HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and practices among Basarwa adolescents attending school in Ghantsi district, Botswana

Abstract

Adolescents, like everybody else have a right to health including sexual health. Their sexuality ishowever clouded by problems that increase their vulnerability to HIV infection. Several factors contribute to this. This study, which is part of a broader adolescent sexuality and reproductive health study among Basarwa, was aimed at investigating the HIV/AIDS relevant knowledge, attitudes and pr Basarwa adolescents attending school in Ghantsi district. Specifically the study sought to investigate sources of information and level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards HIV infection and perceived vulnerability, attitudes towards people infected with HIV, attitudes towards condoms, which covered procurement, access, negotiation for use, and use. The study further sought to investigate howBasarwa adolescents get informed sexual matters, when (age) does sexual activity start, reasons for engaging or not engaging in sex, reproductive health seeking behaviour, menarche and puberty rites for girls, and limitations /opportunities within the home and hostel setting that influence their sexual behaviour and sexual abuse/sexual coercion. The study triangulated qualitative and quantitative research methods. Structured face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The results indicate that the there is a high level of awareness at 79.6% and that 21% of the respondents, especially those in primary school, had no knowledge of how HIV/AIDS transmitted and can be prevented. Most learnt from the school and the radio. Attitudes to HIV infection and people with AIDS were ambivalent, attitudes to condoms were slightly positive. Most of the respondents did not see themselves at risk. Only 13.9% reported being sexually active. There were reports of sexual coercion and violence, and fellow students, teachers and some of the care takers were identified as the perpetrators. Condom use is minimal, and there are various barriers to procurement and to use. The study recommends that sex and HIV/ADIS education should be strengthened, and calls for schools to take action to curb the sexual violence in the schools, to empower the students to know their rights and be able to report incidents of coercive behaviours.