Set in the mining sector, the aim of this study was to explore the experiences, insights and reflections of a particular group of peer educator's with regard to their organisation’s peer education programme. Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model (Green & Kreuter, 1991) as an organising framework, this study explored the pre-disposing, enabling and reinforcing factors that had an impact on this HIV/AIDS peer education programme. The specific objectives to be assessed in this study were the peer educator’s perceived impact on attitude and behaviour change amongst employees; the perceived organisational barriers and supports that peer educators encountered in programme delivery as well as further training needs of the peer educators. Using an interpretivist paradigm, the study was concerned with describing and interpreting people’s feelings and experiences with qualitative depth. Interviewees comprised of a non-probability saturation sample of five current adult peer educators and one adult ex-peer educator, employed in the Eastern Region of the Organisation (KwaZulu-Natal). In addition the regional manager and the human resource manager were interviewed. Semi-structured tape recorded interviews were used to collect data from the peer educators, and the data was transcribed verbatim from the digital recording. Themes were induced and coded by looking for reoccurring peer educator views, following which the researcher was able to induce potential predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors that the peer educators faced in programme delivery. Based on the findings of the study, appropriate recommendations are offered with a view to improving programme delivery and quality. Finally, the main constraints which limited the study findings are considered. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been predominantly used for diagnostic purposes and it has been suggested VCT could help reduce the spread of the disease by preventing those who test HIV-negative from contracting the disease and also preventing those who are HIV positive from further spreading it by practising safer sex. While there is research focusing on understanding the implications of VCT for HIV positive individuals, little is to be found on the influence of the experience of VCT on the sexual behaviour of individuals who undergo VCT and obtain HIV negative results. Even less is known about the influence of VCT on university students in South Africa. The aim of the study is to explore the perceived influence of VCT on the sexual risk behaviour of HIV negative female University of KwaZulu-Natal students. This qualitative study made use of in-depth interviews conducted with 6 female university students recruited from the HIVAN Support Centre at the University of KwaZulu- Natal, Howard Collage Campus. The findings of this study suggest that VCT is generally perceived as effective in helping to reduce risktaking among HIV negative participants. At the same time participants felt motivated to do what it takes to obtain a negative result on their next test. However, one participants' felt that her negative results could make her vulnerable to pressures from her partner to practice unsafe sex. For VCT to have a positive impact on the sexual behaviour of individuals who test negative, programmes should provide up to date information, as part of pre and post test counselling, in a clear manner to avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding on the part of participants. Further, more support needs to be provided to individuals who are HIV negative in the form of support groups or open forums that encourage young people to discuss what situations put them at risk as well as assist other members of the group to deal with such situations. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Introduction Nearly half of all new HIV infections worldwide occur in young people aged 15-24 years. Risky sexual behaviours may lead to the development of lifelong negative habits like having multiple partners, thereby placing young people at risk of a broad range of health problems, including HIV/AIDS. Prevention is therefore critical and includes changing behaviours that are risky, such as the early age of sexual initiation, having many sexual partners and non-use of condoms. The study aimed to evaluate whether a theory based HIV/AIDS intervention, 'Be A Responsible Teenager' (B.A.R.T.), could produce behaviour change among high school learners in South Africa. Methods A pre-test /multiple post-test intervention study was undertaken. All Grade 10 learners (n = 805) from all three public high schools in Wentworth were included in the study. Eleven teachers were interviewed from these schools. Learners completed a questionnaire at baseline (Tl), immediately post intervention 1 (T2), post intervention 2 (T3) and after a period of seven months (T4). The B.A.R.T.intervention was implemented in the intervention schools while the control group did not receive any intervention. Qualitative data was analyzed according to themes, while quantitative data was analyzed cross sectionally and longitudinally. Results Teachers reported many obstacles in implementing the HIV/AIDS Life Skills' curriculum, including the poor quality of training and inadequate resources in schools. Further, learners practised high-risk sexual behaviours. Gender differences in sexual behaviour were reported with males predominately practising higher risk behaviours than females.The B.A.R.T. intervention did show changes in behaviour for alcohol use at last sex and for the determinants knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, self-efficacy and intentions to practise safer sex respectively, over time. However, the intervention didnot positively impact abstinence behaviours, condom use and the reduction in partners. Further, subjective norms did not change. Conclusion The major obstacles to AIDS prevention include the current practices of risky sexual behaviours including age mixing, early sexual initiation, multiple partners, forced sex and receiving money or gifts for sex among others. Social norms as potrayed by parents, peers and religious groups play a pivotal role in promoting protective sexual behaviours. The role of gender and the gaps in LHAP (Life Skills' HIV/AIDS programme) also require urgent attention. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

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

In this study, the researcher is interested in the utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among university students. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence the utilization of existing HIV/AIDS prevention methods amongst students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal residing in a selected campus. Four residences within the selected campus were randomly selected and participants were conveniently selected from each of sampled residences. There was a total of 335 respondents and 261 (78%) completed the manual questionnaires while 74 (22%) completed online questionnaires. The study used quantitative approach and was descriptive-exploratory in nature. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. The majority of respondents were young people with the mean age of 22.9 years. The sample comprised 278 (78%) undergraduate and 57 (17%) post graduate students. Study findings showed that the factors which influenced the utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention methods varied and that they were mainly influenced by the awareness of the existing university-based HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. It also emerged that the mostly utilized HIV prevention methods were VCT services and free condoms. Perceived susceptibility and the perceived threat of HIV/AIDS score was also found to be correlated with HIV Risk Index score. Furthermore, there was Correlation between perceived susceptibility and perceived threat of HIV/AIDS and self-efficacy on condoms and their utilization. However, there seemed to be no relationship between utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention methods and these variables. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that most of Health Beliefs Model (HBM) variables were not predictors of the utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among students. Intervention aiming to improve the utilization of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among students at the UKZN should focus on removing identified barriers, promoting HIV/AIDS prevention services and providing correct knowledge on HIV for behavioral change. / Thesis (MN)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

This study investigated the correlation between fear and knowledge of AIDS and changes in sexual behavior. A review of the literature showed students with more knowledge and fear of contracting AIDS made changes in their sexual behavior to help prevent becoming infected. Subjects who participated in this study were undergraduate student volunteers in the Counseling Psychology Research Pool. The subjects were given two questionnaires to complete. The first questionnaire consisted of thirty questions.It assessed their general knowledge of AIDS by asking them to respond with a "yes* or "no" to the statements. In the second questionnaire, the first eleven questions assessed their fear of contracting AIDS by asking the subjects to respond to an agree/disagree continuum from one through seven. The final four questions asked the subjects to respond to changes they have made in their sexual behavior because of the possibility of contracting AIDS. The continuum ranged from " not at all" through "a great deal." ThePearson product moment statistic was used to determine correlations.There was a significant correlation (.001) between fear of AIDS and changes in sexual behavior, but there was not a correlation between knowledge of AIDS and changes in sexual behavior. AIDS is not prevalent at this university, so the students were not as fearful of contracting the disease as students might have been in high incidence environments and as a result did not take necessary precautions. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (MTech (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009. / At the request of the South African Department of Health's Western Cape Provincial Tuberculosis Control Directorate, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a Higher Education Institution, developed and implemented a Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus community outreach train the trainer project to train community members about Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This study aimed to provide a historical overview of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus project and describe the experiences of the trainers involved. A descriptive case study design, using a qualitative approach was applied during this study. The historical overview of the project showed the need for a broad base of networking, securing funding and a project facilitator from the outset of such a project. This study found that trainers had experienced self-development in terms of knowledge, skills and self confidence and that the training had far reaching effects by spreading Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus information in diverse community settings, despite notable challenges experienced in the community settings. Community outreach training projects from a recognized training institution have a positive impact at community level. However, political commitment and development of the course content into a registered learnership are required for sustainability.

M.Cur. / The Sub-Sahara region is riddled with HIV/AIDS to such an extent it has became a pandemic. The challenge to control or to minimize further infections has been left to the community nurses. The community nurses' primary aim is to promote and prevent the spread of infection, especially HIV I AIDS, amongst vulnerable groups (Clemen-Stone, 2002-134 ). The under-utilisation of the voluntary HIV -testing facility by hostel dwellers is a cause of concern among nurses in this Southern Metropolitan Health Care Centre. Clinic statistics for the year 2002 indicate that only sixty-six hostel dwellers used the voluntary HIV -testing. This number is low compared to the approximate population of twelve thousand hostel dwellers of the three hostels. The purpose of the research is to describe strategies to promote voluntary HIV -testing in the Southern Metropolitan Health Care Centre by community nurses. To realise the purpose of the research, the following research objectives are stated: To explore and describe factors that influence hostel dwellers not to utilise voluntary HIV -testing by community nurses in the Southern Metropolitan Health Care Centre. To explore and describe the community nurses' response to the factors that influence hostel dwellers not to utilise voluntary HIV -testing in the Southern Metropolitan Health Care Centre. To describe strategies for community nurses to promote the utilisation of the voluntary HIV -testing. The research design for this study is qualitative, descriptive and contextual in nature, (Mouton, 1996:102-103, 10, 133). The research in phase one was conducted in two steps. Step one focused on the exploration and description of the factors that influence hostel dwellers not to utilise the voluntary HIV -testing in health care centers. Step two dealt with the responses of community nurses as to how to address these factors in the health care centre.

South Africa is one of the countries in the world with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS. Workplace HIV/AIDS programmes have been singled out by the Government as one of the measures to fight against the spread of the disease. However, it is quite concerning that managers in most organisations are very reluctant to actively participate in the programmes. One of such organisations is the Chris Hani District Municipality. Reluctance by managers to participate in these programmes has given rise to effects such as lower level employees also not willing to participate in the programmes; thereby undermining efforts by the municipality and the National Government as a whole to fight against the spread of the disease in South Africa. This study has developed a framework that may enable municipal managers to participate in HIV/AIDS programmes in the municipality. In addition the study has also explored factors that discourage managers from participating in HIV/AIDS programmes. The study took place in the Chris Hani municipality. The sample population was municipal managers from the different directorates. The methodological approach was quantitative. Data was collected with use of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed physically and electronically by the researcher. The findings of the study show that in order for managers to actively participate in the programmes of HIV/AIDS, measures should be put place to enhance the following: self-awareness, positive attitude, effective communication, management involvement, management support, and relationship building. The researcher hopes that the study will not only enhance management participation in the Chris Hani municipality, but also other municipalities and organisations in South Africa interested in the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS disease.

M.Ed. / One of the greatest challenges facing the youth of South Africa and that of the rest of the world is HIV/AIDS. As the number of infected teachers and pupils increase, it can be expected that quality education will decrease. At present there seems to be no medical solution to the HIV/AIDS threat. Although different stakeholders are providing means of minimising the spread of the pandemic, HIV still remains a threat to the society. Most of the youth engage in sexual activities while they are still young. If the HIV virus is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person, the need to adopt certain strategies that can assist them to stay safe, becomes essential. This project will focus on different strategies that can be employed to fight and win the battle against HIV/AIDS in secondary schools in the Limpopo Province. / Dr. M.C. Van Loggerenberg