<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the SLC22A1 gene and to deduce its possible pharmacogenetic implications within the Cape Coloured population of South&nbsp / Africa / a uniquely admixed population of immigrant Europeans, Asians and the indigenous populations. Recent studies have reported an abundance of polymorphic variants within this solute&nbsp / carrier transporter gene encoding for the organic cation transporter 1, as well as evidence linking these variants to an effect on metformin uptake. This study included establishing baseline&nbsp / frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot&reg / and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and&nbsp / also exploring the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a costeffective alternative for SNP genotyping. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the&nbsp / University of the Western Cape. Biological samples in the form of buccal (oral) swabs were collected from 132 unrelated voluntary donors from the Cape Coloured population residing in the&nbsp / Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot&reg / Multiplex Systems were specifically designed for the study,successfully optimized and used for genotyping. Hundred genetic profiles were then generated for a total of 20 SNP variants on SLC22A1 gene, using this primer extension-based genotyping method that enables multiplexing up 10 SNPs. Population genetics data obtained for&nbsp / the investigated SNPs were analysed using various statistical analysis software. Important population genetic parameters were calculated, and possible pharmacogenetics implications were then discussed. Among others, allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium were determined and compared with world populations. Minor deviation from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was observed in the Cape Coloured population. No significantLinkage Disequilibrium between the investigated SNPs was observed in this population. A Multiplex allele specific &ndash / PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping&nbsp / system was successfully designed and optimized for the genotyping of 10 SNPs from the SLC22A1. This system, also developed specifically for this study, was made of 2 multiplexes each covering 5 SNPs. It is an inexpensive genotyping assay that allows for efficient discrimination of SNP polymorphisms in one reaction tube with standard PCR conditions. A pilot study was&nbsp / conducted to explore the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a cost-effective alternative for SNP genotyping. In addition to genotyping, HRM analysis can be used to scan&nbsp / large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations.&nbsp / </p>

This paper focuses on boys and young men's attitudes, knowledge and practices with regard to pregnancy and HIV infection. The objective of the study is to ascertain how boys and young men perceive the risks of pregnancy and HIV infection. The study further investigates the strategies which the sexually active respondents considered as appropriate, practical and effective in coping with these risks. The study was based on the secondary data which was extracted from the transitions to adulthood survey conducted in KwaZulu Natal during 2001. The analysis was restricted to young men aged 14 to 24 years. The major findings from the study revealed that young men did not perceive themselves at risk of HIV infection. Overall, respondents were fairly knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and knew where to access condoms, how HIV is contracted or transmitted etc. Findings also indicated that many respondents regarded pregnancy as a matter of great concern. Many respondents perceived pregnancy as highly problematic and were concerned to protect themselves against this risk. The major finding for this study revealed that the majority of sexually active young men used condoms for preventing both pregnancy and HIV/AIDS; while some also used various contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. A major factor promoting consistent condom use was the perception of pregnancy as highly problematic. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006.

Intimate partner violence remains an international public health concern and a human right issue. Fewer studies have been undertaken to address the impact of partner violence on the well being of female university students. The focus has been mainly on adults’ intimate relationships such as marriage and cohabitation. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the factors contributing to the perpetration of intimate partner violence among female university students in Durban. It also seeks to understand the consequences of partner violence as well as barriers in reducing partner violence among female university. The study used mixed methods of data collection. 15 in-depth interviews and three focus groups discussions were conducted in Durban. Consistent with previous research, this study found that young female university students do experience different forms of intimate partner violence, such as physical violence, sexual and verbal abuse by an intimate partner. It also shows various consequences associated with the perpetration of violence against them. Various reasons were reported as barriers in reducing partner violence against female university students. Young women accept partner violence as normal in intimate relationships. Some cases of violence are not reported in law enforcement institutions by young women which make it difficult to prevent partner violence in intimate relationships. These serve as a cause for concern as it put these women at risk of future violence. There is a great need for intimate partner violence prevention programmes in South African educational institutions including the universities. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Over the past decade, chronic illnesses have increased significantly in developing regions around the world, with implications for health service provision. Research shows that morbidity follows a social gradient in many countries around the world. Though various studies highlight the importance of socioeconomic status as a predictor of a person’s morbidity and mortality experience, there is a dearth of data and literature in the South African context. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the association between socioeconomic status and diabetes and hypertension among participants aged 35 years and older. This was achieved by undertaking the analysis of secondary data from the National Income Dynamic Study. The findings of the study reveal that there is a significant relationship between socioeconomic factors and chronic health outcomes of individuals. People with lower levels of education were more likely to have a chronic illness than those with higher levels of education. However, interestingly the lowest rates of prevalence were found in the unemployed category in South Africa. This draws attention to the need for further research on employment and chronic disease prevalence. An important finding of the study was the relatively higher prevalence of chronic conditions in rural areas and among the Black/African population. This data suggests that changes in lifestyle and behavior in the context of globalization and urbanization may be contributing to changes in the health profile of these communities. Policy makers need to acknowledge that chronic diseases are no longer the preserve of the wealthy with diseases such as diabetes and hypertension evident across all sectors of South African society. By addressing the causes of chronic conditions policies and programs can aim to prevent the emergence of future epidemics. In the long-term, sustainable progress will only be achieved with greater attention directed towards the socioeconomic factors underlying the health profile of the country. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

More than three decades after the outbreak of the AIDS pandemic, sub-Saharan Africa is home to the largest epidemic in the world. Over 70% of infected people live in this region and are aged 15–49 years. Given that it is at this age that young adults are more likely to start families, their death as a result of AIDS gives rise to the crisis of AIDS-orphaned children. Several studies show that the number of AIDS orphans is on the rise and can reach up to 18 million throughout the continent. Generally, patients expect to be admitted in formal health care facilities for adequate treatment but the absence of cure and an increasing number of infected make it difficult for them to be treated as in-patients. In order to fill the gap, the elderly care for AIDS patients and take on the parenting role of AIDS orphans. However, there is not much information on the implications of caregiving on the well-being of the elderly. This dissertation aims at shedding light on this issue – using data from an informal settlement in the province of KwaZulu-Natal – in order to highlight the risks to the health of elderly caregivers. The elderly are the primary caregivers to thousands of AIDS patients and AIDS-orphaned children across sub-Saharan Africa. Their caregiving activities are strenuous and repetitive on a daily basis. Through qualitative data collected from 14 elderly caregivers, this project found that their well-being was compromised by several caregiving activities and the expectations placed upon them were unbearable. The vulnerability of caregivers was emphasized by the high number of dependents that resulted in lowered standard of living. There was also the risk of contracting HIV during caregiving since the elderly were not able to afford protective equipment. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Teenage childbearing has been a cause for concern in South Africa. A number of studies claim that early childbearing has been increasing, while other studies indicate that say it has remained constant. Despite lack of consensus on the trend, there is agreement that the levels are high. The Reproductive Health Research Unit (2003) survey reported that close to 15 percent of teenage women become pregnant between the ages of 15 to 19 years. Teenage childbearing has raised major concerns for government, researchers and communities (Cherry et al, 2001). Researchers have identified a number of factors which contribute to teenage childbearing. Lately, there has been an ongoing debate about the introduction of social security system (Child Support Grants), which is meant to assist in alleviating child poverty. Some argued that Child Support Grants has contributed in high pregnancies among teenagers. However, the research on the relationship between Child Support Grants and teenage childbearing has not been consistent. This study explored sexual and reproductive patterns observed among teenagers. The focus was on understanding experiences of school going adolescents. The study also aimed to establish the environment surrounding childbearing in schools and the perception of child support grants through interviewing key informants and teenagers themselves. In summary, the study collected qualitative and qualtitative information from teenagers and teachers in schools, and from teenagers collecting CSG from paypoints. Findings from this sudy indicate that sexual practices among teenagers are complex. Teenagers are aware of the negative effects around early sexual initiation and childbearing support. However despite of this awareness, the study shows that more than half (52.7 percent) of teenagers become sexually at an early age more males (53.7 percent) than females (46.3 percent) were sexual active. Of the sexually active teenagers, findings show that 26.7 percent had their first sexual intercourse at the age of 15 years, 22.0 percent at 14 years, and 16.8 percent at the age of 16 years. The median age at sexual debut for both males and females was 14 years. While, teenagers without children were most likely to report that teenage mothers are having children to receive CSG, but teenage mothers did not confirm this. It was also interesting to discover that more males than females believed that teenagers take advantage of CSGs. However, indings clearly indicate that there are mixed perceptions with regard to impact of CSG on teen childbearing. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

<p>The objective of this study was to develop and validate a six Non-CODIS miniSTR genotyping system and to determine its suitability for forensic casework in South Africa. In Non-CODIS miniSTR genotyping systems, smaller PCR products are amplified and the primers are positioned as close as possible to the repeat region. For this reason, these systems can be valuable in a variety of scenarios including complex paternity cases, missing persons work, and mass fatality disasters.</p>

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the SLC22A1 gene and to deduce its possible pharmacogenetic implications within the Cape Coloured population of South&nbsp / Africa / a uniquely admixed population of immigrant Europeans, Asians and the indigenous populations. Recent studies have reported an abundance of polymorphic variants within this solute&nbsp / carrier transporter gene encoding for the organic cation transporter 1, as well as evidence linking these variants to an effect on metformin uptake. This study included establishing baseline&nbsp / frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot&reg / and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and&nbsp / also exploring the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a costeffective alternative for SNP genotyping. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the&nbsp / University of the Western Cape. Biological samples in the form of buccal (oral) swabs were collected from 132 unrelated voluntary donors from the Cape Coloured population residing in the&nbsp / Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot&reg / Multiplex Systems were specifically designed for the study,successfully optimized and used for genotyping. Hundred genetic profiles were then generated for a total of 20 SNP variants on SLC22A1 gene, using this primer extension-based genotyping method that enables multiplexing up 10 SNPs. Population genetics data obtained for&nbsp / the investigated SNPs were analysed using various statistical analysis software. Important population genetic parameters were calculated, and possible pharmacogenetics implications were then discussed. Among others, allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium were determined and compared with world populations. Minor deviation from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium was observed in the Cape Coloured population. No significantLinkage Disequilibrium between the investigated SNPs was observed in this population. A Multiplex allele specific &ndash / PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping&nbsp / system was successfully designed and optimized for the genotyping of 10 SNPs from the SLC22A1. This system, also developed specifically for this study, was made of 2 multiplexes each covering 5 SNPs. It is an inexpensive genotyping assay that allows for efficient discrimination of SNP polymorphisms in one reaction tube with standard PCR conditions. A pilot study was&nbsp / conducted to explore the possibility of using High-resolution melt (HRM) analysis as a cost-effective alternative for SNP genotyping. In addition to genotyping, HRM analysis can be used to scan&nbsp / large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations.&nbsp / </p>

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a six Non-CODIS miniSTR genotyping system and to determine its suitability for forensic casework in South Africa.In Non-CODIS miniSTR genotyping systems, smaller PCR products are amplified and the primers are positioned as close as possible to the repeat region. For this reason, these systems can be valuable in a variety of scenarios including complex paternity cases,missing persons work, and mass fatality disasters. After the successful implementation of the genotyping system in the laboratory, allele size range was determined for each of the loci and allelic ladders were constructed. The entire repeat regions of the six loci under investigation were successfully sequenced.Consequently, allele repeat number, structure and observed size were determined for each locus.An internal validation study of the six Non-CODIS miniSTR genotyping system was conducted following the SWGDAM guidelines. A comprehensive population study,covering five population groups from South Africa was also carried out.The genotyping system produced consistent, accurate and precise genetic profiles for low concentrations of template DNA. When analyzing mixed DNA samples, successful differentiation of minor and major DNA components was identifiable. Amplification products were observed in non-human DNA studies but in all instances complete genotype profiles were not obtained. Allele frequencies and forensic parameters were determined for the system in five South African population groups (i.e. Afrikaner, Asian-Indian, Mixed Ancestry, Xhosa and Cape Muslim). No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in any of the populations. Furthermore, all populations displayed a high power of discrimination and a high power of exclusion.The six Non-CODIS miniSTR genotyping system has shown a good potential to aid in the analysis of degraded DNA samples. This system can be further improved by including additional loci. Even in its current form, it can certainly provide additional discrimination in complex paternity and/or missing person cases. / >Magister Scientiae - MSc

Primary health care remains at the top of the government’s agenda. To address the issues of inequity, the Department of Health adopted mobile health clinics to ensure that the places that are hard to reach have access to primary health care. Without good health people do not have means to enjoy other aspect such as education and employment. Apartheid policies implemented by the old regime resulted in many rural areas in South Africa remaining underdeveloped and underserviced. Hence, the introduction of mobile health clinic ensured that the population in rural areas have access to health care. Unlike fixed clinics, there are no specific sets of guidelines set up for the operations of mobile health clinic. This include, displaying health posters at mobile health clinics, providing patients with safe drinking water at the mobile site. With more and more mobile health clinics being added to the rural population there should be established scope of services to for rural population. This will ensure equality of service delivery between the mobile health clinics and fixed clinics. Thus, guaranteeing its acceptability to the users. Using qualitative methods the study explored the experiences of patients at the mobile health clinic. Following the health equity model the study explored what the community of KwaMachi use the mobile health clinic for and the experiences of individual when accessing health care at the mobile health clinic. The findings suggest that patients have both positive and negative experiences at the mobile health clinic. The majority of respondents commented that mobile health clinic offered them an entry point to the South African national health system. They also pointed out the services offered are limited. Hence, providing a range of primary health care services will ensure the maximisation of positive experiences at the mobile health clinic and this is likely to contribute positively to the morbidity and mortality rates in rural areas in South Africa. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.