http://hdl.handle.net/10386/191 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:17:24 GMT 2026-04-09T15:17:24Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/252 Attitudes and perceptions of girls in St John's College about the practice of virginity testing Swaartbooi-Xabadiya, Zolisa Cynthia Background Virginity testing is a practice that has stimulated lots of discussions amongst people from various perspectives. Controversies around this practice have necessitated further research in order to bring the voice of girls into the virginity testing debate. Aim and objective The aim of the study was to explore perceptions and experiences of girls on the practice of virginity testing. Methodology Triangulation of qualitative data collective method was used. The researcher informally engaged in key informants’ interviews with stakeholders who participate in the practice attended virginity testing celebration to observe the proceedings and processes conducted during the practice. Focus group discussions were conducted. Data was analyzed using NVIVO. Results Elders, in particular mothers, encouraged participation of girls in virginity testing. Girls observed and sighted benefits, ranging from viz: HIV/STI prevention, societal recognition and acceptance, purity before marriage and delay of sexual debut. Non participation was attributed to the in availability of virginity testing practices the areas. Concerns of doggy behaviors by testers, uneducated testers of testers, compromised health standards were discussed. Conclusions These findings reveal that there are areas of misunderstanding on how the practice is viewed and represented in the media. Arguments against virginity testing seem to be based on the perspective of on Westernized, feminist and individualistic notions of humanity disregarding the social construction of traditional cultural practices. Socialization and moral standards of people from a particularly Western orientation dominate the debate against virginity testing with no basis that is supported by research. Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2010. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/252 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/250 An assessment of the experiences of patients on the comprehensive HIV and AIDS care management and treatment programme in Tshwane, Gauteng Magoro, Mmbangiseni Terrance Background In order to provide an assessment of experiences of patients on the Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care Management and Treatment (CCMT) programme it is essential to ascertain how accessible the CCMT programme is, moreover, is it is critical to determine the level of quality and the extent in which patients are satisfied with service provided. The study investigated and described the experiences of patients on the Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care Management and Treatment (CCMT) programme. Purpose The purpose of the research was addressed within a quantitative approach applying descriptive designs. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data that fit the objectives of the research. In this study the population applied to patients who lives in the vicinity of Tshwane District, Pretoria West and Kalafong Hospitals; Method Systematic random sampling consisted of 402 patients on the CCMT programme in three hospitals namely Tshwane District, Pretoria West and Kalafong Hospitals. Eligible participants were those who were 18 years and older and have been on the CCMT programme for 6 months or longer. Data was captured on Microsoft Excel 2007 and descriptive statistics was analysed with Stata 10. Results In this study 415 interviews were secured in all three hospitals, A total of 415 questionnaires were distributed in all three hospitals where a response of 97% was obtained, which compares favorably with the experience of other researchers. Conclusion The study reveals that the CCMT programme in Tshwane District, Pretoria West, and Kalafong hospitals is being implemented in accordance with what has been prescribed in the operational plan for the comprehensive HIV and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment for South Africa as it is accessible, of good quality with patients that are generally satisfied with service provided. Key terms: HIV and AIDS, health care, accessibility, quality, management, guidelines. Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2009. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/250 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/249 Participation of men attending outpatient services at Qoaling Filter Clinic in family planning Ralejoana, Ntsoaki Introduction The neglect of men with respect to their role in family planning has contributed to a situation in which men remained passive or non-participatory in reproductive health related studies and have generally not been included in most of research on family planning and use of modern contraceptives (Mbizvo & Basset, 1996). Family planning saves women’s and children’s lives and improves the quality of life. In addition, family planning reduces fertility and help to relieve the pressures that rapidly growing populations place on economic, social and natural resources. Men’s participation in family planning can improve women and children’s health. Men are heads of families and play dominant roles in decision making crucial to women’s lives and women’s reproductive health. Aim and the objectives of the study: The aim of the study was to identify and describe factors affecting the participation of men attending out - patient services at Qoaling Filter Clinic. Methods and materials: • Study design The study used a descriptive cross sectional design. The factors were identified, described and the differences between the factors and participation determined. • Study population The population for the study consisted of men between 18 and 50 years who attended out-patient services at Qoaling Filter Clinic. • Study setting The data was collected from Qoaling Filter Clinic which is situated the southern region of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. It is a mini hospital. • Sampling and sample size A cluster sampling was used. The researcher developed a sampling frame. Men who met the inclusion criteria were selected randomly. The formula used to compute the sample size was n/ [(1-(n/population)]. The sample size was 94. Results The findings of this study indicated that men knew some of the family planning methods. There was no difference in participation of men in family planning between men with more or less knowledge. There was a relationship between age, residing area, knowledge and participation. The majority of men indicated that if they were given information and there were special clinics for men, family planning services utilization would increase and they can be more involved in family planning services and support their wives and partners. Conclusion Men’s knowledge on family planning can improve their participation in utilizing the services and supporting their partners. Through participation men can help slow the spread of HIV and AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies and criminal abortions Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2010. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/249 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/248 Hepatitis B vaccination policies and coverage for nurse working at public and private hospitals in Tshwane, South Africa Mureithi, John Gachagua BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major cause of hepatitis in South Africa (SA), with an estimated 4 million carriers. It is transmitted by infected blood and other body fluids, placing health care workers (HCWs) at high risk of infection. The SA Department of Health strongly recommends that all HCWs be vaccinated against HBV, but studies have shown that uptake of the vaccine is sub-optimal. This study aimed to estimate HB vaccination coverage levels among nurses, and describe the demographics and characteristics of the HB vaccination policies associated with different levels of coverage, at private and public hospitals in Tshwane. METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study on 300 randomly selected nurses and 12 chief infection control officers (CICOs) from 13 hospitals (6 public and 7 private) in Tshwane performing high risk procedures. CICOs were asked questions about HB vaccination policies and coverage, while nurses were asked about demographics, HB vaccination status, and the HB vaccination policies of their institutions. RESULTS: The response rate was 84.3% (253/300) for nurses, and 75% (9/12) for CICOs. Of the nurses, 68.0% (172/253) were vaccinated, and logistic regression analysis found that those statistically significantly most likely to be vaccinated were: 30 years and younger (odds ratio [OR]=2.9; 95% CI: 1.11–7.59); employed in private hospitals (OR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.24–7.32); and graduated after 1990 (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.10–6.19). Also, logistic regression analysis found two statistically significant policy-related predictor for vaccination uptake, which was the presence of HB vaccination program (OR=4.6; 95% CI: 2.11-10.06); and compulsory HB vaccination (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.37-5.70. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a national policy on HB vaccination of HCWs which should include compulsory vaccination, to increase the vaccination coverage level amongst nurses. Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2009. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/248 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z