Masters Degrees (African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management)

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Assessment of low HIV education programme attendance among young men in Kagiso Mogale City, Gauteng
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Buthelezi, Buyile Celiwe; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to establish the factors that influence young men to attend and access HIV education programme in order to improve young men’s focus on HIV education programme and to increase young men’s involvement with HIV prevention initiatives. The researcher used the qualitative research method to establish factors why young men were not attending HIV education programmes in Mogale City, Gauteng. It was found that young men are willing to attend HIV education programme that are innovative, interesting and will meet their sexual and reproductive health needs. Although they are willing to attend HIV education programmes, young men are scared of the reality of visiting clinics for testing, because clinics perpetuate stigma by separating HIV counselling and testing rooms and healthcare provider attitudes towards young men. They would also like to be part of the planning process to ensure that HIV education programmes are tailored to their needs.
The attitudes of staff members at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology towards the start of an HIV/AIDS workplace peer education programme
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Hoffman, Lorraine Elizabeth; Laas, A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The growing number of HIV-positive people in South Africa demands that organisations take action in mitigating the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS on their workforces. Since a cure for HIV/AIDS is still to be found, organisations can in the interim do much to manage the disease effectively. Organisations are in a favourable position to empower their employees by means of HIV/AIDS practices, policies, prevention and intervention programmes, such as peer education programmes. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of the staff members at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) towards the start of an HIV/AIDS workplace peer education programme. The study was prompted by the lack of interest displayed by staff members as perceived by the researcher over a period of a year. Numerous attempts by the HIV/AIDS unit at the CPUT to start an HIV/AIDS workplace peer education programme failed. This study intended to determine the underpinning reasons why staff members display apathy towards such a programme. A sample of 50 staff members were invited to participate in the study. 34 out of 50 staff members (response rate = 68%) completed and returned the self-administered survey questionnaire. Overall, an analysis of the responses revealed that the respondents' attitudes were more in favour of the introduction of an HIV/AIDS workplace peer education programme than against it. Respondents displayed neutrality when prompted to indicate their level of knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS workplace peer education programmes. Most respondents displayed an unawareness of the call for HIV/AIDS workplace peer educators by the CPUT. It was also found that the internal communication channels used to recruit HIV/AIDS workplace peer educators failed to reach staff members. This was the first study conducted at the CPUT to determine the attitudes of staff members towards an HIV/AIDS workplace peer education programme and therefore some recommendations are made with regard to the implementation of such a programme.
The attitudes towards HIV testing among Mall Clinic patients in Botswana
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Mashinya, Tawanda; Laas, A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was to establish the attitudes of Mall Clinic patients towards HIV testing. The attitudes, factors that influence these attitudes and the preference regarding HIV testing were established. Data was collected through a self administered questionnaire on 123 Mall Clinic patients. From the data it is clear that the Mall Clinic patients have positive attitudes towards HIV testing. The majority of the participants had previously been tested for HIV and agreed that testing for HIV is important. It is essential for them to know their HIV status and will not have sex with someone who‟s HIV status is not known to them. Participants in a relationship think their sexual partner should know his/her HIV status and that it is important to test for HIV with your sexual partner. They feel that is vital to take an HIV test if his/her partner test positive for HIV.
The challenges that peer educators face at Stellenbosch University
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Roussouw, Janine Carmen; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this research study was to look at the challenges which student peer educators face at Stellenbosch University. Semi-structured interviews were done with male and female peer educators who are involved at the Office for Institutional HIV Co-ordination (OIHC), where the peer educators have been recruited and trained. Interviews were done to determine what the peer educators’ experiences are when they work on campus, go out into the community and even when they socialise with their friends. From listening to the peer educators’ experiences it was found that with safe sex messaging there are mixed responses from males and females. According to the peer educators, students would rather purchase another brand of condoms than the Choice condoms distributed on campus. It was also found that males did not have a problem with condoms being placed in their residences, while females had a problem with that. Regarding HIV testing, females are much more open and enthusiastic to go for an HIV test than males. Challenging someone’s risky sexual behaviour is a huge challenge for all peer educators, since behaviour change does not happen easily. Many students also used withdrawal as a form of contraception. In the community peer educators were faced with language barriers and married people were not very enthusiastic to go for an HIV test. Behaviour change is possible, but difficult to bring about.
An evaluation of HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes of Nkonkobe Municipality employees in the Eastern Cape province
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Tyilo, Phelicia Nonzukiso; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Science. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objectives of this study were to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Nkonkobe municipality employees about HIV/AIDS, to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the municipality’s existing HIV/AIDS initiatives and to evaluate what information is needed to enhance the employees’ HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes. A non-experimental quantitative research design was used in this study with a sample of 40 Nkonkobe municipality employees. Overall the respondents indicated to have good knowledge and positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and people living with it. There are, however, the following concerns: a) some respondents are not sure about basic modes of HIV transmission and whether there is a difference between HIV and AIDS; b) some respondents tend to be ignorant towards HIV/AIDS, not interested or trying to avoid the topic. These concerns need to be addressed to enhance the employees’ HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitudes. The results showed that there are currently no existing HIV/AIDS initiatives at Nkonkobe municipality and that there is a definite need for that to make information available to employees.
An exploration of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and risky sexual behaviour of first-year psychology students at the University of the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Fennie, Thelma; Laas, A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS risky behaviour remains a critical health concern for adolescents, specifically at university level. In South Africa, as in many other developed countries, the primary method of HIV/AIDS transmission is heterosexual intercourse (UNAIDS, 2006). Consequences of risky behaviour include unplanned and unprotected sex, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Adolescents who decide to delay their first sexual experience sexual debut, will certainly have a better chance of not having their lives at risk with HIV/AIDS infections, than those who have an earlier sexual debut. In light of the above, this study was conducted to explore the level of sexual knowledge and attitudes about risky sexual behaviour and to identify trends in misinformation among young adults about HIV/AIDS. The study made use of a quantitative research approach. A self-administered baseline questionnaire, used for data collection, was administered to a group of students in a South African university setting. The survey focussed on the areas of HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health, in order to better understand young adults' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and risky sexual behaviour around HIV/AIDS. A sample of (n=220) first-year Psychology students, with ages ranging between 18 and 24 years, were invited to participate in the study. Respondents had an average age of 19.7 years, and were 164 female and 56 male undergraduates. A total of 220 respondents responded to the questionnaire, resulting in a return response rate of 100%. The findings indicated that over 80% of the students have high levels of knowledge and attitudes with regard to HIV/AIDS. They would on the other hand, refuse having sexual intercourse with a partner without a condom during sexual intercourse. Over 80% had chosen to abstain from sex till their wedding day. Fourty-eight percent (48%) felt that more educational and awareness programmes with regard to HIV/AIDS are necessary. Changing behaviour proves to be the key variable which can impact on the spreading and prevention of the HI-virus. Furthermore, the study will make recommendations for future preventative interventions to address the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
HIV and AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices of construction workers : a comparative study of rural and urban based construction workers in Kwazulu-Natal
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Mabika, Mandisi Siphiwengesihle; Laas, A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to determine and compare HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and practices of construction workers in rural and urban settings in order to establish whether geographical location has an influence on these variables in these locations. The findings illustrated that rural participants were more knowledgeable than urban participants regarding HIV and AIDS but their attitude and practices were the same. However the researcher concluded that the difference in knowledge was not because of the geographical location but there were other contributing factors. Therefore the researcher concluded that there is no relationship between HIV and AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices of construction workers with the construction site location they are at.
HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and risky sexual behaviour of women in Lobatse Botswana
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Onyango, Robert David; Laas, A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS has become a global concern and the considerable and disproportionate impact of the disease on women in Botswana, as elsewhere in Africa, has reached a stage where it threatens the social and economic well being of the human society. Therefore this study undertook to examine the levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and practices among women in Lobatse, Botswana by interviewing 145 women through questionnaires. The findings generated from the study suggesting that although the vast majority of respondents are aware of HIV/AIDS and the principal modes of transmission some aspects of their sexual lifestyles, practices and perceptions remain a cause for concern. A good number of the respondents believe that medical solutions exist to the problem of HIV/AIDS. These kinds of misconceptions are certainly a cause for concern. The age at first sexual intercourse is relatively young and this can be explained by the cultural and social norms in the community. Condom use is reportedly inconsistent and low, a contradiction with the observed knowledge levels, only confirming further that knowledge does not necessarily translate into action. Respondents also reported tendencies towards discriminatory practices and attitudes against people infected with HIV/AIDS. This may be a contributory factor leading people to shy away from knowing their status and preferring not to tell anyone in case they know. This calls for more educational interventions, to demystify the disease and curb the arising stigma. The findings also confirm that whereas a lot of effort has been put in information and education, the more difficult and urgent attention should be in translating the knowledge and information into the required behaviour change if we are to win the war against HIV/AIDS.
The impact of billboards on HIV and AIDS awareness in Zimbabwe
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Chiwara, Tsungai Brenda; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study was carried out for the purpose of establishing how young working adults perceive the effect of billboards on HIV and AIDS awareness in Zimbabwe. The study sample was taken from the Directorate of Pharmacy Services, a department within the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare of Zimbabwe, located in the capital city of Harare. A representative number of women (40%) out of the 15 participants were interviewed as certain responses were required based on a participants gender. In-depth interviews were carried, the sections covered positioning and appearance of billboards, billboard content and general aspects. 47% of the participants regarded the billboards as well located, 40% felt that there are adequate numbers of billboards, 47% perceived them as attractive and not needing any improvements while 67% described them as well laid out. The language used on them was said to be fine by 73%, and gender-sensitive by only 33% (of which the majority were men). All the women felt that the billboard contents are sensitising the public to HIV and AIDS as well as most of the men (67% participants in total). However all the participants see billboards as not the best method to bring about HIV and AIDS awareness, but would want a multi-media approach so that they compliment other methods. Billboard usage for HIV and AIDS awareness is making a significant impact but there is room for improvement, and many recommendations were derived from this study.
Knowledge levels and perceptions of teachers of HIV/AIDS and their role in HIV/AIDS prevention : a case of primary schools in Seke, Chitungwiza in Zimbabwe
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Madzivanyika, Grace Chengeto; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The education sector, which is vital for the creation and enhancement of human capital, is negatively affected by HIV/AIDS and school teachers are finding themselves increasingly in the frontline of the epidemic. The question that the sought to address was: what is the teachers’ level of knowledge, perceptions of HIV/AIDS and their role in HIV/AIDS prevention in primary schools? The primary school level is a crucial access point for HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and teachers are expected to play a major role in the provision of information that promotes awareness resulting in behaviour change among pupils. The teachers’ knowledge and perception about HIV/AIDS will thus influence how they perform this role. The aim of the study was to identify the knowledge levels and perceptions of teachers of HIV/AIDS and their role in HIV/AIDS prevention in schools. A quantitative research design was employed. A self-administered structured questionnaire was administered to 40 teachers selected from five primary schools in Seke, Chitungwiza in Zimbabwe. The research findings revealed that majority of the teachers (75%) have knowledge of HIV/AIDS and 80% take part in HIV/AIDS prevention. However, there are some who still do not understand the basic concepts in the subject of HIV/AIDS. Teachers should be equipped with the HIV/AIDS knowledge. More workshops, seminars and group discussions should be organised with teachers having an equal opportunity of attendance. In-training services should be incorporated in order to cater for teachers who have not received training on sexuality and HIV/AIDS education.
The knowledge of church leaders in Taung, Mohale’s Hoek about the HIV/AIDS pandemic
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Mafisa, Malehana Anna; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study intended to ascertain the knowledge level of the church leaders in Taung Mohale's Hoek, Lesotho about HIV/AIDS and identify the constraints for church leaders to make a meaningful contribution to fight against HIV/AIDS. There were 27 churches in Taung of which 19 were sampled based on the number of members. The qualitative approach and in-depth questions were used to interview the church leaders to ascertain their HIV/AIDS level of knowledge. To ensure the reliability and validity of this study, the interview guide was designed to cover dimensions of knowledge on HIV/AIDS and what the church is currently doing in the fight against HIV/AIDS and what they can do to fight HIV/AIDS. The result of the study indicated that most church leaders in Taung area still do not have thorough knowledge about HIV/AIDS and transmission modes. The majority of the church leaders could not differentiate between HIV and AIDS. Some of the church leaders did not know about ARVs. The study further reveals that the Sunday pack guide is existent in both Sesotho and English, however, this guide is not known by most churches in Taung. The general finding was that churches only feel it‟s enough to mention HIV/AIDS at congregational level and dedicate one Sunday tiethe in a year for orphaned and vulnerable children. Only a few churches have sound strategies and procedures to fight this disease beyond just mentioning it on Sundays. The recommendation is that since there is a Sunday pack already in place for guiding the church leaders about how to preach about HIV/AIDS, the Sunday pack should be revised to include information on care and support so that churches can have a clear strategy with goals and objectives of how they are going to play their role in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Sunday pack should also be popularised so that all church leaders could know about it.
The responses of a faith-based organisation to the challenges of HIV/AIDS : a case study of Maseru United Church in Lesotho
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Anozie, Ifeoma Edith; Laas, A.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There are some members of society who feel that the church has been very slow and judgmental in their responses to HIV/AIDS. Yet many feel that the church has been compassionately working with people affected and infected by the virus. There are also those who feel that churches were slow initially but have now overtaken even the government in responding to HIV/AIDS. Considering these conflicting attitudes, the aim of this research paper was be to ascertain the true position of faith-based responses to the challenges of HIV/AIDS. To solve this problem, Maseru United Church in Lesotho was used as a case study. This research determined the responses of Maseru United Church to the challenges of HIV/AIDS, the constraints that have hindered Maseru United Church from responding to the challenges of HIV/AIDS and investigated suggested ways of ensuring effective responses.
To assess the attitudes of top management/CEO’s of small building companies, towards the implementation of HIV/AIDS workplace polices
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Silber, Karen; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Throughout this piece of work, the author has considered the attitudes of chief executive officers/top management of small building companies‟ within the southern suburbs of Cape Town, towards the implementation of HIV/AIDS workplace policies. This became of interest to the researcher whilst studying for the postgraduate diploma in the management of HIV/AIDS in the workplace, as the company used throughout this diploma was a small building company. As Human Resource Manager for this company, employing between 15-30 men, it became apparent how difficult it is for small companies to consider HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue. This became even more of a concern whilst considering how many people are employed by small companies especially within the construction industry which is uniquely vulnerable. Top management support is imperative to implementing an active HIV/AIDS workplace policy therefore assessing how they consider it and what barriers they face was believed to be significant if a cohesive strategic response was to be formulated. A survey was deemed the most appropriate way to gain this insight which the researcher carried out. The results highlighted how small businesses within the construction industry are not addressing HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue despite recognising it as a significant threat. The researcher then considers several options on how to overcome these barriers.
The vulnerability of the visually impaired to HIV and AIDS : a study of the HIV and AIDS outreach efforts for visually impaired people
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Booi, Nokuphumla; Laas, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Industrial Psychology. Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study argues that visually impaired people are vulnerable to HIV due to insufficient HIV and AIDS intervention programmes that are not modified for their diverse needs, also to lack of support from health care workers, sexual assault and risky sexual behaviour. The study is aimed at establishing the factors that expose the visually impaired to be vulnerable to HIV and suggest strategies for HIV prevention programmes for the visually impaired. The researcher chose only totally blind people from the Johannesburg Society for the Blind, Ubuntu Workshop for the Blind and Blind SA which are all in Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in the study. The researcher chose those organisations because they promote the abilities and potential of people with visual impairment by publicizing their achievements and their special needs. They also educate the community about visual impairment, including its treatment and prevention and they have a vast number of the visually impaired unlike searching for them in their scattered locations. The researcher used a qualitative research approach where she interviewed the participants as a method of data collection where the visually impaired perceived themselves to be at higher risk of HIV infection due to the nature of their disability regardless of their awareness levels. Basically people with visual impairment are vulnerable to HIV because of lack of HIV programmes which are modified for their needs and social exclusion due to stigma attached to disability. The study concluded that the government has failed to recognize the visually impaired as a high risk group and therefore the visually impaired are not fully included in the existing HIV and AIDS intervention programmes.

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