M.A. (Psychology) / It is generally accepted that Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the most serious pandemic ever to threaten South Africa. Within the context of South Africa being an African country, this pandemic is dramatically increasing and establishing a pattern which will not only effect the health services in the future, but will also have a devastating effect on the economy of the country. The greatest impact of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is not only on the individual and his health condition, but also on the context within which the individual functions. Within this context, the family is affected and a reciprocal effect takes place, where the manner in which the family of the affected individual deals with his condition, may have a detrimental effect on his illness. To date limited research has been conducted to describe this condition and its impact on the family. This study was undertaken in order to deal with the problem. Two experimental groups were recruited, the reason being that these two experimental groups would largely cover the diversity of the field in which this condition occurs. The first experimental group consisted out of white homosexual males who were diagnosed as having AIDS and the second group consisted out of a group of black heterosexual males who were also diagnosed as having AIDS. Ten psychosocial variables were isolated in order to investigate the impact the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome has on family interaction. These were: depression, alienation, conflict within the family, cohesion within the family, meaningful interaction within the family, social interaction within the family, moral/religious emphasis within the family, impact of the disease on physical ability, the need for sleep and rest, and total sickness impact on the individual. An analysis of the data indicated that both white homosexual male subjects and black heterosexual male subjects displayed significantly more depression, less social interaction, a greater need for sleep and rest, and a decline in physical ability. Furthermore, the analysis also indicated a very serious impact on the individual's ability to function. Of exceptional importance was the fact that white homosexual subjects displayed significantly more alienation and increased conflict within their families than the black heterosexual subjects, while the black heterosexual subjects in turn experienced less significant interaction within their families

Magister Artium - MA / This study investigated the societal perception of refugee men as being a risk group, being polluted and the consequent risk of HIV infection they might face. It also determined the factors that could expose them to the risk of HIV infection while living in exile in South Africa. / South Africa

Despite good intentions and commitment from health providers, it is difficult for HIV positive pregnant women to access Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services (Skinner et al 2005:115). The aim of this research was to find out the extent to which socio-economic and cultural factors influence access to and utilization of PMTCT services. It appeared that despite having a legal plan and framework to ensure that PMTCT services are available and free, the realities confronting HIV positive women in South Africa as suggested by the literature contradicted this objective. Inevitably, these contradictions were identified as some of the main factors contributing to lack of access and inadequate utilization of PMTCT services. These factors were identified through a review of fifteen studies selected based on their relevance to the research aim. The findings were presented according to the following themes: Functioning of clinics, adherence to ART, uptake of VCT and infant feeding practices. According to research evidence, the major socio-cultural factors influencing access and utilization of PMTCT services include fear of stigma and discrimination which are related to cultural norms and practices. The socio-economic factors include transport costs, lack of food, medicines and formula milk which are all related to poverty and unemployment. The research also found that health system constraints such as long waiting times in clinics, stock-outs of formula milk, medicines and test kits influenced the utilization of PMTCT services by HIV positive women.

South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / The present study explores the personal narratives of eight gay South African men regarding testing for the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) which causes AIDS. The narratives are described within a social constructionist perspective. Two tape-recorded conversations were held with each of the participants in this study, all .of whom had never tested HIV positive. The elicited narratives are related to the men's ideas about HIV, AIDS and gay..sexual identity, and are situated in the South African context. In addition, a reflexive approach is used, farina as the narratives are related to the reflections of the research participants, the researcher and the supervisor about the research process. The narratives suggest that the gay men in the study see decision making regarding HIV testing as involving personal choice and individual responsibility. The participants seem well informed of safe-sex precautions necessary to prevent the transmission of HIV. However, in accordance with the research literature, they appear to employ individual heuristics which allow for unsafe sexual practices, usually in the context of long-term relationships. Empirical research is required in order to determine whether or not these findings can be generalized to the general population of gay South African men. The need for safe-sex education to take account of such individual heuristics is emphasized. In addition, it is suggested that gay men may benefit from assertiveness training which empowers them to decline engaging in sexual behavior which puts them at risk of contracting HIV.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that contribute to HIV and AIDS stigma amongst nurses at the Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital Complex in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the sources of stigma at the health facility, to determine whether attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge contribute to HIV and AIDS stigma, and to develop intervention programmes to reduce HIVrelated stigma. Method: A descriptive cross sectional survey using self-administered questionnaire was used in this study to describe factors that contributed to HIV and AIDS stigma. Data collection: The researcher collected data by means of a structured questionnaire and analysed the results with the assistance of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program. Results: The study revealed that negative attitudes and a lack of knowledge contributed to AIDS-related stigma. The study recommended that any stigma reduction programme should be implemented at three levels; namely at the individual, environmental, and policy levels. Conclusion: Fear of infection and lack of knowledge about HIV and AIDS fuel negative attitudes towards people living with HIV and AIDS. Education and training are necessary to mitigate stigma.

In this study the impact of the UNISA HIV/AIDS training programme on participants' learning and involvement in their respective communities was explored. The UNISA HIV/AIDS programme comprises Modules 1, 2 and 3. Module 1 focuses on orientation and background to HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling, Module 2 on HIV/AIDS counselling skills and Module 3 on train the trainer in HIV/AIDS education and counselling. This study focused only on Modules 1 and 2. Kirkpatrick's model of evaluating education and training programmes was used as a framework to evaluate the programme. Participants for the study consisted of 116 students who attended the UNISA HIV/AIDS Module 2 workshops between December 2005 and December 2006. The study was conducted in two phases, the first phase during the workshops, where participants were asked to indicate both quantitatively and qualitatively how they experienced Module 1 and Module 2 as well as what they learnt in the two modules. The participants' involvement in HIV/AIDS work prior and post Module 2 training as well as the aspects of the programme that are being applied within their work in the community was assessed during the second phase of the study, which took place during 2007. The results of the study indicate that the programme has successfully equipped participants with the necessary HIV/AIDS information and skills. The programme has further empowered participants to engage in HIV/AIDS education and counselling in their communities. Participants' attitudes towards the disease and towards those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS were challenged, resulting in less stigmatization and discrimination. The programme further challenged participants to start adopting health protective behaviours. The present study concludes that for HIV/AIDS programmes to be effective, they need to include, amongst other things, a well-researched basic HIV/AIDS factual information section, a component on attitudes and one on skills (particularly linked to behaviour change). These should be presented in an interactive way, engaging the participants in active learning. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

In this study the impact of the UNISA HIV/AIDS training programme on participants' learning and involvement in their respective communities was explored. The UNISA HIV/AIDS programme comprises Modules 1, 2 and 3. Module 1 focuses on orientation and background to HIV/AIDS Care and Counselling, Module 2 on HIV/AIDS counselling skills and Module 3 on train the trainer in HIV/AIDS education and counselling. This study focused only on Modules 1 and 2. Kirkpatrick's model of evaluating education and training programmes was used as a framework to evaluate the programme. Participants for the study consisted of 116 students who attended the UNISA HIV/AIDS Module 2 workshops between December 2005 and December 2006. The study was conducted in two phases, the first phase during the workshops, where participants were asked to indicate both quantitatively and qualitatively how they experienced Module 1 and Module 2 as well as what they learnt in the two modules. The participants' involvement in HIV/AIDS work prior and post Module 2 training as well as the aspects of the programme that are being applied within their work in the community was assessed during the second phase of the study, which took place during 2007. The results of the study indicate that the programme has successfully equipped participants with the necessary HIV/AIDS information and skills. The programme has further empowered participants to engage in HIV/AIDS education and counselling in their communities. Participants' attitudes towards the disease and towards those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS were challenged, resulting in less stigmatization and discrimination. The programme further challenged participants to start adopting health protective behaviours. The present study concludes that for HIV/AIDS programmes to be effective, they need to include, amongst other things, a well-researched basic HIV/AIDS factual information section, a component on attitudes and one on skills (particularly linked to behaviour change). These should be presented in an interactive way, engaging the participants in active learning. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

The study sought to analyse the perception of HIV/AIDs by clients attending a community clinic in Mutale area in Limpopo province by interviewing them as they are attending the clinic. The study sought to determine ideas, beliefs or images clients have as a result of how they see or understand HIV/AIDS. The major inferences drawn from this study are that clients still need information on the rights of HIV/AIDS client and the immune system. Feedback from the study is indicative of culture and beliefs playing a major role in diseases epidemic. / Health Studies / MA (HEALTH STUDIES)

This dissertation examines the participation of the church and Christians in the lives of women who are infected and affected by HIV/Aids in South Africa. To this end two Christian facilities; Sparrow Village and St Francis Care Centre, were examined in order to gain insight into the ethical issues of knowledge of patients and caregivers, the prevention measures being taught and the care facilities available to women in the plight in which they find themselves. A partial survey was conducted into the current policies and contributions by the church in an attempt to assess new ways to combat the disease. Medical information was examined as to what the virus is and how it is transmitted and reasons why women are particularly vulnerable to the virus. The dissertation seeks to understand practical ministerial ways in which the church should participate in women’s lives while being sensitive to the cultural, social and political and economic elements involved. / Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics / M.Th. (Theological Ethics)