Sexual misconceptions that predispose African adolescent girls to HIV infection in Umlazi Township, Durban.

Abstract

This dissertation elicits focuses on sexual misconceptions which pose challenges to HIV/AIDS prevention and control among African adolescent girls in Umlazi Township, Durban. The study springs from the realisation that mere misconceptions related to sexuality could instigate risky behaviour resulting in HIV infection, and ultimately, result in premature death related to AIDS-related illnesses. Due to their physiological vulnerability, adolescent women are among a group at highest risk for contracting HIV in South Africa The study seeks, therefore, to understand how sexual misconceptions predispose girls to HIV infection against the context of gender, sexuality and reproductive health. The latter three issues are shaped by myriad forces working against the adolescent group. The study concludes with recommendations focused on challenging and removing sexual misconceptions with gender-sensitive interventions.