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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Healthcare service provider support for the implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) as a key population in implementing facilities in Soweto, South Africa
Student: Hope Themba Mabaso Country: South Africa This research investigated the determinants influencing support for the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in two healthcare clinics in Soweto, South Africa. The study employed a tailored questionnaire administered to 40 nurse-initiated management of antiretroviral therapy (NIMART) professional nurses. Limitations included convenience sampling, a […]
Exploring barriers to and concerns about oral PrEP in young women (aged 18-24) in Amajuba district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Student: Sanah Bucibo Country: South Africa South Africa grapples with a substantial HIV burden, with young women disproportionately affected. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective preventive measure; however, limited research has examined the obstacles and reservations around its usage. This qualitative investigation delved into the impediments and apprehensions regarding oral PrEP among young women aged 18-24 […]
The role of professional status disclosure among adolescents living with HIV on highly active antiretroval therapy in Harry Gwala district, KwaZulu-Natal
Student: Rebecca Mkhize Country: South Africa South Africa has achieved significant milestones in its antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out, emerging as a global leader. The Harry Gwala district in KwaZulu-Natal became the country’s first district to meet the 90/90/90 UNAIDS targets in 2019. Despite this achievement, ensuring ART adherence remains crucial in stemming the spread of the virus, particularly […]
Knowledge of, attitude to and practice of healthcare professionals regarding pharmacovigilance and reporting of adverse medication reactions of antiretroviral medication in public health facilities in Francistown, Botswana
Student: Janet Shawa Country: Zambia Pharmacovigilance (PV) and reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) play a vital role in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme, offering evidence-based insights into medication toxicity, bolstering medication safety and mitigating patient exposure to such risks. The ART programme’s efficacy hinges significantly on the consistent implementation of these measures. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are pivotal […]
Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy non-adherence among adults in Ekurhuleni district, Gauteng province, South Africa
Student: Nobesuthu Ramawela Country: South Africa Effective management of HIV relies heavily on treatment adherence, as non-adherence can compromise the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and impact healthcare outcomes adversely. Utilising quantitative methods, data was collected via questionnaires from 50 participants of whom 50% were aged 36-44, with a gender distribution of 28 females and 22 […]
The role of adherence clubs to enhance viral suppression and retention in HIV care in the management of stable patients on treatment in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Student: Calvin Kwashirayi Country: Zimbabwe South Africa bears the highest global burden of HIV/Aids, with approximately 8 million individuals affected at the time of study and a 66% coverage of antiretroviral treatment. A significant challenge faced by antiretroviral programmes is the inadequate retention of patients in healthcare facilities nationwide. This study investigated the efficacy of adherence […]