A qualitative study following a phenomenological approach was undertaken to explore voluntary counselling and testing nurses' perception of educating HIV+ people about ARVs. Non-probability convenience sampling was used and in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data from 12 participants. The most important results were:  The need for extensive education on ARVs since it is a new technology used to curb the infection therefore clients need the information in order to use them effectively.  Stumbling blocks encountered when educating HIV+ people about the drugs. The problems are mainly due to the nurses lack of current knowledge about the drugs; patients' low economic status; severe side effects; difficulties in behaviour change; poor quality of life on ARVs and medical terminology.  Inability of clients to comply to the regimen because of severe side effects, complex regimen, lack of support from family and friends, lack of motivation, depression, cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge on how to use them and financial constraints.  Challenges for continuous education because of current nursing shortage, negative attitudes of some nurses, demotivation and inadequate funding for such activity. Recommendations include provision of continuing education and the incorporation of ARV therapy knowledge in the basic nursing curriculum in nursing education. / Health Studies / MA (HEALTH STUDIES)

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is described as a crisis by the Global Report (UNAIDS 2004:13). Swaziland¡¦s King Mswati III also declared the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a disaster when the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate increased from 3.9% in 1992 to 42.6% in 2004 (MOHSW 2004:3). In responding to the increasing numbers, the Government of Swaziland established various programmes; one of them being the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services to meet societal needs. The MOHSW designed guidelines to be utilized when training nurses to be pre and post HIV test counselors (TASC 2003:2). The period of training ranges between 1 to 2 weeks, after which they are deployed to the VCT centres where nurses provide counseling and testing, treatment of opportunistic infections and distributing antiretroviral drugs. Much research has been done in Swaziland on HIV/AIDS however; there is insufficient knowledge on the impact of HIV/AIDS on nurses working at the VCT services. The objectives of the study were to: ,,« Explore and describe the experiences of nurses working in the VCT services. ,,« Explore and describe the experiences of clients receiving VCT services. ,,« Design and develop an empowerment programme for nurses working in the VCT services in Swaziland. ,,« Formulate and describe guidelines for the implementation of the programme. In this qualitative study, the exploratory descriptive and contextual methodology was utilized to look into lived experiences of nurses and clients. This was done within the adaptation of the intervention Design and Development genre proposed by Rothman and Thomas (1994). Data was collected through purposive sampling and analysed according to Tesch¡¦s methods (Tesch 1990:890) The study revealed one major theme; constant experience of stress that was related to psychological and physical factors (categories). Nurses identified the complexity of HIV/AIDS, shortage of staff, lack of social support, lack of a supportive working environment, and a need for staff development under psychological factors. Clients identified stigma and discrimination. Constant exhaustion and development of medical conditions were identified as physical factors that led to constant experience of stress. Conclusions drawn from the data analysis revealed that nurses were stressed and felt disempowered at working in the VCT services. An empowerment programme was designed and developed to enable these nurses to deal with issues and VCT services for rendering quality care and enjoy the work they do. Guidelines were formulated to implement the empowerment programme. The study concluded with the identification of limitations and recommendations for future endeavours. / Health Studies / D.Litt. et Phil.

Text in English / The aim of the study was to describe the competencies of midwives during the provision of immediate postnatal care (PNC) with the intention of adapting and linking international best practice guidelines as well as a conceptual framework for the implementation of PNC in Swaziland. A quantitative cross-sectional design study was conducted to investigate the competencies of midwives during the provision of immediate postnatal care services to mothers and their infants. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select eighty-eight (88) midwives and six (6) senior midwives to participate in the study. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Quantitative data was complemented by data that was generated from open-ended questions at the end of the questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 software. The study highlighted that all the midwives who participated in this study had the relevant qualification. Of the respondents, 70.5% were state-certified midwives with a second registered certificate, 27.3% had bachelor’s degrees, while 2.3% had an advanced midwifery certificate. The study found no difference between the type of qualification of midwives and the knowledge of PNC interventions to be offered to mothers immediately post-delivery across different qualifications held by the midwives (Kruskal-Wallis test: x2=5.498, df=2, p=0.064). Gaps were identified in their knowledge and practices. There were discrepancies in the level of knowledge and practices regarding maternal vital sign assessment immediately after delivery (within 30 minutes). It was noted that these vital signs, i.e. blood pressure (12.5%), temperature (50.0%), pulse (54.5%), respiration (63.6%) were not taken after delivery. It was also noted that 15.0%, 58.0%, 64.8% of the respondents were not aware of the importance of assessing newborns for APGAR, skin-to-skin contact and drying the neonate. The study found that there were no postnatal care guidelines in Swaziland. The findings of the study led to the adaption and linkage of the latest international evidence-based guidelines and a conceptual framework for the implementation of immediate PNC to mothers and their infants in Swaziland. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Parental involvement (PI) greatly benefits learners of all ages. The implementation of a PI programme would provide an effective and affordable means to address the needs of learners in Swaziland. The purpose of this study was to develop a PI programme for urban primary education in Swaziland. The literature revealed that while comprehensive PI programmes are most effective, PI in learning activities in the home and an appropriate parenting style are particularly beneficial and correlate more closely with learning success than family background factors. Nevertheless, a relationship between family background factors and PI exists. Furthermore there are numerous barriers to PI. However, the most important determinant of PI is the effort of teachers to involve parents. PI is particularly important at senior primary level, the level at which PI drops off spontaneously. In order to gain a more complete understanding of PI in this community, which would form the basis for an effective PI programme, a combined quantitative and qualitative approach was undertaken. A parental questionnaire was used to test quantitatively the affects of family background factors on three measures of PI and to determine the ways in which parents were involved, their attitudes to the schools, and the schools' efforts to involve them. Teacher and parent interviews and focus discussions were conducted following a qualitative ethnographic approach. The integrated quantitative and qualitative findings revealed a low level of PI. As a result of a lack of relevant policy, Swazi teachers had very little understanding of PI or their role in establishing it. Thus, schools generally practiced Swap's Protective Model such that parents had very few opportunities, and little encouragement, to become involved. Consequently, parents did not fully appreciate the importance of their involvement and did not always choose to become involved. The study revealed a number of barriers that further interfered with their involvement. The implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations for a PI programme that harnesses the strengths and addresses the weaknesses of this community were made. In order to improve educational practice, recommendations targeted each role player and type of PI separately. / Educational Studies / D.Ed.(Psychology of Education)

The researcher has observed and noted that out of the four regions of Swaziland, Shiselweni is the leading region with high schools that manifest a poor culture of learning and teaching. The summary of 2009 Junior Certificate results revealed that it is not only that Shiselweni had the lowest pass rate, but also that it recorded the highest number of failures when compared with the other three regions. The purpose of the study was to determine strategies that could be used by principals in promoting a culture of learning and teaching in Shiselweni high schools in Swaziland. The study pursued a qualitative research design which was explorative and descriptive. Qualitative methods were used to collect data from the respondents. Data was collected by means of focus group interviews with learners and teachers, and then through one-onone interviews with principals and parents. The sample was drawn from six high schools in the Shiselweni region that differed in their academic performance. Purposive sampling was used when selecting the schools and those who were to participate in the study. Data was constantly compared and analyzed using the coding method. Participants signed letters of consent and they were assured of the anonymity and confidentiality of the study. They were also made aware that they were not forced to participate in the study and that they were free to withdraw if they were so persuaded. Triangulation and the Guba’s trustworthiness model were used to enhance the reliability and validity of the study. Findings helped the researcher to arrive at recommendations on the role that principals should play in promoting a culture of learning and teaching in Shiselweni high schools in Swaziland. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Educational Management)

The demand for circumcision in Swaziland has dramatically increased since it was reported that circumcision ensures 60% protection against HIV infection. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons for, and the motives behind, this increasing interest in undergoing circumcision. A generic qualitative research design was used, in which 17 circumcised men selected by convenience sampling at FLAS Clinic, Mbabane, participated. In-depth unstructured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. The results showed that the main reasons for circumcision are perceived health, hygiene and sexual benefits, community influences, as well as medical reasons. It was concluded that the major motives underlying circumcision are personal and partner safety and satisfaction during sex. These motives were found to be both promotive and threatening to the interests of public health. After evaluating the risks and benefits, it was recommended that mass circumcision be promoted alongside reinforced and accurate health education on circumcision / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This study of the legal and management frameworks for private higher education institutions in Swaziland provides a theoretical framework for the establishment and management of such institutions and especially the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU). A literature review of Swaziland’s education legislation and education system, the legal processes for the establishment of private higher education institutions, the types and legal status of these, their funding of, and their organisational and management structures provided the theoretical framework upon which the study was based. The review indicated that: a private higher education system in Swaziland was in the process of being developed; such institutions were established and operated within the overall higher education system; there were two legal instruments that could be used to establish these institutions – an Act of Parliament and a Certificate of Registration; the government was the major funder of private higher education institutions; and there are different organisational and management structures in existence. Against this background an empirical qualitative investigation was conducted. Data was collected from education managers, government officials, Church leadership, and legal representatives through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. The findings of the empirical investigation complemented the findings obtained from the literature review. The underdevelopment of the private higher education system resulted in two major implications: uncertainty of the legal process for the establishment of SANU, and the development as well as immediate implementation of education legislation and policies. The application of the legal procedures outlined by the Higher Education Bill of 2007 to the establishment, management and funding of SANU affords a good example. Even though the people entrusted with the establishment of SANU selected the Act of Parliament for this process and developed the SANU Bill, government officials instead advocated and implemented the certification process regarding the establishment and management of SANU. Subvention, tuition fees, commercial farming and provision of short term occupational training programmes were identified as income-generating strategies for SANU. A unique organisational and management structure was developed for SANU. Based on those findings, several recommendations for the improvement of the management of the process of establishment of universities in Swaziland and especially SANU were made. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Education Management)

This study of the legal and management frameworks for private higher education institutions in Swaziland provides a theoretical framework for the establishment and management of such institutions and especially the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU). A literature review of Swaziland’s education legislation and education system, the legal processes for the establishment of private higher education institutions, the types and legal status of these, their funding of, and their organisational and management structures provided the theoretical framework upon which the study was based. The review indicated that: a private higher education system in Swaziland was in the process of being developed; such institutions were established and operated within the overall higher education system; there were two legal instruments that could be used to establish these institutions – an Act of Parliament and a Certificate of Registration; the government was the major funder of private higher education institutions; and there are different organisational and management structures in existence. Against this background an empirical qualitative investigation was conducted. Data was collected from education managers, government officials, Church leadership, and legal representatives through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. The findings of the empirical investigation complemented the findings obtained from the literature review. The underdevelopment of the private higher education system resulted in two major implications: uncertainty of the legal process for the establishment of SANU, and the development as well as immediate implementation of education legislation and policies. The application of the legal procedures outlined by the Higher Education Bill of 2007 to the establishment, management and funding of SANU affords a good example. Even though the people entrusted with the establishment of SANU selected the Act of Parliament for this process and developed the SANU Bill, government officials instead advocated and implemented the certification process regarding the establishment and management of SANU. Subvention, tuition fees, commercial farming and provision of short term occupational training programmes were identified as income-generating strategies for SANU. A unique organisational and management structure was developed for SANU. Based on those findings, several recommendations for the improvement of the management of the process of establishment of universities in Swaziland and especially SANU were made. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Education Management)

This research project explores the views of secondary school Development Studies teachers on the subject in Swaziland. Development Studies as a school subject, was designed to integrate environmental education into the secondary school curricula in Swaziland. The study followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual grounded theory design. Face-to-face individual interviews were carried out where the respondents expressed their thoughts, concerns and feelings about Development Studies as a school subject. Eight Development Studies teachers and one curriculum designer were interviewed. Only one question, followed by relevant probes was presented to the respondents. The question asked was: What do you think of Development Studies as a school subject? This study followed Tesch's approach to data analysis. The study revealed that Development Studies teachers in Swaziland were generally not trained in environmental education. Recommendations are made. / Educational Studies / M.Ed.(Environmental Ed.)

descriptive correlational study aiming at describing the knowledge, attitude and risk behavior of adolescents in relation to HIV/AIDS in one “girls only” Catholic school of Manzini. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 260 respondents aged 12 to 19 years. Although only 22.31% respondents indicated been tested for HIV, (83.08%) would like to take an HIV test. Hospital and clinic are mostly known by respondents for providing HIV testing. Most respondents expressed lack of confidence in getting partners wear condoms. 16 (6.15%) have engaged in sex and 5 (6.10 %) were raped. No statistically significant difference was noted between condom use during sexual intercourse for both participants who were raped and those who consented to sex (P value = 0.6538). Future youth health programs should focus on building confidence of youth in accessing condom, discussing condom issues with their partners and make their partners wear condoms / Health Studies