Defense Date
6-3-2004
Graduation Date
Summer 2004
Availability
Immediate Access
Submission Type
thesis
Degree Name
MA
Department
Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy
School
McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
Committee Chair
Daniel Lieberfeld
Committee Member
Joseph D. Yenerall
Keywords
African Culture, HIV/AIDS, Shona Culture, Traditional Beliefs, Traditional Healers, Zimbabwe
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between secondary students in the rural and peri-urban areas of Mashonaland in Zimbabwe and their tendencies to agree or disagree with traditional Shona attitudes, beliefs and practices as they related to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A convenience, cluster sample was used to identify the 482 students who participated in this study. A questionnaire composed of demographics, hypothetical and open-ended questions was administered to these students within the regular classrooms of their respective schools.
A notable finding in this study was that traditional Shona beliefs appear to be stronger in the rural areas. However, the students surveyed gave no indication that these beliefs limited their understandings of the cause of HIV/AIDS and the consequences of unprotected sex. The data from study contravene my hypothesis that rural students have more difficulties in understanding the true nature of this disease because of their reliance upon traditional Shona traditions.
Format
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Goercke, B. (2004). The Impact of Traditional Shona Beliefs on HIV/AIDS Intervention Work in Zimbabwe (Master's thesis, Duquesne University). Retrieved from https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/588