Perceptions of the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes by people with disabilities in Uganda

The study investigated perceptions of the availability and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS awareness and intervention programmes by people with disabilities in Uganda. Participants (N=95) were made up of 15 leaders of disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) and 80 people with disabilities (PWDs). A survey design which used both quantitative and qualitative research methods was adopted. A questionnaire was used for leaders of DPOs while focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with the rest of the participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data were analysed by means of a content analysis. The study found that although PWDs were aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, they felt discriminated against on HIV/AIDS issues. The PWDs had difficulties in accessing HIV/AIDS services because of mainly communication problems. Results further revealedthat the HIV/AIDS policy on disability was not very clear. The PWDs requested for full involvement in HIV/AIDS advocacy and training programmes. Recommendations were made

Exploring healthcare system adaptive techniques and challenges in caring for people living with HIV and AIDS during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Harare, Zimbabwe

The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems worldwide, affecting the provision of ongoing care for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). This study aimed to explore the adaptive techniques employed by healthcare systems in providing care for PLWHA during the pandemic and the challenges encountered. An exploratory qualitative study (EQS) methodology was employed, underpinned by the resourcefulness framework. The Silences Framework Analysis Phases were used during data analysis. Fifteen participants were interviewed , and the data were thematically analyzed. The healthcare system employed several adaptive techniques to cater to PLWHA during the pandemic, including developing new standard service protocols, implementing preventative measures to limit COVID-19 infections during hospital visits, and improving communication. The study identified two significant challenges: a lack of health insurance and a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPEs). The findings highlight the need for adapting to changing circumstances and provide ongoing care for PLWHA during the pandemic. The results show that developing new protocols and preventative measures can effectively ensure the continuity of care in pandemic situations. Moreover, the provision of PPEs and health insurance for healthcare staff should be prioritized to create a safe working environment. In conclusion, this study underlined the importance of resourcefulness in developing healthcare resilience to sustain care and support for PLWHA during the COVID-19 pandemic

Exploring enablers of sexually transmitted infections among illegal gold miners in the midlands region of Zimbabwe

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa faces by far the highest rate of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Illegal mineworkers are considered at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Men are generally not receptive to health promotion messages. Methods: This study explored the enablers of sexually transmitted infections. The study utilized a qualitative approach. A total of 40 participants were recruited. Semi structured interviews were used to collect data. A thematic approach was used to analyze the data. Zimbabwe, like any other country in the sub-Saharan region of Africa, has been affected by the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and other STIs, because of poor sexual health education. Results: The study found that the enablers of STIs included poor sexual health knowledge, substance misuse, prolonged stay from family, stigma, lack of entertainment, cultural status, and poor sexual health services. Conclusions: STIs among illegal gold miners is a public health concern that needs urgent attention in many developing countries

Psychology and poverty reduction: a global special Issue

A “global special issue” on poverty brought together 9 international psychology journals during 2010 through 2013. The purpose was to highlight psychology’s contribution toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These goals are rooted in the “capabilities approach” and highlight the importance of fostering environments that support 3 core domains: health, basic education, and income. Here, we analyze what the global special issue contributed. As a whole the global special issue provided an account of “how” psychology engages with poverty and poverty reduction. First, the global special issue, more than other research on poverty, was focused on lower- and middle-income settings. Second, while the content of the articles could be coded into 3 specific domains (health/well-being, education/development, and society/work), the vast majority of the articles straddled more than 1 category. Third, the contents of the global special issue could be organized in terms of the type of contribution: that is, practicality, theory, description, and advocacy. We highlight the importance of addressing wider situational and sociopolitical structures that constrain capability and potential, without losing sight of the person. Psychology might (a) concentrate resources on finding out what actually works to enable poverty reduction; and (b) apply what we know to ensure that research on poverty reduction is more informative and compelling to community stakeholders, organizations, and policymakers. Such an “implementation science” could advance poverty reduction and human development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved

Parents’ Perceptions of HIV and AIDS Education among their Children in Secondary Schools in Masvingo Urban, Zimbabwe

The study sought to establish Zimbabwean parents’ views on HIV and AIDS Education among their children attending secondary schools in Masvingo. A qualitative design was used. An open ended questionnaire was used to collect data from twenty conveniently selected parents with children attending secondary schools in Masvingo urban, Zimbabwe. Data were thematically analysed. The study revealed that parents believed that their children were aware of the HIV and AIDS pandemic from the discussions they held with them and from questions they were sometimes asked by their children. Sources of children’s knowledge included teachers, school awareness programmes, parents, churches, media and peer group discussions. Parents saw their role as that of directly discussing HIV and AIDS related issues with their children. Some parents felt that schools were not doing enough on HIV and AIDS education while others believed that schools were trying their best. Mothers were taking a more leading role than fathers in teaching children about HIV and AIDS. Parents believed that the implementation of the HIV and AIDS education programme was negatively affected by a number of factors which include lack of resources and cultural beliefs. Parents thought that they should be exemplary by participating in HIV and AIDS education advocacy and testing programmes. Researchers made recommendations to improve the implementation of HIV and AIDS education in schools to enhance sustainable development in response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

School counsellors' perceptions of headmasters' attitudes towards guidance and counselling in Zimbabwe secondary schoolsskills in secondary school agriculture

The study sought to find out school counsellors' perceptions of headmasters' attitudes towards the guidance and counselling programme in Zimbabwe secondary schools. Two hundred and six (N=206) school counsellors participated in the study. A questionnaire was developed to collect the data. The SPSS 7.5 version was used to analyze the data. A t-test for independent samples was used. The results revealed that headmasters were perceived as having negative attitudes towards the guidance and councelling programme. There was no significant difference between male and female counsellors' perceptions of headmasters' attitudes towards the guidance and counselling programme. Recommendations for improving headmasters' attitudes were made.Zimbabwe Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 17 (1) March 2005: pp. 19-2

Sexual relationships among students in higher education in Zimbabwe: Implications for HIV/AIDS

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Exploring the challenges of women taking anti-retroviral treatment during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in peri-urban Harare, Zimbabwe

Background: COVID-19 is a threat to both the welfare of the wider population and those who are living with chronic conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People living with HIV need a robust supporting environment and a functioning health system. In response to COVID-19 all services were halted, and people were restricted indoors in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The restriction paused challenges to many vulnerable people living with chronic conditions. This study was set to explore the challenges of women taking anti-retroviral treatment during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in a peri-urban area. Methodology: This research employed an exploratory qualitative study (EQS) approach. Semi-structured questions were devised and used to elicit data on the on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on women accessing HIV treatment. Twenty (20) women were interviewed through contacts from community and faith organisations in peri-urban Harare. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and entered into NVivo for organisation to make analysis easy. The data were thematically analysed underpinned by the for phases of data analysis in the Silences Framework. Results: The study found out that transport problems, confusing COVID-19 restrictions, abuse by police and soldiers at roadblocks, shortage of medication, lack of health check-up routines, involuntary ARVs default and shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) affected HIV positive women accessing anti-retroviral treatment during COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion: The study concluded that pandemic preparedness is important in keeping adequate supply of ARV treatment and responding to the needs of individuals on HIV treatment

University students’ attributions towards academic success or failure

The study explored university students’ perceptions of attributions to success or failure. A random cross-sectional survey design was employed. Seventy-two students (male = 44, female = 28) were randomly selected from the student population of a state university of age ranges 20 to 49 years. The data, collected using a self-administered questionnaire was analysed using the chi-square and frequencies. The study showed that the students consistently attributed success to internal factors and failure to external causes. Gender and age differences in attribution were not statistically significant. The study recommends further research with a larger sample to produce more generalisable results and the need for more interaction between lecturers and learners to reduce unwarranted suspicions by students