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 Periodical article |
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| Title: | Women and AIDS in South Africa: A Challenge to the New National AIDS Programme |
| Author: | Moleon, Marie-Monique |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Periodical: | Africa Insight |
| Volume: | 29 |
| Issue: | 3-4 |
| Pages: | 39-43 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | South Africa |
| Subjects: | women AIDS Women's Issues Health and Nutrition Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Politics and Government Health, Nutrition, and Medicine |
| Abstract: | In South Africa, periodic assessment of the epidemiological impact of AIDS shows that the estimated rates of HIV infection have increased steadily. Black women seem to be one of the most vulnerable groups. It is crucial for all sectors involved in AIDS prevention and education to understand women's attitudes towards AIDS. This article is based on research conducted in Mdansane and Newlands, two communities located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, over a two-month period (October-November) in 1997. The aim of the research was to find out the respondents' general knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their perceptions of AIDS severity, perceived susceptibility to AIDS, and AIDS-preventive behaviour. The data show that respondents had a fairly high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The fact that half of the respondents still engaged in risky sexual behaviour may be explained by factors such as low level of education, cultural background and socioeconomic environment. Therefore, perceived susceptibility and severity - the focus of most prevention programmes - may not be critical determinants of AIDS-related behaviour. The new national AIDS programme in South Africa should consist of an aggressive campaign of AIDS prevention and education in order to motivate women to protect themselves. Ref. |
