EFFECT OF VITAMINS C AND E INTAKE ON BLOOD ... - EuroJournals

European Journal of Social Sciences - Volume 2, Number 1 (2006)
High School Learners’ Attitudes, Level of Knowledge and Level
of Discrimination towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS
C. Strydom
Lecturer, School for Psycho-Social Behavioural Sciences: Division Social Work, Potchefstroom
Campus of the North-West University, South Africa.
P. Podile
Social Worker, Department of Social Development,
North-West Province, South Africa.
Abstract
HIV/AIDS has increasingly become a problem in the world, but especially in South
Africa. People living with HIV/AIDS find themselves in a serious predicament and face
double jeopardy. They face death and while they are fighting for their lives, they are
abused, ridiculed and maligned. They are being discriminated against, rejected and not
treated with love, respect and dignity.
It is believed that a battle against the AIDS epidemic cannot be won unless the
level of awareness and commitment is raised to a point where the authorities and public
at large realise that everyone must work together. The power to defeat the spread of
HIV/AIDS lies in partnership with the youth, adults, business people and government. A
supportive and enabling environment also needs to be created for those people living with
HIV/AIDS.
The aim of the study was to explore learners’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS and
determine their attitudes regarding people living with HIV/AIDS. From the research
findings, it was found that learners are knowledgeable about the general facts on the
HIV/AIDS pandemic, but that their knowledge concerning certain aspects is limited to
some extent, therefore it is deemed necessary to equip and empower them with more and
relevant information. With regard to learners’ attitudes, it was found that learners have
fair and positive attitudes towards people living with AIDS.
It is recommended that these positive attitudes and fair knowledge of learners
must be sustained. The most effective way to attain this is through education, and schools
are the appropriate places to teach young people about HIV prevention.
Introduction
This article focuses on the knowledge of and attitudes of the high school learners concerning people
living with HIV/AIDS. It especially examines the learners’ level of discrimination towards people
living with the virus. The problem statement, the objectives of the study and the methodology will be
dealt with. The findings of the study will be discussed according to the sections of the questionnaire.
Finally, the article looks into intervention strategies in addressing the phenomenon.
Problem statement
HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest public health hazards or threats that is facing the whole world.
According to Stine (1993:11), AIDS is the most dramatic, pervasive and tragic pandemic in recent
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