Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Marburg.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Breslau, 1906. / Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine in Epidemiology and Biostatistics 30th May 2012 / Introduction The burden of HIV/AIDS is higher in the sub-Saharan region and multiple sexual partnerships are among the sexual behaviors that put people at risk of HIV transmission. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated demographic, socio-economic and behavioral factors of multiple sexual partnerships among men in Zimbabwe. Materials and Methods This was an analytical cross-sectional study that used data from the Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey 2005-06. Negative binomial regressions were fitted to identify factors associated with multiple sexual partnerships among men in Zimbabwe. Results The prevalence of multiple sexual partnerships was 13.5 %, 12.9%, and 11.2% among the formerly, never and currently married men respectively. Among the formerly married men, the risk factors significantly associated with multiple sexual partnerships included access to newspapers (RR= 1.28; 95% CI:1.02 , 1.60). Formerly married men aged 35-44 years had lower risk of engaging in multiple sex partnerships (RR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.42, 0.83) than the other age groups. Relative to formerly married men in Manicaland, formerly married men in Mashonaland East region had lower risks of having more sexual partners. Age at first intercourse and sexual attitude were also significantly associated with multiple sexual partnerships among the formerly married men iv Among the never married men, the risk factors associated with multiple sexual partnerships included employment status (RR = 1.33%; 95%CI: 1.17, 1.52), Watching TV (RR = 1.33%; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.69) and sexual attitude (RR = 1.37%; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.79). Relative to never married men in Manicaland, the never married men in Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West had lower risks of having multiple sexual partners. Among the married men, the risk factors associated with multiple sexual partnerships included first intercourse at the age of 19 years or below (RR = 1.07%; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.11) and sexual attitude (RR = 1.16%; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.23). Protective factors included higher level of education (RR = 0.87%; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98), being 35-44 (RR = 0.94%; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.99) or 45-54 years old (RR = 0.93%; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99) and being from Mashonaland East (RR= 0.89%; 95%CI: 0.85, 0.93) region. Discussion and Conclusions The results show that after adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate negative binomial regression analysis; age, geographical region, education, working status, frequency of reading newspapers/magazines/TV, age at first intercourse and sexual attitude remained significantly associated with MSP. However, the extent to which each of these factors was associated with multiple sex partnership varied among marital status groups, therefore HIV/AIDS intervention programs should be designed accordingly.

Abstract Introduction HIV serodiscordant couples are presenting more often to their doctors as the epidemic continues to spread. There have been various theories as to why some couples remain discordant, but none have yielded a conclusive answer as yet. The negative partners in discordant couples have previously been ignored. However, more of them are now presenting with psychosocial problems of their own. They are increasingly being recognized as ‘hidden’ patients and as potential resources. The researcher would like to discover what issues and problems these negative partners have so that we can understand and help them. Aims To explore seronegative partners’ experiences and emotions in HIV discordant couples. Methodology Using qualitative interview methods to explore the range of emotions and experiences that seronegative partners in discordant relationships experience at the time of disclosure of the different results and thereafter. Results Three main themes emerged from the research. These were: 1) Emotional problems-These were further sub-divided into expected responses and unexpected responses, based on the researchers own views and from literature reviews.2) Coping strategies- these were further sub-divided into positive and negative coping strategies based on the beneficial or harmful effects on the individual, family or the relationship as well as the increase in risk behaviour associated with each action. 3) Future plans-these were according to the participants and included what they wanted for their future. Conclusion Negative partners in discordant couples have been ignored for too long. They face many challenges and problems but they can also assist in the management of their partners. This was explored in more detail. From the research, a host or experiences and reactions were noted and based on these, recommendations for doctors were drawn up. The recommendations include the following: 1. Doctors should not ignore the negative partner in discordant couples. They are also patients and in need of help and support. They can in turn help the doctor in future treatment of the positive partner. By just acknowledging them and that they are also going through difficult times, allows them to bring out their problems and assist in future management. 2. Always discuss the possibility of discordant results before testing a couple. This possibility can be a source of immense stress and confusion to the couple if they have not been alerted to the fact that it can occur. 3. Both partners in the discordant couple must be screened for depression as there is a high rate of this illness in both groups. Too often, this depression is not actively looked for in the negative partner. Doctor’s who fail to do this, will be neglecting the wellbeing of the family unit. 4. All discordant couples should be offered ongoing counseling sessions, either separately or together as a couple. This will give the often ignored negative partner an opportunity to air their views and problems, not only to the doctor, but if they participate in the sessions as a couple, they may be able to speak to their partners, indirectly, by speaking to the doctor. 5. When faced with a discordant couple, the topic of future parenthood should be raised by the doctor. If this is ignored, it may force some couples to engage in high risk behaviour without them knowing the repercussions of it. The doctor must present all the options available to the couple, including adoption and assisted reproductive techniques as well as the role of antiretroviral medication. 6. Doctors must keep abreast of the latest developments in HIV and treatment as patients expect them to provide answers. This would include the doctor improving his/her computer skills as well as learning and practicing the art of critical reading so that he/she can access valid information for patients when the need arises. 7. Doctors must pay attention to the setup at their surgeries so that they always ensure privacy and confidentiality. This includes the position of the waiting room in relation to the consulting rooms so that what is discussed cannot be heard by others. The doctor must also not leave patient records where subsequent patients can see them. Lastly, the doctor must ensure that his staff members, who do see patient records, are informed of their obligations to patient confidentiality. 8. Doctors should avoid using the term undetectable when reporting on the positive partner’s viral load. This term may be misunderstood by both partners to mean that the virus was no longer present and thus safe sex practices were on longer needed. A better word to use would be “further reduced” or “ in the acceptable range showing good compliance”.

Proefschr. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. / Auteursnaam op omslag: Chris Hinnen. Met lit.opg.-Met samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Zürich.

This qualitative study explores the experiences of women whose military partners have been diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. I sought to understand the influences that PTSD had on family and couple relationships and whether resiliency was a factor in the experiences of the women. Six women were interviewed for this qualitative study. From these interviews, 10 themes were developed: 1. Women’s recognition of partner’s PTSD symptoms was not immediate; 2. Women blamed themselves for their partner’s changed behaviour; 3. PTSD caused significant stress to the couple relationship; 4. PTSD affected the family unit; 5. Women bore the burden and took on more responsibility; 6. Women forsake their own needs (personal sacrifice); 7. Women experienced intense negative emotions; 8. Women’s health and well-being was negatively impacted by partners’ PTSD; 9. Women gained new insights and no longer considered themselves responsible for their partner’s illness; 10. Women demonstrated resilience and coping. / October 2016

This research reviews the development of JVs from the 'open door' policy of 1979, when China allowed inward investment to acquire the modernising influences of advanced technology, finance, management, and access to export markets, in exchange for providing access to lower production costs and the opportunity of entering and developing China's domestic market. The acquisitive motive underlying China's strategy was clear at the outset from the basis of negotiation on the value of the respective inputs of the partners, and in that up until 1986 entry was allowed only by way of locally participated JVs, which were subject to targets and controls imposed by the authorities. As foreign partners became more familiar with the local environment, the involvement of the authorities became viewed as a limitation to self-determination and a deterrent to participation in JVs in China. The authorities responded to maintain continued fdi by gradually liberating both sectors and entry modes, such that foreign equity majority, foreign management control, and wholly foreign owned enterprises are commonplace. A large scale review of the subject literature and an in-depth analysis of case studies have revealed that some limitations to JV autonomy still exist, although it is found that newer JVs are subjected to fewer targets and controls. The main problems are identified as being in the partner interdependence, regulation and environment, and legal and infrastructure areas. The analysis of effective strategies has identified that management control and proprietary knowledge retention strategies ; target and control, and cultural compliance ; the registration and retention and licensing of proprietary rights, and the creation and development of distribution channels and appropriate marketing strategies, enables JVs to achieve performances comparable to those in other locations. A variety of implications for both of the parties and the authorities concerned have been identified by this research,as have numerous areas for future research.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität München.