High levels of HIV stigma are reported for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and PLHA have to cope with this. These experiences may differ in a rural and urban setting. Obtaining a true reflection of the level of HIV stigma experienced by PLHA in a rural and urban setting and their level of coping self-efficacy, while dealing with this stigma, will be helpful in planning future intervention strategies. The study aims to compare qualitative expressed experiences with quantitative measures of levels of HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in a rural and urban setting. Secondly the aim is to establish the relationship between the levels of HIV stigma experiences of PLHA and coping self-efficacy of PLHA. The study took place in the North West Province, in both a rural (n=12) and urban (n=11) setting. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. A convergent parallel design was used within a mixed method approach. In-depth interviews provided qualitative data. Quantitative data came from two scales, the HIV and AIDS stigma scale-PLWA (HASI-P) (Holzemer et al., 2007a) and the Coping self-efficacy scale (CSE) (Chesney, Neilands, Chambers, Taylor, & Folkman, 2006). The study revealed that HIV stigma does exist, and is experienced by PLHA in the North West province in both a rural and an urban setting with no significant difference. Qualitative data confirmed the results of the HIV stigma measure, and also provided a rich understanding of the differences in contexts between the two settings. Additional types of stigma found to those included in the HASI-P point to shifts in the way people and communities experience HIV stigma. Results of the CSE scale showed that PLHA from both rural and urban settings employed the three types of coping self-efficacy as described by Chesney et al. (2006), with no significant difference between the two groups. Statistical correlations within the HASI-P revealed correlations between certain types of stigma experienced, indicating that HIV stigma is not experienced in a single dimension but can extend to more than one area of the lives of PLHA. Correlations within the CSE scale illustrate that ways PLHA cope may be related to each other Recommendations focus on further research options, policy development and implementation in practice. The goals of the research were reached in that it was confirmed that HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in rural and urban settings, using qualitative and quantitative methods, does exist. The relationship between HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA was established through the correlation of scales and through the evidence found during in-depth interviews; that HIV stigma exists and that PLHA develop coping self-efficacy to deal with it. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

High levels of HIV stigma are reported for people living with HIV or AIDS (PLHA) and PLHA have to cope with this. These experiences may differ in a rural and urban setting. Obtaining a true reflection of the level of HIV stigma experienced by PLHA in a rural and urban setting and their level of coping self-efficacy, while dealing with this stigma, will be helpful in planning future intervention strategies. The study aims to compare qualitative expressed experiences with quantitative measures of levels of HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in a rural and urban setting. Secondly the aim is to establish the relationship between the levels of HIV stigma experiences of PLHA and coping self-efficacy of PLHA. The study took place in the North West Province, in both a rural (n=12) and urban (n=11) setting. Participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. A convergent parallel design was used within a mixed method approach. In-depth interviews provided qualitative data. Quantitative data came from two scales, the HIV and AIDS stigma scale-PLWA (HASI-P) (Holzemer et al., 2007a) and the Coping self-efficacy scale (CSE) (Chesney, Neilands, Chambers, Taylor, & Folkman, 2006). The study revealed that HIV stigma does exist, and is experienced by PLHA in the North West province in both a rural and an urban setting with no significant difference. Qualitative data confirmed the results of the HIV stigma measure, and also provided a rich understanding of the differences in contexts between the two settings. Additional types of stigma found to those included in the HASI-P point to shifts in the way people and communities experience HIV stigma. Results of the CSE scale showed that PLHA from both rural and urban settings employed the three types of coping self-efficacy as described by Chesney et al. (2006), with no significant difference between the two groups. Statistical correlations within the HASI-P revealed correlations between certain types of stigma experienced, indicating that HIV stigma is not experienced in a single dimension but can extend to more than one area of the lives of PLHA. Correlations within the CSE scale illustrate that ways PLHA cope may be related to each other Recommendations focus on further research options, policy development and implementation in practice. The goals of the research were reached in that it was confirmed that HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA in rural and urban settings, using qualitative and quantitative methods, does exist. The relationship between HIV stigma and coping self-efficacy of PLHA was established through the correlation of scales and through the evidence found during in-depth interviews; that HIV stigma exists and that PLHA develop coping self-efficacy to deal with it. / Thesis (MA (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

No abstract available. / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Centre for Human Rights / unrestricted

Magister Public Health - MPH / HIV support groups have been widely adopted as part of care and support interventions in Zambia, yet there is very little research on the effectiveness of these groups in meeting the needs of the PLWHIV from the perspective of those who join them. This case study looks at a selected support group for People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHIV) facilitated by the Flying Angels, a faith based non-governmental organization established in 2007 by the Living Assemblies of God Church, in Ng‟ombe Township, Lusaka. The Support Group brings together around eighty young and old, married and single, men and women living with HIV and AIDS, to share experiences and find ways of coping with their situation. The qualitative case study sought to obtain a rich understanding of the experiences of members with a view to understanding the support they needed, the aspects of the support group that are relevant and effective to their situation, and which are not. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions methods were used to collect data. Discussion and interviews were audio-taped. Audio-recordings were translated during transcription, data organized, coded and thematically analysed.

The delivery of psychosocial support (PSS) services to children living with HIV and AIDS (CLHA) by PSS service providers, such as community-based organisations (CBOs) in resource-poor settings, ensures the availability of consistent and sustainable support to children living with HIV and AIDS. These children face various psychological and social challenges associated with living with HIV and AIDS, such as drug adherence to HIV medication, stigmatisation and distress, among others. This qualitative study explored the critical factors that influence the delivery of community-based PSS services to CLHA younger than 15 years of age in a resource-poor setting by a community-based organisation. Multiple data-collection tools were adopted. The findings revealed the critical factors that contributed to the delivery of community-based PSS services to CLHA, and also ways in which these important services could be improved. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The delivery of psychosocial support (PSS) services to children living with HIV and AIDS (CLHA) by PSS service providers, such as community-based organisations (CBOs) in resource-poor settings, ensures the availability of consistent and sustainable support to children living with HIV and AIDS. These children face various psychological and social challenges associated with living with HIV and AIDS, such as drug adherence to HIV medication, stigmatisation and distress, among others. This qualitative study explored the critical factors that influence the delivery of community-based PSS services to CLHA younger than 15 years of age in a resource-poor setting by a community-based organisation. Multiple data-collection tools were adopted. The findings revealed the critical factors that contributed to the delivery of community-based PSS services to CLHA, and also ways in which these important services could be improved. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Magister Public Health - MPH / Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a major public health problem. Globally, the number of new HIV infections is decreasing but the total number of people living with the disease is increasing. An estimated 5.7 million South Africans are currently living with the disease. The life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa has slowly increased due to the availability of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). The progressive "chronicity" of HIV may be associated with a variety of impairments and disabilities for people living with HIV. This emphasising the increasingly important role that physiotherapists play to minimize the disabling impact of the disease and improve quality of life for PLHIV. The aim of study was to determine the HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and the occupational risk perception of physiotherapists practicing in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This study utilized a cross sectional descriptive quantitative survey to collect data. The data was collected via a structured self-administered postal questionnaire. The questionnaires were captured in Microsoft Excel and analysed statistically using CDC Epi-Info version 3.5.1. Data was analysed descriptively and the chi-square test, T-tests and ANOVA was used to identify any statistically significant relationship between variables. The results of the study identified that the physiotherapists in the study have "high" general HIV related knowledge, although major gaps regarding HIV prevention and transmission still exists. The physiotherapists expressed a positive attitude towards PLHIV, while they perceive themselves to be at low risk of HIV transmission risk when managing PLHIV. The physiotherapists with more than 10 years' experience had significantly better HIV related knowledge compared to those with less than 10 years' experience while the attitudes of married physiotherapists towards PLHIV were significantly less favourable than those who were not married. There is a need for intervention strategies to address the HIV knowledge gaps of physiotherapists. Intervention strategies need to address physiotherapists HIV prevention and transmission knowledge.

This study was done to assess the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). No study has been done on QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART since it started to be administered in Swaziland in 2001. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to assess QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART. Twenty-four PLWHA were purposely selected to participate in the study. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The data (tape-recorded interviews and discussions, and field notes) were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysed was done using Tesch’s framework of data analysis as described in Creswell (2002:256-283). The research findings are reflected, with the six domains of QOL identified through a literature review and validated by nurses’ expertise. These domains are the physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic, cognitive, and environmental domains.The study revealed that PLWHA in Swaziland are faced with many challenges concerning ART, namely: inability to meet their nutrition needs, non-adherence to ART, experience of disfiguring side effects of ARVs, inconsistent condom use, experience of stigma and discrimination, depression, difficulty in accepting and coping with ARVs, lowered self-esteem, a negative influence of some religions on ART, a lack of financial support, poor support systems, poor understanding of ARVs, negative thoughts about HIV and AIDS and ART, an unsatisfactory health care delivery system, a negative influence of culture on ART, and violation of the rights of PLWHA. These challenges negatively influence the QOL of PLWHA and hence the study concluded that PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART have a poor QOL. Conclusions drawn from the data analysis reveal that PLWHA in Swaziland are powerless to deal with the above challenges and improve their QOL. The researcher, therefore, developed guidelines to empower PLWHA to deal with these challenges and adhere to ART, thus improving their QOL. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, nursing education, and further nursing research. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Text in English / The South African government provides people living with HIV Temporary Disability Grants to assist them with money when they cannot work due to being disabled by HIV. The toll of the disease has contributed to the inability to be employed among black South Africans. The aim of this exploratory qualitative study was to investigate the challenges experienced by people living with HIV when their Temporary Disability Grants are terminated in the semi-urban area of Gauteng. The temporary disability grant is terminated after six months of receiving it. In-depth interviews were conducted with people who live with HIV who are members of Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre support group. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed that the termination of Temporary Disability Grant affects the running of the households of people living with HIV, causes poor management of the disease, non-adherence to treatment which leads to viral rebound, poor nutrition as a result of poor finances. The findings of this study are significant for the policy review on how long a person should receive the disability grant and the criteria used to apply for a disability grant, and to encourage the people living with HIV to start their own gardening programmes for food supply. Moreover, to encourage the introduction of a Chronic Disease Grant (CDG) for people who live with HIV. / OKUFINYEZIWE Uhulumeni waseNingizimu Afrika uhlinzeka abantu abaphila ne-HIV Izibonelelo Zesikhashana Zabaphila Nokukhubazeka, ama-Temporary Disability Grants, ukubasiza ngemali ngesikhathi bengakwazi ukuthi bayosebenza ngesizathu sokukhubazeka ngenxa ye-HIV. Ubunzima balesi sifo sebubenomthelela wokuthi kube nokungaqasheki kwabantu abamnyama baseNingizimu Afrika. Injongo yalolu cwaningo oluchaza kabanzi kwakuwukuphenya ngezinselelo ezibhekana nabantu abaphila ne-HIV uma Izibonelelo Zesikhashana Zabaphila Nokukhubazeka zinqanyulwa endaweni yasemalokishini aseGauteng. Isibonelelo sesikhashana sabaphila nokukhubazeka sinqanyulwa emva kokutholakala kwaso izinyanga eziyisithupha. Ukuxoxisana okunzulu kwenziwa nabantu abaphila ne-HIV abangamalungu esikhungo Sezempilo Yangokomqondo, Ekupholeni nabayiqembu lokusekelana Lesikhungo Sokuphazamiseka Emqondweni. Ukuhlaziywa kwale ndikimba kwenziwa ukucwaninga imininingwane eyayiqoqiwe. Okwatholwa yisifundo kwaveza ukuthi ukunqanyulwa Kwesibonelelo Sesikhashana Sabaphila Nokukhubazeka kuthikameza ukuqhubeka ngendlela efanele kwamakhaya abantu abaphila ne-HIV, kubangele ukungalawuleki kahle kwesifo, ukungabambeleli ekuphuzweni kwemithi okubangela ukuthi igciwane lihlasele kabusha, ukungadli ngokufanele ngenxa yokuswela imali. Okutholakala kulolu cwaningo kusemqoka ekubuyekezweni kwenqubomgomo yokuthi kumele umuntu anikezwe isibonelelo sokuphila nokukhubazeka isikhathi esingakanani kanye nemigomo esetshenziswayo ukufaka isicelo semali yesibonelelo sokuphila nokukhubazeka, kanye nokukhuthaza abantu abaphila ne-HIV ukuthi baqale izinhlelo zabo zezingadi ukuze bathole ukudla. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ukukhuthaza ukuqala ukusebenzisa Isibonelelo Sezifo Ezingelapheki, i-Chronic Disease Grant (i-CDG) sabantu abaphila ne-HIV. / KGUTSUFATSO Mmuso wa Afrika Borwa o fana ka Dithuso tsa Nakwana ho batho tshwerweng ke HIV le ba Koafetseng ho ba thusa ka tjhelete nakong eo ba sa sebetseng ka lebaka la ho tshwarwa ke HIV le ho koafala. Sekgahla sa kokwana se bakile bothata ba ho hloka mesebetsi ka hara batho ba batsho ka hara Afrika Borwa. Maikemisetso a dipatlisiso tsena ke ho hlahloba diphephetso tseo batho ba phelang ka HIV ba kopanang le tsona nakong eo Dithuso tsa Nakwana tsa ho Kowafala di felang dibakeng tsa seka-ditoropo Gauteng. Dithuso tsa Nakwana tsa ho kowafala di fihla pheletsong ka moea dikgwedi tse tsheletseng ka mora ho di fumantshwa. Di-inthavu tse tebileng di ile tsa tshwarwa le batho ba phelang ka HIV bao e leng ditho tsa sehlopha se tshehetsang sa Ekupholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre. Manollo ya mookotaba o ile wa sebediswa bakeng sa ho sekaseka lesedi. Tse fumanweng ka hara dipatlisiso tsena di hlahisa hore ho fela ha Dithuso tsa Nakwana tsa Ditjhelete di ama tsamaisong ya malapa a batho ba phelang ka HIV, di baka taolo e fokolang ya bohloko, ho se ikamahanye le phekolo ho etsang hore bohloko bo kgutle hape, phepo e sa lokang e bakwang ke tjhelete e nyane. Tse fumanwanwang ka hara dipatlisiso tsena ke tsa bohlokwa bakeng sa hore maano a shejwe hape mabapi le hore e k aba nako e kae moo mokudi a lokelang ho fumantshwa thuso, mmoho le tsela e sebediswang ho etsa kopo ya dithuso tsa bokowa, le ho kgothalletsa batho ba phelang ka HIV hore ba iqalle manane a temo bakeng sa phepelo ya dijo. Ho feta moo, ho kgothaletsa ho hlahiswa ha Dithuso tsa Mahloko a sa foleng (Chronic Desease Grant) bakeng sa batho ba phelang ka HIV. MANTSWE A SEHLOOHO Bokowa, dithuso tsa bokowa, baamohedi ba dithuso tsa bokowa, batho ba phelang ka HIV le AIDS, ho fela ha dithuso tsa bokowa le phekolo ka dipidisi tsa anthiritrovaerale. / Sociology / M.A. (Sociology (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV and AIDS))

This study was done to assess the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). No study has been done on QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART since it started to be administered in Swaziland in 2001. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to assess QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART. Twenty-four PLWHA were purposely selected to participate in the study. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The data (tape-recorded interviews and discussions, and field notes) were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysed was done using Tesch’s framework of data analysis as described in Creswell (2002:256-283). The research findings are reflected, with the six domains of QOL identified through a literature review and validated by nurses’ expertise. These domains are the physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic, cognitive, and environmental domains.The study revealed that PLWHA in Swaziland are faced with many challenges concerning ART, namely: inability to meet their nutrition needs, non-adherence to ART, experience of disfiguring side effects of ARVs, inconsistent condom use, experience of stigma and discrimination, depression, difficulty in accepting and coping with ARVs, lowered self-esteem, a negative influence of some religions on ART, a lack of financial support, poor support systems, poor understanding of ARVs, negative thoughts about HIV and AIDS and ART, an unsatisfactory health care delivery system, a negative influence of culture on ART, and violation of the rights of PLWHA. These challenges negatively influence the QOL of PLWHA and hence the study concluded that PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART have a poor QOL. Conclusions drawn from the data analysis reveal that PLWHA in Swaziland are powerless to deal with the above challenges and improve their QOL. The researcher, therefore, developed guidelines to empower PLWHA to deal with these challenges and adhere to ART, thus improving their QOL. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, nursing education, and further nursing research. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)