Teenagers' perceptions of HIV/AIDS media interventions.
Date
2009-09-30T09:05:03Z
Authors
Mohammed, Atiyya
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Abstract
The identified age group to be most at risk for HIV infection has been highlighted as the
12 to 20 year old range (Parker, 2007). It is hypothesised that a successful reduction in
the rate of HIV infection among the teen age group will lead to a significant slowing of
the epidemic. In order to achieve this reduction psychoeducational campaigns have been
developed in South Africa as a means to educate the youth. However these campaigns
have come under scrutiny for being ineffective. Literature around the effectiveness of
these campaigns has largely been quantitative in nature. This study aimed to look at the
qualitative perceptions of members of the target population aged between 12 to 17 years
old. The study also aimed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the campaigns.
To attain this 35 participants were involved the study. Seven focus groups were
conducted with 5 participants in each group. The participants were shown images of
different psychoeducation media available in South Africa and thereafter a discussion
was evoked. The focus groups were audio recorded and the data was transcribed. A
thematic content analysis was conducted in order to identify themes. The themes were
categorised and discussed under the broader heading of the four major campaigns –
Lovelife, Khomanani, Entertainment Education, the Red Ribbon and arts initiatives such
as murals. Finally recommendations were also considered for future interventions.