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Faculty of Health Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/11

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Social Support

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    The psychosocial needs of teenagers orphaned by HIV and AIDS : a qualitative study in KwaZulu-Natal
    (2013-03) Gumede, Dumile Olivia; Gumede, Phiwayinkosi; Du Plessis, Gretchen
    Dealing with HIV, AIDS, parental illness and death are realities many South African teenagers have to face. Understanding the experiences of such teenagers provides a vital ingress into the complexities of the HIV and AIDS epidemic as a social phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe the psychosocial needs of orphans aged 13-15 years. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of teenaged orphans in KwaZuluNatal. Findings reveal that these teenagers were confronted with drastic changes before and after the deaths of their parents. Several losses were experienced, such as the loss of a parent, the loss of friends, the loss of a home, an inheritance and a childhood. The care experience of the teenagers differed. Whereas some caregivers provided some of the needs of the teenagers, unmet psychosocial needs and poor care were reported.
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    Community perceptions of the socio-economic structural context influencing HIV and TB risk, prevention and treatment in a high prevalence area in the era of antiretroviral therapy
    (National Inquiry Services Center (NISC), 2018-03) Ngwenya, Nothando; Gumede, Dumile; Shahmanesh, Maryam; McGrath, Nuala; Grant, Alison; Seeley, Janet
    Following calls for targeted HIV prevention interventions in so-called "hotspots", we explored subjective perceptions of community members in places considered to be high HIV and tuberculosis (TB) transmission areas and those with low prevalence. Although more people now have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), some areas are still experiencing high HIV transmission rates, presenting a barrier to the elimination of HIV. A rapid qualitative assessment approach was used to access a sample of 230 people who contributed narratives of their experiences and perceptions of transmission, treatment and prevention of HIV and TB in their communities. Theoretical propositions case study strategy was used to inform and guide the thematic analysis of the data with Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK. Our results support the concept of linking perceived control to health through the identification of structural factors that increase communities' sense of agency. People in these communities did not feel they had the efficacy to effect change in their milieu. The few socio-economic opportunities promote social mobility in search of better prospects which may have a negative impact on community cohesion and prevention strategies. Communities were more concerned with improving their immediate social and economic situations and prioritised this above the prevention messages. Therefore approaches that focus on changing the structural and environmental barriers to prevention may increase people's perceived control. Multifaceted strategies that address the identified constructs of perceived control may influence the social change necessary to make structural interventions successful.