with Bishop Kevin Dowling, Bishop of Rustenburg, South Africa / McGuinn Hall 121

Limited research has been conducted on children’s understanding of HIV/AIDS despite its widespread practice in South Africa today. This study aimed to explore this area, specifically investigating institutionalised children’s understanding of HIV/AIDS Increased mortality rates have been seen as a result of the pandemic. In addition, children are seen as vulnerable to the impact of HIV/AIDS. While some children are directly affected by HIV/AIDS, having lost their parents to the epidemic, other children are infected with the virus. Taking this into account, it was deemed useful to explore how children have made sense of HIV/AIDS. The participants for the current study were between the ages of 8 and 14 years, and they were drawn from a children’s institution in a black community within South Africa. The participants engaged in story telling and drawing as means of communicating their understanding of HIV/AIDS. They participated in the following activities: Draw A Person (DAP), Kinetic Family Drawing (KFD), Draw a picture of a person infected with HIV/AIDS, Drawing a picture of HIV/AIDS, and completing Incomplete Sentences in relation to their understandings of HIV/AIDS. They also answered relevant questions in relation to all their drawings. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data, together with methods adopted from a study conducted by Wiener and Figueroa (1998). It was found that children have a basic understanding of HIV/AIDS, based on information they obtained from their educators, guardians, peers, and the media. Prominent themes arising from the findings are as follows: the visibility of HIV infection, the impact of HIV on relationships, HIV changing lives, preoccupation with death and dying, confusion about HIV/AIDS, and HIV and Morality. Generally, respondents were found to have a negative perception of HIV/AIDS. It was also found that although respondents seem to have some understanding of HIV/AIDS regarding modes of transmission, and ways of preventing transmission, confusion about HIV/AIDS was dominant.

ABSTRACT: Worldwide, social responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic have been largely negative, with widespread revulsion to the illness manifesting in hatred, discrimination, rejection, exclusion, marginalisation and fear of those infected, such that witch-hunts, harsh criminal legislation, seclusion camps and other extreme reactions to the illness have been seen (Cameron, 2005). South Africa, despite having enacted a number of laws and policies to protect the rights of people living with HIV/Aids, has not been immune from the negative social response to the disease, with many HIV-positive South Africans having recounted stories of how being HIV-positive has led to alienation from family and friends, difficulties in accessing education and healthcare services, job loss, emotion and verbal abuse, and even physical violence (Campbell, 2003; Preston- Whyte, 2004; Stadler, 2004; Stein, 2004). Negative social responses to HIV/AIDS can be seen as having a detrimental effect on the ability of affected communities to deal with the challenges posed by the disease. For example, fear of the shame and disgrace attached to HIV/AIDS is often at the root of the failure of people to undergo testing, to reveal their HIVpositive status, to seek out treatment and routinely take medication. Cases have been cited of HIV-positive women who continue to breastfeed, despite the knowledge that this may endanger their child, in order to avoid being identified as having HIV, and of HIV-positive people who continue to engage in unprotected sex, for the same reason (Campbell, 2003; Preston-Whyte, 2004). Thus, it is important to tackle the challenge represented by negative social responses to people infected with HIV/AIDS. In order to do so, it is necessary to understand the nature, causes and consequences of responses to the disease. Towards this, this research study has attempted to examine the factors shaping negative social responses to HIV/AIDS among a selected group of white South Africans. Factors that emerged as influential include notions of blame, deviance and morality, as well as pre-existing prejudices, particularly along racial lines.

A growing body of research exists that examines the nature of i n tervent ions aimed at educa ting adolescents in t e rms of HIV and AIDS (Campbell, 2003; Campbell & McPhail, 2002; Van Dyk, 2001). However, there appears to be a grave pauci ty of l i t e rature that explor es the impact of HIV and AIDS on adolescents’ psychological and emotional functioning. Adolescents who live in the af t e rmath following the death of a parent, or parents often have to deal with rejection from thei r community, and are often confronted with significant emo t ional, educa tional and psycho-social challenges. These cha llenges continue to pose enormous threat to the development of a healthy s e lf-concept (Foster & Germann, 2002). These adolescents continue to be marginalized as their voices remain largely s i l e n t in contemporar y research . Using a combination of Art therapy, and narr ative creation, twenty-eight adolescents participated in a group intervention intended to facilitate, empower and encourage meaning making processes, and to f ac i l i t at e both oral and wr i t ten communica tion about the i r exper iences of living wi th HIV and AIDS. Findings suggest that while adolescents living with HIV and AIDS continue to have significant emotional, physiological, and social cha l lenges on a daily basis, their stories espouse great hope, determination and resilience.

Student Number : 0002189H - MA(Clin) research report - School of Human and Community Development - Faculty of Humanities / This study explored the perceptions of loveLife counselors on how HIV and AIDS has impacted on adolescent sexuality. The study further examined whether loveLife counselors thought that HIV and AIDS had changed how adolescents expressed their sexuality. The counselors’ perceptions regarding adolescents’ use of condoms during penetrative sex, being faithful to one sexual partner or abstaining from sexual relationships were also explored. In-depth interviews were conducted with loveLife counselors to understand how they think HIV and AIDS has affected adolescents’ sexual behaviour. The sampling method utilized was the nonprobability, purposive sampling. The participants consisted of five loveLife counselors, who work with adolescents. Data was analyzed by means of thematic content analysis. The loveLife counselors’ believe that adolescents have changed their attitudes about how they express sexuality as a result of HIV and AIDS. According to the counselors, HIV and AIDS infection among adolescents have decreased. HIV and AIDS have a positive impact on how adolescents sexually conduct themselves. The counselors think that adolescents are taking serious the warnings against the dangers of HIV and AIDS. This is due to the fact that they are afraid of contracting the virus and consequently suffering from the stigma that people have attached to those who are infected with the virus. As a result of that fear, the perceptions of the counselors are that the majority of adolescents are using condoms during penetrative sex, while others are being faithful to only one sexual partner. According to the counselors in most cases female adolescents initiate condom use as a way of preventing pregnancy rather than as a protective method against contracting HIV and AIDS. Adolescents are, however, finding it very difficult to abstain from sexual relationships.

Faculty of Health Science SChool of Public Health 0112677r burmamtk@iafrica.com / The study aimed to evaluate IMCI guidelines, developed to assess children with Suspected Symptomatic HIV [SSHIV] as a screening tool for AIDS. OBJECTIVES 1. To look at the agreement between IMCI classification for SSHIV and WHO clinical case definition for AIDS using a retrospective record review of the same hospitalised children. 2. To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and likelihood ratios of the IMCI SSHIV criteria (Guidelines 2001), WHO clinical case definition for paediatric AIDS and Bloemfontein Proposed simplified case definition for paediatric SSHIV, using HIV ELISA results in children older than 15 months as a gold standard. METHODS The study involved 304 children in the IMCI age range who were admitted to the Edenvale Hospital during the study period and who met all the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These children were assessed with IMCI criteria and WHO criteria for AIDS. [Objective 1] The findings of 50 children above 15 months of age with ELISA results were compared using 3 sets of criteria. [IMCI, WHO and Bloemfontein proposed simplified case definition for paediatric SSHIV] [Objective 2] FINDINGS IMCI and WHO criteria for AIDS were the same in 158 [52%] of the 304 children. Almost all [22 out of 23 children] with WHO criteria for AIDS were also classified by IMCI criteria as Suspected Symptomatic HIV. [Objective 1] v IMCI criteria had the highest sensitivity [85.7%], while WHO criteria had the highest specificity [88%] based on ELISA results. [Objective 2] CONCLUSION Based on the above findings, IMCI criteria could be considered as a screening tool to select children aged 15 months and above for appropriate laboratory investigation for HIV infection confirmation in remote areas. WHO criteria for AIDS could be considered for exclusion of AIDS in children aged 15 months and above in remote areas where laboratory facilities are not available. In this study, reliable findings could not be obtained in children younger than 15 months.

Thesis advisor: S.J., James Keenan / HIV/AIDS is a serious global medical concern; its impact cannot be denied. Yet according to many it is not the disease itself that disturbs life most, but rather the psychological and social ramifications experienced by people living with HIV and AIDS through stigma and discrimination. Through an exploration of the stigma and analysis of case studies, specific demographics, expert studies, and theological discussions, this thesis seeks to argue that while success is possible, there is not enough being done for the eradication of AIDS-related stigma. It was found that the two most important fronts for this to happen on are education, specifically about the modes of HIV transmission, and through efforts of the church. It concludes that while eradicating AIDS-related stigma will not cure the disease itself, it will lead to healthier and affirming living for people with HIV/AIDS. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2012. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

Submitted by Haia Cristina Rebouças de Almeida (haia.almeida@uniceub.br) on 2015-05-06T12:09:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 61200926.pdf: 771040 bytes, checksum: dd3fb31e73ea4f61382c2d4ad0454274 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-06T12:09:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 61200926.pdf: 771040 bytes, checksum: dd3fb31e73ea4f61382c2d4ad0454274 (MD5) / Dada à importância da adesão ao tratamento para a sobrevida, e considerando o estigma associado à condição de pessoas vivendo com o HIV/AIDS compromete não apenas a sua qualidade de vida, mas também a qualidade da assistência à saúde. O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi analisar os efeitos dos processos subjetivos da visibilidade e da invisibilidade em pessoas soropositivas. A metodologia realizada é uma investigação qualitativa por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas individuais e com grupo focal em dois segmentos: instituição de saúde pública e ONG. Os resultados responderam que os efeitos subjetivos da visibilidade/invisibilidade para o HIV/AIDS comprometem o tratamento, a adesão e o modo de vida dos pacientes. A atuação política das ONGs é a principal rede legítima de apoio fundamental para os pacientes de HIV/AIDS, que trabalha para diminuir o preconceito, o estigma e o medo, fortalecendo os laços e a vivência de pertencimento à comunidade. Foi possível verificar nestes grupos que a doença na maior parte das vezes foi detectada através de outras doenças sintomáticas. Na visibilidade ainda permanecem as limitações subjetivas do medo da doença e da revelação da soropositividade, pois a visibilidade leva a danos associados aos direitos sociais e nas relações interpessoais. Faz-se necessário qualificar a assistência levando em consideração os aspectos subjetivos, sejam estes individuais e sociais, associados à vivência do HIV/AIDS. Espera-se com este estudo contribuir para a sensibilização do poder público e de profissionais de psicologia para a importância de sua participação no processo de cuidado, de modo a garantir melhoria na qualidade de vida de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-03-29T23:16:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-12-17 / The introduction of combination anti-retroviral therapy and the beginning of the program for free HIV treatment including free access to antiretroviral drugs had a significant impact in the reduction of HIV-related mortality and morbidity. However, the long-term use of antiretroviral drugs is still a great challenge and a substantial number of patients interrupt or abandon treatment. High adherence to the drug regimens is essential to achieve viral suppression, but it requires more from the patient than just taking the medicine as prescribed. It also means following doctors recommendations and making the necessary changes recommended in lifestyle. Access to information is seen as one of the factors that influence the patient's adherence to treatment. For the patient, as important as the desire and the motivation is the access to accurate and detailed good quality information, given in a way that makes it possible to understand and to recall it, favorably promoting their involvement in decisions related to their treatment. The objective of the present work was to find out what information HIV/AIDS patients have on antiretroviral drugs and where this information comes, to assess the need for more information and to measure the impact of oral and written information. The study was developed in a reference hospital for infectious diseases and was held in two stages. Results of the first stage show the following among the 195 respondents: 55.4% don t know what the action of the drug used in the body; 35.9% is unaware of the need to take antiretroviral drugs for life, and only 14.4% knows how to act properly in case of missing a dose. In the second stage three groups of 47 people were formed. The first group received a brochure with information on one specific antiretroviral drug and they were asked to read it; the second group received detailed oral information on the same drug and to the third group no additional information or brochures were given. The answers to the questionnaire show that the participants in the group that received oral information had highest percentage of correct answers for most questions. The results show that HIV/AIDS patients do not possess enough information about antiretroviral drugs and it also shows that oral information can be assimilated more easily to strengthen this need. / A introdução da terapia anti-retroviral (TARV) e o início do programa de acesso gratuito ao medicamento influíram significativamente na redução da mortalidade e morbidade relacionada com o HIV. Entretanto, o uso contínuo de medicação anti-retroviral ainda é um grande desafio e um número substancial de pacientes interrompe o tratamento. Aderir ou cumprir adequadamente o tratamento é fundamental para alcançar a supressão viral, mas requer mais do que apenas utilizar o medicamento como prescrito; implica em seguir as recomendações clínicas, realizar os procedimentos diagnósticos e de monitoramento recomendados e adotar as mudanças aconselhadas no estilo de vida. Acesso à informação é visto como um dos fatores que influenciam a adesão do paciente ao tratamento. Para o paciente, tão importante quanto ter força de vontade e motivação é ter acesso a informações precisas, detalhadas e de qualidade, que lhes sejam repassadas de uma maneira que possibilitem a compreensão e retenção das mesmas, facilitando seu envolvimento nas decisões relacionadas ao seu tratamento. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo conhecer que informações os portadores de HIV/aids têm sobre medicamentos anti-retrovirais e de onde elas provêm, avaliar a necessidade de mais informações e a influência da informação transmitida de forma oral e escrita. O estudo foi desenvolvido em um hospital de referência para doenças infecciosas e realizou-se em duas etapas. Os resultados da primeira etapa mostram que entre os 195 entrevistados, 55,4% não sabem qual a ação do medicamento utilizado no organismo; 35,9% desconhecem a necessidade de tomar medicamentos antiretrovirais por toda a vida e apenas 14,4% demonstram saber como agir corretamente caso percam uma dose. Na segunda etapa foram formados três grupos de 47 pessoas. Ao primeiro grupo foi entregue um folheto sobre o medicamento em uso e solicitada sua leitura; ao segundo grupo foram dadas explicações orais detalhadas sobre o mesmo medicamento e ao terceiro grupo não foi dada informação adicional alguma. As respostas ao questionário respondido pelos membros dos três grupos mostram que os participantes do grupo que recebeu informações orais obtiveram maior índice de acerto para a maioria das perguntas. A partir da análise dos resultados desse estudo, pode-se constatar o pouco conhecimento que os portadores de HIV/aids têm sobre medicamentos anti-retrovirais, ao mesmo tempo em que se verificou maior facilidade de assimilação da informação quando esta é transmitida de forma oral.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / Cartas al editor / Revisión por pares