Chan Chung Yee Zenobia. / "August 2003." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 407-438). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the experience of infertility of African women, men and family member. It is hoped that this description will contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychosocial difficulties involved in the area of infertility and ofthe ways in which people respond to the situation of infertility. A qualitative research approach was used, and in particular social constructivist-interpretive research and feminist research approaches. The sample consisted of39 participants: 19 women, 10 men, and 10 family members faced with infertility. The research orientation was field-based, concerned with collecting data using the technique of in-depth semi-structured interviews. Each participant was interviewed individually. The interviews were recorded on tape, transcribed in their full length and translated into English. Data were analysed on the basis of the interpretive feminist approach. Analysis of individual cases and crosscase analysis were employed. The findings suggested a contextual definition of infertility, for example, for some, having had an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage meant that they did not fit into the definition of infertility. The findings revealed that for many African women and men, blood ties still defined the family and the persona. Thus, failure to have a blood child resulted in courtship and marital break up, extramarital relationships, polygamy, and divorce and remarriage. Infertility had serious psychosocial consequences for both the infertile individuals and their families. Participants experienced repeated periods of existential crisis, which began at different points for different participants. Analysis of gender differences indicated similarities in the experience of the crisis, but differences in terms of expression and ways of responding to the crisis. Family dynamics within the context of infertility were coloured by ambivalent feelings, resentment, insensitivity, and miscommunication, but also affection, and social support. Traditional and modern medical health systems offered the possibility of finding explanations and treatment, but there was further strain from the negative experiences with the health care system. The findings in this study suggested the need for policy reformulation, for psychosocial intervention as part of the treatment plan, and for future research on the outcome of using various coping strategies. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Psychology)

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Due to a lack of research, which, in turn, resulted in a shortage of applicable literature that focused on the experiences and socio-emotional needs of family members as carers of AIDS-patients, the researcher decided to undertake this research project. The aim of this was to investigate the experiences and socio-emotional needs of family members as AIDS care givers. To lead the research, the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach. Attention was also given to the description of HIV/AIDS, as well as the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The impact of HIV/AIDS was also given attention, and it was done from an ecological perspective. Within the qualitative research paradigm a phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. The boundaries for data collection were delineated to the George area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with family members who acted as primary care givers of AIDS-patients who were recruited by means of purposive sampling and the snowball sampling technique. The data collected were analysed according to the steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Cresswell, 1994). To ensure the trustworthiness of the research findings, data verification was executed according to Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991). The following twelve themes emanated from the process of data analysis: - Knowledge of the disease - Caring for people with AIDS - Risky behaviour - Other people’s reactions - Care givers’ feelings and reactions - Support that was received with the care giving - Effect of the care giving on the relationship between the care giver and the patient - Changes in the care givers’ life because of the care giving of AIDS patients - Experiences regarding the dying process - Needs regarding the caring of the patient - Services that are needed - Advice from the participants to other family members as AIDS care givers. The following recommendations were made based on the conclusions derived from the research findings: Information sessions by Social Workers in collaboration with the different clinics on certain days; a community based project to recruit volunteers to support family care givers on a regular basis; look at facilities, like old age homes and hospices, that can give respite for a week to three weeks; connect family care givers to support groups in the community; make use of the media to give information regarding HIV/AIDS to the broader community; a centralized food and clothes bank from which care givers can draw affordable food and clothes. An application for funding can be done at the Department of Social Development or the Department of Health. Another recommendation that is made is to investigate the possibility of a community based project that provides cleaning and washing services to family members as care givers, as well as the patients. This can even become a job creation project. Other recommendations are: to investigate an alternative form of transport that is wheelchair accessible and patient friendly; to train home based carers to help family members as AIDS care givers; to train home based carers to be of assistance with counseling of patients with regard to their medication; to train home based carers as AIDS care givers to help family members to reach out to other support services or groups; that care givers should be careful about expectations of other people and that they should be confident enough to verbalize their expectations; that Social Workers should investigate if the family member, as AIDS care giver, as well as the patient, gets the necessary support on all levels of the ecological perspective, and if not, he/she must look at ancillary sources and mobilize it to give support to the family care giver as well as to the patient; that professionals need to keep in mind the advice the participants was given to other family members as care givers when they are working with these families. A recommendation was also made to do a follow-up research on the same topic in the White, Indian and Black communities and especially that further emphasis should be placed on their needs, as participation by this population groups were scarce or could not be obtained at all. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Weens ‘n gebrek aan navorsing, en gevolglik ook aan literatuur rakende die belewenisse en sosio-emosionele behoeftes van familielede as primêre VIGS-versorgers, het die navorser besluit om hierdie navorsingsprojek te onderneem. Die doel hiermee was om die belewenisse en sosio-emosionele behoeftes van familielede as primêre VIGS-versorgers te verken en te beskryf. Om die navorsing te rig, is ‘n kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering vir die doel gebruik. Aandag is ook gegee aan die beskrywing en voorkoms van MIV/VIGS, asook die voorkoming en behandeling van MIV/VIGS. Die impak van MIV/VIGS is ook breedvoerig bespreek en is dit vanuit ‘n ekologiese perspektief gedoen. Binne die kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is daar van ‘n fenomenologiese, verkennende, beskrywende en kontekstuele navorsingsontwerp gebruik gemaak. Die grense vir data-insameling het binne die George-area geval. Semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude is gevoer met familielede wat as primêre VIGS-versorgers optree, en wat deur middel van ‘n doelgerigte steekproeftrekking en die sneeubaltegniek vir deelname aan die navorsing gewerf is. Die ingesamelde data is ontleed aan die hand van die agt stappe van kwalitatiewe data-ontleding van Tesch soos uiteengesit in Creswell (1994). Guba se model soos dit in Krefting (1991:214-221) uiteengesit is, is gebruik om die vertrouenswaardigheid van die navorsingsdata te verifieer. Twaalf temas het na aanleiding van die prosesse van data-ontleding na vore gekom, naamlik: - Kennis van die siektetoestand - Versorging van VIGS-lyers - Risiko-gedrag - Ander mense se reaksie - Versorger se gevoelens en reaksies - Ondersteuning wat ontvang is met die versorging - Effek van pasiënt se versorging op die verhouding tussen versorger en pasiënt - Verandering van versorger se lewe as gevolg van die versorging van die VIGS-lyer - Belewenisse ten op sigte van die sterwensproses - Behoeftes ten opsigte van die versorging van die pasiënt - Dienste wat benodig word - Raad deur deelnemers aan ander familielede as VIGS-versorgers. Voortspruitend uit die navorsingsbevindinge, is tot sekere gevolgtrekkings gekom waaruit die volgende aanbevelings gemaak is: dat inligtingsessies deur maatskaplike werkers in samewerking met die verskillende klinieke op sekere dae gehou sal word; dat ‘n gemeenskapsprojek van stapel gestuur word om vrywilligers te werf wat op ‘n gereelde basis aan VIGS-versorgers ondersteuning bied; dat daar gekyk word na respite by ouetehuise of ‘n hospice vir ‘n tydperk van ongeveer drie weke om aan versorgers ‘n ruskans te gee; dat versorgers betrek word by ondersteuningsgroepe in die gemeenskap; dat die media gebruik word om inligting oor VIGS aan die breë gemeenskap deur te gee; dat aandag gegee word aan ‘n gesentraliseerde voedsel- en klerebank waarvandaan versorgers voorraad kan onttrek. Aansoek vir befondsing kan gedoen word by Departement Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling of Departement Gesondheid. Verdere aanbevelings wat gemaak kan word, is: dat ‘n gemeenskapsprojek van stapel gestuur word om skoonmaakdienste en hulp met wasgoed was tot die beskikking van die VIGS-versorger te stel wat selfs as ‘n werkskeppingsprojek begin kan word; dat ‘n alternatiewe vorm van vervoer wat deur die familielid en pasiënt benut kan word, en wat geskik is vir pasiënt vervoer, ondersoek sal word; dat opleiding van tuisversorgers as hulp vir familielede as VIGS-versorgers aandag sal kry; dat opleiding van tuisversorgers om behulpsaam te wees met berading van pasiënte rakende hulle medikasie dringende aandag sal geniet; dat familielede as VIGS-versorgers uitreik na ander ondersteuningsbronne vir hulp; dat versorgers versigtig sal wees ten opsigte van verwagtinge van ander, maar dat hulle ook vrymoedigheid sal neem om hulle verwagtinge te verbaliseer; dat die maatskaplike werker sal ondersoek instel of die familielid as primêre VIGS-versorger, sowel as die pasiënt, vanuit al die vlakke van die ekologiese perspektief die nodige ondersteuning geniet, en indien nie, moet daar gekyk word na hulpbronne en dit moet gemobiliseer word ten einde hierdie noodsaaklike ondersteuning te bied; dat die raad wat deur die deelnemers aan die navorsing aan ander familielede as VIGS-versorgers voorsien is, in gedagte gehou sal word wanneer met hierdie families gewerk word. ‘n Aanbeveling is ook gemaak dat opvolg navorsing oor dieselfde onderwerp gedoen word onder die Wit, Indiër en Swart gemeenskappe, en dat veral klem gelê word op hulle behoeftes, aangesien deelname vanuit hierdie bevolkingsgroepe skraal was, of glad nie bekom kon word nie.

Shared characteristics and predictors of psychological distress are beginning to be identified in research on women seeking genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. This study further explored patterns of psychological distress for 51 community women waiting to receive such genetic test results. There was no significant relationship between psychological distress and family cancer history, personal cancer history, social support networks, and family environment. Women in this sample tended to rely more on females and relatives for support than males and friends. Social support satisfaction was not related to gender or number of relatives providing support. Thirty-four of the 36 women classified on the family environment type were from Personal Growth-Oriented families. Comparisons with normal and distressed family means revealed increased cohesion and expressiveness with decreased conflict, indicative of supportive family environments. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Family-centered care (FCC) is important within the practice of pediatric oncology nurses. Such nurses face challenges and barriers when attempting to provide FCC. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of pediatric oncology nurses in relation to FCC; identify how pediatric oncology nurses implemented FCC into their practice; identify what facilitated and enabled pediatric oncology nurses to implement FCC; and discern the barriers and challenges that were present in their setting when implementing FCC. A qualitative approach utilizing person-centered interviewing was used to collect data. Nurses (N=20) from the Alberta Children‟s Hospital were recruited through purposeful convenience sampling and were then interviewed. Five major themes were identified from the data set: ACH support f FCC, How participants defined FCC, Establishing FCC, Enhancing FCC, and Barriers and Challenges to providing FCC. Recommendations for future research and implications for practice and education are offered. / xii, 191 leaves ; 29 cm

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the roles and responsibilities of family members change to accommodate the demands of the illness. The current study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers of children with cancer, focusing on their constructed roles within the family context and their social support. A case study design within the qualitative research approach was employed, underpinned by social constructionism as a theoretical framework. Three mothers were selected, using a combination of purposive and snowball sample techniques. Rich descriptive data were collected from three mothers through semi-structured interviews and reflective essays, and analysed using thematic analysis techniques. Results showed that although mothers of children with cancer experience some common themes, there are contextual differences influencing how they construct their stories. The following main themes were identified in the comparative analysis: events leading to the diagnosis, emotions, life changes, the effect of the illness and coping. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the experience of infertility of African women, men and family member. It is hoped that this description will contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychosocial difficulties involved in the area of infertility and ofthe ways in which people respond to the situation of infertility. A qualitative research approach was used, and in particular social constructivist-interpretive research and feminist research approaches. The sample consisted of39 participants: 19 women, 10 men, and 10 family members faced with infertility. The research orientation was field-based, concerned with collecting data using the technique of in-depth semi-structured interviews. Each participant was interviewed individually. The interviews were recorded on tape, transcribed in their full length and translated into English. Data were analysed on the basis of the interpretive feminist approach. Analysis of individual cases and crosscase analysis were employed. The findings suggested a contextual definition of infertility, for example, for some, having had an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage meant that they did not fit into the definition of infertility. The findings revealed that for many African women and men, blood ties still defined the family and the persona. Thus, failure to have a blood child resulted in courtship and marital break up, extramarital relationships, polygamy, and divorce and remarriage. Infertility had serious psychosocial consequences for both the infertile individuals and their families. Participants experienced repeated periods of existential crisis, which began at different points for different participants. Analysis of gender differences indicated similarities in the experience of the crisis, but differences in terms of expression and ways of responding to the crisis. Family dynamics within the context of infertility were coloured by ambivalent feelings, resentment, insensitivity, and miscommunication, but also affection, and social support. Traditional and modern medical health systems offered the possibility of finding explanations and treatment, but there was further strain from the negative experiences with the health care system. The findings in this study suggested the need for policy reformulation, for psychosocial intervention as part of the treatment plan, and for future research on the outcome of using various coping strategies. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Psychology)

Doctorat en sciences sociales, politiques et économiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Health Sciences (Nursing), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / BACKGROUND: Quiet often when students return from clinical placement, complain of being abused by patients and their relatives. Student nurses view clinical placement as an anxiety producing part of the nursing programme (Magnavita and Heponiemi 2011: 208). As a result, some resign and leave nursing fearing for their lives. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the extent and types of violence experienced by student nurses from patients and their relatives or friends in public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, and whether this leads to intentions to leave the nursing profession. METHODOLOGY: A quantitative, descriptive cross sectional survey approach conducted amongst student nurses (n=421) at KwaZulu-Natal College Nursing R425 Program starting from their first year of training up to the midwifery module. Self-Administered Questionnaires (SAQ) were used to collect data and data analysed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: All respondents (n=421) completed the SAQ (annexure B). Many student nurses, especially female students, are victims of intimidation, bullying and verbal abuse as opposed to physical and sexual abuse by patients’ relatives and patients. The workplace violence against student nurses resulted in anger and absenteeism. The majority have not reported any abuse and they were not even aware of any policy that exists in their institutions against any form of violence. DISCUSSION: Findings in this study revealed that student nurses, like all other nurses, were also at a high risk of workplace violence. This may be because nurses have the closest contact with patients and their relatives; hence they are at high risk of exposure to violence. Since all settings are potentially high risk for violence, it is therefore necessary for the management to improve security in all high-risk areas for the student nurses to be safe. RECOMMENDATIONS: Public hospitals and the Department of Health (DOH) needs to formulate clear policies regarding violence against student nurses, and information on how to report the occurrence. There is a need for development or improvement of policies, procedures and intervention strategies. The DOH needs to address the issues of violence by implementing strategies to create a supportive environment that facilitates empowerment for the positive emotional wellbeing of student nurses. Managers have the responsibility to create and maintain zero tolerance regarding workplace violence. Public hospitals need to employ Managers with required skills and higher education to deal with workplace violence. There is a need for further research and more details on workplace violence and its cause. / M

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Using Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology, this study illuminates the lived experience of an adapted dance program for individuals with Down syndrome and their family members. The overall pattern from both dancers and family members was adapted dance: connecting mind, body and soul. The primary theme from dancer interpretations was expressing a mosaic of positive experiences, and the primary theme from family member interpretations was experiencing pride in their loved ones. The dance program provided dancers an opportunity to express their authentic self while experiencing moments of full embodiment in the connection of their mind, body and soul. While dancers experienced the connection of mind-body-soul, family members recognized the importance of this connection in their loved one. This research is instrumental in advocating for opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome to experience dance as a social, physical and intellectual activity that results in learning and increasing social interactions. The research findings from this study can support future initiatives for dance programs that may influence a population that has limited access to physical activity and dance. The study’s teaching strategies, dance activities, class procedures and sequences, and feedback techniques can be used by other professionals who teach individuals with intellectual disabilities.