HIV knowledge and practices among rural South Africans

Purpose: To explore the knowledge and practices related to HIV/AIDS by rural South Africans in Limpopo Province. Design and Methods: Qualitative research methods were used. Twenty-eight key and general informants participated in individual interviews in summer 2001. The setting was a hospital-based HIV clinic in rural Limpopo Province. Findings: All participants were members of a support group, and they had basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS; however, participants indicated that they lacked basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS until they jointed the support group. Conclusions: Support groups were effective in educating people about HIV/AIDS. (C) 2004 SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL.