Abstract
The central question to be examined revolves around the perceptions, attitudes and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among undergraduate students at the North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus). Therefore, the objective of this research was to assess these perceptions, attitudes and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. A convenience sample of undergraduate students was used in a cross-sectional design (N = 290). A semi-standardised questionnaire as well as a biographical questionnaire was administered. The semi-standardised questionnaire was proven to be reliable. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of between 0.65 and 0.71 was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that students experienced and perceived differences with regards to their biographical variables in terms of their perceptions, attitudes and awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. Differences were also found between students in different study modules and study years. The findings revealed that the majority of the students were quite knowledgeable regarding HIV/AIDS. While some students had detailed knowledge of the disease and its prevention, others (the minority) were either completely ignorant about it or deny its existence. Recommendations were made for future research in the area of HIV/AIDS within the context of tertiary education.
Highlights
HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa and has serious consequences for individuals as well as for South Africa’s health resources and the economy
The negative impact of HIV/AIDS may in future adversely affect efforts directed at addressing structural problems, including high levels of unemployment, the skills shortage and high levels of income inequality
The results indicate that the students have a positive attitude towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS and that they agree to the principle of having safe sex
Summary
HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa and has serious consequences for individuals as well as for South Africa’s health resources and the economy. The negative impact of HIV/AIDS may in future adversely affect efforts directed at addressing structural problems, including high levels of unemployment, the skills shortage and high levels of income inequality. There are different theories that can be applied when testing people’s perceptions, for instance the ecological theory, the attitude theory and the attribution theory. For this research, it has been decided. C h r is t o v a n W y k is a t t a c h e d to t h e WorkWell Research Unit for People, Policy & Performance, School of Behavioural Sciences, North-West University (Vaal Triangle Campus)
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