Magister Public Health - MPH / The government of Namibia established a comprehensive HIV/AIDS treatment and care programme in 2002. This programme provides anti-retroviral treatment to all eligible HIV patients in the public health sector. The antiretroviral treatment programme in Keetmanshoop started in October 2003. Adherence to treatment regimes in HIV care is a key factor in determining clinical outcomes and is associated with improved survival among HIV and AIDS patients. Sustained high levels of adherence (95% or more) are essential for the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Maintaining high adherence levels is therefore a major concern in HIV/AIDS treatment programmes. This study investigated adherence to HAART among patients in the Keetmanshoop antiretroviral therapy (ART)clinic and the factors that affect adherence.Aim of the research The aim of the research was to describe adherence to HAART and factors influencing adherence among patients in Keetmanshoop ART clinic, Namibia.Objectives: 1. To describe levels of adherence to HAART amongst clients at Keetmanshoop ART clinic. 2. To assess the changes in CD4 count and body weight of clients on HAART over a 12 month period.3. To assess factors associated with adherence to HAART.4. To analyse associations between CD4 count and adherence. 5. To analyse associations between changes in body weight and adherence. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. The study population included all clients 18 years and above, who were on HAART for one year or more at the Keetmanshoop clinic. One hundred and six clients participated in the study. Data was collected through an interview with the participants and a review of clinical records. Results: Most respondents had good adherence levels; with 86.1% reporting optimal adherence levels.The respondents also showed an increase of median CD4 counts from 126 cells/μl at baseline to 304 cells/μl at 12 months and an increase in body weight from an average of 50kg at baseline to an average of 57kg at 12 months. Adherence levels were found to have an impact on CD4 cell counts and on body weight, with respondents who had sub-optimal adherence experiencing a drop in median CD4 cell counts and median body weight by 12 months.Living far from the clinic (>10km) was found to be the only factor significantly associated with sub-optimal adherence.Conclusion: The study showed a positive correlation between adherence levels and CD4 cell counts and body weight gain. In the absence of viral load, CD4 cell count testing can be used as a measure of adherence. Though most respondents appear to be adhering well to HAART, a sub-optimal adherence rate of >10% is a concern for the Keetmanshoop ART programme and will need to be addressed. There is a need for further research to determine the level of default or attrition from HAART in the programme

Magister Educationis (Adult Learning and Global Change) - MEd(AL) / This study was prompted by my observations and feedback from trainers and learners on an array of barriers to participation in learning which are experienced by learners participating in accredited adult learning programmes offered by a NGO in Cape Town. The aim of this research was to investigate these barriers using a Psychosocial Interaction Model by Merriam and Darkenwald (1982) and the Transition Theory by Schlossberg (1981). Participants in a Health and Welfare Seta (HWSETA) accredited training programme, which is a qualification in Ancillary Health Care level 1, who are community caregivers, were used as research participants. This research provided empirical evidence on barriers to participation in adult learning experienced by these learners and recommendations have been made based on the findings. A new theoretical insight that was generated as a result of this study is that of the interplay between internal and external barriers to participation in adult learning and other variables within the continuum of the Psychosocial Interaction Model as well as certain variables within the Transition Theory. This came as a result of broadening the investigation into barriers to participation in learning, using all variables across the whole spectrum of the Psychosocial Interaction Model, instead of only using the barriers factor.

Magister Educationis - MEd / The purpose of this study was to explore informed ways of teaching when confronted with the kind of common barriers in grade 10 visible both in and out of the classroom. This qualitative study describes the innovative methods that teachers use. The theoretical framework undergirding this study is effective teacher research. The research design involved interviews of twelve Grade 10 learners, focus group and observations of two teachers. In addition, two student teachers in their final year were also observed. The research captured teaching methods that are already known. However, the research in this thesis also added some new dimensions that many teachers might not know or might not be using in their classroom. These teaching methods revealed the extent to which effective teachers will go to make a difference for their learners. The teaching methods harnessed “the ability from the learner to recreate, imagine and empower their understanding of the world they live in” (CAPS). The findings of the study reveal that creative ways of teaching has the ability to bring about the essential improvement of learner achievement. This falls in line with the South African Education comprehensive programme, which is referred to as Action Plan 2014: Towards the Realization of Schooling 2025.

Master of Public Health - MPH / The notification and treatment of sexual partner(s) is a key element in the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Partner notification interrupts the chain of STI transmission, prevents STI complications and long-term sequelae in the sexual partner(s), and also prevents re-infection of the treated index patient. Partner notification is a recognized component of the syndromic management of STIs in Namibia and yet the partner notification rates in the country remain low - as low as 7% in the district of Windhoek currently. In this district, which has the highest number of STIs cases in Namibia, the specific factors that hinder partner notification have not yet been documented. This study sought to investigate the perceived and experienced barriers to partner notification amongst STI patients attending an urban primary health center in the district. An explorative, qualitative study with eight patients (four males and four females), aged 16 years and over, who presented with a new/recurrent episode or a STI follow up was conducted. The participants were purposively selected with the aid of the deputy nurse in charge of the health center after agreeing to take part in the study. The patients were asked about what they felt were personal, partner-relationship and health services related factors that hindered partner notification. Three health workers working at the health center served as key informants and were asked about barriers to partner notification based on their experience of delivering preventative and curative STI - related services over the past three or more years. Interviews with both patients and key informants were conducted in the health facility, recorded and later transcribed. Content analysis of the transcribed data was conducted to identify recurring themes across the different interviews. The results of the study suggest that the partner notification strategy was not functioning optimally as a result of a number of inter-twined factors. The factors can be categorized into personal barriers, partner-relationship dynamics and health services related barriers. The study found that participants considered there were barriers to partner notification across all these three categories. Commonly reported barriers included the stigma associated with STIs and the cultural and religious norms that do not promote discussion of topics related to sex and sexuality in general. Other barriers such as gender inequality, the fear of a partner's reaction to the notification, feelings of guilt associated with infidelity, the lack of communication between partners and the inability to locate partner(s) were highlighted by participants. Barriers associated with the health services included the lack of health education about the importance of partner notification, the absence of thorough risk reduction counseling, the current method of partner notification that is being utilized and the negative attitudes of health workers. It is suggested that having a greater understanding of these barriers and how to work with them in a health education or counseling sessions will allow health workers to address them more directly with their patients and in turn, hopefully improve the management and outcomes of partner notification strategies in the STI prevention and control program in the Windhoek district and potentially other districts in Namibia.

This paper investigates the factors limiting financial investments in renewable energy. A qualitative research study was conducted on South African based financial investors in renewable energy technologies with the intention of identifying investment barriers. The methodology employed involved a literature review. In addition, a questionnaire was designed and interviews were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of such investment barriers in a South African context. The results obtained were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. These analyses revealed that the barriers that were identified namely political, economic, social and technological are valid for South Africa. In addition, several other barriers were identified that are specific to South Africa, such as education, poverty, technological readiness and access to the electricity grid. On the basis of the findings some recommendations are made which include building closer relationships between government and the private sector, as well as ensuring that government maintains an active role in promoting the renewable energy industry. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Employment of PWD (People with Disabilities) has been taken into serious cognizance by the Government, and various legislations have been passed to ensure that employers mainstream disability in the workplace. It is also known that in South Africa, employed PWD are still underrepresented in the employment sector. The Departments have not yet met the 2% target by the Government (OSDP:2000&Dube 2005). It is a fact that most PWD are able to work if given opportunities and reasonable accommodations by the employers. There is however, lack of sufficient scientifically determined information on the needs and barriers as experienced by employees with physical disability, resulting in the inability of employer to accommodate those needs in order to ensure maximum productivity amongst people with disabilities in the workplace. Hence, the study attempts to answer the research question of what are the barriers and needs as experienced by employees with physical disabilities in the workplace? The objectives of the study is to explore the working experiences of PWD in the workplace, further to identify the barriers and the needs as experienced by them and to make recommendations to the employer on how to eliminate these barriers, thus addressing the needs of PWD in the workplace. A qualitative research approach was followed in this study to give in-depth description of the experiences, perceptions, and needs of employees with physical disabilities in the workplace. The researcher utilized applied research method which aims at solving problems in order to assist decision-making at line levels, managerial levels and policy levels. A collective case study research design was followed to gather data directly from respondents in their natural environment for the purpose of studying interactions, attitudes and characteristics. The aim is to understand and interpret the meaning that they give in relation to their workplace. A non-probability sampling method was used to select 12 respondents who have a physical disability and are employed within the Government sector for the period of 1 year or more. The data was collected through the semi-structured interviews with an interview schedule. The interview was used to gain a detailed picture of the respondents’ experiences, beliefs, regarding the barriers and needs they are experiencing in the workplace. The research results revealed job dissatisfaction and emotional experiences of hopelessness, anger and frustration by the PWD within the workplace. The results of such experiences are attributed to physical and social barriers identified, as well as lack of management support and lack of implementation of existing legislations and policies on managing disability in the workplace. Physical barriers are associated with the physical infrastructure and the working environment, whilst social barriers are associated with the attitude of the employers, supervisors and co-workers towards the PWD (Chima 2002&Barlow 2003). The needs that were identified were the need for recognition, need for reasonable accommodation, the need for advocacy and empowerment. In essence PWD need to be treated like any other employee within the workplace. They need to be included especially on issues concerning them and their work. Employers need to start making efforts to address the barriers affecting PWD and try to also meet their needs in the workplace. This can be done in consultation with the PWD to create and ensure a conducive working environment. / Dissertation (MSD (Employee Assistance Programme))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Class of 2017 Abstract / Objectives: To explore and describe the attitudes of pharmacy preceptors regarding the instruction of international student pharmacists. Methods: Two focus groups were held, involving a total a ten pharmacy preceptors associated with the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, the majority of whom had prior experience working with international pharmacy scholars. Results: Preceptors reported a number of both benefits and challenges associated with instructing international scholars. They benefited from the students’ contribution to the pharmacy team, and from the exposure to different cultures. The challenges they encountered primarily involved the language barrier, cultural differences, and differences in knowledge and training compared to local students. Conclusions: Preceptors reported overall positive experiences in working with international pharmacy scholars, and also faced a number of challenges.

Greater access to international markets is universally accepted as the solution for many of Africa’s problems. Such increased access would theoretically allow African countries the opportunity to develop strong economies. Sustainable growth through trade would then replace the current common dependence on aid and enable African citizens to enjoy a fuller share of the myriad benefits of globalisation. The gradual global reduction in historic methods to protect markets aspects, such as tariffs, is bringing technical requirements to the fore. These requirements often become Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) between Africa and its trading partners. Simultaneously, there are continuous global demands for greater access to African markets. Such demands occur even as ever more stringent technical requirements for granting reciprocal access in developed markets are set. Such technical access requirements are insidiously becoming an increasingly important part of the African trading landscape. African governments increasingly need therefore to ensure that domestic industry and agriculture have appropriate and affordable access to appropriate technical support infrastructure. The current African approaches to such generally unexpected technical challenges from elsewhere, are mostly reactive donor–driven projects managed as crises. In order to address such issues proactively, a vital first step is the formulation of a mutually supportive set of national, or preferably regional, polices and associated strategies to synergistically address African issues of trade, industrialisation, agriculture and the environment. The prevalent silo approach that exists both within and among African countries in these increasingly interlinking areas unfortunately simply exacerbates an already desperate situation. The predominant focus of NEPAD presently revolves around demonstrating appropriate governance. Rather than continuing to be victims of globalisation, African states working cooperatively through NEPAD have an opportunity to redress their past difficulties. In the area of African Standards, Quality assurance, Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) capacitation, NEPAD has an important leadership role to play. It could provide a foundation through which solutions in SQAM be cooperatively sought and addressed. Aspects relating to proving compliance to the aforementioned agricultural, industrial and environmental policies need immediate attention. An African, public administration led approach to building SQAM technical capacity would then be possible. Complying with the various and technically challenging regulatory requirements of foreign markets cannot continue be the sole thrust of Africa’s trade facilitation efforts. Implementing foreign technical solutions that make sense in a limited and different context will not deliver large scale benefits for Africa. NEPAD fostered partnerships based on mutually beneficial and optimal solutions are preferable. Such a proposed role for NEPAD includes the creation of sound theoretical public administration underpinning and successful operational facilitation for African public administrators working in concert on mutually beneficial technical SQAM support strategies. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / Unrestricted

This research aims to explore how women and men view and perceive potential barriers to women achieving leadership positions in the humanitarian sector. Female leadership is so far an under-researched area within the humanitarian sector, so it is unknown whether females encounter any barriers in accessing and attaining leadership positions. Three categories were identified; identity, perception and challenges through which the views and barriers are explored. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two organisations; Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) to further understand the perceptions. The empirical findings are analysed through thematic analysis, against the theoretical foundation of the explanation of the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and how gender impacts organisations. Findings indicate that both men and women perceive that there are a number of barriers that women face under each of the three identified categories. The majority of findings are visible under the perception category which explores the influence of the boy’s network and the cemented organizational cultures. Findings also indicate that gender and the potential barriers that women face are not openly talked about, nor perceived as important, as is the need for diversity in humanitarian settings. This thesis highlights the contradictions and ambiguity of how barriers are perceived amongst humanitarian practitioners and organisations.

This investigation, comprising two studies, examined the number of barriers to physical activity (Study 1) and barrier strength (Study 2) reported by middle-aged and older adults using a social ecological framework (McLeroy et al., 1988). Researchers were interested in assessing age group (45-54; 55-64; 65-74 yrs) by physical activity group (active, less active) effects for barrier responses using analyses of variance. In Study 1, 180 participants completed a physical activity level survey (Godin & Shephard, 1985) and answered open-ended questions about barriers. Results indicated that 45-54 yr-olds reported more barriers overall, and more intrapersonal barriers than older groups. Less active 45-54 yr-olds reported more organizational-interpersonal barriers than the other groups. Descriptive analyses of coded themes demonstrated that common intrapersonal barrier sub-themes cited by younger adults related to family commitments, while sub-themes reported by middle-aged and older adults related to having a health problem or an injury. In the organizational-interpersonal category, the most common barrier sub-theme related to the workplace. In Study 2, 116 participants completed a survey assessing weekly physical activity and barrier strength for items pertaining to ecological categories and barrier sub-factors. Results showed that less active adults reported each of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and physical environment barriers more strongly than active adults, irrespective of age; the intrapersonal category was relatively the most constraining for our participants. In terms of barrier sub-factors, results showed that significantly higher barrier strength scores are most often associated with physical activity level (i.e., less active), and only occasionally associated with age group. The overall investigation can provide valuable information for improving physical activity interventions for middle-aged and older adults.