As South Africa is one of the countries with the highest HIVJAids prevalence in the world, many South Africans are affected by the pandemic. One of the structures being endangered by the HIVJAids pandemic is the education system. Educators are especially affected by the impact of the pandemic due to the fact that they not only have to cope with infected colleagues who are often absent, but are also burdened with numerous orphans and vulnerable children at their schools because of the pandemic. Sometimes these affected educators even have to care for their own loved ones who suffer from or die of the disease. The impact of the pandemic is personal stress, such as depression and suicidal ideation, plus professional impairment such as through increased workload and staff negativity. Affected educators are vulnerable, struggle to cope and are desperately in need of support, due to the pressure they experience regarding the pandemic. Current literature reports little support for educators affected by HIVJAids with regard to the personal and professional impact of the pandemic. This study focuses on determining the efficacy of REds (Resilient Educators), a support programme compiled to empower educators who are affected by HIVJAids, the implementation of which was also piloted by this study. A qualitative research design which included experimental and action research which focused on the latter (action research) was used. A purposive convenience sample consisting of eight volunteers from local primary schools participated. The researcher made use of a mixed-methods design for the pre and post-tests which included both qualitative and quantitative measuring instruments. REds was implemented over a period of nine consecutive weeks in a group setting and was continuously evaluated by the participants who proposed changes in order to improve the programme. In spite of being realistic about the obstacles they will face with regard to the HIVIAids pandemic, participants reported to be relieved, empowered and motivated to fight the effects of the pandemic. The quantitative results show some improvement in participants' experience of secondary trauma resulting from the impact of the pandemic. The results suggest that REds was efficacious, but that educators need continued support. Some modification of REds is also suggested action research affected impact. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2007.

This thesis is focused on the verification of an intervation programme which was applied by mentally handicap children within the time of five months. In theoretical part of this thesis I paid attention to the problems which disabled children have. I sketched the basis of the personality integration, on which condition it gives benefits. I mentioned educational systems focused on the physical education and the importace of physical activity connected with it. The purpose of the applied programm was to discover whether there would be an improvement at motoric and social ratios. To prove the positive effect of doing these exercises, I tested the group again after a year. The results are statistically relevant and the course had a positive effect on individuals.\\

This diploma project is engaged in attest to an interventional move programme for integration of mentally affected people. I was testing this programme once a week for five months in terms of one hour at the Special school in Soběslav. This five months running cycle was suspended by holidays. The experimental group was created with 12 pupils between 8 and 17 years old with a middle mentally handicapped from this school. Due to using the standardized tests I tried to find out whether pupils could improve their abilities in these chosen criteria of motoric competence. Children were tested before and after application of the interventional programme. For compare was used other group at basic school in Soběslav too. This group was created with 12 pupils between 10 {--} 18 years old with middle major mentally handicapped. Statistical methods were used to data evaluation .

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological transition theory, first postulated by Omran in 1971, provides a useful framework for understanding cause-specific mortality changes and may contribute usefully to predictions about cause-specific mortality. However, understandings of mortality transitions and associated epidemiological changes remain poorly defined for public health practitioners due to lack of evidence from low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, understanding of the concept and development of epidemiological transition theory as well as population burden of premature mortality attributable to risk factors is needed. OBJECTIVES: This thesis aims to understand how epidemiological transition theory has been applied in different contexts, using available evidence on mortality transitions from high, middle- and low- income countries, as well as the contribution of risk factors to mortality transitions, particularly for premature mortality. METHODS: A Medline literature search from 1971 to 2013 was conducted to synthesise published evidence on mortality transition (paper I). A descriptive analysis of trends in cause of death using INDEPTH data was conducted, focusing on specific causes of death in 12 INDEPTH sites in Africa and Asia, using the INDEPTH 2013 standard population structure for appropriate comparisons across sites (paper II). A retrospective dynamic cohort database was constructed from Swedish population registers for the age range 30-69 years during 1991-2006, to measure reductions in premature non-communicable disease mortality using a life table method (paper III). Prospective cohort data from Västerbotten Intervention Programme from 1990 to 2006 were used to measure the magnitude of premature non-communicable disease mortality reductions associated with risk factor changes for each period of time (paper IV). FINDINGS: There were changes in emphasis in research on epidemiological transition over the four decades from 1971 to 2013, from cause of death to wide-ranging aspects of the determinants of mortality with increasing research interests in low-and middle-income countries, with some unconsidered aspects of social determinants contributing to deviations from classic theoretical pathways. Mortality rates declined in most sites, with the annual reductions in premature adult mortality varied across INDEPTH sites, Sweden, which now is at late stage of epidemiological transition stage, achieved a 25% reduction in premature mortality during 1991-2006. Overall downward trends in risk factors have helped to reduce premature mortality in the population of Västerbotten County, but some benefits were offset by other increasing risks. The largest mortality changes accrued from reductions in smoking, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia. CONCLUSIONS: This thesis established patterns of current epidemiological transition in high, middle-and low-income countries (Asia and Africa), where the theory fits the transition patterns in some countries, but with some needs for further adjustments in other settings, as well as deviations from the classical ET theory in the last four decades. It highlights the need to identify the burden of mortality and morbidity, particularly for reducing mortality occurring before the age of 70 years and its attribution to risk factors, which are a major public health challenge. This informs shifting of public health priorities and resources towards prevention and control of chronic non-communicable disease risk factors.

<p>Vi har undersökt rektorns ansvar för framtagning, uppföljning och utvärdering av handlingsprogram mot krän-kande behandling samt variationen i handlingsprogrammens innehåll och struktur. Vi har genomfört en telefon-intervjuenkät med rektorer från Sveriges län och en dokumentanalys av sex handlingsprogram. I vår undersök-ning har vi observerat att majoriteten av rektorerna är engagerade i att arbeta fram skolans handlingsprogram men att de i uppföljningen och utvärderingsarbetet inte är lika delaktiga. Utifrån litteratur samt våra undersök-ningar har vi även uppmärksammat en problematik kring hur skolorna tolkar begreppen kränkande behandling och mobbning, samt hur de rubricerar handlingsprogrammen. Vi ser dock inget samband mellan rubriksättning-en och innehållet i handlingsprogrammet. Undersökningsmaterialet visar en tydlig variation av vad skolorna tar upp i sina handlingsprogram.</p>

Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Vi har undersökt rektorns ansvar för framtagning, uppföljning och utvärdering av handlingsprogram mot krän-kande behandling samt variationen i handlingsprogrammens innehåll och struktur. Vi har genomfört en telefon-intervjuenkät med rektorer från Sveriges län och en dokumentanalys av sex handlingsprogram. I vår undersök-ning har vi observerat att majoriteten av rektorerna är engagerade i att arbeta fram skolans handlingsprogram men att de i uppföljningen och utvärderingsarbetet inte är lika delaktiga. Utifrån litteratur samt våra undersök-ningar har vi även uppmärksammat en problematik kring hur skolorna tolkar begreppen kränkande behandling och mobbning, samt hur de rubricerar handlingsprogrammen. Vi ser dock inget samband mellan rubriksättning-en och innehållet i handlingsprogrammet. Undersökningsmaterialet visar en tydlig variation av vad skolorna tar upp i sina handlingsprogram.

La adolescencia es una etapa clave para la promoción de estilos de vida saludables, tales como el incremento de la actividad física y la mejora de la condición física. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido conocer el nivel de práctica de actividad física habitual en adolescentes y analizar su influencia en la salud, especialmente cardiovascular. Así como, diseñar y llevar a cabo un programa de intervención de mejora de la condición física y el estilo de vida en esta misma población. Se evaluó, pre-intervención, nivel de práctica de actividad física y tiempo dedicado a actividades sedentarias; y pre- y postintervención, presión arterial, frecuencia cardiaca en reposo, composición corporal, y condición física orientada a la salud. Concluimos que el nivel de práctica de actividad física de los adolescentes es bajo, asociándose los chicos a un nivel de práctica muy superior al de las chicas. El sexo tiene una alta influencia en los hábitos de práctica de actividad física, por lo que se debería tener muy en cuenta a la hora de llevar a cabo programas de intervención. Los adolescentes que practican más actividad física tienen mayor probabilidad de presentar mejor salud cardiovascular y la prevalencia de adolescentes que posee una capacidad aeróbica indicativa de riesgo cardiovascular futuro es alta, por lo que sería aconsejable realizar programas de intervención para aumentar el nivel de práctica de actividad física y de condición física de los adolescentes, especialmente en las chicas. El programa de intervención aplicado ha tenido un efecto positivo en la circunferencia de la cintura, índice cintura/cadera y porcentaje de grasa corporal; y en la forma física, en resistencia aeróbica, fuerza-resistencia y fuerza muscular, siendo estas las cualidades físicas que más nos interesaba mejorar desde el punto de vista de la salud cardiovascular. / Adolescence is a key stage to promote healthy lifestyles like increased physical activity and improved physical condition. This study aims to know the usual level of practicing physical activity among adolescents and to analyse its influence on health, particularly cardiovascular health. The other aim is to design and carry out an intervention programme to improve this population’s physical condition and lifestyle. A pre-intervention assessment was done of level of practicing physical activity and time spent on sedentary activities, and a pre- and post-intervention assessment was done of blood pressure, cardiac frequency at rest, build and physical condition in health terms. We conclude that the level of practicing physical activity is low, and males are associated with a much higher level of practice than females. Gender has a high influence on practicing physical activity habits, and should be taken into account when carrying out intervention programmes. There is a greater likelihood of presenting better cardiovascular health among adolescents who practice more physical activities. The prevalence of those adolescents with aerobic capacity indicative of future cardiovascular risk is high. Therefore, intervention programmes would be advisable to increase the level of practicing physical activity and the physical condition of adolescents, especially females. The applied intervention programme has had a positive effect on waist circumference, waist:hip ratio and percentage of body fat, and on physical fitness, aerobic resistance, force resistance and muscle strength, these being physical qualities which need improving the most from the cardiovascular health viewpoint.

Complicated Grief is a relatively new concept that is globally debated by psychiatrists and psychologists. The time has come for social workers to join this debate and to develop and implement programmes to address the consequences following complicated grief, specifically which results in impaired social functioning. Complicated Grief, prolonged grief and traumatic grief are all synonyms. The term 'complicated grief is the preferred concept used in this research. Article 1 is a literature overview on factors leading to complicated grief and at the same time attempts to link these factors to the South African circumstances. South African citizens are not exempted from experiencing complicated grief. Cultural beliefs on death and dying, AIDS and cancer-related deaths, crime and sociopolitical deaths are but some of the risk factors. She furthermore highlights complicated grief as a matter to be assessed by social workers. The normality of grief is questioned when the grief experience prohibits the individual to regain a state of social functioning as close as possible to the pre-loss state. Complicated grief is regarded by many researchers as a specific condition in need of specific intervention. The efficacy of bereavement intervention in the case of normal grief is questioned, and it seems that individuals who experience complicated grief benefit more from bereavement intervention. Article 2 attempts to clarify the necessity to screen clients prior to including them in a complicated grief intervention programme by discussing the Inventory of Traumatic Grief as developed by Prigerson and colleagues. The researcher furthermore introduces the Grief Assessment Guide (GASsG) as an assessment tool during the screening process. In article 3 the researchers tabulate some of the most important models/approaches to bereavement and discuss its applicability to Complicated Grief. Specific attention is given to the Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) and the task-centred approach (a social work approach to therapy) in an attempt to develop a model for Complicated Grief Intervention. This article furthermore proposes the Complicated Grief Intervention Model (CGIM) through the integration of the dual process model and the task-centred approach, while drawing on intervention techniques from other therapeutic approaches. Article 4 explains the implementation of the Complicated Grief Intervention Programme (CGIP) with the CGIM as framework for intervention. The researchers briefly discuss some of the intervention techniques, such as desensitization, visualization, client-log, miracle question, metaphors, rituals and humour. These techniques assist the social worker and the client towards achieving the goal. The CGIP is a time-limited interventions programme. It consists of, and is based on, the three steps of the CGIM: assessment, implementation and evaluation/termination. Although the CGIP has not been scientifically tested, it holds the potential to serve as a guided programme for social workers in the field of grief and bereavement. Article 5 is a discussion of the empirical findings of the research. This article describes the implementation of the proposed CGIP in the South African context. This article furthermore aims at evaluating the feasibility of implementing the CGIP rather than testing the effectiveness of the programme. Section C summarizes and evaluates the research and makes recommendations regarding its value and the value of possible future research on complicated grief in the South African context. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Complicated Grief is a relatively new concept that is globally debated by psychiatrists and psychologists. The time has come for social workers to join this debate and to develop and implement programmes to address the consequences following complicated grief, specifically which results in impaired social functioning. Complicated Grief, prolonged grief and traumatic grief are all synonyms. The term 'complicated grief is the preferred concept used in this research. Article 1 is a literature overview on factors leading to complicated grief and at the same time attempts to link these factors to the South African circumstances. South African citizens are not exempted from experiencing complicated grief. Cultural beliefs on death and dying, AIDS and cancer-related deaths, crime and sociopolitical deaths are but some of the risk factors. She furthermore highlights complicated grief as a matter to be assessed by social workers. The normality of grief is questioned when the grief experience prohibits the individual to regain a state of social functioning as close as possible to the pre-loss state. Complicated grief is regarded by many researchers as a specific condition in need of specific intervention. The efficacy of bereavement intervention in the case of normal grief is questioned, and it seems that individuals who experience complicated grief benefit more from bereavement intervention. Article 2 attempts to clarify the necessity to screen clients prior to including them in a complicated grief intervention programme by discussing the Inventory of Traumatic Grief as developed by Prigerson and colleagues. The researcher furthermore introduces the Grief Assessment Guide (GASsG) as an assessment tool during the screening process. In article 3 the researchers tabulate some of the most important models/approaches to bereavement and discuss its applicability to Complicated Grief. Specific attention is given to the Dual Process Model (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) and the task-centred approach (a social work approach to therapy) in an attempt to develop a model for Complicated Grief Intervention. This article furthermore proposes the Complicated Grief Intervention Model (CGIM) through the integration of the dual process model and the task-centred approach, while drawing on intervention techniques from other therapeutic approaches. Article 4 explains the implementation of the Complicated Grief Intervention Programme (CGIP) with the CGIM as framework for intervention. The researchers briefly discuss some of the intervention techniques, such as desensitization, visualization, client-log, miracle question, metaphors, rituals and humour. These techniques assist the social worker and the client towards achieving the goal. The CGIP is a time-limited interventions programme. It consists of, and is based on, the three steps of the CGIM: assessment, implementation and evaluation/termination. Although the CGIP has not been scientifically tested, it holds the potential to serve as a guided programme for social workers in the field of grief and bereavement. Article 5 is a discussion of the empirical findings of the research. This article describes the implementation of the proposed CGIP in the South African context. This article furthermore aims at evaluating the feasibility of implementing the CGIP rather than testing the effectiveness of the programme. Section C summarizes and evaluates the research and makes recommendations regarding its value and the value of possible future research on complicated grief in the South African context. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.