This exploratory study investigates the factors that facilitate or inhibit the uptake of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) among students aged 18-24 at the Howard College campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. It also examines the sexual behaviour of the students in order to determine if, and to what they are at risk of HIV infection. The study used a self-completed survey questionnaire to elicit participants' responses. On one hand, the key factors that were found to motivate the students to undergo VCT include: the desire to know one's HIV status, peer influence, future planning and commitment to long-term relationships. On the other hand, factors that inhibit VCT uptake among students include lack of awareness, low risk perception, stigma, fear of an HIV positive test result, lack of confidentiality, long waiting period to secure an appointment, and perceived lack of benefits of counselling . The study also established that among the sexually active students, some engage in risky sexual behaviour such as involvement with multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use. In the light of the findings, the study recommends measures that would be taken to improve VCT uptake amongst students, and contribute in curbing the spread of HIV. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

RN/AIDS has had a particularly devastating effect on sub-Saharan nations, including South Africa. Thus, a national rollout of antiretroviral drugs - capable of mitigating the effects of the epidemic - has been vigorously demanded by the South African public. Eventually bowing to public pressure, the Government began to implement the rollout of the drugs at public health facilities in early 2004. The University of KwaZulu-Natal announced in 2004 that it too would provide access to antiretroviral drugs for all students who require them. Thus, there is an urgent need for the institution to develop promotional campaigns that not only promote the service but that also deal with the fall-out from the problematic national rollout, and that address the complicated nature of antiretroviral therapy. The focus of this dissertation is on a promotional needs analysis for the antiretroviral rollout at the University. Specifically, the primary research aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of the general student population on the topic of antiretrovirals, and by doing so, identify the needs of this audience that will have to be addressed by future promotional campaigns. The theoretical framework used to inform the research design and questions is that of social marketing; a relatively new approach to social change that uses principles of commercial marketing to achieve results among target audiences. The results of the research suggest that future promotional messages and campaigns directed at the general student population will need to focus on the following issues: clarifying the distinctions between different contexts of ARV use; increasing the awareness of the rollout at UKZN as a prerequisite to stimulating demand; addressing negative beliefs and misconceptions regarding ARVs; emphasising complementary practices to be used by individuals with RN/AIDS; addressing issues of stigma and discrimination and encouraging students to act as sources of support and information for other students. In the case of certain messages, segmentation - on the basis of race and campus - may result in a more effective dissemination of information to the target audiences. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

This thesis examines the use of the participatory forum theatre methodology for HIVIAIDS education ina factory setting in Durban, 2003. The paper explores the field of Entertainment Education (EE), which is the strategic use of entertainment forms for health education and behaviour change. This thesis offers an overview of some of the modern theories of behaviour change and how EE is used in development communication. I investigate participatory communication theory, the work of Brazilian educationalist Paulo Freire, and the principles that inform Augusto Boats forum theatre methodology. EE strategies and communication and behavioural change theories inform the design and practice of the PST (problem solving theatre) projec( which is the case study for this thesis. This thesis outlines the process of the PST project, researching the environment at the chosen factory site, and the prevailing knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, the creation of an appropriate forum theatre play, as well as observations and comments on the performance at the factory. Final summative research investigates the impact that the forum theatre had on the audience. The conclusion points to the tensions in theory and practice that were highlighted through the PST project, and suggests how forum theatre, as an EE strategy, can be further used in a factory setting. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The present project evaluates and examines a communication campaign carried out at the University of Durban-Westville (UDW) in 2003, which publicized the introduction of a HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) facility on campus. Drawing on theories 'of entertainment education (EE) and behaviour change, the campaign's effectiveness is analysed in relation to (1) audience reception; (2) take-up of the service promoted; and (3) visibility and penetration of the media employed. The thesis is that the message in campaigns of this nature benefits from avoiding claims of bringing about behaviour change by the mere fact of commurlication or information transfer. Instead, it is proposed that anti-H1V behaviour-change messages focus on urging audiences to act in presenting for VCT, because the ongoing counselling of VCT is a proper communicative forum for such changes. In conclusion, the present campaign's shortcomings are noted, and considered in the context of how to address these in relation to the opportunities offered by the merger ofUDW with the University of Natal from 2004. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal,Durban,2003.

The HIV/AIDS virus has been acknowledged as being the largest threat to developing countries with respect to economic and social issues. There is a large amount of information available with respect to causes, treatment, and generalities pertaining to HIV/AIDS. The information available is relevant to many different types of industries. There seems to be little information available on the HIV/AIDS programmes that companies are implementing to curb the effects that the virus is having on issues like the loss of skilled labour, the drop in productivity due to absenteeism, the decline in morale and the immensely high costs associated with training and recruitment. This study aims to look at the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in the motor industry and the perception of employees with regards to these programmes. The automotive industry is one of the key contributors to the wellbeing of the South African economy. The sustainability of the organisation relies heavily on the skill that the organisation has, and the ability of the organisation to carry this skill into the future. The data collection for this research was conducted via a web-based questionnaire using the online research programme Question Pro. All questions were close-ended. Some of the more important findings include that HIV/AIDS awareness needs to be promoted more strongly in the organisation. Succession planning was observed to be inadequate in the organisation. Another salient finding was that management needs to make it more evident to the workers that they are championing the HIV/AIDS initiatives within the company. The key recommendations are that management need to pay more attention to the concept of succession planning, and to encourage the workforce to participate in the community outreach programmes, as this has a positive effect on the macroeconomic outlook of the country. There are a number of companies in South Africa which do not conform to the appropriate level of HIV/AIDS programmes and further research should be undertaken to explore the deficiencies of these programmes and recommendations should be made based on the findings. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Hospitals have been directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to educate health care workers about bloodborne pathogens. The purpose of this descriptive study is to assess the knowledge and concerns of health care workers regarding bloodborne pathogens and describe the application of universal precautions in practice.Orem's Theory of Self-Care was used for the framework because nurses are self-care agents, responsible for personal well-being, as well as patient's well-being. The instrument "Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions Test" was used to collect the data (Jones & Ryan, 1992). A convenience sample of twelve hospitals within the state of Indiana with four hundred-fifty licensed nursing personnel responded to the questionnaire.Findings revealed a mean score of 84.5 on the knowledge scale. Perception of availability of supplies and equipment ranged from consistently available (68.5% to 98.7%) to never available (0.0% to 0.9%). Perception of application of universal precautions ranged from consistently applied (32.4% to 84.0%) to never applied (0.0% to 9.5%). Content analysis of concerns related by health care workers included fear of contagion and accidental injury.Conclusions indicated knowledge of transmission and availability of supplies do not ensure compliance with universal precautions. Increased knowledge levels will decrease, but not eliminate, fear of contagion.Universal precaution training alone does not adequately prepare health care workers for HIV/AIDS patients. On-going educational endeavors are needed, including affective concerns. / School of Nursing

186 Ghanaian and 199 Liberian young adult students living in Ghana completed surveys regarding their sexual risk taking behaviors, as well as their knowledge about HIV, their current level of hopelessness, and their subjective quality of life. Results indicated that although knowledge levels were adequate, there was no connection between knowledge about HIV and past risk taking behaviors, including multiple sexual partners, and lack of safe sex practices. Results did indicate a connection between quality of life and the number of sexual partners, and a connection between hopelessness and lack of safe sex behaviors. The author concluded that HIV/STD prevention campaigns located in Ghana should include behavioral skills training in current preventative campaigns. / Department of Psychological Science

The present study sought to understand the relationship between attitudes and prevention knowledge of HIV I AIDS among matriculation students. HIV infection rates has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa and has serious consequences for individuals, particularly for adoiescellts as they make up the largest percentage of the vulnerable age group aged between 15 and 29. Given the high risks that adolescents are faced with, many awareness and prevention programmes have been implemented. These programmes have focused particularly on attitudinal and behavioural change towards HIV I AIDS prevention. The reason for this is that all sexual behaviour is mediated, facilitated and or justified by cognitions and beliefs (Vanwesenbeeck, Bekker & Van Lenning 1998). The sample was selected from a boys school, which chose to remain anonymous and a girls high school in Westville, Durban. Questionnaires aimed at assessing knowledge regarding the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS were administered. Questionnaires aimed at assessing their attitudes towards prevention of HIV/AIDS were also administered to learners. Learners had been exposed to awareness and life skills programmes as part of their curriculum. Festinger's (1957) theory of cognitive dissonance was used as a framework to understand the relationship between one's attitudes and behaviour. The findings indicated that most respondents had adequate knowledge regarding HIV I AIDS spread and prevention. The results also indicated that there was a correlation between knowledge and attitudes but it was not a strong relationship suggesting that there may have been external factors that may have impacted on the relationship thus placing adolescents at a relatively high risk to the HIV infection. This according to Festinger's (1957) theory suggests that there is some inconsistency between attitudes and behaviour towards HIV I AIDS prevention amongst learners. The findings of the study also highlight the need for future research in this area, which would better inform and improve intervention programmes that have been targeted at adolescents in high schools. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

There are estimated to be 840,000 people living with HIV in China (1) of whom 65% are estimated to be in the 16-29 year age group. Since the end of the Cultural Revolution and the opening of China to Western influence, traditional cultural norms have rapidly eroded and China is described as being in the middle of a sexual revolution (2). People are increasingly engaging in behaviours exposing them to the risk of contracting HIV which is spreading from the traditionally high risk populations to the general population via the heterosexual route (3). Comprehensive prevention strategies are necessary to prevent further spread (4). There is evidence that the observed increase in sexual activity is not accompanied by adequate knowledge of HIV transmission. 79% of 18-25 year olds know that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by sexual intercourse, but a mere 30% know that correct and consistent condom use can protect against HIV transmission (5).<br /> <br /> This exploratory study investigated the factors that influence safe sexual practices amongst female Chinese university students, enabling or preventing them from taking responsibility for their reproductive health. The literature search revealed this to be a largely unexplored area. The study was undertaken amongst third year male and female students, recruited from the Department of Comparative Literature and Media Studies at the Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, China. Data was predominantly collected using two male and two female focus group discussions. Three key informant interviews supported and contextualised the findings. The study revealed that the factors influencing female students&rsquo / ability to adopt safe sexual practices are complex. The recognised shortcomings of sex education in China (6) are compounded by the taboo of sex and the pressure placed on students for the achievement of good grades.<br /> <br /> The university environment exerts a powerful influence. The ease with which mutually beneficial same sex friendships develop in the dormitory can be contrasted with the difficulties faced by couples attempting to conduct relationships. The restrictive university environment has the effect of driving relationships underground. Gender roles are deeply entrenched. The need to conform to the ideal pure, na&iuml / ve, and non-inquiring female stereotype affects a female student&rsquo / s ability to source sexual health information, negotiate safe sex, and to adopt safe sexual practices. Two distinct male stereotypes emerged: the traditional more gender equal male, and the liberal male who believes in an earlier age of sexual initiation and condones multiple sexual partners. All students are aware of HIV but have misconceptions about the specifics of HIV transmission, believing that HIV can be transmitted by kissing, from unclean baths and from doctors. Some students were of the belief that poor personal hygiene is an indicator of possible HIV positive status. Students were confused by condom quality issues. As they had received no formal condom training students relied on reading the package instructions or working it out for themselves.<br /> This small exploratory study resulted in the production of rich and surprising findings. These are incorporated into recommendations for future research and a comprehensive sex education programme at the university. Abstinence and mutual monogamy should be emphasised. Gender stereotypes that influence behaviour and choice of sex education materials should be acknowledged. Negotiation skills training should be incorporated together with condom and contraceptive advice. A sexual health page on the student website and a training programme for students to become peer-to-peer sex educators should be introduced.