Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'AIDS (Disease) in adolescence AIDS (Disease)'

“We owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too,” These are words from the musical Miss Saigon by Boubill and Schonberg as quoted by van Dyk (2005:278) which prompted the researcher’s interest in the study. According to a study by Kimane and Mturi (2000:8), a good number of AIDS orphaned adolescents have the responsibility of the care of siblings. Moreover, they are economically active, forced to earn income for their own survival or for their unemployed siblings or extended family household. They are the young people one sees in the streets of Lesotho’s principle cities, selling fruit or collecting fares in local taxis. For girls, the situation is particularly dire. While they too sell goods on the streets or some are employed as domestic workers, many find the lure of commercial sex work and the promise of cash irresistible (Kimane and Mturi, 2000:8). However, Fraser (2004:143) denotes that some children, when faced with stressful conditions, construct socially adverse situations as challenges and opportunities and access adequate amounts of available individual and environmental resources. This general frame of reference through which individuals appraise and react to events and situations in the environment is termed resiliency (Fraser, 2004:143). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents. A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to meet the aims of the study. The research was conducted in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru. Purposive sampling was used to access a research sample with the assistance of a service rendering organisation in Lesotho. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with eight AIDS orphaned adolescents between the ages of 15 -18 years. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:153) and Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991:217) was employed for data verification. It was anticipated that the study would contribute to the recommendations towards the development of more effective programmes for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho. In addition, undertaking this research was viewed as critical as it would provide the much needed scientific basis on which the Social Work professional body would be able to reflect on its AIDS orphan support strategies.

This study is a qualitative ethnographic investigation of how teenagers in Kampala, Uganda, who read the HIV/AIDS publication aimed at adolescents, Straight Talk, negotiate HIV/AIDS messages. It seeks to establish to what extent these secondary school teenagers accept the key messages (known as ABC; Abstain, Be faithful or use a Condom) and understand the factual aspects of the messages about HIV/AIDS, its process of transmission and prevention. It also seeks to probe how the lived realities of the teenagers affect their particular negotiations of the HIV/AIDS messages. It includes a focus on how proximity to HIV/AIDS, gender and family economic disposition might affect teenagers, negotiation of the HIV/AIDS meanings. To investigate the respondents’ reception of HIV/AIDS messages, the study employed focus groups that consisted of two stages, namely the ‘news game’ and group discussions. In the ‘news game’ stage (Philo, 1990; Kitzinger, 1993) the teenage participants were required to produce a version of a one-page copy of an HIV/AIDS newspaper targeting teenagers. In the second stage of the focus group a structured discussion probed the teenagers’ negotiation of the HIV/AIDS media messages. In the news game, the teenagers on the whole reproduced the key Straight Talk HIV/AIDS messages ‘Abstain, Be faithful or use a Condom’ and also images showing the effects of HIV/AIDS but featured fewer images depicting the factual aspects of HIV/AIDS process of transmission and risky behaviour. In the structured discussion that followed the news game, it was evident that not all the teenagers necessarily believed the messages they produced. In spite of producing the ABC Straight Talk messages, some of them were uncertain and confused about the absolute safety of the condom because of fears that they were either porous, expired or would interfere with sexual pleasure. Secondly, though many of the teenagers in the study reproduced images that showed that they consider marriage as desirable and talked about their desire to abstain from sex till marriage, a considerable number think abstinence is not achievable due to competing values. Thirdly, the participant teenagers could differentiate between HIV and AIDS but many did not realise that with the advent of anti-retroviral drugs even people who have AIDS can look normal. In spite of repeating the Straight Talk message that “no one was safe” and being aware of the risky behaviour that their fellow teenagers get involved in, the teenagers seemed to think that their age cohort is safe from HIV and it is the adults who are likely to infect them. The study findings further indicate that the teenagers’ lived experience at times influence their negotiation of HIV/AIDS media messages. This was probed in terms of economic standing, gender and proximity to HIV/AIDS. In relation to gender one surprising discovery was that certain girls in the study feared getting pregnant more than getting HIV/AIDS. The study finally suggests that these findings are of significance for designing future media initiatives in relation to HIV/AIDS.

Orientador: Marcos Tadeu Nolasco da Silva
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas
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Resumo: A avaliação do desenvolvimento cognitivo em crianças e adolescentes é de fundamental importância. A inteligência operatória das lógicas elementares, como a conservação de quantidades, classificação e seriação são maneiras que a criança emprega para se adaptar e entender o mundo em que vive. A infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) pode afetar globalmente o desenvolvimento da criança. Este trabalho avaliou o desenvolvimento cognitivo de crianças e adolescentes infectados verticalmente pelo HIV e compará-lo com crianças saudáveis, pareadas para a idade, e com as mesmas condições socioeconômicas, utilizando o conjunto de Conjunto de Provas para o Diagnóstico do Comportamento Operatório de Piaget. A população de estudo consistiu em uma amostra aleatória de 36 pacientes, com idades de 7 a 12 anos. O resultado da avaliação cognitiva foi expresso na forma de um escore semiquantitativo e análise qualitativa em níveis de desenvolvimento cognitivo. Analisamos a associação do escore com o resultado do exame neurológico evolutivo, o estadiamento clínico, imunológico e virológico da infecção por HIV, dados referentes à Qualidade de Vida (usando o PedsQLTM), e dados socioeconômicos. Os resultados sugerem que crianças infectadas pelo HIV, com quadro clínico estável, apresentam desempenho cognitivo comparável ao de crianças com condições de vida semelhantes
Abstract: The assessment of cognitive development in children and adolescents is of fundamental importance. The intelligence operative of elementary logic, such as conservation of quantity, classification and seriation are ways that the child uses to adapt and understand the world we live. Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may affect the overall development of the child. This paper aims to assess the cognitive development of children and adolescents infected with HIV vertically and compare it with healthy children, matched for age, and with the same socioeconomic conditions, using the entire set of evidence for the Task Concrete Operational Piaget's. The study population consisted of a random sample of 36 patients, aged 7 to 12 anos. The result of the cognitive assessment was expressed in the form of a semiquantitative and qualitative analysis in levels of cognitive development. We analyzed the association of scores with the results of neurological evaluation, clinical staging, immunological and virological HIV infection, data on quality of life (PedsQLTM), and socioeconomic data. The results suggest that HIV-infected children with clinical stable, have cognitive performance comparable to that of children with similar conditions of life
Mestrado
Saude da Criança e do Adolescente
Mestre em Saude da Criança e do Adolescente

AIDS is a serious South African health problem, with HIV infection in KwaZulu-Natal being at the local epidemic's forefront. Adolescents in this province are at additional risk because of their lifestyles. Information on existing risky behaviour and its psychosocial concomitants can provide an important base for educational interventions aimed at reducing further transmission. This study aims to provide baseline information on knowledge, attitudes and reported behaviour, relating to HIV/AIDS, among adolescents in KwaZulu-Natal. A survey, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions to collect data, was conducted among standard eight Zulu-speaking students (N = 1511) in five parts of the province. The theoretical framework that informed data collection was drawn from the Health Belief Model and Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. The data generated were first analysed descriptively, providing percentages for responses to individual items. Secondly, cross-tabulations were calculated for relevant items using three independent biographical variables, namely: Locality (rural/peri-urban), gender and students' reports of sexual activity. The results showed inadequate knowledge concerning HIV/AIDS to provide a foundation for developing healthier attitudes. Although most students acknowledged the disease's severity, few reported feeling personally susceptible, denying the immediacy of the threat. Additionally, cues to action and the perceived benefits of adopting preventive behaviours were not influential. Barriers preventing condom use were not primarily logistical, with personal concerns being the main barriers to change. Furthermore, perceived self-efficacy in preventive behaviours was low. Recommendations regarding areas for future research, as well as considerations which will enhance the effectiveness of risk reducing interventions among similar populations, are provided.

The high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancies among the Cree adolescents indicate that this population frequently engages in unprotected sexual activities. AIDS is a critical health problem worldwide and AIDS contamination within a Cree community could be a threat to its survival.
A questionnaire was developed to survey attitudes, knowledge and behavior of Cree students in relation to AIDS. Further analysis included finding relationships between knowledge level, attitudes and behavior in order to guide future educational interventions.
A satisfactory level of knowledge about AIDS can be credited to the interventions of the clinic, the school, and the television. The level of knowledge is positively correlated with the level of tolerance of Cree students towards people infected by the HIV virus and of their perception of the danger of AIDS for the Cree population. While knowledge level and attitudes cannot be used to predict safer sexual behavior, alcohol consumption is highly related to risky sexual practices.

Refugees are not a new phenomenon and their plight has been felt the world over. Africa continues to see large numbers of people displaced through armed conflict, producing more refugees on the worlds&rsquo
most poverty stricken continent than any other.
The implications of these displacements of people dislocated from their places of habitual residence create much concern, particularly in the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Such dislocations and displacements imply separation from family and communities, including socio-economic benefits that accrue to them. There is an apparent problem of accessing health services, educational services, sources of livelihood and protection from sexual and emotional abuse. Refugee children and women are said to be the most vulnerable, although until recently adolescents in armed conflict were not considered as a
special group of children requiring special attention. The main objective of this research was to investigate levels of risk for HIV among refugee adolescents in Zambia and to determine how location relates to risk. Of particular interest was the difference in risk experienced in rural and urban areas. The researcher&rsquo
s hypothesis was that refugee adolescents in rural camps of Zambia are at greater risk because they lack adequate sources of income, health, and education in comparison to urban areas. The research was located within two theoretical underpinnings namely the social cognitive theory and the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM). The theory posits that a reciprocal relationship exists between environmental contexts, personal factors and behavior. The model explains how people change behavior that reduces risk for HIV by changing perceptions on sexual activity and when they enact the knowledge obtained from HIV preventive programmes. The methodology was located within both the qualitative and quantitative research
approaches. Qualitative because firstly, the research is a comparative case study and secondly, it is the first time such a study is being conducted. The researcher also made use of the quantitative through the survey and secondary HIV/AIDS statistical data.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University, 1992.
Includes tables. Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Charles E. Basch. Dissertation Committee: Barbara Wallace. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-92).

Orientador: Ana Maria Faccioli de Camargo
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação
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Resumo: A epidemia da AIDS atinge crianças e adolescentes, demandando da sociedade a busca de respostas para seu cuidado, educação e saúde. Inúmeras ações, instituições e discursos começaram a emergir em nossa cultura, produzindo ¿verdades¿ sobre esta população. Espelhos d¿AIDS - infâncias e adolescências nas tessituras da AIDS é uma tese de doutorado cujo objetivo consiste em problematizar discursos sobre infância, adolescência e AIDS, em especial os discursos sobre casas de apoio, sexualidade e revelação do diagnóstico. O referencial teórico utilizado foram a obra de Michael Foucault, autores que trabalham a partir de seu referencial e a produção dos estudos culturais. As problematizações dos discursos foram feitas a partir de três fontes: a) matérias de jornais; b) matérias da Revista Saber Viver; c) experiência na área (como profissional e ativista). Os resultados do trabalho indicam que, nas práticas discursivas e não discursivas concernentes aos temas casas de apoio, sexualidade e revelação do diagnóstico emergem modos de conceber a infância, a adolescência e a AIDS que vão inventando as crianças e adolescentes vivendo com HIV AIDS. E que estas crianças e adolescentes passam a narrar-se, a construir uma experiência de si mesmos através destes dispositivos que produzem subjetividades, que funcionam como uma tecnologia do eu. As discussões deste estudo sinalizam para a necessidade de reflexão e revisão das práticas nesta área
Abstract: The AIDS epidemic affects children and adolescents, demanding that society look for answers concerning their care, education and health. Countless actions, institutions and discourses have emerged in our culture, producing different types of truth about these groups of people. Mirrors of AIDS - childhood and adolescence on the entangle of AIDS is a doctorate thesis and its goal is to motivate discussion on childhood, adolescence and AIDS, in special lectures about supporting houses, sexuality and diagnosis results. The theoretical reference used is from the work of Michael Foucault, authors who also work from or with his work and in the production of cultural studies. The discussion lectures were done from three sources: 1) newspapers articles; 2) articles from Saber Viver magazine; 3) field experience (as a professional and an activist). The conception and presentation of this thesis is that in practical discussions or not, concerning to the issue of supporting houses, sexuality, and diagnosis results, appear ways to conceive childhood, adolescence and AIDS that are creating children and teenagers living with HIV AIDS. These children and teenagers begin to tell and to build an experience of themselves through these tools that produce subjectivities, and function as a technology of the self. The discussions of this study show signs to the necessity of reflection and a review on the practices on this field
Doutorado
Educação, Conhecimento, Linguagem e Arte
Doutor em Educação

Submitted in fuIfilment ofthe requirement for the degree Master of EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Psychology of the Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2003.
This study investigated the perceptions of high school learners about HTV7AIDS preventive strategies. The study reveals that the age of the learner, their gender, grade level, and the school they attend influences their perceptions. The study also reveals that the learners hold positive perceptions about abstaining from sex, delaying sex until marriage as well as knowing the HIV/AIDS status of potential partners as of paramount importance while those who do not hold positive perceptions about abstinence hold positive perception about practicing safe sex. The study reveals that there was no relationship between religion and the acceptance of circumcision as a cultural practice through which infection could be avoided; but racial grouping and age greatly influence the acceptance of this alternative strategy.

Thesis (Ph.D.(Educational Psychology)) --University of Limpopo, 2015.
The aim of this study was to adapt an HIV and AIDS intervention programme that may change the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of adolescents in Mpumalanga high schools. Mixed-method of qualitative and quantitative designs were used to achieve the objectives. The qualitative design consisted of peer mentors (N=141) who were interviewed in the focus group to provide information pertaining to the HIV and AIDS intervention that may change the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of vulnerable adolescents in Mpumalanga high schools. The quantitative design consisted of Grade 8 learners (N=1 085) who were used in the evaluation of the adapted HIV and AIDS intervention. Eeducators (N=11) piloted and monitored the administration of the adapted HIV and AIDS intervention. Results from the qualitative study suggested a four unit HIV and AIDS intervention programme with the following aims: (a) to empower adolescents to respond to risky behaviours, (b) to enable adolescents in Mpumalanga to acquire necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills that will protect adolescents from HIV and AIDS infection, (c) the programme must also aim at the development of self-in-society and (d) an abridged programme that will run for one school term that is more suitable. Results from quantitative evaluation revealed that the adapted HIV and AIDS intervention managed to increase, slightly, the acquisition of the knowledge and behaviour of participants, although the significant tests indicated that the observed rate of increase was statistically not significant at 0.05 levels. No impact was found on attitudes scales. It was recommended that the support of both adolescents and parents is vital for the success of any of any HIV and AIDS intervention programme. Opening of the community youth friendly health clinics with highly trained practitioners was also recommended as an essential element in HIV and AIDS prevention. Key concepts: Adolescents, Attitudes, Behaviour, HIV and AIDS intervention, Knowledge and Knowledge attitudes-behaviour practices.

This study involves an analysis of accounts of first and subsequent early sexual experiences in a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape in South Africa over the last forty years. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the enculturation of youth into sexual activity in the community of interest is explored. The study looks into sexual experiences from childhood, through early adolescence to adults of up to sixty five years old, allowing an analysis of the changing forms of sexual experimentation and sexual debut in this context. Contextual factors mediating these changes are explored, with special emphasis on the changing regulatory practices around early sexual experiences and the effect thereof on behaviors connected to HIV infection risk. Practices that were previously important mediators of sexual behavior were: anxiety about the social consequences of pregnancy, which was previously a significant disincentive to sexual intercourse; men's previous acceptance of the need to practice non-penetrative forms of sex and girls postponing sexual debut for as long as possible. All these were culturally endorsed, but are now noted to have changed due to changes in the regulatory practices surrounding youth sexuality. The context of early sexual experiences and the surrounding cultural practices have also changed significantly, and this needs to be taken into account in understanding receptivity to condom use messages. Implications for HIV/AIDS prevention are discussed. Among other interventions, the study describes a participatory, community-based, multi-sectoral approach that takes social conditions into account as a way of empowering the community to strengthen its response to the pandemic. This incorporates different sectors of the community, including youth, parents, religious and traditional leaders, and various other structures, services and institutions that make up the community.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association among risk behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge, and cognitive variables in high-risk adolescents. Subjects were 82 youth (50 males and 32 females) residing in a Midwest residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or delinquent children and adolescents. The mean age of the adolescents was 14.6 years. Self-report measures of AIDS knowledge, invulnerability, self-efficacy, locus of control, sensation seeking, and risk involvement were administered in counterbalanced order. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis to examine the relation between risk behaviors and scores on invulnerability, locus of control, self-efficacy, and sensation seeking measures once age and AIDS knowledge were controlled in the initial steps. Although age and knowledge of AIDS were related positively to the likelihood of behavioral risk taking, the combination of cognitive variables explained an additional 23% of the variance in risk behaviors and accounted for the largest proportion of shared variability. Therefore, adolescents' risk behaviors appeared to be determined by their cognitive beliefs to a greater degree than by their knowledge of the consequences of such behavior. The importance of cognitive factors in the apparent behavior choices that adolescents make suggests that educational prevention programs need to consider more than just the sharing of knowledge in addressing issues of risky behavior. Instead, the perceptions of adolescents toward sensation seeking and other cognitive characteristics also must be considered.
Department of Educational Psychology

This study responds to the following research question: How might rural school youth engage peers using social media in a participatory cultures framework to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in their community? This question is supported by the following secondary questions: How do rural school youth understand gender-based violence in their community. how might rural school youth use social media within a participatory cultures framework to engage peers in addressing GBV How can rural school youth engage with their peers via social media to facilitate youth agency in a participatory cultures framework This qualitative study is positioned in a critical paradigm and employs a visual participatory research methodology to contribute to addressing gender-based violence in the age of HIV and AIDS. The participants in this study are five learners (3 boys and 2 girls) with five of their peers (3 boys and 2 girls) from a secondary school in rural Vulindlela in KwaZulu-Natal, purposively selected from Grade 9 classes. Digital storytelling was employed as the main visual method of data generation to express the participants’ understanding of, and solutions to, genderbased violence. The stories were used by the participants to engage their peers around the topic via social media and to enable them to reflect on their own agency. The study draws on Jenkins’ theory of participatory cultures as a heoretical framework. Thematic analysis was applied to make meaning of the findings. The findings show that rural school youth understand gender-based violence (GBV) as a complex problem. Youthful learners are able to competently apply social media to address GBV and engage their peers through social media – hifting the power to participate as agents of change.The findings have implications for youth, the school, and the community. The youth are seen as knowledgeable actors who should inform intervention programmes aimed at social change. Social media can offer an engaging environment for peer learning and support. For digital participation, the youth need to acquire digital skills at school which could be integrated throughout the curriculum, drawing on participatory cultures. In the community, youth as knowledge producers are competent in leading, guiding, and instructing community members using social media spaces as more people have access to inexpensive digital technology that allows them to participate in community intervention programmes aimed at social change. I conclude by arguing that youth can express lived realties on GBV and solutions to GBV through visual methods such as digital storytelling. Their engagement on social media such as Facebook can be viewed as intervention by assuming agency through a guided process of solving community problems collaboratively with peers through the process of participatory cultures. This democratic process strengthens agency for community benefit and highlights a new youth and peer culture where youth circulate new and self-made content aimed at social action through their continuous reflection – a shift in power as the voices and actions of youth are acknowledged.

HIV/AIDS has emerged as the leading cause of death in South Africa, with young people being the most affected. Awareness of HIV/AIDS is quite high, yet prevalence rates have not stabilised and are still climbing. Lack of sexual behavioural change among young people is a major factor which explains why prevalence rates are still on the increase among this population. Sexual behaviour change is influenced by perceptions and attitudes, most notably perceived susceptibility. Information on the psychological factors that affect perceived susceptibility can provide an important base for the development of programmes aimed at reducing further transmission among young people. A survey, using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire with close-ended questions to collect data, was conducted among Grade 11 learners (n = 318) in Rini, Grahamstown, South Africa. One of the constructs (namely Perceived Susceptibility) in the Health Belief Model informed the data collection. The data generated were first analysed descriptively, providing percentages for responses. Secondly cross-tabulations were calculated. The results showed that knowledge about HIV/AIDS is sufficient, young people receive accurate and non-conflictual messages about sex and HIV/AIDS, they are not discriminatory towards People Living With HIV/AIDS, they have adequate access to healthcare and their perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS is high. All these are factors which are favourable and conducive for positive sexual behavioural change. However, the study also found that there was little behaviour change among young people especially regarding regular condom use and decreased sexual activity.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Dept. of Psychology. University of Missouri--Kansas City, 2006.
"A dissertation in psychology." Advisor: Kathy Goggin. Typescript. Vita. Title from "catalog record" of the print edition Description based on contents viewed Oct. 31, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-151). Online version of the print edition.

HIV/AIDS has affected families in a profound and tragic way. Children whose parents have succumbed due to HIV/AIDS related infections have to be cared for by their relatives. This study focused on the experiences of primary caregivers of adolescents who are living with HIV in a semi-rural area of Eastern Cape Province, Grahamstown. There is a dearth of literature that is addressing the well-being, experiences and challenges of primary caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Adolescence is a complex life stage during which adolescents usually present challenging behaviours and are grappling with moral issues. Caregiving to these youngsters who are burdened with HIV infection places additional demands on caregivers, especially so when they are experiencing poverty and poor social and welfare support. A qualitative study was most appropriate to explore and describe the experiences of adolescents infected with HIV. The population of this study was the primary caregivers of adolescents caring for adolescents with HIV in the area of Grahamstown, who are between 11 to 19 years old. A purposive sample of nine primary caregivers of adolescents living with HIV was selected. Data was collected by conducting individual interviews, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data was analysed thematically according to prescribed theoretical guidelines. Data was verified by means of guidelines for the truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality of the study. The findings of the study indicated that primary caregivers experience that caring for adolescents who are living with HIV places a huge burden due to adolescents' negative behaviour, HIV stigma and discrimination, poor support from their families, being confronted with adolescents' emotional issues that they are not capacitated to deal with, and no adequate community resources to assist them. The challenges primary caregivers experience lead to negative effects on their health status. The findings of the study could be useful for informing intervention programmes that are targeting this group and policy development, and implementation of programmes benefiting both infected adolescents and their primary caregivers.

The purpose of the study was to show the variables that influence adolescents' sexual activities that have not been well defined. What leads adolescents to be more sexually active than previous generations? A Survey was conducted at the Fontana Unified School District.

Smoking amongst youth living with HIV (YLWH) has major public health implications. When combined with the complications associated with smoking such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or heart disease, the impact of a HIV positive diagnosis increases morbidity exponentially (Nahvi & Cooperman, 2009). The purpose of this study was two-fold, to investigate the perceptions of smoking amongst YLWH aged 18-25 who received care at the CMS Clinic located at the University of South Florida and to determine factors related to cessation. A study design utilizing two components, a systematic literature review and primary qualitative data was used in this dissertation. The systematic literature review was used to identify and examine published research studies that compared smoking cessation interventions for youth and young adults. Twenty-five in depth interviews were conducted in order to determine themes related to smoking cessation and the factors associated with the experience of smoking.

The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of a health education intervention on knowledge about HIV/Hepatitis B transmission, attitudes, beliefs and intentions towards condom use. Research has shown tht small group discussion, single sex groups, age proximity of health educators, and HIV prevention integrated in the broader sexual health context, increased the effectiveness of health education with regard to safer sexual practices.

This study explores, through digital storytelling, the experiences of HIV- and AIDS-related stigma of rural community secondary school learners. HIV- and AIDS-related stigma is seen as an impediment to a proficient response to HIV and AIDS in communities, also rural communities, and requires addressing. The rural community in which the research is undertaken is particularly hard hit by HIV and AIDS. Learners’ experiences of HIV- and AIDS related stigma could therefore inform how school and community could engage with HIV- and AIDS-related stigma and how they could address it in a constructive way. The study attempts to respond to two research questions: What can digital storytelling reveal about secondary school learners’ experiences of HIV- and AIDS-related stigma in schools in a rural community? How can digital storytelling enable secondary school learners in school in a rural community to take action to address stigma? This qualitative study is positioned within a critical paradigm, and employs a community-based participatory research strategy. Twelve Grade 8 and 9 male and female learners aged 15 to 18 years, from two secondary schools in rural Vulindlela district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, who experienced, witnessed or heard about HIV- and AIDS-related stigma participated. Digital storytelling, a visual participatory method, was used to generate the data, and this was complemented by group discussion and written pieces completed by the participants in reflection sessions. The thematic analysis of the data made use of participatory analysis: the analysis of the digital stories was done by the participants while the overarching analysis was done by the researcher. This study, located in the field of the Psychology of Education, is informed by the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism. In terms of the experienced stigma, it was found that living with HIV and AIDS and the related stigma is perceived as a ‘hardship’. The stigma is experienced on many levels: in the family, at school, and from friends and members of the community. It has an impact on the individual on an intrapersonal and interpersonal level. The young person is caught up in a vicious cycle of silent suffering since there are no reliable and trustworthy people with whom he or she can share these challenges. Some so-called traditional beliefs and customs such as not talking about sex, and practices like virginity testing, also fuel HIV- and AIDS-related stigma. The use of derogatory terms and the severe criticism of early sexual debut along with the gossiping which is used to spread the stigmatising statements further complicate the hardship experienced by young people. Digital storytelling was found to not only enable the learners’ voices to be heard but also to enable their taking charge of the stigma and thus create the space for critical participation in this research. The implications for the study are that the pervasive stigma that young people experience should be addressed at every level of the community. The stakeholders such as the families, school, educators, the King (Inkosi) and Chiefs (Indunas) of the area, relevant departments with that of Education taking the lead, must work hand-in-hand with the affected young people. Such collaboration may allow for the identification of the problem, for reflection on it, and also for the addressing of it. HIV- and AIDS-related stigma, while it has changed since the emergence of HIV, still is an issue that many HIV-positive individuals have to contend with. This stigma is, however, contextual and how the individual is stigmatised fits in with the language, meaning and thought that a community constructs around stigma. While digital storytelling enables the uncovering of particular stories of stigma that learners experience in the context of a school in a rural community, the digital storytelling in and of itself enables a change in the language, meaning and thought around stigma in its drawing on the specifics of the stigma as experienced in the community. Also, digital storytelling is about sharing stories about, and experiences of HIV- and AIDS-related stigma and how these stories can be used as part of the solution. If such stories can be told, people can spread them just as gossip is spread, but in this case such spreading would work towards positive social change. I claim that in order to confront the challenges raised by the perpetuation of stigma, efforts must involve the communities and must tap into their own experiences of perpetuating or enduring stigmatisation. Suggestions by the very same people from the community who are at the front line of perpetuating and /or suffering the stigma must be considered. This may also become one way of instantly communicating the research findings back to the community involved in the research. Using digital storytelling can ensure getting self-tailored, contextual, specific views on how HIV- and AIDS-related stigma is experienced but also how it could be addressed.

HIV and AIDS still challenges the best efforts of public health and medical establishments and continues to ravage communities around the world. While measures have been put in place to preclude it from further spread, recent studies in the field of HIV and AIDS prevention intimate that for more efficacious intervention to be realized, it is critical to understand and address the social and cultural practices which influence sexual behavior, particularly understanding how issues of masculinity plays a role in the perpetuation of these behavior. Relying on Bourdieu’s theory of social practice, this study explores the inherent enduring nature of habitus and its role in the production and maintenance of masculine and sexual identities that predispose young men to HIV and AIDS. The study was conducted in Rundu Urban Constituency in Kavango Region of Namibia to gain insight into male youth’s masculinity and conceptions of risk and vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. The study design was qualitative and interpretive in nature. Data collection strategies included focus group discussions and individual interviews. Twelve male youth aged 17-20 years in two secondary schools (six in each) were selected to participate in the study. Four focus group discussions and fourteen individual interviews were conducted. Institutional ethical clearance from both regional education office and the schools were obtained before undertaking the study. Participants also signed written consent forms before interviews started. The findings of this study revealed that young men from this community were under constant pressure to conform to dominant masculine norms and values. Key in the case of youth in the study was the need to procreate as a dominant marker of one’s masculine and sexual identity because it represented a primary source of a ‘real’ man’s social identity in this community. This masculine and sexual identity seemed in itself to be constructed along paternal lines and cultural beliefs, which youth preserved by not only complying, but also reproducing. The sexual activities they reported that would secure their position as `real` men were often those that put them at risk and made them vulnerable to the epidemic.

Digitized using a Konica Minolta 211 PCL Scanner. 300dpi (OCR).
Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The first objective of the present study was to determine whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) could predict Willingness to Participate (WTP) in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial among high risk adolescents in the Western Cape. The second objective was to determine whether the additional predictor variables of Self perceived risk of HIV infection, Knowledge of HIV vaccines and HIV vaccine trials, Attitudes toward HIV I AIDS and Health-promoting behaviours could further explain WTP in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial among adolescents. A convenience sample of 224 adolescents attending secondary schools located in an African township on the Cape Flats was recruited for the present study. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that the TPB significantly improved the prediction of WTP in an HIV vaccine trial. Prediction success was 79.9%. Of all the predictor variables, only Subjective norms significantly predicted WTP in an HIV vaccine trial (OR = 1.19,95% C.L = 1.06-1.34). A second stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that Subjective norms (OR = 1.19, 95% c.I. = l.07-1.34) and Attitude towards participation in an HIV vaccine trial (OR = 1.32,95% C.L = 1.00-1.74) were significant predictors of WTP in an HIV vaccine trial. Prediction success was 80.4%. These findings provide support for the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and suggest that psychosocial factors may play a role in WTP in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial among adolescents. HIV vaccine trial preparedness programs targeting adolescents should aim to influence group norms positively and promote positive attitudes toward participation in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die eerste oogmerk van die huidige studie was om te bepaal of die teorie van beplande gedrag (TBG) die bereidwilligheid tot deelname (BTD) aan 'n toekomstige fase III-MIV-entstofproefneming onder hoe risiko adolessente in die Wes-Kaap kan voorspel. Die tweede oogmerk was om te bepaal of die bykomende voorspellingveranderlikes, naamlik selfwaargenome risiko vir MIV -besmetting, kennis van MIV -entstowwe en MIV -entstofproefnemings, houdings jeens MIV /Vigs en gesondheidsbevorderende gedrag BTD in 'n toekomstige fase III-MIV entstofproefneming kan verduidelik. 'n Geriefsmonster van 224 adolessente wat sekondere skole gelee in 'n dorpsgebied in Kaapstad, bywoon, is vir die huidige studie gewerf. Hierargiese logistiese regressie-analises toon dat die TBG die voorspelling van BTD aan 'n MIV -entstofproefneming aanmerklik verbeter het. Voorspellingsukses was 79.9%. Van al die voorspellingveranderlikes het slegs subjektiewe norme BTD aan 'n MIV -entstofproefneming beduidend voorspel (RK = 1.19, 95% VI = 1.06-1.34). 'n Tweede stapsgewyse logistiese regressie-analise toon dat subjektiewe norme (RK = 1.19, 95% VI = 1.07-1.34) en houding jeens deelname aan 'n MIV-entstofproefneming (RK = 1.32,95% VI = 1.00-1.74) beduidende voorspellers van BTD aan 'n MIV -entstofproefneming was. Voorspellingsukses was 80.4%. Hierdie bevindinge verleen steun aan die teorie van beredeneerde aksie (TBA) en doen aan die hand dat psigososiale faktore moontlik in die toekoms 'n rol in BTD aan 'n fase Ill-MIV-entstofproefneming onder adolessente kan speel. Programme wat op adolessente se gereedheid vir entstofproefnemings afgestem is, behoort te poog om groepnormne positief te beinvloed en positiewe houdings jeens deelname aan 'n toekomstige fase III -MIV -entstofproefneming te bevorder.

This study aimed to explore and describe the quality of life of adolescents living with early childhood HIV infection on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in Port Elizabeth. The advent of HAART has resulted in HIV being managed as a chronic illness, instead of the fatal disease that it once was. Children born with HIV can now live longer lives, progressing to adolescence and beyond. Chronic illness is known to impact one’s quality of life, so does adolescent development. A convenient sample of 31 adolescents was used in this study, with an exploratorydescriptive research design. The data was gathered using a cross cultural structured questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization, as well as through individual interviews. The data was then analysed by means of descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The results identified and presented the quality of life issues that are specific to this population. The results indicate that HIV as a chronic illness does impact the quality of life of adolescents. The adolescents living with early childhood HIV-infection on HAART in this study were very satisfied with their perceptions of their overall quality of life and general health perceptions. They were least satisfied in the Spirituality/Religion/Personal Beliefs and Social Relationships domains; and were most satisfied in the Level of Independence and the Psychological domains. There is a need for the development of (medical and psychosocial) services that can focus on adolescents as a special population with specific developmental needs in order to improve their treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Disabled adolescents are vulnerable to HIV infection particularly in countries like South Africa which has one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world. Like able-bodied adolescents, adolescents with disabilities are at a critical stage of their psychosocial and sexual development. They may be at risk of sexual abuse as perpetrators may believe that they are incapable of defending themselves or reporting the crime to the authorities. Deaf or hard of hearing adolescents are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to similar risk factors to other disabled adolescents. They also face difficulties in communicating with hearing people and receiving information in sign language, and they share characteristics with minority ethnic groups, which make them hard to reach for HIV prevention campaigns. There is a paucity of research in South Africa investigating the role of schools for Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents in delivering appropriate HIV and sexuality education to their learners. This thesis is an exploratory study and investigates HIV prevention issues for Deaf or hard of hearing adolescents in South Africa. More specifically, I aim to determine the ways in which participants believe schools, health systems and other organizations contribute or fail to contribute to the HIV/AIDS prevention needs of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents. The study includes qualitative interviews with employees of Deaf organizations, educators of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents, parents of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents and Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents themselves in relation to sexuality and HIV related issues. Results indicate that Deaf organizations have an interest in the HIV prevention needs of the Deaf community and in Deaf schools. However they have experienced obstacles in delivering HIV education to learners. These obstacles include communication barriers as well as the fact that religious environments in some of the schools may not always be experienced as conducive to HIV education. Although all educators of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents interviewed in the previous phase of the study were aware that their learners are at risk of HIV/AIDS, some educators of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents were constrained by the same issues of morality and religious conviction discussed in the first phase. Some participants had made efforts to produce appropriate HIV and sexuality materials for Deaf learners. Parents of Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents were affected by communication barriers with their children but seemed unaware of the religious ethos of many of the schools their children attended. The Deaf and hard of hearing adolescents knew they could be at risk of HIV/AIDS. Some displayed poor knowledge of HIV transmission. There are a number of issues to be addressed if schools for Deaf and hard of hearing learners are to provide adequate HIV/AIDS prevention information to their learners.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gestremde adolessente is kwesbaar vir MIV-infeksie veral in lande soos Suid-Afrika wat een van die grootste MIV-epidemies ter wêreld het. Soos nie-gestremde adolessente is gestremde adolessente in 'n kritieke stadium van hul psigososiale en seksuele ontwikkeling. Oortreders van seksuele misbruik mag gestermde adolessente beskou as sagte teikens aangesien daar die persepsie is dat hulle minder in staat is om hulself te verdedig of minder geneig is om `n misdaad by die owerhede te rapporteer. Dowe of hardhorende adolessente is kwesbaar vir MIV / VIGS vir redes war soortgelyk is aan die van ander gestremde adolessente. Dowe of hardhorende adolessente vind dit problematies om met horende (nie-gestremde) mense te komminikeer, inligting in gebaretaal te ontvang, en deel eienskappe met etniese minderheidsgroepe wat dit moeilik maak om hulle deur middel van MIV voorkomingsveldtogte te bereik. Daar is 'n gebrek aan navorsing in Suid-Afrika oor die rol wat skole vir dowe en hardhorende adolessente speel in die lewering van geskikte MIV en seksualiteitsopvoeding. Hierdie proefskrif verken en ondersoek kwessies met betrekking tot MIV-voorkoming onder dowe en hardhorende adolessente in Suid-Afrika. Meer spesifiek was die doel van hierdie studie om vas te stel wat deelnemers se persepsies is oor die bydrae of gebrek aan bydrae van skole, gesondheids-en ander organisasies tot die behoeftes van dowe en hardhorende adolessente wanneer dit kom by die voorkoming van MIV/ VIGS. Gedurende die studie is kwalitatiewe onderhoude met die volgende deelnemers gevoer: die werknemers van organisasies vir dowes; die onderwysers van dowes, ouers van dowe en hardhorende adolessente. Die onderhoude het hoofsaaklik gehandel oor seksualiteit en MIV-verwante kwessies onder gehoor gestremde adolessente. Die studie het bevind dat organisasies vir dowes `n belangstelling toon in die behoeftes van dowe gemeenskappe en skole vir dowes wanneer dit kom by MIV-voorkomming. Hulle het dit egter met tye problematies gevind om leerders op te voed oor MIV weens verskeie hindernisse. Hierdie hindernisse sluit in kommunikasie-hindernisse sowel as die godsdienstige etos wat wat in sommige skole teenwoordig is en wat nie altyd bevorderlik is tot MIV-onderrig nie. Alhoewel al die opvoeders van dowe en hardhorende adolessente gedurende die vorige fase van die studie aangedui het dat hul wel bewus is van leerders se risiko vir MIV/VIGS word sommige van hulle beperk deur bogenoemde kwessies van moraliteit en godsdienstige oortuiging. Sommige deelnemers het daarop gedui dat hul pogings aangewend het om geskikte materiaal te produseer wat spreek tot MIV en seksualiteit onder dowe leerders. Ouers van dowe en hardhorende adolessente was bewus van en word beïnvloed deur kommunikasie-hindernisse, maar was nie bewus van die godsdienstige etos van die skole wat hul kinders bywoon nie. Dowe en hardhorende adolessente was bewus daarvan dat hulle die risiko loop om MIV / vigs op te doen, maar dit blyk dat sommige min kennis dra oor MIV-oordrag. Daar is 'n aantal kwessies wat aangespreek moet word voordat skole vir dowes en hardhorendes instaat sal wees om geskikte MIV/VIGS voorkomingsprogramme aanbied te bied wat voldoen aan die behoeftes van leerders.

Thesis (MSc (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018
Primary health care (PHC) is a frontline health care approach. It is the point of contact where people are kept well and where their quality of life is improved. All people diagnosed as HIV- positive are retested prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation to verify their serostatus. ART initiation is seen as a non-emergency treatment that provides many benefits if its initiation is accelerated, for example following up pregnant women after being diagnosed with HIV. However, accelerated initiation may lead clients to start treatment before they are ready to adhere to treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe the nurse support for young adults during a first antiretroviral therapy visit at an urban primary health care clinic in Malawi. A descriptive phenomenological design was followed at an urban setup in Zomba city, Malawi. The sample was selected through purposive sampling until data saturation was obtained. Individual semi- structured interviews were conducted with young adults aged 19 25 who have visited the clinic for their first ART according to an interview schedule and field notes for around 30 minutes in a private room. The data was analysed using distinctive process and a consensus meeting was held between the researcher and independent coder. The findings of the study could help the PHC services to retain and re-engage the young adults in HIV care and aid the Government of Malawi in achieving its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Principles of trustworthiness and ethics were adhered to throughout the research process. Six themes, each with separate categories, emerged from the data analysis on the experience of young adults during their first visit for ART at an urban PHC clinic in Malawi. The results indicated the need for an environment that enhances a client-orientated approach with a focus on holistic well-being. Knowledge management should be used to provide relevant and sufficient information to a newcomer while maintaining ethics under difficult circumstances. The legal environment should have a focus on supporting clients that need comprehensive ART treatment. Motivation of the patient regarding taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) is thus essential. Young adults express the need to be supported by nurses with relevant information, privacy and confidentiality and the trusting client/nurse relationship which could help them to retain in ART care. Recommendations of this study was that nurses should be offered in-service training on youthfriendly programmes which focuses on the health care of young adults during their HIV/ART services. Nurses need to create trusting relationship for the young adults and providing in door game at the waiting area to keep them busy as they are waiting for the services. Nursing managers to lobby for funding to extend the clinic and be role models in providing relevant information to young adults. It was concluded that a first visit was both positive and challenging to the participant s; however, they experienced the health providers on the first visit to be caring and supportive.

Dissertation (DPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to develop a HIV intervention programme tailored for South African adolescents with visual impairments. A further aim was to pilot and evaluate this tailored programme. This investigation was deemed necessary in the light of the growing HIV pandemic in South Africa, which has proliferated over the last 10 years. Adolescents and young adults are among the most vulnerable to HIV infection, and this does not exclude adolescents with visual impairments. Despite the perceptions among sighted people of asexuality in adolescents with visual impairments, they are a vulnerable group for HIV infection. The motivation for this study is the fact that very little literature is available on HIV/AIDS and people with visual impairments, and that this vulnerable group is marginalized in HIV/AIDS campaigns internationally. As far as we could ascertain, there have been three HIV prevention initiatives for people with visual impairments in South Africa, none of which was fully researched and evaluated, and all of which used existing generic interventions but transcribed into Braille and large print format. The reality is, many adolescents with visual impairments, as is the case with sighted youths, are sexually active, and the absence of research on HIV prevalence and HIV prevention needs in this sector, is conspicuous. An urgent need exists to tailor HIV preventative programmes for this vulnerable sector. The dearth of research on HIV/AIDS and people with visual impairments motivated the choice of a key informant study to investigate the effects that HIV/AIDS and other concomitant issues have on persons with visual impairments, prior to the design of any intervention. A purposive sample of key informants who are working among people with visual impairments on a daily basis, most of whom had visual impairments themselves, was selected. Information gathered from the key informant study was combined with the lessons from a review of available literature on health promotion programmes and HIV prevention programmes in particular to develop an HIV/AIDS intervention programme to be piloted and evaluated for its effectiveness. The design of the programme took account, in addition, of broader contextual issues such as power and gender issues, and the marginalization and stigmatization of disabled people. The theoretical framework which forms the basis of the programme was informed by elements of a number of cognitive theories in the health promotion field, and especially the Informational-Motivational-Behavioural model (IMF). The programme was designed to empower participants and to create an environment of reallife experiences in which they could acquire important negotiation skills, decision-making skills, and practical skills to use condoms and HIV/AIDS knowledge to facilitate attitude and behaviour change. The next objective of this research was to implement the intervention programme of eight sessions designed for adolescents with visual impairments and to investigate the outcome on participants in this study. For this purpose an experimental design, one experimental group and three control groups (n= 56), not randomly assigned, was used to test the effect of the programme on participants in the intervention group compared to the control groups, who received a health promotion programme of four sessions. All participants were learners at the only two schools for learners with visual impairments in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, and they were allocated into treatment or control conditions on the basis of the school grades in which they were already placed. The empirical investigation utilized a questionnaire that was developed and transcribed into Braille as well as large print. Following a small pilot study, the questionnaire was finalized and administered to all four groups (pre-test, to determine baseline differences; post-test, to determine the immediate effect of the programme; and follow-up [3 months later] to determine longer term effectiveness). An analysis was done to assess the internal consistency of the measuring constructs of the questionnaire, and satisfactory internal consistency was found, with Cronbach’s alpha scores ranging between 0.72 and 0.92. Quantitative data were analyzing using multivariate techniques, beginning with a repeated measures MANOVA analysis and, once an overall significant F ratio between variables, time and groups (F=2.009, p<0.05); a significant F ratio between groups and variables (F=4.211, p<0.01), and significant F ratio between time and groups (F=2.611, p<0.01), had been found, we continued with more focused analyses. Baseline results revealed no statistical differences between the four groups. There were statistically significant improvements in knowledge of HIV/AIDS for both the experimental group and two of the control group, but these differences were not maintained at follow up. Significant differences in attitudes towards HIV/AIDS were found for the experimental group and for one of the control groups. Though there were significant changes in both knowledge and attitudes, therefore, it cannot be claimed that the intervention itself was responsible for knowledge and attitudinal change. There was some evidence for diffusion of innovation in terms of HIV knowledge from the experimental group and the control group situated at the same school. Changes in reported HIV risk behaviour were not recorded to a significant degree, a fact which may have been attributable in part to small sample size. Qualitative process information was used to get a sense of the experiences of participants and the concomitant issues they discussed during the intervention. The qualitative data revealed a host of contextual factors relevant to issues of HIV/AIDS and sexuality in this group, including experiences of stigmatization as people with visual impairment, negotiating masculinity in the context of visual impairment, gender oppression of women and resistance to this, and a general atmosphere of myths and silences around HIV/AIDS in particular and sexuality in general. Despite the limited impact of the programme, this pilot study revealed important issues for adolescents with visual impairments regarding HIV prevention which require further investigation. Participants in the experimental group indicated that they learned a lot from this programme and suggested that it be given to younger adolescents to enable them to acquire these vital skills prior to active sexual engagement and the involvement in any form of unprotected sex. A number or recommendations are made for further well-documented and evaluated research in this field.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om ’n MIV-intervensieprogram te ontwikkel wat op Suid- Afrikaanse adolessente met gesigsgestremdhede gemik is. ’n Verdere doel was om ’n proeflopie van die pasgemaakte program te doen en dit te evalueer. Hierdie ondersoek is nodig geag in die lig van die groeiende MIV-pandemie in Suid-Afrika, wat oor die afgelope tien jaar vinnig versprei het. Adolessente en jong volwassenes tel onder die kwesbaarstes vir MIV-infeksie, en dit sluit nie adolessente met gesigsgestremdhede uit nie. Ongeag die persepsies omtrent aseksualiteit in adolessente met gesigsgestremdhede onder diegene wat nie gesigsgestremd is nie, is eersgenoemde ’n kwesbare groep vir MIV-infeksie. Die motivering vir hierdie studie is die feit dat baie min literatuur vir mense met gesigsgestremdhede beskikbaar is, en dat hierdie kwesbare groep wêreldwyd in MIV/VIGSveldtogte gemarginaliseerd is. Sover ons kon vasstel, was daar drie MIV-voorkomingsinisiatiewe vir mense met gesigsgestremdhede in Suid-Afrika, waarvan nie een ten volle nagevors en geëvalueer is nie, en wat almal bestaande generiese intervensies gebruik het wat in Braille en grootdruk-formaat omgesit is. Die werklikheid is dat baie adolessente met gesigsgestremdhede – nes die geval is met jeugdiges sonder gesigsgestremdhede – seksueel aktief is en dat die afwesigheid van navorsing oor MIV-voorkoms en MIVvoorkomingsbehoeftes in hierdie sektor opvallend is. Daar is ’n dringende behoefte aan pasgemaakte MIV-voorkomende programme vir hierdie kwesbare sektor. Die gebrek aan navorsing oor MIV/vigs en mense met gesigsgestremdhede het die keuse van ’n sleutelinformantstudie gemotiveer om die invloed wat MIV/vigs en ander gepaardgaande kwessies op mense met gesigsgestremdhede het, voor die ontwikkeling van enige intervensie te ondersoek. ’n Doelgerigte steekproef van sleutelinformante wat op ’n daaglikse grondslag onder mense met gesigsgestremdhede werk, waarvan die meeste self gesigsgestremd is, is gekies. Inligting wat van die sleutelinformantstudie verkry is, is gekombineer met die lesse uit ’n oorsig van die bestaande literatuur oor gesondheidsbevorderingsprogramme – in die besonder MIV-voorkomingsprogramme – om ’n MIV/vigs-intervensieprogram te ontwikkel wat as loodsprojek kon dien en wat vir doeltreffendheid geëvalueer kon word. Die ontwerp van die projek het, daarbenewens, ag geslaan op breër kontekstuele kwessies soos mags- en genderkwessies en die marginalisering en stigmatisering van mense met getremdhede. Die teoretiese raamwerk wat die grondslag vir die program vorm, is op elemente van ’n aantal kognitiewe teorieë op die gebied van gesondheidsbevordering, en spesifiek die inligtingmotivering- gedragsmodel geskoei. Die program is ontwerp om deelnemers te bemagtig en om ’n omgewing van lewenservaringe te skep waarbinne hulle belangrike onderhandelings-, besluitnemings- en praktiese vaardighede kon ontwikkel om kondoomgebruik te bevorder, asook kennis omtrent MIV/vigs om houdings- en gedragsverandering te fasiliteer. Die volgende doelwit van hierdie navorsing was om die intervensieprogram van agt sessies wat vir adolessente met gesigsgestremdhede ontwerp is, te implementeer en om die resultate ten opsigte van die deelnemers aan die studie te ondersoek. Met hierdie doel voor oë is ’n eksperimentele ontwerp – een eksperimentele groep en drie kontrolegroepe (n=56), wat nie ewekansig toegewys is nie – gebruik om die invloed van die program op deelnemers in die intervensiegroep te toets teenoor dié op die kontrolegroepe, wat aan ’n gesondheidsbevorderings-program van vier sessies deelgeneem het. Alle deelnemers was leerders by die enigste twee skole vir leerders met gesigsgestremdhede in die Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika. Hulle is op grond van die skoolgraad waarin hulle reeds geplaas is, aan behandelings- of kontroletoestande toegewys. Die empiriese ondersoek het ’n ontwikkelde vraelys gebruik wat sowel in Braille getranskribeer is as in grootdruk gedruk is. Ná afloop van ’n klein loodsstudie is die vraelys gefinaliseer en aan al vier groepe toegedien (voortoets, om die basisverskille vas te stel; na-toets, om die onmiddellike invloed van die program vas te stel; en opvolg [3 maande later] om doeltreffendheid op langer termyn vas te stel). ’n Ontleding is gedoen om die interne konsekwentheid van die meetkonstrukte van die vraelys te assesseer: voldoende interne konsekwentheid is gevind, met Cronbach se alfapunte wat tussen 0.72 en 0.92 gewissel het. Kwantitatiewe data is met behulp van meervariaattegnieke ontleed. Eers is ’n herhaaldemeting- MANOVA-ontleding gedoen en daarna – nadat ’n algeheel beduidende F verhouding tussen veranderlikes, tyd en groepe (F=2.009, p<0.05); ’n beduidende Fverhouding tussen groepe en veranderlikes (F=4.211, p<0.01) en ’n beduidende F-verhouding tussen tyd en groepe (F=2.611, p<0.01) gevind is – is dit deur meer gefokusde ontledings gevolg. Basislynuitslae het geen statistiese verskille tussen die vier groepe getoon nie. Daar was statisties beduidende verbeteringe in kennis oor MIV/vigs in sowel die eksperimentele groep as die twee kontrolegroepe, maar hierdie verskille is nie met die opvolgtoets volgehou nie. Beduidende verskille in houding jeens MIV/vigs is by die eksperimentele groep en een van die kontrolegroepe gevind. Hoewel daar beduidende veranderinge in sowel kennis as houdings gevind is, kan daar nie beweer word dat die intervensie self vir die kennis- en houdingsveranderinge verantwoordelik was nie. Daar was ’n mate van bewys vir diffusie van innovering wat betref kennis oor MIV van die eksperimentele groep en die kontrolegroep by dieselfde skool. Veranderinge in aangemelde MIV-risikogedrag is nie in ’n beduidende mate aangeteken nie, ’n feit wat gedeeltelik aan die beperkte grootte van die steekproef te wyte kan wees. Inligting uit ’n kwalitatiewe proses is gebruik om ’n indruk te skep van die ervaringe van deelnemers en gepaardgaande kwessies wat hulle tydens die intervensie bespreek het. Die kwalitatiewe data het ’n reeks kontekstuele faktore blootgelê wat vir kwessies van MIV/vigs en seksualiteit in hierdie groep tersaaklik is, met inbegrip van ervaringe van stigmatisering as mense met gesigsgestremdhede, die hantering van manlikheid binne die konteks van gesigsgestremdheid, genderonderdrukking van vroue en weerstand hierteen, asook ’n algemene atmosfeer van mites en stilswye oor MIV/vigs in die besonder en seksualiteit in die algemeen. Ten spyte van die beperkte impak van die program het hierdie loodsstudie belangrike kwessies vir adolessente met gesigsgestremdhede betreffende MIV-voorkoming blootgelê wat verdere ondersoek noodsaak. Deelnemers in die eksperimentele groep het aangedui dat hulle baie uit hierdie program geleer het en het voorgestel dat dit aan jonger adolessente aangebied word om hulle in staat te stel om hierdie noodsaaklike vaardighede te ontwikkel voordat aktiewe seksuele betrokkenheid en betrokkenheid by enige vorm van onbeskermde seks plaasvind. ’n Aantal aanbevelings vir verdere goed gedokumenteerde en geëvalueerde navorsing op hierdie gebied word gemaak.

Thesis (M.A. (Journalism and Media Studies))--Rhodes University, 2005.
"A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies" -T.p.

Schools reach further into communities of young people than any other institutions, and therefore, they are critical for reducing the HIV and AIDS vulnerability and risk among this age group (UNESCO, 2002). Therefore, if the schools are to be used as an entry point for prevention activities, it is important to have a clear idea of the current level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour with regard to HIV/AIDS. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for this study. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected during the period between June and October 2004 to establish baseline knowledge and behaviour. A total number of 613 respondents participated in this study. Two groups, an experimental and a control group with equal number (306) of pupils in each were established by drawing a random sample of 51 respondents per school from 12 secondary schools in Kigali. However, an extra respondent from one school was noted. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data whereas qualitative data was generated by asking each respondent to write any concerns or experiences with HIV/AIDS on a piece of paper. All respondents (n= 613) expressed their thoughts anonymously and freely on these papers. Furthermore, focus groups and interviews were conducted with some key informants amongst the respondents who were especially the leaders of Anti-AIDS clubs and student managers from schools or counselling session organizers at Kacyiru Health Centre. These were particularly Anti-AIDS club leaders and/or active club members. After a baseline assessment, a phased intervention (sensitization, pre-test counselling, testing, post-test counselling and follow-up) were implemented with the experimental group. This process was described, identifying all barriers to implementation. Finally a second measurement concerning both groups took place. During the baseline measurement, respondents were more concerned about their reproductive health issues rather than HIV/AIDS as a specific topic. With regard to HIV/AIDS transmission, however, the following was found: high awareness, many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS transmission and almost half of respondents have had sexual intercourse. Unprotected sexual intercourse was also reported. A summary of reasons given for having sexual intercourse is: experience, curiosity, peer pressure, partner empathy, monetary gain, and coercion. A sensitization phase prior to the testing sessions resulted in a large number of respondents (434) attending Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services, the main intervention for this study which took place in a Health Centre. Only twelve respondents (3%) tested HIV positive while five respondents (1%) tested syphilis positive. Although the immediate coping with test results for all respondents was successfully dealt with, the findings from this study indicate some difficulties with regard to the management of individual respondents who tested positive. The strong emphasis on anonymity during the study did not allow the researcher to follow-up all respondents who tested positive. All steps were successfully implemented according to this study model. In spite of certain problems encountered in terms of access to schools, there was nothing insurmountable during the VCT implementation process. After the intervention, a large number of respondents showed a high HIV/AIDS awareness, expressed willingness to change their behaviours, and a willingness to advocate for VCT amongst their peers. The follow-up sessions and the quantitative data at the second measurement and especially statistical analysis carried out did not indicate a significant difference in the sexual behaviour of respondents. However, a significant difference was found when comparing the knowledge of the two groups on HIV/AIDS's physiological effects and transmission. Finally, recommendations and Best Practice Guidelines were established with regard to further research and the implementation of VCT in secondary schools.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006

M.Ed.
This research is undertaken as a reaction against the rapid spread of HIV-infection in South Africa. It is apparent that the majority of people, including secondary school adolescent learners in the North West Province still engage in sexual practices and attitudes that fan the situation. In order to develop and implement successful prevention strategies such as guidelines for secondary schools, it is important to examine existing knowledge about HIV/AIDS and current behaviour, as well as to investigate and identify the factors that may influence behaviours that may lead to contracting HIV/AIDS. The literature review identified several psychosocial and cognitive factors associated with high-risk behaviours among adolescents in secondary schools. For example, adolescents with higher educational aspirations are less likely to engage in sexual behaviour and alcohol and drug abuse. As a cognitive factor, knowledge is not necessarily sufficient to change high-risk behaviour; further, the social influence of peers can have an impact on adolescent sexual and other high-risk behaviours that may result in HIV infection. In addition, it is important to examine the cross-cultural relevance of these psychosocial factors and other factors related to the high-risk behaviours that fuel the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this research study, the semi-structured interviews were conducted with educators, learners and parents at three different secondary schools in the Bojanala region of North West Province. During the interviews, ethical measures were adhered to and steps were taken to ensure trustworthiness. The data collected was analysed, interpreted and discussed. The findings were interpreted with respect to the aims stated in the first chapter of the research study. The findings revealed that there has been disconnectedness between parents and educators, and that learners have been taking advantage of the situation. Parents have been outside the process of teaching their children about sex-related matters, including HIV/AIDS. The recommendations from this study were made with specific reference to the educators, learners and parents. Guidelines were provided, according to themes and categories, and it was recommended that community agencies and organisations should assist the parents and educators in the effort to stop the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg

This thesis is concerned with an evaluation of AIDS education in KwaZulu-Natal schools. Although HIV and AIDS affect all segments of the population and all age groups, prevention efforts aimed at the youth may be the most effective. HIV/AIDS is a disease most prevalent in the fifteen to thirty-five age group, and if we can decrease rates of transmission in people under twenty, we will save much money, pain and suffering in the next ten years. It is often seen as prudent to save young generations, rather than older ones, and this may be especially true in the case of HIV/AIDS, where HIV/AIDS in the younger, reproductive age groups leads to the very youngest group, that it, babies, being born HIV-positive. In addition, the younger generation may be more easy to save: they have not yet formed unsafe sexual practices, and educating them before they develop habits is easier than changing habits of the older generation. I assessed various education departments' AIDS education programmes, based on the criteria of how well pupils are assisted in changing their unsafe sexual practices, or, if they are not yet sexually active, their attitudes towards sex, and on what type of message and ideal is presented about sexuality and sexual activity. Judged by my framework, I found the existent programmes to be lacking. But this act of assessment allowed for a more thorough evaluation of AIDS education in the region to emerge, and from this, recommendations for AIDS prevention programmes to be developed: AIDS education must occur in the context of more general skills development, skills in negotiating sexuality and sexual relationships, and skills for the negotiation of life in the late twentieth century. Innovative developments in the region, regarding AIDS and sexuality education teacher training, and the development of minimum criteria by which to set up and judge programmes, could be used as the basis for a sound AIDS education programme.
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Technology: Education, Durban Institute of Technology, 2004.
As the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa accelerates, HIV sero-prevalence studies report increasing risk among young people in the general population. These young people are found predominantly in schools. It is for this reason that the researcher embarked on this study. The emphasis of the study is to evaluate the management of HIV/AIDS in secondary public schools in South Africa, particularly, an overview of the policy
M

M.Ed. ( Educational Psychology)
This research study shows that young HIV sufferers undergo disturbances involving the mind, body and spirit causing a variety of future adjustment difficulties, problems and coping abilities. This is attributed to fear, loss, grief, guilt, denial, anger, anxiety, depression, stress, physiological changes, pain and hypochondria. This study indicates that they are particularly fearful about being isolated and rejected. They are overwhelmed by thoughts of loss of everything, accompanied by profound feelings of grief. Guilt and self-reproach affect their health further, having an effect on them both physically and mentally. The uncertainty of their future having contracted HIV intensifies anger with themselves as well as others. This also brings about anxiety due to lack of information and appropriate support systems in Soweto...

D.Ed.
HIV/AIDS presents a major challenge in South Africa. HIV/AIDS was officially diagnosed as a disease in South Africa since the early 1980’s. Initially people did not want to acknowledge the existence of HIV/AIDS. In South Africa there are many people living with HIV and some are already dying of AIDS-related diseases. This study investigated the perceptions of learners, educators, and Department of Education officials on the influence of HIV/AIDS in schools in informal settlements. The aim of this study was firstly, to establish what the perceptions were of learners, educators and Departmental officials about the influence that HIV/AIDS has on the education sector; secondly, to describe how the research would be undertaken; thirdly, to establish ways how to integrate HIV/AIDS issues in the curriculum that will provide specific skills and information to help avoid risky and immoral sexual behaviour and to reduce the spread of HIV and other STI’s; and ultimately, to strive towards achieving a tendency to promote abstinence. The naturalistic research design was used to establish what these perceptions were of the influence HIV/AIDS have on learners, educators, and Department of Education officials. Focus group interviews and discussions, observations and field notes were the data sources. The focus group discussions were tape-recorded for transcriptions. Transcriptions were studied and analysed; different colours were used for decoding and clustering of the findings, in order to identify themes and categories. The findings of this study confirm that the respondents from the education sector, more specifically the learners, the educators, and the officials in service of the Department of Education, are aware of the enormous influence that HIV/AIDS have on education in general and schools more specifically. The findings also represent the daunting challenge that South Africa as a society has. The influence stemmed from different dimensions as represented in the categories and themes that were identified, but they are all interrelated. The most serious challenge that South Africa faces in this era of HIV/AIDS however, is still poverty. South Africa is a country of widespread and persistent poverty and therefore deep inequalities exist. Poverty and HIV/AIDS are interrelated. Poverty provides the context for AIDS and AIDS exacerbates poverty. Poor households are more likely to feel the impact of AIDS resulting in an increase in the extent of poverty. Poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic are two of the most devastating diseases ever to hit South Africa. The influence thereof is now beginning to sink in among most communities. Already the influence of living with HIV/AIDS in the midst of poverty is being felt in hundred of thousands of house¬holds across the country. Education is a sector central to human development. Increasing evidence of HIV/AIDS will reduce the capacity of learners to attend school and to learn. Expansion of enrolments and improvement of teaching will be eroded by staff losses and reduced institutional efficiency. All this is experienced at the time when the Department of Education has rationalised teacher-training colleges and very few students register for a teaching degree at higher institutions of learning. Current shortages of educators in the schools as a result of HIV/AIDS compromise the quality of education in our country and undermine the fundamental objectives of ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of skilled people in the economy. The significance of this study is situated in breaking the silence, making participants talk about the subject of HIV/AIDS openly. This in itself is a major breakthrough in any research that has thus far been undertaken, and the facts that were uncovered and discussed in the interviews contribute hugely to the body of scientific knowledge on this monstrous disease. The further contribution of this thesis is to be found in the written up findings, conclusions, recommendations and the suggestions provided in Chapter 5 that will inculcate abstinence and ultimately enforce disclosure of one’s status. It is the researchers’ belief that this study will further help to mitigate the influence of HIV/AIDS within the education sector and throughout the Republic of South Africa.

M.A.
Die doel van hierdie studie is om riglyne vir n geïntegreerde seksualiteit program vir adolosente daar te stel wat aandag skenk aan dwelmmisbruik en verhoogde HIV risiko. Daar is nie hipoteses geformuleer nie. Navorsing vrae is gestel en n literatuurstudie is aan die hand van die vrae gedoen. Daar is gepoog om die profiel van die skool gaande adolosent wat dwelmmiddels misbruik vas te stel. Verder is daar gepoog om die frekwensie van dwelmmisbruik by adolosente vas te stel, sowel as hulle kennis oor die verwantskap tussen HIV/Vigs en dwelmmisbruik. Daar is na die aard en effektiwiteit van huidige seksualiteit programme in die onderwys gekyk om vas te stel of hulle doeltreffend is. n Kwantitatiewe data insamelings metode is gebruik. n Beskrywende en n ondersoekende navorsings ontwerp is gebruik in die studie. Twee honderd-en-vyftig vraelyste is by twee skole versprei. Adolosente van graad agt tot graad elf het die vraelyste ewekansig beantwoord. Die hulp van Statistiese Konsultasie Dienste, te RAU, is ingewin met die optrek van die vraelys sowel as die verwerking van die data. Die profiel van die respondente toon dat die meerderheid 15 jaar en ouer is. Die meeste van die respondente was meisies. Graad nege leerders was die meerderheid van respondente terwyl die ander drie grade eweredig versprei was. Die respondente het meestal by beide of minstens by een biologiese ouer gewoon. Afrikane was die meerderheid van respondente. Blankes was tweede meeste verteenwoordig en die res was verteenwoordig deur Asiërs en Kleurlinge. Leerders het hul skool prestasie as gemiddeld beleef. Belangstelling in skoolwerk was matig. Die misbruik van dwelmmiddels het n verhoogde misbruik oor die naweek getoon. Al die dwelmmiddels was in n mate gebruik, met dagga as die gewildste middel. Die respondente was ambivalent oor die invloed van verhoogde risiko vir HIV met alkohol misbruik. Die meerderheid het bevestig dat daar n verhoogde risiko vir HIV is met die misbruik van dwelmmiddels. Die meerderheid van die adolosente is nie seksueel aktief nie. Die respondente wat wel seksueel aktief is, erken dat hulle in meeste gevalle onder die invloed van dwelmmiddels was tydens hulle laaste seksuele omgang. Die skool is geïdentifiseer as die prominentste plek waar leerders oor dwelmmiddels leer. Die media en tweedens, die skool, is aangedui as die belangrikste plek van leer aangaande HIV. Die leerders verkies klasse waar beide geslagte teenwoordig is. Die medium van onderwys wat verkies word, is n dialoog vorm. Daar is twee groepe adolosente geïdentifiseer in die studie. Die minderheid van adolosente is in gevaar van HIV/Vigs. Die ontwikkeling van n omvattende geïntegreerde seksualiteit program moet gemik wees op die groep adolosente. Aanbevelings met betrekking tot die ontwikkeling van n geïntegreerde seksualiteit program word aan die hand gedoen.
Prof. L. Patel

The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and sexual practices of mildly mentally retarded (MMR) adolescents with regard to HIV/AIDS. The 3 main objectives, were: 1) examining what MMR adolescents know about HIV/AIDS and the sources of their knowledge. 2) examining the attitudes and behaviours of MMR adolescents in relation to HIV/AIDS. 3) examining the influence of peer norms and self efficacy factors on their attitude and behaviours in relation to HIV/AIDS. Questionnaires were personally administered to a saturation sample of 90 MMR Black adolescents drawn from one specialised educational institution in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Statistical analysis of the data revealed the following. 1) Critical gaps and erroneous beliefs regarding knowledge of HIV/AIDS, especially with regard to existence, transmission and cure. Respondents indicated a high degree of exposure to various sources of information, particularly media. 2) The majority of respondents in general did not hold prejudicial attitudes towards stigmatised groups and to infected persons. While only a small number of MMR adolescents were sexually active, the use of contraceptives was found to be extremely low. 3) Gender role prescriptions and societal constructs of immorality had a negative influence on the attitudes and behaviours of the subjects' sexual practices and preventative behaviour. Further, MMR adolescents were found to have low levels of self-efficacy in relation to issues concerning sexual negotiation and decision making, more specifically with regard to condom usage. Findings are discussed against the backdrop of the empirical literature on HIV/AIDS, developmental theory, as well as pertinent theories and models of health behaviour. Drawing on the primary conclusions of the study, a systemic body of recommendations is offered with regard to programmatic intervention within the school as a health promotion setting.
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2001.