A research report submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Social Anthropology March 2019 / Compensated relationships between younger women and older, moneyed men have been established as the cause of new HIV infections in South African women aged 15 – 24 years old. A great portion of the literature on young love in South Africa reproduces the connection between compensated relationships and illness. In this dissertation, I establish how young women in Johannesburg define and practice love and intimacy in their compensated relationships in the era of social media and the #blessed lifestyle. It highlights the spaces and relationships that inform their romantic choices. The research setting is Johannesburg and social media. The methods that are used this study are face-to-face and WhatsApp interviews as well as participant observation on Twitter. I argue that social media use is reconfiguring the meanings of love and intimacy for young women in Johannesburg. The physical context affects their views and actions around their relationships. Through increasing engagements in virtual spaces, young women recognise their individual choices to date with compensation as a response to the wider social vulnerability collectively experienced by women in private and public spaces all over South Africa. In response to that danger, young women use their individual romantic relationships to supplement their lifestyles monetarily in the case of personal endangerment as well as for pleasure. / NG (2020)

With increasing rates of HIV prevalence in South Africa, research focus is on examining factors that may affect HIV-related sexual risk behaviour, especially in adolescents. Two such factors, parenting styles and socio-economic status (SES) have been highlighted. Despite remarkable consistence in parenting style research, with the authoritative parenting style reliably associated with positive outcomes, the applicability of this model in diverse contexts is questioned given that the majority of this research was conducted in White, middle-class populations. Both parenting practices and SES have produced some inconsistent results in relation to sexual risk behaviours; where results have been dependable, they have failed to account for the mechanisms influencing such relationships. The current study aimed to determine if the documented parenting styles – and SES - sexual risk behaviour relationships could be found in 366 South African adolescents. The study also explored parenting style as a moderator and/or a mediator in the SES – sexual risk behaviour relationship, and SES as a moderator on the parenting style – sexual risk behaviour model. The participants completed adapted self report questionnaires (Parenting Style Index (PSI) and Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviour Questionnaire) and a self-developed biographical questionnaire. Both the parenting styles – sexual risk behaviour and the SES – sexual risk behaviour relationships were found (r =-.21 and -.24 respectively, p <.0001). While the mediation model was disproven, SES and parenting style were both found to act as moderators (F6, 363=2.15, p=.0469). These results are valuable in terms of providing knowledge that may help to develop relevant and effective sexual risk behaviour intervention programmes, as well as adding richness to the current fields of parenting style, and sexual risk behaviour research.

HIV/AIDS has emerged as the leading cause of death in South Africa, with young people being the most affected. Awareness of HIV/AIDS is quite high, yet prevalence rates have not stabilised and are still climbing. Lack of sexual behavioural change among young people is a major factor which explains why prevalence rates are still on the increase among this population. Sexual behaviour change is influenced by perceptions and attitudes, most notably perceived susceptibility. Information on the psychological factors that affect perceived susceptibility can provide an important base for the development of programmes aimed at reducing further transmission among young people. A survey, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to collect data, was conducted among Grade 11 learners (n = 318) in Rini, Grahamstown, South Africa. One of the constructs (namely Perceived Susceptibility) in the Health Belief Model informed the data collection. The data generated were first analysed descriptively, providing percentages for responses. Secondly cross-tabulations were calculated. The results showed that knowledge about HIV/AIDS is sufficient, young people receive accurate and non-conflictual messages about sex and HIV/AIDS, they are not discriminatory towards People Living With HIV/AIDS, they have adequate access to healthcare and their perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS is high. All these are factors which are favourable and conducive for positive sexual behavioural change. However, the study also found that there was little behaviour change among young people especially regarding regular condom use and decreased sexual activity.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology, Information Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2013. / This study reports on the application of decision making core technology adoption theory to empirically examine youth preferences for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) preventive actions. In order to contribute to the open discourse on whether technology adoption rate is higher for male or female, goal desire, goal intention, action desire and action intention elements of decision making core theory were tested. A mobile health information system was implemented as an HIV information disseminating tool and used for experimentation to determine adoption by youths. A dataset of 118 pupils from two high schools was used for pilot investigation. A dataset of 292 undergraduate youths aged 10-24 years from two universities in South Africa was generated to validate the research model. The Partial Least Square (PLS) analytic modelling technique was used to determine the predictive power of decision making core model from the input dataset. Results of experimentation show that regardless of the gender youth accepts to use mobile information system to access HIV information. The predictive power of the decision making core model was found to be independent of gender factor, which was also not found to moderate the relationship between Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC) and action intention. In addition, gender was not found to moderate the order of importance in factors that predict youth preferences for HIV preventive action. PBC, action desire and goal desire were selected as the most important predictors of HIV preventive actions. The factor of action desire was found to mediate the relationship between PBC and action intention such that the mediation effect was stronger for male youth (68%) than for female youth (19%). Finally, the decision making core model better predicted youth preferences for HIV preventive actions as compared to two models based on Theory of Reason Action (TRA) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).

Thesis (M. Th.)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research aims to establish if church-going young people adhere to the principle of ‘no sex before marriage’, or if there are competing ‘voices’ and pressures that young people succumb to. Are they practising risky sexual behaviour, with multiple partners, using no protection or experiencing sexual violence? We conducted a survey in order to understand the gravity of the challenge, and to identify ways in which the Anglican Church might become more effective in dealing with issues of sexuality among young people. The field research was undertaken between October 2004 and January 2005 and involved a detailed questionnaire survey (with 1,306 responses analysed), and three different focus group discussions. Respondents were between 12 and 19 years of age, both male and female, and demographically representative of the Anglican Church of Cape Town Diocese. It is hoped that the results of this survey will be informative for church leaders and those involved in ministry with young people. Our research reveals that church-going young people are not excluded from the risks faced by others in society. Of the respondents 30.5% have had sex (40% Male and 21% Female; Black 44%, White 26% and Coloured 30%). This is irrespective of geographical location (32% Rural and 30% Urban). Young people are practising vaginal, oral and anal sex or any combination. During their first sexual experience, only 35% used contraceptives. Ninety percent of their first partners are friends or schoolmates and when it came to venue, 75% had sex at home or at their partner’s place. Casual sex was common and 33% of those who have had sex have been with four or more sexual partners. Sexual violence also occurred as 6% of the respondents were forced to have sex (Black 7.1%, White 6.5% and Coloured 5.4%). Of this coerced group, 12% have themselves demanded sex from somebody else. There is thus a gap between the Church’s traditional teaching of ‘no sex before marriage’ and the realities of the way in which our young people live. Hence, we should no longer hide our heads in the sand and pretend that our young people are not at risk. This research has certainly identified several areas of concern. Nonetheless, it has also revealed encouraging information, as young people are interested in changing the situation. In order to increase its effectiveness in addressing the sexuality of young people, the Anglican Church should be prepared to act decisively. The approach recommended from this study should be multifaceted, given the increasingly complex landscape in which young people live. There is an urgent need to support young people in building healthy relationships. Parental workshops are an important intervention in order to enable parents to communicate with their children about sexuality, using an ageappropriate approach. Peer education should be adopted: that is training key opinion leaders in each church so that they can provide positive peer pressure. In addition, the church should take a stand against sexual messages seen in the media; silence implies consent. The church must clearly communicate its opposition to these unhealthy sexual messages to society at large. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: The doel van die navorsing is om jongmense war kerklik meelewend is se siening en persepsies oor die standpunt van die Anglikaanse kerk, naamlik geen seks voor die huwelik , te ondersoek en te toets aan die hand van sekere teologiese kriteria. Dit wil vasstel of daar ander moontlike faktore of stemme is wat jongmense se standpunt oor seks en seksualiteit bepaal. Van die belangrike vrae wat ondersoek is: beoefen jongmense hoë risiko, seksuele gedrag met meervoudige bedmaats? Tree hulle genoegsaam voorkomend op? Is hulle blootgestel aan seksueel-geweldadige gedrag? ‘n Empiriese ondersoek (Oktober 2004 en Januarie 2005) is geloots ten einde die uitdagings waarvoor die Anglikaanse Kerk ten opsigte van seks-onderrig te staan kom, vas te stel. Die projek beoog om die kerk se bediening op te skerp en meer relevant gefokus te raak op die seksuele orientasie van jongmense. ‘n Vraelys is opgestel en uitgestuur.Drie verskillende diskussiegroepe was betrokke.1306 response is ontleed. Respondente was tussen 12 en 19 jaar, gender-gemeng en demografies verteenwoordigend van die Anglikaanse Kerk se bedieningsopset binne die Cape Town Diocese. Die navorsing toon duidelik dat jongmense aan risikos blootgestel is met implikasies vir die MIV pandemie. Van die respondente het 30.5% seks gehad (40% mans; 21% vrouens; swart 44%; wit 26% en bruin 30%). Wat geografiese verspreiding aan betref (stad 30%, platteland 32%) was daar nie beduidende verskille nie. Daar bestaan ‘n kombinasie van seks-praktyke, vanaf vaginale, orale en anale seks. Gedurende die eerste seks-ervaring het net 35% kontraseptiewe middels/metodes gebruik. 90% van die eerste bedmaats was maats, vriende of skoolmaats. 75% van die kontakte het tuis plaas gevind. Toevallige seks was algemeen en 33% van die respondente het seks met vier of meer pesone gehad. Seksuele geweld kom voor. 6% van die repondent was geforseer om seks te beoefen (swart 7.1%; wit 6.5%; bruin 5.4%). Vanuit hierdie groep het 12% seks geeis van iemand anders. Daar bestaan ‘n groot gaping tussen die leer van die kerk: geen seks voor die huwelik en die lewensrealiteit van jongmense. Jongmense is belis ‘n hoë risikogroep. Die navoring het verkeie areas geïdentifiseer wat dringend die kerk se aandag verg. Van belang is die feit dat jongmense duidelik ‘n behoefte toon aan konstruktiewe begeleiding. Ten einde the problematiek van seksuele gedrag onder jongmense in die kerk sinvol aan te spreek, sal relevante programme ontwikkel moet word wat multi-faktoreel gestruktureer en kontekstueel moet wees. ‘n Belangrike bedieningstrategie is die skep van ouerbegeleidingsgroepe en werkswinkels ten einde ouers toe te rus hoe om sinvol met jongmense oor seksuele gedrag en seksualiteit te kommunikeer. Daar moet gefokus word op verskillende ouderdomsgroepe en hoe om jongmense by te staan om gesonde verhoudinge te bou. Die seksopvoeding en voorligting moet jongmense inskakel. Leiers onder jongmense wat kan help, moet geïdentifiseer word en ook opgelei word. Destruktiewe groepsdruk moet aangespreek word. Die kerk sal ook leiding moet gee oor die wyse waarop die media seksualiteit hanteer. Op hiedie wyse moet die kerk betrokke raak by die publieke diskoers en negatiewe tendens aanspreek.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION Religion is important in Africa and many churches are involved in HIV ministry. Prevention programmes, however, are less frequent in the church setting and there is little evaluation of them. If an effective model is found, it can contribute to HIV prevention efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted in the Cape Town Diocese of the Anglican Church. Fikelela, an HIV/AIDS project of the Diocese, developed a 20-session peer education programme (Agents of Change) aimed at changing the risky sexual behaviour of youth. Workshops were also aimed at parents. A literature review was conducted looking at three areas: 'theories of behaviour change', 'adolescent sexual relationships' and 'religion and HIV'. A conceptual framework for the programme was developed by integrating findings from the literature review. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness and functioning of the programme, to develop a best practice model and to make recommendations for the use of the programme in the wider church. METHODS Outcome mapping was used to integrate an approach to the design, monitoring and evaluation of the programme. Changes in project partners, key project strategies and organisational practices were all monitored. Project partners were defined as peer educators, facilitators, young people, clergy and parents. Monitoring allowed an in-depth understanding of which aspects of the programme worked. Evaluation was designed as a quasi-experimental study that compared non-randomly chosen intervention and control groups. 1352 participants took part at base-line, 176 returned matched questionnaires in the intervention groups and 92 in the control groups. Reported changes in attitudes, knowledge and sexual behaviour were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The main factors leading to the success of the programme were: a well developed curriculum and programme, effective training camps, the support given by facilitators to peer educators, ongoing mentoring and training, role modelling by peer educators, a participatory style of education and positive peer pressure within a strong church based social network. Challenging the church.s negative attitude to condoms was also important. The weakest areas of the programme were amongst clergy and parents and in challenging media messages and norms on gender. The project impact evaluation showed significant differences at baseline between genders in terms of sexual beliefs and behaviour. There was no significant impact of religiosity on sexual activity. The programme was successful at increasing condom usage (Condom use score 3.5 vs. 2.1; p=0.02) and reduced sexual debut (9.6% vs. 22.6%; p=0.04). There was increased abstinence amongst the intervention group, but it did not reach statistical significance (22.5% vs. 12,5%; p=0.25). There was no effect on the number of partners (Mean 1.7 vs. 1.4; p=0.67). CONCLUSIONS Implementation: The programme should be promoted as a youth development programme rather than an HIV prevention programme. Priority should be given to churches in communities with the highest HIV rates. The target group should include younger teens. Peer educators should be selected by peers not by adults. Strategies: The strategies of training camp and quarterly gatherings are effective, but a new strategy needs to be devised to impact the parents. Content: The programme should build self-efficacy amongst the youth, develop a critical consciousness about sexual health, provide positive messages rather than fear-inducing ones, address sexual coercion and persuasion, explore the linking of condom use with trust, address inter-generational sex and promote community outreach and advocacy activities. The programme is effective and meets the threshold of evidence required to be rolled out. It should be rolled out through the Anglican Church with its estimated membership of two million and could be adapted for other denominations as well. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: INLEIDING Godsdiens is belangrik in Afrika en talle kerke is betrokke by HIV-bediening. Voorkomingsprogramme is egter ongewoon in die kerkomgewing en die evaluering daarvan vind selde plaas. Indien 'n effektiewe voorkomingsprogram model gevind kan word, behoort dit 'n belangrike bydrae te lewer tot HIV infeksie voorkomingspogings in Sub-Sahara Afrika. Hierdie studie is gedoen onder die lidmate van die Kaapstadse Biskoplike gebied van die Anglikaanse Kerk. 'n Bestaande HIV/VIGS projek van die Biskoplike gebied, genaamd Fikelela, het 'n 20-sessie portuurgroepopvoedingsprogram (Agente van Verandering) ontwikkel wat gemik is op die verandering van riskante seksuele gedrag onder die jeug. Daar was ook werkswinkels gemik op ouers. 'n Voorstellingsraamwerk vir die program is ontwikkel deur die integrasie van gedragsveranderingsteorieë met bewyse ten opsigte van verandering van seksuele gedrag onder adolossente en die invloed van godsdiens op adolossente seksualiteit. Die doelwit van hierdie navorsing was om die doeltreffendheid en funksionering van die program te evalueer, 'n optimale praktiese model te ontwikkel en aanbevelings vir die gebruik van die program aan 'n wyer sirkel van kerke te maak. METODES Uitkomskartering is gebruik om 'n benadering tot die ontwerp, waarneming en evaluering van die program te integreer. Alle veranderinge in projekvennote, sleutelprojekstrategieë en organisatoriese handelinge is waargeneem. Projekvennote is gedefinieër as portuurgroepopvoeders, fasiliteerders, jongmense, leraars en ouers. 'n Diepgaande begrip van watter aspekte van die program gewerk het, is bewerkstellig. Die evaluasie was ontwerp as 'n prospektiewe bykans-eksperimentele studie wat nie-lukraak gekose intervensiegroepe en kontrolegroepe vergelyk het. Daar was1352 deelnemers by aanvang, 176 afgepaarde vraelyste is teruggestuur in die intervensiegroepe en 92 in die kontrolegroepe. Veranderings in houdings, kennis en seksuele gedrag wat gerapporteer is, is tussen die twee groepe vergelyk. RESULTATE Die hooffaktore wat tot die sukses van die program gelei het, was: 'n goed ontwikkelde kurrikulum en program, effektiewe opleidingskampe, ondersteuning aan portuurgroepopvoeders deur die fasiliteerders, deurlopende raadgewing en opleiding, portuurgroepopvoeders as rolmodelle, 'n deelnemende styl van opvoeding en positiewe groepsdruk binne 'n sterk kerkgebaseerde sosiale netwerk. Die uitdaging van die kerk se negatiewe houding teenoor kondome was ook belangrik. Die swakste areas van die program was onder die leraars en ouers en in die uitdaging van media boodskappe en norme aangaande geslagskwessies. Die evaluering van die projekimpak het betekenisvolle verskille op grondslag tussen geslagte in terme van seksuele geloof en gedrag getoon. Daar was geen betekenisvolle impak van godsienstigheid op seksuele aktiwiteit nie. Die program was wel suksesvol in die toename van kondoomgebruik (p=0.02) en verhoging in ouderdom van eerste seksuele optrede (p =0.04), maar het geen impak in toename van geheelonthouding onder dié wie alreeds seksueel aktief is (p=0.25) of op die aantal seksmaats (p=0.67) gewys nie. GEVOLGTREKKING Implementering: Die program moet eerder as 'n jeug-ontwikkelingsprogram, as 'n HIV-voorkomingsprogram bemark word. Kerke in gemeenskappe met die hoogste HIV-koers moet voorkeur geniet. Die teikengroep moet jonger tieners insluit. Portuurgroepopvoeders moet deur portuurgroepe self aangewys word en nie deur volwassenes nie. Strategieë: Die strategieë van opleidingskampe en kwartaalikse byeenkomste is effektief, maar nuwe strategieë word benodig om 'n impak op ouers te maak. Inhoud: Die program behoort self-doeltreffendheid onder die jeug te bou, 'n kritiese bewustheid oor seksuele gesondheid te ontwikkel, eerder positiewe as vrees-gebaseerde boodskappe aan te bied, seksuele dwang en oorreding aan te spreek, die verband tussen kondoomgebruik en vertroue te verken, intergenerasie-seks aan te spreek en gemeenskapsuitreik- en aanbevelingsprogramme te bevorder. Die program is effektief en voldoen aan die verlangde bewyse ten einde aangewend te kan word.Met sy geskatte lidmaatskap van twee miljoen behoort die Anglikaanse Kerk dit aan te wend en kan dit ook vir ander denominasies aangepas word.

Aims: The study was aimed at exploring adolescents‟ level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the influence this knowledge has on their sexual behaviour. Methods: In total, 20 in- depth interviews were conducted from a group of 20 (both males and females) secondary school learners. The interviews were audio taped with consent from participants. Results: The results of the study showed that participants possess basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including methods of prevention and transmission. No serious misconceptions about modes of transmission of HIV were found in this study. Although, participants reported condom use, no sexual intercourse with multiple concurrent partners and no intergenerational sexual relationships, the findings revealed some risk factors such as early sexual debuts, early dating, multiple sexual partnerships. Conclusions: The aforesaid sexual behaviours and the sexual activeness among learners is a cause for angst. Thus, these findings highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to sexual reproductive health education by all interested parties in order to enhance and sustain behaviour change among young people. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The HIV pandemic threatens the social, emotional, and physical development of all persons, especially the youth. Adolescents are more at risk of contracting HIV as their lifestyle often involves sexual exploration and experimentation. Effective educational interventions are central to HIV prevention in South Africa. Being a clinical nurse practitioner in a primary health care (PHC) facility, the principal investigator observed that school learners failed to practice safe sex and demonstrated little knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate the reported level of HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviour of grade 12 school learners in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole, Cape Town. A descriptive, non-experimental, research design was employed with a primarily quantitative approach. The study population comprised grade 12 learners from high schools in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole in Cape Town (N=7940). A total of 92 participants from four schools (2 public and 2 private) were included in the sample by using a cluster sampling method. A self-completion semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was collected by the principal investigator and a trained field worker. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (N11/07/225). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Department of Education. Reliability and validity were assured by means of a pilot study and the use of experts in the field of nursing research and statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Statistical associations were determined using ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U tests. The qualitative data was analysed thematically and then quantified. The results show that the average HIV/AIDS knowledge score of participants was 60.73%. However, many gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge were identified. Only 77.2% (n=71) of participants knew the meaning of HIV, 80.4% (n=74) did not know all the ways in which HIV can be transmitted and only 8.7% (n=8) knew how to safely use a condom. The majority of participants (67.4%; n=62) believed in the myth that HIV can be cured and 18.5% (n=17) reported that a traditional healer can cure HIV. With regard to risky behaviour, half of the participants at the time of the study (51%; n=47) reported sexual engagement and 20% (n=9) of these respondents did not use condoms. Furthermore, 25% (n=23) had used alcohol before having sex. There were no association found between the knowledge about HIV/AIDS of participants and their sexual risk behaviour. In view of these study findings, participants are exposing themselves to high risk sexual behaviour that may increase their chances of acquiring sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Several recommendations were identified, including the strengthening of HIV and STI education linked to sexual risk reduction, open communication and additional information sources, availability of condoms at schools and improved access to HIV testing at schools. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die jeug se sosiale, emosionele en fisiese ontwikkeling word deur die MIV-pandemie gekortwiek. As gevolg van hulle seksuele eksperimentering, word adolessente as ʼn hoë risikogroep beskou, sover dit die ontwikkeling van MIV aangaan. Gevolglik speel onderrig ʼn belangrike rol in MIV voorkoming. Die beoefening van onveilige seks, en onvoldoende kennis rakende MIV/VIGS-voorkoming, is deur die primêre navorser, ʼn kliniese verpleegpraktisyn in die primêre gesondheidsorg omgewing, waargeneem. Die studie het dit ten doel om te bepaal wat die MIV-kennis vlakke, en die seksuele gedrag risiko van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool is. ʼn Beskrywende, nie-eksperimentele navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, met ʼn hoofsaaklike kwantitatiewe benadering. Uit die studie populasie van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool hoërskole (N=7940), is ʼn steekproef van 92 deelnemers uit vier hoërskole (twee staatskole en twee privaatskole) gekies – die trossteekproefnemingsmetode is gebruik. Data is versamel deur middel van ʼn semi-gestruktureerde vraelys wat deur die deelnemers self voltooi is. Toestemming vir die uitvoer van die studie is verkry van die Etiese Komitee van die Mediese Fakulteit van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (N11/07/225), asook die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Onderwys. Die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van die studie is verseker deur die uitvoer van ʼn voorstudie, en is verder versterk deur gebruik te maak van kundiges in die veld van statistiek en verpleegnavorsing. Data is ontleed deur middel van beskrywende statistiese metodes en assosiasies is bepaal deur gebruik te maak van variansie-analise (“ANOVA”) en Mann-Whitney U toetse. Die bevindinge is in frekwensie tabelle en histogramme vervat. Die kwalitatiewe data is gekodeer en gekategoriseer, waarna temas geïdentifiseer is. Alhoewel die studie-bevindinge aangedui het dat die deelnemers ʼn gemiddelde MIV/VIGS-kennis telling van 60.73% behaal het, is verskeie leemtes in hulle bestaande kennis geïdentifiseer. Slegs 77.2% (n=71) van die deelnemers het geweet wat MIV beteken, terwyl 80.4% (n=74) nie geweet het hoe MIV oorgedra word nie. Slegs 8.7% (n=8) van die deelnemers het kennis gehad rakende veilige kondoom gebruik. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers (67.4%; n=62) glo dat MIV genees kan word en 18.5% (n=17) het aangedui dat MIV deur ʼn tradisionele geneesheer genees kan word. Hoë-risiko gedrag, spesifiek seksuele aktiwiteit (51%; n=47%) sonder kondome (20%; n=9) is rapporteer. ʼn Verdere 25% (n=23) van die deelnemers het rapporteer dat hulle alkohol gebruik voor seks, maar daar was geen assosiasie tussen die vlak van MIV/VIGS-kennis en hoë-risiko gedrag nie. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die deelnemers hulself blootstel aan hoë-risiko seksuele gedrag met die gevolg dat hul kans om MIV te kry verhoog. Die aanbevelings, gegrond op die bevindinge, sluit in: ʼn groter fokus op onderrig wat verband hou met MIV en seksueel oordraagbare infeksies wat gekoppel is aan ʼn verlaging in hoe-risiko seksuele gedrag, openhartige kommunikasie en bykomende inligtingshulpbronne, beskikbaarheid van kondome by skole, asook verbeterde toegang tot MIV toetsing by skole.

Aims: The study was aimed at exploring adolescents‟ level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the influence this knowledge has on their sexual behaviour. Methods: In total, 20 in- depth interviews were conducted from a group of 20 (both males and females) secondary school learners. The interviews were audio taped with consent from participants. Results: The results of the study showed that participants possess basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including methods of prevention and transmission. No serious misconceptions about modes of transmission of HIV were found in this study. Although, participants reported condom use, no sexual intercourse with multiple concurrent partners and no intergenerational sexual relationships, the findings revealed some risk factors such as early sexual debuts, early dating, multiple sexual partnerships. Conclusions: The aforesaid sexual behaviours and the sexual activeness among learners is a cause for angst. Thus, these findings highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to sexual reproductive health education by all interested parties in order to enhance and sustain behaviour change among young people. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Grandparents fail to communicate sexual matters to the youth. It is their duty to initiate this communication. The escalating numbers of sexually transmitted infections among the youth require grandparents as carers to talk openly. The main purpose of the study was to support grandparents in their communication about sexual matters to the youth. In-depth phenomenological focus group interviews were conducted. Data analysis revealed three themes: grandparents' experience of communication, emotional experience, and the experience of political and social influence. The study developed guidelines for grandparents. The limitations of the study involve the research sample, which was not truly representative of the whole population of East London. The study recommends that all stakeholders be involved in supporting grandparents in their communicating sexual matters to the youth. The researcher recommends further research to describe youth perceptions of communicating sexual matters to grandparents / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)