Abstract
BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in South Africa is among the worst in the world; in 2017, 38% of new infections were among young people aged 15-24 years. Estimates for HIV infection in 2020 worldwide indicate that there will be 1.5 million new cases, 10.2 million untreated cases (out of 37.7 million), and 680 000 deaths from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite a 46% decline in new HIV infections among adolescents and youth over the previous 10 years, two of the seven new HIV infections in 2019 occurred in people between the ages of 15 and 24. HIV prevalence among young people has remained unchanged since 2008. This consistent pattern among people under 30 years of age indicates a failure in HIV prevention. AIM: The study aimed to explore HIV and sexual risk behaviours by 18-25-year-old youth at Nyandeni Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. SETTING: The investigation was conducted Nyandeni Municipality in the Eastern Cape province. METHODS: Qualitative approach was used to explore, describe and investigate the knowledge and attitudes about HIV among the 18-25 years old youth. RESULTS: The findings are based on three themes namely, knowledge and attitudes about HIV and AIDS in youth, sexual risk behaviour among youth, and HIV prevention strategies. CONCLUSION: This exploratory investigation confirms that the participants' knowledge is limited by showing that most of them knew very little about HIV and AIDS infection and prevention. Ongoing educational initiatives are required. CONTRIBUTION: Youth experience high HIV incidence because of their knowledge gaps.