Background: Researchers have addressed the extraordinarily high rate of unemployment in patients with psychotic disorders for many years, but few have focused on these patients’ subjective experience of employment in the recovery process. Method: A thematic analysis was performed by conducting six semistructured interviews with young patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders. Results: The interviewees agreed on the importance and benefits of employment in their recovery. Acceptance, financial support, and a meaningful life can be secured throughout the working process. However, the interviewees mentioned certain barriers to seeking and sustaining employment. Stigma and low motivation were common problems in searching for a job. Cognitive deficit, the side effects of medication, and interpersonal challenges in the workplace increased the difficulty of sustaining a job. Most of the interviewees participated in vocational rehabilitation programmes, and they expressed the belief that these programmes can help them enter the labour market at a certain level, but the programme design can be improved further to meet individual needs. Conclusion: Consistent with previous findings, the patients faced various difficulties in open employment. Employability training, psychoeducation at the corporate level, and self-efficacy development can be considered interventions for improving patients’ vocational outcomes. / published_or_final_version / Psychological Medicine / Master / Master of Psychological Medicine

It is an accepted practice in any business organisation that the opportunities and threats facing organisations must be examined and plans drawn up to take advantage of the opportunities and to deal effectively with the treats. Surely HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest threats and challenges that organisations in South Africa are facing. The study is an exploratory research into an important issue facing many organisations today and is adequately supported by a proper and detailed literature study supported by an empirical study on the relevant research topic. A number of interviews were also conducted to determine what specific viewpoints, suggestions and limitations there were, or could be, toward the evaluation of existing structures and strategies and what alternative actions could be used and implemented, to effectively manage as well as control the disease and its various impacts within the workplace. The literature review within the scope and limitations of the study, therefore, concentrated on the specific nature and various impacts of AIDS as a starting point, followed by a detailed investigation why organisations need to implement sufficient action programmes, policies and strategies. The reality is that AIDS know no gender, race or class boundaries but is actually influenced by socio-economical factors such as poverty, violence and rapid urbanisation, with the potential to disrupt economic stability and growth for the country. The empirical part of the study consisted of a questionnaire that was completed by various respondents (organisations) which included a minimum number of 500 employees and more within the area of study. The objective was to establish if current structures within organisations, are effective and suitable enough or lacking. The research finding clearly indicated the various impacts that organisations are currently facing and what specific action programmes, policies and strategies needs to be implemented. It was the intention of this study to cover a wide variety of aspects related to the impact of AIDS within the workplace, so that proper insight and clear understanding of the epidemic and its nature could be formulated with all its facets and various impacts on the organisation land its resources. / Thesis (DCom (Business Management))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Business Management / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Admin) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2006

Thesis (MCur (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / One of the greatest challenges in the world today is fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Life expectancy in developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, decreased to 46 years while in developed countries the average life expectancy is 78 years. World Health Organisation(WHO) indicates that HIV/AIDS, now the world's leading cause of death in adults aged 15 to 59 years, is killing almost 5 000 men and women in this age group, and almost 1 000 of their children, every 24 hours in sub- Saharan Africa. In South Africa today, employees operate in an increasingly complex legal environment with regard to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. Despite the legal protection against employees affected by HI/AIDS and vigorous campaigns to combat HIV/AIDS in support of affected employees, the researcher has observed that management and co-workers show no compassion, empathy or understanding for the needs of these affected employees. An in-depth literature review of quality of life was completed. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the quality of life of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS is adversely affected. The following objectives were set: • To determine the family history of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS • To determine occupational history of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS • To determine the symptoms of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS • To determine the effectiveness of the anti-retroviral treatment programme of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS A descriptive qualitative research design using the case study method was applied to investigate whether the quality of life of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS was adversely affected. The population of this study were HIV/AIDS-affected employees working at a food and beverage company. Ten employees who gave consent participated in the study. The trustworthiness of this study was assured with the use of Lincoln and Guba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. A pre-test study was also completed. All ethical principles were met. Data was collected through an interview using an interview guide designed for use in a semi-structured interview. Data analysed show that the basic needs of the employee affected by HIV/AIDS are not adequately met and that the employee therefore does not experience quality of life. Recommendations include the improvement in public–private partnerships; in-service training and continuous refresher courses for all employees, supervisors and management; employee assistance programmes; involvement of church and communities; support circle; holistic approach in nursing care and further research. The findings play a role in understanding the importance of remaining at work for as long as possible when one is affected by HIV/AIDS. The findings of this study further validate the concepts in basic needs and that QOL is perceived differently by each individual.

Clinical research has shown that patients experience difficulty in adjusting to their pre-morbid worker roles after they have been through a back rehabilitation programme. The pressure and competitiveness of modern day society to achieve competence and to survive has proven to be stressful, both for the injured and uninjured, the unemployed and employed. Back rehabilitation and the successful return of the injured worker to the workplace have been of great interest to industry for the last decade, due to the ever-increasing support of legislature for the injured. There is a range of medical interventions available but few of these achieve successful outcomes due in part to the fact that many intervention strategies do not take the patients perspectives into consideration. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to explore back rehabilitated clients perceptions and experiences of the challenges they face in adapting to their worker roles.

The emergence of renewed emphasis on risk and risk management has opened a huge portal in attempting to deal with the negative impacts of mv/AIDS in the workplace. The study recognises the importance of risk management in achieving optimal benefits within any organisation. Furthermore it examines the devastating effect of mv/AIDS on the social and economic structure of South Africa and provides a benchmark programme in addressing this Issue. A case study is presented (Care for the Caregivers Programme, at McCord Hospital), which provides the framework of a programme in operation. The dissertation dissects the programme and evaluates the outcomes against a set of developed criteria. In maximising the benefits of such programmes, emphasis on proper implementation and monitoring is essential. The study proceeds to provide suggestions to harness the full potential ofthe programme. v / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

This study endeavoured to critically appraise the current models that have been designed to evaluate the HIVI AIDS epidemic. The flaw with the models is that they are not based on adequate data. Subsequently, the incorporation of the epidemic variables into Corporate Management has been lethargic especially with respect to small and medium business enterprises in South Africa. Nevertheless, larger corporations have evaluated the impact of the HIVI AIDS epidemic in their individual companies that provide results on the magnitude of the epidemic on the corporate sector. A careful analysis of these results taking into account the nature of the business will allow for more realistic inferences of the skill demographic magnitude of the epidemic from which smaller companies that have not embarked on studies can have a platform to assess the potential magnitude of the disease and this forms the backbone of the disease. Once this is recognised and incorporated into the mindset of companies, then strategic decisions have to be taken to minimise the impact of the epidemic on the business functions to ensure firstly sustainability and then profitability. Recommendations are outlined in the study based on the experiences of the larger corporate players that have performed the appropriate analysis for this and the actions that have been instituted. Thereafter the thesis substantiates the need for implementing strategies to deal with HIVI AIDS and the goals that companies should aspire. Lastly, based on workplace programs that have already been successfully incorporated into companies, the analysis and the program implementation is outlined. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

Clinical research has shown that patients experience difficulty in adjusting to their pre-morbid worker roles after they have been through a back rehabilitation programme. The pressure and competitiveness of modern day society to achieve competence and to survive has proven to be stressful, both for the injured and uninjured, the unemployed and employed. Back rehabilitation and the successful return of the injured worker to the workplace have been of great interest to industry for the last decade, due to the ever-increasing support of legislature for the injured. There is a range of medical interventions available but few of these achieve successful outcomes due in part to the fact that many intervention strategies do not take the patients perspectives into consideration. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to explore back rehabilitated clients perceptions and experiences of the challenges they face in adapting to their worker roles.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Clinical research has shown that patients experience difficulty in adjusting to their pre-morbid worker roles after they have been through a back rehabilitation programme. The pressure and competitiveness of modern day society to achieve competence and to survive has proven to be stressful, both for the injured and uninjured, the unemployed and employed. Back rehabilitation and the successful return of the injured worker to the workplace have been of great interest to industry for the last decade, due to the ever-increasing support of legislature for the injured. There is a range of medical interventions available but few of these achieve successful outcomes due in part to the fact that many intervention strategies do not take the patients perspectives into consideration. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to explore back rehabilitated clients perceptions and experiences of the challenges they face in adapting to their worker roles. / South Africa

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS is one of the most devastating pandemics the world has ever faced. SubSaharan Africa remains the region most affected where more two thirds of the total HIV positive population resides. Despite this region trying to grapple with many negative factors like political unrest, draughts, armed conflict, it now also have to content with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS has already killed ten times more Africans than all of the armed conflicts on the African continent combined (The Washington Quarterly, 2001:191-196). Many of the Sub-Saharan countries are renowned for unemployment and poverty which can be partly be alleviated by economic growth. Studies by Bonnel (2000) concluded that a typical Sub-Saharan country with a 20% HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, would suffer a 2.6% reduction in GDP growth per annum. This indicates that South Africa, where an estimated S.5 million HIV positive people resides (the most in globe) and ever increasing HIV prevalence, is in a serious predicament. There are many interacting variables causing the negative socioeconomic decline. At organisational level direct and indirect costs attributable to HIV, results in a severe decline of profitability and jeopardises sustainable economic activity. Direct costs include costs for medical treatment, health insurance, funeral expenses, retirement and disability and costs to manage HIV in the workplace. Indirect costs include absenteeism and loss of productivity, retraining and recruiting of employees to fill deceased employees' places etc. Although South African organisations acknowledge and predict that HIV/AIDS will have an ever-increasing negative impact on their business, the response to dealing with this issue has been insufficient. The deficient response could be partly ascribed to a lack of guidance, deficient proof of cost effectiveness with no real measurement for the outcomes of intervention programs. This study will critically evaluate a KAPB (knowledge, attitude, perception and behaviour) survey as a second-generation HIV surveillance tool that could address these organisational concerns. KAPB surveys have advantages like providing guidance and increasing cost effectiveness of HIV programs, benchmarking interventions and providing a platform for communication design and feedback to stakeholders. These benefits should motivate organisations to initiate programs that address HIV at an organisational level. KAPB surveys evaluate four employee factors related to HIV - knowledge, attitudes, perception and sexual behaviour. This report will critically evaluate the appropriateness of measuring these factors and some tools used to measure these factors. Further elaboration of the methodology during the execution of a KAPB survey will highlight the current best practices identified in literature. The report will also highlight the obstacles and ways of negotiating them when conducting a KPAB survey. The study will conclude that a well -executed KAPB survey through its many benefits should motivate and assist organisations in designing and implementing HIV/AIDS programs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: HIV is een van die ernstigste pandemies wat die wereld al ooit beleef het. Die state in die Sub-Sahara streek is die ergste geaffekteer en meer as twee derdes van die totale HIV positiewe populasie kom in die gebied voor. Die streek wat deurgaans geteister word deur politieke onrus, droogte, oorlog, moet nou ook probeer tred hou met MIV /VIGS. MIV/VIGS het tot op hede alreeds tien keer meer mense gedood as al die oorloë op die Afrika continent saam (The Washington Quarterly, 2001: 191-196). Die meeste van die state in Sub-Sahara word gekenmerk deur werkloosheid en armoede wat deels verlig kan word deur ekonomiese groei. Studies deur Bonnel (2000) het getoon dat die tipiese staat in Sub-Sahara, met 'n 20% MIV insidensie 'n vermindering van tot 2.6% groei in die GDP kan ondervind. Dit voorspel dat Suid-Afrika met 'n voorspelde 5.5 miljoen HIV positiewe inwoners (die meeste in die wereld) ekonomiese noodlot in die oog staar. Daar is verskeie faktore wat saamwerk om die negatiewe ekonomiese 'effek van MIV/VIGS te bewerkstellig. Organisasies se ekonomiese vooruitgang en oorlewing word bedreig deur direkte en indirect kostes van MIV. Direkte kostes wat organisasies moet aangaan sluit in mediese behandeling, mediese fonds bydraes, begrafnis onkostes, aftrede en ongeskiktheidspensioenbetalings. Indirekte kostes sluit in afwesighede, verlies aan produktiwiteit en die heropleiding en werwing van werknemers wat afgestorwe werknemers se plek moet neem. Ten spyte van die feit dat organisasies erken en voorspel dat MIV/VIGS 'n negatiewe impak op die ekonomies welvaart van organisasies sal hê, het weining van die organisasies aksie geneem om die probleem aan te spreek. 'n Moontlike rede vir die onvoldoende aksie kan toegeskryf word aan die tekort aan leiding, bewyse vir kostedoeltreffendheid en geen werklike maatstaf om die programme se resultate te evalueer. Hierdie studie sal KGPG (kennis, gevoelens, persepsie ' en gedrag) studies as 'n tweede generasie MIV opname, krities evalueer. KGPG studies bied verskeie voordele soos om leiding vir HIV programme te bied en verbeterde koste effetiwiteit van MIV programme te bewerkstellig. KGPG studies voorsien ook 'n maatstaf om MIV programme te evalueer en 'n kommunikaise platvorm tussen aandeelhouers. Hierdie voordele sal moontlik organisasies motiveer om aksie te neem en MIV in die organisasie aan te spreek. KGPG studies evalueer vier werknemer faktore met betrekking to MIV /VIGS. Die vier faktore is kennis, gevoelens, persepsie en seksuale gedrag. Die verslag sal die vier faktore krities evalueer vir toepaslikheid en ook fokus op die instrumente wat die faktore evalueer. Aanbevelings sal ook gemaak word ten opsigte van die korrekte en beste metodes wat gevold moet work tydens 'n KGPG studie. Die struikelblokke wat ondervind kan word tydens 'n KGPG studie asook hoe om dit te oorkom sal bespreek word. Die verslag sal bewys dat 'n KGPG studie wat uitgevoer word in Iyn met die beste praktyk baie waarde kan toevoeg tot organisasies ten opsigte van die beplanning en uitvoering van programme om MIV/VIGS te bekamp.