HIV/AIDS-related beliefs, perception and sexual behaviours in South Africa: Analysis of Cape area panel study

Amos Oyedokun, University of the Witwatersrand
Clifford O. Odimegwu, University of the Witwatersrand

This paper investigates impact of HIV/AIDS-Related beliefs and perception on sexual behaviours of young people based on the Health Belief Model, using Wave 1 data of Cape Area Panel Study. Results showed that 95% believed there is protection against HIV/AIDS; that belief in abstinence, limiting numbers of sexual partners and HIV/AIDS risk perception are the most important predictors of contraceptive use at last sexual intercourse (P<0.05). Small risk, moderate risk, great risk, HIV-positive and ignorant group are all less likely to use protection at the last sexual intercourse when compared to no risk assessor (P<0.05). HIV/AIDS risk perception and having relations who died of HIV/AIDS impacted use of contraceptives during first and last sexual intercourse, and consistency of condom use at last sexual intercourse. Those with deceased relations from HIV/AIDS should be encouraged to speak out so that young people in South Africa can know that the epidemic is real.