The effectiveness of adult primary care (APC) mentoring model on portfolio of evidence (PoE) completion by non-certified NIMART trained professional nurses
Student: Winnie Clara Mkandawire Country: Malawi Completion of a portfolio of evidence (PoE) is mandatory for professional nurses seeking certification in the nurse initiated management of antiretroviral treatment (NIMART) for people with HIV. Despite NIMART training since 2010, many nurses failed to complete their PoE. This study investigated the potential efficacy of the adult primary care (APC) mentoring […]
Factors influencing the uptake, adherence and persistence of adolescent girls and young women on pre-ExposurepProphylaxis (PrEP) in the DREAMS implementation sites in the Shiselweni region of Eswatini: The perspectives of key stakeholders
Student: Nontobeko L Sibandze Country: Eswatini Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 in Eswatini were significantly more susceptible to HIV infection compared to males of the same age group. In response, Eswatini adopted oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention strategy in 2017. PrEP uptake, adherence and persistence among AGYW however remained suboptimal. This thesis […]
Evaluating tuberculosis prevention therapy knowledge levels and attitudes among miners/ex-miners in the Leribe district of Lesotho
Student: Lineo Grace Nyenye Country: Lesotho Tuberculosis prevention therapy (TPT) involves the administration of antituberculosis medication to prevent the onset of TB. It is a biomedical intervention endorsed by the WHO for at-risk populations like miners. In 2016, the Ministry of Health in Lesotho introduced TPT among miners, yet its uptake and comprehension remained unclear. This study aimed […]
Counsellors’ perceptions on the effectiveness of online platforms to address mental health and wellness, including issues linked to HIV/Aids
Student: Mokgadi Mojela Country: South Africa This study examined counsellors’ perceptions regarding the efficacy of online platforms in addressing mental health and wellness, particularly concerning issues associated with HIV/Aids. Mental health issues have garnered increased attention in recent years, with many individuals affected by stress-related illnesses stemming from the impact of HIV/Aids. The qualitative study purposively sampled participants […]
An exploration of the barriers to and enablers of the uptake of HIV testing services by male street vendors in Maseru, Lesotho
Student: Teboho Charles Mohlabi Country: South Africa Men are generally perceived as having a low risk of HIV infection. Although HIV prevalence was typically lower among men compared to women, men exhibited low health-seeking behaviour, resulting in disproportionately low rates of HIV testing. This reluctance, compounded by harmful masculinity norms, presented a significant barrier to men accessing HIV […]
Exploring knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV among healthcare workers at Mokhotlong Hospital in Lesotho: A mixed-methods study
Student: Blaise Dilumbu Lukau Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Lesotho grapples with the impact of the HIV/Aids epidemic, particularly affecting healthcare workers (HCWs). In Mokhotlong, where HIV prevalence was notably high at the time of study, the situation was compounded by limited healthcare infrastructure. Research on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) practices among HCWs in this context had been […]
Analysis of the Northern Cape’s response to HIV/Aids compared to UNAIDS targets
Student: Dineo Choabi Country: South Africa Political leaders’ comprehension and responsiveness to HIV/Aids are pivotal for local, national and global initiative success. This qualitative study scrutinised the responses to the epidemic of members of the Northern Cape Provincial Council on Aids. A response sample from 12 council representatives was analysed, revealing gaps in responses stemming from the absence […]
Investigating factors associated with poor viral load suppression among HIV positive adults on first line treatment regimens in Ekurhuleni North, South Africa
Student: Nosiphelo Ntshiqa Country: South Africa The HIV/Aids epidemic remains a significant contributor to global ill health and mortality, with UNAIDS setting ambitious targets to eliminate HIV by 2030. The Ekurhuleni district fell short of meeting the targets in 2022, with a viral load suppression rate of 88,8%. Understanding the factors contributing to poor viral suppression is essential […]
Key considerations in designing a student-centred HIV/Aids course curriculum for a community-based college in Cape Town, South Africa
Student: Chipo Zininga Country: Zimbabwe HIV/Aids remains a persistent public health concern in South Africa, significantly impacting the socioeconomic landscape of township communities. HIV/Aids education served as a vital tool in community protection by disseminating information on disease transmission. In some centres, the suitability of HIV/Aids course curricula for township communities remained unassessed. This study aimed to evaluate […]
The contribution of sex education as a strategy for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female adolescents in Dunoon, Cape Town
Student: Eunice Mputu Tshiakambila Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo At the time of study, South Africa had the highest HIV/Aids prevalence in Africa, with young HIV-positive females posing a significant risk of transmission due to insufficient precautions. The combination of early unplanned pregnancies and HIV transmission was exacerbated by inadequate sex education for female teenagers. To address […]