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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices of adolescents with mild retardation, in relation HIV/AIDS |
Author: | Dawood, Naseema |
Year: | 2006 |
Periodical: | African Journal of AIDS Research |
Volume: | 5 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 1-10 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | South Africa |
Subjects: | AIDS adolescents mentally disabled |
External link: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/16085900609490361 |
Abstract: | This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices of adolescents with mild mental retardation (MMR) in relation to HIV/AIDS. It is based on questionnaires administered to a sample of 90 adolescents with MMR drawn from one specialized educational institution in Durban, South Africa. The study reveals critical gaps and erroneous beliefs regarding knowledge of HIV/AIDS, especially with regard to its existence, transmission and cure. Participants indicate a high degree of exposure to various sources of information, particularly media messages. The results indicate that gender-role prescriptions and prevailing social constructions of immorality have had a negative influence on the attitudes and behaviour of participants, particularly with regard to sexual practices and preventative risk behaviours. Furthermore, the sample is found to have low levels of self-efficacy in relation to sexual negotiation and decisionmaking, more specifically with regard to condom use. It should be noted, however, that only a small proportion of the sample was sexually active and the use of contraceptives was accordingly found to be extremely low. The findings are discussed against the backdrop of the empirical literature on HIV/AIDS, developmental theory, and pertinent theories and models of health behaviour. Bibliogr., notes, sum. [Journal abstract] |