions were employed for the qualitative phase. Protective factors were assessed at family, community/ neighbourhood, school, peer and individual levels. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were employed to identify protective factors. Variables with significant association in bivariate analysis were entered into logistic regression to control confounding effects. The qualitative data management, analysis and interpretation followed thematic analysis principles. Illuminating verbatim quotations used to illustrate findings. RESULTS: adolescents follow parents' rules about sexual activities [AOR=0.462, 95%CI: 0.285-0.748], authoritative [AOR=0.075, 95%CI: 0.021-0.265] and authoritarian [AOR=0.091, 95%CI:0.025-0.331] parenting styles were protective factors. Adolescents’ communication with parents was more likely to have positive association [AOR=0.56, 95%CI:0.31-0.94] than counterparts. Parental greater monitoring [AOR=0.604, 95%CI:0.38-0.959], clear rules and consequences [AOR=0.378, 95%CI: 0.233-0.613] and need for permission to go anywhere [AOR=0.387; 95%CI: 0.235-0.637] were significantly associated. School performance [AOR=0.141, 95%CI:0.055-0.362], perception that teachers are supportive [AOR=0.447, 95%CI:0.266-0.752], sex education [AOR=0.424, 95%CI: 0.243- 0.742], people approved contraceptive use [AOR=0.319, 95%CI: 0.165-0.619] and discussion with health workers on sexuality AOR=0.545, 95%CI:0.318-0.932] were strongly associated with positive sexual behaviour. Positive sexual behaviour associated with peer influence resulted in preferred later sexual debut [AOR=0.444, 95%CI: 0.248- 0.797] and bonding with peers AOR=0.531, 95%CI: 0.327-0.862]. / Health Studies / D. Lit. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Early engagement in sexual activities amongst adolescents has become a worldwide concern, with studies finding them to begin as early as 12 or earlier (Booysen & Summerton, 2000; Dowsett & Aggleton, 1999). The behaviour becomes even more concerning when youths engage in sexual relationships which are considered as “risky”, that is, that put their health and wellbeing in danger. According to Trends (2010), such behaviour increases one’s risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, this study investigated risky sexual behaviours amongst adolescents living in the rural areas. The motivation was twofold, namely: to change the behaviours and to strengthen school sexuality education programme. The study aligned itself to qualitative paradigm and adopted a case study design. Data was collected using focus interviews with 20 adolescents (10 boys and 10 girls) in the age range of 15-17 years, who were selected following purposive sampling. The findings revealed adolescents’ tendencies of engaging in risky sexual behaviours such as: sexual relationship with older people, involvement with multiple partners, unstable relationship, pornography, sex in exchange of money. Factors contributing to these behaviours include: limited sexuality education, parents not teaching about sexuality education, lack of good role models, poverty, and fear to disclose problems to teachers, ostentatious lifestyles, peer pressure, and myths about sex. Suggestions put forth for preventing involving risky sexual behaviours include: appropriate school programmes, good learner-teacher relationship, effective communication with parents, strengthening of the learning content of Life Orientation, discipline at home, good friends, closing down of illegal taverns, illegalising sex with young boys and girls and restricting access to pornography on the internet. In conclusion, I suggest that the problem be addressed ecosystematically. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

This study aimed at exploring perceptions of young adults with regard to condom use in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. With the help of a quantitative, cross sectional descriptive design approach, data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 372 young adults who came for healthcare services at a selected clinic. The findings indicated that there is a relationship between positive perceptions toward condom use and actual condom use. It means that people who have positive attitudes toward condoms are also more likely to use them. In contrast, people with a negative attitude towards condoms are less likely to use them during sexual intercourse. Negative attitudes of health care providers were found to be the barrier that prevents sexually active individuals to access condoms in primary health care facilities. Re-training of health care providers to address negative attitude is a matter of priority. Mass media can also be used as an avenue to communicate consistent and correct condom use. / Health Studies / M. A. (Nursing Science)

Condom use is promoted as an effective method for prevention and contraception for people who practice or are at risk of practicing high-risk sexual behaviors. According to the UNAIDS (2009) report, condoms are the only resource available to prevent the sexual spread of the HI-Virus; and with regard to family planning, the same report proposes that condoms expand the choices, have no medical side effects, and thus provide dual protection against pregnancy and disease. However, in Africa as elsewhere in the world, condom use has been fiercely debated. The debates on the accessibility, availability and distribution of condoms in schools are not new nor are they uncontested. In Namibia, the HIV and AIDS policy in education does not explain how, when and by whom condoms should be made available to learners. This leaves it to schools to decide on how (and whether) to make condoms available to learners. As a result, individual school‘s choices not only vary, but are mediated by different factors that are not always in the best interest of learners who, as the foregoing discussion suggests, continue to participate in behaviour that, amongst other things, puts them at risk of HIV infection and falling pregnant. Relying on Foucault‘s theory of discourses, this study investigated the dominant discourses that shape learner, teacher, parent religious and traditional leader and traditional healer perspectives, responses, and experiences with regard to the accessibility, availability, and distribution of condoms in school. The study was conducted in nine schools in Kavango Region in Namibia using a mixed methods approach. The study used triangulation in the data collection process through the use of questionnaires where 792 learners participated in this component, and focus group discussions and individual interviews targeting four groups namely, learners, teachers, parents and religious leaders, traditional leaders and traditional healers. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS), and findings from the focus group discussions and individual interviews were analyzed identifying themes and patterns and then organizing them into coherent categories with sub-categories. The study revealed that the majority of adult participants opposed the idea of making condoms available in schools; advocating abstinence instead. This was despite evidence on the prevalence of sexual activity amongst youth in the community. Reasons had to do with various competing and hierarchized discourses operating to shape participant beliefs, perspectives, and responses in a highly regulated and surveilled social and cultural context. Put differently, the dominant discourses invoked a particular sexual subject; authorized and legitimated who invoked such a subject; who was and was not allowed to speak on sexual matters; as well as how sexual matters were brought into the public space of schools. Such authorization and legitimation regulated the discursive space in which discussions on sexual health, safe sex, and resources such as condoms were permitted; with negative consequences for the sexual well-being of youth in Kavango Region. The study also highlighted the tension between freedom, choice, and rights, showing how complex in fact is decision to make condoms available in school. On the one hand, teenagers positioned themselves as capable subjects who had the right to exercise choice over their sexual lives. Requesting parent consent was thus viewed as a violation of this right to choose. Such a position displayed authority and agency by learners that was pitted against views amongst adults in this study that positioned youth as having no agency. In their view, youth (a) were still children and thus innocent and pure, (b) ought to abstain, and (c) were difficult to control given the modern context. Adults believed that early sexual involvement by learners did not result from lack of vigilance and control on their part, but rather from exposure to modern social mores. The study concluded that (a) schools remain difficult spaces not only for mediating discussions of sex and sexuality, but also for providing resources to mitigate sexual risk amongst leaners, (b) in highly regulated societies, dominant religious discourses are produced and reproduced in and through existing institutions such as family, church, and schools; highlighting how these serve to normalize beliefs and perspectives, (c) the dominant discourses shaping communities in which schools find themselves remain inconsistent with school discourses that are shaped by modernist conceptions of childhood and youth, and (b) adult choices to sanction and obstruct schools from making condoms available (and in the case of teachers, not accessible and distributable) put the very children at risk that they propose to be protecting.