EMERGING ADULT, COLLEGE STUDENTS’ VIEWS ABOUT THE KIND OF HEALTH PROMOTION SERVICES THEY WOULD LIKE PROVIDED ON THEIR CAMPUSES

HIV/AIDS poses a huge threat to young people as the world has its largest population of youth under age 30 in history (Madsen, Daumerie & Hardee, 2010). For South African youth, HIV/AIDS is a devastating pandemic particularly for those in the age group 15-24 years with infection rate as high as 10% in this age cohort (NSP 2007: 37). The education sector, particularly Tertiary and Higher education institutions have a key role to play in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and promoting sexual health (Anarfi, 2000, Ngwena, 2003, Crewe & Nzioka, 2007). These institutions are strategically placed to provide effective responses to HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, these institutions should protect the welfare of their staff and students against HIV/AIDS transmission by providing access, education, prevention and care (Crewe & Nzioka, 2007). However, there is a paucity of research concerning issues affecting the South African Further Education Training (FET) institutions. Moreover, although student support services are available, the provision of health promotion services in FET institutions is still lacking.
It is against this background that a qualitative study, using one pilot study and 4 focus discussions was undertaken. These focus groups reflected the views of emerging adult students (aged 18-24 years) at a FET college in Cape Town, concerning the type of health services they would like provided on FET campuses. The discussions yielded the following themes concerning the provision of health services at FET campuses: Availability and access to condoms and sexual health care on campus. The incorporation of life skills programmes into the curriculum. Voluntary counselling and testing facilities on campus. A wide range of youth friendly services on campus and in the community as well as confidentiality and flexibility of these health care facilities. Young people want to be involved in decision–making concerning health promotion facilities, services and issues that affect youth.

Definition
According to the South African Further education and training colleges act 16 of 2006, “further education and training” means all learning and training programmes leading to qualifications at levels 2 to 4 of the National Qualifications Framework or such further education and training levels determined by SAQA and contemplated in the South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No. 58 of 1995), which levels are above general education but below higher education.