The beliefs and perceptions held by young deaf adults about HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Little is known and published about HIV I AIDS knowledge within the Deaf community of Cape Town. It was important to capture the beliefs and perceptions held by this particular community about HIV I AIDS because these findings can provide service providers with an understanding of the experiences of, and effects of, HIV I AIDS on individuals with hearing disabilities, as well as on their households and communities. This study utilized the explorative and contextual study design and a qualitative research approach. The social constructionist theoretical framework formed the basis of this study. Purposive sampling was used in the selection and recruiting of participants. Data were collected through multiple focus groups and in-depth interviews with key informants with the assistance of a Sign Language Interpreter. The responses were analysed using thematic content analysis. The main findings of the study correlate with other International and South African research in showing the difficulties experienced by Deaf people in accessing HIV I AIDS information, resources and services. The social exclusion of Deaf persons from mainstream HIV Awareness and Prevention campaigns corresponds with the existence of inaccurate beliefs and perceptions about this pandemic, as elicited from the participants, and confirmed by the literature reviewed. Due to the lack of appropriate knowledge and information about HIV/AIDS, mainly as a result of their communication barrier, Deafpeople are particularly vulnerable to HIV I AIDS. This thesis advocates for policymakers to include Deaf people, particularly Sign Language users, in a culturally appropriate manner, in HIV -prevention programs.