School of Human and Community Development (ETDs)
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Item Developing a management framework for predicting adherence to HIV care and treatment in Eswatini(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mango, Thabiso; Kasese-Hara, Mambwe; Mulaudzi, MamakiriThe primary objective of this research was to develop a management framework for predicting adherence to HIV care and treatment in Eswatini. To achieve this goal, the study delved into the comprehension of adherence to HIV care and treatment among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV); identified psychological factors influencing adherence to HIV care and treatment; evaluated Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)- based indicators to assess their effectiveness in predicting adherence behaviour to HIV care and treatment before commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART); and validated the applicability of the TPB in predicting adherence to HIV care and treatment. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed methods approach in its research methodology. An initial qualitative study was conducted to explore the adherence beliefs of newly diagnosed PLHIV towards HIV care and treatment. The process involved gathering qualitative data on the beliefs of 19 recently diagnosed HIV-positive patients from a local HIV Clinic in Manzini, Eswatini. A thematic analysis revealed 226 beliefs, which were then condensed into 45 themes to establish the final set of significant beliefs categorised under TPB precursors: behavioural outcomes, subjective standards, and perceived behavioural control. The results of this qualitative study played a crucial role when constructing the TPB questionnaire, as the data gathered from the study were used as variables in creating the questionnaire. The TPB questionnaire, derived from the qualitative research, was distributed to 152 participants as part of the main quantitative study. This investigation unveiled the complex interplay between individuals' perceptions of social norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioural control in shaping their adherence to HIV care and treatment. While the opinions of influential figures in participants' lives were significant, the study found that participants' personal beliefs and attitudes towards adherence had a more substantial influence. During a span of 12 months, the 152 participants were closely observed, and their adherence to HIV care and treatment was assessed at baseline and endline points to evaluate the predictive validity of the TPB measure. The analysis of the collected data revealed that, despite participants appearing to adhere to their medication regimen iv based on clinic visits and self-reported pill usage, their viral loads remained detectable. This study underscored the drawbacks of solely relying on self-reported data and emphasized the necessity of employing alternative approaches to accurately assess levels of adherence. The study revealed limitations in the application of the TPB in addressing adherence to HIV care and treatment in developing nations with socioeconomic challenges. The original TPB model mainly concentrates on predicting and explaining behavioural intentions but overlooks the objective evaluation of the observed behaviour. When assessing adherence to HIV treatment, it is crucial to analyse the effectiveness of the behaviour being observed to identify the elements that lead to good adherence. This research suggests expanding the existing TPB model to overcome its limitations by including factors other than observable behaviour. A conceptual management framework for HIV care and treatment based on the TPB was developed to overcome the shortcomings of the TPB in predicting adherence to HIV care and treatment in underdeveloped countries. Four crucial additions were incorporated: (1) an enhanced behavioural intention (2) developmental challenges driven by socio-economic factors (3) subjective confirmation regarding the behavioural action, and (4) behavioural validation of the behavioural action. In addition to various aspects, it recommended that the conceptual framework developed by this study to manage HIV/AIDS care and treatment based on the TPB should undergo a validation process before its implementation with the aim of validating its effectiveness.Item High school learners’ experiences of Inclusive Education: Reflections from first year psychology students(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Johnson, Tamlyn; Kern, AnwynneInclusive Education has been implemented in South Africa since 2001 to address the barriers that prevent learners from accessing, participating and achieving in mainstream schools. Research has largely focused on teachers and other educational stakeholders’ evaluation of the progress and efficiency of Inclusive Education. This qualitative study reports on the high school experiences of first year psychology students. The sample included both learners with and without barriers to learning, who attended different schooling systems; Public (urban and township), private and rural schools. Using qualitative surveys, the study investigated students’ experiences and understanding of Inclusive Education. The data was analysed using thematic analysis and the bioecological model. Four key themes were identified; (1)Diverse understandings of barriers to learning (BTL), (2) Experiences with learners with barriers to learning,(3)Teachers’ relations with learners with BTL, and (4) Attitudes towards IE. The findings revealed that most of the participants have had experiences with learners with various BTL in high school. However, their experiences indicate that there are still negative perceptions and treatment of learners with BTL, by teachers and other learners, though they have also witnessed the resilience of learners with barriers to learning. Inclusive Education is gradually being implemented, especially considering that most of the participants have had experiences with learners with various BTL in high school. Of the research found, there is substantial work that is required to successfully implement IE in South African schools.Item The Experiences of Black Female Postgraduate Students With Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, 2019-2021, The Case of Witwatersrand University(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashiane, Sphiwe; Bala, SamkeloThe COVID-19 global pandemic has compelled institutions of higher education to transition to emergency remote learning, leading many postgraduate students, both nationally and internationally, to begin their studies online. Research has shown the need for universities to support the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate as this is a major transition into academia. Research has also revealed that the struggle with mental health has increased with this transition and additionally with the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there is a lack of research investigating the experiences of Black females in the academic space and their experiences with mental health. Thus, this study aims to understand the experiences of Black female postgraduate students with mental health during the spread of COVID-19, 2019-2021. The research approach used for this study was the qualitative approach as it was the most appropriate in seeking to understand the experiences of a unique group such as a Black female postgraduate. A case study design was employed, and the experiences shared were explored through the lens of the intersectionality theory and the research was grounded by the interpretivist paradigm. The sample was drawn from the population of students from Witwatersrand University and the sample consisted of eight (8) participants. The method of data collection was computer-mediated interviews which were interpreted using a five-phase thematic analysis. The participants' responses revealed that although all eight participants experienced challenges with their mental health sharing symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness, only two participants used the psychosocial services offered by the university. The reasons for not seeking help from the university psychosocial services included fear of the unknown, services feeling unreachable, stigma and fear of not being assisted immediately. The most shared reason for not seeking help however was participants not perceiving the need to seek help. Participants, therefore, opted for coping mechanisms such as sleeping, partying, and using substances and most participants turned to their spirituality. The study, therefore, made recommendations for campus psychosocial services to employ more mental health practitioners such that there is education about mental health and the services offered.Item Neurocognitive Rehabilitation for an Adolescent HIV Population: The Case of Sustained Attention(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zondo, SizweThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a significant disease burden. In terms of neurocognitive health, HIV crosses the blood-brain barrier, resulting in neuronal dysregulation and compromised neurocognition. Of further import, antiretroviral drugs are indicated to have limited permeability in the central nervous system and do not reverse compromised neurocognition, sequent HIV neuroinvasion. The objectives of the study were to investigate the efficacy of HIV cognitive rehabilitation therapy (HIV-CRT) in adolescent HIV. The first aim was to investigate the evidence for the cognitive rehabilitation of HIV in adolescent and geriatric samples, sequent neuroHIV. This investigation resulted in the publication of a meta-analysis detailing the efficacy of attention remediation in neuroHIV. The second aim was to examine the efficacy of fNIRS neuroimaging in measuring hemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex in adolescents neuroHIV. This investigation resulted in the publication of an article detailing the efficacy of fNIRS in detailing changes in oxygenated haemoglobin in adolescents living with neuroHIV. The third aim was to pair fNIRS optical neuroimaging with behavioural data to investigate changes associated with brain training at a cortical and behavioural level. The execution of the above aim resulted in the publication of an article detailing the procedures and methods to achieve the enquiry. The fourth article, under review, details findings related to neural efficiency and attention training. The final manuscript, under preparation, details functional connectivity outcomes related to attention training. To enable the analysis of the published articles, an initial cohort of 42 adolescents (mean age = 17.28) living with HIV participated in the study. Following attrition, the sample was reduced to 26 participants. Thirteen participants were assigned to the treatment group (n = 13; mean age = 16; SD = 1.2), which received cognitive rehabilitation to remediate attention. Thirteen children acted as controls (mean age = 17; SD = 1.3). Pre- and post-intervention data were analysed using behavioural and optical imaging data. 5 Findings indicated that HIV-CRT (attention) is associated with decreased oxygenated haemoglobin (HbO) and increased functional connectivity in the Central Executive Network (CEN). Contrary to expectation, HIV-CRT was associated with minimal behavioural gains, as indicated by neuropsychological assessments. Taken together, findings seem to suggest that in adolescent neuroHIV, customised HIV-CRT promotes cortical efficiency. However, brain training does not translate to immediate behavioural improvements at post-assessment. Summarily, findings suggest that cortical plasticity may precede near-and-far cognitive transfer gain in adolescents neuroHIV.Item Career adaptability, occupational identity, and psychologica well-being after a career change during the covid-19 pandemic(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kutu, Siyamthanda; Donald, FionaOBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the relationship between career adaptability, occupational identity, and Psychological Well-being at Work in South African employees who experienced career change during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is framed within the Career Construction Theory where the pandemic is contextualised as a career shock. METHODS: Employing a quantitative approach, this study adopts a correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling, including criterion-based and snowball sampling techniques, was utilized to recruit participants. The sample comprised 62 South African employees who experienced career changes between 2020 and 2022 due to the pandemic's impact on the labour market. Data w as collected through structured online questionnaires, incorporating validated scales. Ethical considerations were addressed, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and minimal harm to participants. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed significant positive relationships between career adaptability, occupational identity, and Psychological Well-being at Work. Specifically, both career adaptability and occupational identity emerged as strong predictors of Psychological Well-being at Work among the participants. Descriptive statistics provided insights into the sample characteristics, indicating a diverse range of career change experiences during the pandemic. The study under scores the importance of fostering adaptability and building a robust occupational identity to enhance employees' psychological well-being amidst career transitions, particularly in times of crisis like COVID-19.Item The Exploration of the experiences and perceptions of service providers on the implementation of the Amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offenses and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2021: The case of statutory rape in Johannesburg, Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Doodhnath, Sirishka; Nkala-Dlamini, BusisiweThis study aims to explore service providers’ perceptions and experiences regarding the implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2021 in South Africa. The study examined the regulations concerning the age of consent for sexual activity involving minors, which are considered essential in addressing statutory rape. Using a qualitative research approach and exploratory study design, the study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of service providers on the effectiveness of the Act in addressing statutory rape and related issues. 12 service providers who have worked on the Amended Act were recruited and sampled for the study with the assistance of the Department of Community Safety. The department provided the researcher with a list of multi-disciplinary team professionals involved in the Victim Empowerment program. The study employed semi- structured interviews using interview guides to collect data from all service providers involved in the implementation of the Act. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and to identify recurring themes. The study findings offer insights that can assist policymakers in addressing the challenges and gaps in the implementation of the Act, with the goal of protecting minors and combating statutory rape in South Africa.Item Exploring Stigmas and Emotions of Transgender People Using Rasa Theory and Rasaboxes in Drama Therapy(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Keseni, Siphokuhle Cleopathra; Henriques, LeilaThe goal of this study is to explore the emotional experiences of people who identify as transgender. Through Performance Ethnography, I hope to create awareness about how transgender individuals feel and how their experiences are influenced by the stigmas surrounding them. Performance Ethnography is a qualitative data collection method that explores the various facets of performance. It involves combining multiple ethnographic techniques and theoretical frameworks from performance studies (Finesurrey, 2019). I will use semi-structured qualitative interviews, audio recordings, journal writing, observation and performance to collect data. In this performance, I will use the collected data to create the performance. I will be using rasa boxes to move from one emotion to another. The data will be created by Rasa in real-time, and the audience will be able to hear and inspect it as it is presented. My research participants will be transgender individuals aged 20-35 years old.Item The perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation policy (OSD) within the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mathebula, Sipho Sol; Masinga, PoppyThe Occupation Specific Dispensation (0SD) policy was introduced in the public service for social workers in 2009 as a strategy to recruit and retain social workers with the introduction of new salary scales, career pathing, pay and grade progression and recognition of appropriate experience. The perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the OSD policy have not been established and this lack of knowledge leaves a gap in understanding the perceived impact this policy has had on social workers. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of social workers on the implementation of the Occupation Specific Dispensation policy within the Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region. Since implementation of the policy, there has been research studies conducted on the outcomes of the OSD policy within the public health sector yet no studies have been conduct that focus on the challenges encountered by social workers in the implementation of the policy. The study utilised the qualitative research approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The collective case study design was adopted. A sample of ten social workers and three key informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. The key finding was that the OSD policy was not effective in recruitment since it is rigid and inflexible. Another concern raised was the long period it took to move from one occupational level to the next resulting in a demotivated and demoralised workforce. The study also found that there was management bias in the implementation of the performance management and development system. The study contributes to our understanding of the perceptions about the unintended consequences of the OSD policy and how these are perceived to have impacted negatively on the recruitment and retention of social workers.Item The role of social media in career discovery, aspirations, and choice of South African university students: A Social Cognitive Perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Cronje, Sherrilee; Mlilo, SifisoThe aim of this study was to explore the role of social media in shaping the career discovery, aspirations, and choices of South African university students. This was explored through three key research questions around how South African university students perceive the influence of social media in the discovery and exploration of career options, how they perceive the influence of social media in the formations of their career aspirations, and how they perceive the influence of social media on their career decisions. A cross-sectional, qualitative, interpretivist research design was employed whereby data was gathered through non-probability convenience sampling through volunteers and snowball/chain sampling methods as well as a purposive strategy. Interviews were conducted on the sample, and these were then analysed through a thematic analysis methodology in order to explore the experiences of the participants. The sample consisted of 14 individuals between the ages of 22-27 who were studying in South Africa through a tertiary educational institution. The study utilized Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) as a theoretical framework to understand the impact of social media on the behaviour and career development of South African students. SCCT proved highly beneficial in explaining the role of social media in shaping career interests and facilitating career exploration. While social media played a significant role in exposing students to various career options and influencing their perceptions, it was not perceived as the primary determinant of career choices. Rather, personal interests, passions, and other factors played a more significant role. Nevertheless, social media did have an indirect influence on career decisions by providing information and shaping perceptions. The study's findings align with previous research but also offer nuanced insights, contributing to the understanding of social media's role in the career journey. This research fills a gap in South African literature and lays the groundwork for future studies in this area.Item Psychological Well-Being and South African Socio- Economic Stressors: The moderating role of Leaders creating Hope(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Aysen, Savannah; Milner, KarenThe current research study explored whether leaders creating hope in their employees moderates the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and employee psychological well-being. Existing literature indicates that stressors have dire implications for the well-being of employees and that psychological capital is a meaningful resource to elevate deteriorating well-being (Slone et al., 1999; Charles et al., 2013). Moreover, research reveals the potential of leaders to create hope within their organisations which may aid in elevating deteriorating well-being levels (Yukl, 1998; Helland and Winston, 2005). Accordingly, this research aimed to explore whether leaders creating hope would moderate the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and psychological well-being. This study utilised a quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional research design to explore the statistical relationships between South African socio-economic stressors, psychological well-being and leaders creating hope. Data was collected through an online self-report questionnaire (N=130). The questionnaire contained a self-developed demographic questionnaire, an adapted South African socio-economic stressors scale, the Psychological General Well-Being Index, and the adapted Leaders Creating Hope scale. Results of the study indicated that both South African socio-economic stressors and leaders creating hope were correlated with psychological well-being, and a multiple regression analysis revealed that both South African socio-economic stressors and leaders creating hope are predictors of psychological well-being within the sample. However, even though leaders creating hope was found to have a positive effect on psychological well-being it did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between South African socio-economic stressors and psychological well-being.