Cultural Practices and the HIV Epidemic in Swaziland: Student\'s Perspectives and Challenges for School Counsellors

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is the most devastating experience that Swaziland has had to face in her
history. Since the first HIV/AIDS cases were reported in the early 80s, this epidemic
has been expanding relentlessly, destroying peoples lives and seriously impacting
negatively on the very fabric of society. Time and resources have been expended in
trying to slow down the fast advancing epidemic and yet recent statistics indicate that
42.6% of the nation is infected and that the infection rate is expected to increase
(UNAIDS 2004). This study examined student\'s views on Swazi cultural beliefs and
practices and how these impact on behaviour change in the light of the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. Using focus group discussions with high school and teacher training students
this study reports their views on what they believe is contributing to the high infection
rate among youths. The paper goes on to discuss the implication of the findings for
school counsellor training programmes.

Keywords: Cultural Practices, HIV Epidemic; Behaviour Change.

International Journal of Educational Research Vol. 3 (2) 2007 pp. 173-182