In South Africa, HIV/AIDS takes the lead, and this is a serious health concern. Being a country that is mostly affected by this epidemic, various stakeholders such as international organizations, Non-governmental organizations, private organizations and government organizations have come up with a collaborative effort to manage the epidemic. Through various interventions, it has been noted that monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS remains underdeveloped. The purpose of this study was to investigate the monitoring and evaluation process implemented on HIV/AIDS programmes by the Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in a specific municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province. A quantitative, explorative and descriptive design was used. A self-developed questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Data was collected from November 2017 to March 2018. Seventeen (17) NGOs and a total of 83 respondents who met the inclusion criteria participated to the study. The results revealed that the NGOs in this specific municipality had some inconsistency in implementing and delivering M&E process on the HIV/AIDS programme. The results of the study indicated that the challenges and issues identified by the respondents affected the way they monitored and evaluated the projects they implemented. It was recommended that through training of staff to acquire skills for designing monitoring and evaluation plan for all projects and development of comprehensive M&E plan document that detailed the programme’s objectives, developed the interventions to achieve these objectives, the NGOs in this specific municipality will be able to improve their current monitoring and evaluation process implementing on HIV/AIDS management programme. The need for communication between programme planners and various funders on how to put in place a structured M&E plan for all the projects to be implemented in future and adequate resources to implement M&E processes and functions were highly recommended. / Health Studies / M. P. H.

This Dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the Master of Arts in Demography and Population Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, 2017 / Background: In South Africa, poor choice of contraception method or contraceptive failure has been noted as one of the key contributors to high rates of unwanted pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Contraceptive use is highly correlated with pregnancy and fertility intention. While research knows the role of contraceptive use in delaying conception and/or childbearing, what remains unknown is an understanding of whether the methods of contraception used by young women match their fertility intentions. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between fertility intention and method of contraception among young women (20-24 years old) South Africa. Methods: This study provides a secondary data analysis on cross-sectional data from the 19992002 Transition to Adulthood in the Context of HIV/AIDS survey. Given that the survey involved two waves of data collection in 1999 and 2002, the two respective datasets are pooled together to achieve a representative sample of 8 370 adolescents aged 14 – 24. However, because the population of interest is young women, further sample restrictions are performed and a weighted sample of 1,020 sexually active young women aged 20-24 years old is attained. A multinomial regression is adopted for this study because the outcome variable-method of contraceptioncomprises of three categories: (1) modern method (2) traditional (3) no method. As such, in establishing the relationship between fertility intention and method of contraception, three levels of analysis are carried out. Firstly, is a univariate analysis of the variables in the study, followed by a bivariate analysis using Chi2 to examine the association between predictor variables and method of contraception. Finally, a multivariate analysis producing the adjusted and unadjusted associations is conducted to examine whether a statistical relationship exists between fertility intention and method of contraception. Results: Of the 1,020 sexually active young women 20-24 years old years old in the sample, 77.8% do not use any method of contraception while 13.9% make use of modern methods and only 8.1% use traditional methods of contraception. There was no significant association found between fertility intention and method of contraception. Among young women that intend to have three or more children in their lifetime compared to those that intend to have 1-2 children, the relative risk of using a modern method of contraception compared to not using any method of contraception is expected to decrease by a factor of 0.620 (95% CI=0.351,1.095; P>0.05). However, positive associations were found between relationship status and method of contraception as well as between place of residence and method of contraception. Among young women that have steady partners compared to those that are single/not in a relationship, the relative risk of using a traditional method of contraception compared to not using any method is expected to decrease by a factor of 0.274 (95% CI=0.122, 0.617; P<0.05). Furthermore, among young women living in rural areas compared to those in urban areas the relative risk of using a modern method of contraception compared to not using any method is expected to decrease by a factor of 0.499 (95% CI=0.300, 0.831; P<0.05). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that fertility intention cannot be used as the sole predictor of the choice of contraception used by young women. Rather, there are prevailing and contextual demographic and socio-economic factors that intervene this relationship and influence women’s adoption of any method of contraception. Notably, the limited access to healthcare centres; ambivalent feelings about pregnancy as well as misconceptions and perceived side effects of contraception influence the poor use of modern methods of contraception. To address the high rate of unwanted pregnancy among youth in South Africa, it is advisable that policies and programmes assist young women to become decisive about their fertility intentions and provide them with the necessary support and resources to access contraceptive methods that will assist them in achieving their fertility goals. / XL2018

The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has been felt by nations throughout the world. It is a well-known fact that the AIDS epidemic is catastrophic in sub Saharan Africa, which heads the list of the most affected regions. As the epidemic imposes a strain on the already limited resources, a better understanding of the disease is continuously being sought out. This understanding is enhanced with better information dissemination. The present research aims to assist the information requirements of HIV/AIDS researchers in the country through a bibliometric study. The present study comprised an investigation of the patterns of authorship and publications of academic institutions in the sciences, medical institutions and affiliated organizations in South Africa, focusing on HIV/AIDS literature for the two decade period, 1982-2002. Published literature in the sciences and medicine from three internationally recognised databases were used for the assessment. They were: AIDSearch, lSI Science Citation Index Expanded and MEDLINE (OVID). A total of 2 281 documents formed the basis for the assessment. The results of the study are presented, as are their consequences for researchers and policy makers. Some recommendations are provided for the developers and designers of databases. The results of the study demonstrate exponential growth in the literature as might be expected. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the disease, research is scattered in a variety of discipline-based journals. Researchers publish mainly in journals and the South African Medical Journal is the most productive in the field of HIV/AIDS. Collaboration in research on the subject is evident. The results also demonstrate that South African researchers are fast becoming internationally recognized in the field of HIV/AIDS research. The Medical Research Council emerged as the leader in South Africa's research efforts on HIV/AIDS. Of the academic institutions, the University of the Witwatersrand is the most productive institution, followed by the University of Natal. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

This research project is based on the key assumption that in order to slow the rate of HIV infections amongst young men (and women) it iscrucial to direct interventions towards changing the constructions of masculinity which put adolescents at risk of HIV infection. As such, this study investigates the constructions of masculinity and masculine identity positions that are evident within the narratives of a small group of young black, white and coloured male university students. The research participants were engaged in a limited number of individual, semi-structured interviews. This report draws attention to the fmdings that have arisen from an analysis of the initial two interviews, the first of which revolved around photographs taken by the participants in order to illustrate what it means to be a young man in contemporary South Africa. An important finding is that there are numerous commonalities as well as differences in the constructions of masculinity that exist amongst these young men. A sense of uncertainty and ambivalence regarding the nature of masculinity is also common. Situated with an emphasised masculinity, various risk-taking behaviours, such as the consumption of alcohol in large quantities, visible affluence, a compulsory heterosexuality, and strength, in diverse forms, are identified as common constructions of masculinity. All of these young men define their sense of masculinity through the adoption of subject positions in relation to and in opposition to young women and other young men. The male peer group is a particularly significant site for masculine identity construction. A further key finding is that a number of these young men are able to reject one or more hegemonic norms of masculinity, yet are apparently able to maintain a sense of masculine acceptability. This finding has direct implications for the design of future research as well as of interventions around HIV/AIDS. As such, this thesis draws attention to the range of strategies utilised by these young men to maintain an adequate sense of masculinity in the face of non-conformance to particular hegemonic norms. Although these young men identify predominantly with the dominant, hegemonic norms of masculinity, there are multiple, often contradictory, subject positions that they occupy in relation to these norms and standards. As a result, this study raises questions for those involvedin similar research as well as for those designing interventions in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

In the history of public health vaccines have proven to be among the most effective disease prevention tools. It is clear that in the fight against HIV that new and powerful preventive technology such as a vaccine is badly needed. Ethically, however the processes of developing a vaccine against HIV have been distinctly different from that of any previous pharmaceutical products. HIV vaccine trials can be ethically complex for a number of reasons. In 2004 the HIV I AIDS Vaccine Ethics Group undertook a research initiative that aimed to collect data from various South African stake holders of HIV vaccine trials to ascertain what they perceived as the ethical challenges related to HIV vaccine trials. A quantitative content analysis on the data from 31 semistructured interviews revealed that the ethical issue listed spontaneously by most of the respondents was that of informed consent. Further probing and discussion on informed consent identified a number of sub issues which the respondents thought would pose important challenges to HIV vaccine trials in the South African context. This study undertook to do a more in-depth qualitative analysis of the data to ascertain whether the challenges and concerns the stakeholders have are consistent with or different to those already identified in the literature and ethical guidelines on informed consent in medical research. What variables may be impacting on the position stakeholders take was also of interest. Results indicated that many concerns relating to the substantive and procedural elements of informed consent were consistent with those debated in the literature. These issues related to first person consent, the voluntariness of participants' consent, practicing cultural sensitivity, dealing with language issues, promoting and assessing understanding of material disclosed, issues around the vulnerability of .. participants, children and adolescents' capacity to consent and the role of the media. More specific to the South African context, stakeholders were concerned about the legal framework under which the trials take place, the general lack of education and training about HIV vaccine trials, a lack of communication and coordination between stakeholder groups, and the historical influences of apartheid on black South African participants' capacity to consent. The main variables that appeared to impact on the position stakeholders took related to the role the stakeholders play within the trials, the philosophical position underpinning their ethical viewpoints, stakeholders' understanding of vulnerability and capacity to consent, and how they view the universality or relativity of ethical issues. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The number of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide is estimated at 42 million. HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in Sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa and has serious consequences for individuals as well as for South Africa’s health resources and economy. In the light of the pandemic the understanding and planning for HIV/AIDS is of increasing importance, particular with reference to a subgroup of the South African population, its youth. The aim of this study is to analyse the knowledge, awareness and perception levels of undergraduate students at the University of Stellenbosch regarding HIV/AIDS. Close-ended questions on a 4-point Lickert scale was electronically submitted through the e-learning system, WebCT to 800 randomly selected students of whom 206 completed it. Results indicated that students had a high awareness and perception level about HIV/AIDS. However students obtained a low percentage on questions relating to their factual knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Recommendations for future research in the area of HIV/AIDS within the context of tertiary education are proposed.

HIV and AIDS have historically been associated with homosexuality and promiscuity (especially among blacks), evoking blame and stigma. The implication of sex in the spread of HIV and AIDS complicates matters as traditional ideas of pollution and contamination are evoked. These attitudes translate into a lack of support for people infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Moreover, such attitudes result in the stigmatisation of those people, leaving them with a poor self-image. Stigmatisation also leads to secrecy and non-disclosure of the disease allowing it to spread rapidly. This thesis deals with the issue of stigmatisation due to HIV and AIDS, looking specifically at the two congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) in KwaZulu-Natal province. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This research undertook to establish how the YMG in KWT circuit become fruitfully involved in the prevention of HIV and AIDS. It is argued here that the YMG is strategically situated in the church to address issues in the Xhosa-Christian culture that exacerbate the spread of HIV. These include issues like maleness and gender inequality, safer sex practices and the place of condoms and the promotion of sex ethics. The YMG is historically a centre for peer education, resilience in suffering, and morale building. It was the YMG that enabled the church to stand and strategise against apartheid. It is therefore a suitable space for Aids debate, education, and strategising on prevention methods. The YMG is also a well-to-do forum for airing the voices of the Xhosa Christian men on AIDS issues. It is, as well, a good support forum for addressing treatment and bereavement in an allempt to demythologise the Aids disease. However, it is the submission of this research that the YMG needs certain focusing in order to become fruitfully involved in prevention efforts. It is therefore recommended that the age disparity within the study circles of the YMG be resolved in order to create openness and comradeship. The membership of YMG at the present stretches from 17 years to 70 years. Members of YMG with this age disparity cannot talk freely on sexuality and HIV unless the groupings are systematised. There is also the need to bring on board such church leaders in the circuit so as to address morality and sexuality within the Methodist doctrinal perspective. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

The driving force behind this study is to unconventionaly state that the cultural anthropological insight of Zulu people and pastoral - theological practice of Christianity can contribute in the sadness caused by mv - AIDS. This calls for conversion, transformation and healing of the many factors that confront the society. Hence a need of ownership on issues that confront Africans as they engage in global affairs. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

Leprosy in biblical times was a stigmatised skin disease. It was not an easily recognisable skin disease because any skin disease was suspected of being leprosy . However leprosy as a skin disease could not be hidden , because it showed quite easily . People who had contracted leprosy were considered impure and unclean and were cast out of society. Today however, we have a cure for people with leprosy and it is not considered a terminal disease. However, we have indeed an incurable disease, namely AIDS. My question is, how do we consider people with AIDS today, especially women. Are they being treated as unclean, even though we cannot see the disease, or are they also the outcasts of our society today? My guess is that women are the victims today, as much as they were in biblical times, rather than the perpetrators. Women living with AIDS today is what motivated me to investigate the ancient biblical times to see how women at that time coped with an incurable disease in a society that treated them as outcasts. Thus , my study will focus on women with leprosy in ancient biblical times , but also will include a section on women with AIDS today for the sake of relevance. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.