The study investigated the lived experiences of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis in Johannesburg and the East Rand. The study aimed at describing how these experiences affect their lives, and how these women cope after being diagnosed. A qualitative approach was utilised following an exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological, contextual research design. An in-depth literature study was conducted for information used as a basis for the study. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Data-analysis revealed a lack of understanding for the emotional, physical and social problems encountered. Recommendations proposed that the community be sensitised to the reality of MS and disabled persons, and that comprehensive support structures be put in place to attend to the needs of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The study sought to explore the influence of gastrointestinal symptoms in female respondents with emetophobia disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia and obsessive compulsive disorder. The research assessed a sample of sixty respondents which formed part of three groups which were recruited from clinical and online support groups. The age ranged from twenty to forty-five years. Non-probability quota sampling was employed. A non-experimental research design was implemented in order to make comparisons between these groups’ association of gastrointestinal symptoms and the occurrence of possible vomiting. The differential research strategy determined whether a statistically significant difference existed. The groups were assessed on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (2005) and the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index (2004). The research aimed to determine whether empirical support exists for the Cognitive Behavioural Model of Emetophobia by Boschen (2007). / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

This study takes the concept of ubuntu, which means humanness and applies it to healthcare issues in general, and women's health, in particular. Ubuntu is based on the reality of interdependence and relatedness. It is a philosophy or way of life that finds its roots and meaning in humanity. The values espoused in ubuntu emphasize caring, sharing, reciprocity, co-operation, compassion and empathy in recognition that for human beings to develop, flourish and reach their full potential, they need to conduct their relationships in a manner that promotes the well-being of others. The values championed in ubuntu are what inform and shape African cultural, social, political and ethical thought and action. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This study aims to gain an understanding of the mental health and acculturative experiences of Portuguese women who immigrated to South Africa in the 1960s. A qualitative research design was utilised with semi-structured interviews to gain information from four Portuguese female immigrants. Thematic analysis reveals experiences of acculturative stress and a difficult assimilation process. The main difficulties were: poor proficiency in the host country’s local languages; availability of social and organisational support; access to medical services; and access to mental health services. These factors were linked to the occurrence of the mental health problems of: depression, isolation, and being actively discriminated against by the dominant Afrikaner community during the apartheid years. The respondents’ poor proficiency in English and their unwillingness to learn Afrikaans, combined with a fear of stigmatisation hampered their willingness to access psychological and mental health services. The negative factors were mitigated by the protective factors of: the traditional family structure, formal community organisations (societies and clubs), and the church. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

The study investigated the lived experiences of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis in Johannesburg and the East Rand. The study aimed at describing how these experiences affect their lives, and how these women cope after being diagnosed. A qualitative approach was utilised following an exploratory, descriptive, phenomenological, contextual research design. An in-depth literature study was conducted for information used as a basis for the study. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a focus group. Data-analysis revealed a lack of understanding for the emotional, physical and social problems encountered. Recommendations proposed that the community be sensitised to the reality of MS and disabled persons, and that comprehensive support structures be put in place to attend to the needs of women suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The study sought to explore the influence of gastrointestinal symptoms in female respondents with emetophobia disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia and obsessive compulsive disorder. The research assessed a sample of sixty respondents which formed part of three groups which were recruited from clinical and online support groups. The age ranged from twenty to forty-five years. Non-probability quota sampling was employed. A non-experimental research design was implemented in order to make comparisons between these groups’ association of gastrointestinal symptoms and the occurrence of possible vomiting. The differential research strategy determined whether a statistically significant difference existed. The groups were assessed on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Score (2005) and the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity Index (2004). The research aimed to determine whether empirical support exists for the Cognitive Behavioural Model of Emetophobia by Boschen (2007). / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Unintended and unwanted pregnancies are major reproductive health problems impacting negatively on women’s health globally. When faced with these pregnancies, many women choose termination of pregnancy (TOP) as their recourse. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe physical, psychological and social implications of TOP on the woman’s health. A qualitative and descriptive research design was used. The population comprised women who had TOP three months to one year before the study and were willing to participate in the study. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants for the study. In-depth phenomenological interviews were used for data collection until data saturation was reached with 20 participants. The findings reveal that women had psychological, physical and social implications after TOP which impacted negatively on their health. Recommendations were made to improve the services of women choosing to terminate a pregnancy to lessen negative implications. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Correct and consistent use of female condom is an effective strategy for the reduction of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. The researcher used a non-experimental descriptive quantitative research design to explore the acceptability of female condom among young women aged between 15 and 34 years of age in Jwaneng Township, Botswana. Simple random sampling was used to recruit the respondents. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires from women accessing health care services in the three health facilities in Jwaneng Township. Data were analysed using the SPSS statistical program version 23 for windows. The findings show low utilisation of the female condom. The study highlights the significant challenges regarding availability, shape, material and lack of information about female condom in Jwaneng. Based on the study results, various strategies need to be developed, there might be a need to package health promotion differently for different age groups to effectively promote the female condom. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Text in English / Rhythmic gymnastics is a demanding sport that requires the athlete to not only execute the moves and elements required with perfection, but also demands a very specific lean body type in order to compete and be successful within the sport. This study explores retired gymnasts’ experiences of competing in rhythmic gymnastics at an elite level, as well as, exploring their experiences in relation to personal body image satisfaction and eating habits when they enter into retirement from the sport. The aim of this study is to provide an understanding of the athlete’s experiences as a rhythmic gymnast, as well as aspects of body image satisfaction and eating habits, following retirement from rhythmic gymnastics. The study provided a semi-structured interview to seven retired elite rhythmic gymnasts from Canada that had competed at provincial, national, and international levels. The data for this in-depth phenomenological study was obtained through the means of the semi-structured interviews to allow for the researcher to obtain an understanding of each of the gymnasts own personal experiences in their retired years. The transcription of each interview was then analysed and coded, first manually and then electronically using the qualitative coding software program ATLAS.ti, into various categories as well as themes found within the data. Findings were interpreted utilising the method of phenomenology explored themes relating to negative body image and poor eating habits both during their athletic career and after they had transitioned out of the sport and into retirement. In addition, the themes suggested that most of the former athletes still related to their elite rhythmic gymnastics identity with respect to their body image even after years of being in retirement. Participants seemed to highlight difficulties with lower self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as struggles regarding the acceptance of their body type and body image, themes also spoke to some participants’ dissatisfaction towards their new body post gymnastics. Ethical approval was obtained and all ethical standards were maintained throughout the duration of the research. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Made available in DSpace on 2011-05-04T12:42:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009 / Esta tese tem como objetivo analisar a experiência de mulheres jovens que recorreram ao aborto clandestino, incluindo os condicionamentos e as relações sociais dos envolvidos, visando contribuir para a melhoria dos serviços saúde reprodutiva na atenção primária à saúde, na perspectiva da integralidade e da promoção da saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que se fundamenta nas especificidades inerentes à pesquisa social, compatível com o tratamento do tema do abortamento clandestino em jovens como fenômeno social complexo. Atualmente, as decisões reprodutivas acontecem em contextos difíceis, marcadas por condições materiais inadequadas devido ao crescente desemprego e a baixa escolaridade, e por relações de afeto instáveis e conflituosas em cenários de violência que afetam, sobretudo, os jovens. O aumento da fecundidade entre joven se adolescentes e as práticas de abortamento inseguro, são fatores preocupantes na saúde reprodutiva desse grupo, principalmente quando ocorrem em situações sociais caracterizadas pelo desemprego, a baixa escolaridade e a pobreza, os quais geram situações de extrema vulnerabilidade. Entrevistas semi-estruturadas foram realizadas com 16 mulheres jovens de 18 a 29 anos que tinham recorrido ao aborto clandestino em algum momento de suas vidas, sendo referidas das unidades atendidas pelo Programa Saúde da Família do município de Cabo Frio RJ. Os resultados dessa pesquisa mostraram uma rede vulnerável, entrelaçada por várias situações, dentre elas: a dificuldade financeira, a gravidez precoce, a instabilidade na relação com o parceiro bem como a dificuldade na tomada das decisões reprodutivas A ocorrência dos casos de aborto foi maior em gravidezes resultantes de relações instáveis e com parceiros diferentes, num contexto de dificuldades financeiras, podendo este ser considerado como o fim da linha do processo da desfiliação, em contextos onde o desemprego e a pobreza fragilizam as relações familiares, e essas não conseguem ter sustentabilidade. / This thesis has the objective of analyzing experiences of young women with clandestine abortion, including their social conditions and social relations, with the aim of contributing to improvement in primary care of reproductive health services, in the perspective of integrality and health promotion. It is based on qualitative methods based on the specificities inherent to social research, compatible with the theme´ s treatment of clandestine abortion in young people as complex social phenomenon. Presently, reproductive decisions occur in difficult contexts, marked by inadequate material conditions due to growing unemployment and low schooling, and by instable and conflicted affective relationships in violent settings that affect, mainly, the young people. The increase of fecundity among the young and adolescents and unsafe abortion practices, are troubling factors in these groups’ reproductive health, especially when they occur in social situations haracterized by unemployment, low schooling and poverty, which generate situations of extreme vulnerability. Semistructured interviews were realized with16 young women from age 18 to 29 years that had had clandestine abortions in any moment of their lives, being referred by services of the Programa Saúde da Família (Family Health Program) of Cabo Frio county – RJ. The results of this research showed a vulnerable net, interlaced by several situations, among them: financial difficulties, early pregnancy, instability in the relation with the partner as well as difficulties in reproductive decision-making. The occurrence of abortion was higher for pregnancies resulting from instable relations and with different partners, in a context of financial difficulties, allowing this to be considered as the end of the disaffiliation process, in contexts where unemployment and poverty weaken family relations, and these are not able to be sustained.