Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that contribute to HIV and AIDS stigma amongst nurses at the Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital Complex in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the sources of stigma at the health facility, to determine whether attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge contribute to HIV and AIDS stigma, and to develop intervention programmes to reduce HIVrelated stigma. Method: A descriptive cross sectional survey using self-administered questionnaire was used in this study to describe factors that contributed to HIV and AIDS stigma. Data collection: The researcher collected data by means of a structured questionnaire and analysed the results with the assistance of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program. Results: The study revealed that negative attitudes and a lack of knowledge contributed to AIDS-related stigma. The study recommended that any stigma reduction programme should be implemented at three levels; namely at the individual, environmental, and policy levels. Conclusion: Fear of infection and lack of knowledge about HIV and AIDS fuel negative attitudes towards people living with HIV and AIDS. Education and training are necessary to mitigate stigma.

The study sought to analyse the perception of HIV/AIDs by clients attending a community clinic in Mutale area in Limpopo province by interviewing them as they are attending the clinic. The study sought to determine ideas, beliefs or images clients have as a result of how they see or understand HIV/AIDS. The major inferences drawn from this study are that clients still need information on the rights of HIV/AIDS client and the immune system. Feedback from the study is indicative of culture and beliefs playing a major role in diseases epidemic. / Health Studies / MA (HEALTH STUDIES)

The study sought to analyse the perception of HIV/AIDs by clients attending a community clinic in Mutale area in Limpopo province by interviewing them as they are attending the clinic. The study sought to determine ideas, beliefs or images clients have as a result of how they see or understand HIV/AIDS. The major inferences drawn from this study are that clients still need information on the rights of HIV/AIDS client and the immune system. Feedback from the study is indicative of culture and beliefs playing a major role in diseases epidemic. / Health Studies / MA (HEALTH STUDIES)

Thesis (Ph. D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016. / Exploring the lived experiences of People Living with HIV/AIDS in relation to stigma and discrimination was the purpose of this qualitative research underpinned by Jungian Phenomenology. The study was qualitative in nature with a non-probability sample of fifteen participants aged from twenty tree to sixty four years. The setting was a rural and the research took place at a designated HIV/AIDS clinic in Limpopo. Semi-structured interviews, in the vernacular, were constructed so that the in-depth, lived experience of the participants relating to stigmatisation and discrimination could be ascertained. The participants’ responses were organised through the application of the Jungian metaphors and presented as themes which were presented in English. The archetypes of the Self, Shadow and Persona were highlighted as dominant metaphors with the Animus playing an important. These were followed by archetypes which represented more marginal roles in the participants’ personality development namely, the Anima, Hero, Caregiver, Innocent and Orphan. Everyone has the desire to develop a well-rounded socially acceptable and fulfilling personality, whose development process is accompanied by the generation and maturation of various archetypal traits. Once this is achieved, the process of personal individuation is completed and an individual is able to experience their true Self and live a fulfilling and authentic (honest) life. HIV infection and HIV related stigma generate archetypal traits which tend to impede the personality development of individuals. As a result they were not able to merge their personality development into an integrated unit and emerge as spiritual and deep-thinking beings.

Department of Public Health / MCur

Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS is a world wide pandemic and has caused threat in many organizations. Organizations are trying to put in place programmes to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS as it affects the productivity and profits due to increased absenteeism and turnover. The Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS [UNAIDS] estimated that there are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS world wide, 25 million has died and 15 millions are orphans due to HIV/AIDS. The Department of Agriculture [Limpopo] has recruited Peer Educators to assist in providing education, awareness and prevention programmes on HIV/AIDS to employees and stakeholders. However, it is essential to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perception of this Peer Educators in order to develop intervention measures to improve the effectiveness of the programme. The Department of Public Service Administration guideline on managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace (2002) requires departments to conduct KAP (knowledge, attitudes and perception) in order to have baseline data for responsive, relevant intervention strategies in the workplace. “HIV/AIDS workplace programmes can only be successful if the employees needs regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices have been thoroughly researched” (Family Health International, 2000). The aim of the study was to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Peer Educators in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture. This will also assist to measure the impact of training provided to them. All Peer Educators were be given an opportunity to participate in the study. Self-administered questionnaire was be used to collect data and confidentiality was emphasized. Data was analysed using the SSP programme and Microsoft excel. The findings revealed an average knowledge of Peer Educators on HIV/AIDS, positive attitudes and safe sexual practice by using condoms. There is need for in service training for Peer Educators. The results also indicated the strong need of support from supervisors and management in the implementation of Peer Educators programme. The findings of the study will also assist the Limpopo Department of Agriculture to redesign the Peer Education Programme in order to minimize the risks and reduce the infection rate on HIV. Peer Educators are considered as key informants, it is significant to understand their level of knowledge, and what is their perception of risk to HIV/AIDS. / ARFIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was die bepaling van die kennisvlakke, houdings en persepsies van eweknie-opleiers in die Limpopo provinsie. Die resultate van die studie dui op sterk behoeftes aan verdere opleidng aan veral toesighouers en bestuurders van die Departement van Landbou van Limpopo provinsie. Voorstelle word aan die hand gedoen oor die wyse waarop hierdie opleidingsprogramme saamgestel behoort te word en riglyne word gegee vir die implementering daarvan.

Department of Public health / MPH

Department of Advanced Nursing Science / MCur

Department of Advanced Nursing Science / PhD (Health Sciences)

MPH / Department of Public Health