Tesi sul tema "Disfigured persons in art"

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Social Work. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-72).

Thesis (M.A.) -- University of Montana, 2009.
Title from author supplied metadata. Description based on contents viewed on August 30, 2009. Author supplied keywords: Art and community, art with alternative populations, spirituality and art, art with people who are homeless . Includes bibliographical references.

It is widely acknowledged that without volunteer guides, or docents, most museums and galleries would find it impossible to offer education programmes as they are known today. Docents work in the critical interface between visitors and works of art, yet often they are viewed as being passive, and often ineffective, transmitters of the gallery's educational message. The literature on gallery education emphasizes docent "management", or the methods used to recruit, train, and supervise docents. But gallery staff must consider the docent’s beliefs, values, and viewpoints about art, and about education, for improvement of education programmes to occur. This study describes, and analyzes, the docent’s perspective of gallery education programmes, and the extent to which docents are actively engaged in the ongoing process of learning to help others learn. In order to obtain their perspective, six docents in two art galleries were engaged in long, semi-structured, and repeated interviews. These interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Categories derived from the teacher's practical knowledge, such as subject, curriculum, instruction, self, and milieu, were used as a framework to describe and analyze the docent's practical knowledge. It was found that though the docents did indeed hold a coherent body of knowledge that originates in their practice, their theoretical knowledge of art was often an inadequate base on which to build an interpretation of the gallery's exhibitions. Differences were found in the educational goals of the gallery, and between the institution, and the docent’s educational values and purposes. Educators need to be aware or the shifting, complex, and sometimes paradoxical nature of the docent’s role. The docent’s perspective must be considered in the successful planning and implementation of education programmes.
Education, Faculty of
Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of
Graduate

This paper describes my research project and body of work, which investigates social inequalities through the different language and functions of everyday objects. The research moves on from my previous Honours research project on the dou ble nature of caravan parks in NSW and looked at the changing demographics of these locations. I noted the increase of semi-permanent, residential 'homes' for low income earners and the unemployed, in these holiday locations. This paper examines broader social issues of homelessness and social inequalities within our society. I look at the complexities in the definitions of homelessness and the ways in which people find themselves in the position where they rely on welfare agencies and government support. I also investigate different representations of homelessness by artists and other social commentators, ranging from the hopeless victim to the vagrant. This section locates my social concerns with the context of theoretical debate and artistic representation. I have used everyday and mundane objects in my artworks to discuss these social concerns. Everyday objects posses a language and commonality that is familiar to all members of society. This language is developed from the different historical, cultural and functional qualities that everyday objects possess. I discus this in relation to the development of the everyday object in artistic practices from the early 20th century to today. Of specifically importance to my practice is the influence of contemporary German artists and their manipulation of objects to make works with political and social content. Throughout this paper I have discussed individual art works which illustrate my social concerns and the practicalities of the everyday. Revealing how I juxtapose certain objects to question the uneven nature of travel and home, with regards to possessions and mobility. Additionally I challenge the normal functions of objects to reveal new absurd possibilities of use.

Photographs of the victims of Argentine state terrorism from 1972 to 1983, and most prominently those of the detained-disappeared victims of the Proceso de Reorganización Nacional dictatorship (1976-1983), have had a significant role in elucidating the demands of human rights activists since the aftermath of the Trelew Massacre in 1972. In this thesis I examine the role of photographs of victims of state terrorism in the construction of unofficial, or counter, narratives critical of those produced by two dictatorships and by elected democratic administrations in the demand for truth and justice, and in the construction of social memory. I discuss how the photographs have operated during distinct historical periods and the threads that have emerged in response to the longer timeframe of state terrorism (1972-1983), in terms of what sociologist Daniel Feierstein (2011) calls explanatory frameworks. Feierstein’s term looks at how state terrorism has been approached in distinct political periods. Those explanations include war and genocide In order to answer the questions; how do bodies of photographs articulate and at times drive political and social debates regarding state repression in Argentina, and how are they used to frame an understanding of state violence during changing political conditions?, the study embeds the use of photographs by artists and activists within an extensive historical narrative constructed from the data retrieved from a number of key publications from the 1970s and 1980s and archival documents and photographs held by human rights organisations in Argentina. The study addresses significant gaps in existing scholarship. Much existing literature focuses on the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo’s use of photographs of the detained-disappeared victims of the Proceso de Reorganización Nacional during that dictatorship. These analyses are dominated by the application of Barthesian photographic theory that rests on photography’s capacity to simultaneously represent absence and presence (Barthes, 1981; Longoni, 2010; Tandeciarz, 2006; Taylor, 2002). That period is one significant part of a longitudinal campaign conducted in Argentina from 1972. This thesis furthers the discussion, particularly in the examination of the continued use of photographs by one of the two factions of the organisation; the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo: Founding Line, following the organisation’s 1986 split, and by an examination of the role of a small number of photographs of victims taken in a Clandestine Detention Centre (CDC). From the Proceso the use of photographs has been informed by the imposition of limits with respect to information on the fate of victims and by the demand for information on the victims. The small number of state produced photographs or repressive photographs (Sekula, 1986) emerged into the public realm in 1984 and formed part of the records produced for all victims held in Clandestine Detention Centres. Allan Sekula’s honorific and repressive photographic poles underpins my analysis of the importance of photographs during distinct political periods and their uses in art works, the legal arena, and in demonstrations. I examine how those repressive and honorific (Sekula, 1986) and disciplinary photographs (Tandeciarz, 2006) which originated in the family realm or non repressive state agencies have underpinned the pursuit of truth and justice. Only through an extensive examination do core aspects of the uses of photographs of victims of state terrorism emerge with clarity.

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The following study was developed with the purpose of analyzing the universe of the Fashion Designer professional that acts specifically on the clothing market, about his/her trajectory, identity, senses and experiences that concerns to his work. It s a case study of descriptive qualitative and exploratory character, developed with 11 Fashion Designers that act on the market of Goiânia, that tried to raise experiences of pleasure-pain, supported on the psychodynamic approach of work. It used individual interviews, which were interpreted through a graphic analysis of the speech. Its specific goals were: 1) to raise the identity and the trajectory of the Fashion Designer professional, the senses of his/her profession, the meanings of art and market, and the work as a creative process; 2) To raise the experiences of the Fashion Designers in relation to the process of work management, analyzing their organization and their work relationships, their conditions and work time; 3) To raise the subjective mobilization of the workers, analyzing the comprehension of their experiences of pleasure-pain and defensive strategies. In relation to the experiences related to their professional identity, their life trajectories, and the senses given by them at work on the art and market relationship, it can be said that Fashion Design is a field that works for money and that the art takes the domain of symbolic and communicative aspects more into consideration than the manufacture and hand abilities. It is also relevant that art and creation are intimately related, according to the view of the interviewed Designers, and that even though it is published art and not pure art , the identification between the art and the work of the designer is significant and positive, even with the conscience of its productive process. In relation to their work organization, it showed some elements that are common experiences of all the people interviewed that didn t pertain to their functional relation: division of work; division of tasks; division of men (leaderships, leaders, etc.); the existence of instruments of evaluation and of quality patterns; and the discrepancy between the prescribed and the real. On the other hand, it showed the lack of standards and patterns of formal procedures; the existence of a long and structured productive process; the high necessity of group/team work; and that they are submitted to an elevated degree of personal judgment, from the company s and from the client s point of view. Among the autonomous and the employed ones, we noticed experiences that are differentiated and not represented by the enterpriser or owners of their own business, as: to deal with the companies that focus on the result rather than on the technical process, and the difficulty to make the owner of the company aware of the real work developed by the Fashion Designer. Now, on what concerns the experiences of the workers subjective mobilization, they are used to minimize their pain, the defensive ideology through contradictory speech. About the pleasure experiences, it shows that the activity of creating fashion is the source of pleasure and the task itself provides balance over the psychological burden, because they are recognized in their own work. This activity, in its own experience is recognized as creative, not overly alienating, producing pleasure. The data showed that the sublimation process experienced by the interviewed participants, that through the freedom of creation, they can deal in a healthy way with the difficulties faced in this field of work. The psychodynamic and the theories related to work, to the creativity and to the Fashion Designer universe proved to be appropriate, relating the process of creation and art with the demands of the consumer market and with the professional practice. It is expected that the understanding and analysis of this study might help the fashion organizations to make strategic choices that allow better results for their teams of collaborators, especially for their Designers. It is also expected that this work might contribute to the humanistic field, on what concerns the psychodynamic work, specifically the psychology
O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de analisar os Designers de Moda, que atuam especificamente na moda vestuária, no que diz respeito à sua trajetória, identidade, sentidos atribuídos ao seu trabalho. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de caráter descritivo e exploratório, desenvolvido com 11 Designers de Moda que atuam no mercado goiano, sendo classificados em três categorias: os autônomos, os funcionários e os empreendedores. Buscouse levantar suas vivências relacionadas ao trabalho, apoiado na abordagem psicodinâmica do trabalho. Seus objetivos específicos foram: 1) Levantar a identidade e a trajetória profissional do Designer de Moda, os sentidos que atribuem à sua profissão, à arte e ao mercado, assim como, seu trabalho como processo criativo. 2) Levantar as vivências dos Designers de Moda em relação ao processo de gestão do trabalho, analisando sua organização, relações, condições de trabalho. 3) Levantar a mobilização subjetiva dos trabalhadores, analisando suas vivências de prazer, sofrimento e estratégias defensivas. Utilizou-se de entrevistas individuais, que foram analisados pela análise gráfica do discurso. No que diz respeito às vivências relacionadas à sua identidade profissional, sua trajetória de vida, e os sentidos atribuídos por eles ao trabalho e em relação à arte e ao mercado, evidenciou-se que a profissão de Designer de Moda serve ao capital e que a arte privilegia mais o domínio de aspectos simbólicos e comunicativos do que as habilidades manuais e artesanais. A arte e a criação estão intimamente relacionadas, na visão dos Designers entrevistados, e que embora seja arte publicada e não arte pura ocorreu a identificação entre a arte e o trabalho do designer. Em relação à organização do trabalho, evidenciaram-se alguns elementos comuns às vivências de todos os entrevistados independente da sua relação funcional: a divisão do trabalho; a divisão das tarefas; a divisão das pessoas (chefias, lideranças, etc); a existência de instrumentos avaliativos e de padrões de qualidade; e a defasagem entre o trabalho prescrito e o real. Por outro lado, evidenciou-se a ausência de normas e padrões de procedimentos formalizados; a existência de um processo produtivo longo e estruturado; a alta demanda por trabalho em grupo/equipe; e o fato de estarem submetidas a um julgamento pessoal, da empresa e do cliente. Em relação às categorias funcionais dos autônomos e empregados, existem vivências um pouco diferenciadas e não representadas pela categoria dos empreendedores ou donos dos seus próprios negócios, como: lidar com as empresas com foco mais no resultado do que no processo técnico, e a dificuldade de conscientização do proprietário da empresa sobre o real trabalho do Designer de Moda. Quanto às vivências de prazer, evidenciou-se que a atividade de criar moda é fonte de prazer e a tarefa em si proporciona equilíbrio sobre a carga psíquica, pois eles se reconhecem no próprio trabalho. Essa atividade é reconhecida como criativa, não excessivamente alienadora e produtora de prazer. Os dados evidenciaram o processo de sublimação vivenciado pelos entrevistados, que através da liberdade de criação, conseguem lidar de forma saudável com as dificuldades enfrentadas neste campo de trabalho. Já com relação à mobilização subjetiva dos trabalhadores, estes utilizam, para minimizar seu sofrimento, a ideologia defensiva através de discurso ideológico que camufla as contradições. A psicodinâmica e as teorias relacionadas ao trabalho, à criatividade e ao universo do Designer de Moda contribuíram para a análise das interfaces entre o processo de criação e arte com as demandas do mercado consumidor e com a prática profissional. A análise deste estudo pode auxiliar as organizações de moda na escolha de estratégias que possibilitem melhores resultados para suas equipes, em especial para os seus Designers.

The scale of people being infected by HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) has meant that the family and the community have had to become involved in caring for the sick (Van Dyk, 2005). This has inevitably led to the emergence of informal caregivers in the form of family members caring for their relatives (Kipp, Nkosi, Laing & Jhangri, 2006). The research investigated the social learning of women caregivers looking after people living with HIV/AIDS, with emphasis on caregiving practices related to how they use traditional foods and medicinal plants. The research was undertaken in Grahamstown at the Raphael Centre and in Hamburg at Keiskkamma Health Centre and Art Project, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions and diaries written by participants. The data was analyzed in two phases: the first phase involved reading the interview transcripts and collating the responses into analytical memos that were captured into broad categories, while the second phase made use of the community of practice analytical framework to further analyze the data to get better understanding of the social learning processes. This study reveals that participating in a community of practice like Raphael Centre and Keiskamma Health Centre enables caregivers to learn about caregiving. It also reveals that within these communities of practice there are varied learning processes that take place, such as observational and collaborative learning. The research also revealed that caregivers learn from the communities from which they come, for example caregivers learn about traditional food and medicinal plants which they use from their family members, friends, other caregivers as well as non governmental organizations. The research found that caregivers are influenced in their learning and practices by a number of factors which include their own experiences, ambivalent messages from different stakeholders concerned with fighting HIV/AIDS and exposure to new information. The research recommends that diverse learning processes in a community of practice and outside a community of practice should be encouraged and strengthened. It also recommends that HIV/AIDS caregiving options should be strengthened by drawing on experience and knowledge of caregivers. Caregivers should be encouraged to be selfsustaining to improve their caregiving practices. Stakeholders in the field of HIV/AIDS should be alert to and address ambivalence on use of medicinal plants. Existing programmes that enable women to learn about new information on HIV/AIDS should be strengthened.

This final thesis aims to introduce the reader with the Helsinki School phenomenon especially with the less known facts. The great deal of attention is dedicated to the historical development of teaching photography in Finland which precede the phenomenon itself. First chapter is chronologically ordered for better clarity, since the origination to present time. Other important part is dedicated to the term of the Helsinki School and to Timothy Persons as its founder. The third and last chapter is focused to selection of six artists of the Helsinki School. Their work is described by the monographic method. After reading my work, the reader should have a clear idea of what preceded the Helsinki School, what is characteristic for it and who are its members. I would like to approach the reader with this topic from as many angels as possible so that the picture of the Helsinki School is complete.

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
In his 1974 work, Theory of the Avant-Garde, Peter Bürger developed a sociological argument that the practices of the historical avant-garde had emerged as a systematic challenge to the hegemonic institutionalisation of bourgeois aesthetic taste. For Bürger, art had, since the Renaissance, gradually freed itself from societal pressures or responsibilities culminating in the emergence, in the nineteenth century, of a bourgeois institution of art that was characterised by the autonomy of the art object and its economic worth. In Bürger’s theory, the historical avant-garde (and Dada and surrealism specifically) challenged this condition by negating the “work of art” (and its value) and reconnecting the production of art with the praxis of life, effectively dismantling the autonomous status of the art object. The critical legacy of the historical avant-garde was the formation of the readymade, collage, montage and chance as strategies that challenged the aesthetic categories of bourgeois taste and the institutional status of the work of art. For Bürger, the acceptance of these works within the institution of art in the 1960s (through their adoption as neo-avant-garde strategies) had meant that they no longer functioned as a critique but as an endorsement of these institutional conditions. Framed by a recent critical reappraisal of Dada and surrealism in American art theory, this dissertation argues that architecture was an important strategy of the historical avant-garde and especially in the context of Bürger’s theoretical categories. Architecture, in this context, is indelibly tied to the praxis of life and was a contextual backdrop to the experiential aspirations of both Dada and surrealism. The dissertation argues that architecture functioned as an objet trouvé (found object) that, like the readymade, was employed in the armoury of the historical avant-garde in order to negate the aesthetic and autonomous claims of the institutionalised work of art. It is argued that this experiential repositioning of architecture as an avant-garde (rather than strictly modernist) preoccupation in the 1920s had an influence on the architecture of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, where ideas of Dada and surrealism migrated into contemporary architectural practice not only expanding the disciplinary boundaries but the nature of the architectural object in general. Focussing on the creative processes of Bernard Tschumi, Coop Himmelb(l)au and Diller + Scofidio, the dissertation argues that Peter Bürger’s positioning of a dialogue between the historic avant-garde and the neo-avant-garde is instructive for supporting a deeper understanding of the expansion of architectural concerns in this period. The dissertation concludes with a summation of the avant-garde project, its limitations and its ongoing relevance to architectural production.

M.A.
Many women who live with body disfigurement as a consequence of illness, continue to suffer from body perceptual disturbances many years following their recovery. Problematic however, is the tendency of disease-specific studies investigating body perceptual disturbances to focus on illness associated body changes. Consequently, this silences the experiences of many women who live with body disfigurement in the absence of illness and more specifically, in instances where body disfigurement is the result of having suffered a common ailment (Francis, 2002; Newell, 2000). Impeding the concerns raised are inferences of earlier studies such as that by Patterson and Craig (1963) who reason that, by virtue of the body's integrity being dependent upon external appearances, hysterectomy, as something internal to the body, fails to feature as a psychological difficulty experienced in women who have this. Recent studies by Newell (2000) and Francis (2002) identify a need for research on body disfigurement following a common ailment and in the absence of illness. In an attempt to address some of the concerns raised, and in keeping with body disfigurement resulting from a common ailment (e.g. cancer, dysmenorrhoea and uterine fibroids, etc), this study compares levels of depression and self-concept in women who have undergone either mastectomy, hysterectomy or vulvectomy. Additionally, this study challenged the inferences by Patterson and Craig (1963) in that the onset of psychopathology in these women is here thought to develop irrespective of the levels of disfigurement visibility (whether disfigurement is internal to the body as in hysterectomy or external to the body as in mastectomy and vulvectomy). In terms of the three areas of participation, of the hysterectomy group (n = 16), of the mastectomy group (n = 8), and of the vulvectomy group (n = 4). Additionally, only participants who had not undergone reconstructive surgery were selected. To investigate for self-concept and body perceptual disturbances, data was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Self-Description Questionnaire III, the Six Factor Self-Concept Scale and also from open-ended questions posited in a Biographical Questionnaire. The Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests were utilised as nonparametric statistics of choice in the data analyses. The results showed seven areas of significant group differences as this pertains to: levels of depression, physical appearance, spiritual/religious values, general esteem, opposite sex peer relations, parent relations and power. Most striking was the participant responses made in respect to the Importance versus Accuracy subsection of the SDQ-III. Of the 12 statements contained under this section, all were considered to be more important to the participants than the statement was thought accurate of them. Significant differences on this subsection were observed in terms of: parent relations, spiritual/religious values, emotional stability and physical appearance. Although investigating depression and self-concept in women with body disfigurement in South Africa proved to be a complex and difficult research undertaking, the results of this study clearly strengthen its implementation value and demonstrate the need for future research in this area. This pilot study enabled for invaluable insight to be gleaned in terms of the thoughts, feelings and struggles of these women. Similarly the study provided for a method of pre-testing and fine-tuning prior to Phase Two. Additionally, the results of this study contribute to the sparse volume of literature on body disfigurement in the absence of illness. This complex, yet emotionally charged and dynamic terrain is fraught with a magnitude of possibilities for future research and of which can take an infinite number of directions. Altered body appearance and function can invariably result in highly complex psychological and psychosocial disturbances. Francis (2002) echoes what this study commits to when she says: "… when the process of knowing is fractured in a sudden catastrophe, when knowing of the external surfaces of the familiar body is interrupted, the sense of being at home in ones body becomes problematic" (p. 108). As such, this study embraces the possibility that many women in South Africa, who live with body disfigurement in the absence of illness, continue to suffer disturbances in body perception years later and that this is so despite being illness free and irrespective of visibility levels. The study's demonstration of this in real-life intervention serves to highlight this. Similarly, in that 92.3% of participants felt the need to join group therapy or formulate support groups for disfigured individuals as a means by which to voice and better come to terms with past and current traumatic experiences encountered as a result of living with altered body appearance and function, the need for future research in body disfigurement in the absence of illness, is strengthened. It is hoped that, albeit in some small way, this study adds volume to the silenced experience of these women. Similarly, this study hopes to provide a foundation from which many silenced experiences can be voiced.

The purpose of this research was to determine if incorporating individualized arts and art-making activities into the caregiving of persons with Alzheimer's Disease would help to improve their overall quality of life. To answer this question, I conducted an eight-week qualitative case study of two persons with Alzheimer's Disease. I visited the patients and their caregivers in their homes, and facilitated the incorporation of arts and art-making activities into their caregiving. These activities included painting with watercolors and acrylic paints, sewing, dancing, listening to music, collage, craftwork, storytelling, and sharing past art experiences. As a result of participating in this case study, the two persons with Alzheimer's Disease experienced increased confidence and self-esteem, a positive means of communication and social engagement, an opportunity to be validated and valued as persons with a rich life history and valuable remaining talents, and they developed new physical and mental abilities.
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Thesis (M.F.A)--York University, 2004. Graduate Programme in Visual Arts.
Typescript. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR13046

With the worldwide increase in numbers of individuals infected with the human-immune deficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the need for more information became essential. The devastating influences and fatal outcome of this disease is inevitable. These individuals are confronted with mortality and various disabling conditions. One of these disabling conditions is the possible development of a hearing loss. Loss of hearing sensitivity related to HIV/AIDS is only one of numerous effects the virus may have on humans and their quality of life. Therefore increased awareness of HIV/AIDS and the influences of this disease is inevitable for the modern audiologist. The precise nature and the extent of the influence that HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (ART) has on the hearing ability of a person are unknown to date. Even though a relationship between hearing loss, HIV/AIDS and the administration of relevant medication is expected, no clear explanation is available to provide the public or clinicians with the necessary information on assessments, interventions and aural rehabilitation techniques. Without being able to identify the specific cause, symptoms and place of lesion of the hearing loss, it will be difficult to ensure appropriate monitoring and treatment. Information regarding the influences of HIV/AIDS and ART on hearing sensitivity had to be established to ensure appropriate intervention and rehabilitation options. The first part of this research project reviews the evidence available regarding the possible influences of HIV/AIDS on hearing. Throughout the research a cross-sectional design with quantitative and qualitative approaches were followed comprising of a structured interview, basic and specialized audiometric battery to obtain the necessary case history, as well as results for these different audiological tests that were conducted. The specialised tests included immittance measurements, distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). The results of this study were discussed in terms of the three sub aims in accordance with the different audiological tests that were conducted. The results indicated that those participants with ART exposure had a significantly higher incidence of hearing loss. The pure tone averages were mainly found within normal limits but decreased with the progression of the final stages of HIV/AIDS. The high and low frequencies of the audiogram were often affected with loss of hearing sensitivity suggesting the presence of a high and low frequency slope. The final three stages of HIV/AIDS had a significantly higher incidence of bilateral hearing loss. ART exposure were associated with more severe degrees of hearing loss. The DPOAE and ABR indicated that cochlear and retro-cochlear damage existed often among these participants. Only 20% participants had abnormal tympanograms suggestive of conductive pathology. The results revealed that the type of pathology varied across the stages of HIV/AIDS. The conclusions and implications of this study are discussed. Recommendations incorporate the development of HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns that includes audiological information on the possible influences, where to refer or where to seek assistance; issues regarding the improvement of the modern audiologists’ knowledge in terms of the management of the audiological needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS and the application of these results in the industrial setting to utilize when they consider granting compensation claims.
Dissertation (MCommunication Pathology)--University of Pretoria, 2008.
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
unrestricted

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Genetics. Johannesburg, South Africa 2017
Background: Stavudine (d4T) use is associated with the development of sensory neuropathy (SN), several mechanisms may underlie d4T-induced toxicity, including: (1) Inter-patient genetic variability in the genes modulating the deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) pool sizes. (2) Variation in intracellular ARV drug concentrations due to genetic variation in drug transporters. In our study we examined the genetic variation in four stavudine transporter genes and seven genes regulating the deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) synthesis and their associations with d4T-induced SN or CD4+ T cell count or mtDNA copy number. Methods: We examined a cohort of HIV-positive South African (SA) adults exposed to d4T, including 143 cases with SN and 120 controls without SN. 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the literature were chosen, prioritised on being tagSNPs with minor allele frequency >5% in Kenyan Luhya (a proxy population for the SA Black population); SNP functional effects and suitability for multiplex analysis on the genotyping platform. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom mass spectrometry. A qPCR assay was used to measure the mtDNA copy number. Association of sensory neuropathy, CD4+ T cell count and mtDNA copy number with genetic variants was evaluated using PLINK. Results: All 26 SNPs were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in both the cases and controls. SNP rs8187758 of the SLC28A1 transporter gene and a 3-SNP haplotype ABCG2 were significantly associated with CD4+ T cell count after correction for multiple testing (p = 0.043 and p=0.042 respectively), but were not significant in multivariate testing. No SNP remained significantly associated with SN or mtDNA copy number, after correction for multiple testing. Conclusion: Variation in genes encoding molecular transporters of d4T may influence CD4+ T cell counts after ART. This study presents a positive step towards achieving personalized medicine in SA.
MT 2018

This paper explores the process and efficacy of art therapy treatment with a person diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), who had attempted suicide. Personality disorders are separated from major mental disorders in both severity and classification. They are described as behaviours or traits that are characteristic of recent and long-term impaired social or occupational functioning which cause subjective distress. Clients with the diagnoses of BPD, those traditionally labelled as 'hard to handle' and 'unresponsive to therapy', are included in the Cluster B category of personality disorders which also includes antisocial, histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders. There are a number of typical criteria which appear to be due to a combination of biopsychosocial factors, and include, but are not limited to, affective instability, inappropriate intense anger and poor ego boundaries. The hypothesis of this paper is that some people are likely to suppress (act-in) rather than act-out their anger; the affective instability presents as suicidal intent. It is further hypothesised that the use of art as a transitional and holding space can contribute to ego development and subsequent emotion regulation. In this case, eight months of art therapy was the primary treatment modality, and there have been indications of changes in this person's lifestyle and coping behaviours

This research started as a quest to understand better the ethics of doing Theatre for Development/Applied Theatre with under-served, marginalized and vulnerable populations especially in post-conflict zones in the Global South. As a theatre practitioner-researcher from Africa who has lived and worked in post-conflict zones, I was interested in fostering appropriate ethical protocols for arts-based practices for social engagement, advocacy and social justice. Thus, in this dissertation, I focus on two concepts in applied theatre practice: participation and ethics. I examine how participation can be re-conceptualized in applied theatre practice and focus on the ethics around conducting research among vulnerable populations especially on refugees and internally displaced persons. On participation, I use existing case studies from various fields to argue that participation in community engagement and socially-engaged art practices can become a tool to reposition voices on the margin to the centre in order to unsettle centres of power. However, for this to happen, participation needs to engage a communicative action that is both epistemic and ontic in its approach. An epistemic discourse provides a way of seeing the world while an ontic discourse provides people with a way of being in the world. The former is a ‘theoretical’ discursive practice that is fundamentally epistemological, and the latter is an ‘embodied’ praxis that is fundamentally ontological. I examine the famous Ngugi wa Thiongo’s Kamiriithu Community Theatre project in Kenya and Michael Balfour et al’s refugee project in Australia to foreground this new thinking on verb-oriented and noun-oriented notions of participation. On ethics, I raise a series of critical questions around interventionist or humanitarian performances. It is hoped that these questions will deepen discourses in applied theatre practice and further challenge practitioners to rethink why we do what we do. Using narrative inquiry, I glean lessons from my field research facilitating drama workshop among secondary school students who have been internally displaced due to an ongoing socio-political crisis in Nigeria. I also reflect on my other applied theatre experiences in Canada and Sudan. I propose an ethical practice that is built on relational interaction. In the context of working in post-conflict zones or in places of war, I argue that precarity becomes a determining factor in framing the ethics of practice. The questions around ethics are raised to also draw attention to decolonizing ethical practices. Finally, I articulate the connection between participation and ethics in that participation becomes a tactic to ensure that applied theatre researchers/practitioners conduct their work in ethical ways. This is because through participation, concerned communities can challenge unethical practices and transform the research to create outcomes that are beneficial. Thus, as an example of reflective practitioner research, the projects in this dissertation offer opportunities to examine critically how participation has been conceptualized and the need for a decolonizing understanding towards ethics in applied theatre practice especially in post-conflict zones.
Graduate

This study attempted to identify personal (patient-related) factors influencing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical design was used. Structured interviews were conducted with 355 ART patients. The findings revealed that stigma, discrimination, depression and alcohol use negatively affected patients’ ART adherence levels. However, patients’ knowledge levels had no influence on their ART adherence levels, contrary to other researchers’ reports. Addressing stigma and discrimination at community levels might enhance patients’ abilities to take their medications in the presence of others. Healthcare professionals should be enabled to diagnose and treat depression among ART patients during the early stages. Non-adherent ART patients should be counseled about possible alcohol abuse.
Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health with specialisation in Medical Informatics)

M.A. (Public Health)
Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) adherence is a crucial component of the patient management framework for people living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). Trait emotional intelligence is “the constellation of behavioural-dispositions and self-perceived abilities to recognise, process, and utilise emotion-laden information”. The purpose of the study was to determine whether there was a correlation between ART adherence behaviour and behavioural-dispositions related to trait emotional intelligence among HIV/AIDS infected people receiving ART at the regional public hospitals in Addis Ababa. The study used observational, analytical, and cross-sectional research design. The participants were selected through a proportionally stratified systematic random sampling method. Data collection was through a structured self-report questionnaire format. The findings showed that 79.1% had optimal ART adherence behaviour; 84.4% had average trait emotional intelligence. The research finding showed a statistically significant positive correlation between ART adherence behaviour and behavioural-dispositions related to trait emotional intelligence at (r =0.417, n=392, P<0.001).
Health Studies

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2019
The purpose of this study was to profile selected cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on ART in Bushbuckridge sub-district. Quantitative, crosssectional research was conducted to describe cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on ART in Bushbuckridge Sub-district. Data collection was done using researcher-administered questionnaires. Adult HIV patient on ART participated in the study (n=328). The study has highlighted cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among HIV patients on ART. The findings revealed the prevalence of hypertension is 34.6% among HIV patients on ART and men had a higher prevalence compared to women. There is an increase in body mass index and it is seen mostly among women. Alcohol consumption is highest in the young adults (18 to 24 years) both men and women. Health promotion and policymaking interventions need to improve strategies on management and prevention of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Key concepts HIV, ART, cardiovascular disease risk factors, prevalence, body mass index, Bushbuckridge

This quantitative study sought to identify and describe factors influencing HIV disclosure and sexual practices among 340 PLWHA on ART at Mbabane National Referral VCT/ART Centre, Swaziland. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A high general HIV disclosure rate (94.1%; f=320; N=340) was observed of which 57.5% (f=184; n=320) was to sexual partners. X2 procedures indicate an association with gender, residential region, religion, and period of being on ART. The majority (70.2%; f=179; n=255) of the respondents used condoms all the time to avoid infecting their sexual partners (99.2%; f=243; n=245) and to avoid contracting STIs (99.2%; f=243; n=245). X2 procedures indicate an association with gender, residential region, marital status, number of sexual partners, knowledge of the HIV status of sexual partners and period of being on ART. The single leading reason for not using the condom was sexual partners’ refusal to use condoms (85.7%; f=54; n=63).
Health Studies
M.A.(Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to determine factors affecting non-adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy among AIDS patients. A cross sectional quantitative survey, was used. Structured interviews were conducted with 300 ART patients. Data were analysed using SPSS version 13 and presented in charts, graphs and frequency tables. Motivators of good adherence were identified as disclosure of HIV positive status to more than one person, frequent adherence counselling, self-efficacy to adhere to ART, positive interactions between patients and healthcare providers; and using an adherence partner. Barriers to adherence were forgetfulness, transportation costs to and from the clinic, time away from work and side effects. There was a strong positive correlation between adherence, CD4 counts and viral load. Adherence was closely tied to immunologic and virologic improvements. Respondents with poor adherence were likely to have unsuppressed viral loads (OR 12.98, 95%, CI 4.9-34).
Health Studies
Masters of Public Health

Text in English with abstracts and keywords in English, Tswana and Sepedi
Providing support to employees living with HIV to adhere with treatment at home and at work is the key to prolong life and wellbeing of those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study was qualitative explorative research. The study used qualitative method of collecting data which allowed the researcher to conduct interviews at the natural settings where it was convenient for participants to take interview calls. The purpose of this study was to explore how implementation of ART programmes support employees living with HIV (ELWHIV) to adhere with treatment at home and work so that gaps and areas of improvement are identified. The study took place at SWHAP companies that are based in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The study used purposive sampling to identify key informants who were directly involved in the implementation of the ART programmes. Data was largely analysed using content, thematic and triangulation analysis. Theory of social ecology and empowerment theory were applied as companies are seen using workplaces as safe space to provide counselling and psychosocial support to ELWHIV through Reality Wellness. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that ART programmes are in place in SWHAP companies and are also ongoing. The study also reveals that Reality Wellness provided counselling and psychosocial support to ELWHIV to adhere with treatment at home and at work. The study further reveals that ELWHIV fear to disclose their HIV status because of stigma and discrimination. Recommendations: More dialogue and further studies on ART programmes particularly on ART adherence at home and at work need to be done. Management should take ownership and get involved directly with ART programmes and enhance support to ELWHIV to adhere with treatment at home and at work.
Go tshegetsa badiri ba ba tshelang ka mogare wa HIV gore ba obamele tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong go botlhokwa go tshegetsa botshelo le itekanelo ya ba ba tshwaeditsweng le ba ba amilweng ke leroborobo la AIDS. Thutopatlisiso eno e ne e lebelela mabaka mme e tlhotlhomisa. Mokgwa wa go lebelela mabaka go kokoanya data o letlile mmatlisisi go dira dipotsolotso mo mafelong a tlwaelo a banni-le-seabe moo go neng go le bonolo mo go bone go araba megala ya dipotsolotso. Maikemisetso a thutopatlisiso eno, e ne e le go tlhotlhomisa ka moo go tsenngwa tirisong ga mananeo a ART go tshegetsang badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV (ELWHIV) ka go na go obamela tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong gore go kgone go supiwa diphatlha le dikarolo tse di ka tokafadiwang. Thutopatlisiso e dirilwe kwa ditlamong tsa SWHAP tse di kwa Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Go diragaditswe mokgwa wa go tlhopha sampole go ya ka maikaelelo a thutopatlisiso go supa basedimosetsi ba botlhokwa ba ba neng ba na le seabe ka tlhamalalo mo go tsenngweng tirisong ga mananeo a ART. Go lokolotswe data go dirisiwa molokololo wa diteng, morero le tiriso ya melebo e e farologaneng go lokolola. Go dirisitswe tiori ya ikholoji ya loago le tiori ya maatlafatso ka ntlha ya fa ditlamo di bonwa di dirisa mafelo a tiro jaaka dibaka tse di bolokesegileng tsa go tlamela tshegetso ya maikutlo le tshegetso ya tlhaloganyoloago go badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV ka itekanelo ya nnete. Diphitlhelelo: Diphitlhelelo tsa thutopatlisiso di bontsha gore mananeo a ART a gona mo ditlamong tsa SWHAP mme a tswelela pele. Itekanelo ya nnete e tlamela ka tshegetso ya maikutlo le ya tlhaloganyoloago go badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV gore ba obamele tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong. Gape thutopatlisiso e bontsha gore badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV ba tshaba go senola seemo sa bona sa HIV ka ntlha ya sekgobo le go tlhaolwa. Dikatlenegiso: Go tshwanetse ga nna le dipuisano le dithutopatlisiso tse dingwe tsa manaeo a ART, bogolo segolo kobamelo ya tiriso ya ART kwa gae le kwa tirong. Botsamaisi bo tshwanetse go nna beng ba, e bile bo nne le seabe ka tlhamalalo mo mananeong a ART le go tshegetsa badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV gore ba obamele tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong.
Go fa bašomi bao ba phelago ka HIV gore ba obamele go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong ke selo se bohlokwa go dira gore ba phele lebaka le letelele le gore bao ba fetetšwego le go angwa ke leuba la AIDS ba phele gabotse. Dinyakišišo tše di bile tša boleng le tša go utolla. Mokgwa wa go kgoboketša tshedimošo wa boleng o kgontšhitše monyakišiši go dira dipoledišano ka seemong sa tlhago sa mokgathatema fao go bilego bonolo go yena go araba megala ya dipoledišano. Maikemišetšo a dinyakišišo tše e bile go utolla ka fao go tsenya tirišong ga mananeo a ART go thekgago bašomi bao ba phelago ka HIV (ELWHIV) go obamela go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong gore dikgoba le dibaka tša kaonafalo di tsebje. Dinyakišišo tše di dirilwe ka dikhamphaning tša SWHAP tšeo di lego ka Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Go dira sampole ka maikemišetšo go phethagaditšwe ka nepo ya go tseba baseboši ba bohlokwa bao ba bego ba kgatha tema thwii ka mananeong a ART. Tshedimošo e sekasekilwe ka go šomiša tshekatsheko ya diteng, ya morero le ya seemokhutlotharo. Teori ya ekholotši ya leago le theori ya maatlafatšo di dirišitšwe ka ge dikhamphani di bonwa e le tšeo di šomišago mafelo a mošomong bjalo ka mafelo ao a bolokegilego a go fana ka keletšo le thekgo ya tša menagano go ELWHIV ka go diriša temogo ya seemo sa makgonthe. Dikutollo: Dikutollo tša dinyakišišo di utolla gore mananeo a ART a tsentšwe tirišong ka dikhamphaning tša SWHAP ebile a tšwela pele. Temogo ya seemo sa makgonthe e fana ka keletšo le thekgo ya menagano go ELWHIV ka nepo ya gore ba omabele go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong. Dinyakišišo di tšwela pele go utolla gore ELWHIV ba tšhoga go tsebagatša maemo a bona a HIV ka lebaka la kgobošo le kgethologanyo. Ditšhišinyo: Dingangišano tše dingwe le dinyakišišo go tšwela pele ka go mananeo a ART, kudukudu mabapi le go obamela go nwa dihlare tša ART ka gae le mošomong, di swanetše go dirwa. Ba taolo ba swanetše go tšea maikarabelo a mananeo a ART le go kgatha tema ka go ona thwii le go maatlafatša thekgo go ELWHIV ka nepo ya go obamela go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong.
Health Studies
M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Text in English with abstracts and keywords in English, Tswana and Sepedi
Providing support to employees living with HIV to adhere with treatment at home and at work is the key to prolong life and wellbeing of those who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic. This study was qualitative explorative research. The study used qualitative method of collecting data which allowed the researcher to conduct interviews at the natural settings where it was convenient for participants to take interview calls. The purpose of this study was to explore how implementation of ART programmes support employees living with HIV (ELWHIV) to adhere with treatment at home and work so that gaps and areas of improvement are identified. The study took place at SWHAP companies that are based in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. The study used purposive sampling to identify key informants who were directly involved in the implementation of the ART programmes. Data was largely analysed using content, thematic and triangulation analysis. Theory of social ecology and empowerment theory were applied as companies are seen using workplaces as safe space to provide counselling and psychosocial support to ELWHIV through Reality Wellness. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that ART programmes are in place in SWHAP companies and are also ongoing. The study also reveals that Reality Wellness provided counselling and psychosocial support to ELWHIV to adhere with treatment at home and at work. The study further reveals that ELWHIV fear to disclose their HIV status because of stigma and discrimination. Recommendations: More dialogue and further studies on ART programmes particularly on ART adherence at home and at work need to be done. Management should take ownership and get involved directly with ART programmes and enhance support to ELWHIV to adhere with treatment at home and at work.
Go tshegetsa badiri ba ba tshelang ka mogare wa HIV gore ba obamele tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong go botlhokwa go tshegetsa botshelo le itekanelo ya ba ba tshwaeditsweng le ba ba amilweng ke leroborobo la AIDS. Thutopatlisiso eno e ne e lebelela mabaka mme e tlhotlhomisa. Mokgwa wa go lebelela mabaka go kokoanya data o letlile mmatlisisi go dira dipotsolotso mo mafelong a tlwaelo a banni-le-seabe moo go neng go le bonolo mo go bone go araba megala ya dipotsolotso. Maikemisetso a thutopatlisiso eno, e ne e le go tlhotlhomisa ka moo go tsenngwa tirisong ga mananeo a ART go tshegetsang badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV (ELWHIV) ka go na go obamela tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong gore go kgone go supiwa diphatlha le dikarolo tse di ka tokafadiwang. Thutopatlisiso e dirilwe kwa ditlamong tsa SWHAP tse di kwa Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Go diragaditswe mokgwa wa go tlhopha sampole go ya ka maikaelelo a thutopatlisiso go supa basedimosetsi ba botlhokwa ba ba neng ba na le seabe ka tlhamalalo mo go tsenngweng tirisong ga mananeo a ART. Go lokolotswe data go dirisiwa molokololo wa diteng, morero le tiriso ya melebo e e farologaneng go lokolola. Go dirisitswe tiori ya ikholoji ya loago le tiori ya maatlafatso ka ntlha ya fa ditlamo di bonwa di dirisa mafelo a tiro jaaka dibaka tse di bolokesegileng tsa go tlamela tshegetso ya maikutlo le tshegetso ya tlhaloganyoloago go badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV ka itekanelo ya nnete. Diphitlhelelo: Diphitlhelelo tsa thutopatlisiso di bontsha gore mananeo a ART a gona mo ditlamong tsa SWHAP mme a tswelela pele. Itekanelo ya nnete e tlamela ka tshegetso ya maikutlo le ya tlhaloganyoloago go badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV gore ba obamele tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong. Gape thutopatlisiso e bontsha gore badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV ba tshaba go senola seemo sa bona sa HIV ka ntlha ya sekgobo le go tlhaolwa. Dikatlenegiso: Go tshwanetse ga nna le dipuisano le dithutopatlisiso tse dingwe tsa manaeo a ART, bogolo segolo kobamelo ya tiriso ya ART kwa gae le kwa tirong. Botsamaisi bo tshwanetse go nna beng ba, e bile bo nne le seabe ka tlhamalalo mo mananeong a ART le go tshegetsa badiri ba ba tshelang ka HIV gore ba obamele tiriso ya kalafi kwa gae le kwa tirong.
Go fa bašomi bao ba phelago ka HIV gore ba obamele go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong ke selo se bohlokwa go dira gore ba phele lebaka le letelele le gore bao ba fetetšwego le go angwa ke leuba la AIDS ba phele gabotse. Dinyakišišo tše di bile tša boleng le tša go utolla. Mokgwa wa go kgoboketša tshedimošo wa boleng o kgontšhitše monyakišiši go dira dipoledišano ka seemong sa tlhago sa mokgathatema fao go bilego bonolo go yena go araba megala ya dipoledišano. Maikemišetšo a dinyakišišo tše e bile go utolla ka fao go tsenya tirišong ga mananeo a ART go thekgago bašomi bao ba phelago ka HIV (ELWHIV) go obamela go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong gore dikgoba le dibaka tša kaonafalo di tsebje. Dinyakišišo tše di dirilwe ka dikhamphaning tša SWHAP tšeo di lego ka Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Go dira sampole ka maikemišetšo go phethagaditšwe ka nepo ya go tseba baseboši ba bohlokwa bao ba bego ba kgatha tema thwii ka mananeong a ART. Tshedimošo e sekasekilwe ka go šomiša tshekatsheko ya diteng, ya morero le ya seemokhutlotharo. Teori ya ekholotši ya leago le theori ya maatlafatšo di dirišitšwe ka ge dikhamphani di bonwa e le tšeo di šomišago mafelo a mošomong bjalo ka mafelo ao a bolokegilego a go fana ka keletšo le thekgo ya tša menagano go ELWHIV ka go diriša temogo ya seemo sa makgonthe. Dikutollo: Dikutollo tša dinyakišišo di utolla gore mananeo a ART a tsentšwe tirišong ka dikhamphaning tša SWHAP ebile a tšwela pele. Temogo ya seemo sa makgonthe e fana ka keletšo le thekgo ya menagano go ELWHIV ka nepo ya gore ba omabele go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong. Dinyakišišo di tšwela pele go utolla gore ELWHIV ba tšhoga go tsebagatša maemo a bona a HIV ka lebaka la kgobošo le kgethologanyo. Ditšhišinyo: Dingangišano tše dingwe le dinyakišišo go tšwela pele ka go mananeo a ART, kudukudu mabapi le go obamela go nwa dihlare tša ART ka gae le mošomong, di swanetše go dirwa. Ba taolo ba swanetše go tšea maikarabelo a mananeo a ART le go kgatha tema ka go ona thwii le go maatlafatša thekgo go ELWHIV ka nepo ya go obamela go nwa dihlare ka gae le mošomong.
Health Studies
M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

Purpose of the study - Identify predictors of mortality and develop a related care plan for patients who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Gondar, Ethiopia. Design - A quantitative, retrospective cohort study was conducted analysing medical records of HIV patients who presented to Gondar University Hospital (GUH), Gondar, and started ART between 1 January 2007 and 30 June 2010. Results - In defining the predictors of mortality, the findings in bivariate analysis revealed: female sex, CD4 cell count ≤ 50/μl, CD4 cell count 51-199/μl, a haemoglobin concentration ≤8g/dl, a history of oral candidiasis, tuberculosis and Cryptococcus meningitis were all statistically significant. A female sex, CD4 cell count ≤ 50/μl and CD4 cell count 51-199/μl maintain their significance level in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions - The study therefore recommends that clinicians and case managers be vigilant of these predictors of mortality while managing HIV patients who are on ART. Key Concepts- ART, AIDS, HIV, predictors of mortality
Health Studies
(M.A. (Public Health))

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the IMB skills model for its relevance to the Ethiopian context. According to the model, adherence-related information and motivation work through adherence-related behavioural skills to affect adherence to ART. Quantitative, analytical, observational, cross-sectional, institution-based study was conducted to evaluate the model by assessing those patients who have and do not have the right information, motivation, and behavioural skills whether they have or do not have good adherence to ART. Data was collected using structured questionnaires where a total of 400 randomly selected participants provided data on adherence-related information, motivation and behavioral skills as well as adherence behavior per se. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Both descriptive and inferential statistics used in the study. Only 90.75 % of the total sample population reported ART adherence rate of more than or equal to 95% in this study. Free and restricted model tests, through bivariate and multivariate analyses, used to assess the propositions of the IMB model of ART adherence and provided support for the interrelations between the elements proposed by the model. The study has supported the applicability of the IMB model of adherence to the Ethiopian context highlighting its application in adherence-promotion intervention efforts. The findings revealed the need for on-going educational, informational and other interventions to address the knowledge, motivation and adherence behavioural skills of patients in order to improve the current levels of ART adherence behaviour.
Health Studies
D. Litt. et. Phil. (Health Studies)

This study analysed data obtained from respondents and their medical records to determine the barriers and motivators for good adherence to ART. Respondents' records were also reviewed together with their pharmacy refill records to identify any correlation between .CD4 cell counts, viral load, VL and adherence to antiretroviral drugs at extension 15 ARV clinic in Gaborone, Botswana. The study investigated whether the combination of pharmacy refills and pill counts adherence measurement methodologies could predict immunological recovery and virologic response through increased CD4 cell counts and suppressed VL. . There was a positive relationship between adherence, CD4 cell counts and VL. Pharmacy refills and pill counts adherence measurement methodologies scored high on sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values but low on negative predictive values.
Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health)

This non-experimental, retrospective, descriptive and correlational study investigated adherence to antiretroviral drugs among HIV positive patients at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Data among 118 patients was extracted from clinic registers and patient facility held medical records to determine level of adherence to ART using pharmacy refills (a non-immunological adherence parameter) and compared to CD4 cell count ( an immunological adherence parameter). Adherence levels obtained in this study using pharmacy refills was low (62.7%) and a relatively high non-adherence level of 37.3%. The pharmacy refill adherence level obtained was comparable to CD4 cell count adherence level of 64.6% (as indicated by a 50% CD4 cell count gain). These findings would seem to indicate the need for more education on the importance of adherence and further the need for better adherence monitoring systems
Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health)

MCur
Department of Advanced Nursing Science
Survival of children with HIV/AIDS has increased considerably with the use of effective antiretroviral therapy. However, the benefits of this therapy are limited by the difficulty of adherence to the treatment. This study sought to explore the role of professional nurses on anti-retroviral therapy adherence among children in Lejweleputswa district: Free State, South Africa. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used to identify and describe role of professional nurses toward anti-retroviral therapy adherence among children. Population for this study included seventeen (17) professional nurses working in four purposively sampled Primary Health Care clinics invited to participate in the study. Four focus group discussions were conducted in which each group had 6 participants. The transcribed data was analysed using the framework approach of data analysis. Professional nurses in Lejweleputswa district report poor knowledge of parents/caregivers of children, perceived poverty, stigma and discrimination, inappropriate care approaches, and parental dynamics as factors influencing poor ART adherence. Recommendations for enhancing children ART adherence levels in Lejweleputswa district included: mainstreaming adherence counselling in children ART and adopting a comprehensive family centered care approach were identified as measures for improving children ART adherence. Other measures included integration of ART services into Primary Health Care (PHC) services, parental empowerment, development of a programme to reduce stigma and discrimination in the community.

This study was done to assess the quality of life (QOL) of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in Swaziland who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). No study has been done on QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART since it started to be administered in Swaziland in 2001. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was used to assess QOL of PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART. Twenty-four PLWHA were purposely selected to participate in the study. Methods of data collection used were semi-structured individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The data (tape-recorded interviews and discussions, and field notes) were transcribed verbatim for data analysis. Data analysed was done using Tesch’s framework of data analysis as described in Creswell (2002:256-283). The research findings are reflected, with the six domains of QOL identified through a literature review and validated by nurses’ expertise. These domains are the physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic, cognitive, and environmental domains.The study revealed that PLWHA in Swaziland are faced with many challenges concerning ART, namely: inability to meet their nutrition needs, non-adherence to ART, experience of disfiguring side effects of ARVs, inconsistent condom use, experience of stigma and discrimination, depression, difficulty in accepting and coping with ARVs, lowered self-esteem, a negative influence of some religions on ART, a lack of financial support, poor support systems, poor understanding of ARVs, negative thoughts about HIV and AIDS and ART, an unsatisfactory health care delivery system, a negative influence of culture on ART, and violation of the rights of PLWHA. These challenges negatively influence the QOL of PLWHA and hence the study concluded that PLWHA in Swaziland who are on ART have a poor QOL. Conclusions drawn from the data analysis reveal that PLWHA in Swaziland are powerless to deal with the above challenges and improve their QOL. The researcher, therefore, developed guidelines to empower PLWHA to deal with these challenges and adhere to ART, thus improving their QOL. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, nursing education, and further nursing research.
Health Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to develop a laboratory based Comprehensive Care, Management and Treatment of HIV and AIDS (CCMT) programme status reporting system using a methodological research study design. Quantitative data was collected using a request form and qualitative data was collected using structured questionnaires. For the study 1190 eligible CD4 samples were received, of which 1004 (84%) had a valid CCMT programme status. Overall 32% of the CD4 samples had a pre-ART status (n=383) and 52% had an ART status (n=621). The remaining 16% of CD4 samples (n=186) did not have a valid CCMT programme status. A pre-ART register was generated and assessed using a structured questionnaire. Based on the study findings a recommendation has been made to adopt the two-tick design for all NHLS request forms where programmatic data is collected. Additionally the CCMT programme status reporting system is recommended for rollout to other health districts
Health Studies
M.A. (Public Health with specialisation in Medical Informatics)

The objective of the study was to identify the factors that affect the survival lifetime of HIV+ terminal patients in rural district hospitals of Albert Luthuli municipality in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. A cohort of HIV+ terminal patients was retrospectively followed from 2010 to 2017 until a patient died, was lost to follow-up or was still alive at the end of the observation period. Nonparametric survival analysis and semiparametric survival analysis methods were used to analyse the data. Through Cox proportional hazards regression modelling, it was found that ART adherence (poor, fair, good), Age, Follow-up mass, Baseline sodium, Baseline viral load, Follow CD4 count by Treatment (Regimen 1) interaction and Follow-up lymphocyte by TB history (yes, no) interaction had significant effects on survival lifetime of HIV+ terminal patients (p-values<0.1). Furthermore, through quantile regression modelling, it was found that short, medium and long survival times of HIV+ patients, respectively represented by the 0.1, 0.5 and 0.9 quantiles, were not necessarily significantly affected by the same factors.
Statistics
M. Sc. (Statistics)