Master of Public Health - MPH / Background: Namibia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries where diabetes mellitus ranks among the top ten health conditions contributing to the disease burden and among the top 15 in-patient causes of death. An understanding of the population's knowledge, attitudes and perceptions is required to inform health education and interventions targeting diabetes mellitus. Aim: The aim was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about diabetes mellitus among an adult population living in Windhoek, Namibia. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used. Data was collected from 300 adult respondents using a structured questionnaire administered by research assistants. Data was analysed using Epi-Info version 7. Descriptive statistics were used primarily to summarise and describe levels of knowledge, perceptions and attitudes. A scoring framework was developed to categorize responses. Analytical statistics was used to describe association between knowledge, attitudes and perceptions scores and demographic and socio-economic variables. A P-value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: Of the 300 respondents interviewed, 50.3% were males, 49.3% were females and 0.4 were missing. The majority of the respondents were between 26 – 30 years. With regards to employment, majority (62%) were employed full time. About 10.7% of the respondents had post-graduate degree, while 3.3% had no schooling. Knowledge about diabetes mellitus was higher amongst females (51.2%) compared to males (48.2%) and was associated with age. Only 34.7% of respondents had poor perceptions about diabetes (i.e. diet, curability and distribution). About 49.7% respondents had good knowledge about risk factors for diabetes mellitus while 50.3% had poor knowledge thereof. Conclusion: This study reveals that the general knowledge of respondents regarding diabetes mellitus was poor in Windhoek. Despite the respondents having good knowledge there were still misconceptions about diabetes related complications, risk factors and its treatment. In addition, attitudes and perceptions of respondents about diabetes were favourable and thus suggesting some level of understanding about diabetes in the different communities in Windhoek. This study shows that there is knowledge about diabetes, however lack of diabetes knowledge among some respondents suggests a need for a systematic education programme for diabetes. This study highlighted the areas that diabetes education programmes should focus on aspects or issues such as life style and healthy food intake.

The overall aim of this study is to investigate the perception of support provided to orphan children in foster care placement in terms of education, care and support as well as protection by orphan children themselves, foster parents and social workers. Due to HIV/AIDS many children are being orphaned and are left behind without any visible means of support. HIV/AIDS remains undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of the world today, as there is no part of the world that has not felt the devastating impact of the pandemic. This is already evidenced by the increase in number of orphans, child headed households and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and the inability of the extended family system to provide such children with basic requirements such as shelter, food, medical care, education, love and support. The first chapter is focusing on the Magnitude of OVC in general and Namibia in particular. According to the National Plan of Action for OVC in Namibia, the total number of orphans and vulnerable children was estimated at 128 000 in 2007 (MGECW, 2007). According to 2001 Population and Housing Census the whole Khomas region had 6674 OVC, while Khomas urban had 5708 OVC, which means that in the Khomas region more OVC in an Urban areas while rural areas had less number which was 389 OVC (NPC, 2005). Chapter two presents a literature review and focuses on the phenomena of foster care placement. It includes the definition of terms such as an orphan child, a vulnerable child and foster care placement. It gives background details of foster care placement in general and foster care placement in the Namibia context. Also the support (care and support, education and protection) being offered to children in foster care placement are discussed. Chapter three focuses on the research methods and data collection of this study. The following elements are described in this chapter: Setting and samples, procedure, methods and methodological consideration, the role of the researcher, the limitations of the study and the ethnographic situation. Chapter four is devoted to the foster care placement legal framework in Namibia where the current foster care placement processes to access government grant to support foster families are discussed as well as foster care placement policy implications in Namibia. The conclusion of the findings on foster care placement processes is included. Chapter five consists of the analysis of the study. It provides the background information of the samples, questions, responses and interpretations of the main views of the respondents on the support provided to children in foster care placement in terms of care and support, education, protection as well as foster care placement process are provided in this chapter. Chapter six is focuses on discussions and conclusion. It includes major views of the respondents and the understanding of different voices of orphan children in foster care placement, foster parents and social workers who are professionals in this matter.

Thesis (MTech (Town and Regional Planning))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010. / The accelerated influx of migrants into Windhoek after the attainment of independence in 1990 caused progressive settlement growth on open council-owned land as well as considerable shelter and servicing problems for the Windhoek City Council (WCC). This study analyses the spatial growth of informal settlements in Windhoek over a 10 year period from 1998 to 2008. The study use GIS as a tool to measure and analyse the spatial growth and development of informal settlements. It involves the mapping exercise to generate a sequential process of assessing the feasibility study that helped in the selection of two detailed case studies. Results of the analysis show two patterns of informal settlement development: between 1998-2003 and 2003 to 2008. The first is the acceleration of development of shanty towns immediately after independence to 1988 as associated with processes of spatial consolidation and densification in the former period and increased sprawl in the latter period. Second the study analysed the socio-economic characteristics of informal settlements. This was complemented by livelihood assessment (LA) that was used in identifying the types of livelihoods and coping mechanisms used by residents of informal settlements. The livelihoods assessment clearly shows that most of the people in informal settlements rely heavily on informal sector activities for a living. In-depth interviews were conducted with selected households to explore their coping strategies and survival mechanisms and also to determine how their earnings are being distributed. The continued growth of squalid and unplanned informal settlements is a clear indication that policies and practices need further intervention and regularization. The establishment of reception areas between 1991 and 1999 proved futile. The reception areas attracted more people instead of controlling the growth. Pit latrine toilets are provided in all the settlements but people do not use them and this is a major human and environmental threat. The study shows that the population growth has a significant impact on the growth of informal settlements in Windhoek. The study also shows that the livelihood assessment of households assist with a better understanding of household’s coping mechanisms and this will assist the city Council in making informed decisions when addressing the needs of the people. Livelihood assessment is a tool that assists with the better understanding of the affordability levels of lowincome people, therefore assisting the city Council in providing services that align with the affordability levels of the residents.

Magister Public Health - MPH / Background: Adherence is the extent to which a person takes medication as prescribed by health-care providers. It includes both dosing regularity and timing of intake. Antihypertensive medication reduces high blood pressure effectively and reduces the risk of heart failure, renal failure and stroke. Hypertension is considered a public health problem due to its impact of high mortality and morbidity. According to the Namibia Ministry of Health and Social Services a total of 34,826 people, aged 18 years and older in the Windhoek District, were diagnosed with hypertension in 2006-2007; the premature death toll due to uncontrolled hypertension increased from 88 deaths per 1,000 cases in 2006 (MOHSS, 2006) to 301 deaths per 1,000 cases in 2007 (MOHSS, 2007). Despite the availability, accessibility and affordability of medication at clinics and health centers, non-adherence is increasing, especially among the young productive population. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding into the perceptions of non-adherent hypertension patients in Katutura Township in the Windhoek District about their treatment regimens. The research provided information that can be used by policy-makers in the development of a hypertension policy to improve interventions. Aim: The study aimed to explore the perceptions of non-adherent hypertensive patients in Katutura Township by looking at what they considered to be the factors influencing their non-adherence to antihypertensive medication. Methodology: An explorative qualitative study was conducted, using individual in-depth interviews among eight non-adherent hypertension patients, aged 35 years and older. The eligible respondents were purposively selected. A thematic content analysis of transcribed data was conducted where themes were related to patients‟ perceptions for non–adherence. Results: The results showed that the respondents were not adhering to medication. There were several reasons given for this. An important factor was their limited knowledge about the hypertension disease and medication, in part due to ineffective health education. Other factors included the side effects of the medication as well as the belief that antihypertensive medications are poisonous and addictive. Cultural and religious beliefs were also found to be contributing factors to non-adherence. The findings also revealed that the doctors appeared not to have time to examine patients. The attitudes of the nurses were identified as factors that influence non-adherence. It is reported that they do not listen to patients‟ complaints and patients do not feel respected by them. Additional factors included the cost of traveling to the health center which was considered to be prohibitive, long distances to get to the health center as well as 3-5 hours waiting time at the health center influenced non-adherence. Some respondents claimed that they do not want to mix medication with alcohol so that when they are drinking alcohol, they skip their medications. Lastly, some of the patients earn low income and as they are paid per hour, they cannot afford to take time off from work and this further results in non-adherence to medication. Conclusion: The findings concurred with findings of other research done in developing and developed countries. These included poor interpersonal relationships between health-care providers and patients, a lack of knowledge about hypertension and its treatment; cultural beliefs and traditions, and standards of health care provision. Improvement in communication between health-workers and hypertensive patients may promote better adherence. The study indicates an urgent need to design intervention measures to enhance adherence among hypertension patients.

The Prefecture of Pella bought Heirachabis in 1895 and occupied it in 1898. This marked the beginning of the Mission in the South. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate officially started on 8 December 1896. They were allowed to minister among the Europeans and among Africans, not ministered to by a Protestant Mission. The first expansion was at Klein Windhoek, and at Swakopmund being the gateway to the Protectorate. The Tswana invited the Mission to help them after they had arrived from the Cape. Aminuis and Epukiro were founded. After 1905 the Mission was allowed to open stations among the Herera and Damara. Doebra, Gobabis, Usakos, Omaruru, and Okombahe were the result. Seven expeditions were undertaken to reach Kavango. After many failures the first mission became a reality at Nyangana in 1910. Just before the war the expansion reached Grootfontein, Tsumeb and Kokasib. In the South missions were opened at Warmbad, Gabis, Keetmanshoop, Luederitz and Gibeon. World War I scattered the African population of the towns which disturbed the missionary work. The S. A. Administration allowed most missionaries to stay. After the Peace Conference S. W. A. became a Mandate of S. A. In 1924 permission was granted to enter Owambo. The first station was opened in Ukuambi, later followed by Ombalantu and Okatana. In 1926 the Prefecture of Lower Cimbebasia was elevated to the Vicariate of Windhoek, while the Prefecture of Great Namaqualand became the Vicariate of Keetmanshoop in 1930. World War II left the missionary activities undisturbed. In 1943 Magistrate Trollop in Caprivi invited the Catholic Mission in 1943 to come and open educational and health facilities. The South expanded into Stampriet, Witkrans, Aroab, Mariental. The election victory in 1948 in South Africa of the Afrikaner Parties with the resulting apartheid legislation negatively affected the missions in S. W. A. After 1965 the influence of Vatican II became noticeable, while the pressure of the United Nations Organisation moved the territory towards independence. While initially the Catholic Church had been very cautious, in the ?O's and 80's she took a very definite stand in favour of human rights. She also became a full member of the CCN. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

The Prefecture of Pella bought Heirachabis in 1895 and occupied it in 1898. This marked the beginning of the Mission in the South. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate officially started on 8 December 1896. They were allowed to minister among the Europeans and among Africans, not ministered to by a Protestant Mission. The first expansion was at Klein Windhoek, and at Swakopmund being the gateway to the Protectorate. The Tswana invited the Mission to help them after they had arrived from the Cape. Aminuis and Epukiro were founded. After 1905 the Mission was allowed to open stations among the Herera and Damara. Doebra, Gobabis, Usakos, Omaruru, and Okombahe were the result. Seven expeditions were undertaken to reach Kavango. After many failures the first mission became a reality at Nyangana in 1910. Just before the war the expansion reached Grootfontein, Tsumeb and Kokasib. In the South missions were opened at Warmbad, Gabis, Keetmanshoop, Luederitz and Gibeon. World War I scattered the African population of the towns which disturbed the missionary work. The S. A. Administration allowed most missionaries to stay. After the Peace Conference S. W. A. became a Mandate of S. A. In 1924 permission was granted to enter Owambo. The first station was opened in Ukuambi, later followed by Ombalantu and Okatana. In 1926 the Prefecture of Lower Cimbebasia was elevated to the Vicariate of Windhoek, while the Prefecture of Great Namaqualand became the Vicariate of Keetmanshoop in 1930. World War II left the missionary activities undisturbed. In 1943 Magistrate Trollop in Caprivi invited the Catholic Mission in 1943 to come and open educational and health facilities. The South expanded into Stampriet, Witkrans, Aroab, Mariental. The election victory in 1948 in South Africa of the Afrikaner Parties with the resulting apartheid legislation negatively affected the missions in S. W. A. After 1965 the influence of Vatican II became noticeable, while the pressure of the United Nations Organisation moved the territory towards independence. While initially the Catholic Church had been very cautious, in the ?O's and 80's she took a very definite stand in favour of human rights. She also became a full member of the CCN. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)