Young people in South Africa grow and develop in a context of high unemployment and poverty. These factors increase their vulnerability of engaging in risky sexual behaviour. The negative outcomes associated with early childbearing have far reaching consequences for not only the young mother and child but also the country‟s labour market and economy. As a result, key to addressing childbearing among young people is to understand the social context which young people are faced with. Therefore, this study aims at identifying the extent and determinants of childbearing among people aged 15-24 years, in South Africa. The data for the study comes from the 2008 National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS). The analysis is restricted to 2623 females aged 15-24 years at the time of enumeration. Analysis is conducted on weighted data so that inferences can be made about the population. The analysis uses descriptive and multivariate analysis to identify possible determinants of early childbearing among young people. The results highlight factors such as age and marital status as possible socio-demographic determinants of childbearing among young people. Socio-economic status is also identified as one of the main predictors of early childbearing for females aged 15-24 years. Social issues such as transactional sex, gender violence and coerced, early sexual debut are discussed as possible determinants of early childbearing. However the analysis of these factors is restricted as they are not measured in the dataset. It was concluded that understanding the social context which influence young peoples‟ decision to engage in risky sexual behaviour is key to addressing the issue of early childbearing. / M.A. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

No description available.

Abstract High age is a distinguished risk factor of falling, but there remains gaps in epidemiological data among very old people. Also, effects of exercise-oriented intervention implemented by geriatric teams is not known. The aims were to describe the incidence and risk factors of falls, the risk of fall-related injuries associated with physical activity, and to investigate the effect of pragmatic exercise intervention on fall risk among a home-dwelling population aged 85 years and older. The target population consisted of home-dwelling citizens of Oulu aged 85 years or more (N = 827). Altogether 555 people (mean age 88 SD ± 3), representing 67% of the population sample, were evaluated by interviews and clinical assessments. Falls and physical activity were monitored via telephone nine times during a 27-month follow-up constituting 1114 person years. Risk factors of falls were determined during an 11-month period before intervention, as were the effects of the intervention during a 16-month period thereafter. Negative binomial regression, pooled logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were used to analyze data. The incidence rates of falls, major soft tissue injuries and fractures were 1039 (95% CI 974–1093), 74 (58–92) and 89 (72–108), respectively. The probability of getting injured was higher in the morning and evening than in the daytime. The contribution of the ongoing activity and the type of falling to the risk of injury was less than that previously reported among younger home-dwellers. The risk factors of falls were a history of recurrent falling, trouble with vision when moving, use of an antipsychotic drug, and feelings of anxiety, nervousness or fear. Exercise other than walking was associated with a reduced risk of injury-causing falls. Pragmatic intervention wasn’t effective in preventing falls, but it was effective in preserving balance performance. Among those with better functional abilities, intervention was effective in reducing the risk of the first four falls. Adherence to recommended interventions was relatively low. In conclusion, the frequency of falls and fall-related fractures increases up to the highest ages. Anxiety-related disorders may be more important risk factors of falls than are drugs commonly used in treatment. Exercise related to everyday activities is safe among the most elderly. The effects of practical exercise intervention are promising, but attention needs to be paid to adherence to exercise in order to improve these effects.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / 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. / South Africa

Magister Scientiae - MSc / 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 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 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 frequency distribution of previously reported alleles for 20 SNP variants within the SLC22A1 gene, as well as the development of SNaPshot® and Multiplex AS-PCR genotyping assays, and 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 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 Cape Metropolitan area. Two SNaPshot® 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 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 – PCR (MAS-PCR) genotyping 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 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 large numbers of samples for novel genetic variations. / South Africa

The implementation of the National Curriculum Statement in 2006 saw the name of the subject known as Biology change to Life Sciences accompanied by changes in subject content. The curriculum committee excluded systematics as a separate unit from the new outcomes-based Life Sciences curriculum for grades 10 to 12 that was implemented in 2006. Educators had to include aspects of systematics in teaching these concepts without guidance from the curriculum. This posed the question whether mastery of population dynamics and biodiversity is dependent on content of systematics in the context of the new curriculum. The New Content Framework for Life Sciences implemented in 2009 reintroduced systematics as a single unit. This raised the question why systematics has been reintroduced in the Life Sciences curriculum. This study aims to determine the influence the exclusion of systematics as a separate unit from the Life Sciences curriculum, implemented in 2006, had on the teaching of population studies and biodiversity. Data was gathered by evaluating and analysing the relevant curriculum statements, work schedules and content frameworks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, first in 2008 when systematics was excluded from the curriculum and then in 2009 after the reintroduction. The first interviews dealt with the exclusion of systematics and the second interviews queried the reintroduction of systematics in the New Content Framework. Interviews were conducted with grade 11 Life Sciences educators at two secondary schools and two curriculum developers involved in compiling the Life Sciences curriculum. An expert in systematics and another in ecology were interviewed about the exclusion of systematics. The workbooks of some grade 11 learners were studied. Classroom observations were conducted when the relevant topics were being covered in class. A number of reasons for the exclusion of systematics from the NCS were advanced. These included: there was no population dynamics expert in the curriculum development team, emphasis was placed on outcomes and not content, the academic background of the members of the curriculum team and the difficulty of teaching systematics, perceived to be uninteresting. There was disagreement whether systematics is essential for understanding population dynamics but there is consensus that the study of systematics influences biodiversity and its exclusion left a regrettable void. However, systematics should be taught in a more interesting way. Prior knowledge is important for understanding of certain processes and concepts as well as for the application of practical skills like problem-solving and scientific inquiry. The curriculum does not provide detailed guidance on the content and practical activities to be covered and educators are encouraged to develop their own curriculum and activities. Experienced educators with strong academic backgrounds in animal and plant sciences referred to or used knowledge of systematics in some lessons. In 2009, systematics was reintroduced in the Life Sciences curriculum to ensure that learners understand biodiversity and evolution through natural selection. It provides learners a better foundation to understand similarities and differences in the structure and function of different organisms and body plans and ensures that they use higher-order thinking skills when doing problem-solving and scientific inquiry activities. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

Dédié à l’étude du ciel en rayons gamma, le satellite Fermi comporte à son bord le Large AreaTelescope (LAT), sensible au rayonnement de 20 MeV à plus de 300 GeV. Sa sensibilité et ses performances grandissantes apportent de plus en plus de contraintes sur les nébuleuses à vent de pulsar. Ces nébuleuses sont alimentées par l’injection permanente d’un vent d’électrons et de positrons relativistes accélérés par l’onde de choc délimitant la nébuleuse. Ces particules chargées rayonnent dans les différents domaines du spectre électromagnétique et notamment dans le domaine des rayons gamma à l’aide du processus de diffusion Compton inverse. Cette thèse présente l’étude morphologique et spectrale détaillée de deux sources potentiellement associées à des nébuleuses : MSH 11-62 et HESS J1857+026, afin de déterminer si l’émission gamma est produite par des nébuleuses de pulsar. Dans un deuxième temps, l’analyse de toutes les sources reliées à des contreparties détectées par les télescopes Cerenkov permet la détection de six nouvelles nébuleuses de pulsars et candidats dans la gamme de Fermi. Ceci permet d’apporter de nouvelles contraintes sur les propriétés physiques des nébuleuses de pulsar ainsi que sur les mécanismes d’émission à l’aide de modèles et d’études sur la population totale détectée par le LAT. / The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope was launched on 2008 June 11, carrying the Large Area Telescope (LAT), sensitive to gamma-rays from 20 MeV to more than 300 GeV. Its constantly improving sensitivity and performance offer a new opportunity to understand the sources of the gamma-ray sky including Pulsar Wind Nebulae (PWNe). PWNe are powered by the constant injection of a relativistic wind of electrons and positrons from their central pulsars. These charged particles are accelerated at the shock front forming the PWN and emit photons which can be observed along the entire electromagnetic spectrum, including the highenergy gamma-ray domain via inverse Compton scattering.This thesis present the detailed analysis of two sources of gamma-ray emission potentially asso4021ciated to PWNe : MSH 11-62 and HESS J1857+026. The combination of the spatial and spectral analyses provide new elements to confirm these associations.In a second step, we describe a search for counterparts to sources detected by Cerenkov telescopes.This search led to the detection of six new LAT sources potentially associated with PWNe. These studies bring new insights and constraints on the physical properties of the sources as well as on emitting processes by constraining the models and allowing population studies.

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos sobre comportamento sexual e aids investigam usualmente aspectos da sexualidade de risco. Nessa pesquisa inauguramos uma investigação da associação entre risco de aids (auto-referida) e os diversos comportamentos afetivo-sexuais dos sujeitos pesquisados no Estudo da Vida Sexual do Brasileiro (EVSB). MÉTODOS: O EVSB foi realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário anônimo e autoresponsivo composto por 87 questões. A aplicação contemplou transeuntes de praças, parques e praias de 18 cidades brasileiras (seleção por conveniência). Foi feita análise das respostas dos sujeitos que referiram aids (n=75), comparadas com as dos que não referiram (n=5.444). RESULTADOS: 1. Em ambos os gêneros, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=19,61, IC95%=10,15 - 37,90, p<0,001), sexo por dinheiro (O.R.=2,71, IC95%=1,29 - 5,69, p=0,008), antecedentes de nove ou mais comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual (O.R.=2,57, IC95%=1,27 - 5,21, p=0,008), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=2,50, IC95%=1,08 - 5,77, p=0,031) e favorecimento do ambiente à realização do ato sexual (O.R.=0,50, IC95%=0,29 - 0,86, p=0,014). 2. No gênero masculino, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=18,12, IC95%=7,00 - 46,89, p<0,001), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=6,23, IC95%=1,73 - 22,33, p=0,005), sexo com penetração em orifícios não convencionais (O.R.=5,79, IC95%=2,26 - 14,79, p<0,001), maior freqüência sexual (O.R.=2,53, IC95%=1,14 - 5,60, p=0,021) e prática do sexo oral (O.R.= 0,22, IC95%=0,09 - 0,51, p=0,001). 3. História de tratamento para mudança de sexo manteve-se associada em homens com aids referida após ajuste para escolaridade, DST e sexo remunerado (O.R.=5,68, I.C.95%=1,37-23,50; p=0,006). 4. Aids referida, em mulheres, apresentou associação com: dificuldade em manter a excitação até o final da relação sexual (O.R.=2,70, IC95%=1,03 - 6,58, p=0,03), ausência de atividade sexual nos últimos 12 meses (O.R.=3,98, IC95%=1,55 - 10,23, p=0,002), sexo sob efeito de drogas (O.R.=8,62, IC95%=3,20 - 23,20, p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: em homens e mulheres com aids referida salientaram-se comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual, história de violência sexual, sexualidade mais genital do que afetiva, DST e sexo por dinheiro. Só nos homens, destacaram-se dificuldades quanto à identidade sexual e sexo oral (efeito protetor). Só nas mulheres, destacaram-se impacto no funcionamento sexual e sexo sob efeito de drogas / INTRODUCTION: Former studies about sexual behavior and AIDS usually inquire aspects regarding risk behavior. This study is a research opening about the association between the risk of AIDS (self reported) and different sexually affective behaviors among the subjects investigated in the Brazilian Sexual Life Study (BSLS). METHODS: BSLS was performed using an anonymous and self answered 87 questions inquiry. It was conducted with plaza, park and beach pedestrians of 18 Brazilian cities (selected by convenience). The answers of the subjects, who reported AIDS (75), were analyzed and compared to those not reporting AIDS (5444). RESULTS: 1) Both genders maintained the association to AIDS in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) (Odds Ratio) [O.R.] = 19.61, (Confidence interval) [CI] 95% = 10.15 - 37.90, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 2.50, CI 95%=1.08 - 5.77, p = 0.031), nine or more behaviors showing sexual impulsivity (O.R.= 2.57, CI 95% = 1.27 - 5.21, p = 0.008), prostitution (O.R.= 2.71, CI 95% = 1.29 - 5.69, p = 0.008), proper environment for sexual intercourse (O.R.= 0.50, CI 95% = 0.29 - 0.86, p = 0.014); 2) The male maintained the AIDS reported association in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported STD (O.R. = 18.12, CI 95% = 7.00 - 46.89, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 6.23, CI 95% = 1.73 - 22.33, p = 0.005), nonconventional orifice penetration at intercourse (O.R. = 5.79, CI 95% = 2.26 - 14.79, p < 0.001), higher sexual intercourse rate (O.R. = 2.53, CI 95% = 1.14 - 5.60, p = 0.021), oral sex (O.R.= 0.22, CI 95% = 0.09 - 0.51, p = 0.001). 3) background of sexual reassignment treatment associated in reported AIDS controlling for literate level, STD and prostitution (O.R. = 5.68, CI 95% = 1.37 - 23.50, p = 0.006); 4) reported AIDS in women showed association with: difficulty keeping arousal till the end of intercourse (O.R. = 2.70, CI 95% = 1.03 - 6.58, p = 0.03), lack of sexual activity in the past 12 months (O.R. = 3.98, CI 95% = 1.55 - 10.23, p = 0.002), sex under drugs influence (O.R. = 8.62, CI 95% = 3.20 - 23.20, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is pointed out that, in men and women with reported AIDS, behaviors of sexual impulsivity, background of sexual abuse, more genital than affective sexuality, STD and prostitution. Only men showed gender identity disorder and oral sex (protecting effect). Only women showed impact on sexuality and sex under drugs influence

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos sobre comportamento sexual e aids investigam usualmente aspectos da sexualidade de risco. Nessa pesquisa inauguramos uma investigação da associação entre risco de aids (auto-referida) e os diversos comportamentos afetivo-sexuais dos sujeitos pesquisados no Estudo da Vida Sexual do Brasileiro (EVSB). MÉTODOS: O EVSB foi realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário anônimo e autoresponsivo composto por 87 questões. A aplicação contemplou transeuntes de praças, parques e praias de 18 cidades brasileiras (seleção por conveniência). Foi feita análise das respostas dos sujeitos que referiram aids (n=75), comparadas com as dos que não referiram (n=5.444). RESULTADOS: 1. Em ambos os gêneros, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=19,61, IC95%=10,15 - 37,90, p<0,001), sexo por dinheiro (O.R.=2,71, IC95%=1,29 - 5,69, p=0,008), antecedentes de nove ou mais comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual (O.R.=2,57, IC95%=1,27 - 5,21, p=0,008), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=2,50, IC95%=1,08 - 5,77, p=0,031) e favorecimento do ambiente à realização do ato sexual (O.R.=0,50, IC95%=0,29 - 0,86, p=0,014). 2. No gênero masculino, mantiveram associação à aids referida, no modelo de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis: DST referida (O.R.=18,12, IC95%=7,00 - 46,89, p<0,001), antecedentes de vitimização por violência sexual (O.R.=6,23, IC95%=1,73 - 22,33, p=0,005), sexo com penetração em orifícios não convencionais (O.R.=5,79, IC95%=2,26 - 14,79, p<0,001), maior freqüência sexual (O.R.=2,53, IC95%=1,14 - 5,60, p=0,021) e prática do sexo oral (O.R.= 0,22, IC95%=0,09 - 0,51, p=0,001). 3. História de tratamento para mudança de sexo manteve-se associada em homens com aids referida após ajuste para escolaridade, DST e sexo remunerado (O.R.=5,68, I.C.95%=1,37-23,50; p=0,006). 4. Aids referida, em mulheres, apresentou associação com: dificuldade em manter a excitação até o final da relação sexual (O.R.=2,70, IC95%=1,03 - 6,58, p=0,03), ausência de atividade sexual nos últimos 12 meses (O.R.=3,98, IC95%=1,55 - 10,23, p=0,002), sexo sob efeito de drogas (O.R.=8,62, IC95%=3,20 - 23,20, p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: em homens e mulheres com aids referida salientaram-se comportamentos indicativos de impulsividade sexual, história de violência sexual, sexualidade mais genital do que afetiva, DST e sexo por dinheiro. Só nos homens, destacaram-se dificuldades quanto à identidade sexual e sexo oral (efeito protetor). Só nas mulheres, destacaram-se impacto no funcionamento sexual e sexo sob efeito de drogas / INTRODUCTION: Former studies about sexual behavior and AIDS usually inquire aspects regarding risk behavior. This study is a research opening about the association between the risk of AIDS (self reported) and different sexually affective behaviors among the subjects investigated in the Brazilian Sexual Life Study (BSLS). METHODS: BSLS was performed using an anonymous and self answered 87 questions inquiry. It was conducted with plaza, park and beach pedestrians of 18 Brazilian cities (selected by convenience). The answers of the subjects, who reported AIDS (75), were analyzed and compared to those not reporting AIDS (5444). RESULTS: 1) Both genders maintained the association to AIDS in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) (Odds Ratio) [O.R.] = 19.61, (Confidence interval) [CI] 95% = 10.15 - 37.90, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 2.50, CI 95%=1.08 - 5.77, p = 0.031), nine or more behaviors showing sexual impulsivity (O.R.= 2.57, CI 95% = 1.27 - 5.21, p = 0.008), prostitution (O.R.= 2.71, CI 95% = 1.29 - 5.69, p = 0.008), proper environment for sexual intercourse (O.R.= 0.50, CI 95% = 0.29 - 0.86, p = 0.014); 2) The male maintained the AIDS reported association in the logistics regression with the following variables: reported STD (O.R. = 18.12, CI 95% = 7.00 - 46.89, p < 0.001), sexual abuse background (O.R.= 6.23, CI 95% = 1.73 - 22.33, p = 0.005), nonconventional orifice penetration at intercourse (O.R. = 5.79, CI 95% = 2.26 - 14.79, p < 0.001), higher sexual intercourse rate (O.R. = 2.53, CI 95% = 1.14 - 5.60, p = 0.021), oral sex (O.R.= 0.22, CI 95% = 0.09 - 0.51, p = 0.001). 3) background of sexual reassignment treatment associated in reported AIDS controlling for literate level, STD and prostitution (O.R. = 5.68, CI 95% = 1.37 - 23.50, p = 0.006); 4) reported AIDS in women showed association with: difficulty keeping arousal till the end of intercourse (O.R. = 2.70, CI 95% = 1.03 - 6.58, p = 0.03), lack of sexual activity in the past 12 months (O.R. = 3.98, CI 95% = 1.55 - 10.23, p = 0.002), sex under drugs influence (O.R. = 8.62, CI 95% = 3.20 - 23.20, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It is pointed out that, in men and women with reported AIDS, behaviors of sexual impulsivity, background of sexual abuse, more genital than affective sexuality, STD and prostitution. Only men showed gender identity disorder and oral sex (protecting effect). Only women showed impact on sexuality and sex under drugs influence

Background. The study objective was to determine how the population located in five remote rural areas responded to HIV testing offered by mobile clinics operating under Family Health International, an international NGO that provides health services, especially HIV prevention and family planning. The study sought to identify how different segments of the population, classified according to their socio-demographic characteristics, responded to HIV testing. The analysis is based on secondary data, collected between October 2009 and September 2010, on clients who came to seek health services at mobile clinics. The population is geographically located in five districts: OR Tambo in Eastern Cape, Amajuba in KwaZulu-Natal, Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni in Mpumalanga, and Sekhukhune in Limpopo. Although these mobile clincs provided comprehensive health services, HIV prevention and family planning were the main focus of attention. Methods. A total number of 9015 individuals aged 18 years and older visited the mobile clinics during the period October 2009 to September 2010. Eight socio-demographic characteristics were collected and used to determine the association between HIV testing and the aforementioned eight variables. The association between the independent variables (sex, age, level of education, marital status, occupation, number of living children, district of residence and area of residence) and HIV testing (the dependent variables) was first investigated using a descriptive analysis and then performing a logistic regression. Results. More than 88% of individuals aged 18 years and older who visited the mobile clinics in the areas covered by the FHI project are from rural areas. HIV testing is still low in these areas, even though the services are provided close to their homes by the mobile clinics. It was found that only 34.7% of the mobile clinic’s clients tested for HIV during the period from October 2009 to September 2010. Out of eight independent variables included in the logistic regression model, five were found to have a statistically significant association with HIV testing, being: sex, age, education, occupation and area of residence Although the majority of these mobile clinics’ clients are females (77.1%), males tested in higher proportion than females accross all areas. The results showed that HIV testing decreases with age, with the age category 18 - 24 years testing for HIV in higher proportion than the age group 25 - 34 years and decreasing further when people become older. Individuals are more likely to take an HIV test when their level of education is higher than matric and tend to respond the same to a HIV testing offer when they have no education, primary or secondary level. Employment was found to be an enabling factor to test for HIV. People who are employed tested for HIV in a higher proportion than people who were unemployed or still in school. The area of residence (classified as rural, semi-urban and urban) showed that HIV testing is higher in urban than in semi-urban areas, and low in rural areas. The analysis by sex showed that education is important for women because women who had either primary, secondary or a higher level of education tested for HIV better than women who do not have any level of education. For males, education was not statistically significant regarding HIV testing. The different age groups showed the same pattern for both sexes regarding HIV testing, but young males in the category 18-24 years showed higher odds of testing for HIV than females in the same age category. With occupation variable, females who are either students or employed tested for HIV almost in the same proportion and their odds of testing for HIV were double that of unemployed females. Employed males showed a notably higher difference in testing for HIV than males who were either in school or unemployed. The area of residence showed the same pattern for males and females, with both testing in higher proportions in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas. Conclusion. Women from rural areas, with no education, were found to test for HIV less than any other individual in the areas under study. Women tested better when they had been exposed to any form of education. The provision of education to women in the form of an extensive and aggressive door to door HIV awareness campaign should therefore make a difference in increasing the uptake of HIV testing in the five areas covered by the mobile clinics. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.