Thesis( MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Title: The Perceptions of Postgraduate Students About Female Condoms at The University of Limpopo Background: The female condom is one of the safest and effective female-initiated methods of contraceptives that has been promoted as an integral part of inventions that provide protection against the widespread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other Sexual Transmitted Infections among the youth, including at institutions of higher learning. A number of university students in South Africa are at risk of contracting HIV because of their risky sexual behaviours. How one perceives the female condom can have greater potential to influence its use. There is a gap in literature about this condom. Therefore, this study seeks to understand and document perceptions of postgraduate students about the female condom at the University of Limpopo. Objectives: To explore demographic characteristics of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo regarding female condoms. To describe perceptions of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo about female condoms. Methods: The study used the qualitative research approach. Participants of the study were full-time male and female postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participants were interviewed one by one using an interview guide. The sample size of the study was 10 participants which was determined by saturation of data. An audiotape was also used to record interviews with participants, and field notes were also taken during the interview. Data was analysed through Thematic Content Analysis. Results: Literature suggests that students are aware of the female condom and its potential to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and STI but are still reluctant to use it in preference of the MC which is well marketed and promoted. The observed discarding and misuse of female condoms among students is associated with lack of knowledge and their perceptions of it. Although this study does not generalise the overall students’ perceptions regarding the female condom, but as a qualitative research, the study provides a useful qualitative enquiry of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo about the female condom. Conclusion: Many studies have concluded that a female condom is a female-initiated method that is developed to empower and educate women to take control of their sexual health issues as well as to develop other programmes that prioritise women against HIV/AIDS and other STI. There is a need for effective interventions and campaigns to improve student knowledge in order to minimise wasteful expenditure in the process of the procurement and distribution of female condoms. There is also a need to increase the availability and accessibility of these condoms at institutions of higher learning.

Cette recherche vise à mieux cerner comment le rapport entre les genres nous éclaire sur les risques connus de transmission du VIH entre clients et travailleuses du sexe en Inde du Sud. Des entrevues semi-structurées menées auprès des clients et analysées de manière qualitative thématique montrent que les clients perçoivent les relations sexuelles avec les travailleuses du sexe comme un vice impliquant l'infidélité, la perte de contrôle et un contact avec des femmes au bas de l'échelle sociale. Paradoxalement, cette fréquentation leur permet de se conformer à l'idéal masculin, en donnant satisfaction sexuelle à une femme, dans ce contexte d'incompatibilité entre les modèles masculins et féminins perçus et réels. Si le déséquilibre de pouvoir favorisant le plus souvent le client se rétablit partiellement en présence d'affection et de paiement, ce nivellement peut donner lieu à un relâchement dans l'usage du condom. D serait important de développer des stratégies d'intervention visant les clients et favorisant les pratiques sexuelles sécuritaires chez ceux-ci et les travailleuses du sexe.

Conclusions. The "bridging effect" for HIV transmission is evident. Variables predicting condom use during commercial sex are multidimensional. Integrative programs are hence required. Methadone clinics may offer a platform for offering such services to IDU-FSWs. The performance of the TPB could be enhanced by addition of external variables; its applicability varies according to the wellbeing status of the IDU-FSWs. Future randomized control studies are warranted to design effective evidence-based programs targeting IDU-FSWs. / Introduction. Injecting drug users (IDUs) drive the HIV epidemic in China. Female injecting drug users who are sex workers (IDU-FSWs) is a strategic "bridge population" for HIV transmission from the IDU to non-IDU populations. Background characteristics, health behavioral theories (e.g. the Theory of Planned Behavior, TPB), drug dependence, economic pressure, psychological problems, social support and gender power are potential predictors of condom use during commercial sex among IDU-FSWs. Most of these associations have not been investigated in China or elsewhere, and the TPB has not been applied to HIV-vulnerable populations in China. A knowledge gap exists. / Objectives. This study validated two instruments measuring severity of drug dependence. The prevalence of inconsistent condom use among IDU-FSWs and its associations with the aforementioned variables were investigated. The hypotheses that different blocks of variables would have independent effects on condom use during commercial sex, and the effects of TPB-related variables on condom use would be moderated by some external variables (e.g. severity of drug dependence) were tested. / Results. The Opiate Addiction Severity Inventory-Revised (OASI-R) was fully validated in the Study I. Around 6.8% of IDU-FSWs were HIV positive and respectively 48% and 64% of them practiced needle sharing and unprotected commercial sex (last six months). After adjusting for significant background variables, the five TPB-related variables (AOR=0.43 to 1.92, p<0.001), severity of drug dependence (AOR=1.05, p<0.01), economic pressure (AOR=1.07, p<0.05) and all studied psychosocial variables (e.g. depression, social support and gender power; AOR=0.70 to 1.67, p<0.05) were significantly associated with condom use during commercial sex. / Subjects and methods. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted. In Study I, 178 non-institutionalized drug users were interviewed in Dazhou, Sichuan. In Study II, 281 non-institutionalized IDU-FSWs were interviewed in Dazhou, Sichuan and Hengyang, Hunan, using snowballing method and face-to-face interviews. Statistical methods such as hierarchical and interaction modeling, stratification analysis, ROC method were used in this study. / The final hierarchical model predicting condom use during commercial sex included variables coming from four blocks of independent variables, with ROC area = 94% and sensitivity/specificity = 0.84/0.91. A "Wellbeing Status Index" moderated the associations between some of the TPB-related variables and condom use during commercial sex. / Gu, Jing. / Adviser: Joseph T. F. Lau. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-06, Section: B, page: 3462. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 228-246). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

The quantitative study focuses on the perceptions of Nigerian adolescent students to HIV/AIDS and their attitudes to prevention methods. From the literature reviewed it was ascertained that adolescent students do have positive and optimistic perceptions of HIV/AIDS, and also adequate knowledge, but this has not translated into positive attitudes to prevention methods. The literature also indicated that peer group pressure, parental control and the mass media are some variables that probably influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour. This researcher developed the ‘Adolescent Students’ Perception of HIV/AIDS and Attitude to Prevention Methods Questionnaire’ to solicit information from the adolescent students. The results were coded and duly analysed. The results from the empirical study indicated that Nigerian adolescent students have positive perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, as well as positive attitudes to prevention methods. Recommendations were made for curriculum experts, educators and parents based on current research methods. / Psychology of Education / Thesis (D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos sobre comportamento sexual e aids investigam usualmente aspectos da sexualidade de risco. Nessa pesquisa inauguramos uma investigação da associação entre risco de aids (auto-referida) e os diversos comportamentos afetivo-sexuais dos sujeitos pesquisados no Estudo da Vida Sexual do Brasileiro (EVSB). MÉTODOS: O EVSB foi realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário anônimo e autoresponsivo composto por 87 questões. A aplicação contemplou transeuntes de praças, parques e praias de 18 cidades brasileiras (seleção por conveniência). Foi feita análise das respostas dos sujeitos que referiram aids (n=75), comparadas com as dos que não referiram (n=5.444). RESULTADOS: 1. Em ambos os gêneros, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=19,61, IC95%=10,15 - 37,90, p<0,001), sexo por dinheiro (O.R.=2,71, IC95%=1,29 - 5,69, p=0,008), antecedentes de nove ou mais comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual (O.R.=2,57, IC95%=1,27 - 5,21, p=0,008), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=2,50, IC95%=1,08 - 5,77, p=0,031) e favorecimento do ambiente à realização do ato sexual (O.R.=0,50, IC95%=0,29 - 0,86, p=0,014). 2. No gênero masculino, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=18,12, IC95%=7,00 - 46,89, p<0,001), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=6,23, IC95%=1,73 - 22,33, p=0,005), sexo com penetração em orifícios não convencionais (O.R.=5,79, IC95%=2,26 - 14,79, p<0,001), maior freqüência sexual (O.R.=2,53, IC95%=1,14 - 5,60, p=0,021) e prática do sexo oral (O.R.= 0,22, IC95%=0,09 - 0,51, p=0,001). 3. História de tratamento para mudança de sexo manteve-se associada em homens com aids referida após ajuste para escolaridade, DST e sexo remunerado (O.R.=5,68, I.C.95%=1,37-23,50; p=0,006). 4. Aids referida, em mulheres, apresentou associação com: dificuldade em manter a excitação até o final da relação sexual (O.R.=2,70, IC95%=1,03 - 6,58, p=0,03), ausência de atividade sexual nos últimos 12 meses (O.R.=3,98, IC95%=1,55 - 10,23, p=0,002), sexo sob efeito de drogas (O.R.=8,62, IC95%=3,20 - 23,20, p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: em homens e mulheres com aids referida salientaram-se comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual, história de violência sexual, sexualidade mais genital do que afetiva, DST e sexo por dinheiro. Só nos homens, destacaram-se dificuldades quanto à identidade sexual e sexo oral (efeito protetor). Só nas mulheres, destacaram-se impacto no funcionamento sexual e sexo sob efeito de drogas / INTRODUCTION: Former studies about sexual behavior and AIDS usually inquire aspects regarding risk behavior. This study is a research opening about the association between the risk of AIDS (self reported) and different sexually affective behaviors among the subjects investigated in the Brazilian Sexual Life Study (BSLS). METHODS: BSLS was performed using an anonymous and self answered 87 questions inquiry. It was conducted with plaza, park and beach pedestrians of 18 Brazilian cities (selected by convenience). The answers of the subjects, who reported AIDS (75), were analyzed and compared to those not reporting AIDS (5444). RESULTS: 1) Both genders maintained the association to AIDS in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) (Odds Ratio) [O.R.] = 19.61, (Confidence interval) [CI] 95% = 10.15 - 37.90, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 2.50, CI 95%=1.08 - 5.77, p = 0.031), nine or more behaviors showing sexual impulsivity (O.R.= 2.57, CI 95% = 1.27 - 5.21, p = 0.008), prostitution (O.R.= 2.71, CI 95% = 1.29 - 5.69, p = 0.008), proper environment for sexual intercourse (O.R.= 0.50, CI 95% = 0.29 - 0.86, p = 0.014); 2) The male maintained the AIDS reported association in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported STD (O.R. = 18.12, CI 95% = 7.00 - 46.89, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 6.23, CI 95% = 1.73 - 22.33, p = 0.005), nonconventional orifice penetration at intercourse (O.R. = 5.79, CI 95% = 2.26 - 14.79, p < 0.001), higher sexual intercourse rate (O.R. = 2.53, CI 95% = 1.14 - 5.60, p = 0.021), oral sex (O.R.= 0.22, CI 95% = 0.09 - 0.51, p = 0.001). 3) background of sexual reassignment treatment associated in reported AIDS controlling for literate level, STD and prostitution (O.R. = 5.68, CI 95% = 1.37 - 23.50, p = 0.006); 4) reported AIDS in women showed association with: difficulty keeping arousal till the end of intercourse (O.R. = 2.70, CI 95% = 1.03 - 6.58, p = 0.03), lack of sexual activity in the past 12 months (O.R. = 3.98, CI 95% = 1.55 - 10.23, p = 0.002), sex under drugs influence (O.R. = 8.62, CI 95% = 3.20 - 23.20, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is pointed out that, in men and women with reported AIDS, behaviors of sexual impulsivity, background of sexual abuse, more genital than affective sexuality, STD and prostitution. Only men showed gender identity disorder and oral sex (protecting effect). Only women showed impact on sexuality and sex under drugs influence

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos sobre comportamento sexual e aids investigam usualmente aspectos da sexualidade de risco. Nessa pesquisa inauguramos uma investigação da associação entre risco de aids (auto-referida) e os diversos comportamentos afetivo-sexuais dos sujeitos pesquisados no Estudo da Vida Sexual do Brasileiro (EVSB). MÉTODOS: O EVSB foi realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário anônimo e autoresponsivo composto por 87 questões. A aplicação contemplou transeuntes de praças, parques e praias de 18 cidades brasileiras (seleção por conveniência). Foi feita análise das respostas dos sujeitos que referiram aids (n=75), comparadas com as dos que não referiram (n=5.444). RESULTADOS: 1. Em ambos os gêneros, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=19,61, IC95%=10,15 - 37,90, p<0,001), sexo por dinheiro (O.R.=2,71, IC95%=1,29 - 5,69, p=0,008), antecedentes de nove ou mais comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual (O.R.=2,57, IC95%=1,27 - 5,21, p=0,008), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=2,50, IC95%=1,08 - 5,77, p=0,031) e favorecimento do ambiente à realização do ato sexual (O.R.=0,50, IC95%=0,29 - 0,86, p=0,014). 2. No gênero masculino, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=18,12, IC95%=7,00 - 46,89, p<0,001), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=6,23, IC95%=1,73 - 22,33, p=0,005), sexo com penetração em orifícios não convencionais (O.R.=5,79, IC95%=2,26 - 14,79, p<0,001), maior freqüência sexual (O.R.=2,53, IC95%=1,14 - 5,60, p=0,021) e prática do sexo oral (O.R.= 0,22, IC95%=0,09 - 0,51, p=0,001). 3. História de tratamento para mudança de sexo manteve-se associada em homens com aids referida após ajuste para escolaridade, DST e sexo remunerado (O.R.=5,68, I.C.95%=1,37-23,50; p=0,006). 4. Aids referida, em mulheres, apresentou associação com: dificuldade em manter a excitação até o final da relação sexual (O.R.=2,70, IC95%=1,03 - 6,58, p=0,03), ausência de atividade sexual nos últimos 12 meses (O.R.=3,98, IC95%=1,55 - 10,23, p=0,002), sexo sob efeito de drogas (O.R.=8,62, IC95%=3,20 - 23,20, p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: em homens e mulheres com aids referida salientaram-se comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual, história de violência sexual, sexualidade mais genital do que afetiva, DST e sexo por dinheiro. Só nos homens, destacaram-se dificuldades quanto à identidade sexual e sexo oral (efeito protetor). Só nas mulheres, destacaram-se impacto no funcionamento sexual e sexo sob efeito de drogas / INTRODUCTION: Former studies about sexual behavior and AIDS usually inquire aspects regarding risk behavior. This study is a research opening about the association between the risk of AIDS (self reported) and different sexually affective behaviors among the subjects investigated in the Brazilian Sexual Life Study (BSLS). METHODS: BSLS was performed using an anonymous and self answered 87 questions inquiry. It was conducted with plaza, park and beach pedestrians of 18 Brazilian cities (selected by convenience). The answers of the subjects, who reported AIDS (75), were analyzed and compared to those not reporting AIDS (5444). RESULTS: 1) Both genders maintained the association to AIDS in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) (Odds Ratio) [O.R.] = 19.61, (Confidence interval) [CI] 95% = 10.15 - 37.90, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 2.50, CI 95%=1.08 - 5.77, p = 0.031), nine or more behaviors showing sexual impulsivity (O.R.= 2.57, CI 95% = 1.27 - 5.21, p = 0.008), prostitution (O.R.= 2.71, CI 95% = 1.29 - 5.69, p = 0.008), proper environment for sexual intercourse (O.R.= 0.50, CI 95% = 0.29 - 0.86, p = 0.014); 2) The male maintained the AIDS reported association in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported STD (O.R. = 18.12, CI 95% = 7.00 - 46.89, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 6.23, CI 95% = 1.73 - 22.33, p = 0.005), nonconventional orifice penetration at intercourse (O.R. = 5.79, CI 95% = 2.26 - 14.79, p < 0.001), higher sexual intercourse rate (O.R. = 2.53, CI 95% = 1.14 - 5.60, p = 0.021), oral sex (O.R.= 0.22, CI 95% = 0.09 - 0.51, p = 0.001). 3) background of sexual reassignment treatment associated in reported AIDS controlling for literate level, STD and prostitution (O.R. = 5.68, CI 95% = 1.37 - 23.50, p = 0.006); 4) reported AIDS in women showed association with: difficulty keeping arousal till the end of intercourse (O.R. = 2.70, CI 95% = 1.03 - 6.58, p = 0.03), lack of sexual activity in the past 12 months (O.R. = 3.98, CI 95% = 1.55 - 10.23, p = 0.002), sex under drugs influence (O.R. = 8.62, CI 95% = 3.20 - 23.20, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is pointed out that, in men and women with reported AIDS, behaviors of sexual impulsivity, background of sexual abuse, more genital than affective sexuality, STD and prostitution. Only men showed gender identity disorder and oral sex (protecting effect). Only women showed impact on sexuality and sex under drugs influence

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the light of the roll-out of the national combined school-health program which will include the availability of condoms to learners, this study was undertaken to determine what the perceptions of learners and educators are regarding the provision of condoms to learners at Malibu High School in Eerste River, Cape Town as a prevention strategy. The learners’ knowledge levels on HIV and AIDS were also tested. Questionnaires were handed out to learners as well as Life Orientation educators. The findings of the study revealed that the learners’ knowledge levels on HIV and AIDS are reasonably high and that parents are more involved as originally perceived to be. Learners seem to think that the provision of condoms by schools is a good idea. The educators’ views differ. The educators feel that the knowledge levels are low and that there is no visible parental or community involvement regarding HIV and AIDS. They see this as separate to their function. Educators are unanimous in their response that the provision of condoms by schools is not a good idea at all. They feel that it would send out the wrong message to learners. From the study, it became apparent that the Education department still needs to do a lot to get schools on board for the roll-out of the school-health program. A lot needs to be done regarding the training of and support to the educators. A few recommendations are listed in order for the school to effectively address the HIV and AIDS issues at the school in order to reduce its impact. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die toekomstige uitrol van die nasionale gekombineerde skole-gesondheidsprogram sluit die verskaffing van kondome aan leerders in. Hierdie studie was dus hiervolgens onderneem om juis uit te vind wat die persepsies van leerders sowel as die opvoeders van Malibu Hoërskool in Eersterivier, Kaapstad is rakende die verskaffing van kondome aan leerders. Die leerders se kennisvlakke rakende MIV en VIGS was ook getoets. Vraelyste was uitgehandig aan beide die leerders en die Lewensoriëntering-opvoeders. Die bevindinge van die studie weerspiëel egter dat die kennisvlakke van leerders taamlik hoog is en dat ouers eitlik meer betrokke is as wat aanvanklik waargeneem was. Leerders is van mening dat die voorsiening van kondome aan hulle deur skole eintlik ‘n goeie idée is. Die opvoeders se menings verskil egter. Die opvoeders is van mening dat die leerders se kennisvlakke laag is en dat daar egter geen sigbare ouer- en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid bestaan nie. Opvoeders sien hierdie as apart van hul opvoedingsfunksie. Opvoeders voel dat die verskaffing van kondome aan leerders by skole nie ‘n goeie idée is nie. Volgens hulle sal dit egter die verkeerde boodskap aan leerders deurgee. Volgens die bevindinge van die studie is dit dus baie duidelik dat die Onderwysdepartement nóg baie moet doen om skole aan boord te kry rakende die uitrol van die skole-gesondheidsprogram. Baie moet gedoen word rakende die opleiding van en ondersteuning aan opvoeders in hierdie verband. ‘n Paar aanbevelings word voorgelê om die skool in staat te stel om die MIV en VIGS-kwessies effektief aan te spreek om sodoende die impak daarvan by die skool te verminder.

Thesis (Dr. P.H.)--University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 2007. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 68-10, Section: B, page: 6615. Adviser: Michael W. Ross. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1996.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1996.