- Title
- Attitudes and barriers towards HIV testing services among males aged between 15-49 years at Mzamomhle Township: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Creator
- Mantashe, Zintle
- Subject
- Public Health
- Date Issued
- 2023-00
- Date
- 2023-00
- Type
- Masters theses
- Type
- text
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9753
- Identifier
- vital:74617
- Description
- This study delves into the attitudes and obstacles surrounding HIV Testing Services (HTS) among males aged 15 to 49 in Mzamomhle Township, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. HIV/AIDS prevalence remains a significant concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Employing a mixed-methods approach with questionnaires and interviews, data was gathered from 106 participants. The findings highlight a range of challenges that impede the accessibility of HTS. These challenges include stigma, concerns about privacy, fears related to testing, limited knowledge, and negative attitudes of staff towards HTS. Despite these challenges, the study reveals that participants generally hold positive attitudes towards HTS. However, there are doubts regarding the efficacy of testing in preventing the transmission of HIV. Privacy concerns emerge prominently, with participants fearing that their status might be disclosed. Stigma also acts as a barrier, as individuals fear potential embarrassment if their status becomes known. To address these issues, several recommendations are proposed. These include the establishment of robust support systems, educational campaigns to empower individuals with knowledge about HTS benefits, and community initiatives to combat negative attitudes towards testing. Furthermore, enhancing healthcare worker training and raising political awareness can contribute to creating a more favourable environment for HTS utilisation. By implementing these recommendations, South Africa can work towards dismantling the barriers that hinder HIV testing and promoting a proactive culture of health-seeking behaviour among men. This effort is essential for reducing HIV transmission rates and achieving global health targets.
- Description
- Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2023
- Format
- computer
- Format
- online resource
- Format
- application/pdf
- Format
- 1 online resource (122 pages)
- Format
- Publisher
- Walter Sisulu University
- Publisher
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Faculty of Commerce and Administration
- Rights
- All Rights Reserved
- Rights
- Open Access
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| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | SOURCE1 | Mantashe, Zintle.pdf | 1 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |