Department of Curriculum Studies and Education Management / MEDEM

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In recent years alcohol consumption among the elderly population in Sweden has risen. While cooperation between elder care organisations and addiction and substance abuse organisations among individual municipalities has increased, only a fifth of Swedish municipalities have revised guidelines directed toward elder care, describing how social workers are supposed to process this part of the elder population. Meanwhile, New Public Management has caused a fragmentation in social work where organisations have an increased focus on their own areas of responsibility as well as standardised aid increasing the risk of clients not getting the aid they may need. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to understand how social workers within elder care are expected to work with elders who abuse or engage in risk-filled use of alcohol. In order to accomplish this we have chosen to study guidelines for social workers specialised in elder care. The documents are developed by 30 different municipalities found through Socialstyrelsens “Öppna Jämförelser 2021” and in addition to these guidelines, the study also aims to analyse a survey directed toward social workers in the same municipalities in order to generalise the results. In conclusion, New Public Management has provided Swedish social services with specialised social workers. Working from different offices within a municipality creates cause for cooperation to which, in some municipalities, there are not sufficient guidelines describing clear proceedings when it comes to processing elders with addiction or substance abuse.

Research shows an increase in alcohol consumption among older generations, leading to a rise in alcohol-related issues within this age group. In spite of this, there is a lack of knowledge and national guidelines regarding alcohol abuse among the elderly, resulting in complex work for social welfare officers and home care personnel who must balance the statutory self-determination rights of care recipients with a reasonable standard of living. Through 10 conducted interviews, this study aims to find out how social welfare officers and home care personnel work with alcohol abuse among elderly individuals. The data collected has been analyzed through thematic analysis, aiming to find answers on how professionals describe the work with alcohol abuse among the elderly, as well as how they balance self-determination with a reasonable standard of living. The study's result shows the complexity of working with alcohol abuse among the elderly, the lack of guidelines and policies, as well as the challenges it poses for professionals in their daily work.

Evidence of male sex work has a history as long as female sex work. There is century old evidence of male Sumarians and Greeks selling sex to other men. Men are today still selling sex to other men. This study showed that the elimination of sex work is practically impossible, and could only be accomplished by the gross denial of basic human rights. Male sex workers have not received the same attention from researchers as have their female counterparts. This is so despite the large numbers of male sex workers in cities all over the world who potentially contribute to the worldwide sexually transmitted infection rates. It is known that wherever indiscriminate sexual activities take place, the risk of transmission of infections are greater. The activities between the male sex worker and his client(s) determine the health problems they are exposed to. The purpose of this research was to determine what transpires between male sex workers and their client(s) in order to provide the sex workers with knowledge to better take care of their own health as well as the health of their clients. A qualitative research design was used to collect data by means of in-depth interviews and participant observation sessions. Research strategies that were also used included: description, ethnography, phenomenology, and the biographic methods of qualitative research. The research revealed that men who have sex with men (MSM) were exposed to forty-nine different preventable sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, trauma, violence, and alcohol and drug abuse. All these conditions relate to the lifestyle and activities of male sex workers. Recommendations were made regarding the removal of factors that hinder the delivery of programmes on safer sex to MSM. A booklet on safer sex for MSM was compiled by the researcher and distributed to all informants upon completion of the research. The neglected topic of male sex work was highlighted and health practitioners and other decision makers can now use the information in this thesis to make a contribution towards the better management of male sex work in South Africa in the interest of public health. / Health Studies / D.Litt et Phil. (Health Studies)

Patriarchal discourse has lead to the marginalisation of women, children and teenagers. The aims of this research were to deconstruct patriarchal discourse; to empower teenagers to speak out for themselves; to facilitate teenagers' identifying, questioning and 'interviewing' of important problems in their lives, and to let teenagers' voices be heard by adults. Post-modern social construction discourse, post-modern and feminist theologies were used to challenge patriarchal discourse. A narrative, pastoral approach was used to assist teenagers to accomplish these aims. Using externalisation, three problems (Depression; Drugs and Alcohol; Verbal, Physical and Sexual Abuse) were exposed for what they really are, and how they influence many teenagers' lives. Alternative stories of how teenagers stand up against these problems were told. The teenagers decided to inform parents and teachers of their lived experiences in three letters. These three interesting, innovative letters are included in this dissertation. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Therapy)

BACKGROUND: Harmful drinking among students in tertiary institutions has become a major public health issue worldwide. Botswana is among the countries that are experiencing this problem. Abuse of alcohol amongst students is linked to road crushes, intentional and unintentional injuries, raping and an array of communicable diseases notably HIV/AIDS. Drinking among students could be a function of personal and environmental factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors that are consistent with abuse of alcohol among students in tertiary institutions in Gaborone. METHOD: This is a quantitative, non-experimental, cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from a sample of students in tertiary institutions. SPSS was used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: The study has revealed hazardous drinking among students. The use of alcohol was predicted on demographic, psychological and environmental factors of respondents. Influence from a close friend, year level of study and area of residence were correlates of drinking among students. Institution based educational interventions that focus on building leadership skills of students are critical in addressing issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. Statutory measures are necessary to limit students’ access to alcohol. CONCLUSION: The study has identified factors that are related to abuse of alcohol among students. The findings could be used to strengthen evidence based planning and implementation of interventions for tackling issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. There is a need for future research on this area using qualitative approach. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

BACKGROUND: Harmful drinking among students in tertiary institutions has become a major public health issue worldwide. Botswana is among the countries that are experiencing this problem. Abuse of alcohol amongst students is linked to road crushes, intentional and unintentional injuries, raping and an array of communicable diseases notably HIV/AIDS. Drinking among students could be a function of personal and environmental factors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors that are consistent with abuse of alcohol among students in tertiary institutions in Gaborone. METHOD: This is a quantitative, non-experimental, cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from a sample of students in tertiary institutions. SPSS was used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: The study has revealed hazardous drinking among students. The use of alcohol was predicted on demographic, psychological and environmental factors of respondents. Influence from a close friend, year level of study and area of residence were correlates of drinking among students. Institution based educational interventions that focus on building leadership skills of students are critical in addressing issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. Statutory measures are necessary to limit students’ access to alcohol. CONCLUSION: The study has identified factors that are related to abuse of alcohol among students. The findings could be used to strengthen evidence based planning and implementation of interventions for tackling issues of alcohol in tertiary institutions. There is a need for future research on this area using qualitative approach. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)