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Background In the last ten years, the South African Personality Inventory (SAPI) has been developed as an indigenous measurement of personality for the multi-cultural environment of South Africa. The aim of the SAPI is to assess personality in an unbiased and equivalent way. For the purpose of this study, we used an 82-item version of the SAPI which measures nine factors (Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Extraversion, Facilitating, Integrity, Intellect, Openness, Relationship Harmony and Soft-heartedness). Participants and procedure A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the SAPI, the General Health Questionnaire and the Brief Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale. A purposive sample was drawn from Black and White emerging adults (N = 990). We assessed the relationship between personality aspects and well-being across groups in a multiple group structural equation model (SEM) using the SPSS and AMOS programs. Results Black emerging adults showed evidence of more individualistic-inclined personality features, while the White emerging adults seem to demonstrate more collectivistic features. In terms of health, the White emerging adults experience more life satisfaction than their Black counterparts. Conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, facilitating and openness predict well-being among emerging adults. Conclusions This study contributes to expanding the nomological network of the SAPI, and it enhances knowledge pertaining to the link between personality and well-being of emerging adults in South Africa. Understanding which factors contribute to poor mental health and lack of life satisfaction may lead to innovation programmes for emerging adults to assist them in dealing with negative health outcomes possibly associated with living in multicultural contexts.

Background In South Africa, the Church has historically played an important role in the lives of the Black population. In light of the high number of Black persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the country, it is important to explore religious leaders' perceptions of HIV/AIDS and PLWHA to inform the development and implementation of faith-based interventions. # Aims This article explores Christian religious leaders' perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Soweto and the role of religious institutions in the lives of PLWHA. # Methods We conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional study of religious leaders serving in Soweto. A questionnaire was administered to 45 religious leaders who self-identified as Black, Christian, and serving congregations in Soweto. The questionnaire included general demographic information about the religious leaders and their Churches, perceptions of the role of the Church in the lives of PLWHA, and HIV-related stigma. Of the questionnaire respondents, 26 participated in qualitative interviews. Survey and interview results were analysed separately, then compiled for additional analysis. # Results Leaders reported HIV/AIDS is a concern (40%) or great concern (49%) to the Church and 84% believed the Church should support PLWHA, yet 80% reported persisting HIV-related stigma. Expectations of PLWHA depended primarily on the mode of infection: if as a result of 'sinful' behaviour (pre/extra-marital sex), spiritual reconciliation is needed; when as a result of another's behaviour (spouse, rape, mother-to-child), making peace and forgiving is important. Leaders saw themselves as 'restorers' of the faith of PLWHA. Despite the overwhelming compassion and willingness to be of assistance, religious leaders (71%) admit to having inadequate skills to address HIV/AIDS-related stigma and resources needed to support people living with HIV/AIDS. # Conclusions Religious leaders are willing to tackle HIV/AIDS-related issues in their congregations but need the appropriate support and training to address HIV stigma and to provide support to PLWHA.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important HIV prevention method for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Africa, who are at heightened risk of HIV infection. HIV risk perception is generally a powerful motivator for adoption of HIV prevention behaviours, including PrEP use. While HIV risk perceptions have been evaluated using quantitative measures, these seldom capture how individuals conceptualize and understand risk within local frameworks of meaning. More nuanced understanding may come from qualitative approaches that map these perceptions across the trajectory of sexual histories. Between 2016 and 2018, we implemented a novel participatory method to investigate risk perceptions in interviews with 32 participants in HPTN 082, a study of AGYW's use of PrEP in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Timelines were used to record narrative sexual histories and perceived HIV risk for each relationship. We found that women assessed HIV risk primarily based on their partners' personal qualities and behaviour (especially relating to infidelity); their subjective experience of being treated respectfully; and the practice of perceived 'risk reduction', including younger partners and condoms, even if used inconsistently. A narrative timeline approach grounded in an understanding of young women's sexual histories may increase critical reflection about HIV risks and facilitate risk-reduction counselling with this group.