Perceptions of community HIV prevalence, own HIV infection, and condom use among teachers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

A total of 120 teachers from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, underwent HIV/AIDS training. As part of the study, the teachers were surveyed, before and after the training, about their perceptions of HIV prevalences among pupils, other teachers, and community members, and about their perceptions of their own HIV status. Before the training, the teachers estimated average HIV prevalences among pupils, other teachers, and other community members to be 36%, 48%, and 61%, respectively. One-third of the teachers believed that they had a 50% or greater chance of currently being infected with HIV. Male teachers and teachers with a university degree gave lower HIV prevalence estimates for other people but not for themselves. Frequency of condom use was positively related to teachers’ HIV prevalence estimates for other people. Teachers’ estimates of HIV prevalence and perceived risk of own HIV infection increased significantly after the HIV/AIDS training.