MPhil study projects

Determining young women’s risk and vulnerability for HIV by exploring their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of HIV and Aids

Student: Jennifer Daniels
Country: South Africa

The study established the knowledge level, attitudes and perceptions of students to determine their risk and vulnerability around contracting HIV. The study found that the participating students at Wits University had fair knowledge levels, but negative attitudes and perceptions of HIV and Aids. This increased their risk to contract HIV, due to their inability to internalise their individual HIV risk based on their knowledge.

The main recommendation is that the university should actively promote the psychosocial, health and wellness services offered for free. It should also encourage students to access these support services to excel academically and improve their health status. The importance and benefits of knowing your HIV-status, as well as seeking ongoing support once an HIV status is confirmed, should be highlighted.

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