Sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV / AIDS related knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour among San learners in a combined school in Platfontein, Northern Cape
Date
2014-02-05
Authors
Fredericks, Mercedes Beryl
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Abstract
Prevention of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa includes early detection and
treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as health promotion activities. The latter
include health education programmes and the promotion of screening activities such as voluntary
counselling and testing (VCT). The South African government recognises the need for creating
equity for access to health care services. The 1997 White Paper for the Transformation of the Health
System, stipulates one of the aims of health Policy in the new South Africa as ‘promoting equity by
developing a single, unified health system’. This commitment is inclusive of the Platfontein
community which comprises the two largest San-groups in South Africa: the !Xun and the Khwe
who were settled on the Platfontein farm at the end of 2004. There are 3500 !Xun and 1100 Khwe
currently living in the Platfontein community. A health facility, compliant with the principles of
Primary Health Care (PHC), was built on the farm to render services to the Khwe and !Xun
communities who were not recognised as a distinct cultural group during the Apartheid era in South
Africa. For the young people in the community it was the first time they could access the formal
schooling and health system in South Africa.
The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions, attitudes, behaviour and knowledge levels
among the school-going youth of the Platfontein community, about STIs, HIV/AIDS and the health
care services that are available to them.