Sport as a means to address HIV/AIDS awareness among young men in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

This study investigates sport as a means to address HIV/AIDS awareness among young men in Lusaka, Zambia. The research has been conducted in schools and sports sites within and surrounding the townships in Lusaka, also called compounds. The general objective is: To investigate whether sports as a means for spreading HIV/AIDS information is creating greater awareness, which changes the attitudes and sexual behaviour among young men in Lusaka, Zambia. The study is conducted as a single case study within two organisations in the Kicking Aids Out network: Sport in Action and EduSport. The investigation includes a comparison of knowledge and attitudes between KAO-members and non-members aged 17-19. A comparison has also been conducted between the 17-19 and 20-24 age groups. The researcher has used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including in-depth interviews, small survey, participatory observation, and secondary literature. The qualitative research methods are the main strategies, while the quantitative data is used to cross-check the qualitative data. The main topics in the thesis are: 1) Knowledge and attitudes on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, 2) Stigma and myths, 3) Gender equality and sexual negotiation in Zambia, and 4) Participatory communication in the KAO-organisations.