Thesis (Ph.D.)--Ohio University, June, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 162-174)

M.Ed. / This research is undertaken as a reaction against the rapid spread of HIV-infection in South Africa. It is apparent that the majority of people, including secondary school adolescent learners in the North West Province still engage in sexual practices and attitudes that fan the situation. In order to develop and implement successful prevention strategies such as guidelines for secondary schools, it is important to examine existing knowledge about HIV/AIDS and current behaviour, as well as to investigate and identify the factors that may influence behaviours that may lead to contracting HIV/AIDS. The literature review identified several psychosocial and cognitive factors associated with high-risk behaviours among adolescents in secondary schools. For example, adolescents with higher educational aspirations are less likely to engage in sexual behaviour and alcohol and drug abuse. As a cognitive factor, knowledge is not necessarily sufficient to change high-risk behaviour; further, the social influence of peers can have an impact on adolescent sexual and other high-risk behaviours that may result in HIV infection. In addition, it is important to examine the cross-cultural relevance of these psychosocial factors and other factors related to the high-risk behaviours that fuel the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this research study, the semi-structured interviews were conducted with educators, learners and parents at three different secondary schools in the Bojanala region of North West Province. During the interviews, ethical measures were adhered to and steps were taken to ensure trustworthiness. The data collected was analysed, interpreted and discussed. The findings were interpreted with respect to the aims stated in the first chapter of the research study. The findings revealed that there has been disconnectedness between parents and educators, and that learners have been taking advantage of the situation. Parents have been outside the process of teaching their children about sex-related matters, including HIV/AIDS. The recommendations from this study were made with specific reference to the educators, learners and parents. Guidelines were provided, according to themes and categories, and it was recommended that community agencies and organisations should assist the parents and educators in the effort to stop the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. / Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg

“We owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too,” These are words from the musical Miss Saigon by Boubill and Schonberg as quoted by van Dyk (2005:278) which prompted the researcher’s interest in the study. According to a study by Kimane and Mturi (2000:8), a good number of AIDS orphaned adolescents have the responsibility of the care of siblings. Moreover, they are economically active, forced to earn income for their own survival or for their unemployed siblings or extended family household. They are the young people one sees in the streets of Lesotho’s principle cities, selling fruit or collecting fares in local taxis. For girls, the situation is particularly dire. While they too sell goods on the streets or some are employed as domestic workers, many find the lure of commercial sex work and the promise of cash irresistible (Kimane and Mturi, 2000:8). However, Fraser (2004:143) denotes that some children, when faced with stressful conditions, construct socially adverse situations as challenges and opportunities and access adequate amounts of available individual and environmental resources. This general frame of reference through which individuals appraise and react to events and situations in the environment is termed resiliency (Fraser, 2004:143). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents. A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to meet the aims of the study. The research was conducted in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru. Purposive sampling was used to access a research sample with the assistance of a service rendering organisation in Lesotho. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with eight AIDS orphaned adolescents between the ages of 15 -18 years. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:153) and Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991:217) was employed for data verification. It was anticipated that the study would contribute to the recommendations towards the development of more effective programmes for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho. In addition, undertaking this research was viewed as critical as it would provide the much needed scientific basis on which the Social Work professional body would be able to reflect on its AIDS orphan support strategies.

No description available.

AIDS is a syndrome that affects millions of South Africans. Adolescents have been regarded as a potential high-risk group with regard to HIV infection due to their increased sexual activity. Changing behaviour, even that of adolescents, who are just beginning to experience and experiment with their sexuality is perhaps the biggest challenge facing HIV / AIDS prevention in South Africa. There is an urgent need for more knowledge and information on adolescent sexuality, and their knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV / AIDS that can impact intervention programmes. The aim of this research was to examine knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV / AIDS among adolescents at a rural Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology. The participants were grade 7 to 9 learners at the school; 46 males, and 74 females (n=120). The research instrument used was an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Data on behavior was gathered through 9 open-ended questions. Findings revealed that adolescents had higher-level knowledge about AIDS although there were also misconceptions. Their attitudes were both negative and positive. Data on reported behaviours revealed that most learners have changed their behaviours, 90% reported that they would use a condom to prevent the spread of the disease and, they indicated that a person should have one partner. It is recommended that a programme be developed to educate adolescents about sexuality in an objective and factual manner. Outsiders, not necessarily teachers should be used to implement such programmes, and the programmes should be adaptable to any circumstances, as not all schools have the facilities to their disposal like videos and films. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is acknowledged as a disease that has harmful impacts on the social and economic development of developing countries. Much of the research on the pandemic has not, until recently concentrated on its impact on the education sector and on teenagers as people living with HIV. This study investigates the lives and experiences of HIV positive teenage learners (main participants) in some Intshanga schools in KwaZulu-Natal. As teenagers are essentially minors, and would be under the care of parents or other caregivers, it was necessary to learn more about the lives of the teenagers from caregivers in the community and from family members within families where there are individuals living with HIV. The study provides some insight into how other people like family members and caregivers understand the pandemic as well as the role they play in the lives of those infected by the HIV virus. Empirical data was collected over a period of a year (2004-2005) and yielded the following main findings: * Fear about disclosing one's status: HIV and AIDS are still not accepted as one of the significant realities of the lives of learners. It is regarded as a shameful disease which most members of the community prefer not to talk openly about. * Effects on affected learners: Social, economic and cultural circumstances and perspectives impact negatively on relationships in general and on relationships significant to learners themselves, i.e. parent-child and adult. * Persons living with HIV are called names by those who are seemingly not affected. * Teenagers report that they avoid using local healthcare services because they have on occasion experienced being verbally abused at these health care centres. * Teenagers are not assisted in dealing with peer pressure. * Teenagers are vulnerable to making disastrous choices. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

Digitized using a Konica Minolta 211 PCL Scanner. 300dpi (OCR). / Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The first objective of the present study was to determine whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) could predict Willingness to Participate (WTP) in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial among high risk adolescents in the Western Cape. The second objective was to determine whether the additional predictor variables of Self perceived risk of HIV infection, Knowledge of HIV vaccines and HIV vaccine trials, Attitudes toward HIV I AIDS and Health-promoting behaviours could further explain WTP in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial among adolescents. A convenience sample of 224 adolescents attending secondary schools located in an African township on the Cape Flats was recruited for the present study. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that the TPB significantly improved the prediction of WTP in an HIV vaccine trial. Prediction success was 79.9%. Of all the predictor variables, only Subjective norms significantly predicted WTP in an HIV vaccine trial (OR = 1.19,95% C.L = 1.06-1.34). A second stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that Subjective norms (OR = 1.19, 95% c.I. = l.07-1.34) and Attitude towards participation in an HIV vaccine trial (OR = 1.32,95% C.L = 1.00-1.74) were significant predictors of WTP in an HIV vaccine trial. Prediction success was 80.4%. These findings provide support for the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and suggest that psychosocial factors may play a role in WTP in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial among adolescents. HIV vaccine trial preparedness programs targeting adolescents should aim to influence group norms positively and promote positive attitudes toward participation in a future Phase III HIV vaccine trial. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die eerste oogmerk van die huidige studie was om te bepaal of die teorie van beplande gedrag (TBG) die bereidwilligheid tot deelname (BTD) aan 'n toekomstige fase III-MIV-entstofproefneming onder hoe risiko adolessente in die Wes-Kaap kan voorspel. Die tweede oogmerk was om te bepaal of die bykomende voorspellingveranderlikes, naamlik selfwaargenome risiko vir MIV -besmetting, kennis van MIV -entstowwe en MIV -entstofproefnemings, houdings jeens MIV /Vigs en gesondheidsbevorderende gedrag BTD in 'n toekomstige fase III-MIV entstofproefneming kan verduidelik. 'n Geriefsmonster van 224 adolessente wat sekondere skole gelee in 'n dorpsgebied in Kaapstad, bywoon, is vir die huidige studie gewerf. Hierargiese logistiese regressie-analises toon dat die TBG die voorspelling van BTD aan 'n MIV -entstofproefneming aanmerklik verbeter het. Voorspellingsukses was 79.9%. Van al die voorspellingveranderlikes het slegs subjektiewe norme BTD aan 'n MIV -entstofproefneming beduidend voorspel (RK = 1.19, 95% VI = 1.06-1.34). 'n Tweede stapsgewyse logistiese regressie-analise toon dat subjektiewe norme (RK = 1.19, 95% VI = 1.07-1.34) en houding jeens deelname aan 'n MIV-entstofproefneming (RK = 1.32,95% VI = 1.00-1.74) beduidende voorspellers van BTD aan 'n MIV -entstofproefneming was. Voorspellingsukses was 80.4%. Hierdie bevindinge verleen steun aan die teorie van beredeneerde aksie (TBA) en doen aan die hand dat psigososiale faktore moontlik in die toekoms 'n rol in BTD aan 'n fase Ill-MIV-entstofproefneming onder adolessente kan speel. Programme wat op adolessente se gereedheid vir entstofproefnemings afgestem is, behoort te poog om groepnormne positief te beinvloed en positiewe houdings jeens deelname aan 'n toekomstige fase III -MIV -entstofproefneming te bevorder.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, School of Human and Community Development, 2005.

Much-needed research on Thai adolescents (age 15-19), the fastest growing group of AIDS victims in Thailand, this study differentiates risk behavior among classes, unlike most AIDS research in Thai society, and focuses on how gender and economic factors among adolescents influence their risk-behavior patterns leading to the contraction of HIV/AIDS. Using ethnographic methods focusing on class and gender, I identified several risk-taking behaviors. Each class in Thai society tends to be at-risk from a different level of sexual relationships and drug use. The lower class seems to be the most at risk because of having many sexual partners, having unprotected sex, and sharing needles while, those in the middle class use only personal screening for their sexual partners and also sharing needles. Although the higher class is less at risk compared with other classes, a few do visit prostitutes and consume drugs. Class is also correlated to the level of knowledge and education about AIDS. Although each received the same health education provided through the same source and same health text, adolescents in each class catch the message differently. My research data showed that adolescents of the higher class showed a more complete knowledge about AIDS. There are also many patterns of HIV/AIDS risk-taking behaviors that correlate to cultural gender differences. Although all classes appear to adhere to the ideal norm of virginity being the best sexual-practice, in reality, this only applies to members of the upper class. The middle and, especially, the lower classes do not apply this norm to themselves at all: They practice premarital sex, even though they may verbalize the ideal norm. Other studies have focused on gender relations according to this ideal Thai norm; however, this ideology does not match the reality. In conclusion, with the lack of research in this area, Thai adolescents are being placed at greater risk. Thus, I make recommendations for further research and prevention methods. For example, health education should be more up-to-date and explain to adolescents the connection between sexual relationships and AIDS rather than focusing primarily on the reproductive process. Further, parents, schools, and teenagers themselves can visit with health professionals at the hospitals and anonymous clinics to learn more about STDs, especially, HIV/AIDS. If put into practice, these recommendations will positively reduce the spread of AIDS in Thailand. / Graduation date: 1999

The challenge that confronts South Africa 's emerging democracy is that an increasing percentage of its population is being infected with HIV/AIDS daily . The socio-political impact of the disease has resulted in the development of a variety of macro-level interventions. Despite these initiatives, there has been no decline in the spread of the epidemic. The increasing prevalence of HIV infection among young South Africans in particular, has necessitated an exploration into their risky sexual behaviour. A closer study of the social fields of practice, where knowledge is not only produced, but is constantly contested, negotiated, reproduced and embedded, is suggested. This study uses the principles of feminist theory to focus on gender roles and the related issues of power and risky behaviour. The central argument of this work is that the traditional construction of sexuality, which encourages sexual aggression and promiscuity among young men, alongside female sexual passivity and ignorance, are gendered factors which fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS . In order to examine young peoples' perceptions of the role of gender and risky behaviour, I engaged young people, who were already in the field, to conduct the research. An exploration into the processes of enabling young people to conduct research, while linking the production of meaning to the possibility of human agency and transformative social action, formed an evolving methodology in this work. The research was designed to provide young people with a space for active engagement, participation, immersion and reflection, en route to becoming researchers. Young researchers who conducted research in their youth communities served as deep insider researchers, who possessed an awareness of the slogan systems and semiotics which operated within the cultural norms of the community. The young researchers conducted the inquiry by using a multiplicity of methods, which included visual methodologies, individual interviews and questionnaires. They solicited most of the data from a wider group of 15 to 19 year old African and Indian learners . These learners, who were mainly from a lower socio-economic background, attended the co-educational school, in the province ofKwaZulu Natal in South Africa. The findings of this study reveal how young researchers become empowered by acquiring increased competence in doing research and achieving a greater understanding of the influences of gender and power on risky behaviour. The research report offers methodological insights into the training and enablement of young people as researchers. It reveals how catalytic validity enables a transformation in the young researchers, who, having achieved a heightened understanding of the purpose of the research , actively participated in the research process. The study is significant because it reveals the gradual effacement of the main researcher from the research process, as a natural consequence of engaging young researchers to solicit, generate and interpret data. These new insights evolved as a result of taking the risk of allowing oneself, as a main researcher, to "get off track" and to enter uneven social spaces by doing research differently. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.