This study was concerned with the social construction of HIV/AIDS at the policy level in contemporary South Africa, and how such constructions shape the manner in which the epidemic is understood in popular discourse.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

M.A. / This study was aimed at analyzing the involvement of social workers in AIDS/HIV education, by analyzing their knowledge about AIDS/HT V infection, attitude towards the disease and their level of participation in AIDS/HIV educational activities. The results of this survey indicate that although some social workers are relatively knowledgeable about AIDSTHIV infection and have positive attitudes towards the disease, they are not fully and actively involved in educational activities to prevent the spread of this disease. Very few social workers indicated that they are involved.

AIDS mortality, its linkages as a determinant and consequence of food security and its impact on natural resource utilisation by mainly rural populations, has not been well researched, especially their effects on rural livelihoods. With the high epidemic prevalence and persistent food insecurity, natural resources are and will continue to play a key role as a buffer against stresses and shocks in rural livelihoods. Determining linkages between household food security, adult AIDS mortality, and how these affect natural resource utilisation at the village level was the objective of this research. The overarching goal of sustainable natural resource utilisation in Agincourt Demographic Surveillance Site (DSS) was determined through three research questions outlined as follows; What is the status of food security, AIDS mortality and Natural resource utilisation in Agincourt?; What is the relationship between dependence on natural resources as a source of food and or livelihood to resource degradation?; and What are the household and community drivers of household food security? Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity and the reliance on natural resources while remote sensing was used to assess resource availability and identification of possible natural resource degradation hotspots. More than half of the population in the DSS is food-secure, in 2004, with an even smaller hungry population in 2007. HIV/AIDS and non-HIV/AIDS adult mortality, analysed at village level are underlying drivers and determinants, affecting availability of income which is a direct driver of food insecurity. Availability of income, through social grants, remittances or wages, and delay or non-receipt of this income results in food insecurity in some households. Food production, affected and constrained by climate variability, is a less stable and less popular means of attaining food. More than half of the Agincourt population utilises natural resources to supplement dietary diversity and household income, although there is a significant reduction in households using natural resources in 2007 compared to 2004. Resource degradation is noted in the village commons especially between the highly food-insecure villages and are identified as environmental degradation hot spots. The identification of synergies among these factors in policy design and for interventions is essential for poverty alleviation, improved health and sustainable utilisation of natural resources and rural livelihoods. Glory be to GOD for making this work possible “Commit your work to the Lord and then your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3) “Material poverty doesn‟t necessarily lead to a lack of capacity for creativeness and Inventiveness. Poor people survival by their wits and have much more to contribute to address complex problems than we tend to credit them with.” Dr. Maphela Ramphele (Destiny Magazine, 2010)

MA, Faculty of Humanities (Social Anthropology), University of the Witwatersrand, 2001

Although scholars have written extensively about the effects of interpersonal HIV stigma on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), there is a dearth of information about the psychological and behavioral impact of structural HIV stigma. The current study builds on previous work investigating the dual roles of structural and interpersonal minority stressors with a national sample of 234 PLWHA by testing an HIV/AIDS-specific expansion of minority stress theory grounded in the psychological mediation framework. Through bivariate correlations and structural equation modeling, the study examined relations between four sets of variables: (1) distal stigma-related stressors (i.e., HIV criminalization by state, HIV-related discrimination), (2) general psychological processes (i.e., social support, cognitive reappraisal), (3) group-specific processes (i.e., HIV criminalization belief, HIV stigma), and (4) mental/behavioral health outcomes (i.e., psychological distress, health-related quality of life). Results provide mixed support for a dual, mediated model of HIV/AIDS minority stress. Findings indicate mixed support for hypothesized associations. HIV criminalization by state yielded a significant negative direct and significant positive indirect association with psychological distress. HIV-related discrimination yielded direct and indirect associations with both health outcomes. With the exception of cognitive reappraisal, mediators demonstrated support for the psychological mediation framework among PLWHA. Implications are discussed in support of future HIV/AIDS minority stress research, as well as clinical and policy interventions.

Thesis (M. A. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2004. / The aim of this study was to explore the impact of culture on the prevention and reatment of HIV/AIDS amongst people in low-resourced areas like Malamulele. he study focused on the lifestyles, beliefs, attitudes and perceptions around ultural elements and practices, which might impact negatively on the prevention nd treatment of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. There were three groups of research espondents namely: learners from three high schools in Malamulele, some arents of the learners and the traditional/cultural leaders. The researcher ollected both qualitative and quantitative data. The data was gathered through he use of an interview schedule (questionnaire), focus group discussions and ound-table discussion sessions. The data was presented, analysed and nterpreted by means of tables and charts. t was found that people in low-resourced (rural) areas have little knowledge about HIV/AIDS, causes, symptoms and how the disease is transmitted. Despite the fact that awareness and educational campaigns and programmes are being rendered, people in low-resourced (rural) areas have little knowledge and needed skills about prevention and treatment of the pandemic. Polygamy and extra-marital relations by men is still highly valued and viewed at high esteem. Religious structures seem to be detached to the issue of HIV/AIDS as they mentioned that talking about HIV/AIDS is immoral and against their principles. The study also tried to explore the extent to which people in low-resourced areas view and use condoms as a protective means.

No description available.

Abstract not available

Graduation date: 1993