Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'High school students – Health and hygiene – Botswana'

This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your Honors Thesis, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by following the instructions on the distribution consent form at http://library.ucf.edu/Systems/DigitalInitiatives/DigitalCollections/InternetDistributionConsentAgreementForm.pdf You may also contact the project coordinator, Kerri Bottorff, at kerri.bottorff@ucf.edu for more information.<br>Bachelors<br>Health and Public Affairs<br>Health Services Administration

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a school-based wellness program, Looking Good...Feeling Great! (Zacour & Zacour, 1991), on ninth grade students' wellness levels, and to evaluate student and teacher impressions of the program. Experimental groups (n = 62) from one urban and two suburban secondary schools participated in the four day 175 minute Looking Good...Feeling Great! program, while control groups (n = 37) from the same schools followed their regular academic schedules. All participants completed TestwellTM (National Wellness Institute, Inc., 1994), a wellness inventory for high school students, as a pretest, one week later as a posttest, and one and one half months later as a follow-up test. Student focus groups and teacher interviews were conducted after the posttest. Results showed that (a) experimental group wellness scores significantly increased from pretest to posttest (ES = .22), (b) experimental groups maintained their increased wellness levels one and one half months following completion of the program (ES = .24), and (c) there was no significant effect of gender on experimental group wellness scores, although females scored significantly higher than males overall. In general, students and teachers conveyed favourable impressions of the program. However, somewhat negative impressions of the program from the students and teacher at the urban secondary school imply that this type of school may benefit from a wellness program that better suits the needs of its constituents. The results indicate that the Looking Good...Feeling Great! program can be an effective tool in helping adolescents acquire healthy lifestyles through the enhancement of wellness levels.

Darbo tikslas. Nustatyti ir įvertinti vyresniųjų klasių (IX-XII) mokinių žinias bei požiūrį į profesionaliosios burnos higienos paslaugas. Tyrimo metodika. Atlikta anoniminė anketinė mokinių apklausa keturiose Kauno miesto mokyklose, pasirinktose atsitiktinės atrankos būdu. Išdalinta 400 anketų. Anketas užpildė ir grąžino 373 respondentai (atsako dažnis 93,25 proc.). Kiekybinė duomenų analizė buvo atliekama naudojant SPSS 17.0 versijos statistinį paketą. Rezultatai. Mokiniai dantis valo du kartus per dieną (73,7 proc.). Merginos dažniau nei vaikinai valo dantis, naudoja tarpdančių siūlą, liežuvio granduką bei becukrę kramtomąją gumą. Dauguma (77,5 proc.) mano, jog dantų akmenys sukelia ėduonį, tik 38,3 proc. pritaria, kad sveikiems dantims ir dantenoms reikalinga dantų pasta su fluoru. Merginos statistiškai reikšmingai dažniau nei vaikinai galvoja, kad profesionalios burnos higienos procedūros, specialūs burnos priežiūros kabinetai ir pamokos apie burnos sveikatą yra reikalingos. Trečdalis (30,8 proc.) mokinių nežino, kur turėtų kreiptis dėl profesionalios burnos higienos procedūros. Daugumai mokinių (82,6 proc.) informacijos apie burnos ertmės priežiūrą suteikia odontologas/burnos higienistas, 44,0 proc. tėvai, 10,2 proc. mokyklos sveikatos priežiūros specialistas, 9,7 proc. mokytojai. Daugiau nei pusė (59,8 proc.) respondentų naudojasi profesionalios burnos higienos procedūromis, gimnazijų dažniau nei vidurių mokiniai. Dažniausia profesionalios burnos higienos procedūrų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]<br>Aim of the study. Identify and evaluate the senior classes (IX-XII) students' knowledge and attitudes to oral hygiene and professional services. Methods. An anonymous survey of students in four schools in Kaunas was conducted and selected at random. Distributed 400 questionnaires. Questionnaires filled in and returned by 373 respondents (response rate 93.25 %). Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0 statistical package. Results. Students clean their teeth twice a day (73.7 %). Girls clean their teeth more frequently than boys, using dental floss, tongue cleaner and chewing gum. The majority (77.5 %) believes that dental caries is caused by calculi, only 38.3 % supports a toothpaste with fluoride is necessary to mantain healthy teeth and gums. Girls significantly more often than boys, think that professional oral hygiene procedures, special oral care classrooms and lessons on oral health are needed. One-third (30.8 %) students don't know where to apply for professional oral hygiene procedures. Information about oral health care for most students is provided by dentist or dental hygienist (82.6 %), parents 44.0 %, School Health Specialist - 10.2 %, teachers - 9.7 %.. More than half (59.8 %) respondents use professional oral hygiene procedures, gymnasium students more than high school students. Reasons for refusal among students of the most frequent professional oral hygiene procedures is a high price (36.5 %). It was claimed more by high school rather... [to full text]

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study attempts to identify HIV/AIDS knowledge gaps and the factors which influence the perceptions of the risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS, in relation to the sexual behavior of high school learners in Port St Johns Municipality. In order to do this, a close ended questionnaire was administered to 116 learners from three senior secondary schools in Port St Johns Municipality. Frequency table counts and percentages were used to describe HIV/AIDS knowledge, the perceptions of the risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS and the risky sexual behaviors by learners. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used in the inferential analysis. From the data, it was clear that a significant proportion of learners had gaps in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Female senior secondary school learners were slightly more knowledgeable than their male counterparts, in that 60% of the female learners were correct in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, compared to 57 % of males. According to the data, 58 % of male high school learners correctly interpreted the perceptions of the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS, compared to 56% of their female counterparts. These low percentages suggest that the high school learners have inadequate skills in interpreting the perceptions of the risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS. Another finding was that 74 % of female learners do not engage in risky sexual behaviors which might lead to a contraction of HIV/AIDS, compared to 67 % of male learners. Male learners, as well as the female learners, had a Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient: r=0.522 for males and r= -0.268 for females, in terms of perceptions of risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS and engaging in risky sexual behavior. In other words, the results indicate that if males perceive the risks more acutely, they will not take such risks, whereas females are not easily influenced by the perceptions of risks and the way in which they behave. The study recommends that stakeholders of the schools craft HIV/AIDS programmes and policies that bridge the knowledge gaps and reduce or eliminate inaccurate perceptions of the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS, so as to enable learners to adopt safer sexual behaviors.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie poog om gapings in MIV/Vigs kennis te identifiseer en die faktore wat die persepsies van die risiko's van die kontraktering van MIV, met betrekking tot die seksuele gedrag van hoërskoolleerders in Port St Johns Munisipaliteit beïnvloed. Ten einde dit te doen, is 'n vraelys geadministreer onder 116 leerders van drie senior sekondêre skole in Port St Johns Munisipaliteit. Frekwensietabel-tellings en persentasies is gebruik om MIV/Vigs kennis te beskryf, die persepsies van die risiko's van die kontraktering van MIV en die riskante seksuele gedrag deur leerders. Die Pearson Produk Oomblik korrelasie is gebruik in die inferensiële analise. Die data toon dat ‘n aansienlike persentasie van die leerders ‘n tekort aan kennis het rakende MIV/Vigs. Vroulike senior sekondêre leerders toon effens meer kennis as hul manlike eweknieë, 60% van die vroulike leerders korrek was in hul kennis van MIV/Vigs, in vergelyking met 57% van die mans. 58% van die manlike hoërskoolleerders het die persepsies van die risiko's van MIV/Vigs korrek geïnterpreteer, in vergelyking met 56% van hul vroulike eweknieë. Hierdie lae persentasies dui daarop dat die hoërskoolleerders onvoldoende vaardighede het in die interpretasie van die persepsies van die risiko's van die kontraktering van MIV. Nog 'n bevinding was dat 74% van vroulike leerders nie betrokke is in riskante seksuele gedrag wat kan lei tot MIV-infeksie nie, in vergelyking met 67% van die manlike leerders. Manlike leerders, sowel as die vroulike leerders, het 'n Pearson Produk korrelasiekoëffisiënt: r = 0,522 vir mans en r = -0,268 vir vroue, in terme van die persepsies van risiko's van kontraktering van MIV/Vigs en betrokke te raak in riskante seksuele gedrag. Die studie beveel aan dat belanghebbendes van skole MIV/Vigs-programme en beleide ontwikkel wat die kennisgapings oorbrug en onakkurate persepsies verminder rakende die risiko van MIV-infeksie, met die doel dat leerder veiliger seksuele gerag sal toon.

Thesis (M. Ed. Educational management) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2012<br>The purpose of the study was to investigate Life Skills as an intervention strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS among the teenagers at Senakangwedi Senior Secondary School in Botshabelo, Free State. Life Skills as an intervention strategy were implemented in one secondary school in Free State Province in Motheo District. A cohort of 30 learners and 10 educators from secondary schools in Botshabelo, Free State Province participated in the study. The respondents comprised of 10 learners from Grade 10, 10 from grade 11 and 10 learners from Grade 12 as well as ten educators. Learners were between the ages of 15 and 20 years. Between these ages their cognitive development allows them to be more aware of Life Skills as an intervention strategy to combat HIV/AIDS at school. Thus, it was easy for them to verbalise Life Skills as an intervention strategy to fight HIV/AIDS. Due to their ages, their operational thinking allowed them to develop hypotheses about the possible outcomes of problems and to evaluate these outcomes comparatively. Educators were controlled by the level of their education, being respondents with a diploma or university degree. Comparatively learners who are 18 years of age were themselves concerned as they were heads of households. To arrive at the reported findings the study used the qualitative research approach methodology. This qualitative approach enabled the researcher to access information relating to the learners’ and educators' perceptions about HIV/AIDS. A life history approach was adopted in conducting the interviews to obtain a holistic understanding of participants’ life events in relation to their home environment. The interview guide covered such dimensions as family background and schooling. In the interviewing process, the researcher used the techniques of crystallisation and confrontation to enhance the clarity and trustworthiness of the narratives. In cases of ambiguity, the researcher asked the respondents for detailed and concrete examples and, in case of inconsistence, for further clarification and re-interpretation. The interview data were later transcribed for data analysis. The grounded theory approach was adopted to analyse the interview data, through which the categories of learner’s perceived motivations emerged naturally from their narratives. The evolving process comprised the following steps: (1) careful and repeated reading of transcriptions; (2) open content coding to signify any units of meaningful narratives in the passages. Ethical approval to conduct the study was sought and obtained from participating respondents and institutions. The results showed that most learners in the sample are orphans as result of AIDS and that many households are now headed by teenagers who have had to take on parental responsibilities. The results showed that Life Skills reduce teenage pregnancy and absenteeism at school. According to the results, life skills changed the behaviour of the learners and their attitude towards HIV/AIDS and therefore, learners should be educated about HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy and its prevention, as a strategy to reduce HIV/AIDS in schools. Life Skills is fundamental in empowering learners to live meaningful lives in a society that demands rapid transformation that enhances the community. The pandemic undermines the efforts of poverty reduction, part of the manifesto of the African National Congress (ANC) led Government; which aims at improving economic growth. In addition, the study revealed that learners feel free to talk to one another and that coaching by a Life Skills educator, assists in ensuring that HIV/AIDS-related topics are discussed with ease. The results showed that most learners agree that Life skills empower them with a sound and helpful background to prevent HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, learners admitted that the Life Skills programme effectively empowered them with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions regarding sexuality. From the study a few valuable lessons were learned by the learners’ as an awareness of the pandemic and its consequences for their lives.

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The HIV pandemic threatens the social, emotional, and physical development of all persons, especially the youth. Adolescents are more at risk of contracting HIV as their lifestyle often involves sexual exploration and experimentation. Effective educational interventions are central to HIV prevention in South Africa. Being a clinical nurse practitioner in a primary health care (PHC) facility, the principal investigator observed that school learners failed to practice safe sex and demonstrated little knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate the reported level of HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviour of grade 12 school learners in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole, Cape Town. A descriptive, non-experimental, research design was employed with a primarily quantitative approach. The study population comprised grade 12 learners from high schools in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole in Cape Town (N=7940). A total of 92 participants from four schools (2 public and 2 private) were included in the sample by using a cluster sampling method. A self-completion semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was collected by the principal investigator and a trained field worker. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (N11/07/225). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Department of Education. Reliability and validity were assured by means of a pilot study and the use of experts in the field of nursing research and statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Statistical associations were determined using ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U tests. The qualitative data was analysed thematically and then quantified. The results show that the average HIV/AIDS knowledge score of participants was 60.73%. However, many gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge were identified. Only 77.2% (n=71) of participants knew the meaning of HIV, 80.4% (n=74) did not know all the ways in which HIV can be transmitted and only 8.7% (n=8) knew how to safely use a condom. The majority of participants (67.4%; n=62) believed in the myth that HIV can be cured and 18.5% (n=17) reported that a traditional healer can cure HIV. With regard to risky behaviour, half of the participants at the time of the study (51%; n=47) reported sexual engagement and 20% (n=9) of these respondents did not use condoms. Furthermore, 25% (n=23) had used alcohol before having sex. There were no association found between the knowledge about HIV/AIDS of participants and their sexual risk behaviour. In view of these study findings, participants are exposing themselves to high risk sexual behaviour that may increase their chances of acquiring sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Several recommendations were identified, including the strengthening of HIV and STI education linked to sexual risk reduction, open communication and additional information sources, availability of condoms at schools and improved access to HIV testing at schools.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die jeug se sosiale, emosionele en fisiese ontwikkeling word deur die MIV-pandemie gekortwiek. As gevolg van hulle seksuele eksperimentering, word adolessente as ʼn hoë risikogroep beskou, sover dit die ontwikkeling van MIV aangaan. Gevolglik speel onderrig ʼn belangrike rol in MIV voorkoming. Die beoefening van onveilige seks, en onvoldoende kennis rakende MIV/VIGS-voorkoming, is deur die primêre navorser, ʼn kliniese verpleegpraktisyn in die primêre gesondheidsorg omgewing, waargeneem. Die studie het dit ten doel om te bepaal wat die MIV-kennis vlakke, en die seksuele gedrag risiko van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool is. ʼn Beskrywende, nie-eksperimentele navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, met ʼn hoofsaaklike kwantitatiewe benadering. Uit die studie populasie van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool hoërskole (N=7940), is ʼn steekproef van 92 deelnemers uit vier hoërskole (twee staatskole en twee privaatskole) gekies – die trossteekproefnemingsmetode is gebruik. Data is versamel deur middel van ʼn semi-gestruktureerde vraelys wat deur die deelnemers self voltooi is. Toestemming vir die uitvoer van die studie is verkry van die Etiese Komitee van die Mediese Fakulteit van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (N11/07/225), asook die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Onderwys. Die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van die studie is verseker deur die uitvoer van ʼn voorstudie, en is verder versterk deur gebruik te maak van kundiges in die veld van statistiek en verpleegnavorsing. Data is ontleed deur middel van beskrywende statistiese metodes en assosiasies is bepaal deur gebruik te maak van variansie-analise (“ANOVA”) en Mann-Whitney U toetse. Die bevindinge is in frekwensie tabelle en histogramme vervat. Die kwalitatiewe data is gekodeer en gekategoriseer, waarna temas geïdentifiseer is. Alhoewel die studie-bevindinge aangedui het dat die deelnemers ʼn gemiddelde MIV/VIGS-kennis telling van 60.73% behaal het, is verskeie leemtes in hulle bestaande kennis geïdentifiseer. Slegs 77.2% (n=71) van die deelnemers het geweet wat MIV beteken, terwyl 80.4% (n=74) nie geweet het hoe MIV oorgedra word nie. Slegs 8.7% (n=8) van die deelnemers het kennis gehad rakende veilige kondoom gebruik. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers (67.4%; n=62) glo dat MIV genees kan word en 18.5% (n=17) het aangedui dat MIV deur ʼn tradisionele geneesheer genees kan word. Hoë-risiko gedrag, spesifiek seksuele aktiwiteit (51%; n=47%) sonder kondome (20%; n=9) is rapporteer. ʼn Verdere 25% (n=23) van die deelnemers het rapporteer dat hulle alkohol gebruik voor seks, maar daar was geen assosiasie tussen die vlak van MIV/VIGS-kennis en hoë-risiko gedrag nie. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die deelnemers hulself blootstel aan hoë-risiko seksuele gedrag met die gevolg dat hul kans om MIV te kry verhoog. Die aanbevelings, gegrond op die bevindinge, sluit in: ʼn groter fokus op onderrig wat verband hou met MIV en seksueel oordraagbare infeksies wat gekoppel is aan ʼn verlaging in hoe-risiko seksuele gedrag, openhartige kommunikasie en bykomende inligtingshulpbronne, beskikbaarheid van kondome by skole, asook verbeterde toegang tot MIV toetsing by skole.

Quantitative, descriptive research, using self-completion questionnaires, was conducted to determine the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge of the learners in Sefhare. The sample, comprising 92 learners, was selected from forms 1-3. Of the learners, 53.4% knew what HIV/AIDS stand for, but only 13.6% said AIDS is caused by HIV and only 4.5% said AIDS is an incurable disease. The ABC of protecting oneself against HIV (abstain from sex, be faithful to one sex partner, use condoms) was mentioned by merely 57.6% of the learners. The learners’ lack of knowledge should be addressed by school HIV/AIDS programmes offered at schools in Botswana. As 81.5% of the learners were willing to be tested for HIV, this service should be made available with simultaneous confidential personal HIV/AIDS education, irrespective of the HIV test results. Teachers’ and parents’ HIV/AIDS knowledge should also be updated regularly.<br>Health Studies<br>M.A. (Public Health)

Stakeholder involvement in strategic planning: a strategy to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS on secondary education in Botswana. This study explores the involvement of stakeholders in strategic planning to mitigate the effect of HIV and AIDS in secondary education in Botswana. The prevalence of HIV and AIDS-related illness and deaths is high in Botswana and affects both teachers and learners. Education provision has been affected through increased mortality and morbidity and increased absenteeism which affect education-related personnel and the demand for education has been reduced due to growing numbers of orphaned and vulnerable children as a consequence of parent/guardian mortality and morbidity related to HIV and AIDS. The problem was investigated by means of a literature review and an empirical inquiry which combined quantitative and qualitative data collection. Based on the findings, in addition to medical and other interventions, an education management approach is required to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS on secondary education in Botswana. The strategies of coping, caring and preventing have been effective in this regard. Some internal stakeholders of the Department of Secondary Education (DSE) are not meaningfully involved in strategic planning. Similarly, most of the selected external stakeholders were not involved in the DSE HIV and AIDS strategic plan. Both external and internal stakeholders should be involved at all stages of planning. Furthermore, inducement-contribution exchanges and teacher credibility should be considered in a strategic plan. To improve the current DSE strategic plan, a stakeholder involvement model to involve internal and external stakeholders was designed. Based on this model and the above findings, recommendations for practice and suggestions for future research are made.<br>Educational Studies<br>D.Ed.(Educational Management)

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters’ Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015.<br>Research has shown that more than 90% of the scholars, use backpacks, worldwide. The backpack has the ability to transport books, sports equipment and clothing between school and home, climaxing in a capacity that may affect posture. Therefore, it is noted that a backpack, which is not carried correctly, fitted improperly and/or over packed may pose a threat to the scholar’s posture Aim: To determine the effect between a novel and school-issued backpack in terms of postural symmetry measurements (photographic measurements), when compared to no backpack, on high school adolescent standing posture. Method: This research was a quantitative descriptive cross sectional experimental design. Each participating scholar underwent a BMI, height and weight screening, prior to inclusion into the data collection process. One hundred asymptomatic scholars, aged between 12 to 14 years, were recruited using convenience sampling. Thereafter, digital photographic images of each scholar was taken in 3 groups, i.e. no Backpack, with a school-issued backpack (Backpack A) and a novel backpack (Backpack B). These digital photographic images were then uploaded, by the researcher, onto the Posturepro 8 Computer Postural Software System. The objective measurement tool (Posturepro 8 Computer Postural Software System) calculated, in degrees, the postural measurements of the scholars’ neck, shoulder and pelvis, by manually constructing lines (horizontal and vertical) between the anatomical landmarks (bilaterally). IBM SPSS version 21 was used to analyse the data. A two-tailed p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Parametric summary statistics such as mean and standard deviations were used to describe the outcomes in each group. Postural measurements were compared between the pairs (i.e. no Backpack versus Backpack A, no Backpack versus Backpack B and Backpack A versus Backpack B) using paired sample t-tests. A one sample t-test was used to compare the symmetry measurements to a null hypothesis value of 0. Results: The mean age of the one hundred scholars was 13.5 (± 0.6 SD) years. The age of the scholars ranged between 12 and 14 years. This research was performed to determine which backpack (A or B) performed better in maintaining the scholar’s posture (with no backpack). A direct comparison was performed with no Backpack to that of Backpack A and Backpack B. The comparison for each of the differences closest to zero (‘0’) in the no Backpack, Backpack A and Backpack B groups was performed using a one sample t-test. The values closer to zero (‘0’) indicated a normal postural symmetry. None of the postural symmetry measurements were significantly different from zero in all 3 groups as the mean differences were very close to zero. Therefore, when comparing Backpack A to Backpack B, this research showed that there was no significant differences between the two backpacks when looking at postural symmetry (p=0.05). Conclusion: The trends observed in this study partly supported the claims by the company (‘Improved Postural Alignment for You’) of the novel backpack. The novel backpack (Backpack B) showed significant differences in some instances when assessing other outcome measurements, but showed no significant difference when comparing postural symmetry between the two backpacks. Further studies need to be done incorporating all aspects of postural analysis, and not just postural symmetry measurements.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for the Masters Degree of Technology (Public Relations Management), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015.<br>The growing number of HIV/AIDS infections amongst the youth is a cause for concern, particularly with prevention messages being communicated through various media platforms. This signals gaps between the senders and receivers of these messages. Therefore, people are either not learning the message about the dangers of HIV, or are unable or unwilling to act on it. Mthatha is in the centre of the old Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. It falls under the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the OR Tambo District Municipality. Teenage pregnancy is a major challenge in this area, which indicates that most teenagers do not use protection during sexual intercourse. This suggests that the HIV infection rate may be too high. With there being no cure for this disease, communication has been identified as an ideal method of helping to curb the spread of this disease. The purpose of the study was to assess communication tools used to educate high school learners about HIV/AIDS in the Mthatha area. Data was collected through questionnaires administered to 341 high school learners. Three out of the eight high schools from the Mthatha Central Business District (CBD) in the Eastern Cape were identified for the study. The selection of these high schools was based on the demographics of the learners, which are age, gender and background. The findings have revealed that there are numerous methods used to educate learners about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Learners identified mostly with three sources as the accurate tools of communication in HIV/AIDS education; Health education/curriculum, Entertainment-education and Peer Education.

MPH<br>Department of Public Health<br>The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among High Schools has reached an epidemic level, calling for public health intervention. The study purpose was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviours related to STIs among learners at a selected high school in Collins Chabane Municipality. A quantitative-descriptive study was carried among 2018 officially registered high school learners in Malamulele. Malamulele West was conveniently selected because of the accessibility and Photani High School was selected purposefully. A simple-random sampling technique was used to select 252 respondents. Data collected with self-administered questionnaires was analysed using SPSS software version 25.0, the response rate was 100%. Chi-square test was used to determine the relationships between more categorical variables. Statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Majority (63.1%) of the respondents never knew of STIs. Majority of respondents (31%) incorrectly identified the types and causative organisms of STIs. Poor knowledge on the modes of transmission was found amongst 73% of the population. Majority of the respondents (67%) did now know that STIs are infections. A large proportion (54%) had a positive attitude on STIs as they emphasised the importance of STI screening. Misconceptions regarding STIs is rife, 61% and 59.9% of the respondents believed preventing STIs by going to church every Sunday and sleeping with virgins respectively. 95.6%) were sexual active and 29% of the respondents had poor knowledge on risk sexual behaviours. Respondents had adequate knowledge regarding treatment as 56% of the respondents reported knowing where to seek treatment. However, 92.1% respondents reported bad treatment by nurses. Each high school should be allocated a social worker and a nurse for the coordination of awareness campaigns on STIs. Churches should offer formal programs regarding STIs to their congregants in collaboration with universities and clinics.<br>NRF

This study’s purpose was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS and condom use, and sexual behaviours among senior secondary school learners in Kumba, Cameroon using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as the theoretical framework. The ultimate goal was to determine how at risk learners were of contracting HIV/AIDS. A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive, explorative and correlational research design was adapted; using self-designed questionnaires for data collection. Respondents were sampled through proportionally stratified simple random sampling resulting in 480 (240 male and 240 female) grade 10 to grade 12 learners from two participating high schools. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using the SPSS version 12 software program. Most learners were knowledgeable about HIV transmission; the prevention of HIV/AIDS; and sexual risk behaviours pertaining to HIV transmission. Learners also manifested positive attitudes towards PLWHA. Most learners did not perceive themselves to be at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Up to 52,3% who were sexually active, only 30,0% used condoms consistently. The respondents knew about condoms, but had poor attitudes towards condom use. Most respondents received information on HIV/AIDS, condoms and sexuality from magazines/newspapers and teachers. The findings could assist policy makers, programme planners and educators in developing and implementing programmes to improve the health of adolescents. The perceived barriers to condom use and modifying factors should be addressed into consideration in designing any policy geared towards controlling risk exposure to HIV/AIDS among youths in Kumba, Cameroon.

The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions, attitudes, opinions and fears of the adolescent high school learners towards HIV counseling and testing at school.Quantitative, descriptive, exploratory research was conducted to determine if high school learners would like to be tested for HIV at school. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. The respondents in the study were daytime high school learners (n=120) who were in grade 8 to 12, between ages of 12 to 18 years of age. The study highlighted that adolescents engage in sexual activities at an early age. The results revealed that there is lack of knowledge, unavailability of HCT services for adolescents and the resources to keep a girl child school. This behavior may result in adolescents contracting sexually transmitted infections and HIV, falling pregnant at an early age, which may force adolescent high school learners to drop out of school. However, the study shows that government has more to educate adolescent high school learners about HIV/AIDS to modify their perceptions and attitudes towards HIV counseling and testing.<br>Health Studies<br>M.A. (Health studies)

Text in English<br>The purpose this study was to explore food habits and nutritional behaviours of adolescents in a school in Lenasia South, in Gauteng Province. Qualitative, explorative research was conducted in order to recommend effective prevention strategies of non-communicable diseases. Adolescents from the selected secondary school formed the sample of the study. Data collection was done using focus groups’ discussions. Three focus group discussions were conducted in the study. The first group comprised of thirteen male adolescents, followed by ten female adolescents and the final group was a combination of both female and male learners to produce a homogenous group. Specific common eating habits and nutritional behaviours emerged from the focus group discussions which included skipping meals, high consumption of high energy dense foods and sweetened beverages. Consequently, when developing intervention programs and policies to improve health of adolescents, environmental influences that undermine efforts to improve adolescent’s dietary behaviours must be addressed.<br>Health Studies<br>MPH (Health Studies)

BACKGROUND: Studies done in both developed and developing countries have reported the tendencies of adolescents to engage in risky behaviours. Such behaviours include indulging in early and unsafe sexual activities, having multiple sexual partners, alcohol and drug use and dropping out of school among others. PURPOSE: The main aim of the study was to develop intervention strategies for reducing sexual risk practices among adolescents in Ethiopia. METHODS: A mixed method approach using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed in order to investigate the risks of sexual practices among urban and rural adolescents in the selected area. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data quantitatively and focus group discussions were used for the qualitative part of data collection. A total of 449 students and 72 FGD participants were selected for quantitative and qualitative study respectively using systematic random sampling technique. Logistic regression was done to identify possible factors associated with knowledge on emergency contraceptive, condom utilisation, pre-marital sex practices and perception of risky sexual practices. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy (37.9%) respondents had experienced sexual intercourse at the time of the study. The higher proportion (42.6%) of those who had engaged in sexual relationships was from the rural school compared to 33.1% in the urban schools. The proportion of sexually active respondents was higher among males (44.8%) compared to (29%) females. Multiple partners were higher in rural adolescents (44.7%) compared to 31.8% among urban adolescents. Sexually Transmitted Diseases were reported by 28.6% of the sexually active adolescents and the prevalence was higher among males (73.5%) compared to 27% females. 87% of the sexually active adolescents rarely used a condom. CONCLUSION: The study identified a knowledge gap on ASRH which limited adolescents to access reproductive services. Social, cultural and economic factors contributed to adolescent engagement in risky sexual behaviours. Based on the major findings of this study, intervention strategies targeting behavioural, biomedical and structural interventions were proposed.<br>Health Studies<br>D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is at the core of HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment and care programmes. Timely access to treatment and related services requires knowledge of one‟s HIV status. Adolescents are at the epicentre of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This study investigated the factors that influence adolescents‟ decisions to actively seek VCT. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with twelve adolescents aged 15 to 19 who were conveniently selected to participate in the study. The study found that adolescents have extensive knowledge regarding the benefits of VCT and acknowledge the need to test for HIV. However, fear of the consequences of testing positive for HIV such as stigmatisation by family and the community, inability to influence their partners to take an HIV test and the inability to make their own decisions and follow through on them still hinder their maximum uptake of VCT.<br>Sociology<br>M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS

Text in English<br>Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions’ of young Indian adolescents in Chatsworth, towards HIV and AIDS. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis design was used. The participants were selected using judgemental purposive sampling. Nine participants were interviewed. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected through individual interviews guided by an interview schedule. The interpretative phenomenological analysis framework for data analysis was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that participants were well informed about HIV and AIDS. Participants reported disinterest in HIV prevention programmes due to inundation with repetitive information; disinterested attitudes of facilitators of these programme as well as fear of social stigmatisation. The misconceptions that were highlighted were related to very little personal contact with people living with HIV and AIDS. Conclusions and Recommendations: These findings have revealed that there is a need for a revision in HIV/AIDS prevention programme. The HIV/AIDS school programmes should be contextual relevant to learners from diverse backgrounds and communities.<br>Health Studies<br>M.A. (Nursing Science)