The start of the 21th century is notable for the apparent lack of safe drinking water and sanitation. Over one billion people in all parts of the world lack access to clean water. Most live in developing countries, such as Africa. Unsafe water and poor sanitation have been primary causal factors in the vast majority of water-borne diseases, especially diarrheal ones. The South African Constitution (Act 108 of 1996, Chapter 2, Section 24) states: “Everyone has the right: (a) To an environment that is not harmful to their health and their wellbeing; and (b) To have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation; ecologically sustainable development, and the use of natural resources, while promoting justifiable economic and social development.” Secondly, section 27 states that: “Everyone has the right to have access to: (a) Health-care services, including reproductive health care; (b) Sufficient food and water; and (c) Social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance.” These factors have prompted this research within the Ugu District Municipality on the perceptions of inadequate rural water service delivery. This study reveals information on those areas in the Ugu District Municipality, which do not have access to clean water, and on the health hazards that might lead to death if residents’ lack of access to clean water persists. The Ugu District Municipality, is situated in KwaZulu-Natal Province, and covers a surface area of 5866 km2. There are six local municipalities in this district. These are: Ezinqoleni, Umzumbe, Umziwabantu, Hibiscus Coast, Umdoni and Vulamehlo. The node is 77% rural and 23% urban, and the total population for this area is 704027 (Ugu District Municipality IDP 2nd 2011/2012:19). / M. Development and Management (Water Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Die Broschüre vermittelt anschaulich, was von Gemeinden, Grundeigentümern, Bewirtschaftern und anderen Betroffenen auf lokaler Ebene unternommen werden kann, um Schäden durch Hochwasser vorzubeugen. Diskutiert werden Maßnahmen wie Flächenentsiegelung, angepasste Landwirtschaft, der Ausbau von Rückhaltebecken oder verbesserte Teichnutzungen. Erfolgreiche Beispiele aus der Praxis runden die Handlungsempfehlungen ab.

An estimated 30 to 36 million people worldwide are living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In 2009 about 5.7 million of the 30 to 36 million people who are infected with HIV were living in South Africa, making South Africa the country with the largest number of people infected with HIV in the world (UNGASS, 2010). Van Dyk (2008) states that HIV infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are accompanied by symptoms of psycho–social distress, but relatively little is known of the direct effect of HIV and AIDS on psychological well–being. The psychological distress is mainly due to the difficulties HIV brings to daily life and the harsh reality of the prognosis of the illness (Van Dyk, 2008). It is not clear whether people infected with HIV who are unaware of their HIV status show more psychological symptoms than people in a group not infected with HIV. The research question for the current study was therefore whether people with and without HIV infection differ in their psycho–social symptoms and strengths before they know their HIV status. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial health profiles of people with and without HIV and AIDS before they knew their infection status. A cross–sectional survey design was used for gathering psychological data. This was part of a multi–disciplinary study where the participants’ HIV status was determined after obtaining their informed consent and giving pre– and post–test counselling. This study falls in the overlap of the South African leg of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study (PURE–SA) that investigates the health transition and chronic diseases of lifestyle in urban and rural areas (Teo, Chow, Vaz, Rangarajan, & Ysusf, 2009), and the FORT2 and 3 projects (FORT2 = Understanding and promoting psychosocial health, resilience and strengths in an African context; Fort 3 = The prevalence of levels of psychosocial health: Dynamics and relationships with biomarkers of (ill) health in the South African contexts) (Wissing, 2005, 2008) on psychological well–being and its biological correlates. All the baseline data were collected during 2005. Of the 1 025 participants who completed all of the psychological health questionnaires, 153 (14.9%) were infected with HIV and 863 were not infected with HIV (since the HIV status of nine of the participants was not known, they were not included in the study). In the urban communities 435 participants completed the psychological health questionnaires, of whom 68 (15.6%) were infected with HIV and 367 were not infected with HIV. In the rural communities, 581 participants completed the psychological health questionnaires, of whom 85 (14.6%) were infected with HIV and 496 were not infected with HIV. The validated Setswana versions of the following seven psychological health questionnaires were used: Affectometer 2 (AFM), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Community Collective Efficacy Scale (CCES), Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC–SF), New General Self–efficacy Scale (NGSE), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Descriptive statistics were determined for all measures for all the participants with, and without HIV. Significant differences in psychosocial profiles among individuals with and without HIV and AIDS and also between those in the rural and urban areas were determined by means of t–tests and by a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Practical significance was determined by the size of the effects. The results for the entire group showed statistically significant differences between the two groups of participants who were infected with HIV and those not infected with HIV regarding their sense of coherence and their perspective on the community’s capacity to succeed in joint activities, but these differences were of only small practical significance. The HIV–infected participants in the urban areas displayed statistically and practically a lower sense of coherence and viewed themselves as less capable of meeting task demands in community contexts, than did the participants not infected with HIV. Though the participants not infected with HIV in the rural group had, statistically and practically, a significantly greater capacity to succeed in joint community activities than the participants infected with HIV, an interesting finding was that the participants infected with HIV experienced more positive affect than the participants not infected with HIV. The research showed that people with and without HIV infection differ in some respects in their psycho–social symptoms and strengths even before they are conscious of their HIV status. It is striking that the differences found on the psychological measures for the participants reflected a personal sense of social coherence and perspective on their community’s capacity to succeed in joint activities, which was lower in the case of participants infected with HIV, and might therefore have led to high–risk social behaviours and consequent infections. It might be that the participants with a relatively lower sense of social coherence, integration, and co–operation towards collectively achieving meaningful goals were more inclined to manifest behaviours that would lead to detrimental consequences (in this case HIV infection) for themselves and others. The higher level of positive affect in the rural group of the participants infected with HIV is still unexplained and requires further research. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

An estimated 30 to 36 million people worldwide are living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In 2009 about 5.7 million of the 30 to 36 million people who are infected with HIV were living in South Africa, making South Africa the country with the largest number of people infected with HIV in the world (UNGASS, 2010). Van Dyk (2008) states that HIV infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are accompanied by symptoms of psycho–social distress, but relatively little is known of the direct effect of HIV and AIDS on psychological well–being. The psychological distress is mainly due to the difficulties HIV brings to daily life and the harsh reality of the prognosis of the illness (Van Dyk, 2008). It is not clear whether people infected with HIV who are unaware of their HIV status show more psychological symptoms than people in a group not infected with HIV. The research question for the current study was therefore whether people with and without HIV infection differ in their psycho–social symptoms and strengths before they know their HIV status. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial health profiles of people with and without HIV and AIDS before they knew their infection status. A cross–sectional survey design was used for gathering psychological data. This was part of a multi–disciplinary study where the participants’ HIV status was determined after obtaining their informed consent and giving pre– and post–test counselling. This study falls in the overlap of the South African leg of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study (PURE–SA) that investigates the health transition and chronic diseases of lifestyle in urban and rural areas (Teo, Chow, Vaz, Rangarajan, & Ysusf, 2009), and the FORT2 and 3 projects (FORT2 = Understanding and promoting psychosocial health, resilience and strengths in an African context; Fort 3 = The prevalence of levels of psychosocial health: Dynamics and relationships with biomarkers of (ill) health in the South African contexts) (Wissing, 2005, 2008) on psychological well–being and its biological correlates. All the baseline data were collected during 2005. Of the 1 025 participants who completed all of the psychological health questionnaires, 153 (14.9%) were infected with HIV and 863 were not infected with HIV (since the HIV status of nine of the participants was not known, they were not included in the study). In the urban communities 435 participants completed the psychological health questionnaires, of whom 68 (15.6%) were infected with HIV and 367 were not infected with HIV. In the rural communities, 581 participants completed the psychological health questionnaires, of whom 85 (14.6%) were infected with HIV and 496 were not infected with HIV. The validated Setswana versions of the following seven psychological health questionnaires were used: Affectometer 2 (AFM), Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Community Collective Efficacy Scale (CCES), Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC–SF), New General Self–efficacy Scale (NGSE), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Descriptive statistics were determined for all measures for all the participants with, and without HIV. Significant differences in psychosocial profiles among individuals with and without HIV and AIDS and also between those in the rural and urban areas were determined by means of t–tests and by a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Practical significance was determined by the size of the effects. The results for the entire group showed statistically significant differences between the two groups of participants who were infected with HIV and those not infected with HIV regarding their sense of coherence and their perspective on the community’s capacity to succeed in joint activities, but these differences were of only small practical significance. The HIV–infected participants in the urban areas displayed statistically and practically a lower sense of coherence and viewed themselves as less capable of meeting task demands in community contexts, than did the participants not infected with HIV. Though the participants not infected with HIV in the rural group had, statistically and practically, a significantly greater capacity to succeed in joint community activities than the participants infected with HIV, an interesting finding was that the participants infected with HIV experienced more positive affect than the participants not infected with HIV. The research showed that people with and without HIV infection differ in some respects in their psycho–social symptoms and strengths even before they are conscious of their HIV status. It is striking that the differences found on the psychological measures for the participants reflected a personal sense of social coherence and perspective on their community’s capacity to succeed in joint activities, which was lower in the case of participants infected with HIV, and might therefore have led to high–risk social behaviours and consequent infections. It might be that the participants with a relatively lower sense of social coherence, integration, and co–operation towards collectively achieving meaningful goals were more inclined to manifest behaviours that would lead to detrimental consequences (in this case HIV infection) for themselves and others. The higher level of positive affect in the rural group of the participants infected with HIV is still unexplained and requires further research. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Approaching towards the global information society, the development of information technologies in the Lithuanian regions in which there is a high level of digital divide becomes very topical. To develop the topic of the paper, the analysis of literary sources, legal documents, projects under implementation was carried out and qualitative questionnaire of experts was done. Having analysed the e-government situation, factors constructing digital divide, the present policy of the development of information technologies and the projects under implementation, solution models enabling to integrate separate regions successfully were suggested.

INTRODUKTION Sverige tar emot en stor andel flyktingar och flera kommer till glesbygd. Ett bra mottagande är avgörande för flyktingarnas hälsa. De har rätt till hälsoundersökning, akut sjukvård samt sjukvård som inte kan vänta. Kulturella skillnader innebär utmaningar för vården och distriktssköterskorna som möter flyktingarna. SYFTE Syftet med studien var att undersöka distriktssköterskors upplevelser av faktorer som påverkar mötet med flyktingar på hälsocentraler utan specifik flyktingmottagning i glesbygd. METOD Studien genomfördes med kvalitativ design. Åtta distriktssköterskor med erfarenhet av flyktingmottagande i glesbygd valdes ut och intervjuades. Semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes och insamlad data analyserades med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. RESULTAT Ett bra bemötande är viktigt när flyktingar söker vård samt tilltro till flyktingarna när de söker vård som inte kan anstå. Bedömningar av vad som är vård som inte kan vänta har beskrivits som svåra. Kännedom om kulturer har beskrivits som önskvärt. Att prioritera hälsosamtalen har betonats som viktigt. Uppdraget kring flyktingmottagning är tydligt, men resurser saknas och kunskapsutveckling var önskvärd. Positiv utveckling i arbetet med flyktingar i glesbygd har setts och tron är att antalet kommer att öka. Relationerna upplevs mer personliga i glesbygd. KONKLUSION I glesbygd upplevs mötet mer personligt och distriktssköterskorna vill utvecklas och arbeta gränsöverskridande. Flyktingarna har förtroende för vårdpersonalen vilket möjliggör att integration främjas om distriktssköterskan ser det som sitt ansvar och ges resurser. Behovet av kunskap i transkulturell omvårdnad är högst aktuellt och för att tillgodose detta efterfrågas möjligheter till eftertanke och utbyte av erfarenheter. / INTRODUCION Sweden receives a large number of refugees and many of them come to the rural area. A good reception is crucial for the health of the refugees who are entitled to a health assessment, emergency care and care that cannot wait. Cultural differences imply challenges for the health care and primary health care nurses who meet the refugees. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that affect the experience of primary health care nurses meeting with refugees at community health centers without specific care refugee centers in rural areas. METHOD The study was performed with a qualitative design. Eight primary health care nurses with experiences working with refugees in rural areas were sampled and interviewed. Data was collected from semi structured interviews and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS A good attitude is important when refugees seek care, and to credence the refugees when they seek health care that cannot wait. Assessments to characterize 'what is care that cannot wait' described as difficult. The knowledge of cultures was expressed as desirable. Prioritizing health assessments were emphasized as important. The assignment in refugee reception is clear, but there is a lack of resources and the wish for knowledge was expressed. Positive development in working with refugees exists and the number of refugees is believed to increase in rural areas. The relationships are perceived more personal in rural areas. CONCLUSION In rural areas, the meeting felt more personal and primary health care nurses wish to develop and operate transboundary. The refugees have confidence in the nursing staff which enables integration and could be promoted by the primary health care nurses if they saw this as their responsibility and were provided proper resources. Knowledge of trans-cultural nursing is needed today in health care and to develop that it demands the opportunity for reflection and exchange of experiences.

Diss. Uppsala : Univ., 2002.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Thesis--University of Chicago. / Bibliography: p. 202-205.

The demographic transition experienced, principally, by emerging countries has resulted in changes in the age and population structure. In this sense, it is perceived that the countryside is undergoing complex changes, because often the elderly remain alone, without the support of children and families. Thus, the elderly had developed ways to take care of themselves, which those need to be studied by nursing area. This study research the question: "How is the self-care of elderly participants of the third age groups in the rural areas?" and objectively describe the self-care of elderly participants of third age groups of rural areas. It is characterized as a qualitative study, exploratory and descriptive approach that uses the narrative interview as a technique for assemblage of data. The subjects of the study are ten elderly people living in rural areas from a municipality located in the northwest in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which participate in activities group in rural areas. However, the date have been collected on the period between April and December of 2014. The elderly were invited to participate to this study, and when the agreement to participate was scheduled day, place and time for assemblage of data as the availability and choice of the elderly. All interviews were recorded and transcribed had their content in full. The elderly received the term of informed consent, and respected all research recommendations with humans. The letter E and a number coded the subjects in order to ensure the patient's confidentiality. The interviews were subjected to thematic content analysis of the operative protocol. The results of the study are presented in the form of a scientific paper, which aims to describe self-care of the rural elderly who take part in the third age group. It was possible to create four analysis categories: recognize and take responsibility for their care; as I take care of me when I am sick; with whom I can tell when I am sick; and the group of elderly and care for oneself. It is understood that this study allows for support of nursing care, as the understanding of self-care of the rural elderly allows nursing, based on scientific knowledge, create media that enable them to maximize the quality of life for seniors. / A transição demográfica vivenciada, principalmente, pelos países em desenvolvimento tem acarretado mudanças na estrutura etária e populacional. Neste sentido, percebe-se que a área rural vem sofrendo alterações mais complexas, pois muitas vezes os idosos permanecem sozinhos, sem o apoio de filhos e familiares. Assim, os idosos têm desenvolvido maneiras para cuidar de si, que necessitam ser estudadas pela enfermagem. Este estudo tem por questão de pesquisa: Como é o cuidado de si de idosos participantes de grupos de terceira idade do meio rural? e objetiva descrever o cuidado de si de idosos participantes de grupos de terceira idade do meio rural. Caracteriza-se como um estudo de abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória que utiliza a entrevista narrativa como técnica para a coleta dos dados. Constituem os participantes do estudo dez idosos residentes no meio rural de um município localizado no noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, que participam de atividades grupais no meio rural. Os dados foram coletados no período compreendido entre abril e dezembro de 2014. Os idosos foram convidados a participar do estudo, e quando da anuência em participar, foi agendado dia, local e horário para a coleta dos dados conforme a disponibilidade e escolha do idoso. Todas as entrevistas foram gravadas e tiveram seu conteúdo transcrito na íntegra. Os idosos receberam o termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, sendo respeitadas todas as recomendações de pesquisas com seres humanos. Os participantes foram codificados pela letra E seguido de um número, a fim de garantir o anonimato do sujeito. As entrevistas foram submetidas a análise de conteúdo temática da proposta operativa. Os resultados do estudo estão apresentados na forma de um artigo científico, que objetiva descrever o cuidado de si de idosos que residem no meio rural. No artigo são apresentadas quatro categorias de análise: reconhecer e assumir a responsabilidade pelo seu cuidado; como eu me cuido quando estou doente; com quem eu posso contar quando estou doente; e, o grupo de terceira idade e o cuidado de si. Entende-se que este estudo permite fundamentar o cuidado de enfermagem, visto que a compreensão do cuidado de si de idosos do meio rural permite que a enfermagem, pautada em conhecimentos científicos, crie meios que possibilitem maximizar a qualidade de vida dos idosos.