Hello tomorrow? Sources of HIV / Aids information used by residential students at the University of Natal

Abstract

This article identifies sources of HIV / AIDS information used by residential students on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the former University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal). A questionnaire targeted at residential students on the Pietermaritzburg campus was used to determine which sources of HIV / AIDS information they used. The study upon which the article is based found that HIV / AIDS has become an everyday reality in the university system. There was a need for a clearer, more forceful definition of roles and responsibilities amongst all the partners in response to the epidemic. Residential students were generally satisfied with the existing sources of HIV / AIDS information but they did encounter problems in accessing some sources. The authors argue that it is time for the university sector and its partners to take stock of a situation that might quickly outpace the institution. Provision of relevant information in an appropriate format needs to be an integral part of the University's response to HIV / AIDS. Sources that were used most frequently should be utilised by university information stakeholders to disseminate information among students.