People’s perception regarding HIV/AIDS prevention: A case study of a rural community in South Africa

Abstract

This study explores the cultural beliefs, behaviours and pract ices related to HIV/AIDS in a rural communi ty in South Africa. The study was carriedout in Khutsong, a rural community in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. An interview guide wa s used to conduct brainstorming sessions. For the purpose of data collect ion, three heterogeneous groups were formed and each group was interviewed separately over a period of three days.The discussion focused on the perception of the groups re garding the prevent ion of HIV/AIDS with specific reference to socio-cultural factors. Data collected were analyzed descriptively by using the Tesch’s method of descript ive analysis. Regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDS, the respondent s perceived that the fol lowing factors should be considered: gender inequality, denial, stereotype, initiation rites, multiple sex partners, polygamous marriage, confidential ity, prostitution, poverty, unemployment, migra nt labour, education about condom use and the role of traditional healers in HIV/AIDS manageme nt. Based on the results, the study concludes that se veral factors should be taken into c onsideration for the success of any programme designed for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.