3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item A psychosocial study of cardiovascular diseases, health behaviours and risk perception among retail pharmacy workers in Johannesburg, South Africa(2016) Buldeo, PriyaThis thesis is based on a descriptive and exploratory psychosocial study which investigates the underlying factors that shape cardiovascular diseases, health behaviours and risk perception among retail pharmacy workers in Johannesburg, South Africa. It further examines help-seeking behaviours and the meanings attached to ‘The Body’, self and identity as related to symbolic interactionism. A review of literature presents a background to the local and global context and engages classic and contemporary discourses and debates on health, illness and chronic diseases. The unique context of non-communicable diseases in South Africa is interrogated by utilising the Integrative Model of Behavioural Prediction as a guiding theoretical framework. A mixed methods research design incorporated (i) a survey (N=400) and (ii) in-depth follow-up interviews (N=60). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analyses for deeper reflections on the topic. The findings revealed that cardiovascular disease knowledge and risk perception is shaped by one’s family, community, workplace, colleagues and the media. It found that workers have an understanding of cardiovascular diseases, the problem, however, is that individual risk perception is overlooked. Social networks, cultural norms and gender contributed to the public framings of bodies and the sociocultural anxieties surrounding juxtapositions – thin/fat, healthy/unhealthy, acceptable/unacceptable, good/bad – prominent in ‘Othering’ deliberations. These illuminated the symbolic and material dimensions of how workers conceptualise their bodies. ‘Good’ health behaviours were associated with physical attractiveness, social acceptance and health improvement and maintenance. ‘Bad’ health behaviours were linked to time constraints, long working hours, financial stress and family responsibilities. The discussion and conclusion consolidate the study’s sociological significance and the multi-layered aspects of health, illness and chronic diseases. This thesis challenges sociocultural expectations of ‘The Body’ in ways which contrast some of the available literature in Africa. It further contributes to the existing knowledge on non-communicable diseases while introducing innovative ways of (re)thinking about chronic conditions and the practical implications as related to the study. The pertinent issues raised regarding non-communicable disease diagnosis, management and treatment, as well as food consumption and body weight perceptions complicate an ever-changing South African risk society. This thesis, therefore, paves the way for further research on the perceived and actual cardiovascular disease risks in the South African context.Item To 'test' or not to 'test'? : an exploratory study of WITS students' responses to Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT).(2012-06-29) Buldeo, PriyaThe health of University students is important as these individuals are central to the future economic sector. Since HIV/AIDS is a major public health threat in South Africa (SA), it is vital to develop health initiatives that aim to reduce the HIV prevalence rate among youth and to promote positive health behaviour. Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is one such initiative. The National Department of Health (NDoH) recently implemented the „First Things First‟ campaign that aims to promote VCT among youth. In line with the NDoH‟s initiative, this study explored the factors that shape attitudes towards VCT among first year students at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). This study was conducted using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The respondents included 195 first year students out of approximately 220 who participated in a survey and two key informants in the field of HIV/AIDS whom I interviewed. With regards to ethical considerations, the study protected the respondent‟s rights by maintaining anonymity of all survey participants and exercised care that the human rights of individuals and the reputation of WITS as an institution were safeguarded. Based on conceptual models of health behaviour, the study identified factors that shaped students responses to VCT. The results of this study indicate that youth at WITS go for VCT mainly to know their HIV status. This is being triggered by them knowing someone who has either; been for VCT, is living with HIV or passed away due to AIDS. In addition, the free availability and easy accessibility of VCT services on campus and the positive influence of peers through social mobilisation were regarded as key motivations for students accessing VCT. However, some students seem to not access VCT services due to personal fears of rejection, blame and discrimination if they were to be found HIV-positive. The gendered dynamics and nature of clinics together with the poor attitudes of some health service providers were also major barriers to VCT uptake among youth. The findings conclude that many students know that VCT is a necessary and beneficial process. It also found that there are multiple factors that work together in complex ways to shape the reasons why youth choose to „test‟ or not to „test‟ for HIV.