Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases. It is the causative agent of cervical cancer, anal, and penile cancers. The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of parents towards HPV and HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer in girls aged 9 to 13 years and HPV vaccine uptake. The study was conducted in Sefhare village, in the Central District of Botswana. The researcher selected a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design and data was collected using a questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. The study population consisted of parents of adolescent girls of ages 9-13 years living in four wards of Sefhare village. Data was analysed using SPSS version 19. The study found a high level (71.8%) of knowledge about HPV infection, cervical cancer and HPV vaccine and a positive attitude (81.5%) and behaviour (62%) towards the HPV vaccine. / Health Studies / M.P.H.

Historically the trend in health care has been the domain of health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and other professionals from the medical fraternity. This created the separation between the mind and body, due to the diagnostic and treatment origins being segregated. This thesis addresses the idea that psychological processes have significant impacts on our physical health {and visa versa). It establishes the notion that health care needs to be understood holistically, from a broader systemic perspective, expanding the working model of health. The second chapter of this thesis addresses the power of the mind and the connection between the mind and body. It establishes the importance of beliefs and perceptions and the huge effect this has on people and their lives. How we choose to perceive a situation will give that situation meaning. The meanings that we give to events usually depict how we will see and respond to that event, sometimes more than the actual event itself. It explains the importance of the mind (psychological issues) as well as the body (physiological issues) when understanding and dealing with health and wellbeing. The following chapter discusses the historical developments of physical and mental health; from Hippocrates and Descartes to a modern holistic approach and attitude. Behaviour Medicine6, explicitly recognises that mind and body are intimately interconnected and that an appreciation of these interconnections and their scientific study is an interdisciplinary field, uniting the behavioural sciences with the biomedical sciences; in the hope that the cross fertilization will yield a more comprehensive picture of health and illness. The 'biopsychosocial model'7 provides a theoretical framework, explaining how an awareness of biological, psychological and social process are all important in understanding disease and recovery, supported by systemic principles. The scientific research and practical implications of psychoneuroimmunology8 (PNI) takes this biopsychosocial model one-step further. It describes how thoughts, perceptions and emotions have interchangeable influences with brain chemistry, which in turn influences the body and neurological systems1 particularly immune system functioning. The concept that we all have an inner ability /intelligence to heal ourselves is also detailed. Miller (1997: 350) discusses this notion, stating that we all have "a healer within." He states that this inner healer can be awakened in order to participate in "our deep healing.11 He claims, "This vital essence has been with us since birth ... Its function is to maintain homeostasis (internal balance). As humans, we can1 through our ability to change our images and beliefs, enhance, or inhibit the power of this inner healer." The concepts discussed thus far in the thesis are then demonstrated practically. The relationship between stress and health is examined and practical ways to maintain a healthier lifestyle is detailed. The researcher then introduces a South African company that is currently working in the field with the concepts of mindbody medicine and psychoneuroimmunology. This led the researcher to find a philosophical container in which to hold the holistic mind body theories and concepts. Anderson & Carter (2003: 222) states, "Social work distinguishes itself by exploring the 'person-environment fit'. This is an area in social work where constructivism may prove supportive. Such an emphasis increases the likelihood that diverse voices and points of view are integrated in social work theory and practice." Therefore/ a constructive epistemology/ philosophy in which meaning is intimately connected with experience, is expanded upon. The mind/body theory and concepts are then linked to Constructivism and Personal Construct Theory (by George Kelly). Constructivism postulates that we all create and interpret our own meaning systems, which become our subjective realities. The link to mind body medicine is pertinent in that both constructivism and mind body medicine share similar ideologies about how realities are construed, and how this in turn effects treatment of disease and maintenance of wellbeing. Cybernetic complementarities then expand our understanding of the mind and body connection in a monolistic framework, where mind and body are recursive partial arcs of a holistic health care system. Constructivism therefore integrates eastern and western concepts, cementing all the concepts used in this thesis, in a holistic manner. It also helps us to understand how some of the mind body techniques may be working within the mind body realm. Given the unique needs of a changing and developing society, as found in South Africa, there is a need to be creative and find alternative ways to cope with our societal stresses and daily occurrences. This is where the researcher feels that the social work profession needs to be involved in working and contributing to our health care services. The development of medical social work is detailed and the latest social work definition discussed. It is reveals how contents of the definition of social work are relevant and are a pertinent fit with mind-body approaches to health and wellbeing. The researcher debates the role of social workers in this field of health care. It is then proposed, in the detailed discussion, that social workers practising in this field should be known as Health Care Social Workers. This field of holistic health care has many proposed strengths and implication, for both Health Care Social Workers and other health care professionals. It will naturally also present challenges that need to be considered and contemplated. The final chapter of this thesis examine these strengths and challenges and their therapeutic implications. The researcher concludes by demonstrating that the literature study on holistic mind and body approaches matches her objectives from the first chapter. / Social work / M.A. (Social Science with specialisation in Mental Health)

A random sample of 365 students attending a university in northern Texas returned a mailed questionnaire measuring the students' knowledge of Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), their perceived susceptibility to AIDS, and their sexual practices during the last year. The students had high knowledge levels about AIDS in general. However, 70% did not worry about getting AIDS. Collectively, there was a display of concern until it became a personal issue. The students (59%) saw themselves as less likely than most people to get AIDS. Although 70% of this sexually active group did not use condoms, they still did not perceive themselves as susceptible to AIDS.

by Au-Yeung Kit Mei. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 219-232). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Abstract (Chinese Version) --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.xiii / List of Tables --- p.xv / List of Abbreviations --- p.xxviii / Chapter CHAPTER ONE: --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Health-related Transition in Hong Kong and Their Implications --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- "Eating Habits, Lifestyle and Health of Hong Kong Children" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Affluent Diet --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Poor Diet Habits --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.2.1 --- Low Breastfeeding Rate --- p.2 / Chapter 1.2.2.2 --- Breakfast Skipping --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2.2.3 --- Increased Eating Out --- p.5 / Chapter 1.2.2.4 --- Quality of School Lunch --- p.6 / Chapter 1.2.2.5 --- Snacking Habits --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Physical Inactivity --- p.8 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Childhood Obesity Prevalence and Trend --- p.9 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Health Implications and Consequences --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.6 --- Children's Eating and Physical Activity Habit Formation --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.6.1 --- Parental Influences --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.6.2 --- Influence of School Environment and Healthy Food Availability --- p.14 / Chapter 1.2.6.3 --- Media Influences --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3 --- Prevention Rather than Management --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Good Habit Establishment is Essential When Young --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Need for Comprehensive Health or Nutrition Education --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Brief Review of Nutrition Education Research in Other Nations --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Nutrition / Health Education in Hong Kong --- p.21 / Chapter 1.3.4.1 --- Government and Community Promotion --- p.21 / Chapter 1.3.4.2 --- Nutrition and Physical Activity in Primary School Syllabus --- p.22 / Chapter 1.3.4.3 --- Barriers --- p.23 / Chapter 1.4 --- Rationale of This Study --- p.24 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Project Background: Multidisciplinary Advisory Committee Composition --- p.24 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Objectives of this Project --- p.24 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Theoretical Framework --- p.25 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Research Design and Hypothesis --- p.26 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO: --- METHODOLOGY / Chapter 2.1 --- Target Subjects --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2 --- Sample --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Gaining Access To Subjects --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Sample Selection --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3 --- Questionnaires Development and Data Collection --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Questionnaire Design --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- Students' Questionnaire --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.1.2 --- Parents' Questionnaire --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.1.3 --- Pre-testing --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.1.4 --- Student Helper Training --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.1.5 --- Reliability and validity of measures --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4 --- Intervention --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Intervention Activities and Curriculum Design --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Intervention Materials Development and Pre-testing --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5 --- Evaluation --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Outcome Evaluation --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.1.1 --- Data Management --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.1.2 --- Statistics --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.1.3 --- "Knowledge,Attitude and Behavior Scores of Students" --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Process Evaluation of Program Materials and Activities During the Intervention --- p.41 / Chapter 2.6 --- Ethics --- p.44 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE: --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1 --- Response Rate --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2 --- Baseline Characteristics of Students and Parents in Pre-intervention Survey --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- General Sociodemographic Characteristics --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Breastfeeding --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Healthy Diet Pyramid and General Healthy Eating Awareness --- p.63 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Healthy Breakfast --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Healthy Eating Out --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Healthy School Lunch --- p.79 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Healthy Snacking --- p.82 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Family Dietary Habits --- p.88 / Chapter 3.2.9 --- Physical Activity --- p.97 / Chapter 3.2.10 --- Summary Profile of the Subjects at Pre-intervention Survey --- p.109 / Chapter 3.3 --- Outcome Evaluation --- p.114 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- General Sociodemographic Characteristics of Students and Parents in Post-intervention survey --- p.114 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Breastfeeding --- p.117 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Healthy Diet Pyramid and General Healthy Eating Awareness --- p.122 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Healthy Breakfast --- p.125 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Healthy Eating Out --- p.130 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Healthy School Lunch --- p.134 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- Healthy Snacking --- p.138 / Chapter 3.3.8 --- Family Dietary Habits --- p.144 / Chapter 3.3.9 --- Physical Activity --- p.150 / Chapter 3.3.10 --- "Changes in Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior With Respect to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity" --- p.157 / Chapter 3.3.11 --- Summary Profile of the Subjects at Post-intervention Survey --- p.162 / Chapter 3.4 --- Parents' Evaluation of Program Materials and Activities --- p.166 / Chapter 3.5 --- Teachers' Evaluation of Program Materials and Activities --- p.174 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Breastfeeding Evaluation --- p.175 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Program Evaluation: Other FUN-IN-SEVEN Themes --- p.181 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR: --- DISCUSSION / Chapter 4.1 --- Implication of Findings --- p.193 / Chapter 4.2 --- Strengths and Limitations of the Study --- p.210 / Chapter 4.3 --- Major Difficulties Encountered in Launching Nutrition Promotion in Schools --- p.213 / Chapter 4.4 --- Implications and Recommendations for Meeting the Challenges to Improving Hong Kong Primary Students Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits --- p.214 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE: --- CONCLUSION --- p.218 / References --- p.219 / Appendices / Chapter AI --- Students' questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.233 / Chapter AII --- Students' questionnaire (English version) --- p.238 / Chapter BI --- Visual aids (Chinese version) --- p.251 / Chapter BII --- Visual aids (English version) --- p.258 / Chapter CI --- Parents' questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.265 / Chapter CII --- Parents' questionnaire (English version) --- p.273 / Chapter DI --- Introductory letter (Chinese version) --- p.281 / Chapter DII --- Introductory letter (English version) --- p.283 / Chapter EI --- Consent form (Chinese version) --- p.285 / Chapter EII --- Consent form (English version) --- p.286 / Chapter F --- Principal/teacher questionnaire --- p.287 / Chapter G --- Background information of the partner schools --- p.289 / Chapter H --- Summary of materials and activities of FUN-IN-SEVEN Programme (Chinese version) --- p.291 / Chapter KI --- "Programme materials, pamphlets/brochures and photographs of some activities" --- p.292 / Chapter LI --- Parents' evaluation (Chinese version) --- p.370 / Chapter LII --- Parents' evaluation (English version) --- p.372 / Chapter MI --- Teachers' breastfeeding evaluation (Chinese version) --- p.373 / Chapter MII --- Teachers' breastfeeding evaluation (English version) --- p.375 / Chapter NI --- Teachers' programme evaluation (Chinese version) --- p.377 / Chapter NII --- Teachers' programme evaluation (English version) --- p.381 / Chapter P --- Socioeconomic background information of partner schools --- p.385

by Wan Cheuk Wing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves p. 166-183). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii-iii / Abstract (Chinese Version) --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.v-xi / List of Figures --- p.xii / List of Tables --- p.xiii-xxiii / List of Abbreviations --- p.xxiiv / Chapter CHAPTER ONE: --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- "Socioeconomic, dietary and epidemiological transformation" --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Low breastfeeding rate --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Breakfast skipping --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Popularity of eating out --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Lack of school lunch surveillance or policy --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Frequent unhealthy snack consumption --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- Physical inactivity --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2 --- "Childhood and Adolescent obesity determinants, trends and consequences" --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3 --- "Physiological, psychosocial and economic determinants of childhood and adolescent obesity" --- p.16 / Chapter 1.4 --- Adolescence - Critical period of habit development --- p.17 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- "Factors affecting eating and physical activity patterns: peers, television and the school environment" --- p.18 / Chapter 1.5 --- The education system in Hong Kong and United States --- p.20 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Principles of effective nutrition curriculum development --- p.23 / Chapter 1.6 --- Study Design and Theoretical Approach of study --- p.23 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO: --- METHODOLOGY / Chapter 2.1 --- Target Population Determination --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2 --- Recruitment & Geographical Distribution of Schools --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Familiarization with School Background --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3 --- Focus groups --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4 --- "Questionnaire Development, Instrument Design and Pre-testing" --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Questionnaire Development --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Socio-demographic --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Breastfeeding --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- "Dietary - Healthy Diet Pyramid, Healthy Breakfast, Healthy Lunch, Healthy Snack, Healthy Eating Out" --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Physical Activity --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Pretesting --- p.35 / Chapter 2.4.7 --- Sampling Method --- p.35 / Chapter 2.4.8 --- Student Helpers Training --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4.9 --- Data Collection --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4.10 --- Fun-In-Seven Logo --- p.37 / Chapter 2.5 --- Intervention Program --- p.38 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Planning the Intervention Programs - Health Committee Establishment --- p.38 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- "Intervention Activities, Curriculum Design and Implementation" --- p.39 / Chapter 2.6 --- Evaluations --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Process Evaluation --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Outcome Evaluation --- p.45 / Chapter 2.7 --- Data Management --- p.46 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Data Processing --- p.46 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Statistics --- p.46 / Chapter 2.7.3 --- Data Analysis --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE: --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1 --- Participation rate of the study --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2 --- Pre-intervention survey results --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- General sociodemographic characteristics of students --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Self-evaluated nutrition scores --- p.53 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Breastfeeding --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Healthy Diet Pyramid --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Healthy breakfast awareness and practices --- p.64 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- "Eating out knowledge, attitudes and practices" --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Healthy Lunch --- p.73 / Chapter 3.2.8 --- Snack patterns --- p.77 / Chapter 3.2.9 --- Physical Activity --- p.81 / Chapter 3.2.10 --- Summary Profile of the Secondary Students in the Pre-intervention Survey --- p.92 / Chapter 3.3 --- Outcome evaluation --- p.95 / Chapter 3.4 --- Post-intervention Survey --- p.95 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- General sociodemographic characteristics of students --- p.95 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Changes in self-rated nutrition knowledge --- p.96 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Intervention effects on of breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes --- p.97 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Healthy Diet Pyramid and healthy eating awareness --- p.104 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Breakfast --- p.109 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- Eating Out --- p.113 / Chapter 3.4.7 --- Lunch --- p.117 / Chapter 3.4.8 --- Snacking --- p.121 / Chapter 3.4.9 --- Physical Activity --- p.128 / Chapter 3.4.10 --- "Changes in students' knowledge, attitude, and behavior after the intervention programme" --- p.140 / Chapter 3.5 --- Summary Profile of the Secondary Students in the Post-intervention Survey --- p.145 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR: --- DISCUSSION / Chapter 4.1 --- Impacts of Fun-in-Seven programmes --- p.150 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Breastfeeding --- p.150 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Healthy Diet Pyramid --- p.151 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Healthy Breakfast --- p.152 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Lunch --- p.153 / Chapter 4.1.5 --- Snacking --- p.155 / Chapter 4.1.6 --- Physical Activity --- p.156 / Chapter 4.2 --- Strengths of the intervention programme --- p.157 / Chapter 4.3 --- Limitations and problems encountered --- p.159 / Chapter 4.4 --- Recommendations for further improvement --- p.161 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE: --- CONCLUSION --- p.165 / References --- p.166-180 / Appendices / Chapter A --- Questionnaire for Teacher/Principal (English version) --- p.181-183 / Chapter B --- Secondary School Background Information (English version) --- p.184-195 / Chapter CI --- Questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.196-209 / Chapter CII --- Questionnaire (English version) --- p.210-224 / Chapter D --- Pamphlets for seven themes (Chinese and English versions) --- p.225-257 / Chapter E --- Worksheets & Certificates (Chinese and English versions) --- p.258-283 / Chapter F --- Activities photos (English version) --- p.284-288 / Chapter G --- Summary of materials and activities of each theme in Fun-in-Seven (Chinese version) --- p.289 / Chapter HI --- Breastfeeding and Physical Activity Process Evaluation Questionnaire (Chinese version) --- p.290-291 / Chapter HII --- Breastfeeding and Healthy Diet Pyramid Process Evaluation Questionnaire (English version) --- p.292-294 / Chapter JI --- "Physical Activity, Breakfast, Lunch, Eat Out, Snack Outcome Evaluation (Chinese version) - School 1" --- p.295-299 / Chapter JII --- "Physical Activity, Breakfast, Lunch, Eat Out, Snack Outcome Evaluation (English version)" --- p.300-305 / Chapter KI --- "Physical Activity, Breakfast, Lunch, Eat Out, Snack Outcome Evaluation (Chinese version) - School 2" --- p.306-309 / Chapter KII --- "Physical Activity, Breakfast, Lunch, Eat Out, Snack Outcome Evaluation (English version) ´ؤ School 2" --- p.310-313 / Chapter LI --- "Physical Activity, Breakfast, Lunch, Eat Out, Snack Outcome Evaluation (Chinese version) ´ؤ School 3" --- p.314-317 / Chapter LII --- "Physical Activity, Breakfast, Lunch, Eat Out, Snack Outcome Evaluation (English version) ´ؤ School 3" --- p.318-322 / Chapter MI --- Teacher's Outcome Evaluation Form (Chinese version) ´ؤ School --- p.323-324 / Chapter MII --- Teacher's Outcome Evaluation Form (English version) 一 School --- p.325-327 / Chapter NI --- Teacher's Outcome Evaluation Form (Chinese version) ´ؤ School --- p.328-329 / Chapter NII --- Teacher's Outcome Evaluation Form (English version) - School --- p.330-332 / Chapter PI --- Teacher's Outcome Evaluation Form (Chinese version) - School --- p.333-334 / Chapter PII --- Teacher's Outcome Evaluation Form (English version) 一 School --- p.335-337 / Chapter QI --- Health Ambassador's Outcome Evaluation Form (Chinese version) --- p.338-339 / Chapter QII --- Health Ambassador's Outcome Evaluation Form (English version) --- p.340-341

This study applied the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and its extension, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the design of a workplace HIV/AIDS health promotion programme. The purpose of the study was to determine if the variables of the TRA and TPB would predict intentions to change HIV/AIDS health behaviour, whether a theory-based intervention would result in health behaviour change over time and if there would be any significant health behaviour differences among participants who received a theory-based intervention and those who received an information-only intervention. In a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study, 170 government employees were divided into two groups. One group comprised 92 employees who participated in a HIV/AIDS health promotion workshop based on the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour. The other group comprised 78 employees who took part in an educational information session about HIV and AIDS. An elicitation study was conducted with a sample of 38 employees from the research population two months prior to the commencement of the study. The findings of the elicitation study informed the design of research questionnaires and an intervention workshop. Both groups of participants (theory-based workshop and information-only workshop) were measured on HIV/AIDS health behaviour intentions and HIV/AIDS health behaviour (condom use, seeking HIV testing and monogamy) across three measurement periods over a six month period. The results of the study showed that the combined theoretical variables predicted intentions to use condoms and to seek HIV testing, with attitudes having the main effect on intentions. There was, however, no significant health behaviour change across the three measurement periods. There were also no health behaviour differences between the two intervention conditions at one month and six months post-intervention. The study concludes that the intervention based on the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour did not produce health behaviour change. The study also identified barriers to AIDS health behaviour in the South African context that the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour cannot explain. Ways in which the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour can be adapted to HIV/AIDS education in collectivist cultures are proposed. / Psychology / Thesis (D. Phil. (Psychology))

Text in English / Cervical cancer accounts for 34.6% of all the female cancers in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of female student nurses regarding cervical cancer in Zimbabwe using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical framework. The ultimate aim was to analyse female student nurses’ risk perception of contracting cervical cancer. A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive research design was used, using a structured questionnaire for data collection. One hundred and thirty-two (132) respondents were conveniently selected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 software program. The study revealed that 57.9% of the respondents perceive that they are at risk of developing cervical cancer. They believe that screening for cervical cancer is not embarrassing. Knowledge improved with increase in the level of study, there was lack of knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer link. More emphasis on cervical cancer should be put on curricula taught in undergraduate education earlier on in the programme. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The HIV pandemic threatens the social, emotional, and physical development of all persons, especially the youth. Adolescents are more at risk of contracting HIV as their lifestyle often involves sexual exploration and experimentation. Effective educational interventions are central to HIV prevention in South Africa. Being a clinical nurse practitioner in a primary health care (PHC) facility, the principal investigator observed that school learners failed to practice safe sex and demonstrated little knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate the reported level of HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviour of grade 12 school learners in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole, Cape Town. A descriptive, non-experimental, research design was employed with a primarily quantitative approach. The study population comprised grade 12 learners from high schools in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole in Cape Town (N=7940). A total of 92 participants from four schools (2 public and 2 private) were included in the sample by using a cluster sampling method. A self-completion semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was collected by the principal investigator and a trained field worker. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (N11/07/225). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Department of Education. Reliability and validity were assured by means of a pilot study and the use of experts in the field of nursing research and statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Statistical associations were determined using ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U tests. The qualitative data was analysed thematically and then quantified. The results show that the average HIV/AIDS knowledge score of participants was 60.73%. However, many gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge were identified. Only 77.2% (n=71) of participants knew the meaning of HIV, 80.4% (n=74) did not know all the ways in which HIV can be transmitted and only 8.7% (n=8) knew how to safely use a condom. The majority of participants (67.4%; n=62) believed in the myth that HIV can be cured and 18.5% (n=17) reported that a traditional healer can cure HIV. With regard to risky behaviour, half of the participants at the time of the study (51%; n=47) reported sexual engagement and 20% (n=9) of these respondents did not use condoms. Furthermore, 25% (n=23) had used alcohol before having sex. There were no association found between the knowledge about HIV/AIDS of participants and their sexual risk behaviour. In view of these study findings, participants are exposing themselves to high risk sexual behaviour that may increase their chances of acquiring sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Several recommendations were identified, including the strengthening of HIV and STI education linked to sexual risk reduction, open communication and additional information sources, availability of condoms at schools and improved access to HIV testing at schools. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die jeug se sosiale, emosionele en fisiese ontwikkeling word deur die MIV-pandemie gekortwiek. As gevolg van hulle seksuele eksperimentering, word adolessente as ʼn hoë risikogroep beskou, sover dit die ontwikkeling van MIV aangaan. Gevolglik speel onderrig ʼn belangrike rol in MIV voorkoming. Die beoefening van onveilige seks, en onvoldoende kennis rakende MIV/VIGS-voorkoming, is deur die primêre navorser, ʼn kliniese verpleegpraktisyn in die primêre gesondheidsorg omgewing, waargeneem. Die studie het dit ten doel om te bepaal wat die MIV-kennis vlakke, en die seksuele gedrag risiko van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool is. ʼn Beskrywende, nie-eksperimentele navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, met ʼn hoofsaaklike kwantitatiewe benadering. Uit die studie populasie van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool hoërskole (N=7940), is ʼn steekproef van 92 deelnemers uit vier hoërskole (twee staatskole en twee privaatskole) gekies – die trossteekproefnemingsmetode is gebruik. Data is versamel deur middel van ʼn semi-gestruktureerde vraelys wat deur die deelnemers self voltooi is. Toestemming vir die uitvoer van die studie is verkry van die Etiese Komitee van die Mediese Fakulteit van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (N11/07/225), asook die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Onderwys. Die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van die studie is verseker deur die uitvoer van ʼn voorstudie, en is verder versterk deur gebruik te maak van kundiges in die veld van statistiek en verpleegnavorsing. Data is ontleed deur middel van beskrywende statistiese metodes en assosiasies is bepaal deur gebruik te maak van variansie-analise (“ANOVA”) en Mann-Whitney U toetse. Die bevindinge is in frekwensie tabelle en histogramme vervat. Die kwalitatiewe data is gekodeer en gekategoriseer, waarna temas geïdentifiseer is. Alhoewel die studie-bevindinge aangedui het dat die deelnemers ʼn gemiddelde MIV/VIGS-kennis telling van 60.73% behaal het, is verskeie leemtes in hulle bestaande kennis geïdentifiseer. Slegs 77.2% (n=71) van die deelnemers het geweet wat MIV beteken, terwyl 80.4% (n=74) nie geweet het hoe MIV oorgedra word nie. Slegs 8.7% (n=8) van die deelnemers het kennis gehad rakende veilige kondoom gebruik. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers (67.4%; n=62) glo dat MIV genees kan word en 18.5% (n=17) het aangedui dat MIV deur ʼn tradisionele geneesheer genees kan word. Hoë-risiko gedrag, spesifiek seksuele aktiwiteit (51%; n=47%) sonder kondome (20%; n=9) is rapporteer. ʼn Verdere 25% (n=23) van die deelnemers het rapporteer dat hulle alkohol gebruik voor seks, maar daar was geen assosiasie tussen die vlak van MIV/VIGS-kennis en hoë-risiko gedrag nie. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die deelnemers hulself blootstel aan hoë-risiko seksuele gedrag met die gevolg dat hul kans om MIV te kry verhoog. Die aanbevelings, gegrond op die bevindinge, sluit in: ʼn groter fokus op onderrig wat verband hou met MIV en seksueel oordraagbare infeksies wat gekoppel is aan ʼn verlaging in hoe-risiko seksuele gedrag, openhartige kommunikasie en bykomende inligtingshulpbronne, beskikbaarheid van kondome by skole, asook verbeterde toegang tot MIV toetsing by skole.

Optimal aging is strongly related to personality factors along with health-behavior habits. Personality has played a key role in understanding the interactions between human behavior and the environment and as a vital predictor in determining health outcomes of individuals. Although previous studies have found links between personality traits and health, less is known about more process-oriented personality constructs, such as goals and self-regulatory strategies as linkages between traits and health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamic linkages of personality and health by examining how daily health-goal progress is associated with daily positive and negative affect as well as whether the association between health-goal progress and positive and negative affect can be predicted by personality traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness. Main research questions are: 1) Are daily positive and negative affect associated with daily health-goal progress? 2) To what extent are the traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness related to the overall levels of daily health-goal progress over a 100-day time period? 3) Do neuroticism and conscientiousness moderate the relationships between daily positive affect and daily health-goal progress as well as between negative affect and daily health-goal progress? This study was guided by developmental systems theory (Ford & Lerner, 1992) and the six-foci model of personality (Hooker & McAdams, 2003). This study utilized data from the "Personal Understanding of Life and Social Experiences" (PULSE) project that was a 100 day internet-based, daily study of Oregon residents over the age of 50. The sample for this study (N = 76) included participants who have participated at both baseline (initial survey) and the microlongitudinal phase (over 100 days). Personal health goals, neuroticism, and conscientiousness were measured at baseline. Daily health-goal progress, daily positive affect, and negative affect were measured over 100 days. Multilevel modeling analysis was used to examine within-person variations and between-person differences in daily health-goal progress and daily positive and negative affect by estimating an intercept (initial status) and slope (change) for each individual. The results of this study show that first, daily health-goal progress was positively coupled with daily positive affect and negatively coupled with daily negative affect within persons. Second, the associations between daily positive affect and daily health-goal progress and between daily negative affect and daily health-goal progress varied between individuals. Third, health-goal progress on the previous day was positively related to concurrent positive affect and negatively related to concurrent negative affect. Fourth, individuals high in neuroticism and individuals high in conscientiousness were only marginally likely to experience higher levels of health-goal progress over the 100-day period compared to those with low scores. Fifth, individuals high in neuroticism when experiencing high levels of negative affect tended to report lower levels of daily health-goal progress. These findings may provide enhanced knowledge of patterns of day-to-day variability within persons and lead to better health care. Moreover, the findings of the current study suggest that health-improving interventions could be targeted individually to participants based on knowledge of the linkages between daily goal progress and daily affect and personality traits. Ultimately, the personality of older adults may act as risk factors and/or protective factors in the processes of aging during the second half of life. / Graduation date: 2013

This study applied the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and its extension, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to the design of a workplace HIV/AIDS health promotion programme. The purpose of the study was to determine if the variables of the TRA and TPB would predict intentions to change HIV/AIDS health behaviour, whether a theory-based intervention would result in health behaviour change over time and if there would be any significant health behaviour differences among participants who received a theory-based intervention and those who received an information-only intervention. In a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study, 170 government employees were divided into two groups. One group comprised 92 employees who participated in a HIV/AIDS health promotion workshop based on the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour. The other group comprised 78 employees who took part in an educational information session about HIV and AIDS. An elicitation study was conducted with a sample of 38 employees from the research population two months prior to the commencement of the study. The findings of the elicitation study informed the design of research questionnaires and an intervention workshop. Both groups of participants (theory-based workshop and information-only workshop) were measured on HIV/AIDS health behaviour intentions and HIV/AIDS health behaviour (condom use, seeking HIV testing and monogamy) across three measurement periods over a six month period. The results of the study showed that the combined theoretical variables predicted intentions to use condoms and to seek HIV testing, with attitudes having the main effect on intentions. There was, however, no significant health behaviour change across the three measurement periods. There were also no health behaviour differences between the two intervention conditions at one month and six months post-intervention. The study concludes that the intervention based on the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour did not produce health behaviour change. The study also identified barriers to AIDS health behaviour in the South African context that the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour cannot explain. Ways in which the theories of reasoned action and planned behaviour can be adapted to HIV/AIDS education in collectivist cultures are proposed. / Psychology / Thesis (D. Phil. (Psychology))