HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and risky behaviours of college students at Nazarene Teacher Training College in Swaziland: a descriptive study
The study describes the knowledge and attitudes of college students at the Nazarene Teacher Training College with regard to HIV/AIDS. It identifies risky sexual practices of the college students as well as, which may require redress in order to enhance effectiveness in combating the spread of HIV.
The results recognized gaps, doubts or lack of confidence in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Their attitudes were fatalistic and in denial of the risk of infection, with negative attiutudes displayed towards peole living with AIDS. Most of the students displayed fear in communicating HIV issues, Attitudes towards condom use were negative, possibly due to religious orientation, and those who used condoms were inconsistent. Their self-esteem was very low, leading to uncertainity on their perceived risk of contracting the virus. Though most had adopted abstinence and monogamous relationships, there were pockets of high-risk sexual behaviours displayed by a minority.
