An exploration of young adult males' perceptions of non-resident fathers.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Research on fatherhood has become an area of increasing interest internationally; however, this area remains under-researched in South Africa. Given the increase in father-absent households in South Africa and its severe effects on children, the issue of non-resident fathers requires immediate attention. This study sought to address the paucity of research on this problem by examining the subjective experiences and perceptions of participants in relation to their non-resident fathers. A qualitative methodology was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young adult males who have or had a non-resident father. The results of the study revealed commonalities and contrasts within and across interviews; the contradictions and conflicts that emerged were also explored. This study highlights the unique roles that non-resident fathers play, which go beyond the financial provider role. Specific factors that either facilitate or impede the father-son relationship and how father involvement shapes children's well-being were explored. The results show the strong emotional need that boys have for their fathers and the desire for a close, intimate and fulfilling relationship between a father and son. It is clear that non-resident fathers can and should play a major role in their sons' lives

Enrolling adolescents in HIV vaccine trials: reflections on legal complexities from South Africa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>South Africa is likely to be the first country in the world to host an adolescent HIV vaccine trial. Adolescents may be enrolled in late 2007. In the development and review of adolescent HIV vaccine trial protocols there are many complexities to consider, and much work to be done if these important trials are to become a reality.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This article sets out essential requirements for the lawful conduct of adolescent research in South Africa including compliance with consent requirements, child protection laws, and processes for the ethical and regulatory approval of research.</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>This article outlines likely complexities for researchers and research ethics committees, including determining that trial interventions meet current risk standards for child research. Explicit recommendations are made for role-players in other jurisdictions who may also be planning such trials. This article concludes with concrete steps for implementing these important trials in South Africa and other jurisdictions, including planning for consent processes; delineating privacy rights; compiling information necessary for ethics committees to assess risks to child participants; training trial site staff to recognize when disclosures trig mandatory reporting response; networking among relevant ethics commitees; and lobbying the National Regulatory Authority for guidance.</p

Gender differences in HIV knowledge and unsafe sexual behaviours among disabled people in South Africa

Purpose: The international literature suggests that disabled people may be at increased risk for HIV infection. There is a growing increasing recognition of this in South Africa, although there remains a paucity of literature on how disabled people are affected by HIV/AIDS. This is a concern given the seriousness of the epidemic here. This paper reports on descriptive data exploring gender differences in HIV knowledge and unsafe sexual behaviours among disabled individuals in South Africa. Method: Data was collected by means of a survey questionnaire from a total sample of 285 disabled individuals in three of the nine provinces in South Africa. Data was analysed by means of descriptive statistics. Results: There are low levels and uncertainty of knowledge about HIV transmission and HIV prevention, with females tending to have lower levels of knowledge than males. Although the importance of condoms in HIV prevention was recognised, there were relatively high levels of reported unsafe sexual behaviours. Males reported higher number of monogamous and concurrent sexual partnerships and sex without a condom after alcohol use. Conclusions: The results support the literature that suggests that disabled people are at risk for HIV infection, and that both male and female individuals with disability are at risk