Digital Commons Network^™

Local And National Health Advancement Using The Power Of Sport In South Africa, Lisa Zook

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

South Africa currently suffers greatly from disease and poverty. In particular, the country has a remarkably high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. This study looks at how the popularity of sport is being used to combat these social and health concerns. Many believe the power of sport is one means by which educational messages can be communicated to the public. Over a period of one month, three different sports related non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were examined. Two of the organizations, PeacePlayers International, which uses basketball to teach HIV/AIDS education and personal development, and loveLife Games, which uses sport to attract youth to their …

To Smear Or Not To Smear? Evidence Of A Failure Of Implementation And Content Suitability Of The 2000 National Guideline On Cervical Cancer Screening Program In Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Lee Trope

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The value of screening for cervical cancer has been proven; as such screening has resulted in a decrease in incidence and mortality of cervical cancer by over 80% in developed countries . Yet despite a screening infrastructure, cervical cancer is the most common female malignancy in South Africa , affecting 1 in ever 41 women. It is estimated that more than 3,400 South African women die of cervical cancer every year . In the year 2000, the South African Department of Health initiated its National Guideline on Cervical Cancer Screening Program. The program, based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines …

Supporting Ourselves: Maintaining Mental Well-Being Through An Hiv+/Aids Support Group In A Rural South African Community, Narda Hernández

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper primarily explores the importance of the support group for people infected and affected by HIV+/AIDS. At St. Matthew’s Clinic in the rural area of Qoboqobo, I invited women between the ages of 25-49 to freely participate in the focus group discussions. I believe that the health care sector could benefit from these groups, both as formal outreach services and informal support networks. There is a lack of healthcare services in rural areas. Of particular interest, PLWA are continuously encouraged to join an HIV/AIDS support group. This paper aims to explore how people are dealing with stress and HIV/AIDS-related …

Indigenous Healing Practices And Their Effect On Tb And Hiv/Tb Patients’ Utilization And Compliance With Anti-Tb Medication, Josephine Thinwa

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A sample of 27 Tuberculosis patients attending New Brighton Clinic in small urban community for treatment were surveyed and interviewed on their use of alternative treatments and interpretation of TB. This study specifically focused on TB patients’ use of traditional medicine in treating TB and whether this use had an effect on the patients’ willingness to utilize and adherence to anti-TB treatment from the clinic. Investigations were also done to characterize if an HIV positive status influenced TB patients’ inclination to utilize traditional medicine. Through a focus group discussion with three traditional healers, information was provided on traditional medicine and …

Cervical Cancer Screening In Rural South Africa: An Analysis Of The Awareness, Attitudes, And Practices Of Women Served By The Masincedane Clinic, Jordan Schneider

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The aim of this study was to conduct a brief investigation into the awareness, attitudes and practices regarding cervical cancer among women living in Keiskammahoek, a rural area in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The objectives of this study were to:

• Determine if screening is available within a localized rural community and the methods that are being used.

• Determine if women are coming in for screening, the demographics of these women, and the circumstances that bring them into PHC clinics.

• Investigate the level of knowledge and education about cervical cancer and prevention among women within the …