The HIV/AIDS virus has been acknowledged as being the largest threat to developing countries with respect to economic and social issues. There is a large amount of information available with respect to causes, treatment, and generalities pertaining to HIV/AIDS. The information available is relevant to many different types of industries. There seems to be little information available on the HIV/AIDS programmes that companies are implementing to curb the effects that the virus is having on issues like the loss of skilled labour, the drop in productivity due to absenteeism, the decline in morale and the immensely high costs associated with training and recruitment. This study aims to look at the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in the motor industry and the perception of employees with regards to these programmes. The automotive industry is one of the key contributors to the wellbeing of the South African economy. The sustainability of the organisation relies heavily on the skill that the organisation has, and the ability of the organisation to carry this skill into the future. The data collection for this research was conducted via a web-based questionnaire using the online research programme Question Pro. All questions were close-ended. Some of the more important findings include that HIV/AIDS awareness needs to be promoted more strongly in the organisation. Succession planning was observed to be inadequate in the organisation. Another salient finding was that management needs to make it more evident to the workers that they are championing the HIV/AIDS initiatives within the company. The key recommendations are that management need to pay more attention to the concept of succession planning, and to encourage the workforce to participate in the community outreach programmes, as this has a positive effect on the macroeconomic outlook of the country. There are a number of companies in South Africa which do not conform to the appropriate level of HIV/AIDS programmes and further research should be undertaken to explore the deficiencies of these programmes and recommendations should be made based on the findings. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Hospitals have been directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to educate health care workers about bloodborne pathogens. The purpose of this descriptive study is to assess the knowledge and concerns of health care workers regarding bloodborne pathogens and describe the application of universal precautions in practice.Orem's Theory of Self-Care was used for the framework because nurses are self-care agents, responsible for personal well-being, as well as patient's well-being. The instrument "Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions Test" was used to collect the data (Jones & Ryan, 1992). A convenience sample of twelve hospitals within the state of Indiana with four hundred-fifty licensed nursing personnel responded to the questionnaire.Findings revealed a mean score of 84.5 on the knowledge scale. Perception of availability of supplies and equipment ranged from consistently available (68.5% to 98.7%) to never available (0.0% to 0.9%). Perception of application of universal precautions ranged from consistently applied (32.4% to 84.0%) to never applied (0.0% to 9.5%). Content analysis of concerns related by health care workers included fear of contagion and accidental injury.Conclusions indicated knowledge of transmission and availability of supplies do not ensure compliance with universal precautions. Increased knowledge levels will decrease, but not eliminate, fear of contagion.Universal precaution training alone does not adequately prepare health care workers for HIV/AIDS patients. On-going educational endeavors are needed, including affective concerns. / School of Nursing

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a light-moderate versus hard exercise intensity on health and fitness benefits in a previously sedentary population. Twenty-six subjects, 17 male (mean age 45 + 3 yrs), 9 female (mean age 48 + 3 yrs) with at least one coronary artery disease risk factor volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects underwent laboratory testing comprising of, resting heart rate and blood pressure, body composition, blood lipid analysis and aerobic capacity (V02 ), prior to and 22-32 weeks after participating > 2 days per week in the Adult Physical Fitness Program (APFP) at Ball State University. After an initial exercise prescription subjects self selected an exercise intensity between 40-80% of their maximal heart rate range (MHRR) at which to train. Subjects were then grouped into those who trained at < 60% (light-moderate) and those who trained at > 60% (hard) of their MHRR.Those that self selected a hard training intensity did show a significantly greater decrease in diastolic blood pressure than the light-moderate intensity group. Subjects received a main training effect with a mean decrease in systolic blood pressure (123 ± 2.8 to 119 ± 2.4 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (78 ± 2.2 to 75 ± 1.7 mmHg), and mean increases for HDL-cholesterol (49 ± 2.5 to 53 ± 2.8 mg/dL), absolute functional capacity (2.676 +.162 to 2.843 +.169 L/min) and relative functional capacity (30.2 ± 1.5 to 32.8 + 1.8 ml/kg/min). In conclusion this study demonstrated health and fitness benefits when training at least 2 days per week with greater effects when training at a hard versus light-moderate intensity with regards to diastolic blood pressure. / School of Physical Education

186 Ghanaian and 199 Liberian young adult students living in Ghana completed surveys regarding their sexual risk taking behaviors, as well as their knowledge about HIV, their current level of hopelessness, and their subjective quality of life. Results indicated that although knowledge levels were adequate, there was no connection between knowledge about HIV and past risk taking behaviors, including multiple sexual partners, and lack of safe sex practices. Results did indicate a connection between quality of life and the number of sexual partners, and a connection between hopelessness and lack of safe sex behaviors. The author concluded that HIV/STD prevention campaigns located in Ghana should include behavioral skills training in current preventative campaigns. / Department of Psychological Science

The present study sought to understand the relationship between attitudes and prevention knowledge of HIV I AIDS among matriculation students. HIV infection rates has reached epidemic proportions in South Africa and has serious consequences for individuals, particularly for adoiescellts as they make up the largest percentage of the vulnerable age group aged between 15 and 29. Given the high risks that adolescents are faced with, many awareness and prevention programmes have been implemented. These programmes have focused particularly on attitudinal and behavioural change towards HIV I AIDS prevention. The reason for this is that all sexual behaviour is mediated, facilitated and or justified by cognitions and beliefs (Vanwesenbeeck, Bekker & Van Lenning 1998). The sample was selected from a boys school, which chose to remain anonymous and a girls high school in Westville, Durban. Questionnaires aimed at assessing knowledge regarding the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS were administered. Questionnaires aimed at assessing their attitudes towards prevention of HIV/AIDS were also administered to learners. Learners had been exposed to awareness and life skills programmes as part of their curriculum. Festinger's (1957) theory of cognitive dissonance was used as a framework to understand the relationship between one's attitudes and behaviour. The findings indicated that most respondents had adequate knowledge regarding HIV I AIDS spread and prevention. The results also indicated that there was a correlation between knowledge and attitudes but it was not a strong relationship suggesting that there may have been external factors that may have impacted on the relationship thus placing adolescents at a relatively high risk to the HIV infection. This according to Festinger's (1957) theory suggests that there is some inconsistency between attitudes and behaviour towards HIV I AIDS prevention amongst learners. The findings of the study also highlight the need for future research in this area, which would better inform and improve intervention programmes that have been targeted at adolescents in high schools. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

There are estimated to be 840,000 people living with HIV in China (1) of whom 65% are estimated to be in the 16-29 year age group. Since the end of the Cultural Revolution and the opening of China to Western influence, traditional cultural norms have rapidly eroded and China is described as being in the middle of a sexual revolution (2). People are increasingly engaging in behaviours exposing them to the risk of contracting HIV which is spreading from the traditionally high risk populations to the general population via the heterosexual route (3). Comprehensive prevention strategies are necessary to prevent further spread (4). There is evidence that the observed increase in sexual activity is not accompanied by adequate knowledge of HIV transmission. 79% of 18-25 year olds know that HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by sexual intercourse, but a mere 30% know that correct and consistent condom use can protect against HIV transmission (5).<br /> <br /> This exploratory study investigated the factors that influence safe sexual practices amongst female Chinese university students, enabling or preventing them from taking responsibility for their reproductive health. The literature search revealed this to be a largely unexplored area. The study was undertaken amongst third year male and female students, recruited from the Department of Comparative Literature and Media Studies at the Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, China. Data was predominantly collected using two male and two female focus group discussions. Three key informant interviews supported and contextualised the findings. The study revealed that the factors influencing female students&rsquo / ability to adopt safe sexual practices are complex. The recognised shortcomings of sex education in China (6) are compounded by the taboo of sex and the pressure placed on students for the achievement of good grades.<br /> <br /> The university environment exerts a powerful influence. The ease with which mutually beneficial same sex friendships develop in the dormitory can be contrasted with the difficulties faced by couples attempting to conduct relationships. The restrictive university environment has the effect of driving relationships underground. Gender roles are deeply entrenched. The need to conform to the ideal pure, na&iuml / ve, and non-inquiring female stereotype affects a female student&rsquo / s ability to source sexual health information, negotiate safe sex, and to adopt safe sexual practices. Two distinct male stereotypes emerged: the traditional more gender equal male, and the liberal male who believes in an earlier age of sexual initiation and condones multiple sexual partners. All students are aware of HIV but have misconceptions about the specifics of HIV transmission, believing that HIV can be transmitted by kissing, from unclean baths and from doctors. Some students were of the belief that poor personal hygiene is an indicator of possible HIV positive status. Students were confused by condom quality issues. As they had received no formal condom training students relied on reading the package instructions or working it out for themselves.<br /> This small exploratory study resulted in the production of rich and surprising findings. These are incorporated into recommendations for future research and a comprehensive sex education programme at the university. Abstinence and mutual monogamy should be emphasised. Gender stereotypes that influence behaviour and choice of sex education materials should be acknowledged. Negotiation skills training should be incorporated together with condom and contraceptive advice. A sexual health page on the student website and a training programme for students to become peer-to-peer sex educators should be introduced.

<p>The HIV and AIDS epidemic is deemed the single greatest threat to South Africa's future and its growth in one of the most rapid in the world. The South African government has marked 2006 as the year of accelerated HIV and AIDS prevention. It was against this background that the leadership role of principals was articulated as the focus of this research. This study was aimed at gaining an understanding of the challenges facing school principals and of the unique role they could play in addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic.</p>

<p>This project suggested tha HIV people in Region A (Nelson Mandela Metropole, formerly Port Elizabeth) health districty of the Eastern Cape, seek HIV testing when they are already in stages three (late disease) and four (AIDS) of HIV infection. Data had been obtained from the AIDS Training Information and Counselling Centre in the Nelson Mandela Metropole in 2000. The consequences of diagnoses onlu in the advanced stages of HIV infection will have a devastating impact on case management. Therefore, this paper yielded important data for South African policy makers to write health and welfare policies that might improve the quality of life of those terminally infected with HIV.</p>

Stroke is a preventable disease. Minor stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are important warning signs of the possibility of a major stroke. Worldwide, stroke is the third most common killer and the largest cause of disability. The incidence of stroke is predicted to increase with the predominance of unhealthy lifestyles and the aging population. The adoption of a healthy lifestyle can reduce many of the risk factors. This descriptive study was designed to explore patients’ understanding of modifiable risk factors of cerebrovascular disease. It investigated lifestyle changes actually made, as well as the factors affecting patients’ decisions about whether to make lifestyle changes. The two major factors considered were patients’ sources and level of knowledge and their attitudes and beliefs around making changes. A convenience sample of patients who had suffered a minor stroke or TIA was recruited through a major metropolitan hospital. Thirty-five subjects responded to a postal questionnaire. The mean age was 68 years and 37% of the subjects had sustained some disability as a result of the TIA or minor stroke. The results demonstrated that many subjects had a poor understanding of risk factors of stroke. While smoking was well recognised as a risk factor, subjects showed less awareness of other risk factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption and obesity. Subjects also reported significant confusion regarding diet. Sixty-six percent of subjects depended on doctors as their main source of health information. This may be problematic as the current shortages of General Practitioners has put pressure on doctors to keep appointment times short and reduce the time available for health education. The main barriers to lifestyle change, were lack of motivation, and inadequate, knowledge, guidance, and support and the inability to access good information. Although 83% of subjects suffered from hypertension, medication was the accepted method of control, few subjects realised the significance of lifestyle factors. Nine percent of subjects were only diagnosed with hypertension after their stroke or TIA and few monitor their own blood pressure, despite the wide availability of home monitoring devices. From the findings of this study it is concluded that health promotion and education are very important strategies in the prevention of stroke and it is recommended that this kind of education begins in childhood with tailored, age-specific programs delivered to the public over the lifespan. The role of health screening cannot be underestimated in the detection of risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Early detection makes effective treatment possible and helps prevent the occurrence of strokes, thus reducing the cost to the community. Long-term health strategies such as improving health resource distribution and enhancing health education are needed where patients and their families participate together in comprehensive education programs. It is hoped that this may lead to a shared understanding, which may translate to patients being more supported, and therefore more able, to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Multidisciplinary collaboration facilitates management strategies, decision-making and the efficiency of rehabilitation. Nurses are responsible for coordination of management and in particular for continuous monitoring, assessment of swallowing and nutritional state, maintaining safety and preventing complications. An understanding of the issues and strategies relating to management may provide valuable information to enhance the safety, cost-effectiveness and quality of care. A retrospective review of patients’ medical records was used to collect data. A sample of ninety-five adults who were admitted to an Australian public hospital between January 2003 and April 2006, with a diagnosis of dysphagic stroke were recruited. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. All subjects were assessed by a speech pathologist, the mean age was 75 years and 50.5% were male. Except for critically ill subjects, almost all were assessed within three days. Ninety-six percent of subjects had communication problems and 81% had upper limb motor impairment. During hospitalisation almost 60% of subjects had an improvement in their oral intake including 8% resuming their premorbid diet. Eighteen percent were on enteral tube feeding upon discharge, 4% deteriorated and 16% died. It appears that oral intake of most subjects was unsatisfactory. When recorded the mean body weight lost was 2.3kg. At least 22% had malnutrition or dehydration. Forty-five percent aspirated and 22% had respiratory infection. Almost half of the subjects (48%) were discharged to aged care facilities. Eighty percent had no documented follow-up scheduled for management of their dysphagia. Early identification of dysphagia, prudent supervising of appropriate oral intake and mouth care may help to maintain safe swallowing, preventing aspiration and chest infection. Regular checks of body weight, serum albumin level, oral intake and early enteral feeding are essential to guide nutritional support, minimise malnutrition and problematic medication administration. Encouraging oral intake and providing families with support could promote recovery of swallowing skills and help patients to regain the ability to eat independently. Providing helpful information on the care options available may allay patient and family anxiety. A qualified nurse practitioner could assess patients and ensure that a tailored care plan was designed to meet patients’ needs and this may improve the outcomes considerably. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1320650 / Thesis (D.Nurs.) - University of Adelaide, School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, 2008

Introduction: In the Archives of the University of Melbourne there are two black notebooks containing the handwritten reminiscences of William Tyson Kendall, the “founder of the veterinary profession in Australia”. In fact, Kendall makes very little reference to the veterinary college that he founded, his teaching or the trials that he was to confront, but out of that chance encounter with his notebooks I became interested in the early years of the profession in Victoria; the profession to which Kendall devoted so much of his incredible energy and enthusiasm. Further inquiry only served to enhance this interest, but revealed that there was a paucity not only of primary source material, but also of recorded history. During the course of conversations with both retired and active practitioners, I have frequently been told, and can verify, that veterinarians are great talkers, and many of them are keen to preserve their historical heritage, but are the worst procrastinators when it comes to the written word. (For complete introduction open document).