Do moral values influence the spread of HIV/AIDS amongst young people/adolescence

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(1)Do moral values influence the spread of HIV/AIDS amongst young people/adolescence. Daniel Peter Solomons. Assignment presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (HIV/AIDS Management) at Stellenbosch University. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Supervisor: Prof J.C.D. Augustyn December 2008.

(2) Declaration. By submitting this assignment electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the owner of the copyright thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.. November 2008. Copyright © 2008 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved.

(3) Summary. Great strides have been made on many fronts. Various forms of medication are available to treat, and even prevent a variety of HIV-related opportunistic infections. However the spread of the virus is not slowing down.. Although HIV-positive people who have easy access to care facilities or primary health facilities do not become sick as often or spend less times in hospitals, very little research has been done involving young people or adolescents.. HIV/AIDS research efforts in past primarily focused on two specific population groups, namely infants and adults. Most adolescents are biologically more similar to adults than is the case with infants. However it is clear that adolescents are not on at the same developmental level than most adults.. Despite huge efforts by world organizations, prevention programs and peer educators to inform people about the dangers of the HI-Virus, the number of infection cases increases day by day. This either means that the prevention programs are not effective or people are just apathetic. Although the average person knows about the affect the virus has on the human body still some indulge in unprotected risk-full sexual behaviour. Recent studies showed that the youth are also at risk and something needs to be done to reduce the spread of the the virus amongst children and the youth.. The aim of this pilot study is to analyze the moral values of young people at Luckhoff High School and what role these values might play in the spread of the virus. Close-ended questions on a 4-point Lickert scale were distributed to 200 randomly selected learners (grade 8-11) of which 167(84%) were completed.. Research results indicate that a relationship exists between moral values and the spread of the HI-Virus. It seems that there is a highly significant difference in the mean values of the two sexual status groups (those who are sexually active and those who are not) that participated in the research project. Those who were sexually non-active (91% of participants) had a value mean of 2.97 and the group who were sexually active (9%) a value mean of 2.5..

(4) Recommendations for future research in this particular area concerning moral values could be to include all nine Secondary Schools in the Stellenbosch region. This would result in a more informed understanding about the impact moral values have on the sexual patterns of learners and how this might prevent future HIV infections or STI’s. This should help to shift the focus from the existing values regarding abstinence, Being faithful and the practice of using condoms, which are very often far removed from the value system of youth, to values they can relate to..

(5) Opsomming. Alhoewel MIV-navorsing op die gebied van infektering en voorkoming geweldig vordering gemaak het, en verskeie mediese behandeling vir slagoffers beskikbaar is, het die verspreiding van die MI-Virus nie noodwendig afgeneem het nie. Alhoewel MIV positiewe pasiënte vrye toegang tot mediese en ondersteuningsdienste geniet en nie so gereeld siek word soos voorheen nie, moet ook erken word dat baie min navorsing onder adolosente en die jeug tot dusver gedoen is. In die meeste gevalle het navorsing hoofsaaklik op babas en volwassenes gefokus. Alhoewel adolossente soms biologies/liggaamlik soos volwassenes reageer is hulle nie noodwendig op dieselfde ontwikkelingsvlak nie. Dus kan daar nie veralgemeen word nie.. Ten spyte van intensiewe pogings deur wêreldorganisasies, en voorkomingsprogramme om almal bewus te maak van die gevare van MIV/Vigs gebeur, dit tog dat die getal infeksies daagliks toeneem. Dit beteken dat óf die voorkomingsprogramme nie werk nie, of mense is bloot apaties.. Alhoewel so baie mense bewus is van die effek en uitwerking van die virus, stel baie hulle steeds bloot aan onverantwoordelike en gevaarlike seksuele gedrag. Onlangste studies en koerant- en tydskrifartikels het getoon dat die jeug ook bedreig word en dat alles moontlik gedoen behoort te word om die verspreiding van die MI-virus onder kinders en die jeug te verminder.. Die doel van die loodstudie is om waardes van skoolgaande jeug by Luckhoff Senior Sekondêre Skool te ontleed en vas te stel watter rol morele waardes speel in die verspreiding van die MI-Virus. Geslote. vrae op ‘n vier punt Lickert-skaal is aan 200 ewekansige. respondente (graad 8-11) uitgedeel waarvan 167 (84%) voltooi en terug ontvang is.. Die navorsing toon dat daar wel ‘n verband tussen morele waardes en die verspreiding van die MI-virus bestaan. Dit blyk uit die navorsingsresultate dat daar ‘n hoogs beduidende verskil is in die gemiddelde waardes van die twee groepe se seksuele status. Die nie-sekueel aktiewe groep (91% van resondente) het ‘n waarde gemiddelde van 2.97 en die seksueel aktiewe groep ‘n waarde gemiddelde van 2.5 (9% van respondente)..

(6) Moontlike aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsing sou wees om ‘n studie te doen van al nege hoërskole in die Stellenbosch area ten opsigte van morele waardes om sodoende ‘n beter begrip te verkry van die impak wat waardes op seksuele gedrag en die verspreiding van die virus op seksueel oordraagbare siektes.. Dit behoort die klem ten opsigte van die waardes van weerhouding, om getrou te wees aan een metgesel en om ‘n kondoom te gebruik wat soms nie ekkeftief genoeg om besluitnemeing te beïnvloed nie te skuif na waardes waarmee jong mense hulself mee kan vereenselwig..

(7) TABLE OF CONTENT. 1. INTRODUCTION. Page 1. 2. THE BACKGROUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. Page 1. 3. METHOD OF RESEARCH. Page 5. 3.1 The research problem. Page 5. 3.2 Definitions and certain terminology. Page 6. 3.3 Permission. Page 7. 3.4 Measuring instrument. Page 8. 3.5 Collecting of data. Page 8. 3.6 Research design. Page 9. 3.7 Statistical analysis. Page 9. 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Page 12. 5. RECOMMENDATION FOR FUTURE RESEARCH. Page 19. REFERENCES. Page 20. APPENDICES. Page 21.

(8) 1. INTRODUCTION. Research on the HI-Virus assisted medical personnel and many other researchers in different fields of study to develop a better understanding of the virus and what affects it might have on the human body. Physicians have a growing array of medications available to treat and even prevent a variety of HIV-related opportunistic infections. In the light of the fact that no cure has been found yet much research needs still to be done in finding a cure or for the meantime ways in which the spread of the virus may be slow down. Many experiments are currently conducted in order to get a better understanding of the virus and the affects of the virus on the human body. Daily researchers are identifying problems and are trying to answer this question.. HIV/AIDS in some cases has become the topic of discussion even amongst. ordinary people. Even ordinary people (people without high levels of education) are asking questions about affects of HIV/AIDS or are suggesting solutions on how the spread of this virus can be slowed down or even cured. In this pilot study to ask some ordinary questions (research problem) are posed to respondents to ascertain what counteracted views concerning this killer disease they hold. The major feature of the research will focus on reducing a particular question to its observable components and to test possible answers to those questions.. 2. THE BACKGROUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. HIV/AIDS research has made great strides on many fronts such as slowing down the spread of the virus by anti-retrovirals and various forms of medication is available to treat and even prevent a variety of HIV-related opportunistic infections.. HIV-positive people who have easy access to care facilities or primary health facilities are not getting sick as often or spend less time in hospitals; very little research has been done amongst young people or adolescents. (Szekeres, 2000) HIV/AIDS research efforts had primarily focused on two specific population groups, infants and adults. Most adolescents are biologically the same as adults than infants, however it is clear that adolescents are not at the same developmental stage as most adults (Fleming, 1996).. Furthermore, despite huge efforts of world organizations, prevention programmes, peer educators to inform people about the dangers of the HI-Virus the number of infection 1.

(9) increases daily. This either implies that the prevention programmes are flawed or that people are simply apathetic. Although people know about the affect the virus have, still some express high risk sexual behaviour.. According to Greg Szekeres (2000) adolescents are one of the most underrepresented populations to partake in HIV medical research. It seems that many clinical trials exclude anyone under 18 and sometimes there is good reason for that. However adolescent minors are often excluded simply because of the perception that they are too unreliable or problematic to make good research respondent. A further reason might be ascribed to legal complexities, since adolescents need consent from their parents to partake in research.. From the above it is evident that additional studies are required to better understand the natural history of HIV in adolescents or youth as well as to expand the study of youth and their behavior. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) are spread primarily through sexual contact and it is estimated that STD's are the most common infections in South Africa. (Green, 1994). Sexually transmitted diseases constitute a major public health problem. It has been estimated that more than one million patients seek treatment for STD's every year at municipal clinics and in private practice alone. Many more are seen at hospitals and primary health care clinics. Since 1981 this killer virus has spread rapidly to almost every part of the globe and it was estimated that by the end of 2002 almost 70 million people around the world were infected and 28 million was killed (UNAIDS).. If one look at South Africa and specifically at the target group in this research- children and youth it is estimated that 40%, or 18 million, of South Africans are under the age of 18, and 60% of them are living in poverty. Unless anti-retroviral treatment is given at birth, the virus can easily be passed on from mother to child.. According to Prof Jerry Coovadia (Sunday Times 10 August 2003) more than half of the children admitted to South Africa’s largest hospital, King Edward VIII, in Durban are already HIV positive or have already developed AIDS. According to a report from The Consortium of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS, 2000) at least one-third of the. 2.

(10) 30 million people living with HIV worldwide are less than 24 years of age. It is estimated that most of these infections were acquired in adolescence (UNAIDS, 2001). It is also estimated that within sub-Saharan Africa, at least one third of 15-year-olds will die of AIDS. The confluence of high HIV/AIDS prevalence and disproportionately young populations (over 50% of sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to be less than 18 years of age) results in a concentration of new infections among youth (UNICEF, Kaiser Family Foundation). In 2002 the Department of Health reported that: “Younger. people are most severely affected by the disease with around 60% of all adults who. acquire HIV becoming infected before they turn 25. Young women are particularly vulnerable. They are at greater risk of infection due to biological, social and economic factors; they are also more vulnerable to the various effects of the epidemic. Young men, however, are also vulnerable through engaging in risk-taking behaviour as a way of defining their manhood or as a way of responding to cultural imperatives and peer pressure. While not fully representative, a recent KwaZulu-Natal voluntary survey of university students (the nation’s future professionals and leaders) demonstrated infection rates of 26% in women and 12% in men, aged 20 to 24, and 36% in women and 23% in men aged 25 to 29. Findings from the largest-ever national survey conducted among teenagers indicate that 70% are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS” (http://www.mrc.ac.za/hiv/ptoject.htm) Focusing on the population of which Luckhoff is part the statistics for Stellenbosch (also see appendix A) is as follows: These statistics only apply to people that attended the Municipal clinics in the Stellenbosch area (2001 -2005) and since 2002 all the information of the various sites where people could go for testing were jointly recorded. This resulted in, the sudden incline in numbers of people tested from 2001 and 2002 onwards.. 3.

(11) Stellenbosch HIV Statistics 2001-2005 Total of adolescents infected under 15 years of age. Table 1 Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Total. Counseled 3 47 58 152 193 453. Tested 3 47 58 140 190 438. positive 1 14 11 9 11 46. % positive 33% 30% 19% 6% 6% 11%. (Statistics from Stellenbosch Municipality Department of Health) Upon scrutinizing the statistics it might seem that HIV prevalence is not that high or such a big problem ( average prevalence rate 6% for 2005) among the youth that is less than 15 years old, who is only a portion or fraction of our population group (13-19 years). When one observes at the overall statistics that include all people tested for this period the prevalence rate goes up to 13%. The table below summarises the HIV statistics 2001-2005 for Stellenbosch for the period 2001-2005 Table 2 Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Total. Counseled 443 1951 1870 5650 6495 16409. Tested 396 1352 1695 5090 5925 14458. Positive 44 211 305 630 763 1953. % positive 11 16% 18% 12% 13% 14%. Sometimes percentages are mentioned, but upon closer observation of the real numbers of those who are infected, it means that almost 2000 people in Stellenbosch are HIV positive, those that were tested which include the participants in this study. Therefore despite the high level of awareness of HIV/AIDS among South African teenagers, it is clear that many continue to be exposed to high-risk sexual situations. This is in keeping with other surveys across the world which indicate that although adolescents are 4.

(12) knowledgeable about the HIV/AIDS pandemic, this awareness is not universal and many still are unaware or ill informed of how to protect themselves or have misconceptions about HIV transmission (UNICEF, 2000; Population Reference Bureau, 2000; UNAIDS, 2000). Estimated HIV prevalence rate in South Africa, by age Table 3 Age (years) 2-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+ Total. Male prevalence % 4.9 4.2 1.6 3.2 6.0 12.1 23.3 23.3 17.5 10.3 14.2 6.4 4.0 8.2. Female prevalence % 5.3 4.8 1.8 9.4 23.9 33.3 26.0 19.3 12.4 8.7 7.5 3.0 3.7 13.3. If the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among South Africans ( 15-19 years ) is considered, with special focus on the target group, the prevalence rate for males is 3.2% and for females 9.4%. This constitutes a total prevalence rate of 12.6% of which the target group forms part of. (http://www.avert.org/young.htm).. 3. METHOD OF RESEARCH. 3.1 The research problem In the light of the literature consulted and personal observation the following question comes to mind: Is there a relationship between the moral values (high or low) of young people and the spread of HIV/AIDS? In other words we need to determine if a causal relationship exists between moral values and sexual behavior.. Although so many prevention programs are operating in various parts of the country there is still no indication that the spread of the virus has slowed down. Instead it seems that it’s escalating amongst young people. Some form of intervention is required in order to slow 5.

(13) down the spread of the virus among young people. Factors need to be identified and how these can be used in prevention programs or sexual education programs that will compel young people to reconsider interacting or partaking in risky sexual activity. In other words the only weapon against HIV infection and Aids is behavioral change. Unfortunately it seems to be the most difficult and complex strategy to apply since people finds it extremely difficult to change their sexual behaviour (Van Dyk, 2001).. 3.2 Definitions of certain terminology Values can be defined as strong controlling variables that influence behavior in enduring and significant ways (Chrenoff & Davidson, 2004). It is important to know which values will influence behavior in a person’s life. Currently three values are use in prevention and treatment programs, namely: •. Abstinence, to withdraw from sexual activity which also forms the basis of this research in order to determine why certain people do abstain although they are exposed to the same sexual opportunities or environments where sexual activity is been encourage.. •. Being Faithfull to your partner: If you are in a sexual relationship and both partners are HIV negative both should try to adhere to this value by staying true to each other alone.. • Use of condoms when having sex: this also refers to safe sex or safer sex - even for those who are HIV positive not to infect someone else (Robert A. Chernoff and Gerald C. Davison, 2004).. Young people/adolescence can be defined into three categories namely: Early adolescence (ages 12 to 14) Mid-adolescence (ages 15- 16) Late adolescence (ages 17-21) (Ohlson, 1984). In this study the target are drawn from all three categories (ages 13- 19). 6.

(14) It is also important to acquire a better understanding of the target group before engaging in the research process. In other words what makes them act the way they do and what makes them tick. We will briefly look at the three stages of adolescence; namely. Early adolescence (12-14 years) Most of them are in junior high and are experiencing a transition from childhood in to adolescence and sometimes display characteristics of both stages. They mourn the loss of their childhood. Childhood pleasures are replaced by the anticipation and also the excitement of new freedoms and expanded boundaries.. Their bodies and also their lives are changing. Girls experience their first menstrual cycle, and boys on the other hand experience their first ejaculation. For many these changes are difficult to deal with because they are also developing their identity as separate and unique individuals. (Ohlson.1984). Mid adolescence (15-16) During this stage the intense focus on same-sex peer groups begins to diminish and in its place surfaces a strong need to become involved in a more intimate relationship. Here boys and girls become intensely interested in the opposite sex and are eager to establish romantic relationships. They also start to challenge the beliefs of their parents, church and other role players. They almost get a boost out of it when their parents or church find them / their behavior different and also threatening. (Ohlson.1984). Late adolescence (17-21) This is usually the longest stage that lasts from about 17 to the early 20s. They slowly move into adulthood and feel more confident and secure within their own identity and usually develop meaningful relationships with others, including the opposite sex. Their future becomes important to them and they start to plan ahead. (Ohlson.1984). 3.3 Permission The necessary permission to conduct a pilot study amongst Luckhoff learners was obtained from the principal and senior teaching staff. Permission was granted by Mr. Williams on condition that learners participate in the study on a voluntary basis and that learners remain anonymous. A special meeting with all teachers from whose classes selected participant 7.

(15) would come in order to complete the questionnaire was also held and they supported the initiative completely.. 3.4 Measuring instrument A questionnaire was developed by the researcher in consultation with senior academic staff members of the African Centre for HIV / AIDS Management as well as the Director for the Centre for Statistical Consultation. The questionnaire consisted of 6 categories and was structured as follows:. Section 1. -. Demographic information. Section 2. -. Valued based reasons for not having sex. Section 3. -. Opportunity based reasons for not having sex. Section 4. -. Valued based reasons for having sex. Section 5. -. Opportunity based reasons for having sex. Section 6. -. Best prevention method. Questions were posted in a close –ended format and the 4- point Lickert scale was used (Strongly agree, agree, disagree and strongly disagree).. 3.5 Collection of data With the help of the Director of the Centre for Statistical Consultation the concept of randomly selected formula was explained to the researcher and the participants were randomly selected form the electronic class lists that were made available by the deputy principal of Luckhoff High School.. The selected learners were informed via their class teacher a week in advance to report to a specific classroom during the next assembly. Out of the 200 participants 167 completed the questionnaire after the purpose the essence and the importance of confidentiality were explained to them. The researcher asked 4 volunteers to assist with the distributing questionnaires and to create a climate where participants would feel free to answer the questions in all honesty. All questionnaires were adequately collected by the researcher.. 8.

(16) 3.6 Research design The research design can be best described as a cross-sectional survey design. It was decided to use this research design because it was believed to be the best research design because this design identifies representative samples of individuals at specific age levels and also note the changes in the selected characteristics of participants in these different age or gender groups.. 3.7 Statistical analysis The statistical analysis was carried out with the help from the Director of the Centre for Statistical Consultation with the aid of the Statistical program. From the sample of 200 learners to complete the questionnaire only a total of 167 (n=167) completed the questionnaire of which 47% were male and 53% were females. (see graph 1). Histogram of 1.gender DATA 20070910.sta 33v*167c 100 53%. 90 80. 47%. No of obs. 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1. 2 1.gender. Graph 1: Gender distribution of respondents (1= male 2= female). The majority of the learners were in the age group 13-19 with 6% 13 yrs of age; 16% 14 yrs of age; 29% 15yrs of age; 21% 16yrs of age; 19% 17 yrs of age; 6% 18 yrs of age and 3% 19 yrs of age respectively.( see graph 2) 9.

(17) Histogram of 2.age DATA 20070910.sta 33v*167c 50 29% 45 40 21%. 35 No of obs. 19% 30 16%. 25 20 15. 6%. 6%. 10. 3%. 5 1% 0 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 2.age. Graph 2: Age distribution of respondents (13-19 YRS)) The majority of learners who completed the questionnaire were coming from immediate surrounding community. Histogram of 3.res area DATA 20070910.sta 33v*167c 100 90. 54%. 54% 21% 4% 3% 1% 2% 14%. 80. No of obs. 70 60 50 40. Idas Valley Cloetesville Kayamandi Kylemore Jamestown Pniel Other. 21%. 30. 14%. (See graph 3). 20 10. 4%. 3%. 1%. 2%. 0 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 3.res area. Graph 3 Residential areas of participants. 90% of participants were from the Christian religion; 2% Hindu; 2% Moslem and 5% other or no religion.. 10.

(18) Graph. 4:. Religion. of. participants. Histogram of 4.religion DATA 20070910.sta 33v*167c 160. 90%. 140 120. No of obs. 100 80 60 40 20 5%. 2%. 2%. 0 1. 2. 3. 4. 4.religion. The participants were represented from grade 8- grade 11 of which 25% were from grade 8; 33% grade 9;19% grade 10 and 23% grade 11 ( See graph 5 ). Histogram of 6.grade DATA 20070910.sta 33v*167c 60 33% 50 25% 23%. No of obs. 40 19% 30. 20. 10. 0 1. 2. 3. 4. 6.grade. Graph 5: Grade distribution. 11.

(19) 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Please note that for analysing purposes (Tables 4-7) that if participants indicated that they agree or strongly agree was considered as agree (yes) with the statement in general or if participant disagreed or strongly disagreed with a statement was considered as disagree (no) in general. In some cases participants did not complete all questions as requested.. Sexual behaviour •. Of the 167 participants 75% reported being virgins; 16% were currently not sexually active( also meaning 91% of participants were not sexually active at the time of completing the questionnaire). •. 9% were sexually active.. •. 66% of respondents agreed and 34% disagreed with the statement, “I did not have sex in the past 3 months because it is against my values and beliefs.. RESULTS REGARDINGVALUE-BASED REASONS FOR NOT HAVING SEX Table 4. Value-based reason. Agree. with Do. not. statement. statement. a) not the right thing for me now. 90%. 10%. b) waiting until I am older. 85%. 15%. c) waiting until I am married. 70%. 30%. d) waiting until I am living with a partner. 57%. 43%. e) family would not approve. 75%. 24%. f) against my religious beliefs. 65%. 35%. g) tried it decide it was wrong for me now. 54%. 47%. agree. 12. with.

(20) The intension with these statements were to determine why some adolescence are not sexuality active although they are in a relationship with someone or why despite peer pressure are still virgins.. Most participants agreed with most of the value-based reasons for not having sex, while it is also possible to make assumptions that some were sexually active and decided that is was not the right thing for them now any longer. This might also mean that 54% tried it and decided that it was wrong while a percentage of those who disagreed with the statement may either indicate that they’ve tried it and don’t have a problem with sex or that they disagree with the statement because they have ‘not tried it at all. Although only 75% indicated that they are virgins and 16% were not sexually active in the last 3 months might mean that they now also consider themselves as virgins and that is why almost 90% indicated that is not the right thing to do, in other words it is wrong.. 75% indicated that their family would not approve, in other words their parents will be disappointed when they become aware that their children are sexually active.. If one should rank a few of the value-based reasons from important to not so important they can be rank as follow: •. Not the right thing. •. Waiting until I older. •. Family would not approve. •. Waiting until marriage. •. Against my religious belief. 13.

(21) Table 5 Reliability results dialog. variable 8.against my values 9(a).not the right thing 9(b).waiting until I am older 9© waiting 9(d).until living with partner 9(e).fam not approve 9(f).agains religious beliefs 9(g).tried it;was wrong. Summary for scale: Mean=22.9813 Std.Dv.=4.00388 Valid N:160 (DATA 200 Cronbach alpha: .682753 Standardized alpha: .702976 Average inter-item corr.: .233799 Mean if Var. if StDv. if Itm-Totl Alpha if deleted deleted deleted Correl. deleted 20.21875 12.28340 3.504768 0.363639 0.656625 19.75000 12.43750 3.526684 0.608076 0.611042 19.80000 12.52250 3.538714 0.537212 0.621393 20.04375 12.55434 3.543210 0.408122 0.644632 20.31875 12.97965 3.602728 0.334311 0.661963 20.05625 13.45308 3.667845 0.287138 0.671770 20.19375 12.29371 3.506239 0.374474 0.653375 20.48750 13.47484 3.670810 0.195418 0.699027. The VALUE scores were computed as the mean score of questions 8 to 9(f). In the above reliability analysis of questions 8 and 9(a) to 9(g) it is seen that Question 9(g)’s inter-item correlation with the other variables was 0.19. If this question is left out, the Cronbach alfa coefficient of reliability increased from 0.682 to 0.699. A COMPARISON WITH SEXUAL STATUS AND HOW IT CORRELATES TO VALUES AND THE FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS WERE MADE VALUES vs. SEXUAL STATUS (see graph 6) SEXUAL STATUS; LS Means Current effect: F(1, 161)=12.488, p=<0.01 Mann-Whitney U p<0.01 Effective hypothesis decomposition Vertical bars denote 0.95 confidence intervals 3.2 3.1 3.0 2.9. VALUES. 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 N. Y SEXUAL STATUS. Graph 6. 14.

(22) SEXUAL STATUS; LS Means The mean differences in VALUES were computed and compared with a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The F-values was F(1,161) = 12.488 with a p-value of p=0.00053, showing that there is a highly significant difference in the mean values of the two sexual status groups. The residuals were normally distributed and the variances homogeneous (p=0.7309 > 0.05 with Levene’s test), both confirming the validity of the ANOVA. The observed VALUE mean for the yes group was 2.5 and for the NO group 2.97.. We also did a comparison with values and gender and the table below points out that the female respondents had a higher tendency than males when it comes to value based challenges.. Values vs .Gender (see graph 7) 1.gender; LS Means Current effect: F(1, 165)=12.309, p=<0.01 Mann-Whitney U p<0.01 Effective hypothesis decomposition Vertical bars denote 0.95 confidence intervals 3.3 3.2. VALUES. 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6 F. M 1.gender. Graph 7. Gender; LS Means The mean differences in VALUES were computed and compared with a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The F-values was F (1,165) = 12.308 with a p-value of p=0.00058, showing that there is a highly significant difference in the mean values 15.

(23) of the two genders. The residuals were normally distributed and the variances homogeneous (p=0.146 >0.05 with Levene’s test), both confirming the validity of the ANOVA. The observed VALUE mean for the females was 3.07 and for the males 2.8.. Distribution of data (see graph 8). Normal Prob. Plot; Raw Residuals Dependent variable: VALUES (Analysis sample) 3.0 2.5. .99. 2.0 .95. Expected Normal Value. 1.5 1.0. .75. 0.5 0.0. .55. -0.5. .35. -1.0. .15. -1.5. .05. -2.0 .01. -2.5 -3.0 -3.5 -1.5. -1.0. -0.5. 0.0. 0.5. 1.0. 1.5. Residual. When we look at the dots we will notice that it is pretty close to the red line and this indicates that the data is indeed normally distributed and the ANOVA (i.e. F-test) is appropriate.. 16.

(24) RESULTS REGARDING OPPORTUNITY-BASED REASONS FOR NOT HAVING SEXUAL INTERCOUSE. TABLE 6 Opportunity -based reason. Agree. with Do. not. statement. statement. 49%. 51%. b) the person I wanted to have sex with 19%. 80%. a) not going out with anyone right now. agree. with. didn’t want to have sex with me c) tried it , physically did not like it. 20%. 80%. d) I was sexually assaulted. 7%. 93%. Opportunity reasons do not refer to the respondents values but simply because the opportunity was there. No need to love the person or to be in a relationship with anyone.. It is important to realize that it can be easy for adolescence to abstain from sex if they are not going out with anyone and 49% of our respondents are not going out with anyone while 51% are in a relationship. Although 80% disagreed with the statement have sex with didn’t want to have sex with me. “the person I wanted to. “it can also mean that they do not agree. because they are not sexually active, although 19% indicated that it was indeed the case. Although the opportunity was there to have sex with someone the person was not willing to have sex.. RESULTS REGARDING VALUE-BASED REASONS FOR HAVING SEX. TABLE 7 Value -based reasons. Agree. with Do. not. statement. statement. a) I like or love the person. 71%. 30%. b) I like having sex. 23%. 76%. c) I feel I have value. 20%. 81%. agree. 17. with.

(25) 71% of participants agreed that it is important to love the person with whom you are sexually active and it seems that for 30% it does not matter at all. Only 23% of respondents like having sex while 76% ( this might be the virgins) don’t agree with the statement because they are not sexually active .It is clear that sex do not add value to a persons life since only 20% feel that they have value when they have sex and 81% do not agree with this statement. It became clear that love do play a role when a person a sexually active and it seems as if it is a good enough reason for having sex.. RESULTS REGARDING OPPORTUNITY –BASE REASONS FOR HAVING SEX. TABLE 8 Opportunity-based reason. Agree. with Do not agree with. statement. statement. a) I had the chance to have sex. 42%. 69%. b) I wanted to know what sex would like to be. 43%. 57%. c) the person I was with wanted me to. 37%. 64%. d) the person would reject me if I didn’t have sex. 20%. 79%. e) I was drunk or on a high. 12%. 88%. f) I was sexually assaulted. 7%. 93 %. When we focus on opportunity base reasons it just means that the participant were exposed to a specific situation or condition and if that condition or situation did not occur they would not acted in that specific way. 42% of respondents were in a situation where they had the opportunity to have sex; this however does not mean that they had sex since only 19% of respondents are sexually active. This can also mean that the opportunity was there they abstained maybe due to value-base reasons. 12% of respondents were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they had sex, maybe it was against there values but due to the fact they were drunk or on a high the opportunity caused them to get involve in sexual activities.. It also became clear that 7% of all respondents were sexually assaulted and that is why some might no longer consider them as virgins or that they can still consider them as virgins since they were not personally responsible for the lost of their virginity. 18.

(26) 5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH It became clear from the research findings that values do play a role in the spread of the virus especially when one focus on values and sexual status of respondents. It seems that personal values which were determine by the questionnaire that every participant had values but that they ranked it differently. Abstinence is a good value but maybe to far fetch for young adolescence to adhere to but when confronted with their own values of family will not approve or against religious believes or even waiting until they are older makes it more real to them and when they might be confronted with their own values and sexual behaviour this might just guide them in the direction of abstinence.. Research results indicate that a relationship do exist between moral values and the spread of the HI-Virus. It seems that there is a highly significant difference in the mean values of the two sexual status groups (those who are sexual active and those who are not) that took part in the research project. The non sexual active group (91% of participants) had a value mean of 2.97 and the active group (9%) a value mean of 2.5.. Recommendation for future research in the area of moral values is to include all nine Secondary Schools in the Stellenbosch area in order to have a more informed understanding about the impact moral values have on the sexual status of learners and how this can prevent future HIV infections or STI’s. This will help to shift the focus from the existing values of abstinence. Be faithful and condomize which is sometimes to far fetch to values that are more inline or having a greater impact in decision making. One will never be in a position to say that vale driven programs will be the absolute prevention method but if this can safe live or slow down the spread of the virus and cause the HIV curve to plot down or to stabilize, it is a preventative method/approach in prevention program that can not be ignored.. 19.

(27) REFERENCES. Chernoff, RA & Davison, GC (2004). Values and their Relationship to HIV/AIDS Risk Behavior Among Late-Adolescent and Young Adult College Students.. Coovadia,. J. (2003).. Article. in. Sunday. Times,10. August.. Children. first.www.childrenfirst.org.za/shownews.. Flemming, PS(1996). Youth and HIV/AIDS: An American agenda .A report to the President. Prepared by the office of National Aids policy.http://www.hi-ho.nejp/taku.. Green,EC(1994).Aids and STD's in Africa. Bridging the gap between traditional healing and modern medicine. Pietermarizburg: University of Natal Press. Ohlson,GK(1987). Why teenagers act the way they do. Group Books. Loveland, Colaorado. Szekeres,G(2000).HIV/AIDS in adolescence. Winter 2000. http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu.UCSF Positive Health Program,Centre for Aids Prevention Studies, and Aids Reseach Institute.. UNAIDS (2000) HIV Prevention research unit reporting on current projects. www.unaids.org. UNICEF(2000) Population Reference Bureau report. Van Dyk,A( 2001).HIV/AIDS Care & Counselling A multidisciplinary approach. Pearson Education South Africa.. 20.

(28) APPENDICES Luckhoffstraat 63 Stellenbosch 7600 29 Januarie 2006 Die Verpleegdiensbestuurder Aandag Mev D Johnson Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit Stellenbosch Geagte Me Johnson BESKIKBAARSTELLING VAN INLIGTING VIR STUDIEDOELEINDES Ek is tans ‘n student aan Universiteit Stellenbosch en ingeskryf vir die program: M Phil (Vigsbestuur). My studies vereis dat ek ‘n werkstuk inhandig insake ‘n sekere onderwerp. Die titel van my mini-tesis is soos volg: Morele waardes speel ‘n rol in die verspreiding van die virus. Die fokus is veral op die jeug en die studie wil aan die einde van die dag bewys dat indien morele waardes ‘n rol speel sterker klem op morele waardes geplaas moet word in voorkomingsprogramme. Ons wil ook probeer vas stel wat help jongmense om te “abstain” . Om die enrs van die situasie te verduidelik en veral om te bewys dat jongmense seksueel aktief is benodig ek statistieke. Die teiken groep is 14 tot 17 en ek verlang die volgende:  Swangerskappe in die ouderdoms groep vir 2003/2004  Hoeveel in die ouderdomsgroep besoek klinieke agv sti’s  Hoeveel van die wat swanger of sti’s het is HIV positief Die fokus is op Stellenbosch omdat dit ‘n loodsprojek is wat later uitgebrei kan word na meer as een area. Ek is bewus dat dit vertroulike inligting is en beloof om dit ook so te hanteer. Geen persone of klinieke se name sal aan stats gekoppel word nie. Die inligting is ook nie vir publikasie nie ,maar slegs vir studiedoeleindes. Ons wil graag help om die epidemie te bestuur en met beter voorkomingprogramme na vore kom ,omdat dit wil voorkom of huidiges nie so suksesvol is nie. Ek sal dit opreg waardeer indie u my in bogenoemde verband sal kan akkomodeer.. Dank en groete. Daniel Solomons. 21.

(29) RESEARCH PROJECT /NAVORSINGSPROJEK Thank you for volunteering to this research project. The purpose of this research project is to get a better understanding of how young people feel and think about sexuality. Although we do not require your name please note that all information will be kept confidential. Therefore we ask you to answer all the questions as accurate and in detail as possible. Take your time. Thank you. 1. Geslag/Gender. Manlik/Male. Vroulik/Female. 2. Ouderdom/Age •. ………. Jr/yrs. 3. Woongebied/Residential Area Idasvallei/Idas Valley. 1. Cloetesville. 2. Kayamandi. 3. Kylemore. 4. Jamestown 5 Pniel. 6. Other/ander. 7. 4. Godsdiens/Religion 1 2 3 4 CHRISTEN/CHRISTIAN HINDU MOSLEM ANDER/OTHER. 22.

(30) 5. Tipe Ouerhuis/Type of family 1 ENKEL OUER/SINGLE PARENT. 6. Grade/Graad. 2 3 BEIDE OUERS/ BOTH OUPA EN OUMA PARENTS GRANDPARENTS. 1. 2 Graad 9. Graad 8. 4 ANDER FAMILIE/OTHER FAMILY. 3 Graad 10. 4 Graad 11. SEKSUELE GEDRAG/SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR. Please indicate by making a X on the answers you have selected. This applies to all the questions and statements. Dui aan met ‘n X met watter stelling jy mee saamstem of verskil asseblief. 7.. Please indicate your sexual status/dui asseblief jou seksuele status aan 1. 2 3 currently not sexually active/ tans nie Currently sexually active/ tans Virgin/Maagd seksueel aktief seksueel aktief. Do you agree with the following statement/stem jy saam met die volgende stelling 8.. I did not have sex in the past 3 months because it is against my values and beliefs 3 Yes I agree/ek stem saam. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem nie saam. 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem volkome saam Strongly disagree/stem glad nie saam. 23.

(31) 9. BESLUITNEMING INTERCOURSE. OOR. SEKS/DECISSIONS. ABOUT. SEXUAL. Please indicate if you agree or disagree with a series of possible reasons from choosing to have sexual intercourse or to abstain( om te wag/te weerhou/geen seks) from sexual intercourse. Values-Based Reasons for Not Having Sexual Intercourse (a). not the right thing for me now/ nie nou vir my die regte ding nie 3 Yes I agree/ek stem saam. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem nie saam. 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem volkome Strongly disagree/stem glad nie saam saam. (b). waiting until I am older/wag eers tot ek ouer is 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam (c). waiting until I am married/ wag totdat ek getroud is 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (d). waiting intil I am living with my partner/ wag totdat ek met ‘n maat saambly 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam 24.

(32) (e). family would not approve/ familie sal nie daarvan hou nie 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (f). against my religious beliefs/ dit is teen mt godsdienstige beginsels 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (g) tried it; decided it was wrong for me now/ ek het dit probeer maar het besluit dat dit nie nou die regte ding is om te doen nie 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. 10. OPPORTUNITY-BASED INTERCOURSE. (a). REASONS. FOR. NOT. HAVING. SEXUAL. not going out with anyone right now. /het nie nou ‘n verhouding met iemand nie 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. 25.

(33) (b) the person I wanted to have sex with didn't want to have sex with me./ die persoon met wie ek wou seks hê wou nie met my seks hê nie 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (c ). tried it; physically did not like it. /het dit probeer maar nie van gehou nie 3 Yes I agree/ek stem saam 4 I Strongly agree/ek stem volkome saam. (d). 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem nie saam 1. Strongly disagree/stem glad nie saam. I was sexually assaulted / ek was seksueel gemolesteer 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. 11.. Other Reasons for Not Having Sexual Intercourse. If there is any other reason why you are not having sex please write it down. Is daar enige ander rede wat jy kan aanvoer hoekom jy nie seksueel aktief nie ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 12.. Values-Based Reasons for Having Sexual Intercourse. (a). I like or love the person./ek hou van die persoon/lief vir die persoon 3 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 26.

(34) I Strongly agree/ek volkome saam. stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie saam. (b) I like having sex./ek hou van seks 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (c) feel I have value/ ek voel ek het waarde as ek seks het 3 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. 13.. Opportunity-Based Reasons for Having Sexual Intercourse (a) I had the chance to have sex./ die geleentheid was beskikbaar vir my om seks te het 3 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (b) I wanted to know what sex would be like with the person./ek wou graag weet hoe seks sou wees met die persoon 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. 27.

(35) (c) the person I was with wanted me to./ die persoon met met wie ek seks gehad het wou my ook hê 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (d) the person would reject me if I didn't have sex./ die persoon sou my verstoot het indien ek nie seks wou hê nie 3 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (d) I was drunk or high./ek was dronk of op dwelms 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. (f) I was sexually assaulted./ek was seksueel aangerand 3. 2 No I do not agree/nee ek stem Yes I agree/ek stem saam nie saam 4 1 I Strongly agree/ek stem Strongly disagree/stem glad nie volkome saam saam. 14.. Other Reasons for Having Sexual Intercourse. If there is any other reason why you are having sex please write it down. …………………………………………………………………………………………… 28.

(36) ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………. GENERAL QUESTIONS. 15 What do you think is the best way to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS ONLY MAKE A “ X “ next to one of the options below:. 15 a) TO ABSTAIN (NO SEX)………………………….or 15 b) TO BE FAITHFUL TO ONE PARTNER……………….or 15 c) TO USE CONDOMS…………………………………... Thank you once again for partaking in this research project, we value your input and consider it of great importance. Baie dankie vir jou deelname in die navorsings projek, jou insette word as belangrik geag Onthou die inligting is vertroulik en daarom hoef jy nie jou naam neer te skryf op die vorm nie. 29.

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