Reviewing gender and cultural factors associated with HIV/AIDS among university students in the South African context

Correspondence address Annalene van Staden Department of Psychology o f Educa­ tion, Faculty o f Education, University o f the Free State, Abstract: Curationis 32 (4): 19-28 South Africa is in the midst of a catastrophic AIDS epidemic. HIV prevalence statis­ tics in most countries indicate that up to 60% of all new infections occur among 15 to 24 year olds, whilst this group also boasts the highest incidence o f sexually transmit­ ted infections (STIs). Statistical findings among South African students predict a 10% increase in the HIV infection rate, highlighting the inability o f universities to cope with societies’ demands for academically trained workers which, in the near future, will have a detrimental effect on the economy o f South Africa. From the literature it is evident that HIV/AIDS is more than a health issue, it is an inter-sectoral challenge to any society. This paper explored the interplay o f gender and cultural factors on South African students’ sexual behaviour by inter alia discussing the following factors that might put students at risk for HIV infection: male dominance vs. female submissiveness; age of first sexual encounter; gender-based violence; contraception; circumcision; financial status; myths and ‘othering’; demonstrating the need for effective strategies, policies and programmes to protect young people, especially females from sexual abuse/rape and its consequences, including HIV. The literature review revealed that South African students, despite adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge, demonstrated high rates of sexual practices that place them at risk for HIV infection, i.e. unprotected sex, multiple partners and ‘sugar-daddy practices’. The paper concludes with a discussion on recommendations for future HIV preven­ tion/intervention programmes, highlighting the fact that it acquires an inclusive ap­ proach. Such interventions should move beyond the individual level to be effective and target gender-based inequalities, human rights violations, including sexual vio­ lence and rape, as well as stigma and poverty reduction, both at community and tertiary educational level.