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The major purpose of this study was to ascertain the opinions of school board members about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as it relates to the curriculum of America's public schools and employment and other policies governing those schools. The presence of the AIDS virus in the general population presents school board members throughout the nation with potentially volatile choices to be made about dealing with this infectious disease in the public school setting. In addition to the opinion survey, data were also gathered from this national sample of school board members about practices already in place related to sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS. Descriptive research methodology was utilized in this study. A nationwide sample of school board members was identified from the list of subscribers of The American School Board Journal using a stratified random sampling technique. Of the approximately 25,000 subscribers who are school board members, the researcher surveyed an 18% random sample by means of a mailed questionnaire. The study was sponsored by The American School Board Journal, published by the National School Boards Association, the national professional organization for school board members in the United States. / Ed. D.

AZT (3'-azido-2’, 3’-dideoxythymidine) has been shown to prolong the survival of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and decrease the severity of opportunistic infections. Such studies have prompted the use of AZT to treat symptomless individuals infected with HIV in the hope of delaying or even preventing the progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, before chronic use of AZT in symptomless individuals is initiated, it is important to establish whether this anti-viral drug would directly alter the phenotype and functions of the cells involved in the immune system. In the current study, we observed that AZT when administered orally for 7 -14 days into DBA/2 mice at 500 - 1000 mg/kg body weight induced a dose-dependent decrease in cellularity of the thymus. AZT caused significant alterations in the thymus resulting from a significant decrease in the number of double-positive (CD4⁺CD8​​⁺) cells and an increase in the number of double-negative (CD4⁻CD8⁻) cells. Interestingly, after the i.p. administration of interleukin-2 (IL-2) simultaneously with AZT, the total cellularity of the thymus was completely reconstituted. We also observed that AZT effectively suppressed the in vivo T cell response to conaibumin and gp120 of HIV. Furthermore, the addition of AZT to in vitro cultures caused a dose-dependent decrease in T and B cell proliferative responses to mitogens at 50μM or greater concentrations. Also, AZT inhibited the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes when added to the culture and this inhibition was reconstituted by the addition of exogenous IL-2. Together, our studies demonstrate that AZT modulates the phenotype and function of cells of the immune system which, in turn, could have marked repercussions on immune responses of the host toward infections and cancers. Also, our data demonstrating that AZT can suppress T cell responsiveness against HIV antigens caution against chronic use of AZT in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals. / Master of Science

Body composition parameters were measured in 48 males with AIDS who were classified as being HIV positive-asymptomatic (HIV+), HIV positive - Kaposis sarcoma (KS), and HIV positive -opportunistic infections (OI). The major conclusions derived from this study were based on the evaluation of body weight (BW) , body fat (BF) and body cell mass (BCM) alterations that were directly measured. Values for extracellular supporting tissue were inferred. The values for BCM were obtained from K-40 measurements and anthropometric measurements were used to obtain BF estimates. K-40 analysis and anthropometric measurements were performed in accordance with established methods. As expected, a difference in body composition parameters was detected among groups. The KS and OI groups had similar BCM levels. There was a small but significant decrease in BCM values when the KS and OI groups were compared to the HIV+ group. The OI group had lower BW and BF values compared to the other groups. However, the values for BF, BW and BCM from this sample were higher than anticipated. The results support the contention that body composition parameters change as the disease progresses, but that clinically stable individuals with HIV infection may be able to preserve or replete normal body stores. / Master of Science

A detailed nutritional assessment was carried out on thirteen patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Estimates of body fat and skeletal muscle were measured using triceps-skinfold, mid-arm circumference, mid-arm muscle area, and creatinine height index. Body weight was compared to standards for height and sex. Serum albumin and transferrin levels were measured to estimate visceral protein stores. The average Kilocalorie and protein intake was assessed from four day records and compared to estimated Kilocalorie and protein needs. The findings of this assessment showed decreased skeletal and visceral protein stores that can be characterized as a mixed type of malnutrition, or marasmic-kwashiokor. Protein intake was also shown to be inadequate when compared to estimated protein needs for stress and/or infection. This could contribute to diminished protein stores and muscle wasting. / M.S.

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Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Masters in Public Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / South Africa is facing a universe challenge in managing HIV/AIDS epidemic as it is the worst affected country in the world with the largest number of people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. While significant numbers of stakeholders have come on board to help the South African government fight the disease, the setting up of effective and efficient Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems has been a challenge. The study focussed on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) managing HIV/AIDS in the uMngeni Local Municipality. NGOs normally operate using resources from funders who in turn requires robust accountability of their fund utilisation. Robust accountability can only be achieved by reporting with the aid of an effective and efficient M&E system. The aim of the study was to evaluate the current M&E systems of NGOs implementing HIV/AIDS programs in the uMngeni Local Municipality; investigate the reporting mechanism of NGOs implementing HIV/AIDS programmes; identify monitoring and evaluation challenges faced by NGOs implementing HIV/AIDS programmes in the uMngeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu Natal; and to make recommendations for the improvement of M&E implemented by NGOs. A questionnaire was distributed to senior managers at NGO’s in the uMngeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The data collected were analysed with SPSS version 22.0.The results were presented in the form of graphs and cross tabulations, with other figures being used for data collected from open ended questions. The study revealed that NGOs managing HIV/AIDS in the uMngeni Local Municipality face a number of challenges including a lack of statistical skills; a shortage of qualified staff; a lack of M&E knowledge; a dearth of M&E systems within organisations; inadequate resources; a lack of commitment by staff members; poor stakeholder involvement; poor quality data; and a lack of appropriate M&E tools. The results of the study also revealed that NGOs managing HIV/AIDS programmes in the uMngeni Local Municipality were not referring to best practices when managing M&E systems for their programmes. Recommendations were drafted using the findings of the research, literature reviewed and best practices for monitoring and evaluating HIV/AIDS programmes. It is highly recommended that through more effective capacity building, NGOs managing HIV/AIDS programmes in the uMngeni Local Municipality will be able to improve existing M&E systems. Designing of the M&E plan along with stakeholder involvement is also crucial in managing HIV/AIDS M&E systems. The allocation of adequate resources for M&E activities should be prioritised for approximately ten percent of the total programme budget. Indicators should be carefully selected and aligned to collect relevant data. NGOs managing HIV/AIDS in the uMngeni Local Municipality could also monitor and evaluate programme activities on a regular basis. They should also have a standard of operation procedure (SOP) for data quality management. Emphasis on programme data quality could also be an action point for effective management of HIV/AIDS M&E system and this can be further strengthened by conducting data quality audits. Finally, NGOs managing HIV/AIDS programmes in the uMngeni Local Municipality should disseminate M&E findings to stakeholders and use data to make informed programme decisions. / M

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / NO ABSTRACT / INTRODUCTION: All over the world there are millions of desperate people who seek refuge in other countries and so these countries are all affected by the situations of refugees. These people we call “refugees” are human beings who leave their countries and cross borders to find a place to secure their lives. The realities of the refugees are at the same time global, regional or local. They are in fact treated differently depending on the policies of the countries of refuge though they might, to some extent, be treated in the same ways according to the UNHCR charter. Whilst they run for their lives, they face all other challenges of life that affect the globe and the countries of refuge.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS places much stress on those living with the disease. An understanding of the processes of stress and coping and how these relate to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can inform the nature of services we offer to PLWHAs. Social support has been shown to playa mediatory role in the stress response and is also considered to be a problem-focused coping strategy. This paper presents an overview of the literature on stress, coping and social support with the aim of assisting healthcare workers to understand how these issues relate to HIV/AIDS and to show how healthcare workers, and, specifically psychologists can use their unique competencies and skills to enhance the quality of life of PLWHAs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIVNIGS plaas baie druk op mense wat met die siekte moet saamleef. Insig rakende die prosesse van spanning en hantering daarvan en hoe dit verband hou met mense wat met MIVNIGS moet saamleef, het die potensiaal om die aard van die dienste wat aan die spesifieke populasie gelewer word, in te lig. Sosiale ondersteuning blyk 'n bemiddelende rol te speel in spanningsresponse en word ook beskou as 'n probleemgefokusde hanteringsmeganisme. Die betrokke werkstuk bied 'n oorsig van die literatuur rakende spanning, hantering en sosiale ondersteuning. Dit is gefokus daarop om bystand te verleen aan gesondheidsorg werkers om hulle insig te gee hoe hierdie kwessies met MIVNIGS verband hou. Dit poog ook om aan te toon hoe gesondheidsorgwerkers en spesifiek sielkundiges, hul unieke bevoegdhede en vaardighede kan benut om die wat met MIVNIGS moet saamleef, se kwaliteit van lewe te verryk.