This Article Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Ahmed, N. Articles by Jansen, S. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ahmed, N. Articles by Jansen, S. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

HIV education in South African schools: The dilemma and conflicts of educators

Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa, nazeema.ahmed{at}uct.ac.za, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Alan J. Flisher

Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Research Centre for Health Promotion, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway

Catherine Mathews

Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Wanjiru Mukoma

Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Shahieda Jansen

Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa, Adolescent Health Research Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Aims: Educators within the school system are well placed to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and skills in order for adolescents to be equipped for appropriate sexual decision-making. The aim of this research was to provide an understanding of educators' beliefs, attitudes and behaviours with regard to sexual and reproductive health promotion. Methods: Individual interviews were conducted with 15 educators from demographically diverse high schools in the Western Cape. One-off interviews were conducted with Grade 8 Life Orientation educators and principals. The interviews were audio-recorded, with one exception. The resulting data were analysed using the qualitative computer package NVivo, as well as the grounded theory method. Results: The findings indicate that many educators are conflicted about HIV and sex education, as they perceive it as contradicting their values and beliefs. The overwhelming majority was in support of the promotion of abstinence, but felt personally challenged in teaching safe sex practices. Conclusions: The impact of broader socioeconomic factors on education was noted, such as the dysfunctional homes of learners, poor role models, inadequate life-skills, violence, and crime. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach towards sexual health intervention programmes that is sensitive to the cultural and social context in which it is developed and implemented.

Key Words: Adolescents • HIV/AIDS education • sexual health promotion • South Africa • teachers

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 37, No. 2 Suppl, 48-54 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1403494808097190


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?