跌倒和肌肉減少症是威脅老年人身體健康和生命安全的兩個重要問題。肌肉減少症所致的肌肉力量減弱和平衡能力下降是導致老年人跌倒的最主要原因。老年人跌倒最普遍和最嚴重的後果是脆性骨折。跌倒所致的脆性骨折是常見老年病，同時也是導致老年人生活品質下降和死亡的最主要原因之一。高頻低幅振動(LMHFV)是一種非侵入性生物物理干預手段，通過給予全身物理震動刺激，可有效提高肌肉功能和改善骨質。由此推測高頻低幅振動治療有望應用於預防跌倒/骨折及延緩肌肉減少。 / 本研究的目的在於，採用臨床隨機對照研究方法，通過對社區老年人進行高頻低幅振動治療，探索高頻低幅振動治療在預防跌倒/骨折、降低骨折發生率以及延緩肌肉量下降的作用。本研究假設高頻低幅振動治療可有效提高肌肉力量和改善骨質，從而降低骨折風險、跌倒率以及骨折發生率。本研究將分成兩部分進行以驗證此假說。 / 第一部分研究中，710名60歲或以上的社區老年人按社區中心為單位隨機分成振動治療組和對照組。振動治療組給予35Hz，0.3g的振動治療，並以每天20分鐘，每週5 天，持續18 個月；對照組則如常生活而不予振動治療。18個月治療過程中，振動治療組的跌倒率低於對照組46% (p=0.001)。同時，治療組的在平衡力測試中的反應時間、移動速度，和最遠移動距離也都有明顯改善 (所有指標 p<0.001）。在高頻低幅振動治療停止一年後，振動治療組的主導腿和非主導腿肌肉力量仍高於接受振動治療前 (p=0.029, p=0.002)。在平衡力測試中，治療組的反應時間、移動速度以及最遠移動距離也明顯優於對照組 (p=0.001，p=0.014，p=0.007)。在停止治療的一年期間，兩組受試者的肌肉力量，平衡能力以及生活品質均有下降的趨勢，但兩組的下降率並無明顯的差異。 / 第二部分的設計是基於第一部分的研究成果，目的在於更深入研究高頻低幅振動治療對肌肉功能、肌肉量以及肌肉質素的影響。60名社區老人隨機分成對照組和振動治療組。振動治療組給予35Hz，0.3g的高頻低幅振動治療，並以每天20分鐘，每週5天，持續9個月; 對照組則如常生活而不予振動治療。9個月後，治療組的主導腿和非主導腿的肌肉力量明顯高於對照組 (p<0.001，p=0.003)。在用以評估肌肉力量以及平衡力的計時起立坐下測試中，振動治療組用以完成連串起立及坐下動作的時間明顯低於對照組 (p=0.009)。振動治療組的下肢功能尺度問卷評估結果也明顯優於對照組 (p=0.002)。雖然兩組間的身體成份及肌電圖測試結果並無明顯差異，但治療組的肌肉量和肌電圖平均頻率均有上升的趨勢。而且，在兩部分實驗中，受試者對高頻低幅振動治療均有良好的耐受性，目前並沒有發現對受試者身體產生不利影響。因此，高頻低幅振動治療可安全地應用於社區老年人。 / 總括而言研究結果證明高頻低幅振動治療可明顯降低老年人跌倒發生率。9至18個月的振動治療可明顯改善老年人下肢功能和平衡力。在完成為期18個月高頻低幅振動治療後的1年，肌肉功能仍高於對照組，表明高頻低幅振動治療具有長期療效。因此，高頻低幅振動治療應在社區推廣作為老年人跌倒的預防方案之一。 / Fall and sarcopenia are two major problems among elderly. Poor muscle strength and balancing ability resulted from sarcopenia are the major causes of fall incidences. Fragility fracture is one of the most common and serious consequences of falls, which accounts for most of the deaths, as well as morbidity and poor quality of life. Low magnitude high frequency vibration (LMHFV) treatment is a non-invasive biophysical modality to provide a whole-body mechanical stimulation, which was previously shown to improve muscle performance and bone quality implying the potential application for fall/fracture prevention and reducing muscle loss. / The objectives of this study were to conduct prospective randomized controlled clinical trials to investigate the effect of LMHFV treatment on fall/fracture prevention, fracture risks and muscle loss among community elderly. It was hypothesized that LMHFV treatment could enhance muscle performance and bone quality, thus reducing the fracture risks, fall incidence and fracture rate. Two parts of studies were designed to testify the hypotheses. / In the Part I study, a total of 710 community elderly who were aged 60 years or above were recruited and randomized into vibration or control group on center-basis. The subjects in vibration group received LMHFV treatment (35Hz, 0.3g) 20min/day and 5days/week for 18 months, while control group remained sedentary. During the 18-month study period, the vibration group had reported 46% lower fall incidence rate when compared with control group (p=0.001). Significant improvements were found in reaction time, movement velocity and maximum excursion of balancing ability assessment, and also the quadriceps muscle strength (p<0.001 to all). After ceasing the LMHFV for 1 year, the muscle strength of dominant and non-dominant legs in vibration group were still significantly better than the baseline assessed before intervention (p=0.029 and 0.002 respectively), as compared with the control. In balancing ability test, the reaction time, movement velocity and maximum excursion of vibration group also remained significantly improved, as compared with the control group (p=0.001, 0.014 and 0.007 respectively). During the 1 year post-intervention period, both groups had shown a decreasing trend of muscle strength, balancing ability and quality of life but the rate of changes were not significantly different between two groups. / With reference to the results of Part I study, the Part II study was designed to investigate further the effects of LMHFV on muscle performance, mass and quality. 60 community elderly were recruited and randomized into either vibration or control group. Vibration group subjects received LMHFV treatment (35Hz, 0.3g) 20min/day, 5days/week for 9 months, while control group remained sedentary. Significant enhancement of dominant and non-dominant leg muscle strength was observed in the vibration group after 9 months LMHFV (p<0.001 and =0.003 respectively). In the chair rising test assessing muscle power and balancing ability, vibration group showed significantly shorter time needed for sit-to-stand cycles than the control (p=0.009). Significant increase of the lower extremity functional scale was also observed in the vibration group (p=0.002). No significant findings were found in the body composition and vibromyography (VMG) assessment, however, a trend of increasing lean mass and VMG mean frequency were observed. Also, minimal adverse effects were documented in both parts of study; all subjects were well-tolerated for LMHFV treatment. LMHFV is therefore safe and applicable to elderly in the community setting. / LMHFV was demonstrated to reduce fall incidences significantly. Significant effects on improving lower limbs function and balancing ability were observed as early as 9 months after treatment. Enhancement of muscle performance still remained significant 1 year after completion of 18-month LMHFV treatment, indicating strong residual effects of LMHFV. Use of LMHFV in the community as an effective fall prevention program is recommended. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Li, Chi Yu. / Thesis (Ph.D.) Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2014. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 154-167). / Abstracts also in Chinese.

Tong, Yan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 66-78). / Abstracts in English and Chinese; includes Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Conferences & Academic Awards --- p.ii / Table of contents --- p.iii / List of figures --- p.vii / List of tables --- p.viii / List of abbreviations --- p.ix / Abstract --- p.x / Abstract (Chinese) / Chapter Chapter I --- Background of diabetes mellitus and DM complicating pregnancy …… --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Definitions and clinical manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Diagnostic criteria of DM --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- Classification of DM --- p.1 / Chapter 1.4 --- Prevalence of DM --- p.2 / Chapter 1.5 --- Aetiology and Pathogenesis of DM --- p.3 / Chapter 1.6 --- Treatment of DM --- p.3 / Chapter 1.7 --- Complications of DM --- p.4 / Chapter 1.8 --- DM complicating pregnancy --- p.4 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- Implications of DM complicating pregnancy --- p.4 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- Diabetic Embryopathy --- p.5 / Chapter 1.8.3 --- Incidences of the major congenital anomalies --- p.5 / Chapter 1.8.4 --- Possible pathogenesis of congenital anomalies in DM complicating pregnancy --- p.6 / Chapter 1.8.4.1 --- Apoptosis --- p.6 / Chapter 1.8.4.2 --- Oxidative stress --- p.7 / Chapter 1.8.4.3 --- Arachidonic acid and PGE2 --- p.7 / Chapter 1.8.5 --- Clinical management of DM complicating pregnancy --- p.8 / Chapter 1.8.5.1 --- Pre-pregnancy care --- p.8 / Chapter 1.8.5.2 --- Antenatal management of DM complicating pregnancy --- p.9 / Chapter Chapter II --- Background of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treatment of DM --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1 --- Definition and manifestations of DM in TCM theory --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2 --- Historical context of DM in TCM --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- "Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period (770 B.C.一8 A.D.): The first nomenclature of ""Wasting Thirst""" --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- "Han Dynasty (9 A.D.-280 A.D.)： monograph on ""Wasting Thirst""" --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- "Sui and Tang Dynasty (581 A.D.-960 A.D.)： the diagnosing marker of ""Wasting Thirst""" --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Song Dynasty (960 A.D.-1270 A.D.): the Golden Time of developing the treatment on DM --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Ming and Qing Dynasty (1270 A.D. - 1911 A.D.): the integration period of TCM theory on DM --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3 --- Aetiology of DM in TCM theory --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Congenital weakness --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Improper diet --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Emotional disorders and overstrain --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Excessive sexual activities --- p.17 / Chapter 2.4 --- Pathogenesis of DM in TCM theory --- p.17 / Chapter 2.5 --- Prognosis of DM in TCM theory --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- """Dual Qi-Yin Deficiency"" and ""Dual Yin-Yang Deficiency""" --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- "Multi-systemic malfunction of ""Zang Fu""" --- p.19 / Chapter 2.6 --- Principle of treatment --- p.20 / Chapter 2.7 --- Commonly used herbal remedies and recent experimental studies --- p.20 / Chapter 2.8 --- TCM on relieving DM complications --- p.21 / Chapter 2.9 --- "Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber (Ophiopogonis Radix, Mai Dong,麥冬）" --- p.21 / Chapter 2.10 --- Objectives and hypothesis --- p.22 / Chapter 2.10.1 --- Objectives --- p.22 / Chapter 2.10.2 --- Hypotheses --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter III --- Methodology and Results --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1 --- Set up of mouse embryos --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Mouse strain --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Research animal ethnics and care guidelines --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Mouse sacrifice and embryo dissection --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Grouping of embryos --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2 --- Preparations of D-glucose --- p.25 / Chapter 3.3 --- Chinese medicine quality controls and preparations --- p.25 / Chapter 3.4 --- Whole mouse embryo culture --- p.26 / Chapter 3.5 --- Morphological scoring on mouse embryos and statistical analysis --- p.27 / Chapter 3.6 --- Establishment of cranial NTD by D-glucose --- p.28 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Dosage of D-glucose to induce cranial NTD --- p.29 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Result --- p.30 / Chapter 3.7 --- Experimental designs --- p.31 / Chapter 3.8 --- Part I: Efficacy and dose-response effects of Maidong extract --- p.32 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Safety dose of Maidong extract on non-diabetic mouse embryos --- p.32 / Chapter 3.8.1.1 --- Dosage --- p.32 / Chapter 3.8.1.2 --- Result --- p.35 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Efficacy and dose-effect response of Maidong extract on non-diabetic mouse embryos --- p.36 / Chapter 3.8.2.1 --- Dosage and grouping --- p.37 / Chapter 3.8.2.2 --- Result --- p.38 / Chapter 3.9 --- Part II: Efficacy and dose-response effects of serum from Maidong extract-treated rat serum --- p.40 / Chapter 3.9.1 --- Preparation of Maidong treated non-diabetic full rat serum --- p.41 / Chapter 3.9.1.1 --- Rats --- p.41 / Chapter 3.9.1.2 --- Dosage for feeding --- p.41 / Chapter 3.9.1.3 --- Administration --- p.42 / Chapter 3.9.1.4 --- Termination of rats and preparation of rat serum --- p.42 / Chapter 3.9.2 --- Safety dose of Maidong treated non-diabetic full rat serum non-diabetic mouse embryos --- p.43 / Chapter 3.9.2.1 --- Dosage --- p.43 / Chapter 3.9.2.2 --- Result --- p.44 / Chapter 3.9.3 --- Protective Effect of Maidong extract-treated full rat serum --- p.46 / Chapter 3.9.3.1 --- Dosage and grouping --- p.46 / Chapter 3.9.3.2 --- Result --- p.47 / Chapter 3.10 --- "Part III: Efficacy and dose-response effects of Ophiopogonin D, a major chemical component of Maidong in preventing hyperglycemia-induced cranial neural tube defect" --- p.49 / Chapter 3.10.1 --- Safety dose of Ophiopogonin D --- p.50 / Chapter 3.10.1.1 --- Preparation of Ophiopogonin D --- p.50 / Chapter 3.10.1.2 --- Dosage --- p.50 / Chapter 3.10.1.3 --- Results --- p.52 / Chapter 3.10.2 --- Efficacy and dose-response effects of Ophiopogonin D --- p.53 / Chapter 3.10.2.1 --- Dosage and grouping --- p.53 / Chapter 3.10.2.2 --- Results --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter IV --- Discussion --- p.58 / Chapter 4.1 --- Whole embryo culture system --- p.58 / Chapter 4.2 --- Quality control of Maidong extract --- p.58 / Chapter 4.3 --- "Therapeutic effect of single herb, formula and chemical components" --- p.59 / Chapter 4.4 --- Dosage of D-glucose to induce cranial NTD --- p.60 / Chapter 4.5 --- Dosage and efficacy of Maidong extract and Ophiopogonin D --- p.60 / Chapter 4.6 --- Administration of Maidong extract to non-diabetic female rats --- p.61 / Chapter Chapter V --- Conclusions --- p.63 / Chapter Chapter VI --- Future Study --- p.64 / References --- p.66

Chan Cheung Shing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-90). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.ii / Acknowledgements --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.v / List of Figures --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.xii / Abbreviations and Notations --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background and Objective --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Contribution --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Thesis Outline --- p.5 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- System Architecture --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1 --- Conceptual Design --- p.6 / Chapter 2.2 --- Sensing Device and Fall-Detection Algorithm --- p.7 / Chapter 2.3 --- Mechanical Part --- p.10 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Mechanical Design --- p.11 / Chapter 3.1 --- Similar Products --- p.11 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Airbag Restraining Systems in Automobiles --- p.11 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Airbag Jackets for Motorcycle and House Riders --- p.12 / Chapter 3.2 --- Mechanism adopted --- p.12 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Time Requirement of Inflator --- p.12 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Mechanism and Design --- p.13 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Actuator --- p.14 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Punch --- p.15 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Airbags --- p.18 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Other Mechanisms Tried --- p.19 / Chapter 3.3 --- Prototype --- p.21 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Implementation --- p.21 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Demonstration --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Inflation Estimation --- p.25 / Chapter 4.1 --- Theory and Model --- p.25 / Chapter 4.2 --- Validation of Model --- p.28 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Testing Equipment --- p.28 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Preprocessing of Pressure Sensor Outputs --- p.28 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Validation for Basic Equations --- p.29 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Adjustment of Discharge Coefficients --- p.36 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Validation for Discharging to a Fixed Volume --- p.40 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Estimation of the Size of Airbag's Leakage Hole --- p.45 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Validation for Discharging to an Airbag --- p.47 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Time Delay due to Addition of a Pipe --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3 --- Summary of Experiments --- p.53 / Chapter 4.4 --- Limitation of Model --- p.54 / Chapter 4.5 --- Prediction of Inflation Time and Airbag Pressure --- p.55 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Effects of Orifice Size and Vent Size on Airbag Pressure and Volume --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Force Attenuation Estimation --- p.58 / Chapter 5.1 --- Theory and Model --- p.58 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Kelvin-Voigt Model --- p.59 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Standard Linear Solid Support Model --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2 --- Simple Testing for Validation --- p.61 / Chapter 5.3 --- Summary of Experiment --- p.64 / Chapter 5.4 --- Estimation --- p.64 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Force Attenuation Ability of Prototype --- p.64 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Minimum Airbag Volume and Pressure Required to Reduce the Force --- p.65 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Future Work --- p.66 / Chapter 6.1 --- Impact Test for Airbag System --- p.66 / Chapter 6.2 --- The Effective Mass of the Target User --- p.67 / Chapter 6.3 --- The Motion Data Collection --- p.68 / Chapter 6.4 --- Modification in the Inflator --- p.69 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusion --- p.70 / Appendix A Review of Basic Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics --- p.72 / Chapter A.1 --- Thermodynamics --- p.72 / Chapter A.2 --- Fluid Mechanics: Incompressible and Compressible Flow --- p.75 / Appendix B Derivation of Equations --- p.77 / Chapter B.1 --- Mass Flow Rate Equations --- p.77 / Chapter B.2 --- Relationship between Rate of Changes of Airbag Pressure and Volume --- p.80 / Chapter B.3 --- Pressure Change of Compressed Gas Cylinder --- p.82 / Chapter B.4 --- Dominating Factors in the Mass Flow Rate Equation --- p.83 / Appendix C Dimensions of Inflator --- p.85 / Appendix D Experimental Data --- p.86

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of South Florida, 2009. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 224 pages. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Background. Carotid stenosis is an important cause of stroke. Carotid endarterectomy is a means of reducing the burden of stroke but is of marginal benefit in individuals with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. The identification of factors associated with increased risk of cerebral ischemic events would help select individuals who may obtain a greater benefit. / Methods. A comprehensive search was performed to identify studies examining risk factors for cerebral ischemic events in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Inclusion criteria were defined a priori. Relevant studies were reviewed, assessed for quality, and data were extracted. / Results. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a suggestion of increasing neurological events with increasing severity and progression of carotid stenosis. There was some evidence for an association with carotid plaque morphology. No consistent association was found with clinical factors, impaired cerebral vasoreactivity, or cerebral embolic signals. / Conclusions. The evidence is insufficient to reliably identify individuals with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who are at a higher risk of cerebral ischemic events.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of South Florida, 2007. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 52 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

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Thesis describes the latest legislation of integrated pollution prevention and control effective in the Czech Republic after 19 March 2013 including relevant European Union law especially Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control). First two chapters deal with the sources and principles of integrated pollution prevention and control (hereinafter only "IPPC"), focusing on the principle of a comprehensive approach to the environment and its integrated protection, the principle of prevention and on public involvement in the IPPC permit procedure. The fourth chapter explains selected basic terms of IPPC, such as installation, permit and Best Available Techniques (BAT). In the field of BAT thesis deals with the new status of the Reference Document on Best Available Techniques (BREF) in the IPPC permit procedure, with the procedure for the drawing up and reviewing of BREFs, with their structure and with the exchange of information on BAT. The fifth chapter classifies the IPPC permit procedure into the overall process of implementation of the plan and defines its relationship to the environmental medium Acts. The sixth chapter defining the subjects of proceedings evaluates the rules of...

Degree of Masters in Public Health by coursework and research report Maternal and Child Johannesburg, March 2012 / Adolescent sexual behaviour related to low condom-use and early sexual debut has been a concern in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Treatment-seeking behaviour is a problem in adolescents due to embarrassment and unfriendly health care services. The Birth to Twenty study group (Bt20) is a cohort of singletons born in 1990 with approximately 10% having tested positive for STIs at an early age. Their sexually activity and unprotected sex practices have increased their risk for HIV infection. The objectives of this study were to explore the perceptions, sexual behaviour and treatment-seeking behaviour of a sample of girls who had a previous STI, through their narratives. One-on-one narrative interviews were done on 19 girls with the aid of an interview schedule. A life history of their sexual encounters was documented. The interviews were taped and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed. The majority of the girls had no knowledge of STIs before they were counselled by the Bt20 nurses yet 50% of the girls used condoms in their first sexual experiences. Once counselled, almost all the girls went on to seek treatment for their STI. A third of the girls reported poor service at the clinic and would prefer to be treated either privately or at Bt20 if possible. Information regarding the role of STIs in the transmission of HIV seems to be unclear. Improving the life orientation programme at schools with a focus on STIs and pregnancy would positively impact on HIV transmission. One-on-one counselling is effective but may not be feasible in under-resourced communities and the continued education of nurses in clinics, whilst increasing the number of adolescent friendly clinics, must be prioritised.

A thesis completed by published work, Submitted to the School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Johannesburg, South Africa 24 May 2017. / Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) has potential to eliminate new HIV infections among infants. Yet, in many settings in sub-Saharan Africa, women are unable to adhere to PMTCT recommendations due to social constraints. One such factor may be intimate partner violence (IPV), or any actions taken by a relationship partner that cause physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Despite theoretical and empirical rationale for understanding the links between IPV and PMTCT adherence, few studies in the extant literature have explored this association. Methods: This thesis draws upon four distinct studies that interface using an overall mixed method study design. The first study is a systematic review of the literature around women’s experience of lifetime IPV and adherence to anti-retroviral treatment (ART). The second study is formative qualitative research with pregnant women, health workers, and other local stakeholders that explores how IPV may be related to PMTCT in the urban Johannesburg setting. The third study is a deeper qualitative examination of women living with both IPV and HIV, aiming to understand the mechanisms that link partner violence to PMTCT behaviors using a social constructionist lens. The final study is a quantitative cohort study nested within a randomized control trial testing an intervention for IPV in pregnancy. Using regression techniques and structural equation modeling, I aim to determine the association between IPV and ART adherence in pregnancy and postpartum and identify pathways that mediate the relationship between partner violence and PMTCT. Results: This doctoral research contributes several new findings to the extant literature around PMTCT. I find that IPV is related to ART adherence among HIV-positive women in extant literature, with meta-analysis showing significantly worse odds of ART uptake, self-reported adherence, and viral suppression among women reporting lifetime IPV. In one of first of studies among women in sub-Saharan Africa, I learn that impact of IPV on ART adherence in pregnancy and postpartum is marked. I identify several mechanisms through which IPV influences PMTCT adherence. Mental health emerges as a robust pathway linking IPV to worse adherence in both qualitative and quantitative papers. Partner non-disclosure due to IPV can impede adherence, or women can navigate this challenge through hiding their HIV status or medication. Women experiencing IPV may attend fewer antenatal clinic visits, leading to worsened adherence. An unexpected finding was that women in our qualitative and quantitative studies were resilient and used strategies to adhere despite IPV. Motherhood seems to be a central feature of women who are resilient to the effects of IPV on adherence. Conclusion: The findings of this research have implications for research, policy, and practice. Research should incorporate social factors, such as IPV, into future studies testing PMTCT adherence interventions. Clinical practice and HIV programs should recognize that partner-level dynamics such as IPV may drive persistent gaps in PMTCT coverage. HIV policy urgently needs to incorporate ethical and safety considerations for women who experience IPV around the time of pregnancy. Women living with recent or past IPV are highly resilient and often want to protect their own health and that of their children. Only by recognizing and addressing their experience within the context of HIV care can future PMTCT programs and studies ensure maternal and infant health. / MT2017