HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk of HIV/AIDS among youth in South Africa

The vast majority of the global population living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are found in South Africa. The literature suggests these HIV prevalence and AIDS mortality statistics may be underestimated. In South Africa HIV/AIDS has resulted in devastating social and economic repercussions, impacting the most productive members of society; those aged 15-49 years. Interventions for prevention and treatment used successfully in developed countries do not appear to be as effective in South Africa. Street youth are often omitted from research samples and are at considerably higher risk for contracting HIV. This chapter is based on our study and involved 18 street youth and staff at a registered non-government, non-profit shelter who completed semi-structured qualitative interviews or a focus group in early January 2012. Results showed many participants had limited understandings of HIV and its link to AIDS. The pervasive effect of stigma appeared to undermine knowledge and disclosure of HIV status, and included descriptions of negative attributions, ostracism and suicide. Appearance was viewed as an important outward indicator of health, whilst socio-economic risk factors leading to street life increased HIV/AIDS risk. Street youth reported engaging in crime, violence, sexual activity and substance use. Our findings offer implications for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in South Africa. Numerous recommendations included greater dissemination of accurate knowledge, and interventions that target males, misinformation and stigma.