Learners’ experiences of TB and HIV integrated messages at secondary schools in the Umlazi district.

Abstract

Using three purposively selected secondary schools in the Umlazi district as a case study, the study reported in this dissertation sought to explore learners’ experiences of TB and HIV integrated messages in extracurricular activities. The rationale of the instrumental case study was that knowing, appreciating and understanding learners' preferences and experiences should inform future TB and HIV school- based extracurricular design, furthermore, adding to the body of knowledge on TB and HIV school- based extracurricular activities. Located in the interpretative paradigm, the study used a qualitative research design to address the research questions. The methods of data collection included focus group interviews and participant observations with a purposively selected sample of 12 learners. Responses were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic data analysis as outlined by Cresswell (2009). The study used three conceptual frameworks: Health Belief Model (Becker 1974), Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura 1989) and Communication for Social Change (Kincaid & Figueroa 2009) as lenses to gain an understanding of the experiences of learners. Results were interpreted by means of literature control. Four themes emerged. The results indicated that there are no TB and HIV integrated messages at the school- based extracurricular activities in the Umlazi district secondary schools. Both TB and HIV had autonomous messages. Learners’ experiences of TB and HIV messages were diverse; majority of the learners had positive experiences. They experienced that they were changed positively by knowledge on TB and HIV. In this respect, they were more open and motivated to communicate their views and to behave responsibly. Of the negative experiences, learners felt that they were flooded with TB and HIV information. Other learners emulated a range of misconceptions around TB and HIV. Learners indicated that they would appreciate the presenters being young as they are more comfortable conversing with younger people. The study recommends further research on coining TB and HIV integrated messages for school- based extracurricular activities.