This dissertation reports on a study undertaken to determine interventions that community libraries can engage in to improve HIV/AIDS awareness. Chapter One describes the background for the study by providing information portraying the background, research problem, aim and objectives -as well as the research methodology to be followed to ensure its successful completion. Chapter Two examines the social role and responsibility of the community library - with reference to HIV/AIDS awareness. International and national sources are used to establish what role the community libraries should play in providing resources for communal benefit. Chapter Three deals with HIV/AIDS awareness interventions currently engaged in by community libraries as well as proposed interventions. A list and description of intervention types is included. This list forms the foundation for the interview guide. Chapter Four describes the interview process. Chapter Five reports on the results of the interviews. Chapter Six provides an integrated summary of the findings from the literature review and those from the interviews in the Bojanala region. Chapter Seven concludes with a summary of recommendations and suggestions for possible further research. Essentially, the study consists of an examination of the social role and responsibility of the community library regarding HIV/AIDS awareness. An international and national literature review of the types of interventions that community libraries can embark upon to promote HIV/AIDS awareness amongst community members of all age groups. An investigation - by means of interviews with librarians/library workers in the Bojanala region - on what interventions are currently undertaken to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among the community of the Bojanala region. Recommendations regarding the types of interventions that community libraries in South Africa may provide to assist in enhancing HIV/AIDS awareness. The literature review identified the social role and responsibility of the community library; interventions currently engaged in by community libraries; and pointed the way for proposed HIV/AIDS awareness interventions that community libraries could embark on as part of their social responsibility role. It was clear from the national and international literature review that the community library - with its years of experience in information acquisition, organisation, dissemination and use - is a natural ally in supporting HIV/AIDS awareness. The aim of this investigation was to determine the social role and responsibility of community libraries in the promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness. The interventions that community library services could embark on to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. The researcher investigated the interventions that the Bojanala region could embark on to comply with the vision of the Department of Social Development (2002:9) ”that both the government and civil society as a whole develop well directed and purposeful programmes to tackle the HIV/AIDS pandemic.” This was done through face-to-face interviews with librarians/library workers responsible for managing community projects. Compared with the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in other regions and provinces (Northern Cape and Limpopo) with similar populations, the Bojanala region was identified as a region with a high HIV prevalence rate. The recommendations made by the researcher covered nine sections pertaining to HIV/AIDS interventions, namely: Users Policies HIV/AIDS information resources Collection Development Partnerships HIV/AIDS awareness programmes Interventions Promotion Staff training The recommendations that emerge from the research could be implemented in any community library in any given country with a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. / Information Science / (M. Tech. (Business Administration))

This study examined the role of the Anglican Church in the prevention of the spread of HIV and AIDS in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, using a random sample of 51 members of the Zoutpansberg parish. The study found that the Church currently contributes to the prevention of the spread of HIV among its congregation through HIV-related activities to reduce stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). At the same time, however, much still needs to be done in the areas of cultural perception, sexual practices, and myths surrounding HIV and AIDS. Most of the respondents indicated that they would like to see the Church play an active role in voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), marital counselling, and encouraging openness with regard to HIV and AIDS. It is recommended that the Church should extend its activities to include members of the community outside the congregation in the prevention of the spread of HIV and AIDS. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

This study applied the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and its extension, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the design of a workplace HIV/AIDS health promotion programme. The purpose of the study was to determine if the variables of the TRA and TPB would predict intentions to change HIV/AIDS health behaviour, whether a theory-based intervention would result in health behaviour change over time and if there would be any significant health behaviour differences among participants who received a theory-based intervention and those who received an information-only intervention. In a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study, 170 government employees were divided into two groups. One group comprised 92 employees who participated in a HIV/AIDS health promotion workshop based on the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour. The other group comprised 78 employees who took part in an educational information session about HIV and AIDS. An elicitation study was conducted with a sample of 38 employees from the research population two months prior to the commencement of the study. The findings of the elicitation study informed the design of research questionnaires and an intervention workshop. Both groups of participants (theory-based workshop and information-only workshop) were measured on HIV/AIDS health behaviour intentions and HIV/AIDS health behaviour (condom use, seeking HIV testing and monogamy) across three measurement periods over a six month period. The results of the study showed that the combined theoretical variables predicted intentions to use condoms and to seek HIV testing, with attitudes having the main effect on intentions. There was, however, no significant health behaviour change across the three measurement periods. There were also no health behaviour differences between the two intervention conditions at one month and six months post-intervention. The study concludes that the intervention based on the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour did not produce health behaviour change. The study also identified barriers to AIDS health behaviour in the South African context that the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour cannot explain. Ways in which the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour can be adapted to HIV/AIDS education in collectivist cultures are proposed. / Psychology / Thesis (D. Phil. (Psychology))

A structured questionnaire was used to survey the perceptions of programme coordinators, fieldworkers and beneficiaries of the role of church-based programmes in addressing HIV and AIDS in the inner-city of Durban. One hundred and ninety two respondents were recruited from seventeen churches. Findings indicate that fear of HIV- and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination abound. The material and spiritual roles of church-based programmes in addressing the needs of people infected with HIV and affected by HIV and AIDS were stressed by the respondents. Whereas programme coordinators were well informed about HIV and AIDS, information that can dispel fears about stigma and correct myths about HIV-transmission should be tailored to reach ordinary men and women. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the preventive aspects of church-based programmes in the Durban inner-city. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The AIDS epidemic affects the capacity of the South African public service to deliver essential services. In response, the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism in Limpopo implemented its HIV/AIDS workplace policy in 2003. This research evaluated the extent to which resources were allocated towards the implementation of the workplace policy, to effectively respond to the impacts of HIV/AIDS on the workplace. A combined quantitative and qualitative approach was used. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews of 43 officers involved in the implementation of the workplace policy, using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results indicated that the resources allocated for the workplace HIV/AIDS policy, namely budget, human resources and materials, were inadequate, with district offices being worse affected. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of life skills training as a preventive strategy for HIV and AIDS, for secondary school learners in one secondary school in the Moretele District of Mpumalanga. The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of learners’ knowledge about HIV and AIDS, and levels of teacher training in life skills, to assess how teachers’ and learners’ attitudes affect life skills training, to explore the perceptions of teachers and learners regarding the usefulness of life skills training in the prevention of HIV transmission and to assess the usefulness of the learning and teaching support materials (LTSM) used in life skills training. The study also investigated the challenges encountered by learners and teachers in life skills training in order to make recommendations for improvements. This is a qualitative evaluation study that involved qualitative focus group interviews, qualitative semi-structured interviews and qualitative observation. Sampling was purposive and it entailed 30 grade 9 learners and 2 grade 9 Life Orientation teachers. The Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory formed the theoretical framework for this study. The results of the study showed that the aspects which significantly benefited learners were: sufficiently acceptable levels of knowledge about HIV and AIDS, the use of other resources from the library, and development of positive attitudes of learners and teachers involved in life skills. Aspects of life skills training which demonstrated partial benefits for the learners were teacher training and involvement of parents and other health care professionals. However, aspects which were less developed were the learners’ and teachers’ knowledge and application regarding some skills needed for prevention of HIV infection / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV-AIDS)

The pathways to manhood for young adult African men in urban settings are based more on socio-economic demands than socio-cultural expectations of being a man. This study was a qualitative explorative research on the perceptions of HIV-prevention practitioners on the different pathways to manhood among young adult African men in urban settings in Gauteng, South Africa. From the findings it was clear that there are diverse socio-cultural and socio-economic pathways to manhood, including the media, older men, peers, religion and women. These pathways affirm, confirm, validate and value a man as a man and not a boy in urban settings such as cities and informal settlements in Gauteng. The research concluded that a great deal more could be done to ensure that men get involved in HIV-prevention programmes by ensuring dialogue on manhood and masculinities between men and men, and men and women. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Science)

This qualitative exploratory and descriptive study explored and described the experiences of HIV sero-discordant couples post diagnosis at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, Gauteng Province. Data was collected using in-depth interviews with each individual from seven HIV sero-discordant couples. Following thematic analysis, four themes emerged: immediate response to HIV sero-discordant results; challenges in relation to disclosure of HIV sero-status; limited information on HIV sero-discordant; and the impact of HIV sero-discordant on the couples. All these were mainly linked to poor counselling and inadequate support to HIV sero-discordant couples. The findings of this study have both clinical and policy development implications. Recommendations have been put forward for development of contextual relevant HIV Sero-discordant Couple Counselling and support guidelines focusing of enhancing knowledge and skills of health care professionals responsible for counselling and supporting HIV sero-discordant couples. / Health Studies / MA (Public Health)

Aims: The study was aimed at exploring adolescents‟ level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and the influence this knowledge has on their sexual behaviour. Methods: In total, 20 in- depth interviews were conducted from a group of 20 (both males and females) secondary school learners. The interviews were audio taped with consent from participants. Results: The results of the study showed that participants possess basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including methods of prevention and transmission. No serious misconceptions about modes of transmission of HIV were found in this study. Although, participants reported condom use, no sexual intercourse with multiple concurrent partners and no intergenerational sexual relationships, the findings revealed some risk factors such as early sexual debuts, early dating, multiple sexual partnerships. Conclusions: The aforesaid sexual behaviours and the sexual activeness among learners is a cause for angst. Thus, these findings highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to sexual reproductive health education by all interested parties in order to enhance and sustain behaviour change among young people. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This quantitative study was aimed at determining the value of the psychosocial services rendered by the staff members of the Godisanang OVC programme to OVC in Rustenburg in order to make recommendations on how these services could be improved. Fifteen caregivers, who were employed by the Godisanang OVC programme, were interviewed in October 2013. Data was presented in the form of statistics, tables and numbers. This study revealed that the psychosocial services that are rendered by the Godisanang OVC programme to OVC are of value. Therefore, it is recommended that the psychosocial services be extended to other regions of Rustenburg. / Health Studies / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)