An investigation into young people’s perceptions on the role of gangsterism in the spread of HIV/AIDS : case of Duncan village in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality

Abstract

Introduction: Globally and in South Africa, young people are predisposed to contracting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) due to several social challenges. These social challenges include poverty and gangsterism. In South Africa, there is a high prevalence of HIV amid a rising level of gangsterism among youths which exacerbates the spread of HIV and this negates efforts to prevent the spread of this virus among this demographic group. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate young people’s perceptions on the role of gangsterism in the spread of HIV/AIDS in Duncan Village. Setting: The study was conducted in Duncan Village, which is a township in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Study population: The study population will be young people between the ages of 18-35 years residing in Duncan village. Sampling: Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who were selected based on the participants’ ages. The sample size of 20 participants were reached. No data saturation was reached. Data collection and analysis: Data was collected using in-depth interviews and a semi-structured interview guide. The data collected was analysed using Braun and Clark’s six steps of thematic analysis. Results: A total of 20 participants were selected, most of the participants' ages ranged from 18-35 years. Young people understood gangsterism as a group of young people involved in delinquent behaviour like drug abuse and multiple sexual partnering. These gang-related activities increased the spread of HIV. Gangsterism fostered sexual violence and affected the sexual rights of women putting them at risk of contracting HIV. Conclusion: From these findings, it was concluded that gangsterism is an enabler of the spread of HIV in Duncan Village.