Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis critically analyses the appropriateness and effectiveness of the ABC model in the HIV/AIDS prevention within the context of Swaziland. According to Louw (2008:423), the ABC model stands for the following: A = Abstinence, B = Be faithful and C = use Condoms. According to Green and Herling (2007:1) the ABC model has gained the attention of many countries. The attempt of this model in HIV prevention was to “aim at empowering people through value-based programs to basically abstain from sex as long as possible, to be faithful to one intimate partner and to use condoms correctly and consistently” (De la Porte 2006:79). The assessment of the HIV/AIDS virus in 1983-1984 came as a shock. It was difficult for the church to know at that time how to respond. Some of the responses pointed to the virus as punishment of God. Gradually the church started to become involved in the pandemic. From a Christian spirituality perspective it was argued that the so called ABC model could be viewed as a means of remedy within a prevention approach. The cultural issues as well as human sexuality factors have been discovered to be an obstacle in the ABC model in playing a progressive role in Swaziland. The cultural factors that prevent the ABC model from accomplishing effective results are listed in the final report of (Whiteside et al. 2006: 18-19): bunganwa (having multiple sexual partners; a cultural practice of male married and unmarried to have many girlfriends); kungenwa (levirate or wife inheritance); a widow is given in marriage to marry the brother of her deceased husband without the consent of the women which exposes women to the HIV virus. This practice is done without the consent of the women. Kujuma (occasional overnight visits between unmarried lovers); kuhlanta (a young girl bearing the children of her infertile sister); kushenda (extramarital relationships); kulamuta (a man having a sexual relationship with a younger sister of his wife); and sitsembu (polygamy, one man with more than one wife); this is a common cultural practice found in many African countries due to gender inequality (Chitando 2009:26). This has led to Swaziland being seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS virus (Rupiya 2006:66). The high rate of infection is frightening in a small country with a population of 1 million. As Bishop M, Mabuza, the Anglican bishop indicated, the nation‟s existence is threatened. (Rosenow 2011: 32). Therefore the researcher proposed a pastoral model which gives dignity to human and adds the spiritual dimension of healing in the pastoral care and counselling. There is an urgent need for church leaders to be empowered to face the HIV/AIDS with knowledge that the pandemic is not a punishment for promiscuous people. The theology of sexuality emphasises the responsibility in every sexual engagement for people to be conscious to whatever decision they take. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie navorsing word die toepaslikheid en effektiwiteit van die ABC model in die voorkoming van MIV/Vigs binne die konteks van Swaziland krities ontleed. Volgens Louw (2008:423) staan ABC (in Engels) vir: A = Onthouding, B = Getrouheid aan een maat en C = Die gebruik van kondome. Die navorser, ‟n geordende predikant van die Evangeliese Lutherse Kerk, bespreek die erns van die voorkoms van die MIV/Vigs-infeksie in Swaziland. Empiries is bewys dat Swaziland een van die lande in Sub-Sahara en die wêreld is met die hoogste infeksiekoers (Rupiya 2006:66). Dit is ernstig in ‟n klein landjie soos Swaziland met ‟n bevolking van slegs 1 129 000. Die pandemie het ‟n impak op alle gemeenskappe in die land en bied‟n groot uitdaging vir die Kerk in Swaziland. Die vraag is hoe die Kerk, in haar pastorale bediening, die ABC model kan gebruik om die globale poging te steun om te verhoed dat MIV/Vigs versprei. Hoe kan die konsep van die ABC model toegepas word sodat die Kerk, as hulpgewende gemeenskap, kan sorg vir die siele van die gemeentelede (cura animarum) en effektief inligting omtrent die ABC model kan versprei en uitreik na MIV-positiewe mense? Die navorser stel voor dat daar verandering moet kom in die gesindheid van die Kerk en dat daar ‟n herkonseptualisasie van die voorkomingstrategie en die Skrifverklaring van menslike seksualiteit moet wees. Die Kerke in Swaziland moet hulle houding verander. Daar moet baie meer openlikheid wees sodat sosio-kulturele kwessies openlik bespreek kan word. Daar moet ‟n kritiese herbepaling wees van die tradisies en die kerkbeleid rondom menslike seksualiteit en hoe dit betrekking het op die MIV/Vigs-pandemie.

Thesis (M Social Work (Social Work))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 have been identified as being the most significant target grouping affected by HIV and AIDS in the world. South Africa has one of the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rates and has adopted two broad strategies to curb the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The first strategy is costly involving anti-retroviral treatment which the government has only been able to roll-out to a very few HIV positive people. Currently in a depressing global economy, international donors are finding it difficult to increase funding for HIV and AIDS, more particularly as the poor countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Southern Africa have been mostly affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The second strategy is an HIV and AIDS prevention strategy with the primary aim of keeping citizens free from contracting the HI virus. Although this strategy is a comprehensive strategy where governments embark on large-scale campaigns of raising HIV and AIDS awareness, there is very little scientific evidence that these campaigns have brought about a significant decrease of HIV and AIDS prevalence amongst young people. Raising awareness does not necessarily lead to positive behavioural change. Most young people in South Africa attend high schools where HIV and AIDS life-skills education has been made as a compulsory component of the life orientation curriculum. In South Africa, a National Aids Council has been established in South Africa to co-ordinate HIV and AIDS interventions and develops national HIV and AIDS policies aimed at curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS at a national level, yet the HIV and AIDS prevalence amongst young people has not significantly abated. On their own, governments cannot address all the socio-economic needs of their citizens. Partnership need to be formed with Non-government organisations and a broader range of stakeholders to address the spread of HIV and AIDS. Youth workers from NGOs currently implement HIV and AIDS preventative peer education programmes at high schools as part of the South African government’s broad strategy of HIV and AIDS prevention amongst young people. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of youth workers who were employed at NGOs implementing HIV and AIDS preventative peer education programmes at high schools. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative approaches in the research design. A literature review was conducted to research aspects of the study such as the features of NGOs, high schools as a setting and the role youth workers played when implementing HIV and AIDS preventative peer education programmes. Books, articles, journals, the internet and peer education manuals of NGOs all produced relevant information pertaining to the subject of HIV and AIDS prevention amongst young people. Twenty youth workers from three NGOs that is currently implementing HIV and AIDS preventative peer education programmes was purposively sampled, to be primary respondents of an empirical study. The researcher conceptualised and constructed an interview schedule with pertinent qualitative and quantitative questions based on the literature review. After the questionnaire was piloted with three youth workers, the interviewing process ensued. A considerable amount of time was spent on analysing and interpreting the data. Various themes emerged pertaining to different aspects of the programme. An empirical investigation was concluded with various results. Some of the research findings were in accordance with the literature review which supported the view of several authors that peer education programmes were an effective strategy for HIV and AIDS prevention amongst young people. Based on the literature study and the empirical study, various recommendations were made to improve the implementation of the HIV and AIDS preventative peer education programmes at high schools. One of the most significant revelations of the empirical study was how important the proper selection and recruitment of peer educators were to the success of the peer education programme. The research findings point to a strategy that encourages the nominations of learners from each classroom so that they could represent their classes and deliver lessons in a much more practical way than is currently being done. Another equally important finding was the management role that NGOs need to play in enabling the appropriate resourcing, monitoring, evaluating and improvement of the sustainability of the organisation and subsequently enriching the experience of youth workers who implement effective HIV and AIDS preventative peer education programmes at high schools as part of a broad strategy for HIV and AIDS prevention amongst young people in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Jong mense tussen die ouderdom van 15 en 24 is geïdentifiseer as die belangrikste groep wat deur MIV en VIGS geraak word. Suid-Afrika het een van die hoogste voorkomskoerse van MIV en VIGS en gebruik twee breë strategieë om die MIV en VIGS-pandemie te beteuel. Die eerste strategie is duur en behels teenretrovirale behandeling, wat die regering nog net aan klein aantal MIV-positiewe mense kon verskaf. In die huidige slegte globale ekonomie word dit vir internasionale skenkers toenemend moeilik om befondsing vir MIV en VIGS-behandeling te verhoog, veral omdat dit die arm lande van besuide die Sahara en veral Suidelike Afrika is wat die meeste deur die MIV en VIGS-pandemie geraak word. Die tweede strategie is MIV en VIGS-voorkoming, met die primêre doel om te keer dat landsburgers die HI-virus kry. Hoewel hierdie omvangryke strategie is waarvolgens regerings grootskaalse veldtogte onderneem om bewussyn van MIV en VIGS te verhoog, is daar min wetenskaplike bewyse daarvoor dat hierdie veldtogte tot noemenswaardige vermindering in die voorkoms van MIV en VIGS onder jong mense lei nie. ‘n Verhoogde bewussyn lei nie noodwendig tot positiewe verandering in gedrag nie. Verder is die meeste jong mense in hoërskole waar opvoeding in MIV en VIGS-lewensvaardighede verpligte komponent van die lewensoriënteringskurrikulum is. In Suid-Afrika is ‘n Nasionale Vigsraad geskep om MIV en VIGS-bekampingsprogramme te koördineer en om nasionale MIV en VIGS-beleide te ontwikkel wat gemik is op die bekamping van die verspreiding van MIV en VIGS op nasionale vlak. Nietemin het die voorkoms van MIV en VIGS onder jong mense nie noemenswaardig afgeneem nie. Regerings kan nie op hulle eie al die sosio-ekonomiese behoeftes van hulle burgers vervul nie. Vennootskappe met nieregeringsorganisasies (NRO’s) en ‘n breë reeks belanghebbers word benodig om die verspreiding van MIV en VIGS aan te spreek. Jeugwerkers van NRO’s implementeer tans voorkomende portuuropvoedingsprogramme by hoërskole as deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse regering se breë strategie van MIV en VIGSbekamping onder jong mense. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die ervaringe van jeugwerkers betrokke by NRO wat MIV en VIGS-voorkomende portuuropvoedingsprogramme in hoërskole implementeer, te ondersoek en te beskryf. Die navorser het kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe benaderings in die navorsingsontwerp gebruik. Literatuurstudie is onderneem om aspekte van die studie na te vors, soos die kenmerke van NRO’s, hoërskole as ligging en die rol van jeugwerkers in die implementering van MIV en VIGS-voorkomende portuuropvoedingsprogramme. Boeke, artikels, tydskrifte, die internet en portuuropvoedingsriglyne van NRO’s het almal relevante inligting verskaf oor die onderwerp van die voorkoming van MIV en VIGS onder jong mense. Twintig jeugwerkers van NRO wat tans MIV en VIGS-voorkomende portuuropvoedingsprogramme aanbied is deur doelgerigte steekproefneming vir empiriese ondersoek geselekteer. Die navorser het ‘n onderhoudskedule gekonseptualiseer en opgestel met pertinente kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe vrae wat op die literatuurstudie gebaseer is. Die vraelys is op drie jeugwerkers getoets, waarna daar met die onderhoudvoering voortgegaan is. Baie tyd is gebruik om die data te analiseer en interpreteer. Verskeie temas het na vore gekom wat met verskillende aspekte van die program verband hou. Empiriese ondersoek is onderneem, met verskillende resultate. Sommige van die navorsingsbevindings was in lyn met die literatuurstudie, wat die siening van verskeie skrywers ondersteun het dat portuuropvoedingsprogramme effektiewe strategie is vir die voorkoming van MIV en VIGS onder jong mense. Op die basis van die literatuurstudie en die empiriese studie is verskeie aanbevelings gemaak om die implementering van MIV en VIGS-voorkomende portuuropvoedingsprogramme in hoërskole te verbeter. Een van die belangrikste bevindings van die empiriese studie was hoe belangrik die behoorlike seleksie en werwing van portuuropvoeders in die sukses van portuuropvoedingsprogram is. Die navorsingsbevindings wys ook op strategie wat die nominasie van leerders in elke klaskamer aanmoedig sodat hulle die klasse kan verteenwoordig en lesse op baie meer praktiese manier aanbied as wat tans die geval is. Ewe belangrike bevinding was die bestuursrol wat NRO’s in die instaatstelling van gepaste hulpbronne moet speel, asook in die monitering, evaluering en verbetering van die volhoubaarheid van die organisasie en in die verryking van die ervarings van jeugwerkers soos hulle voortgaan om effektiewe MIV en VIGS-voorkomende portuuropvoedingsprogramme in hoërskole aan te bied as strategie vir die voorkoming van MIV en VIGS onder jongmense in Suid-Afrika.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Community Medicine / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

This research study is a qualitative appraisal of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Strategy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). It critically analyses the strategy in order to ascertain its gender consciousness or gender sensitivity in the context of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia. The basic motivation for this study is based on the idea that many if not most of the responses aimed at dealing effectively with the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Ethiopia have so far not addressed the underlying problems related to gender which are fuelling the spread of the HI virus. The study is guided by an overarching feminist ecclesiology, the gendered conceptual intervention to HIV and AIDS proposed by Geeta Rao Gupta, and Orthodox and feminist Trinitarian theology as a theoretical framework within feminist theology. These approaches were chosen because of their common focus on the unity and equality of humanity regardless of gender, social and religious differences. One of the major highlights of this study is that it has succeeded in bringing forth links between gender issues and HIV and AIDS; poverty and HIV and AIDS, and economic, social and cultural factors that fuel the spread of the HI virus; as well the historical, philosophical and cultural influences that perpetuate the oppression of women. Another important highlight of this study is the identification of theologies within EOTC that can help diffuse the tension created by the above mentioned negative influences. These theologies include the Trinitarian theology for example, and are life affirming for women because they transform and empower women to ensure their full humanity and equality, giving them the means to avoid being infected by the HI virus, and/or allowing those who are already infected and affected to live with dignity. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

This study used the Health Belief Model to examine the predictors of AIDS preventive behavior. The independent variables were the variables of individual perception, modifying factors (psychological variables), and likelihood variables. The respondents, the Taiwanese students of the University of North Texas, were influenced both by Chinese sexuality and Western values in their AIDS-risk behavior. The results revealed that 90% of the respondents were misinformed on the availability of AIDS vaccine. In addition, a majority of the students were either abstaining from sex or practicing monogamy. Using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis, this study found that the psychological variables rather than cognitive variables significantly influenced the respondents' AIDS preventive behavior. Finally, suggestions were made for future research on AIDS, and for AIDS preventive behavior campaigns.

This paper focuses on boys and young men's attitudes, knowledge and practices with regard to pregnancy and HIV infection. The objective of the study is to ascertain how boys and young men perceive the risks of pregnancy and HIV infection. The study further investigates the strategies which the sexually active respondents considered as appropriate, practical and effective in coping with these risks. The study was based on the secondary data which was extracted from the transitions to adulthood survey conducted in KwaZulu Natal during 2001. The analysis was restricted to young men aged 14 to 24 years. The major findings from the study revealed that young men did not perceive themselves at risk of HIV infection. Overall, respondents were fairly knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and knew where to access condoms, how HIV is contracted or transmitted etc. Findings also indicated that many respondents regarded pregnancy as a matter of great concern. Many respondents perceived pregnancy as highly problematic and were concerned to protect themselves against this risk. The major finding for this study revealed that the majority of sexually active young men used condoms for preventing both pregnancy and HIV/AIDS; while some also used various contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. A major factor promoting consistent condom use was the perception of pregnancy as highly problematic. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006.

This study investigates male sexual behaviour and protective practices in the context of a generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique. It focus on how gender norms, particularly notions of masculinity influence sexual behaviour and the ability of men (and women) to protect themselves against HIV infection. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is used in this study. The qualitative data comes from 16 focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews and the quantitative data comes from a survey conducted with 209 men and 217 women. This methodological approach has proven useful in exploring complex and sensitive matters such as sexual behaviour. In this study, where it was possible, the findings from the survey were supported by quotes from focus groups discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study reveal that traditional gender norms, particularly rigid notions of masculinity are still prevalent in the study settings. The existing notions of manhood are mostly associated with traditional views of men as providers and main breadwinners. In contrast, women are seen as the family caregivers. Practices which bring social prestige both in the community and in the society at large are highly valued for men. Meanwhile, traditional notions of masculinity face enormous challenges in the existing socio-economic context which is characterized by a lack of employment and widespread poverty. This has negative consequences for male self-esteem including their sense of manhood. The study shows that some men believe that having multiple sexual partners is part of male identity and is supported by culture. Similarly, some women also believe that a man cannot be satisfied with one partner or stay long without having sex. These beliefs have important implications in a country with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The study found that traditional notions of manhood prevent men from accessing correct health information thereby perpetuating the cycle of harmful practices for themselves and their females partners. The findings of this study suggest that despite a universal awareness of HIV infection and protective strategies, multiple sexual partnerships and unprotected sex among heterosexual men and women are the driving force sustaining the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the study settings. This is worsened by the widespread negative meanings attached to condoms. The study shows that the level of condom use (31 percent among men and 20 percent among women) is encouraging but not sufficient to curb the level of HIV infections. Consistent condom use remains a major challenge as much fewer men and women report using condoms in all their sexual encounters. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

The spread of HIV/AIDS in South Africa has evoked many responses from the national government, Non-Governmental Organizations and the church. There are many reasons why the church should respond to this challenge of HIV/AIDS and join hands with the worldwide effort to provide care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS in our society. As the epidemic increases, many people in South Africa are falling sick, suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually and many are abandoned and desolate. Men, women, young people and children are dying; families and communities are severely affected socially and economically. This thesis examines the response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) to AIDS and suggests a more adequate strategy to deal with HIV/AIDS. First, it examines the incidence and· impact of HIV/AIDS, noting the emotional, physical and socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS. Secondly, this thesis develops a theological response to AIDS. The involvement of ELCSA is examined via research into six parishes in the Umgeni circuit of the South Eastern Diocese (Kwa-Zulu Natal). It argues that a seven-fold framework best describes the sort of strategy needed to fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS. This seven-fold framework includes the following: AIDS education, AIDS counseling, Livelihood support for people living with HIV/AIDS, Advocacy for the people living with HIV/AIDS,Pastoral and practical care for people living with HIV/AIDS, Helping the bereaved families during funeral arrangements and providing grief counseling, and Support systems for AIDS orphans. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Gender is inherent in all patriarchal cultures given that women and girls in these societies are relegated to a significantly lower status than men and boys. Many researchers acknowledge the importance of addressing gender inequality in order to adequately understand and address HIV and AIDS transmission and prevention. However, there remains in this area a more direct focus on the specific cultural attitudes and practices that expose women and girls to HIV infections. Professionals in the educational field need to specifically address gender norms and roles and their influence on young people’s sexual behaviour, particularly, with regards to risky behaviour that often has consequences for women and young girls. Sexuality is part and parcel of young girls’ experiences through adulthood which is manifested in personal friendships, relations and social interaction. These encounters constitute sites within which sexual identities are developed, practiced and actively produced through processes of negotiation. As a result of societal influences, these encounters vary immensely between boys and girls because gender inequality has a significant impact on choices available to women and girls, which are often constrained by coercion and violence. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in a high school in KwaMashu, North of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, the study investigated ways in which young girls (16-17) give meaning to sexuality, sexual risks and how gender is embedded within these meanings. The study answered three critical questions: What do young girls regard as risky sexual behaviour? Why do young girls engage in risky sexual activities? How is gender connected to sexual risk? Data came from participants’ focus group discussions and indepth interviews with 12 young girls. The study revealed that through social and cultural practices some young girls construct complex gendered relations of domination and subordination that position boys and girls differently, often creating gender inequalities and sexual vulnerability for those gendered as girls. Young girls’ vulnerability is characterised by confusing experiences coupled with silences from their parents’ side about sexuality. The distinctive experiences are complex tensions and contradictions surrounding constructions of sexuality that are predicated upon unequal power and gender relations characterised by coercion, ukuthwala and the control of young girls’ sexuality and gendered experiences that put young girls at risk of contracting HIV and AIDS. The study recommends that parents must communicate with young people (boys and girls) about sexuality. There should be policies that are put in place by all the education stakeholders to address issues of sexuality and gender imbalances within schools. This will help young people to develop the skills needed to adequately negotiate safe sex, avoid risky behaviour and coercive situations, help young people to maintain healthy relationships and address vulnerabilities and promote gender equality and equity in our society. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

Today. the pandemic of HIV/AIDS has become a serious challenge especially in developing and underdeveloped nations. For this reason, all nations, different health institutions and nongovernmental organizations are investing their wealth to increase public awareness on the seriousness of this pandemic disease. Media institutions also play an unparalleled role in controlling HIV/AIDS through educating the society. HIV/AIDS is a great threat both to South Africa and Eritrea as they are part of the Sahale Sahara of Africa. That area is highly affected and infected by the pandemic. It is certain that media have been used to disseminate information in the society about HIV/AIDS in both countries. This study attempts to identify the nature of communication strategies that are employed against HIV/AIDS by Radio Ukhozi FM in South Africa and Radio Dimitsi-Hafash Programme Tigringa in Eritrea. The study attempts to identify the communication formats that both radio stations utilize to increase public awareness about HIV/AIDS. It also examines whether both stations are using Entertainment-Educational communication strategies to disseminate HIV/AIDS messages. Furthermore, the study assesses target audience participation; both stations assessment of their programme and scheduling of HIV/AIDS awareness messages. Finally, it attempts to single out the challenges that both stations encounter in designing messages for combating HIV/AIDS in their respective communities. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.