BACKGROUND: Studies done in both developed and developing countries have reported the tendencies of adolescents to engage in risky behaviours. Such behaviours include indulging in early and unsafe sexual activities, having multiple sexual partners, alcohol and drug use and dropping out of school among others. PURPOSE: The main aim of the study was to develop intervention strategies for reducing sexual risk practices among adolescents in Ethiopia. METHODS: A mixed method approach using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed in order to investigate the risks of sexual practices among urban and rural adolescents in the selected area. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather data quantitatively and focus group discussions were used for the qualitative part of data collection. A total of 449 students and 72 FGD participants were selected for quantitative and qualitative study respectively using systematic random sampling technique. Logistic regression was done to identify possible factors associated with knowledge on emergency contraceptive, condom utilisation, pre-marital sex practices and perception of risky sexual practices. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy (37.9%) respondents had experienced sexual intercourse at the time of the study. The higher proportion (42.6%) of those who had engaged in sexual relationships was from the rural school compared to 33.1% in the urban schools. The proportion of sexually active respondents was higher among males (44.8%) compared to (29%) females. Multiple partners were higher in rural adolescents (44.7%) compared to 31.8% among urban adolescents. Sexually Transmitted Diseases were reported by 28.6% of the sexually active adolescents and the prevalence was higher among males (73.5%) compared to 27% females. 87% of the sexually active adolescents rarely used a condom. CONCLUSION: The study identified a knowledge gap on ASRH which limited adolescents to access reproductive services. Social, cultural and economic factors contributed to adolescent engagement in risky sexual behaviours. Based on the major findings of this study, intervention strategies targeting behavioural, biomedical and structural interventions were proposed. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Text in English / Cervical cancer accounts for 34.6% of all the female cancers in Zimbabwe. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of female student nurses regarding cervical cancer in Zimbabwe using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a theoretical framework. The ultimate aim was to analyse female student nurses’ risk perception of contracting cervical cancer. A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive research design was used, using a structured questionnaire for data collection. One hundred and thirty-two (132) respondents were conveniently selected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 software program. The study revealed that 57.9% of the respondents perceive that they are at risk of developing cervical cancer. They believe that screening for cervical cancer is not embarrassing. Knowledge improved with increase in the level of study, there was lack of knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer link. More emphasis on cervical cancer should be put on curricula taught in undergraduate education earlier on in the programme. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The HIV pandemic threatens the social, emotional, and physical development of all persons, especially the youth. Adolescents are more at risk of contracting HIV as their lifestyle often involves sexual exploration and experimentation. Effective educational interventions are central to HIV prevention in South Africa. Being a clinical nurse practitioner in a primary health care (PHC) facility, the principal investigator observed that school learners failed to practice safe sex and demonstrated little knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention. The aim of the study was to investigate the reported level of HIV knowledge and sexual risk behaviour of grade 12 school learners in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole, Cape Town. A descriptive, non-experimental, research design was employed with a primarily quantitative approach. The study population comprised grade 12 learners from high schools in the Eastern Sub-District of the Cape Metropole in Cape Town (N=7940). A total of 92 participants from four schools (2 public and 2 private) were included in the sample by using a cluster sampling method. A self-completion semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was collected by the principal investigator and a trained field worker. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University (N11/07/225). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Department of Education. Reliability and validity were assured by means of a pilot study and the use of experts in the field of nursing research and statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Statistical associations were determined using ANOVA and the Mann-Whitney U tests. The qualitative data was analysed thematically and then quantified. The results show that the average HIV/AIDS knowledge score of participants was 60.73%. However, many gaps in HIV/AIDS knowledge were identified. Only 77.2% (n=71) of participants knew the meaning of HIV, 80.4% (n=74) did not know all the ways in which HIV can be transmitted and only 8.7% (n=8) knew how to safely use a condom. The majority of participants (67.4%; n=62) believed in the myth that HIV can be cured and 18.5% (n=17) reported that a traditional healer can cure HIV. With regard to risky behaviour, half of the participants at the time of the study (51%; n=47) reported sexual engagement and 20% (n=9) of these respondents did not use condoms. Furthermore, 25% (n=23) had used alcohol before having sex. There were no association found between the knowledge about HIV/AIDS of participants and their sexual risk behaviour. In view of these study findings, participants are exposing themselves to high risk sexual behaviour that may increase their chances of acquiring sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Several recommendations were identified, including the strengthening of HIV and STI education linked to sexual risk reduction, open communication and additional information sources, availability of condoms at schools and improved access to HIV testing at schools. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die jeug se sosiale, emosionele en fisiese ontwikkeling word deur die MIV-pandemie gekortwiek. As gevolg van hulle seksuele eksperimentering, word adolessente as ʼn hoë risikogroep beskou, sover dit die ontwikkeling van MIV aangaan. Gevolglik speel onderrig ʼn belangrike rol in MIV voorkoming. Die beoefening van onveilige seks, en onvoldoende kennis rakende MIV/VIGS-voorkoming, is deur die primêre navorser, ʼn kliniese verpleegpraktisyn in die primêre gesondheidsorg omgewing, waargeneem. Die studie het dit ten doel om te bepaal wat die MIV-kennis vlakke, en die seksuele gedrag risiko van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool is. ʼn Beskrywende, nie-eksperimentele navorsingsontwerp is gebruik, met ʼn hoofsaaklike kwantitatiewe benadering. Uit die studie populasie van Graad 12 leerders in die Oostelike sub-distrik van die Kaapstadse Metropool hoërskole (N=7940), is ʼn steekproef van 92 deelnemers uit vier hoërskole (twee staatskole en twee privaatskole) gekies – die trossteekproefnemingsmetode is gebruik. Data is versamel deur middel van ʼn semi-gestruktureerde vraelys wat deur die deelnemers self voltooi is. Toestemming vir die uitvoer van die studie is verkry van die Etiese Komitee van die Mediese Fakulteit van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (N11/07/225), asook die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Onderwys. Die betroubaarheid en geldigheid van die studie is verseker deur die uitvoer van ʼn voorstudie, en is verder versterk deur gebruik te maak van kundiges in die veld van statistiek en verpleegnavorsing. Data is ontleed deur middel van beskrywende statistiese metodes en assosiasies is bepaal deur gebruik te maak van variansie-analise (“ANOVA”) en Mann-Whitney U toetse. Die bevindinge is in frekwensie tabelle en histogramme vervat. Die kwalitatiewe data is gekodeer en gekategoriseer, waarna temas geïdentifiseer is. Alhoewel die studie-bevindinge aangedui het dat die deelnemers ʼn gemiddelde MIV/VIGS-kennis telling van 60.73% behaal het, is verskeie leemtes in hulle bestaande kennis geïdentifiseer. Slegs 77.2% (n=71) van die deelnemers het geweet wat MIV beteken, terwyl 80.4% (n=74) nie geweet het hoe MIV oorgedra word nie. Slegs 8.7% (n=8) van die deelnemers het kennis gehad rakende veilige kondoom gebruik. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers (67.4%; n=62) glo dat MIV genees kan word en 18.5% (n=17) het aangedui dat MIV deur ʼn tradisionele geneesheer genees kan word. Hoë-risiko gedrag, spesifiek seksuele aktiwiteit (51%; n=47%) sonder kondome (20%; n=9) is rapporteer. ʼn Verdere 25% (n=23) van die deelnemers het rapporteer dat hulle alkohol gebruik voor seks, maar daar was geen assosiasie tussen die vlak van MIV/VIGS-kennis en hoë-risiko gedrag nie. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die deelnemers hulself blootstel aan hoë-risiko seksuele gedrag met die gevolg dat hul kans om MIV te kry verhoog. Die aanbevelings, gegrond op die bevindinge, sluit in: ʼn groter fokus op onderrig wat verband hou met MIV en seksueel oordraagbare infeksies wat gekoppel is aan ʼn verlaging in hoe-risiko seksuele gedrag, openhartige kommunikasie en bykomende inligtingshulpbronne, beskikbaarheid van kondome by skole, asook verbeterde toegang tot MIV toetsing by skole.

Thesis (MMed (Occupational Medicine))--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / Introduction Exposure incidents involving blood and body fluids represent a major hazard for medical undergraduates. Every medical teaching university experiences the problem of undergraduate medical students sustaining such incidents. Although Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is readily available and accessible to medical undergraduates following an incident, continuity and quality of care extends beyond the provision of PEP. This includes follow up consultations after receiving PEP according to protocol. Study Design This study was performed at the Tygerberg Campus of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa to assess compliance with follow up consultations following an exposure incident. The study base consisted of all the medical undergraduates who reported an exposure incident at the Campus Health clinic. Cases were defined as medical undergraduate students of Stellenbosch University who had reported an exposure incident between January 2007 and December 2011. They were identified using the clinic database and records. Influential factors associated with the exposure incident, including compliance regarding follow up consultations were obtained from standardised reporting forms and medical records. The data was analysed in 2 sections, a cross sectional component (descriptive and analytical) and a retrospective cohort component. Two student cohorts were retrospectively followed from the beginning of their 3rd year to the end of their medical curriculum (6th year). Results There were 280 exposure incidents reported in the study period, of which 174 were low risk and were 106 high risk incidents for which PEP was prescribed (37.86% used PEP). For those who had high risk exposures, 90.57% (n=96) attended the 6-week follow up consultation, 48.11% (n=51) attended the 3 month visit and 34.91% (n=37) attended the 6 month follow up visit. There was an increase in the number of exposure incidents from 2010 (n=43) to 2011 (n=76). Internal medicine accounted for the most number of incidents (n=68), followed by Surgery (n=51), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (n=44), and Paediatrics (n=42). Drawing blood was the most common reported activity associated with exposures. Of notable importance was recapping, disposing of needles and insertion of blood into sample tubes. These activities accounted for 63 of the 280 exposure incidents. The 4th year students were the least at risk for exposure incidents compared to 3rd, 5th, 6th years. The annual average cumulative risk of having an exposure incident was found to be 5.7% (95%CI=4%-8%) and 6.8% (95%CI=5%-9%) amongst the 2 student cohorts over the duration of 4 years (clinical exposure time). Recommendations There is an urgent need for the number of exposure incidents to be reduced, e.g. needle recapping and disposal, and insertion of blood in sample tubes cause numerous preventable incidents. Various other strategies can be implemented in order to reduce the number of incidents across all undergraduate years of study. It is envisaged that by reducing the number of exposure incidents, there will be a subsequent decrease in the number of individuals requiring PEP. The importance of ensuring compliance with regard to follow up consultations needs to be emphasized. Factors that lead to noncompliance need to be investigated in a separate study.

Although eating disorders have been the focus of much research, the inclusion of minority populations has been minimal. A recent review of the literature by Dolan (1991) has found that eating disorders were most likely to be present in non-White women who were exposed to Western societies and cultures. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine personality, physical, and cultural correlates of bulimic symptomatology in a sample of African American college women. The Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT-R) was used to assess bulimia symptoms. The African American Acculturation Scale (AAAS), the Beliefs about Attractiveness Scale Revised (BAAR factors 1 and 2), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), the Centers for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D), Body Parts Satisfaction Scale (BPSS), and body mass were the independent variables hypothesized to predict bulimic symptoms. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that body mass, depression, and low self-esteem were the best predictors of bulimic symptomatology, together accounting for 38% of the variance. Beliefs about attractiveness and body satisfaction were related to bulimic symptoms but not when considered simultaneously with the other variables. Acculturation was not predictive of bulimic symptoms. 0-ordered correlations revealed that beliefs about attractiveness and body satisfaction were correlated with bulimic symptoms. Acculturation was not related to any variables except depression. Implications for counseling interventions as well as directions for future research are discussed.

University of Macau / Faculty of Education

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of peer educators and university students, on whether the Peer Education-HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme has made an impact on the behavioural change of the recipients of the module as compared to the non-recipients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified sampling design among peer educators and students to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of peer educators and students. Participants were selected from Tshwane University of Technology campuses in Pretoria, Soshanguve and Ga-rankuwa. The study was conducted among 300 participants; 150 peer educators and 150 students. Informed consent was provided with each structured questionnaire. Findings and Discussion: Three quarters of the respondents in this study were females. This is consistent with many other studies of HIV/AIDS among students. The response rate in this study was 68% and was higher than the 45% of the Namibian Polytechnic students who participated in the KAP surveys of HIV/AIDS (De Beer et al., 2012). Mean knowledge levels of HIV/AIDS in this study were slightly higher among peer educators (92%) than among students (90%). Peer educators had more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS than students in knowing someone who is HIV+ (78% vs. 67%) and sharing a desk with a PLHIV (97% vs. 95%). On whether HIV+ children should mix with others, attitude levels were the same (92% vs. 92%). Better practices were observed on peer educators vs. students - more peer educators (87%) than students (75%) said they always used a condom when they have sex. Conclusion and Recommendations: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV/AIDS are high among peer educators and students at Tshwane University of Technology and it is recommended that the Peer Education-HIV/AIDS Prevention Programme at TUT should continue giving attention to changing attitudes and practices among peer educators and other learners. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Die doel van die studie is om die kennis, houding en praktyke van Portuur Voorligters te assesseer, oor die vraag of die eweknie-opvoedkundige MIV/VIGS Voorkoming program 'n impak het op die gedrags verandering van die ontvangers van die module in vergelyking met die nie-ontvangers Metodes: 'n Deursnee-opname is uitgevoer deur gebruik te maak van gestratifiseerde steekproefneming ontwerp onder eweknie-opvoeders en studente om die kennis, houding en praktyke van eweknie-opvoeders en studente te assesseer. Deelnemers is gekies uit die Tshwane Universiteit van Tegnologie kampusse in Pretoria, Soshanguve en Ga-Rankuwa. Die studie is gedoen onder 300 deelnemers, 150 portuuropvoeders en 150 studente. Ingeligte toestemming is voorsien met elke gestruktureerde vraelys. Bevindings en bespreking: Driekwart van die respondente in hierdie studie was vroulik. Dit is in ooreenstemming met baie ander studies van MIV/VIGS onder studente. Die reaksie in hierdie studie was 68% en hoër as die 45% van die Namibiese Polytechnic studente wat deelgeneem het aan die KAP opnames van MIV/VIGS (De Beer et al, 2012). Middel kennis vlakke van MIV/VIGS in hierdie studie was effens hoër onder eweknie-opvoeders (92%) as onder studente (90%). Eweknie-opvoeders in hierdie studie het meer positiewe houdings teenoor MIV/VIGS as studente in die kennis van iemand wat MIV + is (78% vs. 67%), die deel van 'n lessenaar met 'n PLHIV (97% vs. 95%) en of HIV + kinders moet meng met ander (92% vs. 92%). Beter praktyke is waargeneem op portuuropvoeders teen oor studente, meer portuuropvoeders (87%) as studente (75%) het gesê hulle het altyd 'n kondoom gebruik wanneer jy seks het. Gevolgtrekking en aanbevelings: Bewustheid, kennis, positiewe houdings en praktyke van MIV/VIGS is hoog onder eweknie-opvoeders en studente by die Tshwane Universiteit van Tegnologie en aanbevelings sal aangespreek word aan die einde van die studie.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study attempts to identify HIV/AIDS knowledge gaps and the factors which influence the perceptions of the risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS, in relation to the sexual behavior of high school learners in Port St Johns Municipality. In order to do this, a close ended questionnaire was administered to 116 learners from three senior secondary schools in Port St Johns Municipality. Frequency table counts and percentages were used to describe HIV/AIDS knowledge, the perceptions of the risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS and the risky sexual behaviors by learners. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used in the inferential analysis. From the data, it was clear that a significant proportion of learners had gaps in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Female senior secondary school learners were slightly more knowledgeable than their male counterparts, in that 60% of the female learners were correct in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, compared to 57 % of males. According to the data, 58 % of male high school learners correctly interpreted the perceptions of the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS, compared to 56% of their female counterparts. These low percentages suggest that the high school learners have inadequate skills in interpreting the perceptions of the risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS. Another finding was that 74 % of female learners do not engage in risky sexual behaviors which might lead to a contraction of HIV/AIDS, compared to 67 % of male learners. Male learners, as well as the female learners, had a Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient: r=0.522 for males and r= -0.268 for females, in terms of perceptions of risks of contracting of HIV/AIDS and engaging in risky sexual behavior. In other words, the results indicate that if males perceive the risks more acutely, they will not take such risks, whereas females are not easily influenced by the perceptions of risks and the way in which they behave. The study recommends that stakeholders of the schools craft HIV/AIDS programmes and policies that bridge the knowledge gaps and reduce or eliminate inaccurate perceptions of the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS, so as to enable learners to adopt safer sexual behaviors. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie poog om gapings in MIV/Vigs kennis te identifiseer en die faktore wat die persepsies van die risiko's van die kontraktering van MIV, met betrekking tot die seksuele gedrag van hoërskoolleerders in Port St Johns Munisipaliteit beïnvloed. Ten einde dit te doen, is 'n vraelys geadministreer onder 116 leerders van drie senior sekondêre skole in Port St Johns Munisipaliteit. Frekwensietabel-tellings en persentasies is gebruik om MIV/Vigs kennis te beskryf, die persepsies van die risiko's van die kontraktering van MIV en die riskante seksuele gedrag deur leerders. Die Pearson Produk Oomblik korrelasie is gebruik in die inferensiële analise. Die data toon dat ‘n aansienlike persentasie van die leerders ‘n tekort aan kennis het rakende MIV/Vigs. Vroulike senior sekondêre leerders toon effens meer kennis as hul manlike eweknieë, 60% van die vroulike leerders korrek was in hul kennis van MIV/Vigs, in vergelyking met 57% van die mans. 58% van die manlike hoërskoolleerders het die persepsies van die risiko's van MIV/Vigs korrek geïnterpreteer, in vergelyking met 56% van hul vroulike eweknieë. Hierdie lae persentasies dui daarop dat die hoërskoolleerders onvoldoende vaardighede het in die interpretasie van die persepsies van die risiko's van die kontraktering van MIV. Nog 'n bevinding was dat 74% van vroulike leerders nie betrokke is in riskante seksuele gedrag wat kan lei tot MIV-infeksie nie, in vergelyking met 67% van die manlike leerders. Manlike leerders, sowel as die vroulike leerders, het 'n Pearson Produk korrelasiekoëffisiënt: r = 0,522 vir mans en r = -0,268 vir vroue, in terme van die persepsies van risiko's van kontraktering van MIV/Vigs en betrokke te raak in riskante seksuele gedrag. Die studie beveel aan dat belanghebbendes van skole MIV/Vigs-programme en beleide ontwikkel wat die kennisgapings oorbrug en onakkurate persepsies verminder rakende die risiko van MIV-infeksie, met die doel dat leerder veiliger seksuele gerag sal toon.

Text in English / Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions’ of young Indian adolescents in Chatsworth, towards HIV and AIDS. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis design was used. The participants were selected using judgemental purposive sampling. Nine participants were interviewed. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected through individual interviews guided by an interview schedule. The interpretative phenomenological analysis framework for data analysis was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed that participants were well informed about HIV and AIDS. Participants reported disinterest in HIV prevention programmes due to inundation with repetitive information; disinterested attitudes of facilitators of these programme as well as fear of social stigmatisation. The misconceptions that were highlighted were related to very little personal contact with people living with HIV and AIDS. Conclusions and Recommendations: These findings have revealed that there is a need for a revision in HIV/AIDS prevention programme. The HIV/AIDS school programmes should be contextual relevant to learners from diverse backgrounds and communities. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Quantitative, descriptive research, using self-completion questionnaires, was conducted to determine the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge of the learners in Sefhare. The sample, comprising 92 learners, was selected from forms 1-3. Of the learners, 53.4% knew what HIV/AIDS stand for, but only 13.6% said AIDS is caused by HIV and only 4.5% said AIDS is an incurable disease. The ABC of protecting oneself against HIV (abstain from sex, be faithful to one sex partner, use condoms) was mentioned by merely 57.6% of the learners. The learners’ lack of knowledge should be addressed by school HIV/AIDS programmes offered at schools in Botswana. As 81.5% of the learners were willing to be tested for HIV, this service should be made available with simultaneous confidential personal HIV/AIDS education, irrespective of the HIV test results. Teachers’ and parents’ HIV/AIDS knowledge should also be updated regularly. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)