This study investigates the relationship of three protective factors : self transcendance, social interest, and spirituality to well-being among adults living with HIV or AIDS. It is the first study to explore the relationships of these protective factors to well-being. A convenience sample of 115 adults living with HIV or AIDS completed the Self-Transcendance Scale, the Social Interest Index- Short Form-Revised, the Spiritual Perspective Scale, and the Index of Well-Being. The participants were adults diagnosed with HIV or AIDS residing in a large southeastern U.S. city. Data were analyzed with correlational and multiple regression methods. Statistically significant positive moderate to strong relationships were found between well-being and self transcendance (r=.66, p<.001 ), social interest (r=.51, p<.001), and spirituality (r=.39, p<.001). A stepwise regression demonstrated that self transcendance held the highest variance on well-being among the three protective factors (43%). Additionally, self-transcendane and social interest accounted for 45% of the variance in well-being. In short, the hypothesized positive relationship among these protective factors with well-being was supported. This study provides theoretical and empirical support for linking self transcendance, social interest, and spirituality to well-being among adults living with HIV or AIDS. The clinical implications of these findings are also discussed. / by Jonathan J. Sperry. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2011. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2011. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.A. (Social work)) --University of Limpopo, 2007 / The impact of AIDS has an overwhelming effect on women as they are unable to fulfill their multiple roles. For many women, a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS carries a profound physical, psychological and social burden. Gender inequities, poverty and a growing prevalence of HIV in developing countries have increased the vulnerability of women to HIV infection. Women’s lack of social and economic independence and their low status in their marital households also increase their vulnerability to HIV. They are susceptible to stigma and discrimination when they are identified as being HIV-positive. Negative social responses in these situations may result in them being rejected by their families and denied access to resources. A qualitative exploratory-descriptive study was conducted with fifty six women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in the Mankweng area and surrounding villages. Six focus groups interviews were conducted to elicit information about their experiences and perceptions on the way families, communities, health and social service professions treat them. A quantitative approach was also used to indicate the number of participants who shared similar views on a particular issue. The striking feature about the participants’ explanation of HIV and AIDS is that, they associated HIV/AIDS with makgoma (contaminations). The participants also reported that dealing with the consequences of the disease is a huge challenge. They also face challenges in managing their illness. Their problems are compounded by accusations from their partners, family members and the community who blame them for the infection. This creates stress for them that may be detrimental to their physical and emotional health. The participants freely expressed views on HIV/AIDS, aspects that are positive and unsupportive of people living with HIV/AIDS. They shared their physical, social, psychological, cultural and economical challenges. The findings also revealed that an overwhelming number (89%) of WLWHA are struggling with negotiating for condom use. Some of their partners are reluctant to use condoms thus, risking re-infection that is detrimental to their health. The participants’ plea is for the health and social service professionals to become sensitive and compassionate towards them. / Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

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.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (DPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available via the Internet.

This study evaluates the effect of an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention program on the incidence of gonorrhea among the enlisted men in the 105th Battalion of the Honduran Army. The education program was initiated as a result of the high incidence of AIDS in Honduras (more than half of all of the known cases of AIDS in Central America are in Honduras). The AIDS prevention program for this battalion was initiated in July, 1989 and consists of lectures, videos, and printed materials concerning the nature of HIV/AIDS. The program emphasized the use of condoms as a means of avoiding infection: thus the incidence of gonorrhea would also be expected to decrease as a result of the program. The program is presented to new recruits as a portion of their three month basic training in first aid and personal health. Although the AIDS education program provided to the recruits entering the 105th Battalion is similar to that given to recruits entering other battalions, in only the 105th is the program continued after graduation from basic training, where quarterly refresher courses are given throughout the enlisted men's service career. This retrospective observational study compares the prevalence of gonorrhea among the 105th and three other military units that did not receive ongoing AIDS educational program. The prevalence of gonorrhea was used as an indicator of the effectiveness of the program because its prime route of infection (intimate sexual contact) is the same as HIV, and because gonorrhea is easily detected. The study covered the period between January 1990 and December 1993. The data in the study were provided by the Honduran Army and consists of summaries of the results of periodic inspections conducted by military physicians on all enlisted men at approximately 6 week intervals. In these inspections, the enlisted men are medically examined for the presence of signs of gonorrhea. The data include the date of the inspection, the number of soldiers examined, and the number cases of gonorrhea detected. In the Honduran Army, the incidence of gonorrhea has declined significantly in the last four years. It is speculated that at least three contributing factors are responsible: the free distribution of condoms; the increasing awareness and fear of AIDS; and, the specific AIDS education campaigns presented to the enlisted men. The results of this study indicate that significant reductions in the prevalence of gonorrhea occurred in all military units studied and that the rate of reduction in the unit that received the ongoing educational campaign was greater than in the units that did not receive the educational campaign. The study indicates that the provision of ongoing AIDS education to the Honduran enlisted soldiers results in a decrease in the prevalence of gonorrhea. The study also demonstrated the feasibility of conducting research on sexually transmitted diseases in military units. / Graduation date: 1994

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-56). Also available via Humboldt Digital Scholar.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 210-217).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Dept. of Economics, August 2003. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Not available / text