Attitudes, knowledge and relationship behaviour relationg to HIV/AIDS in the contact sports rugby and soccer at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out if athletes who participate in soccer and rugby are aware of the risk of HIV infection in contact sports. The sample consisted of male rugby (n=23) and soccer (30) players registered at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop campus). The research was a quantitative in approach with a cross sectional survey design. A qualitative element, in the form of open-ended questions, made the study more holistic as participants were able to express their thoughts freely. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentage and bar-graphs). Thematic Content Analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions. Thirteen themes were gleaned from the data namely, prevention, well-being, medical assistance, confidentiality, discrimination, fear and anxiety, emotional support, strategy, participation, mandatory testing, risk and relationship ambiguity. Results of the study, both qualitative and quantitative, generally supported previous research in that there are gaps in HIV knowledge, although not statistically significant. Relationship behaviour in terms of an HIV positive diagnosis reflected ambiguity amongst the participants with some participants stating they would tell their partners but many being unsure or not prepared to tell their partners about their status for fear of the relationship ending.