Mathilda Mokgatle | MEDUNSA - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Mathilda Mokgatle

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of risk factors for transmission of HIV and blood-borne viruses in a prison population

African journal of microbiology research

The objective of this study was to assess the factors which constitute risk of transmitting HIV a... more The objective of this study was to assess the factors which constitute risk of transmitting HIV and blood-borne viruses in a male prison. The setting for this study is Quthing district prison, Lesotho. It is a descriptive study that utilized semi-structured questionnaire administered in a face-to-face interview with participants. Collated data were analysed with the aid of SPSS computer software programme. One hundred and thirty eight prison inmates were to be interviewed but only 123 inmates were successfully interviewed. Forty-two percent of the respondents had tattoo marks but just 2/3 of them had their tattoo marks done in the prison. Sixty-five percent of the inmates interviewed shared sharp instruments such as shaving blades in the prison. Thirteen percent of the inmates used condom regularly before admitted into the prison and 68% had more than one sexual partner within the period of 4 weeks before they were imprisoned. Four percent of the inmates had practiced unprotected anal sex in the prison and 2.5% had used intravenous illicit drug. In conclusion this study showed that unprotected anal sex, tattooing and use of unsterilized sharp instruments are common practices among the prisoners while intravenous drug was uncommon.

Research paper thumbnail of People living with HIV/AIDS and the utilization of home- based care services

African journal of microbiology research

Africa with an adult prevalence of 19.7%. The health care services are overstrained with patients... more Africa with an adult prevalence of 19.7%. The health care services are overstrained with patients and home-based care (HBC) is seen as a possible solution to the overstrained health care services in Namibia and this challenge impact on the quality of care on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receive. This study assessed the utilization of HBC service, knowledge and perceptions of PLWHA toward HBC services.

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices that Facilitate the Transmission of HIV among Prison Inmates: A Review

The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant na... more The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant national and international concern. In different countries of the world, the rate of HIV infection among prison inmates is high. In some countries, reports showed that the rate of HIV infection in prisons is higher than in the general population. The epidemic is related to risk factors such as drug use, unsafe injection practices, and homosexual relationships, tattooing and sharing of needles. The failure to provide access to adequate prevention, protection, information and care is a violation of prisoners' right to health as established by international law. As it is known today, the spread of HIV can only be controlled by effective programs designed to educate people about the causes of the infection, its mode of transmission as well as the attitude and behaviour that puts them at risk of becoming infected with HIV and how to avoid exposure to HIV. In this paper we review prisoner's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, attitudes of the prison inmates and practices that constitute risk of transmitting HIV among prison inmates, the link between the society and prison in the transmission of HIV and offer recommendations to tackle the problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the knowledge of prevention of HIV transmission from mother-to-child in an African community

Women living with HIV are faced with lack of adequate information about HIV prevention. This stud... more Women living with HIV are faced with lack of adequate information about HIV prevention. This study assessed the level of knowledge of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Serowe, Botswana. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of knowledge of the PMTCT programme and vertical transmission among HIV-positive women in Serowe, Botswana and as well as describe the practices of family planning among the participants. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey using qualitative method. Twenty six (26) participants attending PMTCT clinics at Serowe clinic, Nutrition clinic, and Kadimo clinic participated in the study between October and December 2008 after consenting to participate. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect socio-demographic data of the participants. Qualitative methods were used to collect data about the women's level of understanding of the PMTCT programme and family planning practices. The interviews were conducted in the local language (Setswana) and translated into English by bilingual experts and participants' responses were audio taped. Although all 26 participants had good knowledge and understanding of the family planning practices, but only 18 (69.2%) had used the family planning methods. The findings in this study revealed good social support from the family members and the disclosure of HIV status was not a big issue to the participants. Majority of respondents (66.6%) had good knowledge and understanding of the PMTCT programme. One-third of the participants were single, 96% of participants were unemployed and about one-third of them live on less than 50 U$ dollars per month. The use of family planning by participants was poor despite their good knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Research paper thumbnail of Home based care funding: Who benefits?

Research paper thumbnail of Characteristics of abused women and factors that enhanced abuse

Scientific research and essays

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of abused women who visited Masonwabisane... more The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of abused women who visited Masonwabisane Women Support Centre (MWSC) in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data was collected at MWSC, an NGO operating under Mnquma local municipality. A descriptive quantitative approach was used where records of abused women (245) were reviewed retrospectively with effect from the 1st of July to 31st December 2007. The records were divided according to the areas served by the organization and the sub-sample randomly selected from each area. The analysis was based on the information that was generated from the records at the centre. The study showed that the majority of the women (94%) were below the age of 40 years of which 49% were single and almost all were living in the rural or informal settlement. Only ten (4%) of the participants had no formal education while close to 82% had at least a secondary school education and the rest 14.3% had tertiary education. About 24% of the participants were unemployed and 26.9% were students. The rest of the respondents were either in full-time (15.1%) or in part-time (33.9%) employment. At the time of presentation at the centre, two third (75%) of the participants were traumatized or injured 24%, 13% confused while 8.6% were reserved and 2.9% not well groomed. Over half (55.5%) of the cases were emotional abused, followed by physical abuse at 31% while sexual abuse were 7.3. % and economical abuse were 6.1%. Over a quarter (33.5%) of them used tobacco, 10.2% used alcohol and 3.3% used illicit drug while over half (53.1%) of them did not use any form of substance. Almost half (44%) of the abused women were angry, 26% were stubborn and 15% were submissive while 14% were aggressive. One tenth (12%) of women were abused during their pregnancy and 25% during their menstrual period. Because of the abuse, 24% were physically disabled. Two thirds (66%) of the women with children between 1 and 4 were abused. Majority (80%) of women were abused by their husband or partners. Results showed that employment and obstetric status were significantly associated (Χ 2 = 96.24, P<0.001). Type of abuse was not dependent on any other variables in the study. Frequency of reporting was associated with type of substance used (Χ 2 = 18.94, P = 0.04) and relationship with perpetrator (Χ 2 = 94.78, P<0.001). Occupation of the perpetrator was related to obstetric status (Χ 2 = 193.58, P<0.001), disability (Χ 2 = 34.51, P<0.001) and number of children the women had (Χ 2 = 116.23, P<0.001). The most common form of abuse reported among participants were emotional abuse (emotional abuse showed highest incidence) and physical abuse.

Research paper thumbnail of A Case Study: World Vision South Africa’s Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Groups of Adolescents

Research paper thumbnail of Implementing HIV testing at schools in South Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Characteristics and pre HAART hospital admissions among HIV-infected children seen in a district hospital HIV clinic, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of sexual coercion among students in an institution of higher learning in Gauteng Province, South Africa

African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance

Sexual violence is a serious public health issue since it is a risk factor for HIV transmission a... more Sexual violence is a serious public health issue since it is a risk factor for HIV transmission and may result in unwanted pregnancies, STIs and an array of emotional and psychological problems. The aim of this study was to gain insight into sexual coercion among students in a university in order to augment the current knowledge on this phenomenon and to be an impetus for further research. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed to investigate sexual coercion at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus. The Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) tool was administered to a systematic random sample of 335 female students registered for the 2010 academic year. The mean age of the respondents was 21.86 years (SD=3.54; range: 17-46; with approximately 74% staying on-campus. A sexual coercion incidence of 27 % within the past year, and a sexual coercion prevalence of 29 % since age 14 was found. Rape was the most common unwanted sexual act reported by respondents. Particular attention needs to be given to rape as it has the most deleterious medical, psychological and social repercussions. Female students who reside on campus are twice as likely to be a victim of attempted verbal coercion. Half of the respondents, who reported being victimized since the age of 14, were victimized again in the past 12 months from the date of data collection. The study revealed that all female students are at risk of verbal coercion, attempted rape and rape irrespective of age, years of study at university, and sexual orientation. Rape was the most common unwanted sexual act experienced.

Research paper thumbnail of Socio-demographic factors associated with abuse among women who consulted at a community health care centre in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng province. South Africa

African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Acceptability and Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing among Student Nurses in a Private Nursing College, Gauteng Province, South Africa

World Journal of AIDS

Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among ... more Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if selftesting kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre-and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre-and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV positive women’s perception of Mother to Child Transmission and the desire to bear children: Implications for HIV prevention

Background HIV-positive women’s childbearing desire and the interaction with prevention programs ... more Background HIV-positive women’s childbearing desire and the interaction with prevention programs in developing countries is understudied. We explored the desire to have children among HIV-positive women, examined knowledge and possibility of mother to child transmission (MTCT), and determine the possible impact of the desire to have children on HIV and treatment efforts. Methods Face-to-face interviews with HAART naïve positive-women and women on HAART, 275 women (175 on HAART and 100 not on HAART) from an ARV center in Uganda. Face-to-face interviews with HIV-positive pregnant women on HAART and enrolled in the PMTCT program of a tertiary hospital in Botswana. Results Majority of non-pregnant respondents had no reproductive desires and reported; fear of deterioration of health (75%), financial constraints (70%), desired number of children (45%), but fear of infecting the child was the least cited reason. Respondents with reproductive desires reported, personal and emotional need to...

Research paper thumbnail of To tell or not to tell: male partner engagement in a Phase 3 microbicide efficacy trial in South Africa

Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Satisfaction of AIDS orphans about orphan care and support programme

Scientific Research and Essays, 2011

It is a well known fact that Botswana has one of the world's highest HIV-prevalence rates as well... more It is a well known fact that Botswana has one of the world's highest HIV-prevalence rates as well as, the world's highest percentage of orphaned children living among its population. In response to this challenge, Botswana instated the National orphan care support programme. However, since its inception in 1999, little has been done to evaluate its effectiveness. The objectives of the study were to identify the services available to orphans in the orphan care and support service and to determine the satisfaction of orphans with this service. It was also deemed necessary to identify the challenges encountered by both the orphans and the officers in charge of the programme. A qualitative study was conducted in which 40 orphans and 4 officers of the programme were interviewed. Respondents reported dissatisfaction with the services (85%) and gave various reasons for their dissatisfaction including a shortage of human, material and financial resources. The high dissatisfaction rate reported by the orphans is of concern since it may have social, economic and psychological impact on the orphans and the society.

Research paper thumbnail of Caregivers' knowledge and use of fermented foods for infant and young children feeding in a rural community of odi, gauteng province, South Africa

Health promotion perspectives, 2014

Fermented foods have positive health effects in adults and children if consumed regularly. Howeve... more Fermented foods have positive health effects in adults and children if consumed regularly. However, lack of knowledge and perceptions to-wards fermented foods may limit their usage. This study aimed to assess the caregivers' awareness and usage of fermented foods for feeding children in peri-urban/rural communities of Gauteng Province. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in June, 2012, in a peri-urban/rural community to assess the awareness and use of fermented foods by child caregivers attending a local antenatal clinic through focus group discussions. Thirty three caregivers participated in the study; however 29 indicated their demographic profiles. Four major themes that emerged from the analysis included knowledge on fermented foods, perceived benefits of fermentation, varied views about fermentation and feeding practices. Fermented foods that caregivers, their families and community members consume include ting, fat cakes, dumplings, sorghum beer and mageu. Findin...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS among inmates of Quthing prison, Lesotho

West Indian Medical Journal, 2007

The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant na... more The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant national and international concern. In different countries of the world, the rate of HIV infection among prison inmates is high. In some countries, reports showed that the rate of HIV infection in prisons is higher than in the general population. The epidemic is related to risk factors such as drug use, unsafe injection practices, and homosexual relationships, tattooing and sharing of needles. The failure to provide access to adequate prevention, protection, information and care is a violation of prisoners' right to health as established by international law. As it is known today, the spread of HIV can only be controlled by effective programs designed to educate people about the causes of the infection, its mode of transmission as well as the attitude and behaviour that puts them at risk of becoming infected with HIV and how to avoid exposure to HIV. In this paper we review prisoner's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, attitudes of the prison inmates and practices that constitute risk of transmitting HIV among prison inmates, the link between the society and prison in the transmission of HIV and offer recommendations to tackle the problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Utilization of the Primary Health Care Services in the Tshwane Region of Gauteng Province, South Africa

PLoS ONE, 2010

Background: In South Africa, the provision of primary health care is a basic service designed to ... more Background: In South Africa, the provision of primary health care is a basic service designed to be cost effective and bring healthcare as close as possible to the population, particularly to those people of low economic status. It is a service which is provided free of charge by the South African government and as part of the millennium health goals, it is intended that the service should be accessible to the populace and be effectively utilized.

Research paper thumbnail of Safe Sex Practice Among HIV Positive Women on Antiretroviral Therapy: A HIV Prevention Challenge for Poor Resourced Settings

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Clinic-Based Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Sentinel Site in South Africa

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008

13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases Abstracts, Poster Presentations e183 Treatment... more 13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases Abstracts, Poster Presentations e183 Treatment Guidelines (STG) and the provision of effective drugs. The syndromic case management strategy aims to reduce the load of STI in facilities. However in South Africa evidence still suggest that in many regions management of STI remain inadequate, more so in rural regions were accessibility of STI services is a challenge. The goal of the study was to assess the accessibility of STI services to clients, in terms of utilisation of STI services, partner notification rates, and clinicians' knowledge about STI syndromic treatment and drug supplies.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of risk factors for transmission of HIV and blood-borne viruses in a prison population

African journal of microbiology research

The objective of this study was to assess the factors which constitute risk of transmitting HIV a... more The objective of this study was to assess the factors which constitute risk of transmitting HIV and blood-borne viruses in a male prison. The setting for this study is Quthing district prison, Lesotho. It is a descriptive study that utilized semi-structured questionnaire administered in a face-to-face interview with participants. Collated data were analysed with the aid of SPSS computer software programme. One hundred and thirty eight prison inmates were to be interviewed but only 123 inmates were successfully interviewed. Forty-two percent of the respondents had tattoo marks but just 2/3 of them had their tattoo marks done in the prison. Sixty-five percent of the inmates interviewed shared sharp instruments such as shaving blades in the prison. Thirteen percent of the inmates used condom regularly before admitted into the prison and 68% had more than one sexual partner within the period of 4 weeks before they were imprisoned. Four percent of the inmates had practiced unprotected anal sex in the prison and 2.5% had used intravenous illicit drug. In conclusion this study showed that unprotected anal sex, tattooing and use of unsterilized sharp instruments are common practices among the prisoners while intravenous drug was uncommon.

Research paper thumbnail of People living with HIV/AIDS and the utilization of home- based care services

African journal of microbiology research

Africa with an adult prevalence of 19.7%. The health care services are overstrained with patients... more Africa with an adult prevalence of 19.7%. The health care services are overstrained with patients and home-based care (HBC) is seen as a possible solution to the overstrained health care services in Namibia and this challenge impact on the quality of care on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receive. This study assessed the utilization of HBC service, knowledge and perceptions of PLWHA toward HBC services.

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices that Facilitate the Transmission of HIV among Prison Inmates: A Review

The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant na... more The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant national and international concern. In different countries of the world, the rate of HIV infection among prison inmates is high. In some countries, reports showed that the rate of HIV infection in prisons is higher than in the general population. The epidemic is related to risk factors such as drug use, unsafe injection practices, and homosexual relationships, tattooing and sharing of needles. The failure to provide access to adequate prevention, protection, information and care is a violation of prisoners' right to health as established by international law. As it is known today, the spread of HIV can only be controlled by effective programs designed to educate people about the causes of the infection, its mode of transmission as well as the attitude and behaviour that puts them at risk of becoming infected with HIV and how to avoid exposure to HIV. In this paper we review prisoner's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, attitudes of the prison inmates and practices that constitute risk of transmitting HIV among prison inmates, the link between the society and prison in the transmission of HIV and offer recommendations to tackle the problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the knowledge of prevention of HIV transmission from mother-to-child in an African community

Women living with HIV are faced with lack of adequate information about HIV prevention. This stud... more Women living with HIV are faced with lack of adequate information about HIV prevention. This study assessed the level of knowledge of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Serowe, Botswana. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of knowledge of the PMTCT programme and vertical transmission among HIV-positive women in Serowe, Botswana and as well as describe the practices of family planning among the participants. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey using qualitative method. Twenty six (26) participants attending PMTCT clinics at Serowe clinic, Nutrition clinic, and Kadimo clinic participated in the study between October and December 2008 after consenting to participate. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect socio-demographic data of the participants. Qualitative methods were used to collect data about the women's level of understanding of the PMTCT programme and family planning practices. The interviews were conducted in the local language (Setswana) and translated into English by bilingual experts and participants' responses were audio taped. Although all 26 participants had good knowledge and understanding of the family planning practices, but only 18 (69.2%) had used the family planning methods. The findings in this study revealed good social support from the family members and the disclosure of HIV status was not a big issue to the participants. Majority of respondents (66.6%) had good knowledge and understanding of the PMTCT programme. One-third of the participants were single, 96% of participants were unemployed and about one-third of them live on less than 50 U$ dollars per month. The use of family planning by participants was poor despite their good knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Research paper thumbnail of Home based care funding: Who benefits?

Research paper thumbnail of Characteristics of abused women and factors that enhanced abuse

Scientific research and essays

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of abused women who visited Masonwabisane... more The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of abused women who visited Masonwabisane Women Support Centre (MWSC) in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data was collected at MWSC, an NGO operating under Mnquma local municipality. A descriptive quantitative approach was used where records of abused women (245) were reviewed retrospectively with effect from the 1st of July to 31st December 2007. The records were divided according to the areas served by the organization and the sub-sample randomly selected from each area. The analysis was based on the information that was generated from the records at the centre. The study showed that the majority of the women (94%) were below the age of 40 years of which 49% were single and almost all were living in the rural or informal settlement. Only ten (4%) of the participants had no formal education while close to 82% had at least a secondary school education and the rest 14.3% had tertiary education. About 24% of the participants were unemployed and 26.9% were students. The rest of the respondents were either in full-time (15.1%) or in part-time (33.9%) employment. At the time of presentation at the centre, two third (75%) of the participants were traumatized or injured 24%, 13% confused while 8.6% were reserved and 2.9% not well groomed. Over half (55.5%) of the cases were emotional abused, followed by physical abuse at 31% while sexual abuse were 7.3. % and economical abuse were 6.1%. Over a quarter (33.5%) of them used tobacco, 10.2% used alcohol and 3.3% used illicit drug while over half (53.1%) of them did not use any form of substance. Almost half (44%) of the abused women were angry, 26% were stubborn and 15% were submissive while 14% were aggressive. One tenth (12%) of women were abused during their pregnancy and 25% during their menstrual period. Because of the abuse, 24% were physically disabled. Two thirds (66%) of the women with children between 1 and 4 were abused. Majority (80%) of women were abused by their husband or partners. Results showed that employment and obstetric status were significantly associated (Χ 2 = 96.24, P<0.001). Type of abuse was not dependent on any other variables in the study. Frequency of reporting was associated with type of substance used (Χ 2 = 18.94, P = 0.04) and relationship with perpetrator (Χ 2 = 94.78, P<0.001). Occupation of the perpetrator was related to obstetric status (Χ 2 = 193.58, P<0.001), disability (Χ 2 = 34.51, P<0.001) and number of children the women had (Χ 2 = 116.23, P<0.001). The most common form of abuse reported among participants were emotional abuse (emotional abuse showed highest incidence) and physical abuse.

Research paper thumbnail of A Case Study: World Vision South Africa’s Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Groups of Adolescents

Research paper thumbnail of Implementing HIV testing at schools in South Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Characteristics and pre HAART hospital admissions among HIV-infected children seen in a district hospital HIV clinic, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of sexual coercion among students in an institution of higher learning in Gauteng Province, South Africa

African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance

Sexual violence is a serious public health issue since it is a risk factor for HIV transmission a... more Sexual violence is a serious public health issue since it is a risk factor for HIV transmission and may result in unwanted pregnancies, STIs and an array of emotional and psychological problems. The aim of this study was to gain insight into sexual coercion among students in a university in order to augment the current knowledge on this phenomenon and to be an impetus for further research. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed to investigate sexual coercion at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus. The Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) tool was administered to a systematic random sample of 335 female students registered for the 2010 academic year. The mean age of the respondents was 21.86 years (SD=3.54; range: 17-46; with approximately 74% staying on-campus. A sexual coercion incidence of 27 % within the past year, and a sexual coercion prevalence of 29 % since age 14 was found. Rape was the most common unwanted sexual act reported by respondents. Particular attention needs to be given to rape as it has the most deleterious medical, psychological and social repercussions. Female students who reside on campus are twice as likely to be a victim of attempted verbal coercion. Half of the respondents, who reported being victimized since the age of 14, were victimized again in the past 12 months from the date of data collection. The study revealed that all female students are at risk of verbal coercion, attempted rape and rape irrespective of age, years of study at university, and sexual orientation. Rape was the most common unwanted sexual act experienced.

Research paper thumbnail of Socio-demographic factors associated with abuse among women who consulted at a community health care centre in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng province. South Africa

African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Acceptability and Willingness to Use HIV Self-Testing among Student Nurses in a Private Nursing College, Gauteng Province, South Africa

World Journal of AIDS

Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among ... more Globally, there is increasing evidence that HIV self-testing (HIVST) is commonly practiced among health care workers (HCWs). Although HIVST kits are available in South Africa, their distribution and use remain unregulated and its acceptability, undocumented. The aim of the study was to explore the acceptability of HIV self-testing among student nurses, examine their willingness to use self-testing, and evaluate their views on the implementation of a regulated HIV self-testing programme. This was a qualitative explorative study, and six focus group discussions were conducted with 67 student nurses recruited from a private nursing college, in Pretoria, South Africa. Thematic analysis and NVivo10 qualitative software were used for data analysis. The nurses perceived HIVST as an acceptable option for HIV testing and most were willing to self-test. Self-testing will provide confidential and accessible HIV testing services, reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and increase partner testing and disclosure. HIVST is more likely to be practised if selftesting kits are easily accessible and affordable, and there are strategies to educate people before the adoption of HIVST. The lack of pre-and post-test counselling, the risk of inaccurate test results, and lack of strategies for the confirmation of self-testing results were the main arguments against HIVST. The high acceptance of HIVST among nurses suggests that HIVST is a feasible option to increase the uptake of HIV-testing among HCWs. However, pre-and post-test counselling should be considered important components in the implementation of self-testing services. Educational and awareness campaigns should precede the roll-out of the self-testing programs.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV positive women’s perception of Mother to Child Transmission and the desire to bear children: Implications for HIV prevention

Background HIV-positive women’s childbearing desire and the interaction with prevention programs ... more Background HIV-positive women’s childbearing desire and the interaction with prevention programs in developing countries is understudied. We explored the desire to have children among HIV-positive women, examined knowledge and possibility of mother to child transmission (MTCT), and determine the possible impact of the desire to have children on HIV and treatment efforts. Methods Face-to-face interviews with HAART naïve positive-women and women on HAART, 275 women (175 on HAART and 100 not on HAART) from an ARV center in Uganda. Face-to-face interviews with HIV-positive pregnant women on HAART and enrolled in the PMTCT program of a tertiary hospital in Botswana. Results Majority of non-pregnant respondents had no reproductive desires and reported; fear of deterioration of health (75%), financial constraints (70%), desired number of children (45%), but fear of infecting the child was the least cited reason. Respondents with reproductive desires reported, personal and emotional need to...

Research paper thumbnail of To tell or not to tell: male partner engagement in a Phase 3 microbicide efficacy trial in South Africa

Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Satisfaction of AIDS orphans about orphan care and support programme

Scientific Research and Essays, 2011

It is a well known fact that Botswana has one of the world's highest HIV-prevalence rates as well... more It is a well known fact that Botswana has one of the world's highest HIV-prevalence rates as well as, the world's highest percentage of orphaned children living among its population. In response to this challenge, Botswana instated the National orphan care support programme. However, since its inception in 1999, little has been done to evaluate its effectiveness. The objectives of the study were to identify the services available to orphans in the orphan care and support service and to determine the satisfaction of orphans with this service. It was also deemed necessary to identify the challenges encountered by both the orphans and the officers in charge of the programme. A qualitative study was conducted in which 40 orphans and 4 officers of the programme were interviewed. Respondents reported dissatisfaction with the services (85%) and gave various reasons for their dissatisfaction including a shortage of human, material and financial resources. The high dissatisfaction rate reported by the orphans is of concern since it may have social, economic and psychological impact on the orphans and the society.

Research paper thumbnail of Caregivers' knowledge and use of fermented foods for infant and young children feeding in a rural community of odi, gauteng province, South Africa

Health promotion perspectives, 2014

Fermented foods have positive health effects in adults and children if consumed regularly. Howeve... more Fermented foods have positive health effects in adults and children if consumed regularly. However, lack of knowledge and perceptions to-wards fermented foods may limit their usage. This study aimed to assess the caregivers' awareness and usage of fermented foods for feeding children in peri-urban/rural communities of Gauteng Province. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in June, 2012, in a peri-urban/rural community to assess the awareness and use of fermented foods by child caregivers attending a local antenatal clinic through focus group discussions. Thirty three caregivers participated in the study; however 29 indicated their demographic profiles. Four major themes that emerged from the analysis included knowledge on fermented foods, perceived benefits of fermentation, varied views about fermentation and feeding practices. Fermented foods that caregivers, their families and community members consume include ting, fat cakes, dumplings, sorghum beer and mageu. Findin...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS among inmates of Quthing prison, Lesotho

West Indian Medical Journal, 2007

The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant na... more The need for an effective response to HIV and behavioural patterns in prisons is a significant national and international concern. In different countries of the world, the rate of HIV infection among prison inmates is high. In some countries, reports showed that the rate of HIV infection in prisons is higher than in the general population. The epidemic is related to risk factors such as drug use, unsafe injection practices, and homosexual relationships, tattooing and sharing of needles. The failure to provide access to adequate prevention, protection, information and care is a violation of prisoners' right to health as established by international law. As it is known today, the spread of HIV can only be controlled by effective programs designed to educate people about the causes of the infection, its mode of transmission as well as the attitude and behaviour that puts them at risk of becoming infected with HIV and how to avoid exposure to HIV. In this paper we review prisoner's knowledge about HIV/AIDS, attitudes of the prison inmates and practices that constitute risk of transmitting HIV among prison inmates, the link between the society and prison in the transmission of HIV and offer recommendations to tackle the problems.

Research paper thumbnail of Utilization of the Primary Health Care Services in the Tshwane Region of Gauteng Province, South Africa

PLoS ONE, 2010

Background: In South Africa, the provision of primary health care is a basic service designed to ... more Background: In South Africa, the provision of primary health care is a basic service designed to be cost effective and bring healthcare as close as possible to the population, particularly to those people of low economic status. It is a service which is provided free of charge by the South African government and as part of the millennium health goals, it is intended that the service should be accessible to the populace and be effectively utilized.

Research paper thumbnail of Safe Sex Practice Among HIV Positive Women on Antiretroviral Therapy: A HIV Prevention Challenge for Poor Resourced Settings

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Clinic-Based Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Sentinel Site in South Africa

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2008

13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases Abstracts, Poster Presentations e183 Treatment... more 13th International Congress on Infectious Diseases Abstracts, Poster Presentations e183 Treatment Guidelines (STG) and the provision of effective drugs. The syndromic case management strategy aims to reduce the load of STI in facilities. However in South Africa evidence still suggest that in many regions management of STI remain inadequate, more so in rural regions were accessibility of STI services is a challenge. The goal of the study was to assess the accessibility of STI services to clients, in terms of utilisation of STI services, partner notification rates, and clinicians' knowledge about STI syndromic treatment and drug supplies.