In South Africa little has been done to understand the variations that are present among Black South African adolescents. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to asses whether differences exist regarding knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) about HIV/AIDS among Black South African secondary school students attending schools in an urban center and a township community; (2) to understand the KAB among Black South African secondary school students living in different parts of the country. In the northern part of South Africa, HIV prevalence has increased from less than 1 percent in 1990 to a median of 19 percent in 1998. In the far southern part of the country, HIV prevalence has increased from less than 1 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 1998. Given that particular areas of the country have higher prevalence and incidence rates one can speculate that there are visible differences in the concepts surrounding AIDS. A random sample of 160 secondary school students from the northern and southern parts of the country completed face-to-face interviews, which measured their KBA about HIV/AIDS. From this data comparisons were made among: (a) participants living in the north (Pretoria) versus the south (Capetown); (b) students attending schools in urban centers versus township communities; (c) and participants speaking differing primary languages. Multivariable regression models were conducted to predict and individual's KAB score while adjusting for potential confounders. Implications for most appropriate ways to address KBA among this population and directions for future research are discussed.
Learning Objectives: After reviewing the poster,the participant will be able to: (1) Describe information about the present differences of knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among South African adolescents attending schools in the northern and southern parts of the country. (2) Identify and articulate suggested reasons for the differences of knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among South African adolescents. (3) Develop possible HIV/AIDs educational material that can address knowledge, beliefs and attitudes among adolescents from different populations.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Adolescents, International
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.