Investigating perceptions of aids among intermediary phase learners using the draw-and-write technique

Abstract

In view of the high incidence of HIV infection amongst South African teenagers in the 15-19 age group and the limited information available about the knowledge pre-adolescents have about AIDS, this study aimed to investigate intermediary phase learners' perceptions of AIDS. In order to ascertain their views, the draw-and-write technique, which involves using Iearners, drawings together with writing, was used together with a follow-up discussion in order for learners to interpret their own drawings. A further motivation for this study was to evaluate the suitability of the Draw-and-write technique for assessing and understanding primary school learners' knowledge about AIDS in a South African context'.

Data was gathered mainly fought two Draw-and -write sessions with a total of 18 learners' which were followed by group discussions. A thematic analysis was carried out on the transcriptions of the data. Five significant them emerged, suggesting that learners already had a considerable amount of knowledge about AIDS and its causes. The themes centred around the transmission of HIV, the prevention of HIV, treatment, care or people with HIV/AIDS and consequences of AIDS.

The results showed that although many learners had considerable knowledge about how HIV is transmitted, a number of then still had misconceptions about transmission' The drawings also showed that many learners had knowledge of sex beyond what one would normally expect for their age. The Draw-and-write technique proved to be a very useful tool for establishing what learners know about HIV/AIDS and it merits further use in a classroom situation. It is hoped that this study will provide educators with information that can assist in the development of comprehensive AIDS education programmes for primary schools.