This thesis examines the reception of material developed by Soul City: Institute for Health and Development in South Africa and distributed in four Sub-Saharan countries: Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia. Soul City is the focus of considerable resource, research and media attention in South Africa. The study thus critically assesses Soul City's efficacy in neighbouring states, such as Lesotho. The focus of the study is on Choose Life; a booklet intended for 12-16 year olds and assesses its reception by the target group in Lesotho. The study investigates how message-decoding practices of the target audience in Lesotho will bear on a product originally designed for a South African audience. The sample's interpretation of the Choose Life booklet is therefore assessed to determine the extent to which their reception produced 'preferred', negotiated or aberrant meanings. Therefore Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding model (1980) offers the theoretical framework upon which the reception of Choose Life is analysed. Development communication models are also used to explain the role of Soul City as the agent and Youth in Lesotho as beneficiaries in the implementation of the project. Results established by this study indicate that there is need to conduct extensive formative research of target audiences and also involve beneficiaries in projects intended for them. Different readings of the booklet were observed which were attributed to age, gender, place of residence (Urban or rural), cultural and communication barriers . This means these factors were supposed to have been considered by Soul City prior to the Choose Life intervention. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

Voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV is an effective and important strategy for prevention, care and support. The study examines factors affecting utilization of VCT among pregnant women in Lesotho. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was employed. The quantitative part of the study utilized the 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey data and the qualitative study drew on data from focus group discussions among women attending antenatal clinics in Maseru and Leribe. The majority of pregnant women have never been tested for HIV/AIDS. Married women were less likely to go for VCT as compared with those who are not married. The study also established that place of residence, education and marital status were significantly associated with knowledge of HIV/AIDS and ever been tested for HIV. Stigma and discriminations and fear associated with HIV testing were highlighted as the main factors hindering the use of VCT services among pregnant women. However, knowing one’s status in order to access early treatment was the main reason for utilizing VCT. The VCT promotion programme for pregnant women in Lesotho has to focus on enhancing positive perception of VCT and alleviating perceived barriers related to the use of VCT services. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world. Several studies that were carried out suggest that there is a negative impact of HIV and AIDS on the health sector. This impacts directly on health care providers as they are the first point of contact for ill people. This study seeks to explore the impact of HIV and AIDS on health care provision looking at the perception of health care providers. Qualitative methods were used for collecting data from the health care providers. Two focus group discussions were conducted and ten in-depth interviews were conducted in three health care facilities in Lesotho. Audio tapes were used to record the interviews and thematic analysis was utilized to analyse the data. The results showed that the workload has increased due the increased number of people who seek health care services. There is also a shortage of staff in facilities which leads to health workers having to work extra hours. The study further indicated that there is lack of knowledge among health care providers regarding the management of HIV and AIDS. Consequently, the health care providers fear the risk of contracting HIV from their patients. In addition, the results revealed that the poor infrastructure at the facilities hinder health care providers from performing their duties effectively. The other concern was the lack of support structures from the management. Furthermore, stigma and discrimination emerged as the major problems for providers as work and home. As a result, the health care providers are stressed and suffered from burnout. There is a need for further research on the impact of HIV and AIDS on health providers. Government should take more responsibility for encouraging students to enroll at health training institutes. The curriculum should include an emphasis on HIV and AIDS and workshops on HIV and AIDS should be held. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of approaches used to mitigate the negative impacts of HIV and AIDS at workplaces in Lesotho using Thetsane Industrial Area as a case study. Garment industries in Lesotho are faced with a serious threat due to the HIV and AIDS prevalence in the country. A huge number of the labour force is leaving firms due to increased morbidity and mortality associated with HIV and AIDS. In view of this, this study investigated approaches used in managing HIV and AIDS in the workplace. In order to optimize the accuracy of the research results, a triangulation research method was utilized. The results indicate production levels to have improved since the advent of the Apparel Lesotho Alliance to Fight AIDS (ALAFA). The findings suggest ALAFA to have taken over the responsibility of HIV and AIDS prevention and management, especially in the garment industries, providing HIV and AIDS victims with all the necessary services needed to keep HIV and AIDS under control. These findings therefore suggest overdependence on ALAFA by the garment industries for HIV and AIDS management. The findings also imply that garment industries had no resources in the form of human capital specializing in the knowledge of HIV and AIDS management from the individual garment industries. Despite the fact that HIV and AIDS still spreads at an alarming rate, the larger implications of this research’s findings, especially relating to the serious challenge faced by the garment industries of losing their labour force to HIV and AIDS, is that the pandemic has lately become manageable given that there are now ARVs and ART to be used as treatment by HIV and AIDS victims. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University,2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS among different organizations in Lesotho and how they respond to the challenge; and to determine whether these organizations respond positively/effectively to the challenge of the pandemic in their respective organizations and whether they have developed workplace programmes and policies which address the issue, and if they do exist, whether they are effective. Lesotho is one of the countries in the world with a very severe HIV/AIDS infection rate. It is estimated that 28.9% of the entire population was living with HIV/AIDS as of December 2003 (UNAIDS, 2004). The increasing number of HIV/AIDS infectees in the country is affecting the entire labour force; therefore to effectively respond to the pandemic, the government of Lesotho and its development partners and civil society organizations are doing everything within their means to control it. Therefore, work place programmes that deal with HIV/AIDS on the work environment should be an answer to the social capital issue; the most valuable resource being human capital, since the programmes would promote prevention, information, education and training. It would also promote the rights of staff members and their dependants living with and/or affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The population where the investigation was done is made up of corporate places of work stratified into five types of organizations found in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho: o Non-governmental organizations o Private sector o Development partners ( Diplomatic Missions/Donors) o Parastatals o Government The results of the study indicated that the majority of these organizations have workplace programmes and policies which are effective and appreciated by the employees, while others are in the process of drawing up their policies or already have them in draft form. Despite all the efforts being put in place, the feeling among some of the organizations is that HIV infection in Africa will continue to increase because of the way it is being addressed; what they call ‘The Western way’. They feel that if it is addressed situationally, not academically, there will be a slight difference. For example, they claim that Africans do not feel comfortable about bringing their private behaviours in the open; for instance, speaking about sex and sexuality. The belief systems of the Basotho are also identified as great influencers in the pandemic. These include the culture/traditions, relations with the family and pressure from peers, people whom we trust and the fulfilment of women's sexual desires. The conclusion reached is that the different organizations in Lesotho address the challenge of HIV/AIDS positively and in others effectively, and with more effort the pandemic could be brought under control in the near future. The recommendation after viewing the findings, is that the issue of care and support, stigma and discrimination are still issues that need to be worked on, since employees are scared to know their status due to fear of being stigmatized. Therefore, the above cannot be addressed properly unless they are seen in practice. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is 'n ondersoek na die impak van MIV/Vigs op, en reaksie van verskillende ondernemings in Lesotho. Volgens beraming is die infeksiekoers van Lesotho 28.9% en is die invloed daarvan op die werkersmag beduidend; dit kan selfs katastofies raak indien dit nie doeltreffend aangespreek en bestuur word nie.. Data is versamel by by vyf kategorië van ondernemings in Maseru ten einde te verseker dat al die belangrikste sektore deur die studie betrek word.. Resultate toon aan dat die meeste ondernemings wel werksplekprogramme en MIV/Vigs-beleid in plek het. Die persepsie van werkers binne die ondernemings wat in die ondersoek gebruik is toon egter 'n negatiewe prognose ten opsigte van die doelteffende bestuur van die pandemie. Die gevoel is dat die benadering te reglynig en "Westers" is en dat die metafore en tradisies van Afrika meer effektief in voorkomingsprogramme sal wees. Voorstelle in hierdie verband word gemaak. Voorstelle vir meer doeltreffende voorkomingsprogramme word gemaak en voorstelle vir verdere studies in Lesotho word aan die hand gedoen.

A quantitative approach was used to investigate the stigmatization of HIV positive clients in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The study population included 5200 HIV positive patients who enrolled for ARV in government clinics. A randomly selected sample of 520 clients responded through a questionnaire and interviews. The statistical package (STATA version 9) was used to analyze data. The objectives of the study were to explore the type and level of stigmatization of HIV-positive clients and to describe ways in which health workers in the PHC can reduce the stigmatization of HIV-positive clients at the clinics. The findings revealed that types of stigmatization included separation, isolation, labeling and discrimination. Ways to reduce the stigma within a community based primary health care facility included educating people living with HIV on how to protect themselves from multiple infection, providing effective counselling to clients and families maintaining confidentiality, and using change strategies to change attitudes of health care providers. The integration of HIV-related activities is a strong recommendation and the importance of the consistent availability of ARV treatment was emphasized. / Public Health / M.A. (Public Health)

A quantitative approach was used to investigate the stigmatization of HIV positive clients in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The study population included 5200 HIV positive patients who enrolled for ARV in government clinics. A randomly selected sample of 520 clients responded through a questionnaire and interviews. The statistical package (STATA version 9) was used to analyze data. The objectives of the study were to explore the type and level of stigmatization of HIV-positive clients and to describe ways in which health workers in the PHC can reduce the stigmatization of HIV-positive clients at the clinics. The findings revealed that types of stigmatization included separation, isolation, labeling and discrimination. Ways to reduce the stigma within a community based primary health care facility included educating people living with HIV on how to protect themselves from multiple infection, providing effective counselling to clients and families maintaining confidentiality, and using change strategies to change attitudes of health care providers. The integration of HIV-related activities is a strong recommendation and the importance of the consistent availability of ARV treatment was emphasized. / Public Health / M.A. (Public Health)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An alarming rate of HIV/AIDS in the country has compelled the Government of Lesotho to make changes in the labour act; to accommodate HIV/AIDS in the workplace. In order to assist businesses in complying with the labour Act requirements, the Government put in place guidelines, aimed at assisting businesses in the development and implementation of workplace HIV/AIDS policies and programmes. However, it has been observed SMEs have not been utilising these guidelines. The purpose of the study therefore is to establish the level of knowledge SMEs have about the Government guidelines; to determine whether they have existing workplace HIV/AIDS policies; and establish the challenges SMEs face in using the guidelines to implement workplace HIV/AIDS policies and programmes; with the purpose of providing guidelines for support in the implementation of workplace HIV/AIDS policies. The results show 46.7% and 46% of employers and employees respectively is not aware of the guidelines. There were only five managers who indicated they have policy in place. Only 21 employees were aware of the existence of HIV/AIDS workplace policies at their work. There were various challenges that were stipulated by the SMEs. Some businesses pointed out they did have the expertise and financial strength to develop and implement HIV/AIDS workplace policies. Further it was stated the guidelines were not clear, therefore could not be put in practice. It is therefore essential to ensure training is provided to SMEs and their employees; to ensure they do understand what is required of them. It is also imperative to make sure those who are in financial need are also assisted. The other important aspect that needs to be addressed during training is why HIV/AIDS should be treated as a workplace issue. This will enlighten SMEs on the importance of developing and implementing workplace policies and programmes. Thus they will understand the benefits of effective management of HIV/AIDS in the workplace; which can be brought about by effective HIV/AIDS policies and programmes. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘n Kommerwekkende koers van MIV/VIGS in die land het die Lesotho regering gedwing om veranderinge in die Arbeids wet aan te bring, om sodoende MIV/VIGS in die werkplek te akkomodeer. Om besighede te help om die Arbeids wet se riglyne na te kom, het die regering sekere riglyne in plek gestel wat daarop gemik is om MIV/VIGS programme te ontwikkel en implementeer in die werkplek. Dit is egter opgemerk dat KMG ondernemings nie die riglyne toe pas nie. Die doel van die studie is dus om vas te stel wat die vlak van kennis die KMG’s het in verband met die regering se riglyne; of hulle enige bestaande MIV/VIGS beleide in plek het en om die eise wat die implementering van die riglyne om ‘n MIV/VIGS beleid in die werkplek stel. Die doel is dus om die riglyne te voorsien wat die implementering van werkplek MIV/VIGS beleid ondersteun. Die resultate toon dat 46.7% en 46% van werkgewers en werknemers onderskeidelik, nie bewus is van die riglyne nie. Daar was slegs 5 bestuurders wat aangedui het dat daar wel ‘n beleid in plek is. Net 21 werknemers was bewus van die MIV/VIGS beleid by hul werk. Verskeie uitdagings is deur die KMG’s uitgewys. Sommige besighede het aangedui dat hulle wel die kennis en finansies om die MIV/VIGS beleid te ontwikkel en te implementer. Verder is ook aangedui dat die riglyne nie duidelik is nie en daarom nie geimplementeer kon word nie. Dit is daarom noodsaaklik om te verseker dat opleiding verskaf word aan die KMG’s en hul werknemers, om te verseker dat hulle verstaan wat van hulle verwag word. Ook is dit noodsaaklik dat persone wat finansiele hulp benodig ondersteun moet word. ‘n Ander belangrike aspek wat aangespreek moet word tydens opleiding is hoe MIV/VIGS behandel moet word in die werkplek. Dit sal vir KMG’s verlig hoe belangrik die ontwikkeling en implementeering van werkplak beleid en programme is. Sodoende sal hulle die voordele van effektiewe bestuur van MIV/VIGS in die werkplek, wat deur effektiewe MIV/VIGS beleid en programme te weeg gebring kan word, beter verstaan.

Adherence to long-term medications has remained a problem among adolescents worldwide. Antiretroviral therapy adherence is a wide-reaching challenge among HIV positive adolescents. The aim of this study is to explore and describe poor ART adherence among HIV positive adolescents in Maseru: influential factors and the need of social work support. Qualitative approach was used, following an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The research was conducted at BCMCOE Lesotho. Data was collected by using semi-structured in-depth interviews and purposive sampling was applied to select a sample of adolescents who are HIV positive and who have poor adherence to ART. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell 2003). Guba’s model (in Krefting 1991) was employed for data verification. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made about factors influencing adherence of adolescents to ART and support needed from social workers. / Social Work / M.A.(S.S.)