Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - March 11, 2009
This was revealed in a study of more than 15 000 school children by an international group of epidemiologists based in Canada.
The organisation's Nobantu Marokane said that most of the learners who said they would spread the virus had been abused.
"These learners were not tested so they did not know if they were HIV positive. In most cases, these learners have been exposed to some kind of abuse."
This was not necessarily sexual abuse, she said.
"It might not have been sexual abuse but the thinking to say because it happened to me, I might be HIV positive, they were opening themselves up to riskier behaviour by saying that they would spread it intentionally," she said.
The study also revealed that 15% of South African school children had been forced to have sex.
"We used forced sex without consent, so they understood the term that this was forced, it was not coercion, it was forced sex without consent and that is the number of our learners that said 'yes, this has happened to me'.
"And for me what is striking is that... this is happening to more boys than girls...," Marokane said.
090311
SA090301
Copyright © 2009 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .