Staff and Students` Perception of an HIV/AIDS` Strategy: A Case Study of a South African Rural-Based University

Peter Thomas Sandy,Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi

doi:10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2729

Abstract

Background: South African communities have high rates of people living with HIV and AIDS. Universities, particularly those in rural regions are examples of communities noted to be high risk areas of these infections. HIV/AIDS strategies were developed and implemented by higher education institutions to address this concern. Despite this, the prevalence and incidence of HIV and AIDS remain high in academic settings. Yet studies in this area in South Africa are rare. Aim: This paper reports on a study that explored the perceptions of students and staff of the HIV/AIDS strategy of a rural-based university in South Africa. Method: Hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was adopted. Data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews (n=12 student, n= 10 staff). The data were analysed thematically using Diekelmann, Allen & Tanner`s (1989) seven-stage framework of data analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: HIV/AIDS services, management of HIV/AIDS services, and barriers to utilisation of HIV/AIDS services. Conclusion: Staff working in HIV/AIDS service requires training and support to enhance their skills, knowledge and adopt non-discriminatory practices. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p2729

Highlights

South Africa is one of the countries with the highest prevalence and incidence of HIV and AIDS in the world (National Department of Health, 2013)
This paper reports on a study that explored the perceptions of students and staff of the HIV/AIDS strategy of a ruralbased university in South Africa
Data from health promoters, peer educators, nurses, staff and students are identified by the initials ‘her supervisor (HP)’, ‘PE’, ‘N’, ‘SF’ and ‘ST’ respectively

Summary

Introduction

Whilst this is the case, universities are noted in the literature to be high-risk areas for HIV infections (South Africa National AIDS Council, 2011) This is a function of high-risk sexual behaviours, like unprotected casual sex and multiple concurrent sexual partners, commonly observed among university students (Otaala, 2007). Chilisa, Bennell & Hydes (2001) study conducted thirteen years ago, is used in this report to indicate the historical nature of these experiences They reported that academic and non-academic staff are sometimes transferred from one department to another and / or terminated from employment because of being HIV-positive. Conclusion: Staff working in HIV/AIDS service requires training and support to enhance their skills, knowledge and adopt non-discriminatory practices

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion