SA Students Have Low HIV Rates

April 7 - Research conducted by the Higher Education HIV/AIDS (HEAIDS) Program showed that the prevalence rate of the disease among students and staff on South African campuses is significantly lower than the national average.

While the national prevalence rate is a high 18%, the rate among students is 3%.

A low prevalence rate of 1.5% was noted among academic staff, although a higher rate was found among service staff who most likely had no health insurance either.

Around 24,000 students and staff were questioned in the research.

Other interesting facts found:

• Prevalence rates were three times higher in students over the age of 25.
• Female students were the hardest hit at a rate of 4.7%.
• Male students had a rate of only 2%.
• 60% of sexually active students have been tested for AIDs before.
• 60% used a condom the last time they had sex.
• 8% of students engaged in anal sex.

"The study is really the first comprehensive attempt to define the impact of HIV in the higher education sector," said the Program Director for HEAIDS, Gail Andrews.

"To some extent, it is reassuring that HIV among students and staff at higher education institutions is less common than in the general population, but it does not mean that any institution can afford to be complacent," she said. "Both the survey and the qualitative research indicate that the sexual and social behavior of sections of university communities put them at risk."

The research also provided recommendations such as mandatory HIV and AIDS awareness and on-campus HIV related health services.