Abstract
The multicultural nature of a higher academic institution comprising students from different backgrounds can either negatively or positively influence student behaviour. Students might engage in high-risk practices, which in turn can make them vulnerable to HIV infection. Higher academic institutions are then tasked with finding strategies that can help to reduce this risk and vulnerability to HIV and/or AIDS. However, there are many issues and barriers, both from the institution and students, which can impede the success of any communication strategy. The University of the Free State’s main campus was selected for this study. A sample of 402 students from a total of 17 591 undergraduate students participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was randomly distributed to the undergraduate students. The sample was compiled across all faculties, as well as on campus and off campus. A transact walk on campus with an observation checklist was also used for triangulation purposes. The observation checklist helped to collect data on the visibility of male and female condoms in toilet facilities, and HIV and/or AIDS information on noticeboards, bins, stationery, billboards, etc. The main finding indicated that students were not knowledgeable about HIV and/or AIDS campaigns rolled out on campus. To support this, the observational transact walk results indicated that there were no visible campaigns on campus. Also, problems with existing communication and organisational barriers were found not only with the students but also with the implementation office. This study recommends that the university needs to engage with the students by identifying the root cause of their vulnerability. The university should explore and make use of all the available resources for a successful intervention, thereby building students’ resilience in preventing HIV infection.
Highlights
Several scholars have found that there is a general misconception regarding the risk of HIV and/ or AIDS transmission (Nelson, Ojebuyi & Salawi 2016; Sisk et al 1988; Vaghela 2015)
Reluctance to disclose HIV status owing to actual or perceived stigma illustrates the students’ perceived mode of HIV virus transmission as well as those individuals perceived to be most likely to be infected. These results clearly indicated the existence of misconceptions among the undergraduate student population when it comes to HIV and/or AIDS
The study findings indicate that there are some strategic gaps in the HIV and/or AIDS prevention and mitigation interventions at the University of the Free State (UFS)
Summary
Several scholars have found that there is a general misconception regarding the risk of HIV and/ or AIDS transmission (Nelson, Ojebuyi & Salawi 2016; Sisk et al 1988; Vaghela 2015) This misconception relates to the fact that educated people such as students enrolled at a university are supposed to be more aware of the transmission risks, and less likely to become infected by the virus. Young people in many parts of the world, and those in the above mentioned age group, are at high risk of HIV and/or AIDS infection This is a result of unprotected sex, sex among men, alcohol and drug abuse and engaging in risky behaviours (Maimaiti et al 2010)
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