Horizons Projects | Programming for HIV Prevention in South African Schools

HORIZONS PROJECT
Programming for HIV Prevention in South African Schools

This study examined the effects of the Life Skills Grade 9 Curriculum, a school-based HIV/AIDS initiative, as it was introduced in the Pietermaritzburg region of KwaZulu-Natal Province in 2001. Twenty-two schools participated: Pre- and postintervention survey data were collected from two classrooms in each of the 11 schools where the course was first introduced (intervention schools) and from two classrooms in each of the 11 schools where the course had not been taught (control schools).

Key findings included:

The program did not increase sexual activity.
Students had high levels of knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, and the program improved these levels further.
Approval of teenage abstinence increased within the intervention group, particularly among males.
Most students intended to either abstain from having sex or use a condom, but the program did not result in increased condom use.
More males in the intervention group reduced their number of sexual partners compared to males in the control group.
Most students did not support sexual coercion at baseline, and there was little change after the course
Students would like the course to better address peer pressure and practical communication skills.
Teachers enjoyed teaching life skills yet tended to focus on factual information.

The researchers concluded that to strengthen the course, more attention should be placed on helping teachers cover the life skills components and on responding to students’ desires for greater emphasis on communication skills.

In May 2003 the researchers discussed the findings with key stakeholders, and the findings have been used by the Department of Education of KwaZulu-Natal to refine the program. In addition, the findings were distributed to the full-time HIV/AIDS program coordinators of the life skills program in each province.

Location

Pietermaritzburg region of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Duration

April 2000–November 2003

Horizons and Population Council researchers

Lewis Ndhlovu, Ann McCauley

(For more information about this study, please contact horizons@popcouncil.org.)

Non-Council collaborators

Shegs James, Priscilla Reddy (Medical Research Council)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

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