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The main purpose of this reflective paper is to signpost the importance of language of learning and teaching in a Teacher's Education course. It is then meant to decolonise the curriculum by tapping into the indigenous knowledge systems of the students. In view of this, the main aim of the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) English is to bridge the gap between schools and Higher Education given the fact that a considerable number of students come to universities in South Africa unprepared or underprepared. LoLT gives students the opportunity to take ownership of their literacies, particularly academic writing through defamiliarization and co-construction of knowledge. Our reflections are based on first year students' experiences on the language of learning and teaching in the Senior Phase/ Further Education and Training (SP/ FET) in Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). In light of this, our reflections are primarily focused on their ability to read and respond to selected texts where they were encouraged to interpret the texts based on their own perspectives. Most of the work was done in groups before individual assignment to factor in diversity in their interpretation bringing out the richness of the texts. The paper in conclusion, supports the belief and realization that once students are engaged to participate in unpacking a text, they come to understand that diversity is inevitable in whatever they do in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is one of the greatest challenges in public health today. One suggestion for improving accessibility is through collaboration between biomedical practitioners and traditional healers. This paper reviews studies of traditional healers' and biomedical practitioners' perceptions of collaboration. We conducted a systematic review of online databases, selected journals, and reference lists for relevant studies. Eligible papers were assessed using a tool designed for this review for quality and study characteristics, and qualitative data demonstrating participants' views were extracted. A total of 14 papers from seven countries were included. The published literature on this topic is relatively homogenous and studies are of variable quality. The findings suggest that, despite differing conceptualisations of mental illness causation, both traditional healers and biomedical practitioners recognise that patients can benefit from a combination of both practices and demonstrate a clear willingness to work together. There are concerns about patients' safety and human rights regarding traditional methods and some healers are sceptical about the effectiveness of Western psychiatric medication. Despite keeping the inclusion criteria open to all LMICs, 13 of the studies were conducted in Africa, seven of which were in South Africa. This limits the applicability of the findings of this review to the wider LMIC context. The paper concludes with recommendations for research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses topics within the issue including aspects of sexual and reproductive health, young people's sexual health and influence of political and social power on control over sexual and reproductive choices.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa implemented a national lockdown including a ban on the sale of alcohol. This paper describes adults' perspectives on this alcohol ban, focusing on whether they support or oppose this regulation. As part of a longitudinal study that documents South African's experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown, qualitative data were collected from 49 adults and analyzed thematically. Perspectives are framed around the overarching theme of "lives versus livelihoods," presented as support and/or opposition to the ban. Participants who endorsed the ban, as preserving "lives," thought that it facilitated social distancing and therefore limited the spread of COVID-19. Those who opposed the ban suggested that it undermined the "livelihoods" of South Africans, in the context of an already-strained economy. Our findings show that decisions around whether to support or oppose the alcohol ban were informed by critical reflections on the wider socio-behavioral and health implications of such regulations. Further implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perpetual negative attitudes and perceptions of the young community members towards the older persons signal a gradual degeneration and polarization of the expected mutually harmonious relationships. This state of affairs has negatively influenced the socioeconomic and biopsychosocial welfare of the older persons. This paper provides scant social work literature on the attitudes and perceptions of young community members towards older persons in Ramatlabama Village in the North West Province of South Africa and how these impacts on their acquisition needed welfare resources. Adopting a qualitative convenient-purposive sampling, the study engaged twenty participants who consisted of ten young and ten older persons from Ramatlabama Village. The data was analysed qualitatively and the findings of the study showed that young people’s attitudes towards and perceptions of older people were negative especially when the elderly were female, denoting also patriarchal attitudes. This negative attitudinal and perceptual position jeopardises the welfare of the older persons and the acquisition of the resources needed for optimal living. The conclusion reached was that the older persons are prone to negative attitudes and perceptions in the village which lessen their ability to acquire welfare resources for meeting their daily needs. Relevant recommendations have been made to facilitate social work interventions with older persons in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While much has been debated about venture formation and demise, the behavioral dynamics of why entrepreneurs intend to continue and persevere post-startup have received scant attention and scrutiny. Building upon the rich tapestry of entrepreneurial cognition, the purpose of this paper is to forward entrepreneurial continuance logic as a theoretical framework to empirically investigate the antecedents, contingencies and mediators of entrepreneurial continuance. Design/methodology/approach: Using observations from surveying 156 practicing entrepreneurs across the USA, UK, South Africa and India, this research offers interesting findings. Findings: Results surface attitudinal tensions between the transactional attitudes of entrepreneurial climate, entrepreneurial responsiveness and calculative commitment and the relational attitudes of affective and normative continuance. Specifically, the authors find that affect is the strongest direct predictor of continuance intentions but only in the absence of entrepreneurial responsiveness behavior. Research limitations/implications: Entrepreneurial responsiveness, rather than commitment, is found to be a core continuance constituent, traceable as a positive influence on continuance as a direct antecedent, a moderator and a mediator. Practical implications: The research reveals that entrepreneurs willing to seize and adapt to a changing entrepreneurial landscape are more like to continue with their ventures, but not just driven by strict underpinnings of affect and norms but by a strong sense of economic rationality. Social implications: Entrepreneurial continuance is an important behavioral phenomenon with substantial socio-economic consequences. Given the scant attention paid to entrepreneurial continuance – symptomatic of broader downstream effects of entrepreneurial survival and positive socio-economic spillovers, the authors embark on a systematic investigation of continuance intention as post-startup behavior. Originality/value: The paper explains post-startup entrepreneurial behavior in several ways. First, while affective commitment, a relational attitude, still drives continuance intentions, calculative commitment, a transactional attitude, is a significant contender. Interestingly, the nature of contemporary entrepreneurship disregards continuance behavior based on norms. Second, entrepreneurial responsiveness needs to be cautiously examined in relationship to commitment and continuance. Entrepreneurial responsiveness, a transactional attitude, positively influences continuance; however, in the presence of a relational attitude such as affective commitment, the interplay reduces continuance intentions. Third, perceptions of entrepreneurial climate are found to trigger more opportunity-seeking behavior among entrepreneurs, which in turn increases an entrepreneur's intention to continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role that social group processes, and multiple group membership in particular, play in supporting resilience and post‐traumatic growth following the experience of violence and abuse. Drawing on social identity theorizing, we develop and test a model that (a) predicts an association between multiple group membership and positive outcomes of resilience and post‐traumatic growth, and (b) explores mechanisms, of personal control and identification with anti‐violence activists, through which group membership might exert this effect. This model was tested using data from a sample of predominantly White South African adults recruited through numerous sources including a non‐government organisation that supports victims of violence and abuse (N = 112). Results showed that multiple group membership was positively related to post‐traumatic growth and provided a basis for enhanced personal control and identification with activists. Personal control also mediated the relationship between multiple group membership and resilience. We discuss the implications for theory and practice and suggest there is value in working with social group memberships following trauma to support recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transracial adoption (TRA) has been practised and researched in wealthy industrialized countries for decades, but there is limited literature about this practice in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa, where it is an uncommon and relatively new practice. Transracial adoption is heavily influenced by the context in which it occurs. Particular contextual features make South Africa well placed to showcase a different form of transracial adoption. This paper starts filling in the gap in the international literature by outlining historical, socio-economic and cultural features that influence the practice of transracial adoption and the experiences of transracial adoptive families in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the success of schools in disadvantaged township communities is shaped by an interplay of four dimensions: strategy, regulation, pedagogy and compensation. The paper presents these dimensions of successful leadership in secondary schools by drawing on a research study focusing on cases of three Soweto township secondary schools. Data sources included interviews, informal discussions and focus groups. The participants included principals, other members of the school management teams, teachers and parents. The case studies generated outcomes that contributed towards an emerging model of successful school leadership in township secondary schools facing multiple factors of deprivation. The successful school leadership practices explored in this study revealed that there were three discernible ways to characterise leadership practices in the case schools: principal-driven success; participative leadership driven by senior management; and teacher-led success. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Health policy-makers in Africa are looking for local solutions to strengthen primary care teams. A South African national position paper (2015) described six aspirational roles of family physicians (FPs) working within the district health system. However, the actual contributions of FPs are unclear at present, and evidence is required as to how this cadre may be able to strengthen health systems. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews, this study sought to obtain the views of South African district health managers regarding the impact made by FPs within their districts on health system performance, clinical processes and health outcomes. Results: A number of benefits of FPs to the health system in South Africa were confirmed, including: their ability to enhance the functionality of the local health system by increasing access to a more comprehensive and coordinated health service, and by improving clinical services delivered through clinical care, capacitating the local health team and facilitating clinical governance activities. Conclusions: District managers confirmed the importance of all six roles of the FP and expressed both direct and indirect ways in which FPs contribute to strengthening health systems’ performance and clinical outcomes. FPs were seen as important clinical leaders within the district healthcare team. Managers recognised the need to support newly appointed FPs to clarify their roles within the healthcare team and to mature across all their roles. This study supports the employment of FPs at scale within the South African district health system according to the national position paper on family medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper examines two autobiographical responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa from the perspective of responsibility and rights. The analysis draws on interdisciplinary studies of the epidemic and its effects on South African communities. Memoirs by Edwin Cameron and Sister Abegail Ntleko address challenges in South Africa with regard to attitudes toward and treatment of HIV-infected people. Both writers use their texts to advocate for social and political responsibility and for the rights of those infected. Rian Malan's essays function as a counterpoint, bringing into focus controversial questions about the role of funding and reliable statistics for the epidemic. The topic is relevant in a South African context where antiretroviral treatment was met with skepticism in official political discourse. Representations of responsibilities and rights as well as official responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic have been additionally reexamined in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving the epidemic renewed relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how teachers in a poor township primary school in South Africa construct meaning regarding gender violence among children, and how they talk about addressing that violence. The paper argues that major influences on the endemic violence include complex societal structures that are inscribed with cultures of violent masculinities, extreme socio-economic conditions and gender inequality. It shows how primary school teachers recognise violent masculinities and gender power imbalances but simultaneously uphold the notion of children’s innocence as a rationale for refuting the primary school as a site of violence. The paper explores contradictions embedded in some of the solutions which the teachers suggest as a way of addressing violence. For example, while they highlight the importance of teaching peace, respect and equality, they also advocate the use of corporal punishment as an effective means of dealing with violent conduct among school children. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Indigenous health matters have largely been neglected in the speech-language pathology literature and have particular import for the aphasia clinician. The influence of culture on people’s experiences and expectations after an event such as stroke can vary widely and there is a need to understand the impact of context on assessment and therapy. Standard approaches may not be adequate or relevant, nor always ethical to apply. Examination of aphasia in contexts with Indigenous populations provides an opportunity to explore methods and approaches with socially complex and marginalised communities and to expand our understanding of the lived experience of aphasia. Aims:The goal of this paper is to explore the role of culture in aphasia in Indigenous populations and drawing from a body of emerging research, highlight relevant dimensions of understanding and practice for the aphasia clinician. Main Contribution:A series of qualitative studies undertaken with Indigenous people with aphasia in two separate contexts – Australia and South Africa – will be described and their findings considered along several dimensions. A consideration of methods of approach and understanding will be provided, followed by discussion of some central constructs. A series of conceptual and clinical propositions for culturally safe research and practice in aphasia will be derived from this evidence. Models of collaboration are derived which are decolonising and potentially transformative and supplement models of knowledge and intervention in a local community. Particular attention is paid to temporal and spatial issues, the role of family, identity and community, the notion of resilience in such communities and addressing some of the specific challenges that may be involved such as working with cultural brokers. A series of recommendations is provided which allows for a critical engagement with interdisciplinary frameworks of understanding aphasia in context. Conclusion:As a reflective piece, this paper has enabled a collation of knowledge about aphasia in two Indigenous cultures and has helped consolidate some novel principles and insights and the need for expanded skills, attitudes, insights, explanations and methodologies – ones that acknowledge and accommodate diversity and difference, and that are relevant to Indigenous communities. Language difficulties are only one cause of social exclusion and issues such as poverty and identity make a huge impact on the lives of our clients and their families, and on the approach we adopt. A shift from the primary framework of our profession is required to accommodate the central role of culture in communication. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research on prejudice seeks to understand and transform inaccurate beliefs about others. Indeed, historically such research has offered a cautionary tale of the biased nature of human cognition. Recently, however, this view has been challenged by work defending the essential rationality of intergroup perception, a theme captured controversially in Jussim and colleagues' (2009) research on the 'unbearable accuracy of stereotyping'. The present paper argues that in its own terms the 'rationalist turn' in socio-cognitive research on stereotyping presents an important challenge to the prejudice tradition, raising troubling questions about its conceptual and empirical foundations. However, it also argues for the necessity of transcending those terms. By focusing on the correspondence between individual beliefs and the supposedly 'objective' characteristics of others, we neglect the historical and discursive practices through which the social realities that we 'perceive' are actively constructed and institutionalized. We mask their social origins, contested and perspectival nature, relativity, and relationship to wider structures of power. By implication, moving beyond the Allportian perspective that has dominated both the prejudice tradition and the emerging stereotype accuracy paradigm, we may now need to prioritize other kinds of questions. Reversing Allport's famous definition of prejudice, it may now be time to ask: How, and with what consequences, does 'thinking ill of others' become sufficiently warranted? How does such thinking become part of institutionalized relations of power and an accepted way of perceiving, evaluating and treating others? What should social psychologists be doing to challenge this state of affairs? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore children's pathways through homelessness within the South African context, with particular attention paid to pathways out of homelessness. This study focusses on factors influencing children's successful transitions out of homelessness. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative exploratory design was used, using interviews with nine children who had exited or were in the process of exiting homelessness. Interviews were conducted at a children's shelter in Pietermaritzburg or in the children's home environments. Interviews were analysed thematically. Findings: An ecological framework was used to frame the factors influencing children's pathways in, through and out of homelessness in the children's narratives. These included institutions, relationships and intrapersonal strengths and resources. The study suggested that constructive relationships with shelter staff and parental figures, as well as intrapersonal strengths, were the most prominent factors in children successfully negotiating their way through their homelessness. The importance of a relationship with the paternal family within some African cultures was also a point of leverage. Research limitations/implications: Implications for policy and practise include the need for systemic change, as well as greater support for shelters and shelter staff. The issue of rivalry in the shelter context and the role of the paternal family in the reintegration process require more research attention. The research is limited to homeless children in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Practical implications: This study provided feedback to the shelter regarding their strategies for assisting homeless children off the streets. It further provided evidence for the importance of the work of the shelter, to strengthen advocacy efforts. This may be useful to others in similar circumstances. Social implications: This study highlights the importance of macrosystemic interventions in the efforts to assist homeless children, while at the same time not ignoring the inter and intra, personal elements to enhancing their well-being. Originality/value: This paper is singular in its exploration of factors influencing children's successful transitions out of homelessness within the South African context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a significant health problem among adults and children globally, resulting in decreased quality of life and increased costs of healthcare. For optimal clinical care, primary care physicians should be familiar with OSA and confident in their ability to screen, diagnose, and manage this condition.Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care physicians in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa regarding OSA in adults and children.Methods: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional survey in Kenya (Nairobi), Nigeria (Edo State), and South Africa (Cape Town) between April 2016 and July 2017. At least 40 participants were randomly selected from a register of primary care physicians at each site. Potential participants were contacted to receive online/paper-based, validated OSA Knowledge and Attitudes (OSAKA) and OSAKA in Children (OSAKA-KIDS) questionnaires related to adults and children, respectively. The median percentage knowledge scores and proportions of favorable attitude were computed and current diagnostic and referral practices were documented.Results: The median OSAKA knowledge scores were 83.3% (interquartile range [IQR], 77.8-88.9), 66.7% (IQR, 55.6-77.8), and 61.1% (IQR, 55.6-77.8) among South African, Kenyan, and Nigerian physicians, respectively. For OSAKA-KIDS, the median knowledge scores were 61.1% (IQR, 50.0-72.2), 64.2% (IQR, 35.3-93.2), and 58.3% (IQR, 44.4-66.7) among South African, Kenyan, and Nigerian physicians, respectively. Most physicians (90-94%) considered adult and pediatric OSA very/extremely important. Fewer physicians agreed/strongly agreed that they were confident about OSA diagnosis (55%), management (25%), and continuous positive airway pressure (18%) use in adults. Even fewer physicians agreed/strongly agreed that they were confident about pediatric OSA diagnosis (35%), management (21%), and continuous positive airway pressure use (18%). South African physicians mainly prescribed polysomnography (51%) and overnight oximetry (22%), whereas 49% of Nigerian physicians and 65% of Kenyan physicians commonly requested lateral cervical radiography.Conclusions: Primary care physicians in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya considered OSA to be important but had modest knowledge about OSA in adults and children, and had a low perceived confidence in adult and pediatric management. Focused educational interventions during undergraduate training and continuing professional development programs may improve primary physicians' knowledge about OSA and its diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partnerships between local governments, health districts and non-governmental and community-based organizations are an increasingly important part of health promotion practice, as well as other policy and programme areas. Two inherent tensions in partnership working have been widely described. First, partnerships are generally set up as 'top down' initiatives, which advocate a 'bottom up' approach, with the inevitable power imbalances that this implies. Secondly, the gains made by partnerships tend to be limited compared with the claims made for them. Despite these tensions, individuals and organizations continue to devote considerable effort to making partnerships 'work'. This paper describes a study, which explored the implications of these apparent contradictions of power imbalance and potential disillusionment within partnerships. The study explored partnership working between community and statutory organizations within two very different Healthy Cities initiatives, one in the UK and the other in South Africa. This paper focuses on why the partners contributed continued effort and energy into maintaining the partnerships, despite their awareness of the constraints. Findings suggest that partners dealt with the tensions first by assuming a discrete identity as an 'entity of boundary people' that operates at the interface between the statutory sector authorities and the communities in question; and secondly, by reducing their activities to specific 'boundary' issues that do not threaten the main agenda of the authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HIV response is hampered by many obstacles to progression along the HIV care cascade, with men, in particular, experiencing different forms of disruption. One group of men, whose stories remain untold, are those who have succumbed to HIV-related illness. In this paper, we explore how next-of-kin account for the death of a male relative. We conducted 26 qualitative after-death interviews with family members of male PLHIV who had recently died from HIV in health and demographic surveillance sites in Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The next-of-kin expressed frustration about the defiance of their male relative to disclose his HIV status and ask for support, and attributed this to shame, fear and a lack of self-acceptance of HIV diagnosis. Next-of-kin painted a picture of their male relative as rebellious. Some claimed that their deceased relative deliberately ignored instructions received by the health worker. Others described their male relatives as unable to maintain caring relationships that would avail day-to-day treatment partners, and give purpose to their lives. Through these accounts, next-of-kin vocalised the perceived rebellious behaviour of these men, and in the process of doing so neutralised their responsibility for the premature death of their relative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide-range of products are available for consumers to shop online conveniently, anytime from anywhere in the world. While e-commerce has shown exponential growth over the past decade, there is evidence in literature that suggests consumer resistance and reluctance in engaging in online shopping, mainly for privacy and security reasons. Using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this paper aims to investigate consumer attitudes towards online shopping in an emerging economy, South Africa. This study followed a descriptive and quantitative research method. Primary data was collected from a sample of 215 consumers in Gauteng, South Africa. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to analyse the data. The results of the study indicate that trustworthiness, privacy and security concerns determine consumer attitude toward online shopping, which, in turn, influences online shopping behaviour. Beliefs about self-efficacy in conducting online transactions influenced consumers' perceived behavioural control, which ultimately influenced the online shopping behaviour of consumers. Furthermore, the study found that normative beliefs are the immediate antecedent of subjective norms, which, in turn, influence online shopping behaviour. Marketing practitioners need to address the issues of real and perceived privacy issues and the security concerns of current and potential online shoppers if they are to fully benefit from the spoils of the internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper derives its impetus from a question an elderly American woman once asked me: "Do people in South Africa know Elvis?" "Of course we South Africans know Elvis!" I replied. Or do we, really? Using a historiographic approach, this paper is an attempt to explore how Elvis Presley's image was first imported into South Africa, especially during the Apartheid era when there was no television and media censorship was a fact of daily life. Additionally, this essay will reflect on the impact of the media -- then and now -- in creating images, fantasies and illusions in constituting the subjectivity of the Elvis of real life and the Elvis of sound, stage and celluloid in the South African musical imaginary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores various dynamics in the relationship between life satisfaction and education in South Africa using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey. The results indicate a strong positive association between educational attainment and individual satisfaction with life, which is true in the overall sample and for men and women. This positive relationship also holds for Black and Coloured individuals, but is insignificant in the Asian and White samples. Evidence indicates that education is a positional good, in that people who have attained more than the mean level of education in their relevant cluster are significantly more satisfied with life compared to those possessing less than the mean education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social work students deal with complex social problems such as poverty, unemployment and the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS in their practice, education and training and it is important to acknowledge that these developmental challenges have global dimensions. The four foundational pillars in the Global Agenda on Social Work and Social Development provide a framework for social work policy education. A project using this framework was implemented in South Africa and the United States. This article discusses the findings of an exploratory qualitative research project based on 58 student final papers from South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess nursing staff perceptions regarding the clinical audit tool used for relicensing inspections within private hospitals in eThekwini district. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed method research design was used with a qualitative first phase involving a total population of 40 nurse managers through purposive sampling. Nurse managers ( n=24) were interviewed. This was followed by a quantitative phase in which a structured questionnaire was administered to nurses ( n=270) who were randomly sampled for the study from ( n=4) hospitals. Documentation review, a third phase was used to corroborate the findings of the first two phases of the study. Findings The results of the study showed that the participants perceptions of the selected private hospitals in eThekwini district is that they have not fully implemented the approach to practice standards and healthcare audits in relation to three clinical domains of the National Core Standards and the Batho Pele principles. These findings were significant and denoted the need for a standardised clinical audit tool for private hospitals in eThekwini district. Research limitations/implications This study was confined to an independent group of hospitals and the findings may not be suitable for generalising across all private hospitals in eThekwini district. Originality/value These findings led to the development of a clinical audit tool with measurements representing elements of care that are critical to the provision of safe, quality health care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of community involvement in public health research processes is well established. The literature is, however, less forthcoming about processes of community inclusion in public health project implementation, especially when it comes to projects focusing on key populations. The Step Up Project is the first multi-city harm reduction service provision project for people who inject drugs in South Africa. Since inception, the Project has made concerted efforts to work with and alongside people who actively identify as people who inject drugs. This paper outlines two features in relation to project-beneficiary dynamics that emerged in a qualitative project evaluation conducted by an external researcher and a funder representative. The first was that people accessing the project comfortably expressed criticisms of both themselves and the project, and noted when their behaviour contradicted project ideals. The second was the extent to which engagement with the project was reported to be fostering a renewed sense of personhood and right to exist in the world. These findings are, we suggest, in principle related to two forms of community engagement: consistent empathic response and community advisory groups. This implies that programmes need to focus on their mode of approach as much as on the content of their approach. It further implies that programme impact not be limited to quantitative assessment measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper recognizes that sexuality is shaped during childhood and that prevailing views on disability and the proper conduct of sexual relations within society are critical in forming the sexuality of people with disabilities. This paper reports on a research project carried out in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa that examines the viewpoints of two communities on disability in childhood and its implications for sexuality of people with disabilities. A Q methodological study was undertaken in two study areas and 6 factors from these studies are interpreted and related to the literature. The findings reveal that there is an emerging discourse of resilience and engagement in positive relationships. However, the high levels of stigma and negative attitudes toward people with disabilities limit the development of healthy sexuality. The implications of these findings for sexuality education are highlighted with an emphasis on balancing the need for protection with that of participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to examine the influence of interactive social media marketing communications on teenagers’ cognitive, affective and behavioral attitude components in South Africa. The study also considers the impact of a number of additional factors such as usage (access, length of usage, log-on frequency, log-on duration and profile update incidence) and demographic (gender, age and population group) variables on young consumers’ attitudes toward social media marketing communications.Design/methodology/approach A survey was used via three self-administered questionnaires, which were distributed to over 13,000 learners in the age range of 13-18 years (Generation Z cohort) at colleges and high schools in South Africa. A generalized linear model was used for statistical data analysis.Findings The study ascertained that social media marketing communications had a positive on each attitude component among adolescents, but on a declining scale, which correlates to the purchase funnel. The results also revealed that teenagers who used social media for long time periods; updated their profiles frequently and were from the Colored and Black population groups, displayed the most favorable attitudinal responses to social media marketing communications.Research limitations/implications Social media was collectively analyzed and did not consider the number of different social media types, which could be examined individually. This investigation only considered the Generation Z cohort, but other cohorts to attitudes toward social media marketing communications could also be assessed.Practical implications Companies and their brands should consider using and/or adapting their strategies based on the declining impact of social media marketing communications on the hierarchical attitude stages among young consumers and the divergent influence on usage and demographic variables when targeting the lucrative and technologically advanced, but capricious, Generation Z consumers.Originality/value This research established that social media marketing communications had a favorable influence on cognitive, affective and behavioral attitude components among young consumers, but on a declining scale, which is in congruence with the purchase funnel model. This investigation also makes an important contribution to attitudinal research in developing countries, where there is a lack of research in social media marketing communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper explores the role of perceptions of the opinions of others as they relate to the formation of public opinion. Two recent ideas, the third person effect and the spiral of silence, have underscored the importance of these perceptions independent of the actual state of public opinion surrounding an issue. This study explores these interrelated ideas in the context of opinions toward divestment of financial interests in South Africa. This study examines both third person effects and the spiral of silence in the context of public opinion toward a single issue, looking first at the tendency to attribute greater media influence to others than to oneself, then at communication behaviors in relation to perceptions of the distribution of opinion. This paper also has a broader purpose, and that is to consider an enduring dilemma in the study of public opinion. It is a traditional tenet of public opinion theory that the whole of public opinion is more than a collection of isolated individual opinions, more than a mere statistical aggregate. And although considerable progress has been made in the ability to measure and describe public opinion, for all practical purposes it remains an individual-level concept. In academic as well as everyday parlance, public opinion is simply the sum of any individual opinions that can be collected, and thus it is said to exist on practically any issue.

The aim of this study article is to present an analysis of the first national policy framework, which provides a coherent approach to integrating nursing education into a newly defined band for higher education programmes in South Africa. The significance of this policy framework is ensuring the seamless transition from legacy nursing programmes to NQF-registered nursing programmes. It explores the agenda-setting process, analyses the prevailing context and outlines the rationale for the policy. Walt and Gilson's policy triage analysis process outlines the key elements of the policy development process. Drawing upon Tarlov's two-phased public policy development process, the article outlines the steps completed in the policy development process. Recommendations are proposed to expand access, improve quality and diversify the provisioning of nursing education and training in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The "health workforce" crisis has led to an increased interest in health professional education, including MPH programs. Recently, it was questioned whether training of mid- to higher level cadres in public health prepared graduates with competencies to strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Measuring educational impact has been notoriously difficult; therefore, innovative methods for measuring the outcome and impact of MPH programs were sought. Impact was conceptualized as "impact on workplace" and "impact on society," which entailed studying how these competencies were enacted and to what effect within the context of the graduates' workplaces, as well as on societal health.Methods: This is part of a larger six-country mixed method study; in this paper, the focus is on the qualitative findings of two English language programs, one a distance MPH program offered from South Africa, the other a residential program in the Netherlands. Both offer MPH training to students from a diversity of countries. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 graduates (per program), working in low- and middle-income health systems, their peers, and their supervisors.Results: Impact on the workplace was reported as considerable by graduates and peers as well as supervisors and included changes in management and leadership: promotion to a leadership position as well as expanded or revitalized management roles were reported by many participants. The development of leadership capacity was highly valued amongst many graduates, and this capacity was cited by a number of supervisors and peers. Wider impact in the workplace took the form of introducing workplace innovations such as setting up an AIDS and addiction research center and research involvement; teaching and training, advocacy, and community engagement were other ways in which graduates' influence reached a wider target grouping. Beyond the workplace, an intersectoral approach, national reach through policy advisory roles to Ministries of Health, policy development, and capacity building, was reported. Work conditions and context influenced conduciveness for innovation and the extent to which graduates were able to have effect. Self-selection of graduates and their role in selecting peers and supervisors may have resulted in some bias, some graduates could not be traced, and social acceptability bias may have influenced findings.Conclusions: There was considerable impact at many levels; graduates were perceived to be able to contribute significantly to their workplaces and often had influence at the national level. Much of the impact described was in line with public health educational aims. The qualitative method study revealed more in-depth understanding of graduates' impact as well as their career pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much research is available that details student experiences of immigration and adaptation to receiving countries and schools, but few studies analyze the metaphors used by immigrant students (IS) when talking about the immigration experience, or offer a comparative lens through which to view identity negotiation in two very different contexts. The present paper aims to address these gaps by conducting a comparative linguistic analysis of 20 interviews conducted with IS at universities in South Africa and the United States in order to gain a greater understanding of immigration and the types of identity negotiation processes learners undergo in these very different countries. Findings reveal interesting similarities between metaphorical conceptions of immigration across different cultural contexts and a remarkable resilience in the use of adaptation strategies and identity development that leads to salient pedagogical implications for teachers of higher education who face increasingly international classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we compared the levels of awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) about environmental pollution of secondary school students from two South African provinces. The purpose was to determine the levels of AKA between students living under different environmental conditions. These two groups were students from a coal-mining province (Mpumalanga) and those from a non-coal-mining province (Gauteng). Participants were 753 purposively selected students from Grades 8 to 12 from the two the provinces thus: 423 from Mpumalanga province and 330 from Gauteng province. Their ages ranged from 13 to 23 years (M = 16.1; SD = 1.75). They responded to a 36-item awareness, knowledge and attitude questionnaire (r = 0.77) on issues relating to environmental pollution. Data were analysed through computing descriptive statistics followed by unpaired t-tests. Statistically significant differences were established between students from the two provinces with regards to all the environmental variables tested, where students from Mpumalanga province had higher mean scores than their counterparts from Gauteng. Students from both provinces identified newspapers as the most important source of information on environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The use of alcohol amongst first-year students in institutions of higher learning is problematic as it often leads to social and academic problems, for instance high dropout rates and high-risk sexual behaviour. Research on first-year students' opinions regarding their own use of alcohol at the University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus, was seen as pertinent as this institution trains medical doctors, dentists and other health professionals. The findings could inform appropriate interventions by policy-makers at the institution. This paper presents the qualitative data nested from a larger study on alcohol use among first-year medical students. Methods: A sample of 217 first-year students was obtained, to whom a questionnaire was administered which included open-ended questions formulated from discussions with a focus group of eight first-year students. The open-ended questions were formulated in a manner that allowed participants to give an account of their experience and opinions related to the drinking of alcohol. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Results: The participants comprised 90 (41.5%) females, 13 (6%) White, 196 (90.3%) Black, 4 (1.8%) Asian and 4 (1.8%) Coloured students. The study revealed substantive views relating to first-year students' opinions and experiences of alcohol consumption. Themes gleaned from the interpretation were awareness, physical location of the campus, economic opportunities, health considerations, identity, belief in alcohol use, and interventions. Conclusion: The results indicate that first-year students have varying opinions and experiences concerning alcohol consumption at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa campus). Social identity and peer pressure are motivating factors in students' use of alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Behavioural problems are commonly experienced in schools. This contributes to poor academic results and general disciplinary problems, among other things. It is argued that punitive disciplinary methods are aggravating unacceptable behaviours. This paper presents information about the use of punishment, how children react to these measures, and reasons why they react in the way they do. The Circle of Courage philosophy is linked to restorative practices as a response to disciplinary problems. By presenting this, the author contributes to the debate on approaches to discipline and aims to show that, since so many children are troubled, they need to be disciplined in a psychologically healthier way. High levels of caring and control could significantly reduce disciplinary problems in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, marriage is on a decline and this can be traced to as early as the 1940s in South Africa. This paper explores marriage declines in South Africa, specifically the reasons why young, educated women are delaying marriage. It draws on a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with thirty Zulu-speaking female university students in Durban, South Africa. Women with higher education attainment opt for a later age of marriage in order to establish themselves financially, gain independence, build their careers and accrue some assets as well as to improve their families' living standards. The women in this study are highly aspirant and want to marry partners with attributes that are equally matched to them. The study suggests that it is important to focus on the attitudes of young, educated women in order to better understand the delay in marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) account for 25% of new HIV infections in South Africa. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is approved by the South African Government, but the factors that promote PrEP uptake among AGYW are not well understood. This study examines multilevel factors associated with PrEP uptake among AGYW in six clinic catchment areas in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa. After consent/assent, PrEP-eligible AGYW (n = 448) completed a questionnaire assessing factors at the individual, network/interpersonal, and community levels and were prescribed PrEP in study clinics, if interested. A multivariable model, adjusting for clustering, assessed factors associated with PrEP uptake over a 9-month period. At the individual level, multiple partners in the past 3 months (OR = 0.47), perceived risk of HIV (OR = 0.71), and PrEP-related shame (OR = 0.63) were correlated with lower odds of PrEP uptake (ps ≤ 0.05). The findings highlight modifiable factors that should be addressed to support PrEP uptake efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A study was undertaken to explore the differences in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices and their correlations among adults in both urban and rural communities in the Free State province of South Africa. Design: This study forms part of the cross-sectional Assuring Health for All in the Free-State (AHA-FS) study. Setting: The AHA-FS study is conducted in urban and rural parts of the Free State province of South Africa. The rural and urban stages of the study were conducted in 2007 and 2009, respectively. Subjects: The sample included 846 adult household members, aged between 25 and 65 years, from both rural and urban areas of the Free State province. Outcome measures: Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices were measured. Results: The sample included predominantly females (78.2%). Rural adults had significantly better nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001), positive attitudes (p < 0.001) and positive beliefs (p < 0.001) and their nutrition knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.27, p < 0.001), nutrition knowledge and beliefs (r = 0.16, p < 0.001), and nutrition attitudes and beliefs (r = 0.38, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with each other. However, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs were not correlated with nutrition practices among our sample in either the urban or rural setting. Conclusion and implication: The results of the current study confirm that relevant and culturally acceptable nutrition education interventions for translating nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs into practices are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The majority of research examining the interplay between athlete hostility, anger verbal aggression and physical aggression in competitive sporting environments has focused on Western populations and only on selected sporting codes (e.g. Rugby; ice hockey). Research involving African, particularly South African athletes is sparse. Thus, this study examines the prevalence of athletes' hostility, anger, verbal aggression and physical aggression in South African sport. A total of 233 athletes in Gauteng province, South Africa, were selected. Descriptive statistics as well as Smart PLS software for structural equation modelling (SEM) technique were applied. The results indicated that the relationship between athletes' hostility and anger, verbal aggression and physical aggression were significantly positive; while insignificantly positive association was obsereved between athletes' hostility and verbal aggression. The results also suggest that the experience of hostility, angry emotions, verbal aggressive behaviours and physical aggression of South African athletes are similar to Western populations, but that sport psychology practitioners should be aware of some potentially important differences, such as the general tendency of South African athletes to disapprove of aggressive behaviour. The research paper concludes by discussing both academic and managerial implications of the results, and future research directions are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe question of choice and individual decision making in groups where a strong ideology exists has been repeatedly studied and debated. The objective of this paper is to highlight the aspects of influence pertaining to initiation in the life world of the Xhosa boy. The amaXhosa are speakers of Bantu languages traditionally living in south-east South-Africa, and in the last two centuries throughout the southern and central-southern parts of the country. MethodTo substantiate the literature study, a survey in the form of a questionnaire was done to establish the attitudes of Xhosa people regarding traditional male initiation. To gather in-depth information from persons who had personal contact with initiates, interviews were conducted with two selected people in helping professions. DiscussionThe author argues that the traditional custom of male initiation among the amaXhosa rests on an ideology that tolerates no dissent or critique and that deprives individuals of their decision-making power. It is further argued that the implication of not undergoing the ritual is so severe for Xhosa boys that the choice they are thought to have may not be a choice in practice. ConclusionsQuestions were raised regarding the role of children and women in general in a patriarchal society. As an example of culture and religion as influencing factors in a group's reality, Xhosa male initiation was discussed. These arguments call for the raising of questions and identifying themes and discourse in the area of children's right to choice. ResultsThe results indicate that, regardless of physical and psychological implications, the custom in its traditional form is still preferred by most respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Effective medical treatment for HIV/AIDS requires patients' optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In resource-constrained settings, lack of adequate standardized counseling for patients on ART remains a significant barrier to adherence. Masivukeni ('Let's Wake Up' in Xhosa) is an innovative multimedia-based intervention designed to help people living with HIV in resource-limited settings achieve and maintain high levels of ART adherence. Adapted from a couples-based intervention tested in the United States (US), Masivukeni was developed through community-based participatory research with US and South African partners and informed by Ewart's Social Action Theory. Innovative computer-based multimedia strategies were used to translate a labor- and training-intensive intervention into one that could be readily and widely used by lay counselors with relatively little training with low-literacy patients. In this paper, we describe the foundations of this new intervention, the process of its development, and the evidence of its high acceptability and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vocabulary needs of individuals who are unable to spell their messages continue to be of concern in the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Social validation of vocabulary selection has been suggested as one way to improve the effectiveness and relevance of service delivery in AAC. Despite increased emphasis on stakeholder accountability, social validation is not frequently used in AAC research. This paper describes an investigation of the social validity of a vocabulary set identified in earlier research. A previous study used stakeholder focus groups to identify vocabulary that could be used by South African adults who use AAC to disclose their experiences as victims of crime or abuse. Another study used this vocabulary to create communication boards for use by adults with complex communication needs. In this current project, 12 South African adults with complex communication needs who use AAC systems used a 5-point Likert scale to score the importance of each of the previously identified 57 vocabulary items. This two-step process of first using stakeholder focus groups to identify vocabulary, and then having literate persons who use AAC provide information on social validity of the vocabulary on behalf of their peers who are illiterate, appears to hold promise as a culturally relevant vocabulary selection approach for sensitive topics such as crime and abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically investigates the determinants of individual attitudes towards immigration in South Africa using the 1996, 2001 and 2007 rounds of the World Values Survey, looking at the role played by both economic and non-economic drivers. Our findings suggest that economic characteristics that work through the labor marketare not likely to explain the observed variation in individual preferences. We find instead some evidence for the role played by non-economic drivers, in particular by the ethnic background of the respondent and his/her religious affiliation. Our analysis thus highlights the importance of cultural factors for the design of migration policy in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the central concepts of a model that would facilitate the return to work process of individuals with brain injury. However for the purpose of this paper there will be a focus only on the barriers and facilitators that influence the return to work process. Participants: Ten individuals who were diagnosed with a mild to moderate brain injury participated in this study. Methods: Qualitative research methods were used in order to explore the research question. The participants were selected by means of purposive sampling and the data was collected by means of in depth interviews. Results: The results of the study revealed that the participants experienced a sense of loss of function after the brain injury, a fear of the future and loss of confidence in their worker roles. The participants also indicated that by means of adapting occupational routines and actively engaging in rehabilitation they developed confidence in their worker roles. Conclusion: Occupational therapists have to use a client centred holistic work integrative approach in order to successfully rehabilitate as well as facilitate the return to work process with people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an analysis of the discourses and attitudes that emerged from a set of daily journals kept by a particular group of township women during a training course for domestic workers in South Africa. The principal aim of the paper is to examine the ways in which the women express emotion, voice, and agency through the act of writing and reflecting on their experiences during the training course. A secondary aim is to uncover those recurrent discourses and attitudes that either empower or disempower these women from becoming effective agents capable of challenging their positions in their families and society. The theoretical and conceptual framework for this study draws on Appraisal Theory and studies on voice, agency and identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on attitudes towards South African Indian English (SAIE), an L1 variety of English spoken in South Africa. The attitudes of the participants are considered against the backdrop of the socio-political history of this variety and its speakers, and in contrast to their attitudes to what they perceive as 'good' English. While the research methodology is primarily based on lengthy, semi-structured interviews with twenty young South African Indians (i.e. ingroup members), the paper also includes a discussion of some of the linguistic features of SAIE, which is mainly motivated by methodological considerations. Through an examination of SAIE wh-questions, we show that the grammar of this variety differs systematically from that of the reference variety. Using examples of these wh-questions, we elicited grammatical judgments from participants and compared these judgments to the attitudes of the participants as expressed in response to open-ended questions in interviews. On the basis of the empirical data that we obtained and analysed, we argue that the young South African Indian students who participated in our study have a profoundly ambiguous attitude towards the variety associated with their own ethno-linguistic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years South Africa has taken some important steps forward in strengthening its mental health systems. Mental health legislation has been reformed and there is some level of policy commitment to mental health. However, there remain ongoing challenges, largely related to implementation. The aim of this paper is to review the major challenges facing the South African mental health system, to provide a greater understanding of these challenges (as articulated by stakeholders from a wide range of sectors) and to highlight stakeholders' recommendations about the best way to address them. Ninety nine interviews and 12 focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders drawn from the national, provincial and district levels. The major challenges identified include: the lack of officially endorsed mental health policy; the continued low priority of mental health; limited intersectoral policy integration; stigma and discrimination; inadequate integration of mental with primary health care; and 'de-hospitalisation' rather than 'de-institutionalization'. Recommendations include: developing an overarching national mental health policy; lobbying for mental health on national policy agendas; including mental health in poverty alleviation programmes; greater educational and awareness-raising campaigns; standardised evidence-based training of health staff; and the development of community-based mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we explore the perceived desirable characteristics of South African Life Orientation teachers for teaching sexuality and HIV/AIDS. We also investigate the extent to which these characteristics can be understood as parts of a role script for teaching HIV/AIDS and sexuality. Data were collected from teachers who taught Grade Eight and Grade Nine students in South African public high schools. The teachers particularly emphasised the importance of personality and life experience as important characteristics for teaching sexuality and HIV/AIDS. In addition, they felt that it was challenging to create an open dialogue in the classroom and at the same time maintain classroom discipline. The teachers did not perceive that teaching about sexuality and HIV/AIDS was a role that a teacher could step in and out of. On the other hand, they were accustomed to playing different roles with respect to the students, such as parent, friend, counsellor and social worker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an important tool in monitoring the quality, efficacy and safety of medicines, with spontaneous reporting being the mainstay system of reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) worldwide. ADRs are largely underreported in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacists and nurses in the private hospital sector towards ADR reporting. Setting: This study was conducted in six private hospitals and clinics within a single hospital group in Johannesburg, South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst healthcare professionals using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire containing 20 close-ended questions. Both electronic and paper questionnaires were used to obtain as many responses as possible. Results: A total of 233 healthcare professionals participated in the study. Of these, 78.5% were registered nurses and 21.5% were hospital pharmacists. Although three-quarters of participants believed ADR reporting to be important, most had received no previous PV training (76.2%) and did not know how to report an ADR (54.5%). The majority of participants (87.1%) believed that all ADRs should be reported, with 75.5% of participants believing they would report all ADRs they encountered in the future provided they had sufficient training and knowledge. The major factors discouraging participants from reporting was a lack of awareness with respect to the process of reporting as well as a lack of access to the ADR reporting form. Conclusion: The majority of participants require further training regarding ADR reporting. Although the knowledge of most participants was acceptable, the transition into practice needs to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research regarding the outcomes of child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients appears insufficient and neglected. Where data are available, the majority of studies focus on adolescents. This study aimed (a) to describe child and parental perspectives of short-, medium- and long-term outcomes of children who have had a pre-adolescent inpatient psychiatric admission, and (b) to analyse these dyadic experiential data to identify outcome variables of importance to families and service users that could be used in future outcomes-based research. Methods: The study employed a qualitative methodology, using semi-structured in-depth interviews of ten parent-child dyads to (a) collect the perspectives of children who have had an inpatient psychiatric admission at a pre-adolescent unit and their parents, and (b) to analyse the experiences of inpatient admission and perceived outcomes after discharge using thematic analysis. Results: Overall, inpatient psychiatric admission was viewed as a positive and empowering experience by parents and children. Clear short-term benefits were reported as a result of new diagnoses, medications and new skills gained through the admission process. More than half of parent-child dyads reported long-term benefits, but many families commented on ongoing challenges. Thematic analysis identified diagnostic certainty, acquisition of cognitive and behavioural skills, appropriate educational environment, peer relationships, sustained follow-up and medication management, and parent-child relationships, as important contributors to outcomes. Importantly, the presence or lack of these elements influenced outcomes. Conclusions: The study explored parent-child dyadic perspectives about their experiences of inpatient mental health admissions for pre-adolescents and perceived outcomes after admission. The majority of families found inpatient admission positive and helpful, and thematic analysis identified a number of functional variables that may predict outcome. However, positive outcomes were associated with ongoing difficulties over time, as indicated by the theme "a turn in the road, but still a rough journey". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]