KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF OLDER MEN REGARDING HIV AND AIDS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

This article reports on a study done with older men who are affected in many ways by HIV and Aids. The aim of the study was to ascertain the level of knowledge among older men about HIV and Aids, and to what extent daily living has been influenced by the disease. An exploratory design was used for the study, with in-depth interviewing to gain a rich combination of qualitative and quantitative data. Besides providing certain demographic information, participants were interviewed on the impact of general illness in their community, and the impact of HIV and Aids specifically on the individual, the household and the community.