Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was conducted as an inquiry into the living conditions of children living with terminally ill parents due to HIV and AIDS. It examined possible support systems that such children can access from general communities in which they live. The study was also purposed to identify specific needs related to the fact of living with terminally ill parents due to HIV and AIDS. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed in conducting the study. These included interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. Social workers, class teachers and parents were the main respondents in the study. The study revealed that children living with terminally ill parents suffer multidimensional effects that are social, economic and psychological. Children assume adult responsibilities at a very early stage including that of fending for the family. In an effort to meet family needs, older children resort to a host of activities in an attempt to earn money for self and family survival from temporary paid labor, sex work to rudimentary trade. In effect, children become prone to abuse, exploitation and are exposed to crime. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie was gedoen om inligting te verkry oor die lewensstandard van kinders wat saam met hul ouers woon wat terminal siek is weens MIV/VIGS. Die beskikbare ondersteunings sisteme in hul gemeenskap was ondersoek. Die novorsingsstudie het ook daarop gefokus om die kinders wat as gevolg van MIV/VIGS saam met hul terminale siek ouers woon se spesifieke behoettes te identifiseer. Tydens die norsingsstudie was kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetodes gevolg. Onderhoud focus groep besprekings en vraelyste was benut. Maatsplike werkers, onderwysers en terminal siek ouers was die hoof respondenete in die navorsingdstudie. Die navorsingsstudie het bewys dat kinders wat saam met hul terminale siek ouers woon, multidimensionele gevolge ervaar waat sosiaal-ekonomies en psigologies van aard is. Kinders neem ouers se verantwoordelikhede op „n vroeë ouderdom aan. Om vir die gesin te voorsien, gaan die ouer kinders tot die ekstreem en raak betrokke in seks werk en smous vir „n tydelike inkomste. Die gevolg is dat die kinders blootgestel word aan mishandeling, en moontlike misdaad. Die addisionele verantwoordlikhede dwing hulle om te oorleef deur gebruik te maak van misdaad, prostitusie en kinderarbeid. Al die kondisies dra by daartoe dat kinders blootgestel word.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study was conducted at the Lungisa High School, at KwaDwesi in Port Elizabeth. The study aimed at describing attitudes of parents of adolescents of this school as possible reasons for the lack of sexuality education for their adolescents. The sample comprised 150 parents of adolescents (guardians) who participated in the survey. Probability sampling was used. This means that each member of the parent population had a specificable probability of being chosen. A questionnaire, two focus groups and interviews were used to solicit responses. Use of descriptive statistics helped in presenting and analysing the data. The survey revealed that parents‟ attitudes inhibit them from talking about sexuality issues to their adolescents. Parents also fear that if they talk about sexuality issues to their adolescents, they will be sexually active at a younger age. Responses of participants (married parents living together, single mothers, single fathers and guardians) indicated this concern. It can be concluded that education for parents of adolescents is imperative. They must be caused to join the fight against HIV and AIDS, but first they must shed these attitudes to reduce HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Suggestions and recommendations of the syllabus for this kind of education are discussed under the “Conclusion and Recommendations” part of the research article. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie was uitgevoer by Hoërskool Lungisa op KwaDwesi, Port Elizabeth. Die fokus van die studie poog om die houdings van ouers van adolessente as moontlike redes aan te voer vir die gebrek van seksualiteitsopvoeding vir hul adolessente kinders. 'n Steekproef van 150 ouers (sowel as voogde) het deelgeneem aan die opname. Die waarskynlikheid monsterneming metode was gebruik. Dit beteken dat elke lid van die ouer-populasie het 'n bepaalde waarskynlikheid om gekies te word. 'n Vraelys, twee fokusgroepe en onderhoude is gebruik om reaksie van die deelnemers uit te lok. Die gebruik van beskrywende statistiek het gehelp met die voorstelling en analisering van data. Die opname het getoon dat die houdings van ouers verhinder hulle om seksualiteitskwelpunte met hul adolessente kinders te bespreek. Ouers vrees dat die praatjies met betrekking tot seksualiteitskwelpunte met hul adolessente kinders sal lei tot vroeë seksuele betrokkenheid op 'n jonger ouderdom. Antwoorde van deelnemers (getroude ouers wat saamwoon, enkel ma's, enkel pa's en voogde) het hierdie besorgheid aangedui. Ter afsluiting kan beklemtoon word dat opvoeding van ouers uiters belangrik is. Ouers moet aangemoedig word om aan te sluit by die oorlog teen Vigs, maar hulle moet eers hul houdings aanpas sodat MIV-infeksie en ander seksuele oordraagbare infeksies verminder word. Voorstelle en aanbevelings van die sillabus van hierdie soort opvoeding word bespreek onder die “Slot en aanbevelings” gedeelte van hierdie artikel.

Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the methods of condom distribution as a potential barrier to condom uptake among sexually active clients at the out-patient unit of Settlers hospital. This study was quantitative and it utilised a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 60 sexually active clients comprising of 30 women and 30 men all aged 18 years and above with a prior HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge at the out-patient unit of Settlers hospital formed part of the study. Data was analysed using descriptive analysis and chi square. The responses given by the participants provide an understanding of the perceptions about the methods of condom distribution as a potential barrier to condom uptake and use. Evidently the methods of condom distribution have an impact on the likelihood of condom uptake at the out-patient unit of Settlers hospital and a certain method of condom distribution (placement of condoms in private spaces) is also preferred to another ( condom display in the waiting area). Although the study sample (n=60) was too small to make a representative and definite conclusions, the findings seem to suggest the method of condom distribution is important in condom promotion for increased uptake. Despite the high level of HIV/AIDS prevention knowledge among the study participants there seems to be real barriers to condom uptake and use. However there is a need for policy-makers and stake-holders to ensure that effective condom distribution methods are encouraged and implemented. Finally it would be useful to invest further in research to not only identify more barriers to condom uptake at the hospital but also establish barriers to condom uptake and use in the society where our people live. This was beyond the scope of this study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie vors die verspreidingsmetodes na wat die beskikbaarheid van kondome vir seksueel-aktiewe pasiënte van die buitepasiënt-afdeling by die Setlaars-hospitaal op Grahamstad moontlik kan kortwiek. Die studie was kwantitatief van aard en is deur middel van 'n self-geadministreerde vraelys uitgevoer. Sestig (60) seksueel-aktiewe pasiënte – 30 vroue en 30 mans – van 18 jaar en ouer, by die buitepasiënt-afdeling van bovermelde hospitaal, wat almal voor hulle deelname aan die studie voorkomingskennis van MIV/Vigs opgedoen het, het deel aan die studie gehad. Data is geanaliseer deur gebruikmaking van beskrywende analise en “chi-square.” Die deelnemers se antwoorde bied begrip oor die persepsies rondom die verspreidingsmetodes as moontlike belemmering vir die beskikbaarheid en gebruik van kondome. Klaarblyklik het die metodes van kondoomverspreiding by die Settlers-hospitaal se buitepasiënt-afdeling 'n impak op die waarskynlike gebruik daarvan. 'n Spesifieke verspreidingsmetode – die plaas van kondome in privaatruimtes – word verkies bo 'n ander waar kondome in die wagarea van die hospital se buitepasiënt-afdeling beskikbaar gestel en as't ware uitgestal word. Hoewel die studiemonster (n=60) te klein was om verteenwoordigende en klinkklare gevolgtrekkings te formuleer, dui afleidings daarop dat die metode van kondoomverspreiding belangrik is vir die bevordering en bekendstelling van kondoomgebruik. Ondanks die hoë vlak voorkomingskennis oor MIV/Vigs onder deelnemers aan die studie, wil dit voorkom of daar besliste hindernisse bestaan wat betref kondoombeskikbaarheid en –gebruik. En daar is beslis 'n heersende behoefte dat beleidmakers en betrokkenes behoort te verseker dat doeltreffende kondoomverspreidingsmetodes bevorder en toegepas word. Ten slotte kan dit nuttig en raadsaam wees om verder in navorsing te belê, nie alleen om nog hindernisse rondom kondoomgebruik by die bovermelde hospital te identifiseer nie, maar ook maatreëls in plek te stel ter bevordering van kondoombeskikbaarheid en –gebruik in die gemeenskappe waar ons mense hulleself bevind. Laasvermelde was nie binne die raamwerk van hierdie studie nie.

Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: “Treatment failure, defaulter rate, patients lost to follow up”. These are the words usually spoken by health care workers at the CCMT clinics in the country. These are words that they try at all times to come with solutions to, without much success. Much as both the health care workers and patients know the importance of taking medication, often medication is not taken as required. Adherence is defined as the degree to which a patient follows a treatment regimen which has been designed in the context of a consultative partnership between the client and the health care worker. This obligation is comprehensive as it tends to examine all factors that can affect adherence. It includes characteristics such as the treatment regimen, the provider behaviour, social and environmental factors that may hinder adherence on the patient. There are several factors that lead to non-adherence to treatment. The factors may be classified as Biomedical, Psychological and Social factors. The major tool that can be used to address such issues is adequate training of all staff members working at the CCMT clinics. The researcher explored training needs and gaps at a CCMT site that will assist to combat problems of non-adherence to treatment. Health care works at an identified site where questioned on the level of training they have received and on what they need to improve their management of patients and adherence. It was realised that some categories of staff at the clinic do not receive training as expected and that others do not receive adequate training that will assist them in adherence counselling. Recommendations made by staff members were that training should be readily available to all staff members and that it should also be rolled out to other departments and sections within the hospital so there is continuum of care of HIV positive patients. Non adherence to antiretroviral treatment is a challenge faced by health care providers as well as patients themselves. It results in treatment failure, a decrease in the quality of life of the patient and an increase in morbidity and mobility. Non-adherence means any reason where the patient is not taking recommended doses, not sticking to the recommended time or not taking it in the recommended way. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navolging word gedefinieer as die mate waarop die pasiënt die behandeling wat voorgeskryf is in samewerking tussen die pasiënt en die gesondheidsorgwerker, nakom. Hierdie vepligting is omvattend omdat dit geneig is om alle faktore wat die nakoming kan beinvloed, ondersoek. Dit sluit eienskappe in soos die behandeling regimen, die verskaffersgedrag, sosiale en omgewingsfaktore wat ‘n struikelblok kan wees vir die nakoming van die pasiënt. Daar is verskeie faktore wat kan lei tot nie-nakoming van behandeling. Die faktore kan geklassifiseer word as bio-mediese, sielkundige en sosiale faktore. Die belangrike instrument wat gebruik word om sulke sake aan te spreek, is voldoende opleiding van alle personeellede wat by CCMT klinieke werk. Die navorser ondersoek opvoedkundige behoeftes en leemtes by ‘n CCMT perseel, wat sal help om probleme van nie-nakoming van behandeling sal bestry. Gesondheidsorgwerkers by ‘n geïdentifiseerde perseel, was ondervra oor die vlak van opleiding wat hulle ontvang het en wat hulle nodig het vir beter bestuur van pasiënte en nakoming van behandeling deur pasiënte. Daar is gevind dat sommige kategorieë van personeel by die klinkiek nie die opleiding ontvang het wat nodig is nie en dat ander personeellede nie voldoende opleiding ontvang het wat hulle sal help met nakoming van berading nie. Personeellede het aanbeveel dat opleiding geredelik beskikbaar gemaak moet word aan alle personneel en dat dit na ander departemente en afdelings binne die hospitaal uitgebrei moet word om die voortsetting van sorg vir MIV/VIGS-positiewe pasiënte te verseker. Nie-nakoming van antiretrovirale behandeling is ‘n uitdaging vir beide gesondheidsorgwerkers en pasiënte. Dit lei tot die mislukking van behandeling, ‘n afname in die kwaliteit van die pasiënt se lewe en ‘n verhoging in morbiditeit en mobiliteit.

Thesis (MPhil (Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Although VCT has been recognized for its importance in HIV prevention and control, there are several matters of concern surrounding it that potentially limit its uptake. Clients' selective behavior in tandem with service provider and operating environment factors determine uptake of VCT service. This study sought to contribute knowledge on the influence that specialized HIV/AIDS sites have on first time clients' initiative to seek VCT services in comparison with the general health care sites. The study also analyzed factors that determine clients' preference of VCT access point. The study was done within a student population of Nkumba University in Entebbe municipality, Uganda. A sample of students to fill the study questionnaire was selected using a simple random sampling method from a population frame established from a class identified haphazardly. Four focus group discussions were done: two of the groups participants were stratified as students' male and female groups and were selected using convenient sampling from the sampling frame. The other FGDs were done with two groups of nurse counselors – one from a general health care site while the other was from a specialized VCT site, selected purposively. Specialized VCT sites had a higher frequency of first student clients than general health care sites. Results however indicated that though the perception of service providers' attitude and availability of trained councilors affected their choice, there was no significant difference between specialized and general VCT sites in terms of first time clients' preference. Reasons for preference of site differed. Specialized sites were preferred because they are perceived to offer better quality service owing to their concentration on VCT services, but shunned by others for lack disguise. Conversely, respondents revealed that there is disguise at general health j sites which enhances confidentiality and anonymity thereby curbing clients fears of being identified making it easier for first time clients to go to these sites for VCT. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Alhoewel vrywillige raadgewing en toetsing (VRT) erken is vir sy belangrikheid met betrekking tot MIV voorkoming en beheer, is daar verskeie kwessies daaraan verbonde wat die gebruik daarvan kan beperk. Kliënte se selektiewe gedrag saam met diensverskaffers en omgewingsfaktore bepaal die gebruik van VRT dienste. Hierdie studie het gepoog om kennis by te dra oor die invloed wat gespesialiseerde MIV/Vigs toetsingsterreine het op eerstelinge se inisiatief om VRT dienste te soek in vergelyking met algemene gesondheidssorgterreine. Die studie het ook faktore geanaliseer wat kliënte se voorkeur van VRT terreine bepaal. Die studie is binne 'n studente populasie van Nkumba Universiteit in Entebbe Munisipaliteit, Uganda, uitgevoer. 'n Steekproef van studente om die vraelyste in te vul is geselekteer deur die eenvoudige toevalmonster metode te gebruik van 'n populasie raam geskep van 'n klas was lukraak geidentifiseer is. Vier fokusgroepe het plaasgevind: twee waar deelnemers as manlike en vroulike studentegroepe gestratifiseerd was en geselekteer deur gerieflike steekproeneming van die steekproefraam. Die ander fokusgroepe was twee groepe van verpleegster beraders – een van 'n algemene gesondheidssorgterrein en die ander van 'n gespesialiseerde VRT terrein, doelbewus geselekteer. Gespesialiseerde VRT terreine het 'n hoër frekwensie van eersteling student-kliente as algemene gesondheidssorgterreine. Uitslae het aangedui dat hoewel die persepsie van diensverskaffers se houdings en beskikbaarheid van opgeleide beraders hul keuse geaffekteer het, dat daar geen betekenisvolle verskil was tussen gespesialiseerde en algemene VRT terreine in terme van eerstelinge se voorkeur. Redes vir voorkeur van terrein het verskil. Gepesialiseerde terreine is verkies weens die persepise dat hulle 'n beter kwaliteit diens lewer weens hul konsentrasie op VRT dienste, maar deur ander vermy was weens gebrek aan vermomming. Omgekeerd het respondente aan die lig gebring dat daar wel vemomming by algemene gesondheidssorg terreine is wat vertroulikheid en anonimiteit verhoog en kliënte se vrese verminder wat dit makliker maak vir eerstelinge om na hierdie terreine vir VRT te gaan.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the light of the roll-out of the national combined school-health program which will include the availability of condoms to learners, this study was undertaken to determine what the perceptions of learners and educators are regarding the provision of condoms to learners at Malibu High School in Eerste River, Cape Town as a prevention strategy. The learners’ knowledge levels on HIV and AIDS were also tested. Questionnaires were handed out to learners as well as Life Orientation educators. The findings of the study revealed that the learners’ knowledge levels on HIV and AIDS are reasonably high and that parents are more involved as originally perceived to be. Learners seem to think that the provision of condoms by schools is a good idea. The educators’ views differ. The educators feel that the knowledge levels are low and that there is no visible parental or community involvement regarding HIV and AIDS. They see this as separate to their function. Educators are unanimous in their response that the provision of condoms by schools is not a good idea at all. They feel that it would send out the wrong message to learners. From the study, it became apparent that the Education department still needs to do a lot to get schools on board for the roll-out of the school-health program. A lot needs to be done regarding the training of and support to the educators. A few recommendations are listed in order for the school to effectively address the HIV and AIDS issues at the school in order to reduce its impact. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die toekomstige uitrol van die nasionale gekombineerde skole-gesondheidsprogram sluit die verskaffing van kondome aan leerders in. Hierdie studie was dus hiervolgens onderneem om juis uit te vind wat die persepsies van leerders sowel as die opvoeders van Malibu Hoërskool in Eersterivier, Kaapstad is rakende die verskaffing van kondome aan leerders. Die leerders se kennisvlakke rakende MIV en VIGS was ook getoets. Vraelyste was uitgehandig aan beide die leerders en die Lewensoriëntering-opvoeders. Die bevindinge van die studie weerspiëel egter dat die kennisvlakke van leerders taamlik hoog is en dat ouers eitlik meer betrokke is as wat aanvanklik waargeneem was. Leerders is van mening dat die voorsiening van kondome aan hulle deur skole eintlik ‘n goeie idée is. Die opvoeders se menings verskil egter. Die opvoeders is van mening dat die leerders se kennisvlakke laag is en dat daar egter geen sigbare ouer- en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid bestaan nie. Opvoeders sien hierdie as apart van hul opvoedingsfunksie. Opvoeders voel dat die verskaffing van kondome aan leerders by skole nie ‘n goeie idée is nie. Volgens hulle sal dit egter die verkeerde boodskap aan leerders deurgee. Volgens die bevindinge van die studie is dit dus baie duidelik dat die Onderwysdepartement nóg baie moet doen om skole aan boord te kry rakende die uitrol van die skole-gesondheidsprogram. Baie moet gedoen word rakende die opleiding van en ondersteuning aan opvoeders in hierdie verband. ‘n Paar aanbevelings word voorgelê om die skool in staat te stel om die MIV en VIGS-kwessies effektief aan te spreek om sodoende die impak daarvan by die skool te verminder.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reproductive health of people living with HIV/AIDS is a significant public health issue because of its associated risks of HIV transmission to both, the baby and the sexual partner. Provision of effective contraceptive to HIV-positive women is a proven prevention strategy, and can help prevent unintended pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections. Unmet need for contraception in developing world and rates of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV remain highly prevalent. The objectives of this study were to identify the current knowledge of HIV-positive women on existing contraceptive methods, determine their current contraceptive practices, identify barriers to contraception use, and provide recommendations on how contraception uptake can be improved among these women in Kasane. A cross-sectional study using qualitative technique was used among twenty five (25) participants at Kasane Primary Hospital. In-depth interviews were conducted with the help of research assistants for data collection. Excel Microsoft Office Software was used for socio-demographics data entry and analysis, and qualitative data were analysed manually using descriptive statistics. Main reasons for low uptake of contraception were desire for children, partner refusal, side effects, and socio-cultural and religious factors. Contraception prevalence was 56 % and condom was the most used contraceptive method (36%). whereas the rate of unintended pregnancies was 60% . Knowledge of contraception was high (100%) but limited proportion of participants (12%) had an expended understanding of contraception as a HIV prevention strategy. Most women living with HIV prefer to space, limit or stop childbearing but do not use any contraceptive method and found themselves with unintended pregnancy. Despite the good knowledge about contraception among participants, the uptake remained low. About half (44%) of the women interviewed were not on any contraceptive method. The choice to use contraception interferes with many factors and the desire to fulfil the primary reproductive intention of men and women, including those living with HIV, mostly override this choice. There is need for a strategic integrated approach that conveys HIV prevention messages and discusses the importance of planning a pregnancy. Thus promoting dual protection among women living with HIV. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die voortplantingsgesondheid van mense wat met MIV/vigs leef, is ‘n belangrike openbaregesondheidskwessie, aangesien voortplantingsgesondheid verband hou met die gevaar van MIV-oordrag na babas sowel as seksmaats. Daar is al bewys dat ander seksueel oordraagbare siektes sowel as onbeplande swangerskappe voorkom word as doeltreffende voorbehoedmiddels verskaf word aan vroue wat MIV-positief is. Dit behoefte aan voorbehoeding in ontwikkelende lande bly egter baie dikwels agterweë, en ‘n groot persentasie vroue wat met MIV leef, raak onbepland swanger. Die doel met hierdie ondersoek is om vas te stel wat vroue wat MIV-positief is, tans oor bestaande voorbehoeding weet, watter voorbehoedingsmetodes hulle tans gebruik en watter struikelblokke daar vir die gebruik van voorbehoeding is, en om voorstelle te maak oor hoe ʼn groter persentasie van hierdie vroue in Kasane oortuig kan word om voorbehoedmiddels te gebruik. ‘n Deursnee-studie wat met behulp van kwalitatiewe tegnieke by die Kasane Primêre Hospitaal uitgevoer is, het vyf en twintig (25) deelnemers betrek. Met die hulp van navorsingsassistente is diepte-onderhoude gevoer om inligting in te samel. Microsoft Office se Excel-sagteware is gebruik om sosio-demografiese inligting in te voer en te ontleed, en kwalitatiewe inligting is met verwysing na beskrywende statistiek met die hand ontleed. Die vernaamste redes vir die trae gebruik van voorbehoeding was die begeerte na ‘n kind, die teenstand van seksmaats, die newe-effekte, en sosio-kulturele en godsdienstige oorwegings. Daar is bevind dat 56% van die deelnemers voorbehoeding gebruik, dat kondome die algemeenste voorbehoedmiddel is (36%) en dat 60% van alle swangerskappe ongewens was. Die deelnemers was almal oor voorbehoeding ingelig (100%), maar slegs ‘n klein persentasie (12%) het ook geweet dat voorbehoedmiddels ‘n voorkomingstrategie vir MIV-infeksie is. Die meeste vroue wat met MIV leef, verkies om swangerskappe te versprei, te beperk of te verhoed, maar gebruik geen voorbehoedmiddels nie en het dus onbepland swanger geraak. Hoewel die deelnemers goed ingelig was oor voorbehoeding, het min van hulle dit gebruik. Ongeveer die helfte (44%) van die vroue met wie onderhoude gevoer is, het geen voorbehoeding gebruik nie. Die keuse om ‘n voorbehoedmiddel te gebruik, word beïnvloed talle ander faktore, en mans en vroue se primêre begeerte om voort te plant – ook al leef hulle met MIV – weeg gewoonlik swaarder as hierdie keuse. Daar is ‘n behoefte aan ‘n strategiese, geïntegreerde benadering wat boodskappe oor MIV-voorkoming oordra en wat tuisbring hoe belangrik dit is om swangerskappe te beplan. Sodoende sal vroue wat met MIV leef, tweedoelige beskerming kry.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The global targets of zero deaths from AIDS-related illness by the year 2015 can only be met if all HIV infected infants can be diagnosed and initiated on anti-retroviral therapy as early as four to six weeks. WHO/UNICEF reported in 2010 that only 8% of eligible infants were tested worldwide. There seems to be more attention directed towards service delivery and less attention on empowering mothers to make voluntary decision to access the services. The influence of maternal knowledge of infant HIV infection and the impact on the attitude towards knowing the status of their children so early in life remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitude of the HIV positive mothers to early infant diagnosis in order to make strategic recommendations to the health authorities on how to scale up the services in the various health facilities. A qualitative study was conducted in two health centres in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This qualitative study drew in-depth interview with twenty-four HIV positive mothers/ exposed infants’ pair attending the immunization clinics. The results obtained were presented to two focus groups for discussion and validation of findings. Thematic analysis explored the emerging themes relevant to the objective of the study and health authorities. The study found that there is a high level of awareness about infant HIV infection. Majority of the participants were aware of MTCT of HIV and the timing of transmission (pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding). Majority of the participants were aware about the protection offered by maternal exposure to ARVs however, only few participants knew about the risk of transmission despite ARV use. Majority of the participants did not know the right time to bring their infant for HIV test. Majority of the participants never thought about HIV test for their infant as early as six weeks. Majority of the mothers have fears about bringing their infants for HIV test so early. They have concerns about recommending early infant diagnosis to other children in their community due to the perceived disclosure of their own status. The study found that despite good knowledge of mothers about infant HIV infection and prevention methods, the knowledge about early infant diagnosis is lacking. The attitude of the mothers to knowing the status of their infant so early in life is challenging for them. The health authorities have more work to do to empower these mothers with knowledge about early infant diagnosis and early ART initiation to increase the chances of survival of HIV infected infants. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die internasionale mikpunt van geen sterftes weens vigsverwante siektes teen die jaar 2015 kan slegs bereik word as alle MIV-besmette babas reeds op vier tot ses weke gediagnoseer word en antiretrovirale terapie (ART) ontvang. Die WGO/UNICEF het in 2010 berig dat slegs 8% van babas wat getoets moet word, in werklikheid wêreldwyd getoets is. Dit blyk dat meer aandag aan dienslewering en minder aan die bemagtiging van moeders om die vrywillige besluit om van die dienste gebruik te maak, geskenk word. Die invloed van moeders se kennis op MIV-besmetting van babas en die impak op die houding teenoor kennis van die status van hul kinders op so ’n vroeë ouderdom is steeds onbekend. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die kennis en houding van MIV-positiewe moeders rakende vroeë diagnose van babas te ondersoek ten einde strategiese aanbevelings aan die gesondheidsowerhede te maak oor verbetering van die dienste in die onderskeie gesondheidsfasiliteite. ’n Kwalitatiewe studie is in twee gesondheidsentrums in King Sabata Dalindyebo-munisipaliteit in die provinsie Oos-Kaap, Suid-Afrika, onderneem. Dit het diepte-onderhoude met 24 MIV-positiewe moeders/blootgestelde babas wat die immuniseringsklinieke besoek het, behels. Die resultate is aan twee fokusgroepe vir bespreking en bekragtiging van die bevindings voorgelê. Tydens ’n tematiese ontleding is die temas wat aan die lig gekom het wat betrekking het op die doelstellings van die studie en gesondheidsowerhede ondersoek. Daar is gevind dat daar ’n hoë vlak bewustheid van MIV-besmetting van babas is. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers was bewus van moeder-na-kind-oordrag van MIV en die tydsberekening van oordrag (swangerskap, geboorte en borsvoeding). Die meerderheid van die deelnemers was ook bewus van die beskerming wat gebied word deur die moeder se blootstelling aan ART, maar net ’n paar deelnemers het egter geweet van die risiko van oordrag ongeag die gebruik van ART. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers het nie geweet wat die korrekte tyd is om hul baba vir ’n MIV-toets te bring nie. Die meerderheid het nog nooit ’n MIV-toets vir hul baba voor die ouderdom van ses weke oorweeg nie. Die meerderheid van die moeders was bang om hul babas so vroeg reeds vir MIV te laat toets. Hulle is begaan oor die aanbeveling van vroeë diagnose vir ander mense in hul gemeenskap weens die waargenome bekendmaking van hul eie status. Die studie het bevind dat ongeag moeders se grondige kennis van MIV-besmetting van babas en voorsorgmaatreëls, daar ’n gebrek aan kennis oor vroeë diagnose van babas is. Die houding van die moeders teenoor kennis van die status van hul baba op so ’n vroeë ouderdom hou vir hulle ’n uitdaging in. Die gesondheidsowerhede moet hulle daarop toespits om hierdie moeders sonder kennis oor vroeë diagnose van babas en vroeë nakoming van ART te bemagtig ten einde MIV-besmette babas se kanse op oorlewing te verhoog.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The AIDS epidemic has brought out both the best and the worst in people. The disease brings out the best when individuals group together in solidarity to combat the consequences of HIV/AIDS and to support and care for PLWHA. HIV/AIDS also brings out the worst when individuals are stigmatized and ostracized by their loved ones, their family and their communities and discriminated against individually as well as institutionally. This research has reviewed available scientific literature on HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination. The research has also established HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination comes in different forms and occurs in different contexts. Stigma and discrimination play a significant role in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. Analysis of this research indicates stigma and discrimination has a negative impact on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die VIGS-epidemie het beide die beste en die slegste in mense. Die siekte bring die beste wanneer individue groep saam in solidariteit die gevolge van MIV / VIGS te bestry en te ondersteun en sorg vir PLWHA. MIV / VIGS bring ook die ergste wanneer individue gestigmatiseer en verstoot deur hul geliefdes, hul familie en hul gemeenskappe en teen gediskrimineer individueel sowel as institusioneel. Hierdie navorsing het hersien dat die beskikbare wetenskaplike literatuur oor MIV / VIGS stigma en diskriminasie. Die navorsing het ook vasgestel dat MIV / VIGS stigma en diskriminasie kom in verskillende vorms voor en kom in verskillende kontekste. Stigma en diskriminasie speel 'n belangrike rol in MIV / VIGS voorkoming en behandeling pogings. Ontleding van hierdie navorsing dui daarop dat stigma en diskriminasie het 'n negatiewe impak op MIV / VIGS voorkoming en behandeling pogings.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Based on the significant evidence from the three African randomized controlled trials, the WHO and UNAIDS recommended in 2007 that medical male circumcision should be a priority HIV prevention intervention. The three randomized trials in Africa demonstrated that adult male circumcision decreases the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition in men between 51% to 60%, with long-term protective efficacy. This study intends to document and analyze the effectiveness of three communication interventions used in transferring knowledge about medical male circumcision as an HIV preventative strategy. Furthermore it also aims to determine which communication intervention will have the greatest effect in improving knowledge and understanding about medical male circumcision as an HIV preventative measure for implementation in future health promotion programmes. The research in this comparative study was conducted on a farm in the Overstrand sub-district of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, Haygrove Haven. A total of 30 male employees aged 18 to 45 was randomly selected to participate in the study. The data was collected using a self-administered pre-test questionnaire. In order to compare the pre- and post-test answers, the questions were repeated to determine the knowledge transfer after the respective information and training sessions. Analysis of the data was a simple process and limited to the necessary information to graph the required conclusions by using the computer programme Microsoft Excel 2010. The study looked at the statistical indicators of knowledge, perception and awareness of participants with regards to medical male circumcision as an HIV and AIDS prevention strategy. The findings exhibited that most people knew about MMC but very few had knowledge of the protective effect of the procedure against HIV acquisition and transmission. The study concluded that providing accurate information with fitting communication material at the right literacy levels, peoples’ knowledge of the benefits of medical male circumcision does increase. This will contribute to change the perception and therefore increase the acceptability of the procedure. This conforms to the subject of the WHO and UNAIDS 2007 study and can improve their findings. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In 2007 het die WGO en UNAIDS aanbeveel dat mediese manlike besnydenis ‘n prioriteit MIV-voorkomings program moet raak, wat gebaseer is op die beduidende bewyse van drie Afrika gerandomiseerde gekontroleerde proewe. Die drie gerandomiseerde proewe in Afrika toon dat volwasse manlike besnydenis verminder die menslike immuniteitsgebreksvirus (MIV) in mans met 51% tot 60%, met 'n lang-termyn beskermende doeltreffendheid. Hierdie studie is van voorneme om die doeltreffendheid van drie kommunikasie-intervensies wat gebruik word in die oordrag van kennis oor mediese manlike besnydenis as 'n MIV-voorkomende strategie, te dokumenteer en te analiseer. Verder stel dit ook ten doel om te bepaal watter kommunikasie-intervensie die grootste invloed in die verbetering van kennis en begrip oor mediese manlike besnydenis as 'n MIV-voorkomende maatreël, vir implementering in toekomstige gesondheidsbevorderingsprogramme. Die navorsing in hierdie vergelykende studie is uitgevoer op 'n plaas in die Overstrand-sub-distrik van die Wes-Kaap in Suid-Afrika, Haygrove Haven. 'n Totaal van 30 manlike werknemers tussen die ouderdomme 18 tot 45 is lukraak gekies om deel te neem aan die studie. Die data is ingesamel met behulp van 'n self-geadministreerde vraelys waar die pre-toets vrae in die post-toets herhaal word, om die antwoorde met mekaar te vergelyk, om sodoende te bepaal watter opleidingsessie die grootste kennis oordrag laat plaasvind. Ontleding van die data is beperk en so eenvoudig as moontlik om die gevolgtrekkings te maak en grafies deur te gee deur gebruik te maak van die rekenaarprogram Microsoft Excel 2010. Die studie kyk na die statistiese aanwysers van kennis, persepsie en bewustheid van die deelnemers met betrekking tot mediese manlike besnydenis as 'n MIV-en VIGS-voorkoming strategie. Die bevindinge van die studie is dat die meeste mense bewus is van mediese manlike besnydenis, maar baie min kennis gehad het van die beskermende effek van die prosedure teen MIV verkryging en oordrag. Die studie het bevind dat die verskaffing van akkurate inligting met gepaste kommunikasie materiaal op die regte geletterdheidsvlakke, mense se kennis van die voordele van mediese manlike besnydenis kan laat toeneem. Dit is bydraend om ‘n individu se persepsie te verander en dus die aanvaarbaarheid van die prosedure te verhoog. Dit voldoen aan die onderwerp van die WHO en UNAIDS 2007 studie en kan sodoende hul bevindings verbeter.