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HIV education in South African schools: The dilemma and conflicts of educators
Nazeema Ahmed
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
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Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 37, No. 2 Suppl,
48-54 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1403494808097190
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