This study investigated coercive and high risk sexual practices in South African adolescent dating relationships. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from secondary school learners in a community near Johannesburg. Of 928 learners surveyed, 23.5% of females and 53.7% of males ever had sex. Of these, 57.8% of females and 44.2% of males reported sexual victimisation, and 46.8% of females and 50% of males reported perpetrating sexual coercion in a relationship. Significantly more males engaged in risky sex than females. Among females, sexual coercion was significantly linked to risky sexual behaviour. Among males, alcohol and perpetration of sexual coercion were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour. Focus group data reveal how dominant constructions of gender normalise male coercion and contribute to risky sexual practices. Recommendations for sexual health initiatives include introducing alternative discourses of female sexual desire and male sexual responsibility as a means for building healthier adolescent dating relationships. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The global spread of HIV and Aids has greatly exceeded the most pessimistic projections. Infection rates are not declining and human tragedy is escalating. South Africa is a nation in mourning. If one is not infected, one is affected. Notwithstanding the catastrophic effects that are already being experienced, the full consequences of the pandemic seem yet to be felt. Developmental psychology and ecological systems theory were used in this study to examine the research problem. It has become necessary to determine the level of knowledge that adolescents have of HIV and Aids and whether Life Skills programmes stimulate any change in behaviour. This initially took the form of a quantitative study in which questionnaires were administered. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research (focus group interviews) was applied for verification. The goals of the research were achieved, providing valuable findings, confirming that there has been no behaviour change and adolescent knowledge remains inadequate. South African adolescents have insufficient knowledge of responsible sexual behaviour. Recommendations with regard to the content and course of the programme as well as further research are formulated as a result of the conclusions. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Socio-Education)

AIDS-related illnesses are the leading cause of deaths in South Africa. Alcohol misuse among male youths fuels the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV. Literature review was conducted on the association of alcohol misuse and the risk of contracting HIV among male youths. In this qualitative study fourteen male youths, all from Soshanguve in Gauteng province, participated in face-to-face interviews. The male youths who misuse alcohol show greater signs of indulging in risky sexual intercourse. In addition, the male youths who find their sexual partners at taverns were less likely to use condoms during sex. Other factors linked to alcohol misuse that hinder HIV-prevention include multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, men who have sex with men (MSM), young men’s dominance over young women and non-use of condoms. The findings of this research project indicate the need of deliberate focus on alcohol misuse during HIV-prevention education. HIV-prevention interventions should pay attention to reducing sexual risk behaviour associated with alcohol misuse among young men. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV 2) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. HSV 2 infection is a risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of other STIs. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and predictors of HSV 2 infection in Durban, South Africa by using available data that has not been previously analysed for the purpose of adding scientific evidence to the existing body of knowledge relating to HSV 2. Method: The study involves secondary analyses of data collected as a prospective study which enrolled women who participated in a clinical trial. A total of 3472 sexually active women were screened in the primary study from two clinics in Durban. All consenting participants were tested for HIV, HSV 2, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. Results: There were 2532 women who had HSV 2 giving a prevalence of 73%. Of these, 53% also tested positive for HIV infection. In univariate analysis, co-infection with HIV was strongly associated with HSV2 (Odds Ratio (OR): 7.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.0, 9.1, p<0.001). There was also an association between other STIs, such as CT, NG and syphilis and HSV 2, although only NG was significantly associated with prevalent of HSV 2 (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.1, p=0.005). Women older than 25 years of age more likely to have HSV 2 (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0,2.8, p<0.001). A risk of being infected with HSV 2 increased with the number of reported lifetime sexual partners Those with two and three or more were 2,5 and 4.6 times more likely to have HSV2 respectively (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.1,3.1, p<0.001 and OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 3.8, 5.6, p<0.001 respectively). Women who had less than high school education were also found to have higher risk for HSV 2. Conclusion: The secondary analysis showed a high prevalence of HSV 2 infection and a strong association of HSV 2 and HIV. A significant association of HSV 2 was noted in women having more than two sex partners and lower high school education. Therefore, it is recommended that screening for HSV 2 among high risk populations be incorporated into the STI screening and treatment packages. / Prevalence and risk factors associated with HSV 2 / Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 / HSV 2 / Department of Health Studies / M. (Public health)

This study investigated coercive and high risk sexual practices in South African adolescent dating relationships. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from secondary school learners in a community near Johannesburg. Of 928 learners surveyed, 23.5% of females and 53.7% of males ever had sex. Of these, 57.8% of females and 44.2% of males reported sexual victimisation, and 46.8% of females and 50% of males reported perpetrating sexual coercion in a relationship. Significantly more males engaged in risky sex than females. Among females, sexual coercion was significantly linked to risky sexual behaviour. Among males, alcohol and perpetration of sexual coercion were significantly associated with risky sexual behaviour. Focus group data reveal how dominant constructions of gender normalise male coercion and contribute to risky sexual practices. Recommendations for sexual health initiatives include introducing alternative discourses of female sexual desire and male sexual responsibility as a means for building healthier adolescent dating relationships. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The global spread of HIV and Aids has greatly exceeded the most pessimistic projections. Infection rates are not declining and human tragedy is escalating. South Africa is a nation in mourning. If one is not infected, one is affected. Notwithstanding the catastrophic effects that are already being experienced, the full consequences of the pandemic seem yet to be felt. Developmental psychology and ecological systems theory were used in this study to examine the research problem. It has become necessary to determine the level of knowledge that adolescents have of HIV and Aids and whether Life Skills programmes stimulate any change in behaviour. This initially took the form of a quantitative study in which questionnaires were administered. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research (focus group interviews) was applied for verification. The goals of the research were achieved, providing valuable findings, confirming that there has been no behaviour change and adolescent knowledge remains inadequate. South African adolescents have insufficient knowledge of responsible sexual behaviour. Recommendations with regard to the content and course of the programme as well as further research are formulated as a result of the conclusions. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Socio-Education)

This study evaluates a sex education programme administered in an Indian high school. To this end, a literature search, empirical study and qualitative data were used to measure the effectiveness of the Education for Living programme. Adolescents are blamed for having pennissive attitudes, or for indulging in amoral sexual behaviour without considering the consequences. The fact is, sexual development of young people is affected in a fundamental sense by what is taking place around them. Many of the taboos, which operated in society years ago, have disappeared. This study looks into the history of the South African Indian community. In particular, this study focuses on the community's values, attitudes and traditional practices toward sexuality, sex and marriage. It further highlights how the processes of westemisation and modernisation have eroded many of these aspects of traditional Indian culture. The study concludes by examining the emergence of new-found patterns of behaviour and attitudes. It is not the intention of this study to provide any conclusive documentation on the subject of the Indian adolescent. However the major findings of this study have been fommlated as recommendations and implications for further research. Since sexuality is an ever-changing, life-long experience, there is a need for continuous acquisition of accurate sexual knowledge. Carefully designed programmes may serve to allay fears, dispel myths, diminish confusion, enhance communication within families and promote health and wellbeing across generations. / Social Work / M.A. (SS) (Mental Health)

Background: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV 2) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. HSV 2 infection is a risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of other STIs. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and predictors of HSV 2 infection in Durban, South Africa by using available data that has not been previously analysed for the purpose of adding scientific evidence to the existing body of knowledge relating to HSV 2. Method: The study involves secondary analyses of data collected as a prospective study which enrolled women who participated in a clinical trial. A total of 3472 sexually active women were screened in the primary study from two clinics in Durban. All consenting participants were tested for HIV, HSV 2, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. Results: There were 2532 women who had HSV 2 giving a prevalence of 73%. Of these, 53% also tested positive for HIV infection. In univariate analysis, co-infection with HIV was strongly associated with HSV2 (Odds Ratio (OR): 7.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.0, 9.1, p<0.001). There was also an association between other STIs, such as CT, NG and syphilis and HSV 2, although only NG was significantly associated with prevalent of HSV 2 (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.1, p=0.005). Women older than 25 years of age more likely to have HSV 2 (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 2.0,2.8, p<0.001). A risk of being infected with HSV 2 increased with the number of reported lifetime sexual partners Those with two and three or more were 2,5 and 4.6 times more likely to have HSV2 respectively (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.1,3.1, p<0.001 and OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 3.8, 5.6, p<0.001 respectively). Women who had less than high school education were also found to have higher risk for HSV 2. Conclusion: The secondary analysis showed a high prevalence of HSV 2 infection and a strong association of HSV 2 and HIV. A significant association of HSV 2 was noted in women having more than two sex partners and lower high school education. Therefore, it is recommended that screening for HSV 2 among high risk populations be incorporated into the STI screening and treatment packages. / Prevalence and risk factors associated with HSV 2 / Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 / HSV 2 / Department of Health Studies / M. (Public health)

AIDS-related illnesses are the leading cause of deaths in South Africa. Alcohol misuse among male youths fuels the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV. Literature review was conducted on the association of alcohol misuse and the risk of contracting HIV among male youths. In this qualitative study fourteen male youths, all from Soshanguve in Gauteng province, participated in face-to-face interviews. The male youths who misuse alcohol show greater signs of indulging in risky sexual intercourse. In addition, the male youths who find their sexual partners at taverns were less likely to use condoms during sex. Other factors linked to alcohol misuse that hinder HIV-prevention include multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, men who have sex with men (MSM), young men’s dominance over young women and non-use of condoms. The findings of this research project indicate the need of deliberate focus on alcohol misuse during HIV-prevention education. HIV-prevention interventions should pay attention to reducing sexual risk behaviour associated with alcohol misuse among young men. / Sociology / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Since the earliest reported cases of HIV/AIDS probably in 1959 in Africa, there has been a consistent progression in the new HIV/AIDS infection cases. In South Africa, Gauteng, records one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the country. The Department of Health (DOH) South Africa conducts ongoing studies on HIV/AIDS at provincial levels; these studies monitor the prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, as a tool for determining and monitoring the prevalence, trends, patterns and spread of the disease in the general population. This study analyses sentinel and spatial data collected from the (DOH) and Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) respectively, and depicts them in the form of spatial maps, and then critically analyses the spatial patterns that occur. The research findings would hopefully contribute to the overall knowledge of HIV/AIDS and provide framework and relevant literature for further investigation. / Geography / M.Sc. (Geography)