The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of antenatal health education on postnatal care (PNC) among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive women in Francistown city, Botswana. This study followed a quantitative research paradigm. Data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire from eligible women who consented in writing to participate in the study. Forty-five percent (45%) (n=45) HIV positive women came with babies for 6 weeks PNC and 55% (n=55) brought 8 weeks old babies either for weighing or for the two months immunisation from 28 April to 10 June 2014. The responses regarding the source of health education received were as follows: 40% lay counselors, 31% midwives, 15% doctors, 5% nurses without midwifery, 5% cadre unknown, 2% both lay counselors and midwives, 1% by a health education assistant and 1% was not health educated at all. Conclusion: The study revealed that HIV positive pregnant women received health education from different cadres of health and mostly by lay counselors. Literature indicates that lay counselors may give health information but at a very superficial level. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of antenatal health education on postnatal care (PNC) among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive women in Francistown city, Botswana. This study followed a quantitative research paradigm. Data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire from eligible women who consented in writing to participate in the study. Forty-five percent (45%) (n=45) HIV positive women came with babies for 6 weeks PNC and 55% (n=55) brought 8 weeks old babies either for weighing or for the two months immunisation from 28 April to 10 June 2014. The responses regarding the source of health education received were as follows: 40% lay counselors, 31% midwives, 15% doctors, 5% nurses without midwifery, 5% cadre unknown, 2% both lay counselors and midwives, 1% by a health education assistant and 1% was not health educated at all. Conclusion: The study revealed that HIV positive pregnant women received health education from different cadres of health and mostly by lay counselors. Literature indicates that lay counselors may give health information but at a very superficial level. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)

A needs assessment during 2000 guided the design of a buddy system in Botswana. Implementation of this care and support system for and by 39 HIV+ve female buddy-client pairs started in 2002. During April and November 2002, levels of disclosure, self-care, support and quality of life of buddy-client pairs and the controls (n = 38) were compared. Orem's self-care theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Cohen and Syme's conceptualisation of social support formed the theoretical framework. By November 2002, clients' disclosure levels, self-care for TB, and antiretroviral therapy adherence had improved. Higher income, higher education and older age predicted higher levels of self-care for antiretroviral therapy. The social support survey reported satisfaction with types of support available in November 2002 (N = 112). Clients' scores for self-care for TB, antiretroviral therapy and social support improved more than those of controls over the study period. The personal resource questionnaire measured perceptions of support: buddies' scores increased more than those of clients. Women on antiretroviral therapy completed the adherence attitudes inventory in April and November 2002 and reported a downward trend in adherence. Findings of the quality of life (SF 36) instrument showed that during the six-month study period, physical and mental health component summary scores improved but remained low (N = 112). During 2003 Botswana's community-based buddy-support programme was adopted by four other countries in Southern Africa in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of HIV+ve women in these countries. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

A needs assessment during 2000 guided the design of a buddy system in Botswana. Implementation of this care and support system for and by 39 HIV+ve female buddy-client pairs started in 2002. During April and November 2002, levels of disclosure, self-care, support and quality of life of buddy-client pairs and the controls (n = 38) were compared. Orem's self-care theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Cohen and Syme's conceptualisation of social support formed the theoretical framework. By November 2002, clients' disclosure levels, self-care for TB, and antiretroviral therapy adherence had improved. Higher income, higher education and older age predicted higher levels of self-care for antiretroviral therapy. The social support survey reported satisfaction with types of support available in November 2002 (N = 112). Clients' scores for self-care for TB, antiretroviral therapy and social support improved more than those of controls over the study period. The personal resource questionnaire measured perceptions of support: buddies' scores increased more than those of clients. Women on antiretroviral therapy completed the adherence attitudes inventory in April and November 2002 and reported a downward trend in adherence. Findings of the quality of life (SF 36) instrument showed that during the six-month study period, physical and mental health component summary scores improved but remained low (N = 112). During 2003 Botswana's community-based buddy-support programme was adopted by four other countries in Southern Africa in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of HIV+ve women in these countries. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)