MPH / Department of Public Health / Background: Young people in sub-Saharan Africa are most-at risk of HIV infection. This elevated risk in the young black population may be explained by the lack of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes towards the epidemic and risky sexual behaviours. Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and behaviour among youth towards HIV infection and to explore the possible aetiological factors associated with the youth’s vulnerability to HIV infection. Methods and materials: This survey adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach.The survey population comprised of all youth aged 15-24 years visiting two Namakgale clinics. An expected sample of (n=152) youths was recruited through convenience sampling. Pretesting of the questionnaire was conducted on 15 youths at Mashishimale Clinic. Data was collected using self-completed questionnaire. The data was captured using Microsoft Excel and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22. Results: Knowledge on HIV: The majority (77%) of the respondents could distinguish HIV and AIDS and had knowledge that HIV could cause AIDS. The majority of respondents (80%) had knowledge of how HIV was transmitted. The majority of the respondents, (84.9%) knew that HIV/AIDS could not be cured. However, misconceptions about HIV transmission still exist for example, 13.2 % of youth stated that mosquito bites could transmit HIV and whilst 22.4% believed that witchcraft could cause HIV. The main source of HIV information was television (89%). Attitudes towards PLHIV: About 82.9% disagreed that all PLHIV should live away from Namakgale while 72. 4% stated that if their relative had HIV they would care for them. Overall, Namakgale youth held positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Risky sexual behaviours: About 61.8% of females, compared to their male counterparts (38.2%) ever had sex. 61.8% of females compared to 50.0% of males have had sex before their 15th birthday. 36.5% have had 3-5 lifetime sexual partners in comparison to 29.6% of their female counterparts. 44.2% of males did not use condoms at last sex compared to their female counterparts (33.3%). iv Recommendations: There is an urgent need for intensifying awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS as well as school-based interventions for youths who still harbour myths and misconceptions about HIV transmission. Policy makers and the media should focus more on late adolescents (15- 19 years) risky sexual practices such as intergeneration sex (age group between sexual partners is 10 years or more), transactional sex etc.

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / The Department of Education has stated that parents and guardians may not be absolved from their responsibilities regarding their pregnant child, and they should take the lead in working with the school to support and monitor their child’s health and progress. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of parents regarding teenage pregnancy and school attendance in the rural village of Thomo in Mopani District Limpopo Province. The study is qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The population comprised of the selected parents and caregivers residing at Thomo village of Mopani District. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 parents and 5 caregivers. Sampling size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews, guided by unstructured questions, data analysis was through open coding. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability and ethical issues were adhered to. One main theme with four sub - themes emerged from the raw data; namely, parents /caregivers skills and personal factors that affect behaviour change; parents / caregivers intention to change the teenagers’ behaviour; environmental and cultural factors as facilitators/ barriers to pregnancy prevention and parent-school partnerships. Recommendations were made that included the following: awareness campaigns regarding prevention of teenage pregnancy; establishment of the compulsory education subject; review of existing teenage pregnancy policies; engaging parents on youth programs; using churches to strengthen youth education on the dangers of sex before marriage; as well as capacitating parents on effective communication with their children. / NRF

Rebelliousness is the act of defying lawful authority or a resistant way of relating to authority. It is seen by many as a normal way of development. The development of rebellious behavior actually starts in childhood and progresses through to adulthood. The study focuses on the manner in which the family and school handle the rebellious child and the negative effects that these have on the child's development. These problems may manifest in truancy, delinquency, negativism, runaway, antisocial behavior, alcohol and substance abuse and gang involvement. The results of the study prove that the environment in which the adolescent lives, contribute greatly to the development and the maintenance of rebellious behavior. Guidelines were written for parents, teachers and psychologists regarding the handling of the rebellious child. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Rebelliousness is the act of defying lawful authority or a resistant way of relating to authority. It is seen by many as a normal way of development. The development of rebellious behavior actually starts in childhood and progresses through to adulthood. The study focuses on the manner in which the family and school handle the rebellious child and the negative effects that these have on the child's development. These problems may manifest in truancy, delinquency, negativism, runaway, antisocial behavior, alcohol and substance abuse and gang involvement. The results of the study prove that the environment in which the adolescent lives, contribute greatly to the development and the maintenance of rebellious behavior. Guidelines were written for parents, teachers and psychologists regarding the handling of the rebellious child. / Psychology of Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)