A study of adolescents' perceptions towards HIV and AIDS

The main focus of this book is to illuminate perceptions held by adolescents on HIV/AIDS. The study revealed that adolescents seem to be well informed on issues relating to HIV and AIDS; however this knowledge is not reflected in their behaviour. Irresponsible sexual behaviour appears to weave through the stakes of information that the adolescents have. A substantial number (47.7%) of the adolescents have had sex and of these some have had sex without any protection (32%), with prostitutes (11%) and with older people (21%). The young people indicated that they regard the school as giving the most reliable information on HIV/AIDS. However the study revealed that the school appears to be found wanting pertaining educating adolescents on HIV/AIDS. Lessons were established to be few and erratic, in some instances these lessons were not given at all. All the teachers (100%) who responded to the questionnaire failed to identify the least HIV infected age group in Zimbabwe indicating that they seem not to be aware that the adolescents they have in their hands are humanity's biggest hope for a future AIDS free generation. It was recommended that the teachers need training on HIV/AIDS.

Autorentext

Sarah Moyo has worked extensively with vulnerable populations in Zimbabwean rural and urban communities as a Development practitioner. She is currently a Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University.