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 […]
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 […]
The development and history of Stellenbosch Aids Action o/a atHeart 1998 to 2019
Student: Lynette Rademeyer-Bosman Country: South Africa Emerging to bridge the gap between primary health care and palliative care, the Stellenbosch Aids Action Group, operating as atHeart, was established in 1998 and registered as a non-profit organisation in 2002. This thesis presents a comprehensive case study detailing atHeart’s evolution, documenting the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders to […]
Exploring the effectiveness of HIV/Aids workplace programme responses in the textile factory industry in Maseru, Lesotho
Student: Semangele Domela Country: Lesotho Lesotho, with a population of approximately 2,2 million, grapples with a high HIV prevalence, ranking second globally. The textile industry, a vital source of employment, faces significant HIV/Aids challenges. This study investigated the effectiveness of HIV/Aids workplace programmes at Maseru E-Textile Factory. Using qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with 12 workers and […]
Mothers’ perceptions of the use of community health workers and option B+ in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) clinic of the Mission Hospital in Chirundu, Zambia
Student: Martine Bulungu Tshinanu Country: Zambia In Zambia, the expansion of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services demonstrated notable success, with a 50% reduction in mother-to-child HIV transmission rates from 2009 to 2012. Despite structured PMTCT antenatal and post-delivery services, a significant proportion of women are however lost to follow-up (LTFU), indicating underlying challenges. This study investigated […]
HIV testing interventions to reach men: Case study Movement for Change and Social Justice (Cape Town)
Student: Jean Jacques Kalamba Mangole Klauze Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo The reluctance of men to access HIV services is often attributed to masculinity norms, lack of male-centred interventions and occupational constraints. Risky sexual behaviours, such as multiple partners and unprotected intercourse, are prevalent, leading to consequences like alcohol abuse and sexually transmitted infections, particularly among men […]
Evaluating the Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) programme at Ruwa Rehabilitation Hospital, Goromonzi district, Mashonaland East province, Zimbabwe
Student: Prince Gadzayi Country: Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health initiated the Isoniazid preventive programme (IPT) in stages from January 2012, but implementation progressed slowly. Expanding tuberculosis preventive therapy (TPT), including IPT, is crucial for the healthcare system. Scarce research on IPT programme implementation and monitoring in Mashonaland East’s health centres prompted this study. Using the logic model framework, […]
An evaluation of HIV risk perception and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) accessibility and acceptability by pregnant and breastfeeding women at Katutura Health Centre in Windhoek health district, Namibia: A case study
Student: Idel T Billah Country: Zimbabwe Namibia grapples with a widespread HIV epidemic, particularly affecting young women during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to various biological, social and cultural factors. Pregnant and postpartum women encountering challenges with conventional prevention methods may find pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) a viable option. This research aimed to gauge HIV risk perception, assess PrEP accessibility […]