With the introduction of universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) the need for quality early hearing intervention (EHI) services became critical. Screening is but the avenue to EHI services. Without appropriate intervention infants with hearing loss are at risk for language delay which might subsequently adversely influence academic success and vocational choices later on in life. The numerous socio-economic, cultural and healthcare barriers associated with developing countries such as South Africa, do not negate or diminish the need for optimal outcomes for infants with hearing loss through quality EHI services. The principle of quality EHI services, aligned with international standards, is endorsed by the HPCSA (2003: 2). In order to assure quality in EHI, service evaluation is critical. The necessary first step when evaluating service provision is to measure current service delivery. The main aim of this study was to determine whether South African audiologists provide EHI and support services aligned with international professional best practice to infants following the diagnosis of hearing loss. The first part of this study reviews the evidence available in EHI. The guidelines derived from the international evidence were stated as benchmarks against which South African EHI services were measured. These benchmarks were categorised using the so-called six M variation categories. These categories are: Man, machine (equipment), method (systemaric procedures), measurements, material (amplification devices) and Mother Nature. During the empirical research a descriptive design was followed comprising of questionnaire surveys to audiologists in different working sectors rendering EHI services to infants with hearing loss. The questionnaire survey explored the nature and scope of the EHI services offered to infants with hearing loss with regard to all the components (categorised in the six M categories) of the EHI programme of 40 South African audiologists. The results of this study indicate that respondents often do not use evidence-based measurements or methods during EHI services. Results suggest that undergraduate training in areas regarding the selection and fitting of amplification to infants with hearing loss is often inadequate (>20 respondents indicated that they are not trained). Evidence-based measurements are not typically performed when fitting amplification to infants (29 respondents do not perform probe-microphone or elctroacoustic measurements). Many respondents indicated that they do not have the necessary equipment to do these measurements. EHI services often (50% of respondents) do not provide A/R directly, but refer to other team members. From the results there seems to be significant delays in the rendering of EHI services to infants with hearing loss. Financial constraints of the family of the infants, accessibility problems, as well as a lack of infant support from their families often influence the EHI programmes of respondents. The implications of this study were discussed. Recommendations include the development of South African guidelines, aligned with international guidelines but taking into account the challenges posed by the unique South African context. Other recommendations include: Centres of excellence, relevant continuing education programmes and the evaluation of undergraduate training programmes. / Dissertation (M (Communication Pathology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / M (Communication Pathology) / unrestricted

The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with the HIV transmission rate in 18 to 24 month-old children enrolled in the PMTCT programme at two selected City of Tshwane clinics. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV during labour and breastfeeding accounts for 40% of all HIV infection in children. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme is one effective strategy to reduce the rate of HIV infection in children. The HIV transmission rate was low at six weeks of age but increases at 18 to 24 months of age due to several factors. The researcher selected a descriptive retrospective correlational research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 60 mothers of children aged 18 to 24 months on the PMTCT programme and a data-collection form to collect data from 152 clinic records of children of the same age on the programme. The study found that the PMTCT guidelines were not properly adhered to by the nurses and the respondents. Prophylactic treatment was not provided as required and mixed feeding was prominent. The uptake of HIV test at 18 to 24 months was low compared to at 6 weeks. The transmission rate was high at 18 to 24 months compared to at 6 weeks. No factors were associated with the transmission rate / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with the HIV transmission rate in 18 to 24 month-old children enrolled in the PMTCT programme at two selected City of Tshwane clinics. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV during labour and breastfeeding accounts for 40% of all HIV infection in children. The prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programme is one effective strategy to reduce the rate of HIV infection in children. The HIV transmission rate was low at six weeks of age but increases at 18 to 24 months of age due to several factors. The researcher selected a descriptive retrospective correlational research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 60 mothers of children aged 18 to 24 months on the PMTCT programme and a data-collection form to collect data from 152 clinic records of children of the same age on the programme. The study found that the PMTCT guidelines were not properly adhered to by the nurses and the respondents. Prophylactic treatment was not provided as required and mixed feeding was prominent. The uptake of HIV test at 18 to 24 months was low compared to at 6 weeks. The transmission rate was high at 18 to 24 months compared to at 6 weeks. No factors were associated with the transmission rate / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)