This pioneering investigation is based on a longitudinal research, expanding over a 3 year period, exploring the Psychological and Social aspects of infertility and infertility treatment on Persian (henceforth referred to as Iranian) infertile couples attending infertility clinics in Tehran. In phase 1 of the investigation an 85-item questionnaire in Farsi (Persian) was developed and validated, based on a four point Likert-type scale measuring the following factors: Psychological Distress, Social Extroversion, Marital Satisfaction, Attitudes Towards Modem Medicine and Religious Beliefs. In phase 2 of the investigation, lasting over a period of two years, the above 85-item questionnaire was administered at three time phases, namely: initial assessment (when patients first attended the clinic for the purpose of diagnosis of their problem), during In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment (24 hours before egg collection), and a week after an unsuccessful treatment cycle. The same questionnaire was also administered to fertile couples (the control group) attending the clinics for routine and non-fertility related treatment at three time phases (about three weeks between each administration). The data from the patient group (n = 37 couples) and control group (n = 10 couples), together with data obtained from the general population (n = 197) i.e. those who responded to the items for the purpose of validating the questionnaire (norms), was subjected to statistical analysis. In comparison to norms and control group, infertile patients were more psychologically distressed. This finding is true for both men and women investigated. The degree of this psychological distress, however, is significantly greater for women than for men. Standard Multiple Regression Analyses of the infertile patients' data showed that the main predictors of psychological distress were gender, marital satisfaction, attitudes towards modem medicine, and religious beliefs. F or female patients, marital satisfaction was a significant predictor of their psychological distress. Marital satisfaction was the main contributing factor to the socially withdrawn behaviour of the patients. In phase 3 of the investigation, a year after data collection, examination of patients' notes showed that 7 out of the 37 infertile couples eventually had successful IVF with a term pregnancy. Results of a Stepwise Regression Analysis showed that the degree of psychological distress was the main predictor of pregnancy. In particular, couples who eventually conceived scored lower on psychological distress measures than those who did not. These findings are discussed in line with comparable reported literature on a mainly Western population, and implications of the findings for future research and counselling of infertile patients are outlined.

The integration of mental health services into primary health care and the shift toward community- and family-based care for people with chronic mental disorders have been widely advocated globally (Breen, Swartz & Flisher, 2009:327). This resulted in people with mental illnesses staying within their communities during their recovery, accessing care mainly from their family members and secondarily from health care professionals within communities. Families predominantly relied on cultural African explanations for disease and illness, which usually motivated the choice of treatment options (Curationis, 2002). Unfortunately, most clinicians are not adequately trained to understand how culture influences the clinical manifestation of mental disorders (Breen et al., 2009:327). This sometimes results in people consulting African healers who are considered to understand illnesses much better. It is for the above-mentioned reasons that the study seeks to explore the cultural beliefs of parents as caregivers of adult children living with schizophrenia. The study is expected to extract insightful information regarding the cultural beliefs in relation to metal illness to promote a better understanding of the phenomenon with the African cultural sphere. The goal of the study was to explore and describe the cultural beliefs of parents as caregivers of adult children living with schizophrenia in a community day care centre in Klipgat. The data was collected through non-probability purposive sampling. Rich, in-depth data was collected through semi-structured interviews from a random sample of 12 participants selected from the enrolment list of attendees at Mfihlakalo Day Care Centre. The research findings indicate that there is an evident existence of cultural beliefs that perceive the cause of mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia, as birth complications, communication from ancestors, witchcraft or stress. Mental health care users are as a result excluded from society and labelled as aggressive and abnormal. The families of mental health care users have a positive perception of their family members living with mental illness, regarding them as special people suffering from natural diseases, birth complications, and lack of nurturing. The research study concludes that even though the communities have negative perceptions of mental illnesses, the situation has vastly evolved through the years. Educational and awareness strategies have played a role in educating families and communities about mental illnesses, although the exposure has been noted as minimal. The research study suggests strong and effective psycho-educational programmes and support to promote knowledge empowerment and insight with regard to mental illness. Additionally, transparency regarding mental illness to reduce the stigma of those living mental illness and their immediate families, in turn promoting social inclusion. / Mini Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / Unrestricted

Research on mental disability in the Sub-Sahara African context has recently stagnated, and is in need of a revival. The objectives of this study was to examine (i) the current situation of children and youth with mental disabilities in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania, and (ii) how to create more community awareness on rights of people with mental disabilities in the society, to put the discussion of mental disabilities back on the agenda. To fully grasp the cultural context, we have used interviews with local professionals working with children and youth with mental disabilities, in order to gain knowledge of efficient ways to create more community awareness. Over time there has been a change of attitudes due to improved knowledge, mainly through the increased visibility of people with mental disabilities in the society. However there is still a need to create awareness of the rights of people with mental disabilities, especially in rural areas. In order to influence the current situation for this group, we have concluded, within the frames of social constructionism, that networking through a bottom-up approach could be appropriate to share the burden.

Compared to non-immigrant families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), immigrant families tend to experience more challenges securing an evaluation, obtaining a diagnosis, and accessing services for their child/children diagnosed with ASD. Several studies investigated the experiences of various groups of immigrant families. They found that the delays can be attributed to cultural differences in the way families interpret the meaning of ASD and their perceptions of the causes and treatment for ASD. Additionally, a lack of knowledge about ASD and fear of the stigma associated with ASD impacted immigrant parents' willingness to seek a diagnosis. However, few studies examined how Caribbean immigrants living in the United States experience a diagnosis of ASD for their child/children. This qualitative study explored Caribbean immigrant families' perceptions and experiences with ASD. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to collect data on families' experiences about symptoms, causes, and treatments of ASD, as well as their sources of support. The data were coded and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA. Four themes were identified and discussed: A new world, emotional and physical burden caring for a child with ASD, attitudes about ASD in native cultures, and adapting to the new situation.

This study compared Japanese and US students' intended beliefs and behaviors relating to ethical business decisions. The study assessed the extent to which three of Hofstede's (1984) cultural indexes related to three ethical classifications of Vitell, Nwachukwu, and Barnes (1993). Participants were 79 US and 33 Japanese students attending West Virginia colleges and universities, representing a response rate of 30.7%. A set of six vignettes were written to portray subtly unethical business situations. The vignettes were reviewed by two expert panels, and pilot tested on students similar to those participating in the study. Quantitative techniques were used to analyze survey results. Some moderate correlations were found when determining the nature and degree of relationships among Belief and Behavior scores. A chi square analysis was used to determine significant differences between US and Japanese students' demographic characteristics. Means and standards deviations revealed higher scores for Japanese students on all measures for Belief and Behavior questions. These scores indicated that they believed each vignette portrayed a more ethical situation, and that they would more likely engage in such behavior than would US students. ANOVAs were used to examine differences between Japanese and US students' responses to the vignettes, revealing significant differences between groups, but not as Hofstede's dimensions predicted. Findings on Hofstede's (1984) Individualism versus Collectivism dimension indicate that the theory that members of Japanese cultures will be more willing to work for organizational than personal gain, may not be true, particularly for students. Hofstede's Uncertainty Avoidance dimension, suggesting that members of the Japanese culture will be less comfortable with uncertainty than will members of the US culture, was not supported either. Finally, Hofstede's Masculinity/Femininity dimension, theorizing that members of the Japanese culture are more comfortable with traditional masculine values, was supported. The major finding of this study is that present-day students did not react to Hofstede's assumptions as expected. Use of different subject groups than Hofstede's and the span of thirty years between his study and this one may have impacted the outcomes. Educators and members of the business community involved with training may find the results of this study helpful. The findings encourage educators and trainers to avoid stereotyping learners' abilities based upon culture or the specifications of cultural typology models. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this research activity is to determine how cultural astronomy manages natural disasters in the local communities. Study Area: Mahikeng in North West Province among the Barolong boora Tshidi. Indigenous people have contributed the least to world greenhouse gas emission and have the smallest ecological footprints on Earth. Yet they suffer the worst impacts not only of climate change, but also from some of the international mitigation measures being taken. Impacts on climate change affect people negatively, these may include droughts, floods, increased diseases in people, plants as well as animals, biodiversity extinct, high mortality rate, increased food insecurity to mention a few. This study aims to describe how knowledge of cultural astronomy manages natural disasters within our local communities. In this dissertation the history of Barolong using their knowledge of cultural astronomy to manage natural disasters is gradually fading away because of non-recognition of our knowledge custodians as they do not hold any formal education and those who have it only ended at primary level. Democracy brought a sense of mental decolonization unto us as South Africans. This brought light to some of our village members to acknowledge their identity which includes their customs and beliefs. This study unearthed that local communities have the rich indigenous knowledge to sustain their lives that is how some villages are able to prepare and manage natural disasters without the knowledge of cultural astronomy only. They practice other measures which also sustain them and are also easy to be passed on orally from generation to generation. In Barolong communities the knowledge of sky readers is regarded to be very important, it is information that can be relied on because sky readers are always correct. In addition, African traditional religious nature and structure endorses the practice to be acknowledged and be taken as African identity. In the light of the above, and after taking comments by the members of the communities, recommendations are made for an integrated study framework between the local knowledge and modern technologies or information of astronomy. It is also recommended that there should be proper documentation which is not distorted before it can be totally extinct. / Thesis (M.(Indigenous Knowledge Systems) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014

Student Number : 9603059A - MA research report - School of Speech Pathology - Faculty of Humanities / Rationale: Infant feeding practices are cur rently under the spotlight due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the awareness that the virus may be transmitted through breast milk . Aim: This study examined the beliefs and practices of mothers living with HIV/AIDS regarding infant feeding. Method: An exploratory-descriptive cross -sectional survey research design was employed which incorporated both qualitative and quantitative dimensions, and involved the use of individual interviews . Participants: Forty-two mothers living with HIV who had infants under 6 months of age and attended Coronation Hospital were interviewed . Results: The majority of mothers living with HIV, reported that they fed their infants formula milk. However, they felt that breastfeeding was still best for their babies. Most of the mothers fed their infants formula milk out of fear of them contracting HIV/AIDS. They appeared to be influenced in their infant feeding decisions by their community, culture and family members . Conclusions: The findings have implications for enhancing theoretical knowledge and understanding of infant feeding practices and cultural beliefs ; early intervention and the clinical practice of speech-language pathologists; the formulation of feeding policies of provincial hospitals ; and future research.

Indigenous knowledge systems are ―a body or bodies of knowledge‖ which Africans have survived on for a very long time (Mapara, 2010). This study intends to examine the various communicative and indigenous strategies that are employed by the Zimbabwean Ndebeles in issues of peace and conflict management. It is necessitated by the realisation that there is an increase in conflict in the region and country as a result of political and socio-economic challenges. The study adopts a bottom-up approach where conflict management becomes a process that starts from the grassroots going outward. This should also provide an opportunity to demonstrate that indigenous people are as sophisticated as every other society in dealing with their challenges (Warren, 1991). At the same time, it seeks to examine effectiveness of the indigenous and communicative conflict management strategies used by the Ndebele people. The study makes use of research questionnaires and interviews as well as descriptive and content analysis for data gathering and analysis respectively. The main theoretical concept guiding this study is ubuntu because it is considered best for Afrocentric approach to African studies. This is emphasised by Moyo and Lantern (2015:103) who state that ―... the philosophy of ubuntu should be the guiding philosophy in a Zimbabwe poisoned by ill-understood and often ill-digested ontological philosophies of individual rights that give rise to selfishness, violence, fragmentation and the sterile, barren philosophy of each man for himself‖ which continues to tear our society apart. The study focuses mainly on the Ndebele speaking communities in Silobela District of Zimbabwe. The study helps the nation in combating and addressing cases of conflict by ushering in the cultural dimension which is albeit not foreign in the worldview of the local people. This compliments all other efforts being made by the government to address socio-political challenges. By documenting (indigenous knowledge systems) that which has been otherwise ignored and side-lined for a long time, the study is part of an on-going process of mental decolonisation of the African people at the same time empowering them to face a globalising world with confidence and pride. / African Languages

The study population was children with physical disabilities who were not attending school and their parents. A sample of 19 participants was purposefully selected. A qualitative approach was used to explore the participants" attitudes, cultural beliefs, and challenges related to school attendance of children with physical disabilities. A content analysis approach was used for data analysis after translating and transcribing raw data from Tonga into English. The data were coded, categorized and themes of the content identified. Ethical procedures included, obtaining permission from the University of Western Cape, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in Zambia and Rural Health Centre. Signed consent from parents, consent from parents stating that their children can participate and assent from children was obtained. Anonymity and confidentiality of participants was emphasized and participants were reminded that their participation was voluntary. Participants had the freedom to withdraw without any prejudice. The results indicated positive attitudes of children and their parents towards school attendance of children with disabilities. The traditional and religious beliefs of parents did not influence or contribute to children with disabilities not attending school. The main reason why most children with physical disabilities were not attending school in Mazabuka district was due to physical and social barriers.

The study population was children with physical disabilities who were not attending school and their parents. A sample of 19 participants was purposefully selected. A qualitative approach was used to explore the participants" attitudes, cultural beliefs, and challenges related to school attendance of children with physical disabilities. A content analysis approach was used for data analysis after translating and transcribing raw data from Tonga into English. The data were coded, categorized and themes of the content identified. Ethical procedures included, obtaining permission from the University of Western Cape, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services in Zambia and Rural Health Centre. Signed consent from parents, consent from parents stating that their children can participate and assent from children was obtained. Anonymity and confidentiality of participants was emphasized and participants were reminded that their participation was voluntary. Participants had the freedom to withdraw without any prejudice. The results indicated positive attitudes of children and their parents towards school attendance of children with disabilities. The traditional and religious beliefs of parents did not influence or contribute to children with disabilities not attending school. The main reason why most children with physical disabilities were not attending school in Mazabuka district was due to physical and social barriers.