Perception of health needs and HIV/AIDS threats in rural and urban Zulu-speaking adults.
Loading...
Date
1995
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the relationship between variables .common to models
of health behaviour, and the role of demographic and contextual variables in
determining or influencing AIDS health protective behaviours. In addition, the
perceived and stated health needs and 'priorities of the sample were investigated. The
overall intention of the study was to inform HIV/ AIDS interventions in the region.
A sample of fifty Zulu-speaking adults were randomly selected from a rural area and
an urban area within the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Data was obtained using a simple
questionnaire together with a structured interview. Data was collected by Zuluspeaking
assistants. The design and instruments were based on the findings of a pilot
study conducted in the same area.
The resul of the study showed a close relationship between perceived health needs and
identified social and environmental problems. HIV/ AIDS .and other sexually
transmitted diseases were not perceived by those sampled as a health priority. Results
indicated that knowledge of HIV/ AIDS was relatively low and responses tended to be
stereotyped. There was some indication of an awareness of personal vulnerability and
self-efficacy, but subjects' responses suggest that this was not translated into healthprotective
behaviours. Culture, gender, age, education and rural/urban classification
were found to be associated with the prioritisation of health needs and explanations of ill-health. Urban/rural classification was found to be significantly related to knowledge
score and efficacy score, and gender was significantly related to the behaviour score.
It was concluded that while many of the variables included in the theoretical models
of health behaviour were useful in explaining such behaviour in the population studied,
demographic and contextual factors were paramount in determining and influencing
decisions about health.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.