Volunteer caregivers provide essential services to people in the terminal stages of AIDS and their families. Volunteers are exposed to stress and burnout. This study investigated the relationships between stress, coping strategies, levels of burnout and resilience in this population. Volunteers from Societas ‘O Sosiale (SOS) Children Villages and community based organisation (CBO) partnerships, were selected using non-probability purposive convenience sampling. A total of 110 participants were given the Experience of Work and Life Circumstances Questionnaire (WLQ), Brief-Cope, Maslach’s Burnout Inventory (MBI), a Resilience scale and the Living Standard Measure to complete. Statistical analyses were performed on the data. This includes descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, factor analysis, correlations and multivariate analysis of variance. The study found that volunteer caregivers experience high stress levels and burnout related to stressors outside work, remuneration, personnel policies and high resilience. High burnout is associated with all forms of coping. Further it is shown that training in problem-solving skills, counselling, government and public lobbying for support, registration with relevant professional bodies, furnished offices, reasonable recruitment requirements and compensation are needed to help the care givers avert the effect of stressors and control stress by stopping it from turning to burnout. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology with specialisation in Research Consultation)

PhD (Public Health) / Department of Public Health / Background: South Africa continues to struggle with the high prevalence of Human Immunedeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome. Young people of the university going age are the most affected by this disease. The higher education sector, particularly teachers, are well placed to mitigate this pandemic through teaching and learning. Despite the fact, that a lot has been written on the need to integrate HIV/AIDS content into curricula very few institutions of higher learning are heeding the call mainly due to lack of guidance on how to integrate HIV/AIDS content. Aim:The aim of the study was to develop a framework that facilitate integration of HIV/AIDS content into university curricula. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed quantitative methodology and was conducted in two phases : Data was collected using different methods such as cross sectional surveys, content analysis and systematic reviews. For cross sectional surveys the target population included teachers and students and they were selected using systematic and purposive sampling respectively. The study setting was University of Venda. Data were analysed using SPSS, version 23. Multiple logistic regression and chi-square tests (χ2) were employed to determine the associations. Results: The thesis comprises five interdependent studies. Study one: A systematic review of peer-reviewed journals and grey literature of HIV/AIDS programmes in higher education was conducted. It was found that HIV/AIDS content was integrated mainly into existing , compulsory, undergraduate modules, health sciences disciplines focused on basic facts about HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS content was taught using classroom based teaching strategies. Study two: A quantitative content analysis, to gauge the extent of HIV/AIDS integration into the curricula in various departments at Univen was conducted. The results of this study suggest that HIV/AIDS content was limited as only 68 modules/courses out of 1979 had HIV/AIDS content in different disciplines across all eight schools at the university. Study three: A survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of students towards learning about HIV/AIDS content among 340 students . The study found out that majority of the students possessed high knowledge about HIV/AIDS, though they had misconceptions about HIV transmission routes. Further they supported the introduction of formal teaching and learning about HIV/AIDS in their disciplines and very few students were taught about HIV/AIDS in their studies. Study four: A survey was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of teachers towards teaching and learning of HIV/AIDS content in the curriculum among 240 teachers . The results showed that the majority of teachers were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS , had positive attitudes towards the teaching and learning of HIV/AIDS content in the curriculum and very few taught about HIV/AIDS. Study five: Data from the study findings, literature and analysis of the curriculum were integrated within Information ,Motivation and Behaviour Model to develop the proposed framework for integrating HIV/AIDS content. Conclusion: The purpose of the study was to develop a framework that facilitates the integration of HIV/AIDS content into the undergraduate curriculum. The proposed framework in this study may assist HEIs, faculties and teachers to integrate HIV/AIDS content formally into their curriculum and ensure that various academic departments can integrate HIV/AIDS-related issues into the undergraduate curricula. The framework outlines HIV/AIDS competencies for different levels of study in various disciplines and its adoption may assist HEIs in producing graduates who can survive and work in a world ravaged by HIV/AIDS. In order to implement the proposed framework for integration of HIV/AIDS content into undergraduate curricula, recommendations were made. / NRF

Thesis (Ph.D. (Nursing Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / The aim of this study was to develop a model to ensure the integration of Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) services in the Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities of Limpopo Province. An explanatory sequential mixed method was used in this study to develop a model for ensuring the integration of TB and HIV services in the PHC facilities of the Limpopo Province. The researcher collected quantitative data followed by qualitative data. Quantitative data was collected through administration of questionnaires to 450 PHC nurses in the five districts of Limpopo Province. The qualitative data was collected by conducting focus group discussions to five groups of Community Home Based Carers (CHBCs) and five groups of TB/HIV co-infected patients in the five districts of Limpopo Province. Audiotape and field notes were used to capture verbal and non-verbal cues. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer programme version 22.0 was used for capturing and analysis of the quantitative data. Content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data from the CHBCs and the TB and HIV co-infected patients’ focus group discussions. The study revealed lack of knowledge and skills on TB and HIV management due to insufficient training of PHC nurses about TB and HIV management. Staff shortage of PHC nurses in the facilities was also indicated by PHC nurses. Furthermore, TB and HIV coinfected patients are faced with challenges in the PHC facilities and in the community. Challenges that are faced by CHBCs and the TB and HIV co-infected patients include negative attitudes of some clinic staff members towards them. The patients’ families also have some negative attitudes towards the CHBCs as they leave the patients to them without assisting them in the caring duties. The community members also has negative attitudes as they do not accept the CHBCs in their homes to support the patients. Based on the results, a model was developed to ensure the integration of TB and HIV services. The model was validated by PHC nurses and the experts in research and model development. The validation results showed that the model was clear and simple to be used in the PHC facilities for integration of TB and HIV services. The study recommends that the model should be used by PHC facilities for integration of TB and HIV services. The PHC nurses should attend TB and HIV capacity-building courses.

South African health systems are struggling to cope with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Home based care has become an invaluable resource that relieves overburdened and under-resourced hospitals. Home based carers provide basic nursing care and support to patients and their families, in the patient's home. Little is know about what motivates home based carers. Minimal research has been undertaken to investigate the expectations and experiences of these noble voluntary helpers. This study was conducted with a sample of home based carers at Community Outreach Centre, St Mary's, Mariannhill. Being field focused it used a qualitative research approach and participatory action research methodology. Focus group discussions were conducted with home based carers to explore their needs, motivations and expectations of Community Outreach Centre. The study enlightens us about issues related to home based care that directly affect them. Despite the painful realities of their lives, they appeared positive about serving as volunteer home based carers. / Social work / M.A. Social Science (Social Work)

A quantitative approach was used to investigate the stigmatization of HIV positive clients in the Leribe District of Lesotho. The study population included 5200 HIV positive patients who enrolled for ARV in government clinics. A randomly selected sample of 520 clients responded through a questionnaire and interviews. The statistical package (STATA version 9) was used to analyze data. The objectives of the study were to explore the type and level of stigmatization of HIV-positive clients and to describe ways in which health workers in the PHC can reduce the stigmatization of HIV-positive clients at the clinics. The findings revealed that types of stigmatization included separation, isolation, labeling and discrimination. Ways to reduce the stigma within a community based primary health care facility included educating people living with HIV on how to protect themselves from multiple infection, providing effective counselling to clients and families maintaining confidentiality, and using change strategies to change attitudes of health care providers. The integration of HIV-related activities is a strong recommendation and the importance of the consistent availability of ARV treatment was emphasized. / Public Health / M.A. (Public Health)

This study investigated the exposure of employees in the South African Police Service (SAPS) to the HIV/AIDS workplace programme, levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perceptions of stigma and discrimination and of participation by stakeholders in programme implementation. The researcher subscribes to the view that stigma and discrimination are major obstacles to the successful implementation of the HIV/AIDS workplace programme as this notion has been substantiated by numerous studies. Self-administered questionnaire was used as means of data collection. Findings suggest that the employees of SAPS based at the National Head Office have high levels of knowledge on HIV/AIDS. However, the majority of the respondents indicated that they would not feel comfortable to disclose their HIV positive status, fearing the consequences thereof. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Text in English / The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and challenges of AIDS Councils in addressing HIV and AIDS in their communities with regard to community mobilization and advocacy within the broader advocacy function of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and within the framework of the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic plan for South Africa 2007-2011(NSP). A qualitative research design was applied. Individual face to face interviews were conducted with the respondents who were purposively sampled across the five local municipalities comprising Ehlanzeni District Municipality. Similar studies conducted previously suggest that many AIDS Councils stakeholders and members had a limited understanding of their role, and encountered more challenges in addressing HIV and AIDS in their communities. This study revealed that stakeholders and members seem to have steadily progressed in understanding their role as well as in weathering the various challenges they are confronted with within the AIDS councils. Be that as it may, there still exists some gaps between what is envisaged in both the NSPs (NSP 2000-2005 and NSP 2006-2011) and the current situation in many LACs. Many questions still need to be answered if South Africans are prepared to triumph over the AIDS pandemic. / Sociology / M.A. (Sociology (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS))

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This reflexive study of responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic was set in Stellenbosch, a town in the Cape Winelands that, with its diverse but disjointed population, in many ways is a microcosm of South African society. My question was what happens when the experience of HIV/AIDS, with its personal impacts and global connections, reaches a particular locality in South Africa. I worked on the assumption that the reach of the disease in this specific locality reflects the disconnectedness of people through historical, political, social and economic processes, and that responses to the disease attempt to repair ruptures through integrating people into caring systems of support. By tracking and interrogating responses at public health and service organisation levels as a participant observer, I noted recurrent references to the importance of engaging patients in the treatment process. My observations revealed a transformation in the dyadic relationship between doctor and patient, as well as an embracing reach of networked service organisations, both initiatives striving to render more effective services. In the process relationships developed between patients and service providers at health and social levels, and between providers themselves. Much of the impetus for these local developments was derived from global inputs as local players draw down packaged practices and funds from the global assemblage that Nguyen refers to as the “AIDS industry” (2005a). Thus, I suggest that HIV/AIDS becomes a catalyst for local innovation within globally standardised structures, such innovation being driven principally by building social relationships. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie reflektiewe studie aangaande die response tot die MIV/VIGS pandemie is in Stellenbosch, ‘n dorp in die Kaapse Wynlande, gedoen. Stellenbosch se diverse, maar tog onsamehangende, populasie is in verskeie maniere ‘n mikrokosmos van die Suid- Afrikaanse samelewing. My vraag het gevra wat gebeur as die ondervinding van MIV/VIGS, wat persoonlike impakte en globale konneksies insluit, ‘n spesifieke lokaliteit in Suid-Afrika bereik. Ek het gewerk volgens die aanname dat die omvang van die siekte in dié spesifieke lokaliteit die uitskakeling van mense deur historiese, politieke, sosiale en ekonomiese prosesse reflekteer, en dat response tot die siekte poog om ontwrigtings te herstel deur die integrasie van mense in versorgende ondersteunings sisteme. Deur response, op publieke gesondheid en dienslewerings organisasie vlak, as deelnemende waarnemer op te volg en te ondersoek, het ek herhaaldelike verwysings gekry na die noodsaaklikheid om pasiente te betrek in die behandelings proses. My observasies het ’n transformasie in die wederkerige verhouding tussen dokters en pasiente ontbloot, sowel as ’n omvattende omvang van netwerke van dienslewerings organisasies. Beide inisiatiewe streef daarna om meer effektiewe dienste te lewer. In die proses ontwikkel verhoudings tussen pasiente en diensverskaffers op gesondheids and sosiale vlakke, asook tussen diensverskaffers. ’n Groot gedeelte van die dryfkrag agter hierdie plaaslike ontwikkelings spruit uit globale insette namate plaaslike spelers verpakte praktyke en fondse ontvang/trek van die globale groep, wat Nguyen na verwys as die ’VIGS industrie’ (2005a). Daarvoor, stel ek voor dat HIV/VIGS ’n katalisator vir plaaslike innovasie binne globaal gestandardiseerde strukture word, en dat inovasies van die aard hoofsaaklik deur die bou van sosiale verhoudings gedryf word.

This study investigated the exposure of employees in the South African Police Service (SAPS) to the HIV/AIDS workplace programme, levels of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, perceptions of stigma and discrimination and of participation by stakeholders in programme implementation. The researcher subscribes to the view that stigma and discrimination are major obstacles to the successful implementation of the HIV/AIDS workplace programme as this notion has been substantiated by numerous studies. Self-administered questionnaire was used as means of data collection. Findings suggest that the employees of SAPS based at the National Head Office have high levels of knowledge on HIV/AIDS. However, the majority of the respondents indicated that they would not feel comfortable to disclose their HIV positive status, fearing the consequences thereof. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Text in English / The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and challenges of AIDS Councils in addressing HIV and AIDS in their communities with regard to community mobilization and advocacy within the broader advocacy function of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and within the framework of the HIV & AIDS and STI Strategic plan for South Africa 2007-2011(NSP). A qualitative research design was applied. Individual face to face interviews were conducted with the respondents who were purposively sampled across the five local municipalities comprising Ehlanzeni District Municipality. Similar studies conducted previously suggest that many AIDS Councils stakeholders and members had a limited understanding of their role, and encountered more challenges in addressing HIV and AIDS in their communities. This study revealed that stakeholders and members seem to have steadily progressed in understanding their role as well as in weathering the various challenges they are confronted with within the AIDS councils. Be that as it may, there still exists some gaps between what is envisaged in both the NSPs (NSP 2000-2005 and NSP 2006-2011) and the current situation in many LACs. Many questions still need to be answered if South Africans are prepared to triumph over the AIDS pandemic. / Sociology / M. A. (Sociology (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS))