The integration of STI/HIV services into existing FP and MCH programmes : the perspective of clients.

Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.Since the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development there has been a shift away from meeting demographic targets towards meeting the reproductive goals of individual men and women. Partially as a response to the increase in the level of HIV infection, and the associated high levels of STIs, there has been an increasing focus on integrating HIV/STI services within mainstream Maternal Child Health and Family Planning programmes. Thus clients attending clinics that provide integrated services have the opportunity to receive multiple services during a single visit to a facility. The aim of this research was to evaluate the process of integrating FPIMCH and STI/HIV services in urban and rural areas within KwaZulu-Natal, using data gathered form semi structured interviews with clients leaving the health facilities. The research also examined the overall quality of care received within the integrated clinics. The results show that clients rarely receive a range of services on a single visit, despite the integration of services. In most cases, clients do receive the services for which they attended the health facility. However the study found that providers are missing important opportunities to inform, educate and counsel clients on a variety of reproductive health matters. This is important if we are to avoid the negative consequences of an unwanted pregnancy and STIs (including HIV/AIDS). It was also found that the overall quality of care within integrated clinics was low amongst all clients attending the facility

End of life care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of the qualitative literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>End of life (EoL) care in sub-Saharan Africa still lacks the sound evidence-base needed for the development of effective, appropriate service provision. It is essential to make evidence from all types of research available alongside clinical and health service data, to ensure that EoL care is ethical and culturally appropriate. This article aims to synthesize qualitative research on EoL care in sub-Saharan Africa to inform policy, practice and further research. It seeks to identify areas of existing research; describe findings specifically relevant to the African context; and, identify areas lacking evidence.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Relevant literature was identified through eight electronic databases: AMED, British Nursing Index & Archive, CINAHL, EMBASE, IBSS, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Social Sciences Citation Index; and hand searches. Inclusion criteria were: published qualitative or mixed-method studies in sub-Saharan Africa, about EoL care. Study quality was assessed using a standard grading scale. Relevant data including findings and practice recommendations were extracted and compared in tabular format.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 407 articles initially identified, 51 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Nineteen came from South Africa and the majority (38) focused on HIV/AIDS. Nine dealt with multiple or unspecified conditions and four were about cancer. Study respondents included health professionals, informal carers, patients, community members and bereaved relatives. Informal carers were typically women, the elderly and children, providing total care in the home, and lacking support from professionals or the extended family. Twenty studies focused on home-based care, describing how programmes function in practice and what is needed to make them effective. Patients and carers were reported to prefer institutional care but this needs to be understood in context. Studies focusing on culture discussed good and bad death, culture-specific approaches to symptoms and illness, and the bereavement process.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The data support or complement the findings from quantitative research. The review prompts a reconsideration of the assumption that in Africa the extended family care for the sick, and that people prefer home-based care. The review identifies areas relevant for a research agenda on socio-cultural issues at the EoL in sub-Saharan Africa.</p

Life transitions of young women and the influence of older sisters: adolescent sexual behavior and childbearing in South Africa

Paper presented at the 1st Africa Conference of Young Staticians, Pretoria, 1-3 Jul

Life transitions of young women and the influence of older sisters : adolescent sexual behaviour and childbearing in South Africa

Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.High adolescent childbearing in South Africa has been sustained over several decades (Kaufman, De Wet and Stadler, 2001:149). Findings from the South African Demographic Health Survey (1998) show that 35 percent of 19-year-old girls had given birth at least once (DoH, 1999). Early childbearing can affect the economic, social and physical well-being of the mother and child. In addition young women who are sexually active are also at high risk of HIV infection and other STIs (Rutenberg, Kaufman, McIntyre, Brown and Karim, 2003). Apart from the health risks, there are also social consequences of early childbearing. Studies that have examined the factors influencing early childbearing show that there is a variation in the prevalence of early childbearing that is by place of residence (rural vs. urban), educational attainment, socio-economic status and population group (Palmuleni, Kalule-Sabiti.and Makiwane, 2007; Dickson, 2003). However, there have been few studies that explore the influence of family structure on early childbearing and sexual intercourse. In an attempt to tease out family influences on teenage sexual behaviour, recent literature explores the correlation of timing of sexual activity and childbearing among sibling pairs. Findings confirm that a sister’s sexual initiation and timing of childbearing and other forms of family formation have an independent strong effect on the timing of family formation for a younger sibling (East, 1996). Exploring a sister’s influence in the context of high early childbearing, such as one observed in South Africa, could contribute in understanding escalating teenage pregnancies and childbearing. The 1998 South African Demographic Health Survey will be used to analyse the sexual behaviour patterns of young women between 15 and 24 years of age, focusing specifically on their age at sexual debut, and age and the covariates associated with teenage pregnancy. These results show that having an older sister who has given birth to a child during adolescence could influence the age at which a younger sister has a child and her age at sexual debut. From the results sisters could be a strategic population to target for pregnancy prevention, which would help reduce early childbearing and also the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa

A mixed use Ddevelopment for Newtown, Johannesburg

A building in the heart of Newtown, Johannesburg that incorporates a mix of uses appropriate to its context.Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2005.Architectureunrestricte

The involvement of women in sustainable development policy and programmes in South Africa

Paper presented at the Young Scientists Biodiversity Conference, Diep in die Berg, Pretoria, 12 Octobe

A FRAMEWORK FOR

MBA - WBSMany prominent brands wane at the end of their brand life cycle. This research report analysed this phenomenon and whether an upscale line extension could assist to revitalise a stale brand. Research in beverages found that a line extension allows an established brand to venture into new territories with less risk than repositioning itself altogether. The line extension is akin to a tugboat that steers a ship in a desired direction. The research revealed some reciprocation where a line extension adds brand differentiation. Findings included four possible functions for a line extension. In addition, some parameters in crafting a line extension were firstly, the core brand remained the driver; secondly, brand-fit in the market opportunity, the functional and emotional benefits and lastly, entry entrant launch timing is optimal. Finally a conceptual framework is presented to develop line extension incorporating the portfolio strategy, core brand and line extension executio

Gender stereotyping in children's literature : an analysis of Anne Fine's Bill New Frock (2010) with grade 4 learners.

M. Ed. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.This purpose of this study is to determine the effect, if any, that gender stereotyping in children’s literature, has on learners’. The study looks at the analysis of a novel by Anne Fine entitled “Bill’s New Frock” (2010) in a grade 4 classroom. The study uses a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data to yield results. The study takes on a 3 stage structure i.e. pre-test (questionnaires) to determine existing gender stereotypes, during- test (reading of the novel) and post-test (focus group interviews). The results of the study found that learners’ have a pre-constructed understanding of gender stereotypes influenced by the society, community and population they originate. This is embedded into their conscious as a norm. However exposure to “Bill’s New Frock” (2010) challenged these gender understandings and not only sensitised learners’ to gender equality but also facilitated a change in their gender construct