Thesis (MA (Social Health Care))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (DClinPsychol)-Salomons Centre. BLDSC no.DX220072.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010. / Prepared for: Dept. of Psychology. Title from title-page of electronic thesis. Bibliography: leaves 75-88.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2006. / Includes bibliography.

Background Adult females recently diagnosed HIV positive fall pregnant soon after diagnosis in John Taolo Gaetsewe Health District. They usually claim ignorant of or say they forgot to take their pills and that lead to their getting pregnant. Considering the health implication of pregnancy on the general health outlook of HIV positive females and risk of mother to child transmission of HIV, that motivated this study. Aim and Objectives To study the contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practices amongst adult HIV positive females in John Taolo Gaetsewe Health District. The objectives are; 1. To evaluate contraceptive knowledge, perceptions and practices amongst patients presenting for contraception 2. To find out the reasons for use and non use of contraceptives by patients 3. To determine choices of contraceptive methods, use of emmergency contraception and barrier contraception such as condoms. Methods Study design: A cross sectional descriptive study focused on determining the contraceptive knowldge, attitude and practices of adult HIV positive females between the ages of 18 and 49 were selected for the study. Approval for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee University of Stellenbosch with reference number N11/04/123, and the Northern Cape Department of Health. The study was carried out between June 2011 and July 2011. The questionnaire was designed based on a publication cited on contraceptive practices of women in Northern Tshwane. Setting: The study was conducted in the ARV clinics of the Kuruman and Tshwaragano districts hospitals and the four community health centres in the John Taolo Gaetsewe Health District. This district is a predominantly rural district. Results: Data was provided by 224 participants who fullfiled the inclusion criteria. The knowledge about condom ranked highest(100%) followed by injectibles(94%), oral contraceptive pills(87%), female sterilization(66%) and emmergency contraception(51%). IUCD is the method that is least known(3%).Nurses are the major source of information about contraceptives(89%) while the educator give the least information to participants on contraceptives(40%). 100% of participants had access to oral contraceptive pills and injectibles at their local clinics while the method that was least accessible are IUCD(2%) and hormonal implants(0%). There was a 100% positive perception of injectibles, 74% to female sterilization 67% for morning after pill and 61% to oral contarecptive pills while male sterilization had a positive perception of 12% and IUCD (8%). Availability of contraceptives influenced choice of contraceptives as participants used available methods at the clinic which were condoms, injectibles, oral contraceptives and female sterilization. Partners of participants and tradition also influenced use while non use was mainly because participant wanted to fall pregnant(22%), side effects(6%) and tuberculosis(1%). Conclusion This study revealed that participants had very good knowledge and positive perception about the readily available contraceptive methods at the local clinics. This was true as 100% were well informed about condoms, 94% about injectibles and 87% about oral contracetive pills. At clinics in John Taolo Gaetsewe health District the three methods of contraceptive mentioned above were what you find readily available. 51% of partcipants were also well informed about emmergency contraception this showed the level of awareness in this area on emmergency contraception despite their low level of education . The study revealed that partners of participants and traditional healer had impact on contraceptive use, while getting pregnant topped the list on reasons why contraceptive was discontinued. Parents, teachers and the media should get more involved in the enlightenment campaign about contraceptive as it will help protect women from unplanned pregnancies.

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in South Africa is estimated between 5-17%; however research determining this prevalence is lacking. With co-infection there is increased risk of liver cirrhosis, end stage liver disease, death as well as higher rates of chronic Hepatitis B infection. Chronic HBV develops in 20% of HIV positive individuals when compared to less than 5% in HIV negative individuals. This also further complicates Highly Active AntiRetroviral Treatment (HAART). Methods: A retrospective observational quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study was done at the TC Newman Antiretroviral (ARV) centre in Paarl. All adult HIV positive patients that were started on antiretroviral therapy for the time period the new protocol was implemented were analyzed according to their Hepatitis B Antigen (HBsAg) result as well as for any association with gender, CD4 and age. The new protocol stated that all patients who were to start ARV’s had to be tested for Hepatitis B by testing their HBsAg. Results: A total of 498 participants were identified of which 40% were male and 60% were female. The HBsAg positivity rate was established at 7.6%. A higher prevalence was found among men as well as in the age group 50-59 years and those with a CD4 of 50/μL and less. Conclusions: With a prevalence of almost 8% there should definitely be a recommendation towards routine testing of HIV positive patients for Hepatitis B. If not before commencing ART then at least when switching from a regimen containing Lamivudine (3TC) or Tenofovir (TDF) to a regimen not containing these drugs in order to prevent acute flare ups of hepatitis.

In South Africa, the highest HIV prevalence is amongst young people, who may have the greatest potential to contribute to the country’s economy. South Africa has one of the world’s largest antiretroviral (ARV) rollout programs. Like all medications, ARVs need to be taken as prescribed to be safe and effective. Excellent adherence is necessary to ensure that drug resistance does not develop. HIV cannot be cured, and at present ARVs must be taken for the rest of the patient’s life. In the ARV clinic in Knysna, an unanticipated category of patients has been identified: those who “bounce” in and out of long term therapy. Not only do these patients put their own health at risk, but the development and transmission of drug resistant HIV threatens the potential treatment options of the whole community. One of the problems identified in recurrently defaulting patients, is the difficulty in maintaining long term adherence to an ARV treatment program, while in full time employment. This is because as time goes on, patients need to balance the need for ARV care, which has rigorous clinic attendance parameters, with work attendance. Many employees have only twelve days of paid sick leave per annum, and patients require an average of eleven clinic visits in the first six months of treatment. This qualitative study gauges whether the services provided to HIV positive people living in Knysna meets the needs of their employers. The study interviewed both employees and employers to gauge the effects of HIV on local businesses, and explored the knowledge and attitudes of employers towards services provided by the Knysna ARV program. Employers were asked to suggest ways in which the services could be improved to better meet their needs, and ultimately, the needs of their employees.

No description available.

Thesis (D Phil (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Phil. Med.)--University of Sydney, 2008. / Title from title screen (viewed Jan. 22, 2009) Includes tables and questionnaires. Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Medicine to the School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine. Includes bibliography. Also available in print form.