Attitudes of community stakeholders towards stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS in Highland View, linked to St Patrick's Clinic, Bizana, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nkalane, Athenkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9446 , vital:34352
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate attitudes of community stakeholders towards stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This is because people living with HIV/AIDS are usually subjected to negative and positive attitudes in South African communities. The study made use of a case study as a specific research design which was explorative and descriptive. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data sources to collect data. The study was a cross-sectional and adopted a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive technique. The study used 25 participants who consisted of 12 PLWHA, 5 nurses, and 8 selected community members. The data were analyzed through content thematic analysis. The findings that emanated from the study were: awareness of stigmatizing attitudes subjected to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); the attitudes displayed towards PLWHA, the drivers of stigma; the impact of stigma on PLWHA; PLWHA suffers immense psychosocial deficit; PLWHA face a state of abject poverty; PLWHA faces Psycho-emotional deficit; the secrecy surrounding the virus forms a fertile ground for infection; fear of contagion; stigma confounds chances of HIV/AIDS disclosure and issues of confidentiality. The study recommended that: the government should prioritize the PLWHA’s human rights; adoption of social media platforms to raise awareness and education of HIV/AIDS; collaboration between the Department of Health and the Department of Traditional affairs; invention of a youth-based psycho-emotional programme; and establishment of in-depth community supported interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nkalane, Athenkosi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9446 , vital:34352
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate attitudes of community stakeholders towards stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This is because people living with HIV/AIDS are usually subjected to negative and positive attitudes in South African communities. The study made use of a case study as a specific research design which was explorative and descriptive. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data sources to collect data. The study was a cross-sectional and adopted a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive technique. The study used 25 participants who consisted of 12 PLWHA, 5 nurses, and 8 selected community members. The data were analyzed through content thematic analysis. The findings that emanated from the study were: awareness of stigmatizing attitudes subjected to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); the attitudes displayed towards PLWHA, the drivers of stigma; the impact of stigma on PLWHA; PLWHA suffers immense psychosocial deficit; PLWHA face a state of abject poverty; PLWHA faces Psycho-emotional deficit; the secrecy surrounding the virus forms a fertile ground for infection; fear of contagion; stigma confounds chances of HIV/AIDS disclosure and issues of confidentiality. The study recommended that: the government should prioritize the PLWHA’s human rights; adoption of social media platforms to raise awareness and education of HIV/AIDS; collaboration between the Department of Health and the Department of Traditional affairs; invention of a youth-based psycho-emotional programme; and establishment of in-depth community supported interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Av evaluation of the contribution of shelters in offering psychological empowerment to survivors of abuse : a study of selected shelters in Pretoria
- Authors: Nyamutinga, Dudzai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women's shelters -- South Africa Abused women -- Services for -- South Africa Victims of family violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9209 , vital:34305
- Description: This research explored the contribution made by shelters in the psychosocial empowerment of survivors of abuse in the contemporary South Africa. Abuse of women is increasing at an alarming rate and government is not able to handle the task single-handedly. The study utilized convergent mixed methods approach (Creswell, 2014) with qualitative and quantitative approaches used in tandem; but with the qualitative approach being more dominant, while quantitative approach was less dominant. For research designs, the qualitative approach used a case study design; while the quantitative method utilized a mini survey design. On the unit of analysis, 52 participants participated in the qualitative sample, with the following sample distribution: 30 participants (15 from each shelter) participated using in-depth interviews, 10 participants (5 from each shelter) constituted a focus group discussion with 12 participants (6 from each shelter) interviewed as key informants. The quantitative approach had a sample of 100 samples women who were victims of abuse complete a mini survey based on questionnaire interviews. The study identified many factors that prompted women to go and reside in shelters from physical abuse and sexual abuse usually perpetrated by women’s spouses taking the larger share. Other important drivers included economic and emotional abuse. This resonates with some of the tenets of the critical feminist theory that an offender’s victimization of another person is an expression of domination and control (Brownmiller and Russell, 1975 in Wilcox 2010). Furthermore, the United Nations recognizes that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, contributing from male domination and discrimination over women. The study also established various psychosocial services provided to survivors of abuse. Such services were important in order to strengthen survivors’ coping capacities, raise their confidence and reinforce their decision-making processes pertaining to their lives. Some of these psychosocial services provided include provision of accommodation, nutritional meals, therapeutic counselling, basic counselling sessions, group work sessions, access to skills development programmes, assistance in maneuvering the judicial system, job placements, parenting skills, access to education and provision of preschool for their children and information and referrals. This study also managed to unearth and identify the various institutional and operational challenges that beset the running of the two selected shelters in Pretoria. Acutely, shelters suffer funding challenges, with funding either being inadequate or having to take so long before it is availed and, therefore, almost affecting the day to day operations of the shelters. These shelters were also challenged by donor regulations, inadequate infrastructure and a continuous increase of survivors and children in their care. Furthermore, the study identified the shelters’ effectiveness to raise survivors’ hope for the future; boost their confidence; improve their social functioning; provide emotional and practical support; offer them the requisite accommodation and meals; and also provided them with different kinds of skills that made them financially independent. The research recommended that a decentralization of shelters to rural areas across all provinces and the nation at large would go a long way in ensuring that all survivors will get the assistance they need. As the rural-urban migration takes its toll, the abuse of women also continues to increase. Funding is the key to the success of every project, and, therefore, the provision of enough and consistent funding and a sustainable plan to the shelters will ensure the smoothness of the provision of services and reduce staff burnout, reduce high staff turnover, and increase the stability of trained personnel. The study also recommends the government to consider subsidizing the salaries for the staff working in shelters so that their salaries would be on par with their colleagues in other organizations. Government should also facilitate the institution of shelters for survivors of abuse as some men feel that the issue of abuse focuses on females and therefore men shy away from accessing the services of the shelters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyamutinga, Dudzai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women's shelters -- South Africa Abused women -- Services for -- South Africa Victims of family violence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9209 , vital:34305
- Description: This research explored the contribution made by shelters in the psychosocial empowerment of survivors of abuse in the contemporary South Africa. Abuse of women is increasing at an alarming rate and government is not able to handle the task single-handedly. The study utilized convergent mixed methods approach (Creswell, 2014) with qualitative and quantitative approaches used in tandem; but with the qualitative approach being more dominant, while quantitative approach was less dominant. For research designs, the qualitative approach used a case study design; while the quantitative method utilized a mini survey design. On the unit of analysis, 52 participants participated in the qualitative sample, with the following sample distribution: 30 participants (15 from each shelter) participated using in-depth interviews, 10 participants (5 from each shelter) constituted a focus group discussion with 12 participants (6 from each shelter) interviewed as key informants. The quantitative approach had a sample of 100 samples women who were victims of abuse complete a mini survey based on questionnaire interviews. The study identified many factors that prompted women to go and reside in shelters from physical abuse and sexual abuse usually perpetrated by women’s spouses taking the larger share. Other important drivers included economic and emotional abuse. This resonates with some of the tenets of the critical feminist theory that an offender’s victimization of another person is an expression of domination and control (Brownmiller and Russell, 1975 in Wilcox 2010). Furthermore, the United Nations recognizes that violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, contributing from male domination and discrimination over women. The study also established various psychosocial services provided to survivors of abuse. Such services were important in order to strengthen survivors’ coping capacities, raise their confidence and reinforce their decision-making processes pertaining to their lives. Some of these psychosocial services provided include provision of accommodation, nutritional meals, therapeutic counselling, basic counselling sessions, group work sessions, access to skills development programmes, assistance in maneuvering the judicial system, job placements, parenting skills, access to education and provision of preschool for their children and information and referrals. This study also managed to unearth and identify the various institutional and operational challenges that beset the running of the two selected shelters in Pretoria. Acutely, shelters suffer funding challenges, with funding either being inadequate or having to take so long before it is availed and, therefore, almost affecting the day to day operations of the shelters. These shelters were also challenged by donor regulations, inadequate infrastructure and a continuous increase of survivors and children in their care. Furthermore, the study identified the shelters’ effectiveness to raise survivors’ hope for the future; boost their confidence; improve their social functioning; provide emotional and practical support; offer them the requisite accommodation and meals; and also provided them with different kinds of skills that made them financially independent. The research recommended that a decentralization of shelters to rural areas across all provinces and the nation at large would go a long way in ensuring that all survivors will get the assistance they need. As the rural-urban migration takes its toll, the abuse of women also continues to increase. Funding is the key to the success of every project, and, therefore, the provision of enough and consistent funding and a sustainable plan to the shelters will ensure the smoothness of the provision of services and reduce staff burnout, reduce high staff turnover, and increase the stability of trained personnel. The study also recommends the government to consider subsidizing the salaries for the staff working in shelters so that their salaries would be on par with their colleagues in other organizations. Government should also facilitate the institution of shelters for survivors of abuse as some men feel that the issue of abuse focuses on females and therefore men shy away from accessing the services of the shelters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Community attitudes on differences between therapeutic interventions offered by traditional healers and biomedics in combatting HIV/AIDS. The case of Dimbaza township
- Authors: Duda, Bathandwa Zimkhitha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease)-- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12788 , vital:39361
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate and assess the attitudes about therapeutic interventions of traditional healers and bio medics which throw PLWHA into confusion in regards to their health. People living with the virus tend to use both therapies in tandem, yet the rate of HIV/AIDS is escalating in South Africa. This study sought to explore the community attitudes about traditional healing and bio- medics in treating HIV/AIDS. The study used a qualitative approach with explorative and descriptive in designs and a case study as the specific research design. It was also guided by a qualitative research paradigm. For data collection, the study employed in-depth interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The study used non-probability methodology of sample selection, but specifically, snow ball sampling was used to reach to twenty (20) participants; who comprised 6 community members, 6 people living with HIV/AIDS, 4 nurses and 4 traditional healers. Data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study came up with the following findings: lack of faith in traditional healers and their therapies; traditional healers put the PLWHA’s health at stake; cultural beliefs and faith systems’ conformity prompts PLWHA to use healer’s concoctions; ARVs passes the litmus test as a perfect medication in treating PLWHA; ARVs administration fosters good behaviour change; the side effects of the use of ARVs usher in an opportunity to spread the disease; health care workers are source of inspiration in combating stigma; traditional healers’ therapeutic modalities are dangerous to the health of the PLWHA; traditional healers hoodwink societies that HIV/AIDS is a spiritual disease and use of traditional medication in treatment of various ailments supported. The study recommended the following; Scientific researchers need to shed more light on the concurrent use of traditional and bio-medical therapy in managing HIV; World Health Organization need to develop campaigns on the use of African and Western therapies in treating HIV/AIDS; Ongoing training of traditional healers regarding health care practise need to be enforced; Promote cultural methods as a vehicle for prevention strategies to prevent and manage HIV/AIDS and referral of clients to the hospital by traditional healers. Recommendations for social workers; Community based campaigns in managing and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and Empower, educate and monitor traditional healers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Duda, Bathandwa Zimkhitha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease)-- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12788 , vital:39361
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate and assess the attitudes about therapeutic interventions of traditional healers and bio medics which throw PLWHA into confusion in regards to their health. People living with the virus tend to use both therapies in tandem, yet the rate of HIV/AIDS is escalating in South Africa. This study sought to explore the community attitudes about traditional healing and bio- medics in treating HIV/AIDS. The study used a qualitative approach with explorative and descriptive in designs and a case study as the specific research design. It was also guided by a qualitative research paradigm. For data collection, the study employed in-depth interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The study used non-probability methodology of sample selection, but specifically, snow ball sampling was used to reach to twenty (20) participants; who comprised 6 community members, 6 people living with HIV/AIDS, 4 nurses and 4 traditional healers. Data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study came up with the following findings: lack of faith in traditional healers and their therapies; traditional healers put the PLWHA’s health at stake; cultural beliefs and faith systems’ conformity prompts PLWHA to use healer’s concoctions; ARVs passes the litmus test as a perfect medication in treating PLWHA; ARVs administration fosters good behaviour change; the side effects of the use of ARVs usher in an opportunity to spread the disease; health care workers are source of inspiration in combating stigma; traditional healers’ therapeutic modalities are dangerous to the health of the PLWHA; traditional healers hoodwink societies that HIV/AIDS is a spiritual disease and use of traditional medication in treatment of various ailments supported. The study recommended the following; Scientific researchers need to shed more light on the concurrent use of traditional and bio-medical therapy in managing HIV; World Health Organization need to develop campaigns on the use of African and Western therapies in treating HIV/AIDS; Ongoing training of traditional healers regarding health care practise need to be enforced; Promote cultural methods as a vehicle for prevention strategies to prevent and manage HIV/AIDS and referral of clients to the hospital by traditional healers. Recommendations for social workers; Community based campaigns in managing and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and Empower, educate and monitor traditional healers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Effects of substance abuse among the youth : the case of Dimbaza Township, King Williams Town Eastern Cape
- Authors: Manyonta, Ayanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Youth -- Substance use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Substance abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9389 , vital:34338
- Description: Youth substance abuse is a major social and health concern globally, South Africa notwithstanding. The effect of using substances among the youth does not only impend overall personal development of the youth, but it also limits their aspiration for the future and creates an environment that exacerbates to social ills. This study explored the effects of substance abuse among the youth in Dimbaza King Williams Town. The study intended to achieve the following specific objectives: (i) to establish the extent of the effects of substance abuse among the youth in Dimbaza township; (ii) determine the impact of the effects of substance abuse towards the development of Dimbaza Township; (iii) document interventional strategies to mitigate the effects of substance abuse. The study used a qualitative approach, where explorative and descriptive designs were used. Specifically, the case study design was used. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus groups, secondary data and key informants methods. The study used non-probability sampling techniques, but specifically purpose sampling technique was used. Twenty eight (28) participants were sampled which comprised of (12) youth faced with substance related challenges, (6) family members, and (10) key informants. Data was analyzed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following: preponderance of marijuana (dagga) and alcohol, peer pressure as precursor to substance abuse, antisocial behaviours attributable to substance abuse, youth engagement in various criminal activities, evidence of moral decay in Dimbaza, state of poverty aggravating substance abuse habits, paucity of community intervention for social ills. The study made the following recommendations: a need for government to intensify awareness of the impact of substance abuse among the youth; the need for social practitioners to mitigate dysfunctional families facing substance related challenges; strategic educational intervention targeting potential addicts are needed so as to curb the proliferation the effect of substance abuse; establishment of family educational programs are needed to capacitate communities in order to mitigating substance related behaviors;; special police force is needed to strengthen substance abuse campaigns as primary intervention so as to educate pre-adolescents about the aftermaths of substance abuse; moral regeneration initiatives are needed to instill the significance of Ubuntu and worth of human being; intensify of moral regeneration campaigns facilitated by faith-based organizations; and lastly, the government and other stakeholders should fund youth development programs that will equip them with skills to afford them opportunities to bolster their lives and contribute to improving their country’s economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Manyonta, Ayanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Youth -- Substance use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Substance abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9389 , vital:34338
- Description: Youth substance abuse is a major social and health concern globally, South Africa notwithstanding. The effect of using substances among the youth does not only impend overall personal development of the youth, but it also limits their aspiration for the future and creates an environment that exacerbates to social ills. This study explored the effects of substance abuse among the youth in Dimbaza King Williams Town. The study intended to achieve the following specific objectives: (i) to establish the extent of the effects of substance abuse among the youth in Dimbaza township; (ii) determine the impact of the effects of substance abuse towards the development of Dimbaza Township; (iii) document interventional strategies to mitigate the effects of substance abuse. The study used a qualitative approach, where explorative and descriptive designs were used. Specifically, the case study design was used. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus groups, secondary data and key informants methods. The study used non-probability sampling techniques, but specifically purpose sampling technique was used. Twenty eight (28) participants were sampled which comprised of (12) youth faced with substance related challenges, (6) family members, and (10) key informants. Data was analyzed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following: preponderance of marijuana (dagga) and alcohol, peer pressure as precursor to substance abuse, antisocial behaviours attributable to substance abuse, youth engagement in various criminal activities, evidence of moral decay in Dimbaza, state of poverty aggravating substance abuse habits, paucity of community intervention for social ills. The study made the following recommendations: a need for government to intensify awareness of the impact of substance abuse among the youth; the need for social practitioners to mitigate dysfunctional families facing substance related challenges; strategic educational intervention targeting potential addicts are needed so as to curb the proliferation the effect of substance abuse; establishment of family educational programs are needed to capacitate communities in order to mitigating substance related behaviors;; special police force is needed to strengthen substance abuse campaigns as primary intervention so as to educate pre-adolescents about the aftermaths of substance abuse; moral regeneration initiatives are needed to instill the significance of Ubuntu and worth of human being; intensify of moral regeneration campaigns facilitated by faith-based organizations; and lastly, the government and other stakeholders should fund youth development programs that will equip them with skills to afford them opportunities to bolster their lives and contribute to improving their country’s economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluating the contributions of selected drug rehabilitation centres in Gauteng : towards ameliorating the drug problem in South Africa
- Authors: Makuyana, Abigail
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rehabilitation centers -- South Africa -- Gauteng Substance abuse -- Rehabilitation Addicts -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8876 , vital:33703
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the contributions of two (2) selected rehabilitation centres to the goal of ameliorating the substance abuse problem in Gauteng. The study utilized a methodological triangulation approach for data collection, but with greater emphasis on qualitative methods. The study collected its qualitative data from four focus groups conducted with 32 participants and six key informants who were subjected to in-depth interviews. The quantitative aspect of the study made use of a mini-survey in which one hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed amongst the primary caregivers of recovering drug and substance abusers. The major findings of the study pointed out that rehabilitation centres were unequivocally contributing to the goal of ameliorating substance abuse in Gauteng and, by extension, South Africa. Among some of the outstanding contributions of the rehabilitation centres was the provision of a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment for clients to recover. It was also observed that rehabilitation centres were acting as character reformatories for substance abusers, and, thus, aiding their easy reintegration back into their families, societies and work places. The study also found out that the selected rehabilitation centres were providing ample admission periods and competent counselling services for their clients to navigate their way to recovery. The study unearthed new trends in the substance abuse landscape of Gauteng. Firstly, it was established that more educated people were falling into substance abuse usage. Secondly, the drugs which were rendering users more amenable to rehabilitation were noted to be highly potent. The high potency was noted to be responsible for extreme difficulties in withdrawal and rehabilitation. This was, therefore, noted to accentuate the imperativeness of the role and contributions of rehabilitation centres in helping drug users to achieve recovery in an environment that was supportive, nurturing and safe. It is, therefore, on the basis of these fundamental findings that this study concluded that the contributions of rehabilitation centres were not only important in the fight against drug and substance abuse, but were also a necessary precondition in this endeavour. Conversely, it was established that the contributions of the rehabilitation centres were being thwarted by exorbitant and extortionate treatment fees charged by the rehabilitation centres. More so, rehabilitation centres faced the dire challenge of poor visibility due to the poor marketing of services, as well as their location in affluent or remote areas which are mainly accessible only through private transport. This means that some people, especially the rural and the urban poor, were not equitably benefiting from the services of the rehabilitation centres. The study observed that women, girls and children in general were largely excluded from benefiting from the services of the rehabilitation centres. The research closed off by recommending to rehabilitation centres that they ought to address administrative gaps such as embracing and practising social, linguistic, dietary and gender sensitivity in their programmes to ensure that they remain relevant to their clients while also reflecting the diversity in South Africa. Recommendations were also made to the government to intervene and moderate the pricing of substance abuse treatment services, by making them reflect the country’s socioeconomic inequalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Makuyana, Abigail
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rehabilitation centers -- South Africa -- Gauteng Substance abuse -- Rehabilitation Addicts -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8876 , vital:33703
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the contributions of two (2) selected rehabilitation centres to the goal of ameliorating the substance abuse problem in Gauteng. The study utilized a methodological triangulation approach for data collection, but with greater emphasis on qualitative methods. The study collected its qualitative data from four focus groups conducted with 32 participants and six key informants who were subjected to in-depth interviews. The quantitative aspect of the study made use of a mini-survey in which one hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed amongst the primary caregivers of recovering drug and substance abusers. The major findings of the study pointed out that rehabilitation centres were unequivocally contributing to the goal of ameliorating substance abuse in Gauteng and, by extension, South Africa. Among some of the outstanding contributions of the rehabilitation centres was the provision of a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic environment for clients to recover. It was also observed that rehabilitation centres were acting as character reformatories for substance abusers, and, thus, aiding their easy reintegration back into their families, societies and work places. The study also found out that the selected rehabilitation centres were providing ample admission periods and competent counselling services for their clients to navigate their way to recovery. The study unearthed new trends in the substance abuse landscape of Gauteng. Firstly, it was established that more educated people were falling into substance abuse usage. Secondly, the drugs which were rendering users more amenable to rehabilitation were noted to be highly potent. The high potency was noted to be responsible for extreme difficulties in withdrawal and rehabilitation. This was, therefore, noted to accentuate the imperativeness of the role and contributions of rehabilitation centres in helping drug users to achieve recovery in an environment that was supportive, nurturing and safe. It is, therefore, on the basis of these fundamental findings that this study concluded that the contributions of rehabilitation centres were not only important in the fight against drug and substance abuse, but were also a necessary precondition in this endeavour. Conversely, it was established that the contributions of the rehabilitation centres were being thwarted by exorbitant and extortionate treatment fees charged by the rehabilitation centres. More so, rehabilitation centres faced the dire challenge of poor visibility due to the poor marketing of services, as well as their location in affluent or remote areas which are mainly accessible only through private transport. This means that some people, especially the rural and the urban poor, were not equitably benefiting from the services of the rehabilitation centres. The study observed that women, girls and children in general were largely excluded from benefiting from the services of the rehabilitation centres. The research closed off by recommending to rehabilitation centres that they ought to address administrative gaps such as embracing and practising social, linguistic, dietary and gender sensitivity in their programmes to ensure that they remain relevant to their clients while also reflecting the diversity in South Africa. Recommendations were also made to the government to intervene and moderate the pricing of substance abuse treatment services, by making them reflect the country’s socioeconomic inequalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluating the effects of foster care placement on childhood development : a study of Berlin location, Buffalo City municipality
- Authors: Mbonda, Mamela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster home care Orphans Child development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15343 , vital:40399
- Description: The number of orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa is drastically increasing which leads to most children being put in a foster care system. Yet there are great lacunae within its implementation; facilitation and monitoring which effectively affect the children involved. This evoked interest to the researcher on evaluating the effects of foster placement on childhood development; a study of Berlin Location, Buffalo City Municipality. The study intended to fulfil the following objectives: 1. To document environments that challenges foster care placement as an intervention of child placement; 2. To understand the negative impacts of foster care on a child’s psychosocial development; 3. To explore the impact of host parent’s culture to the child’s adaptation; 4. To establish the strengths and weaknesses of the South African child protection system. The study utilized qualitative paradigms guided by the qualitative research approach by adopting a case study cum phenomenological design. It employed in-depth interviews, focus groups, key informants as data collection methods. The study used both non-probability and probability sampling methods of which purposive and simple random sampling technique was utilised. The population of study was made up of twenty (20) participants who were incorporated of five (5) foster parents, five (5) key informants and ten (10) foster children. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: (i) challenges pertaining to adjustment to home milieu, (ii) lack of knowledge on foster parents’ rights and responsibilities, (iii) inadequateness of foster grant, (iv) cultural deviance, (v) prevalence of drug use and teenage pregnancy, (vi) dire lack of awareness raising sessions for the foster parents and their children, (vii) identity crisis disposition displayed by foster children, (viii) lack of individualizing cases of foster care placement by the social workers, (ix) efficiency of alternative care in comparison to residential care, (x) internalization of emotions by foster children, (xi) continued void for the biological mother’s love and affection,(xii) paucity of monitoring services to children, (xiii) information sharing and capacity building workshops for social workers a prerequisite, (xiv) Effectiveness of authoritative parenting a successful method and difficulty with telling foster children about their background. The study findings made the following recommendations: Strengthening inter-sectoral relationships and capacitate different stakeholders; Emphasis on early intervention and preventative programmes; Enforcement of punishment measure for incompliance; Implementation of training for foster parents and children; Foster care process made a specialization for social workers, Government to invest on psychosocial support and capacitating workshops for social workers. The researcher, therefore, hopes to have fulfilled the study objectives and further explored all the requirements of the study during data collection. More-so, fulfilment of objectives will assist the government and relevant stakeholders in bridging the gaps that exist with child protection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbonda, Mamela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster home care Orphans Child development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15343 , vital:40399
- Description: The number of orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa is drastically increasing which leads to most children being put in a foster care system. Yet there are great lacunae within its implementation; facilitation and monitoring which effectively affect the children involved. This evoked interest to the researcher on evaluating the effects of foster placement on childhood development; a study of Berlin Location, Buffalo City Municipality. The study intended to fulfil the following objectives: 1. To document environments that challenges foster care placement as an intervention of child placement; 2. To understand the negative impacts of foster care on a child’s psychosocial development; 3. To explore the impact of host parent’s culture to the child’s adaptation; 4. To establish the strengths and weaknesses of the South African child protection system. The study utilized qualitative paradigms guided by the qualitative research approach by adopting a case study cum phenomenological design. It employed in-depth interviews, focus groups, key informants as data collection methods. The study used both non-probability and probability sampling methods of which purposive and simple random sampling technique was utilised. The population of study was made up of twenty (20) participants who were incorporated of five (5) foster parents, five (5) key informants and ten (10) foster children. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: (i) challenges pertaining to adjustment to home milieu, (ii) lack of knowledge on foster parents’ rights and responsibilities, (iii) inadequateness of foster grant, (iv) cultural deviance, (v) prevalence of drug use and teenage pregnancy, (vi) dire lack of awareness raising sessions for the foster parents and their children, (vii) identity crisis disposition displayed by foster children, (viii) lack of individualizing cases of foster care placement by the social workers, (ix) efficiency of alternative care in comparison to residential care, (x) internalization of emotions by foster children, (xi) continued void for the biological mother’s love and affection,(xii) paucity of monitoring services to children, (xiii) information sharing and capacity building workshops for social workers a prerequisite, (xiv) Effectiveness of authoritative parenting a successful method and difficulty with telling foster children about their background. The study findings made the following recommendations: Strengthening inter-sectoral relationships and capacitate different stakeholders; Emphasis on early intervention and preventative programmes; Enforcement of punishment measure for incompliance; Implementation of training for foster parents and children; Foster care process made a specialization for social workers, Government to invest on psychosocial support and capacitating workshops for social workers. The researcher, therefore, hopes to have fulfilled the study objectives and further explored all the requirements of the study during data collection. More-so, fulfilment of objectives will assist the government and relevant stakeholders in bridging the gaps that exist with child protection.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the attitudes of selected community members on the interplay between incidences of poverty and the escalation of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mrashula, Zodidi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7941 , vital:30987
- Description: Cofimvaba has had a noticeable increase of people who got infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Cape. Hence, the researcher became interested to investigate the interplay between incidences of poverty and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The reasons for the continued increase of HIV infection in Cofimvaba were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach, was descriptive and explorative and specifically used a case study as a specific research design. The study investigated 32 participants, nine of whom were infected and diagnosed to be seropositive between the years 2012, and 2014; six community members; twelve from the volunteer care givers who were members from the support group. The study also investigated a number of key informants who included a traditional leader, a care giver, a nurse, a social worker and a community development practitioner. The study used a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive sampling technique. On data collection, the study triangulated both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that people who are infected with HIV/AIDS are unemployed, illiterate and suffer from poverty. The study also found that poor people are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections. The study findings were as follows: There is a lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS that leads to lack of prevention. It has been discovered that there is a high level of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. High level of unemployment is a contributing factor of poverty and high level of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. Level of unprotected sex as driver of HIV/AIDS has also been identified. There is an inextricable relationship poverty and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Unreliability of the food parcel on people who are HIV positive leads to poverty. The study findings were also as: Caregivers breaching the ethos and principle of confidentiality leads to people not to to HIV/disclose their HIV/AIDS status. Migration driving vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It has been insisted that transactional sex drives to HIV/AIDS. Low HIV/AIDS education makes people to be vulnerable to HIVAIDS., The fear of testing makes people unaware of their HIV/AIDS status. Also the excessive alcohol intake as a driver to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. It has also been noted that only women responded to the study and there was a high rate of death revealed on account of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. The researcher has also made the following recommendations to the study: obligatory psychol-social support programs for PLWHA, extension and replication of community based organisation, collaboration between different stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS domain. Widen the horizon of training education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and availability of counselling, job opportunity, social grants and food parcels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mrashula, Zodidi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7941 , vital:30987
- Description: Cofimvaba has had a noticeable increase of people who got infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Cape. Hence, the researcher became interested to investigate the interplay between incidences of poverty and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The reasons for the continued increase of HIV infection in Cofimvaba were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach, was descriptive and explorative and specifically used a case study as a specific research design. The study investigated 32 participants, nine of whom were infected and diagnosed to be seropositive between the years 2012, and 2014; six community members; twelve from the volunteer care givers who were members from the support group. The study also investigated a number of key informants who included a traditional leader, a care giver, a nurse, a social worker and a community development practitioner. The study used a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive sampling technique. On data collection, the study triangulated both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that people who are infected with HIV/AIDS are unemployed, illiterate and suffer from poverty. The study also found that poor people are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections. The study findings were as follows: There is a lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS that leads to lack of prevention. It has been discovered that there is a high level of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. High level of unemployment is a contributing factor of poverty and high level of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. Level of unprotected sex as driver of HIV/AIDS has also been identified. There is an inextricable relationship poverty and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Unreliability of the food parcel on people who are HIV positive leads to poverty. The study findings were also as: Caregivers breaching the ethos and principle of confidentiality leads to people not to to HIV/disclose their HIV/AIDS status. Migration driving vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It has been insisted that transactional sex drives to HIV/AIDS. Low HIV/AIDS education makes people to be vulnerable to HIVAIDS., The fear of testing makes people unaware of their HIV/AIDS status. Also the excessive alcohol intake as a driver to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. It has also been noted that only women responded to the study and there was a high rate of death revealed on account of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. The researcher has also made the following recommendations to the study: obligatory psychol-social support programs for PLWHA, extension and replication of community based organisation, collaboration between different stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS domain. Widen the horizon of training education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and availability of counselling, job opportunity, social grants and food parcels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
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