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)

The purpose of the study was to describe the determinants and practice of HIV self-testing among health care workers (HCWs) in Nyeri provincial hospital, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the rate of HIV self-testing, explore the factors influencing the practice and describe access to HIV psychosocial support, care and treatment. The study was guided by the concepts of the protection motivation theory. Data was collected from 348 HCWs and analysed by means of logistic regression. Results showed that 65.8% of the HCWs had practiced HIV self-testing among themselves. Age, self efficacy and response efficacy were found to be significant predictors of HIV self-testing. Willingness to access HIV psychosocial support (71.3%) and care and treatment (73.9%) was high. Self-testing is highly practiced by HCWs. / HIV self-testing among health care workers at Nyeri Provincial Hospital in Kenya / HIV self-testing among health care workers / Public Health / M.A. (Public Health)

AIDS-related bereavement counselling programmes / The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a need for specific bereavement counselling programmes for women affected by HIV/AIDS in Indonesia, where death is believed to be fated. Six AIDS-bereaved women were recruited. Data analysis was conducted based on the women's interview transcripts and journal entries. The women experienced at least three traumatic life events. The most challenging experience was learning that they have contracted a disease they knew to be mostly associated with prostitution. Given the short lapse of time between their husbands' deaths and learning about their seropositivity, biographical disruption appeared to have acted as an "analgesic", while concerns to protect their children seemed to have triggered biographical reinforcement. This phenomenon may have brought about a positive bereavement outcome. Specific counselling programmes for women affected by HIV/AIDS are needed, but emphasis should first be placed on improving their wellbeing and their perception of stigma. / Sociology / M.A. (Sociology (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS))

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)

Introduction: HIV referral and linkage system in many countries in general and in Ethiopia in particular was poorly characterised by low linkage rate. The purpose of this study was to analyses factors associated with poor referral and linkage system and develop strategies to improve the system. Methods: A sequential mixed method approach using exploratory descriptive study design was employed. The study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and it was conducted in two phases. Phase I involved data collection and analysis as evidence for the development of strategies while phase II was the development of strategies. For phase I, data were collected in steps 1 and 2 using individual interviews and focus group discussions respectively. The study participants were programme owners and partners who were supporting facilities during the data collection period in step 1 and health care providers in step 2. A total of 4 individual interviews and 3 FGDs were conducted with purposively selected participants. Data were analysed using computer assisted software called OpenCode version 4.2. Results: The findings revealed five themes namely, issues of referral and linkage practice, ensuring linkage through communication, issues of health care, issues of health care system and issues of partnerships and Health Bureau. Many gaps that affected the referral system were identified and in phase II, nine strategies were developed to strengthen the referral and linkage system. Conclusion:The results of this study highlighted weaknesses in the referral and linkage system of the HIV positive clients from counselling and testing services to chronic care and proposed strategies to strengthen those weaknesses. Measures to operationalise those strategies are also proposed. The successful implementation of the proposed strategies depends on the support of the ministry of health and regional bureau in terms of resources and the readiness of the health care providers to adhere to the proposed measures. Intervention research is needed to test the effectiveness of the proposed strategies. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Embora a velhice seja uma realidade biológica, os significados que lhe são atribuídos são construções sociais e históricas. O aumento de casos de HIV/Aids entre pessoas acima de 60 anos tem sido reportado por pesquisadores, pois os dados mostram o crescimento de casos proporcionais de HIV/Aids entre idosos comparado com outras faixas de idade. Entre as razões para essa progressão está a desinformação desse público no que se refere ao autocuidado, a maior oferta de fármacos contra disfunção erétil, o baixo uso de preservativos nessa geração e o atraso no diagnóstico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender as repercussões biopsicossociais de conviver com HIV/Aids para idosos na cidade do Recife. Participaram nove idosos (quatro do sexo feminino e cinco do sexo masculino), na faixa etária compreendida entre 60 e 76 anos, residentes na cidade do Recife, que estavam em tratamento e/ou acompanhamento no SAE (Serviço de Assistência Especializada em HIV/Aids) da Policlínica Lessa de Andrade. Foi realizada uma entrevista conduzida de forma semidirigida e organizada a partir de um roteiro previamente estabelecido, que foi gravada e transcrita. As informações colhidas foram analisadas com base na Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Os resultados mais expressivos apontaram: o impacto do diagnóstico de HIV/Aids no paciente, acompanhado de sentimentos de tristeza, revolta, culpa, desespero, aprisionamento e medo; preconceito e abandono por parte de alguns familiares, amigos e vizinhos que fazem parte do cotidiano desses idosos; uma dimensão ontológica da sexualidade, rompendo com o estereótipo da velhice marcada pela assexualidade, recolhimento e passividade; as construções de gênero e a representação social da Aids associadas como a doença do outro como fatores determinantes para a percepção da invulnerabilidade ao HIV/Aids entre pessoas desse grupo etário; a espiritualidade como sustentação, dimensão que serve para apaziguar a dor e o sofrimento diante da sorologia positiva para o HIV; saúde física dos idosos comprometida em virtude da destruição progressiva e gradativa das células de defesa do organismo associada às doenças inerentes à velhice; o despreparo por parte da equipe de saúde para lidar com o HIV/Aids nessa faixa etária, ocasionando o diagnóstico tardio. Este trabalho teve, portanto, o intuito de contribuir para iluminar o campo de saberes e práticas que têm como horizonte de preocupações éticas e políticas a diminuição da vulnerabilidade dos idosos ao HIV/Aids.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T18:29:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 juliana_monteiro_costa.pdf: 1047734 bytes, checksum: a0044f49f967088f428e10384b5ed817 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-26 / Although aging is a biological reality, the meanings attributed to it are social and historical constructions. The increase in cases of HIV/Aids among people over sixty years has been reported by researchers because the data show an increase in cases proportion of HIV/Aids among older adults compared with other age groups. Among the reason for this increase is the misinformation of this public regarding the self-care, greater avaliability of drugs for erectile dysfunction, low use of condoms in this generation and delayed diagnosis. The objective of this study was to understand the meaning and implications of the biopsychosocial experience of living with HIV/Aids for the elderly in the city of Recife. Participated in nine elders (four females and five males), an age comprised between 60 and 76 years, living in Recife who were in treatment and/or monitoring the SAE (Service Specializing in Assisting HIV/Aids) of Polyclinic Lessa de Andrade. The survey was conducted in a semi-directed, organized from a script previously drafted, which were recorded and transcribed. The most significant results showed: the impact of the diagnosis of HIV/Aids accompanied by feelings of anger, guilt, embarrassment, fear, prejudice and abandonment by family, friends and neighbors that are part of everyday life of the elderly; an ontological dimension of sexuality, breaking the stereotype of old age marked by assexuality, gathering and passivity, the constructions of gender and social representation of Aids associated as the disease of the older as determining factors for the perceived invulnerability to HIV/Aids among people in this age group; spirituality as support, something that came to appease the pain and suffering in the face of positive sorology for HIV; compromised physical health of the elderly due to the gradual and progressive destruction of the body's defense cells associated with old age; lack of preparation on the part of the healthcare team to deal with HIV / AIDS in this age group, resulting in late diagnosis. This work had therefore the aim of contributing to illiminate the field knowledge and practices whose horizon of ethical concerns and policies to reduce vulnerability of the elderly to HIV/Aids. / Embora a velhice seja uma realidade biológica, os significados que lhe são atribuídos são construções sociais e históricas. O aumento de casos de HIV/Aids entre pessoas acima de 60 anos tem sido reportado por pesquisadores, pois os dados mostram o crescimento de casos proporcionais de HIV/Aids entre idosos comparado com outras faixas de idade. Entre as razões para essa progressão está a desinformação desse público no que se refere ao autocuidado, a maior oferta de fármacos contra disfunção erétil, o baixo uso de preservativos nessa geração e o atraso no diagnóstico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender as repercussões biopsicossociais de conviver com HIV/Aids para idosos na cidade do Recife. Participaram nove idosos (quatro do sexo feminino e cinco do sexo masculino), na faixa etária compreendida entre 60 e 76 anos, residentes na cidade do Recife, que estavam em tratamento e/ou acompanhamento no SAE (Serviço de Assistência Especializada em HIV/Aids) da Policlínica Lessa de Andrade. Foi realizada uma entrevista conduzida de forma semidirigida e organizada a partir de um roteiro previamente estabelecido, que foi gravada e transcrita. As informações colhidas foram analisadas com base na Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Os resultados mais expressivos apontaram: o impacto do diagnóstico de HIV/Aids no paciente, acompanhado de sentimentos de tristeza, revolta, culpa, desespero, aprisionamento e medo; preconceito e abandono por parte de alguns familiares, amigos e vizinhos que fazem parte do cotidiano desses idosos; uma dimensão ontológica da sexualidade, rompendo com o estereótipo da velhice marcada pela assexualidade, recolhimento e passividade; as construções de gênero e a representação social da Aids associadas como a doença do outro como fatores determinantes para a percepção da invulnerabilidade ao HIV/Aids entre pessoas desse grupo etário; a espiritualidade como sustentação, dimensão que serve para apaziguar a dor e o sofrimento diante da sorologia positiva para o HIV; saúde física dos idosos comprometida em virtude da destruição progressiva e gradativa das células de defesa do organismo associada às doenças inerentes à velhice; o despreparo por parte da equipe de saúde para lidar com o HIV/Aids nessa faixa etária, ocasionando o diagnóstico tardio. Este trabalho teve, portanto, o intuito de contribuir para iluminar o campo de saberes e práticas que têm como horizonte de preocupações éticas e políticas a diminuição da vulnerabilidade dos idosos ao HIV/Aids.

The purpose of the study was to describe the determinants and practice of HIV self-testing among health care workers (HCWs) in Nyeri provincial hospital, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the rate of HIV self-testing, explore the factors influencing the practice and describe access to HIV psychosocial support, care and treatment. The study was guided by the concepts of the protection motivation theory. Data was collected from 348 HCWs and analysed by means of logistic regression. Results showed that 65.8% of the HCWs had practiced HIV self-testing among themselves. Age, self efficacy and response efficacy were found to be significant predictors of HIV self-testing. Willingness to access HIV psychosocial support (71.3%) and care and treatment (73.9%) was high. Self-testing is highly practiced by HCWs. / Public Health / M.A. (Public Health)

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (hereafter HIV/AIDS) in South Africa are epidemic virus and disease respectively, item 1.1 of the EEA Code of Good Practice on Key Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Employment, 2000 states that HIV/AIDS are serious public health problems, which have socio-economic, employment and human rights implications on the society, employees inclusive. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair discrimination 4 of 2000, international and regional instruments and standards provide protection to HIV positive employees in the workplace. Notwithstanding this plethora of legislation, employees are still faced with the problems of being stigmatised, unfairly discriminated against and ultimately dismissed from work for being HIV positive. Employees are subjected to HIV testing and the information about their HIV statuses is still being disclosed without their informed consent and their right to privacy and confidentiality may be violated. These possible violations of employees’ rights may affect the economy of the country. When employees are dismissed, the amount of production and profits for the employers decrease and as a result the government loses tax revenue, the unemployment and poverty rates increase. Hence it is imperative to investigate the problems of stigmatisation, unfair discrimination and dismissals in order to see to what extent are employees’ rights protected. There will be a comparative study in Canada which is experiencing the same problems as South Africa in order to find out how Canada can provide solution to South African problems. / LLM (Labour Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (hereafter HIV/AIDS) in South Africa are epidemic virus and disease respectively, item 1.1 of the EEA Code of Good Practice on Key Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Employment, 2000 states that HIV/AIDS are serious public health problems, which have socio-economic, employment and human rights implications on the society, employees inclusive. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair discrimination 4 of 2000, international and regional instruments and standards provide protection to HIV positive employees in the workplace. Notwithstanding this plethora of legislation, employees are still faced with the problems of being stigmatised, unfairly discriminated against and ultimately dismissed from work for being HIV positive. Employees are subjected to HIV testing and the information about their HIV statuses is still being disclosed without their informed consent and their right to privacy and confidentiality may be violated. These possible violations of employees’ rights may affect the economy of the country. When employees are dismissed, the amount of production and profits for the employers decrease and as a result the government loses tax revenue, the unemployment and poverty rates increase. Hence it is imperative to investigate the problems of stigmatisation, unfair discrimination and dismissals in order to see to what extent are employees’ rights protected. There will be a comparative study in Canada which is experiencing the same problems as South Africa in order to find out how Canada can provide solution to South African problems. / LLM (Labour Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015