Graduation Semester and Year

2008

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Maria Scannapieco

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of various social capital predictor variables (e.g., human, family, emotional, physical, economic, community and educational social capital) on sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV/AIDS, sexual and risky behavior knowledge, and attitudes towards people living with AIDS (PLA) among young people (ages 16-24) in Tanzania. This research also looks at the relationship between participants' STI and HIV/AIDS knowledge and their individual characteristics (age, sex, and education). The study also explores any statistically significant differences between young women's and young men's STI, HIV/AIDS, sexual and risky behavior knowledge and attitudes toward people living with AIDS. The study uses a secondary data analysis of a data set collected by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), a private volunteer organization, through a baseline survey that was administered at the beginning of 2006 in Tanzania. The data analysis consists of descriptive statistics, simple linear and multiple regressions, and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). These statistical analyses were performed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Social capital was found to be a statistically significant predictor for participants' STI, HIV/AIDS, sexual and risky behavior knowledge, and attitudes towards people living with AIDS (PLA). Subjects enrolled in or with a secondary level of education were found to have more knowledge regarding STI, and have a higher level of positive attitudes towards PLA. However, age and gender were not found to be statistically significant predictors.

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

Included in

Social Work Commons

Share

COinS