This study addresses the overarching topic of food insecurity by giving voice to individuals who are dedicating their careers toward combating child food insecurity throughout their communities. Voices are uplifted through the representation of narratives by volunteer coordinators overseeing child feeding programs, which have been established throughout Kentucky as an effort to help alleviate child hunger. This study is guided by London’s theory on career motivation, with the outcomes of this study serving as a pilot for future research centered around individuals working to combat child food insecurity. The narratives collected from this study will be used as a resource for generating public conversation, spreading awareness, and to “tell the story” in regards to child hunger across Kentucky.

Magister Artium (Development Studies) - MA(DVS) / Over the last decade, there has been a marked convergence in thinking regarding the importance of social cash transfers in poverty alleviation. As such, most governments especially in the developing world have began embracing the idea of rolling out various social cash transfers programmes in a bid to address poverty, social exclusion and vulnerability. This study which is predominantly centred on the LEAP social grant programme in Ghana aims at assessing the impact of the programme in alleviating household poverty in rural Ghana, specifically in the Tolon-Kumbungu district of the Northern region. Through a combination of both qualitative and quantitative strategies, the study focuses on unravelling in how far the programme has contributed to improving the livelihoods and general welfare of beneficiary households in the case study area. Using data from structured household questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews conducted in two rural communities (Dingoni and Woribogu), the study establishes that the LEAP social grant has a significant positive impact on food consumption, frequency of utilization of healthcare facilities and the school enrolment rate for children aged 6-13 years in beneficiary households. However, although hypothesised, no significant impact is observed in relation to the incidence of child labour in the household. Thus, in line with Rawls’ theory of justice, the researcher argues that the LEAP social grant programme is a very useful mechanism for promoting social justice in the Ghanaian society. Despite its successes, the study also uncovers that, the insufficient nature of the cash transfer, irregular payment periods, lack of access to complimentary services and lack of transparency and accountability on the part of payment officials are some key challenges confronting the programme from the perspective of beneficiaries, whilst limited staff capacity, the non availability of training opportunities for staff, inadequate logistical support and no motivation for programme staff and voluntary structures also constitute some key challenges from the institutional perspective. In all, the study recommends that government increases the cash amount and pay transfers regularly, link beneficiaries to existing complimentary services in the district, recruit more staff and provide in-service training opportunities for them, strictly monitor compliance to LEAP conditionalities and ensure transparency and accountability in the payment of transfers to beneficiaries.

This dissertation focuses on possible ways of creating employment for local people through cultural tourism. One of the major problems experienced in KwaZulu-Natal is the high rate of unemployment. The dissertation focuses on the potential of cultural tourism as both a drawcard for visitors to South Africa as well as a means to alleviate poverty in the province. Since the concept of cultural tourism is fairly new to South Africa, the various concepts linked to the topic are outlined and defined at the outset before an hypothesis is stated. The dissertation investigates the successes generated by cultural tourism in other developing parts of the world before attempting to apply it to case studies in the Durban area. This allows for comparisons and makes one attentive to lessons to be learned when developing cultural tourism attractions in Durban. The advantages and disadvantages of the external case studies are outlined and recommendations for the development of local case studies are discussed. Each of the Durban case studies is introduced and a detailed analyses of its potential for cultural tourism is provided. Part of the contribution towards the potential that these case studies have for cultural tourism development is the fact that South Africa has a strong political history. It was therefore apt to include an account of SA’s political progress in the study. The dissertation then proceeds onto discussing findings after interviews with relevant parties aligned to the chosen case studies were conducted. This allowed for suggestions and recommendations on how to proceed towards achieving well developed community driven, cultural tourism projects. / Dissertation (MHCS)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Historical and Heritage Studies / unrestricted

Idag lider cirka 70 procent av populationen inom äldrevården av obstipation. Leva med obstipation är relaterat till obehag, en sänkt livskvalitet och kan dessutom leda till obehagliga konsekvenser. Obstipation är ett medicinskt tillstånd som påverkar patienters liv och ytterligare kunskap är nödvändigt för att kunna vidta omvårdnadsåtgärder som underlättar för patienten. Syftet med studien var att belysa sjuksköterskans omvårdnadsåtgärder för att lindra och förebygga obstipation hos vuxna och äldre patienter. Studien grundades på 11 vetenskapliga artiklar och genomfördes som en litteraturstudie. Fyra teman framkom i resultatet; ”Rådgivning, motion, kost och vätska”, ”Omvårdnadsåtgärder i form av massage, akupressur och heta kompresser”, ”Information och dokumentation om toalettrutiner samt ”Laxantia en omvårdnadsåtgärd med för- och nackdelar”. Alternativa omvårdnadsåtgärder som massage, akupressur och heta kompresser visade på uppskattade och positiva förbättringar och ett individuellt träningsprogram med rätt kost- och vätskeintag, minskade patienternas obehag. Sjuksköterskor redogjorde för att regelbundna toalettvanor är viktiga omvårdnadsåtgärder vid obstipation. Ytterligare framkom att laxantia i samband med opioidbehandling minskade risken att utveckla obstipation. Elimination är en livsviktig fysiologisk funktion som måste fungera, därmed är detta ett omvårdnadsområde som kräver sjuksköterskans uppmärksamhet. Det krävs vidare forskning för att förebygga och lindra för patienter med obstipation. / About 70 percent of the elderly population is suffering from constipation. Living with constipation is related to discomfort, reduced quality of life and can lead to unpleasant consequences. Constipation is a medical condition that affects the lives of patients and additional knowledge is necessary for caring out nursing interventions that facilitate the patient. The aim of the study was to elucidate nursing interventions to alleviate and prevent constipation in adults and elderly patients. The study was based on 11 scientific articles and was conducted as a literature study. Four themes emerged in the results; "Consulting, exercise, diet and liquid", "Nursing intervention such as massage, acupressure and hot compresses", "Information and documentation of toilet routines” and “Laxative a nursing intervention with advantages and disadvantages”. It was found that with an individual exercise program with proper diet and liquid intake, decreased patient discomfort. Alternative nursing interventions such as massage, acupressure and hot compresses, showed positive improvements. Regular toilet habits are important nursing interventions to prevent constipation. Further results showed that laxatives in conjunction with opioid therapy reduced the risk of developing constipation. Elimination is a vital physiological function which is essential. Further research is needed to prevent and relieve patients with constipation.

Syftet med studien var att undersöka sjuksköterskors erfarenheter av att lindra patienters andliga lidande. En kvalitativ metod med induktiv ansats och deskriptiv design valdes och data insamlades genom intervjuer med sjuksköterskor inom onkologisk vård. Semistrukturerade frågor användes och data analyserades genom latent innehållsanalys, med inspiration av Granheim & Lundman (2003). Resultatet presenteras i kategorier och subkategorier som beskriver förutsättningar men också vilka hinder som finns för att lindra andligt lidande. Förutsättningar och hinder kan förklaras som inre och yttre och beskriver sjuksköterskans personliga egenskaper och förmågor samt arbetsgruppen och organisationen. Konklusion: ett förhållningssätt där andliga frågor ges utrymme är en förutsättning för att lindra och tid för reflektion, handledning och stöd är av betydelse. Ett stort ansvar vilar på sjuksköterskan att synliggöra omvårdnadens värden i organisationen och en utmaning är att eftersträva ledande befattningar, som ger möjlighet att påverka utvecklingen av den vård som syftar till att lindra lidande. Framtida forskning kan riktas mot att undersöka på vilket sätt en gemensam värdegrund påverkar sjuksköterskors förmåga att lindra patientens andliga lidande och kan även riktas mot sjuksköterskors uppfattningar kring andlighet och lidande. / The aim of this study was to examine nurses´ experiences of alleviating patients’ spiritual suffering. A qualitative approach with an inductive and descriptive design was chosen and data were collected through interviews with nurses in oncology care. Semi structured questions were used and data were analyzed by latent content analysis, inspired by Granheim & Lundman (2003). The results are presented in categories and subcategories that describe preconditions but also the obstacles to alleviate spiritual suffering. Preconditions and obstacles can be explained by internal and external, and describe the nurse´s personal qualities and abilities but also the team and the organization. Conclusion: an approach in which spiritual issues are given space is a prerequisite for alleviating and time for reflection, guidance and support are important. A great responsibility rests on the nurse to draw attention to nursing values ​​in the organization and the challenge is to seek leadership positions, providing the ability to influence the development of the care that aims to alleviate suffering. Future research can be directed at examining the manner in which a common value system affects nurses 'ability to alleviate the patient's spiritual suffering and may also extend to nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and suffering.

Bakgrund: Ensamhet är ett växande problem i samhället och har en stor risk för allvarlig inverkan på äldre människors fysiska och psykiska hälsa. Ensamhet är en del av livet och är en särskild känsla för varje enskild individ. Med ökad ålder är upplevelsen av ensamhet mer förekommande. Syfte: Syftet var att beskriva hur äldre personer lindrar ofrivillig ensamhet. Metod: En allmän litteraturstudie utfördes utifrån åtta vetenskapliga artiklar och analyserades med induktiv ansats. Resultat: I resultatet identifierades fyra kategorier: acceptans av åldrandet, betydelsen av livsinställning, värdet av socialisering i olika miljöer och intresset för aktivitet och sysselsättning. Flera strategier identifierades utifrån äldre personers livserfarenheter, individuella strategier, hälsa och välbefinnande, relationer och möjligheten till sociala nätverk. Konklusion: I samband med vårdande möten har sjuksköterskan en viktig uppgift att lindra ensamhet genom att uppmärksamma ensamheten i ett tidigt skede. Det behövs ytterligare forskning och kunskap inom ämnet ensamhet. / Background: Loneliness is a growing problem in society and has a high risk of serious impact on the physical and mental health of older people. With increasing age, the experience of loneliness is more common. Loneliness is a part of life and a special feeling for each individual. Purpose: The purpose was to describe how older people alleviate involuntary loneliness. Method: A general literature study was made based on eight scientific articles and analyzed using an inductive approach. Results: Four categories were identified in the results: acceptance of aging, the importance of life attitude, the value of socialization in different environments and the interest in activity and employment. Several strategies were identified based on older people's life experiences, individual strategies, health and well-being, relationships and the possibility of social networks. Conclusion: In connection with caring meetings, the nurse has an important task to alleviate loneliness by being attentive at an early stage. Further research and knowledge is needed in the subject of loneliness.

Bakgrund: Majoriteten patienter upplever oro i samband med operation. Oro beror på olika bakomliggande faktorer och är oftast lättare att identifiera än att lindra, då alla patienter är olika och har individuella behov. Det ingår i anestesisjuksköterskors ansvar att identifiera samt lindra oro hos patienter, då det kan orsaka ett psykiskt lidande. Därför är det väsentligt att anestesisjuksköterskor har vetskap om olika omvårdnadsåtgärder som finns för att lindra oro hos patienter. Syfte: Att kartlägga omvårdnadsåtgärder som används för att lindra patienters upplevelse av oro perioperativt. Metod: Integrativ litteraturöversikt med 22 vetenskapliga artiklar som analyserades. Resultat: I resultatet beskrevs två teman, betydelsen av kommunikation och alternativa behandlingsmetoder, vilka beskrevs i sammanlagt fyra subteman, att interagera med patienter, att samverka med teamet, att använda kognitiva- och fysiska behandlingsalternativ. Slutsats: Examensarbetet kartlägger, samt ökar kunskapen om vilka omvårdnadsåtgärder som används för att lindra patienters oro i samband med operation. / Background: The majority of patients experience anxiety associated with surgery. Anxiety depends on various underlying factors and is usually easier to identify than to relieve, as all patients are different and have individual needs. The responsibility of anaesthesia nurses includes to identify and alleviate anxiety in patients, as it can cause psychological distress. Therefore, it is essential that anaesteshia nurses have knowledge of various nursing interventions that exist to alleviate anxiety in patients. Purpose: To map nursing interventions that are used to alleviate patients’ experience of anxiety perioperatively. Method: Integrative literature review with 22 scientific articles that were analysed. Result: The results were described in two themes, the importance of communication and alternative treatment methods, which were described in a total of four subthemes, interacting with patients, collaborating with the team, using cognitive- and physical treatment alternatives. Conclusion: The thesis maps and increases knowledge about which nursing measures are used to alleviate patients' anxiety in connection with surgery.

I Sverige lever cirka 160 000 personer med en kognitiv sjukdom. Flertalet av dessa personer löper risk att utveckla en försämrad förmåga att själv kunna förmedla eventuell smärtupplevelse, vilket leder till ett ökat lidande och försämrad livskvalitet. För att vårdpersonal ska kunna utföra en personcentrerad och säker vård för personer med kognitiv sjukdom och lindra lidande behövs vissa förutsättningar. Syfte med litteraturöversikten var att synliggöra vilka förutsättningar som behövs för att vårdpersonal ska kunna identifiera och lindra smärta hos personer med kognitiv sjukdom. Som metod för det självständiga arbetet valdes en allmän litteraturöversikt. I denna har befintlig forskning sammanställts för att besvara litteraturöversikten syfte. Sökning av artiklar har genomförts i databaserna Cinahl och Pubmed vilket resulterade i att 16 artiklar kvalitetsgranskades av författarna och inkluderades i litteraturöversikten. I litteraturöversiktens resultat framkom att det behövs ett flertal förutsättningar för att vårdpersonal ska kunna identifiera och lindra smärta hos personer med kognitiv sjukdom. Det behövs en adekvat personalbemanning, rutiner och riktlinjer att följa, att vård och omsorgsarbetet utgår från multiprofessionella team samt att vårdpersonal har möjlighet till kompetensutveckling inom området. Dessa förutsättningar är grunden för att vårdpersonal ska kunna arbeta utifrån ett personcentrerat förhållningssätt och ha möjlighet att skapa en god relation med personen, vilket främjar möjligheten att identifiera och lindra smärta. Slutsatsen var att en personcentrerad vård är en förutsättning för att identifiera och lindra smärta hos personer med kognitiv sjukdom. För detta behövs ett flertal fungerande organisatoriska faktorer samt en ökad kunskap inom området. / In Sweden approximately 160.000 individuals live with a cognitive disorder. The majority of these individuals are at risk of impaired ability to convey eventual pain, which increases suffering and decreases quality of life. Certain conditions are necessary in order for healthcare professionals to care for patients living with a cognitive disorder that is based on patient- centered care and safe healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore the conditions required for healthcare professionals to be able to identify and alleviate suffering in people with cognitive disorder. A literature review was chosen as the method. Existing research has been compiled in order to answer the aim of the study. In order to find appropriate scientific articles, Cinahl and Pubmed were used as databases. This resulted in 16 scientific articles, quality reviewed by the authors and included in the literature review. The results showed that there are a number of conditions required in order to alleviate pain in individuals that live with a cognitive disorder. There is a need for adequate staffing, routines and guidelines to act in accordance with, a care that is based on multi-professional teams as well as an opportunity for health care staff to develop skills within their profession. These conditions constitute the bases that are necessary in order for health care staff to work based on a person-centered approach along with the opportunity to create a good relationship with the regarding person. This promotes the ability to identify and alleviate pain. The conclusion was that a person-centered care is a necessity in order to identify and alleviate pain in individuals that live with a cognitive disorder. That requires a number of functioning organizational factors as well as increased knowledge within this area.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Economics))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2004.

This thesis studies the effects of specific community- driven developer programmes run in Evaton West over the past three years (200011 to 200314) on poverty in the area. These programmes were targeted at poverty reduction and community development in Evaton West, driven by the Eindhoven municipality and COL~AP~A'@. The relationship between the Eindhoven Municipality and the Ernfuleni Municipality started as a result of the twinning of Tilburg and Eindhoven cities in the Netherlands with the erstwhile LekoaNaal Local Metropolitan Council. Evaton West was chosen as a pilot site for Eindhoven to run practical IDP programmes at, as an example of what can be achieved from properly run community-based programmes. COL~AP~Aw' as introduced to Evaton West by the Vaal University of Technology's Community Service department. Its programmes were aimed at poverty alleviation through small-scale business initiatives coupled with leadership training in the area. The approach in the thesis is to define poverty, measure it and determine the profile of the poor. This is done firstly employing household-level indicators and secondly employing community-level indicators. At household level, some of the following tools are used: the poverty line (HSL), headcount index, the poverty gap, dependency ratio, the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient. Unemployment is also used to determine poverty levels. At community level, the thesis employs tools such as community characteristics, community assets, principal services, education, health and environmental issues. The thesis ends with specific recommendations. In particular, formation of co-operatives and the introduction of the basic income grant (BIG) are proposed. The thesis shows that compared to Bophelong, which is approximately similar to Evaton West in terms of age and composition of residents (especially based on age analysis), Evaton West is worse-off judging by poverty and welfare at household level. It proposes that one of the problems is Evaton West's geographical displacement. The thesis also shows that compared to three years ago, Evaton west is marginally better-off judging from the community indicators applied. It ascribed such improvement to the application of the above-stated community-driven development projects in Evaton West. Finally, the thesis suggests that one of the major solutions in dealing with poverty is to consider small-scale, home-based industries that allow for easy entry. Such projects can only succeed if they are approached in an integrated manner in which local authorities are fully involved. Labour absorption capacity of large industries is declining. This forces policy-making to be redirected to alternative sources of employment. The thesis contributes ways in which community-driven development programmes may be assessed at household and community levels. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Economics))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2004.