Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management)

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Perception of risk of HIV/AIDS among widows using the Ndlovu Medical Centre, Elandsdoorn, Limpopo Province
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Amosun, Durotolu Motunrayo; Qubuda, Thozamile; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research was conducted at Ndlovu Medical Centre, Elansdoorn; Elias Motswaledi municipality district in the Limpopo Province of South Africa using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was collected from 30 widows. It is wrong to assume that decision-making and behaviour are always rational. The study finding shows that risk perception is influenced by social and economic factors such as relationships, community expectations, and access to resources. These have a major impact on behaviour, and may prevent individuals from adopting safe sex practices that prevent HIV/AIDS transmission; thereby making risky behaviour a social rather than an individual issue. Public health measures to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS must be re-evaluated with consideration for ways in which factors beyond the individual shapes risk perception. In using the Pressure and Response model as a guide, vulnerability among widows can be managed and reduced by addressing root causes, dynamic pressures, and unsafe conditions that contribute to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.