Abstract

The rapid spread of HIV, particularly among young people, is a source of concern across disciplines focusing on HIV risk reduction interventions. Research indicates that while adolescents have knowledge about sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS, this knowledge does not necessarily translate into safe sexual behaviour. Such realisation calls for a move beyond knowledge-based approaches to exploring how youth experience, make meaning of and respond to HIV and AIDS. This article descriptionbes research conducted with a sample of rural male learners on their perspectives of the behaviour of men and women in relation to the spread and the prevention of the disease and perceptions of their personal risk for infection. An analysis of the discourses of the learners is presented and arising from this, implications for prevention are suggested.