Perceptions of undergraduate students not participating in HIV/AIDS prevention activities in Botswana.
BACKGROUND
Botswana is one of the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS. Prevalence rates of 22.8% and 38.6% have been reported for age groups 15-19 and 20-24 years respectively. The government has solicited a concerted effort of all individuals and agencies in both the public and private sector in the fight against HIV/AIDS.


OBJECTIVE
This report is part of the findings of a study conducted at a university to evaluate students' perceptions of the effectiveness of two HIV/AIDS initiatives put in place and aimed at changing the students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.


METHODS
The study utilized the Rapid Assessment Process (RAP). Four teams interviewed: students who had taken the course; students who had used the centre; students who had taken the course and used the centre; and students who have neither taken the course nor used the centre. Initial steps in data analysis involved coding and theme derivation. Findings reported here were from participants who neither participated in the course nor used the centre.


RESULTS
Participants reported the following problems, which were hindering the success of the programmes: problems in the ABC message; permissive campus environment; lack of entertainment; and students' perceptions about HIV/AIDS and their own vulnerability. Participants came up with suggestions for improving the initiatives. The authors discuss implications of the study findings for the university's initiatives.
Sabone
M
M
Department of Nursing Education, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana. sabonemb@mopipi.ub.bw
Ntsayagae
E
E
Brown
M S
MS
Seboni
N M
NM
Mogobe
K D
KD
Sebego
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D001902:Botswana / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012309:Risk-Taking; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000208:ethnology