DISSEMINATION OF AND USE OF HIV/AIDS INFORMATION BY STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
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Authors:
• Lauretta Wamunza, email: unknown, Afiliation: Kampala, Uganda
• Benzies Boadi, email: unknown, Afiliation: Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana
• Stephen Mutula, email: unknown, Afiliation: Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Botswana -
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Botswana; Information dissemination; HIV/AIDS information, University of Botswana
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Abstract:
Presents part of the findings of a study that was carried out at the University of Botswana to determine in general how HIV/AIDS information is disseminated to and used by undergraduate students. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. A survey design was used to study a population of 9000 plus undergraduate students. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. SPSS was used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed using thematic categorization.
Key findings revealed that the HIV/AIDS information disseminated to students include information on behaviour change; information on HIV/AIDS prevention; transmission and treatment. The means of disseminating information to students include the use of multiple channels such as the university Health and Wellness Centre, Lectures, peer groups, seminars/workshops, students meetings, the University Clinic and the library. The study found that the most common media used to disseminate information to students include video, print, CDs and verbal means. Finally, factors that affect access to and use of HIV/AIDS information by students include: religious orientations, substance abuse, low income levels, multiple relationships, age and gender.
There is need for the University of Botswana to review its overall approach of disseminating HIV/AIDS information to students in order to make it more effective. Moreover, strong liaison among agencies involved in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS at the University is needed. Furthermore, a more rigorous research into issues of students’ attitudes and values in relation to HIV/AIDS is needed. Similarly, more efforts are needed to create awareness and educate students on the dangers associated with substance abuse, multiple partners and practicing unprotected sex. The need to encourage testing for HIV/AIDS among students is needed so that appropriate interventions can be put in place.
The world over, HIV/AIDS has borne devastating effects on social, political and economic front of largely all countries, with Africa suffering most from the negative effects of the pandemic. Botswana has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS in the world. Government, the private sector, civil society and education institutions in Botswana are engaged one way or the other in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV/AIDS in Botswana affects the most productive age groups, between twenty-five and forty years of the population. This results in a shortage of skilled labour needed for development and seriously reduces the level of productivity and economic growth of the country. The University of Botswana put in a place an in-house policy in 2002 following continuing deaths of staff and students to mitigate the negative effects of HIV/AIDS. Since the promulgation of the policy, attempts have been made to promote awareness and education about HIV/AIDS within the University in order to encourage behavioural change (University of Botswana, 2002). However, no study has been undertaken to assess how the university efforts in mitigating HIV/AIDS were bearing fruit.