Perceptions of young Indian adolescents in Chatsworth, towards HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions’ of young Indian adolescents in Chatsworth, towards HIV and AIDS. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis design was used. The participants were selected using judgemental purposive sampling. Nine participants were interviewed. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected through individual interviews guided by an interview schedule. The interpretative phenomenological analysis framework for data analysis was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that participants were well informed about HIV and AIDS. Participants reported disinterest in HIV prevention programmes due to inundation with repetitive information; disinterested attitudes of facilitators of these programme as well as fear of social stigmatisation. The misconceptions that were highlighted were related to very little personal contact with people living with HIV and AIDS. Conclusions and Recommendations: These findings have revealed that there is a need for a revision in HIV/AIDS prevention programme. The HIV/AIDS school programmes should be contextual relevant to learners from diverse backgrounds and communities.