The transition to adulthood is a significant period in the lives of many young people throughout the world. HIV/AIDS continues to attract much attention from researchers as it is a matter of particular concern for young people. Recent data suggests that the HIV prevalence among females aged 15-24 in South Africa is 12.7%, and 4% among males. Increasingly there has been a major outcry especially among international donor agencies that despite widespread HIV/AIDS campaigns in South Africa behaviour change has not been realised. Given the fact that in South Africa HIV/AIDS is fuelled by heterosexual intercourse, it is imperative to monitor trends in sexual behaviour among young adults in order to be able to identify and understand those sexual behaviours that fuel the epidemic. This study uses the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS) data conducted in the Cape Town Metropolitan between 2002 and 2005. It tracks trends in sexual behaviour, and determines the predictors of risky sexual behaviour among these young adults. The study reveals that condom use is extremely high among all population groups, except among Coloured males whose condom use actually declined between 2002 and 2005. The study also reveals that the percentage of young adults engaging in risky sexual behaviour, such as having multiple sexual partners has declined between 2002 and 2005. Early sexual onset determines risky sexual behaviour later in life. This suggests that in order to equip young adults to act in a sexually responsible manner later in life, protective factors such as family involvement, schooling, peer influence and selfesteem must be strengthened before sexual onset. The conclusion drawn from this study is that in order to curtail rising trends in inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners and to increase the age at first sex, early intervention programs are necessary. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

High adolescent childbearing in South Africa has been sustained over several decades (Kaufman, De Wet and Stadler, 2001:149). Findings from the South African Demographic Health Survey (1998) show that 35 percent of 19-year-old girls had given birth at least once (DoH, 1999). Early childbearing can affect the economic, social and physical well-being of the mother and child. In addition young women who are sexually active are also at high risk of HIV infection and other STIs (Rutenberg, Kaufman, McIntyre, Brown and Karim, 2003). Apart from the health risks, there are also social consequences of early childbearing. Studies that have examined the factors influencing early childbearing show that there is a variation in the prevalence of early childbearing that is by place of residence (rural vs. urban), educational attainment, socio-economic status and population group (Palmuleni, Kalule-Sabiti.and Makiwane, 2007; Dickson, 2003). However, there have been few studies that explore the influence of family structure on early childbearing and sexual intercourse. In an attempt to tease out family influences on teenage sexual behaviour, recent literature explores the correlation of timing of sexual activity and childbearing among sibling pairs. Findings confirm that a sister’s sexual initiation and timing of childbearing and other forms of family formation have an independent strong effect on the timing of family formation for a younger sibling (East, 1996). Exploring a sister’s influence in the context of high early childbearing, such as one observed in South Africa, could contribute in understanding escalating teenage pregnancies and childbearing. The 1998 South African Demographic Health Survey will be used to analyse the sexual behaviour patterns of young women between 15 and 24 years of age, focusing specifically on their age at sexual debut, and age and the covariates associated with teenage pregnancy. These results show that having an older sister who has given birth to a child during adolescence could influence the age at which a younger sister has a child and her age at sexual debut. From the results sisters could be a strategic population to target for pregnancy prevention, which would help reduce early childbearing and also the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

This study provides a descriptive analysis of the destitute and homeless central Durban. A quantitative and qualitative examination was undertaken to present a description of both the objective and subjective conditions ofthe destitute and homeless population in central Durban. The quantitative analysis was based on survey data gathered by the eThekwini Homeless Forum over 2002. This survey data provided information for 637 respondents, which this study captured and analysed on data editing software. The qualitative data was collected through ethnographic interviews carried out within night shelters in central Durban. The quantitative analysis revealed the existence of a significant youth contingent within the population, with 15-19 year olds being the most represented. Further, the majority of the respondents report to have been on the streets for less than two years. Two interesting hypotheses for future study arise from this; has there been a massive recent influx of members of central Durban's street population; or does the population experience . significant recycling and rehabilitation of new members? The analysis further revealed that the majority of the destitute and homeless population are from KwaZulu Natal, pointing to a population whose members, for the larger part, have not experienced and massive displacement from their place of origin. The qualitative analysis revealed individuals who have had varying life experiences, and who at present have varying levels of aspiration; but nevertheless, would all benefit and react positively to an engagement from external organisations like the eThekwini Homeless Forum. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

There is a belief that economic resources are growing at a slow pace such that they fail to meet the demands made by an increase in population. Because of the critical contribution fertility makes to the high growth rates of a nation it is important to understand factors behind its change. This study seeks to contribute to such an understanding by providing an assessment of fertility and its proximate determinants in Lesotho. It utilises data from the 2001 Lesotho Demographic Survey and the 2002 Lesotho Demographic Survey Supplementary Enquiry. The study reveals a moderate decline in fertility between 1977 and 2002 (from 5.8 to 4.5). This decline in fertility is attributable to a rise in contraceptive prevalence and an increase in non-marriage. The index of marriage declined by 27.5 percent between 1977 and 2002, from 0.69 to 0.50 and the singulate mean at marriage increased from 20 years to 24 years among females. Thus making non-marriage the greatest fertility- reducing factor in 2002. While, the index of contraception decline by 30.1 percent from 0.93 to 0.65 and the national CPR increased from 23.2 percent in 1991/92 to 43.9 percent in 2002. As a result contraception became the second greatest inhibitor of fertility. Though the actual effect of postpartum infecundability could not be determined due to non-availability of data, the study shows that in 1977 and 1991/92 the index of postpartum infecundability had the highest fertility-reducing effect in Lesotho. Moreover, the effect of sterility and abortion on fertility decline in Lesotho was found to be small. However, further research needs to address these factors as their effect could be masked by non-availability of data. It seems that further decline in fertility in Lesotho will be a result of an increase in contraceptive use and age at marriage. To promote these two the government should: 1) show a strong commitment both politically and financially, to limiting population growth through family planning 2) expand women's educational and economic opportunities. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been stigmatized since the epidemic began. Evidence suggests that stigma and discrimination contribute towards perpetuating the epidemic. South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world. Reducing stigmatization may therefore be an important factor in reducing new HIV infections. Studies in other countries have shown that people who possess inaccurate knowledge regarding the way HIV is transmitted have a greater tendency to stigmatize. Furthermore it was found that people who stigmatize are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour and to perceive themselves to be at low risk of contracting HIV. Wave 2 of the Transition to Adulthood study which took place in 2001 interviewed 4185 young people in KwaZulu-Natal on their sexual behaviour. This present study has linked respondent’s levels of HIV transmission knowledge to their stigmatizing attitudes. It was found that accurate knowledge had a significant impact on stigmatizing attitudes. Those respondents who possessed less knowledge were significantly more likely to stigmatize. Differences between levels of stigmatizing were also evident between race groups. Characteristics important to HIV prevention such as condom use and HIV testing were also linked to knowledge and stigmatizing. Respondents who had less knowledge and thus a greater tendency to stigmatize were more likely to have adverse attitudes towards using condoms. These respondents were therefore more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

There is a general perception that fertility has been declining over a decade in Lesotho, and this has sparked the debate that fertility transition is drawing closer in Lesotho. The growing concern was stimulated by limited studies showing the effect of socio-economic factors on fertility in Lesotho and variations in proximate determinants. The paper examines recent fertility trends in Lesotho using various demographic techniques of fertility estimation and determines whether the onset of fertility transition has begun in Lesotho. The secondary aim is to assess and control errors in the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey of 2004, thus providing robust and reliable estimates. The analysis utilizes the secondary data from 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS). The data set comprised of a sample of 7095 women who participated in the survey. The use of 1996 Lesotho Population Census and 2002 Lesotho Reproductive and Health Survey were made to facilitate comparison with 2004 LDHS, and to provide differentials and measure changes over time in fertility. The P/F ratio method developed by Brass and the modified version, Relational Gompertz Model are employed and used to assess the quality of data as well as determining fertility levels and trends. The findings reveal that the overall fertility among women in Lesotho during 2004 LDHS is 4.02. Application of different methods depicts that fertility remains high in Lesotho, although considered moderate according to sub-Saharan standards. Despite the fact that TFR is high, overall fertility decline is evident. The estimates of fertility range between 3.5 and 5.6 depending on the technique in use. The reason for the high observed fertility is that women in the rural areas still cherish quite a substantial family size. Nevertheless, changing acceptance and perception of using contraception, delayed marriage, high levels of education and economic development among women in Lesotho contributes considerably to fertility declines in Lesotho. As a result, disparities that continue to propel fertility levels within population groups incite reassessment of existing research and policy so as to enhance development strategies as well as action programmes. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College, 2011.

Gender based violence still remains an international public health and human rights issue and a concern to many. Very few studies have been undertaken to address the impact of gender based violence on men. The aim of this dissertation is to try and fill this gap by exploring gender based violence against men in the Clermont Township using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The quantitative method used was a survey conducted with 100 men, and the qualitative method used was in-depth interviews with 20 men in Clermont Township. Consistent with previous research, this study found that abused men experience different forms of gender based violence at the hands of their intimate partners. This study found various reasons why abused men stay in abusive relationships. This study also found that abused men do not report the incidents because they feel that no one will believe them and the community will ridicule them. This under reporting of gender based violence against men makes it difficult to have accurate statistics and also to prevent further abuse of men in intimate relationships. Various reasons were given for not reporting the incidents to the relevant institutions. This study also shows that there are not any institutions that provide services for male victims of gender based violence. This is of concern as this pandemic is escalating and it puts men at risk of future violence. Communities should also embark on door-to-door campaigning about GBV against men, so that the communities will know that it is happening, and that it is a threat to many families. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The health risks of unsafe sexual behaviour among young people aged 15-24, the stage when sexual activity including risky sexual behaviour is likely to begin, has been receiving growing attention. Researchers are attempting to identify factors which influence young people’s sexual behaviour so that meaningful prevention and intervention programmes can be developed. Using the 2005 Zambia Sexual Behaviour Survey, this study examines the level and determinants of sexual behaviour measured according to age at first sex, age at first childbearing, and condom use at first sex, among young people in Zambia. A total sample of 2,813 young people, representing 57.16 percent females and 42.84 percent males, was chosen for the analysis. The study employed survival analysis techniques to examine the timing and determinants of first sex and first childbearing. In addition, logistic regression models were used to predict the drivers of condom use at first sex. The analysis established that age at first sex, age at first childbearing, and condom use at first sex among young people in Zambia differ by cohort, gender, urban/rural residence, marital status, educational attainment, and province of residence. The results show that more young women (69.15 percent) than young men (57.84 percent) had initiated sex aged 15-24 years; whereas 47.89 percent of young women aged 15-24 years reported having had a first birth. The level of condom use at first sex was less than a quarter for young men (23.63 percent) and young women (24.34 percent), posing serious health challenges. There was evidence that the strongest predictors of sexual debut among young men were current age, residing in Lusaka or Northern provinces, and living in a household with television; while current age and higher education were positively associated with condom use at first sex among young women. The important determinants of first childbearing were age at first sex, and educational attainment. Finally, being unmarried, with some level of education, residing in Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka or Northern provinces, and living in a household with piped water or flush toilet, were found to be critical predictors of condom use at first sex among young people. It was concluded that although Zambia has shown progress in delaying sexual debut and first childbearing, other areas such as condom use at first sex, show little change – indicating a need for renewed efforts in HIV and AIDS prevention and family planning programmes. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The overwhelming number of people residing outside country of origin has created anxiety and fear in the immigrant receiving countries over the potentially destabilising effect on the country’s resources. This may provoke controversy because of the fears that they may be competing unfairly with hosts for jobs, housing and other welfare services. Hence, migrants are increasingly becoming vulnerable to racism, xenophobia and discrimination. The justice system protects the rights of migrants. Equal access to justice entails the right of migrants to initiate and proceed with legal matters through the justice system without hindrances. On the side of the state, access to justice also includes the obligation of the state to investigate violations and persecute the perpetrators according to the law. Hence, with this context in mind, this study explored the perception of justice system personnel on the services they provide to non-South African citizens, specifically to Ethiopian Immigrants in the Newcastle area. It also explored the experience of Ethiopian asylum seekers and refugees in interacting with the locals and in accessing justice system within the greater Newcastle area in the KwaZulu Natal Province. In total, 20 interviews were conducted, of which 8 are justice system personnel and 12 Ethiopian asylum seekers and refugees. The findings suggest that the majority of justice system personnel perceive that foreigners are equal in the eyes of the law and get equal treatment as that of South Africans. It was found that the majority of justice system personnel lack knowledge of refugee law and this has been an obstacle in day to day running of courts. The findings also show that language services and Legal Aid are available to locals and as well as foreigners. It was also found that case dockets get lost due to corruption and negligence, and this resulted in impunity for some of the perpetrators of xenophobic violence. The findings also suggested that asylum seekers and refugees agreed that the justice system is fair and that there are good provisions that accommodate everyone. Some, however, expressed discontent and claimed that they faced discrimination. They portray the police as unfriendly and indicated that they have experienced abuse and discrimination. The findings also suggest that police harass and abuse refugees by invading their premises without a search warrant. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

In recent years, South Africa has attracted migrants from other African countries, many of whom find work in the informal sector of the economy. At the same time, African migrants elsewhere in Europe and the US have been shown to have higher rates of HIV infection than the general population. In South Africa, however, little is known about the vulnerability of international migrants to HIV infection. This study explored HIV/AIDS risks among informal economy migrants in the broader context of migration. The objective is to explore HIV/AIDS risk among migrants and to understand how migration experiences shape vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. This is a case study of ten Nigerian migrant traders in the Church Walk flea market in Durban. Ethnographic methods such as participant observation, individual and key informant interviews, as well as informal group discussion were used to collect in-depth data on migrants' motivations for migrating, challenges faced upon arriving in South Africa and sexual risk behaviours. It was found that migrants become vulnerable to HIV/AIDS both during the process of migration and once settled in the informal economy. Migrants found it difficult to secure jobs once in South Africa. Consequently, they had to deal with disillusionment, hunger, homelessness and hopelessness. During this period of hardship, migrants indulged in risky sexual practices such as having unprotected sex with casual partners as a means of dealing with their precarious situation. Migrants also had unprotected sex with many regular and casual partners once in the flea market where, as a last resort, they had found self-employment but had no access to HIV/AIDS intervention programmes. Reasons cited for risky sexual behaviour included separation from regular partners, loneliness, sexual pressures and the lack of social sanctions, which regulated sexual behaviour in their home country. The findings show that international migrants in the informal economy are a potential high-risk group for HIV infection and could transmit HIV to local partners as well as regular partners in their home country. This study highlights the need for interventions to reach this population. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.