Considering the cultural context in psychopathology formulations

Background. Mental health research appears to be continually transforming. Recent literature reflects a greater appreciation for the ways in which pathoplastic features of culture modulate emotional regulation. This article introduces those aspects of the literature which explore the (re)consideration of culture as a dynamic and essential construct in the clinical formulation of psychopathology. Objectives. The study aims to review literature that focuses on the dynamic influence of culture in psychopathology. Furthermore; the researchers aim to present a view on the ways in which culture appeared to shape the topography of psychopathology nosology. Method. A literature review of 31 sources.Results. The review indicated that 29 literature sources were conceptual in design; suggesting a great need for more empirical research. This section also explored themes identified during the literature review. The literature was tabulated according to features and emerging themes. Three major themes were identified and included: the cultural context; the evolving definitions of culture; and culture and psychopathology. Conclusion/discussion. An analysis of the themes was offered. The authors concluded by highlighting the significance of the literature at present. Areas of particular interest suggested that health and behaviour are dependent; at least in part; on culture; psychopathology may also be appreciated as a social construct; culture influences psychopathology regardless of the aetiology; diagnostic classes do not adequately consider operational definitions; and a greater focus on hermeneutic perceptivity in appreciating cultural dynamics in psychopathology will benefit clinical assessment

Factors Associated with Disclosure of HIV Status among HIV Positive Children in Rwanda

As the number of treatment-managed cases of pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) increases; the issue of disclosure has become increasingly important. In this article; we evaluate factors associated with disclosure in Rwanda among HIV-positive children of 7 to 15 years. A 2008 survey in Rwanda was conducted to determine these factors. Participants in the study included 1;034 children on HAART and in the pre-HAART phase; among them 65 knew their HIV status; and 35 were unaware. The child's age was positively associated with awareness of HIV status. Children with illiterate parents were two times (aOR: 2.2; 95 CI: 1.4-3.6) more likely to be disclosed than children with high school educated parents. Children who engaged in dialogue with their parents or other family members were 15 times and four times; respectively; (aOR: 15.2; 95 CI: 9.4- 24.7 and aOR: 4.1; 95 CI: 2.4-6.9) more likely to be disclosed than those who did not. Findings offer ways for Rwanda to improve its approach to disclosure issues; counseling and psychosocial support for HIV-positive children

Taxi 'Sugar Daddies' and Taxi queens: Male Taxi Driver Attitudes Regarding Transactional Relationships in the Western Cape; South Africa

Media reports are emerging on the phenomenon of young girls who travel with older mini-bus taxi drivers; and who are thought to have sex with the drivers in exchange for gifts and money. The extent to which such relationships might facilitate unsafe sexual practices and increased risks for both the men and the young women; often referred to as taxi queens; remains an important question in the light of the current challenges of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. However; very little research has been undertaken on this issue; especially regarding the perceptions and experiences of taxi drivers. Thus this paper aims to provide some preliminary findings on taxi drivers' attitudes and beliefs about taxi queens and their relationships with taxi drivers. A 22-item questionnaire was administered to 223 male taxi drivers in two regions in the Western Cape Province; South Africa. Taxi drivers in this study largely saw the relationship between taxi drivers and the young girls who ride with them as providing status for both the girls and drivers; and there seemed to be recognition of the transactional nature of the relationship between taxi drivers and taxi queens. The stigmatisation of young girls who ride with taxi drivers was evident. Drivers had knowledge and awareness of the risks of unsafe sex and supported condom use; although there appeared to be some uncertainty and confusion about the likelihood of HIV infection between drivers and girls. While taxi drivers recognised the role of alcohol in relationships with young girls; they seemed to deny that the abuse of drugs was common. The study highlights a number of key areas that need to be explored with men in the taxi industry; in order to address risk behaviours for both taxi drivers and the girls who ride with them