For the purpose of this study sexual risk taking behaviour can be defined as having penetrative sex with another individual without taking any preventative precautions against HIV infection, pregnancy and STI infection (Nel, 2003).
2.10.1 Global trends and Knowledge in Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviour
Global trends indicate a similar pattern to those found in research in South Africa. There are approximately forty eight million people worldwide living with the infection, progress towards developing effective international responses to curb the spread of the disease has been slow (WHO, 2006). The spread of HIV/Aids is most acute in Africa and Asia where one in four of all new infections occurs (Stephenson, 2004 & WHO, 2006).
In the USA less than twenty percent of college students consistently use condoms during sexual intercourse. A study conducted in various USA colleges tested various concepts from the HBM in terms of there ability to explain and predict college students`
intentions regarding condom use. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between safe sex behaviour and student’s knowledge, concerns or attitudes about HIV/Aids. The results indicate that having the knowledge is not enough to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviour(s) (Weston, 2006).
One of the most important sexual risk behaviours associated with HIV/Aids is not using a condom. Ever since the discovery of the HIV retrovirus research has developed ways to predict and promote safer sex. Findings on self-reported attitudes and behaviour
47
indicate that men are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour such as not using a condom (Baumeister et al., 2001).
It is important to consider that males may be more honest in reporting risky sexual behaviour(s) when responding to research questions. Alexander and Fisher (2003) conducted a study that revealed that woman may be more sensitive to social expectations and may not tell the truth about sexual experience and behaviour(s).
Women perceive that they should not be promiscuous and should be relationship oriented. It is likely that as a result of stigmatization (or perceived stigmatization) they may not answer questions about sexual behaviour honestly.
2.10.2 Sub-Saharan African trends and Knowledge in Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviour
Weston (2006), states that the HBM concept of perceived susceptibility can be useful in terms of analyzing sexual risk-taking behaviour(s). Chwee, Eke-Huber, Eaddy and Collins (2005) conducted a study examining undergraduate Nigerian college students`
HIV knowledge and perceived susceptibility. This was a quantitative study which indicated that females had a greater knowledge about the pandemic compared to males. Females scored higher in knowledge about the risks of HIV transmission through oral sex which, although low, exists. The study also indicated that male respondents perceived lower risk severity pertaining to HIV infection.
48
In Africa, there is much quantitative research using demographic comparisons on attitudes, knowledge and perceptions toward HIV. There are a few cases of qualitative research looking at the experience and feelings of HIV positive people and people living with Aids (Weston, 2006).
2.10.3 South African trends in Knowledge and Risk-Taking Behaviour
Sexual risk-taking, as noted previously, involves any sexual activity that places individuals at risk for unintended pregnancy and, or STI`s. Examples include unprotected sex, inconsistent use of contraception, use of contraception without appropriate protection against STIs, or multiple sexual partners. HIV and STI`s infection rates in South Africa are among the highest in the world. The majority of those infected with HIV are women in their twenties, sex workers, miners and other migrant workers.
Studies reveal that gender imbalances, high levels of tolerance for gender-based violence and patriarchal sexual norms account for high levels of sexual risk behaviour.
Levels of knowledge about HIV are extremely high amongst most groups, but the translation of this knowledge into safe sex is seldom put into practice (Uys, 2002).
Uys (2002) at Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) used both qualitative and quantitative components in an investigation related to HIV/Aids. The purpose of the study was to determine the levels of awareness and knowledge about HIV/Aids. As knowledge and awareness are seen as affecting student’s vulnerability to contracting HIV, the study aim was to find out whether this awareness was reflected in the students sexual activities.
For example, did students use condoms when engaging in safe sex and did they limit
49
their sexual partners. The results indicated that students know that risky behaviour could result in the contraction of HIV and they could pin-point high-risk behaviour, yet they still engaged in unsafe sex. In addition, it was found that students had generally negative attitudes toward condom use.
Research at Rhodes University in Grahamstown indicated that males and females differ in their attitude towards condom use, females being more positive about condom use than males. The results indicated that only twenty eight percent of respondents regularly used condoms during sex (Weston, 2006). At the University of Zululand seventy eight percent of students state that they do not always use a condom during sex (Nel, 2003). This study looked at the impact that the HIV/Aids pandemic is having on higher education and the crucial role that tertiary education institution should play in dealing with this impact. As well as stressing the academic effects of the disease, the study also emphasized its effect on society.
Madlala (2001) explored South African school pupil’s views on sexual violence and risk of HIV infection. The study suggests that research on youth in South Africa has shown that misconceptions are high about the risk of HIV/Aids infection. It also found that the response to learning about behaviour transformation is not as positive as anticipated.
This research is relevant to the current study in terms of general misconceptions about HIV/Aids. One third of the participants indicated that they thought they may be HIV- positive.
50
Levine and Ross (2002) conducted a study about the perceptions and attitudes of young adults at the University of Cape Town towards HIV/Aids. The authors state that student’s knowledge and social constructs of HIV/Aids are important. Their research results indicated that participants tend to imagine that they have immunity to the virus and consequently they continue to practice unsafe sex.