AIM: The aim of this study was to a) find out which recommendations are given by nurses regarding breastfeeding to HIV infected mothers, at Muhimbili hospital and the adherence of these, and (b) to find out the nurses’ opinions regarding the WHO recommendations and the parents’ adherence to these. The study will also look into if the nurses are aware of any changes in knowledge among the parents in an HIV context.METHOD: There were eight semi-structured interviews with open ended questions that were performed at Muhimbili Hospital. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed with content analysis.RESULT: The nurses’ recommendations are adapted to the mothers’ socio-economical situation. The benefits of replacement foods are emphasized if conditions are suitable, otherwise exclusive breast feeding is recommended. Some recommendations are difficult to follow due to poor sanitary standards, low economical standard and stigmatization. Cultural norms may affect the mothers’ choice of feeding method as it might raise suspicions in their community if they do not breastfeed. The knowledge of mother-to-child-transmission has increased but to reduce the transmission rates more knowledge is still needed and a change in attitude towards HIV infected mothers.CONCLUSION: The recommendations given by the nurses to HIV-positive mothers are not directly according to the ones by the WHO although the content is similar. The recommendations are adjusted in accordance to the Tanzanian women’s individual situation. Adherence problems to the recommendations are due to lack of economic recourses and stigmatization from the community. In order to improve the adherence of the given recommendations a reduction in stigmatization is needed, through increased knowledge and changes in attitudes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Faculty of the School of Social Service Administration, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008. / Full text also available online. Scroll down for electronic link.

This qualitative research project attempts to consider how HIV-infected African women position themselves, through the stories that they tell, within the dominant discourses of HIV in contemporary South Africa. The research is couched within the theoretical framework of social constructionism which upholds that there are no absolute truths but rather that individuals inhabit different 'realities' and possess different 'knowledges' relative to their social and cultural context. In this view language is the medium through which discursive practices inscribe identities with meanings. Seen through a Foucauldian lens, these discursive practices, in the case of South Africa, operate as forms of surveillance and social control to 'silence' those living with HIV. Through cultural and patriarchal norms operating in conjunction with the racialising legacy left by apartheid, women, particularly African women, have come to be the group most infected with HIV. Despite their often-difficult circumstances, narrative research has shown that, through acts of storytelling, many African women are able to construct positive versions of their lives. Using body mapping in conjunction with narrative interviewing, a small group of African women of varying ages and from diverse locations, but all belonging to a single Durban-based HIV support group, were asked to tell stories about their lives and how their experiences of themselves had been impacted by HIV. Their body maps and stories showed that, while dominant discourses about HIV/AIDS do function to limit their positions for positive self-definition, these women also produced counter-narratives that resisted some of the discrediting social constructions of the illness. Four dimensions relating to self in time, self in relation to others, HIV as a disruptive event, and spiritual beliefs and morality were found to be operating in their narratives. In addition, a fifth dimension, looking at how research practices themselves are 'situated' and construct 'subjects' in particular ways was considered and this called on 'the researcher' to deconstruct the subject positions of his (in this case) own discursive positioning. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

<p><font face="Times-Roman"> <p align="left">According to the findings of this study, childcare workers caring for HIV-positive children working in a residential care setting, have similar experiences and challenges to nurses, community-based caregivers and primary caregivers, such as coping with loss and contagion fear. Nonetheless, caring for HIV-positive children poses unique challenges for the caregiver, calling for flexibility and situation-dependent coping strategies.</p> </font></p>

As a result of the HIV/AIDS problem, South Africa is presently confronted by the worst pandemic in the history of this country. An estimated 4,2 million people in South Africa are already infected with the HI virus. The Faculty of Health Sciences at the PL) for CHE (Focus area 9.1) for this reason undertook to investigate the immune systems of HIV/AIDS patients in the Potchefstroom health district. The aim of this effort was multiple, namely: * to improve by means of oral supplements the immune systems of HIV/AIDS patients in the named health district; * to slow down by means of the above mentioned action the deterioration of patients from HIV to AIDS, and * to improve the sense of well-being and quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients by means of a group work intervention programme. To reach this aim, the following goals had to be attained: * To determine by means of a literature study the nature and extent of HIV/AIDS world-wide. This aim was reached by analysing theoretical perspectives gained from the relevant literature as well as empirical results regarding the nature and extent of HIV/AIDS, especially in South Africa. * To determine by means of a literature study and an empirical investigation the needs of persons diagnosed as being HIV positive or having AIDS. In order to reach this goal, the procedure of survey was used. Schedules were personally completed by the investigator, assisted by field-workers, regarding 110 HIV/AIDS patients. In this manner the needs of the patients could be determined. From the results obtained by this survey, it was evident that HIV/AIDS patients experience various problems and definitely had a need for help. * To investigate by means of a literature study the task of Social Work, and specifically group work, regarding assistance to HIV/AIDS patients. This investigation emphasised that Social Work definitely has a task and responsibility regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDS as well as supplying direct assistance for HIV/AIDS patients. If group work intervention is thoroughly planned, it can render a valuable contribution to the improvement of the sense of well-being and quality of life of these patients. * The aim of the last-mentioned goal was to compile an appropriate programme based on the specific needs of patients and to evaluate it after implementation. This programme was successfully presented in the course of 13 weeks and was in particular suited, not only to improve the knowledge of the HIV/AIDS group members concerning their condition, but also to broaden their insight with regard to the impact of their illness on their social functioning. By means of this programme the group members could develop skills concerning the handling of their condition. * To evaluate the effect of the group work intervention programme on the sense of well-being and quality of life of the patients who have been diagnosed as HIV positive or having AIDS. This goal was attained by measuring on four occasions the sense of well-being and quality of life by means of the measuring scale known as Affectometer 2 (AFM) by Kammann and Flett (1983). The results obtained by this evaluation showed that the group work intervention programme brought about a significant difference in the sense of well-being and quality of life of these HIV/AIDS patients. The sense of well-being of HIV/AIDS patients who participated in the group work intervention programme was significantly higher than that of patients who did not form part of the group work intervention programme. All in all this research undeniably proved that a scientifically grounded, well-planned group work intervention programme can be successfully implemented to improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2002.

Since the implementation of the prevention of mother–to–child transmission of HIV program in South Africa in 2001, infant deaths due to HIV and AIDS have still remained high. HIV–exposed infants need to be taken for follow–up, schedule at six weeks, for PCR HIV testing. When the infant is found to be HIV–positive, the antiretroviral treatment is commenced for life (DOH, 2010). This benefits them in that the earlier they start treatment, the higher their quality of life and their life expectancy will be. Health workers face a problem in that there are still mothers of HIV–exposed infants who do not return their babies for the 6 weeks of age follow–up schedule and their babies therefore do not benefit from the treatment and care. The study looked at the reasons for the low follow–up of babies born to HIV–positive mothers according to HIV–positive mothers and nurses and counsellors and what strategies can be used by nurses and counsellors to encourage the mothers to bring their babies for follow–up. To answer these questions, qualitative, exploratory and contextual design was used. Purposive sampling was done with participants who had knowledge about the research problem. HIV–positive mothers were individually interviewed and nurses and counsellors were interviewed in a focus group. Five individual interviews and three focus group interviews were conducted. The focus groups were interviewed twice for each question mentioned. Responses were satisfactory with the following categories emerging from the findings: fear about disclosure, denial of status, insufficient knowledge about HIV, accusations about who is the actual “giver” of HIV and incongruent health education on HIV and AIDS and the management thereof in the case of babies with HIV, with specific reference to incorrect and/or insufficient information. Recommendations are made concerning these issues, so as to effect an increase in the follow–up of babies born to HIV–positive mothers. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

As a result of the HIV/AIDS problem, South Africa is presently confronted by the worst pandemic in the history of this country. An estimated 4,2 million people in South Africa are already infected with the HI virus. The Faculty of Health Sciences at the PL) for CHE (Focus area 9.1) for this reason undertook to investigate the immune systems of HIV/AIDS patients in the Potchefstroom health district. The aim of this effort was multiple, namely: * to improve by means of oral supplements the immune systems of HIV/AIDS patients in the named health district; * to slow down by means of the above mentioned action the deterioration of patients from HIV to AIDS, and * to improve the sense of well-being and quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients by means of a group work intervention programme. To reach this aim, the following goals had to be attained: * To determine by means of a literature study the nature and extent of HIV/AIDS world-wide. This aim was reached by analysing theoretical perspectives gained from the relevant literature as well as empirical results regarding the nature and extent of HIV/AIDS, especially in South Africa. * To determine by means of a literature study and an empirical investigation the needs of persons diagnosed as being HIV positive or having AIDS. In order to reach this goal, the procedure of survey was used. Schedules were personally completed by the investigator, assisted by field-workers, regarding 110 HIV/AIDS patients. In this manner the needs of the patients could be determined. From the results obtained by this survey, it was evident that HIV/AIDS patients experience various problems and definitely had a need for help. * To investigate by means of a literature study the task of Social Work, and specifically group work, regarding assistance to HIV/AIDS patients. This investigation emphasised that Social Work definitely has a task and responsibility regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDS as well as supplying direct assistance for HIV/AIDS patients. If group work intervention is thoroughly planned, it can render a valuable contribution to the improvement of the sense of well-being and quality of life of these patients. * The aim of the last-mentioned goal was to compile an appropriate programme based on the specific needs of patients and to evaluate it after implementation. This programme was successfully presented in the course of 13 weeks and was in particular suited, not only to improve the knowledge of the HIV/AIDS group members concerning their condition, but also to broaden their insight with regard to the impact of their illness on their social functioning. By means of this programme the group members could develop skills concerning the handling of their condition. * To evaluate the effect of the group work intervention programme on the sense of well-being and quality of life of the patients who have been diagnosed as HIV positive or having AIDS. This goal was attained by measuring on four occasions the sense of well-being and quality of life by means of the measuring scale known as Affectometer 2 (AFM) by Kammann and Flett (1983). The results obtained by this evaluation showed that the group work intervention programme brought about a significant difference in the sense of well-being and quality of life of these HIV/AIDS patients. The sense of well-being of HIV/AIDS patients who participated in the group work intervention programme was significantly higher than that of patients who did not form part of the group work intervention programme. All in all this research undeniably proved that a scientifically grounded, well-planned group work intervention programme can be successfully implemented to improve the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2002.

Since the implementation of the prevention of mother–to–child transmission of HIV program in South Africa in 2001, infant deaths due to HIV and AIDS have still remained high. HIV–exposed infants need to be taken for follow–up, schedule at six weeks, for PCR HIV testing. When the infant is found to be HIV–positive, the antiretroviral treatment is commenced for life (DOH, 2010). This benefits them in that the earlier they start treatment, the higher their quality of life and their life expectancy will be. Health workers face a problem in that there are still mothers of HIV–exposed infants who do not return their babies for the 6 weeks of age follow–up schedule and their babies therefore do not benefit from the treatment and care. The study looked at the reasons for the low follow–up of babies born to HIV–positive mothers according to HIV–positive mothers and nurses and counsellors and what strategies can be used by nurses and counsellors to encourage the mothers to bring their babies for follow–up. To answer these questions, qualitative, exploratory and contextual design was used. Purposive sampling was done with participants who had knowledge about the research problem. HIV–positive mothers were individually interviewed and nurses and counsellors were interviewed in a focus group. Five individual interviews and three focus group interviews were conducted. The focus groups were interviewed twice for each question mentioned. Responses were satisfactory with the following categories emerging from the findings: fear about disclosure, denial of status, insufficient knowledge about HIV, accusations about who is the actual “giver” of HIV and incongruent health education on HIV and AIDS and the management thereof in the case of babies with HIV, with specific reference to incorrect and/or insufficient information. Recommendations are made concerning these issues, so as to effect an increase in the follow–up of babies born to HIV–positive mothers. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

This study evaluates whether a hands-on educational intervention makes a significant difference in the proper use of an infant passenger restraint by a parent. The sample was chosen from parents who were at least seven months pregnant and who planned to transport their infants in passenger motor vehicles. Each participant was randomly placed in one of two groups. All participants received a free infant car seat and a standardized education session on the safety and use of infant passenger restraints. The experimental group received an additional component consisting of a hands-on demonstration and return demonstration of correct installation and use in their own vehicle. All hands-on teaching was done by RNs who were nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Follow up observations of correctness of use was done by appointment several months after birth using a standardized observation tool. The total sample consisted of 111 parents. There were 56 in the intervention group and 55 in the control group. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 53 years, with the majority in their 30's. Most were women. They were well educated, with above average incomes. A high number were of Asian ethnicity. A total of24 (22%) had correct use. Of these, 18 (32%) were in the intervention group and 6 (11%) were in the control group. The intervention group was 4 times more likely to have correct use than the control group (odds ratio 4.3, P value=0.0074). The number of errors per person was 0 to 7, with most having 0 to 2. The rates of errors were 33% less in the intervention group (ratio of 0.67). There were few serious errors. Secondary variables tested in regression analysis were age, education, income, and help from others. None of these variables was found to have a significant effect on the outcome. The hands-on educational intervention made a significant difference in the proper use of a child passenger restraint by a parent. This study demonstrates the value of hands­ on teaching for parents to learn how to install and use a child car seat. Everyone who transports a child in a motor vehicle should have access to this type of education. Nurses, physicians, and others working with families should encourage them to seek out this kind of teaching, and should advocate for more programs which offer this service.