HIV and AIDS Knowledge and Sexual Behaviours amongst Secondary School Learners in Harare; Zimbabwe

Efforts to stem the tide of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic in Africa emphasise the necessity that learners should be able to make informed decisions. Although learners in Zimbabwe's schools are taught about HIV and AIDS; the extent of their knowledge needed to be determined. The major objective was to assess the knowledge of secondary school learners in Harare; Zimbabwe; about HIV and AIDS. Structured interviews were conducted with 75 Grade 8 (Form 1) secondary school learners from four schools in Harare. Most learners had obtained their HIV and AIDS knowledge from schools; but some did so from their parents; community activities; the radio or television. No learner had commenced with sexual activities and all had heard about HIV; but not all knew what HIV was; and even fewer could define AIDS. Less than one-third of the learners could mention the three most important HIV preventive measures. Most learners were willing to undergo voluntary counselling and testing (VCT); but few had done so. As no learner had commenced sexual activities; opportunities existed to empower Grade 8 (Form 1) learners with adequate HIV and AIDS knowledge. Generally the learners' HIV and AIDS knowledge levels were high but some misconceptions existed. Schools should engage with radio and television programmes to address misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Learners should be enabled to access VCT services. More effective HIV prevention education in Zimbabwe's schools; could enable more youth to remain HIV negative

Audits of Emergency Trolleys' Contents in Selected Hospitals in Botswana

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency situation. The outcome depends on timely and effective cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Successful CPR attempts in hospitals require well-equipped emergency trolleys and properly functioning equipment; as well as staff members skilled in performing CPR. The study aimed to determine whether the emergency trolleys in Botswana's hospitals' wards or units met the expected standards. The contents of the emergency trolleys in 20 wards or units of two referral government hospitals in Botswana were audited by using a standardised checklist. No hospital ward or unit had all the expected equipment or drugs on its emergency trolley; some units failed to check their emergency trolleys' contents daily. All 20 hospital wards or units that participated in this study; needed to improve the contents and maintenance of their emergency trolleys; otherwise in-hospital CPR efforts in Botswana might be doomed to failure; losing lives that could have been saved if emergency trolleys' equipment and supplies had been up to standard

Nigerian Health Workers' Views Concerning Factors Influencing Paediatric Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy

New studies have focused on paediatric anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence in Nigeria; probably because of the ethical challenges involved in studying children. The study aimed to identify factors that influence paediatric ART adherence as perceived by health care workers providing ART services in two cities in Nigeria. Knowledge about such factors would be used to formulate recommendations for enhancing paediatric ART adherence in Nigeria; for facilitating the tasks of the health care workers and for enhancing the ART programme's effectiveness. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used to identify and to describe health care workers' views in Kano and Lagos; Nigeria. Three focus group discussions were conducted at two clinics that provide free paediatric ARVs (antiretroviral drugs). The transcribed data were analysed by using the framework approach of data analysis. Health care providers perceived poverty; illiteracy; stigma; discrimination; inappropriate care approaches; and parental dynamics as factors that influence paediatric ART adherence. Paediatric ART adherence levels in Nigeria could be enhanced by emphasising paediatric ART adherence counselling and by adopting a comprehensive family centred care approach; by improving free paediatric ART services and by empowering parents and reducing stigma and discrimination

Compliance amongst Asthma Patients Registered for an Asthma Disease Risk-Management Programme in South Africa

The study attempted to identify the factors that influence compliance amongst 1039 members and their dependants of a particular medical aid scheme in South Africa who were registered for an asthma disease risk-management (DRM) programme. The sample consisted of 200 systematically selected individuals or their dependants. A quantitative; exploratory; and descriptive study was undertaken. Questionnaires for completion were posted to the individuals or their dependants. The Statistica 7.1 computer program was used to analyse the data. Most asthma patients did not comply with the DRM programme because they lacked knowledge of the programme. Asthma patients' compliance with the DRM programme can be enhanced by the sustained; positive attitudes of their health providers and case managers; better promotion of the programme; and by involving the patients to a greater extent in the long-term management of their disease. Asthma patients require education about healthy lifestyles that would empower them to successfully manage their condition; which would prevent or at least reduce asthma attacks and/or hospital admissions

Factors Influencing the Retention of Registered Nurses in the Gauteng Province of South Africa

Background: South Africa is a source country for many destination countries that recruit registered nurses who emigrate for personal and/or professional reasons. A large number of South African nurses belong to the baby boomer generation (born between 1943 and 1964) who will retire within the foreseeable future. Statistics from the South African Nursing Council show a decline of 42.0in the number of nurses who completed their training in South Africa from 1996 to 2005. These aspects combine to predict a potential dire shortage of nurses in South Africa within the foreseeable future. Objectives: Retention of registered nurses should be the focus of health-care planners to avoid crises in South Africa's health-care services. This study attempted to identify factorsthat would influence registered nurses' decisions to stay with their current employers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Methods: An exploratory descriptive quantitative design was adopted and questionnaires were sent to a sample of nurses; registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC); with addresses in the Gauteng Province. A total of 108 nurses completed and returnedquestionnaires; of whom 77 (73.1) had considered leaving their current employers. Results: The most important factors that would influence more than 90.0of these nurses' decisions to stay with their current employers related to finances; safety and security; equipment and/or supplies; management; staff and patients. Conclusions: In terms of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory; deficiency needs (physiological; safety and social needs) should be met by improved salaries revised on an annual basis; paying long-service and outstanding-service bonuses; and improving the safety and security; as well the available equipment and supplies; at institutions. Sufficient numbers of nurses should be employed and vacancies should be filled rapidly. However; not all changes required to enhance nurses' retention rates involve increased costs. Managers should lead by example and respect nurses; and encourage doctors as well as patients to do so; to meet nurses' self-esteem needs. Recognising and rewarding outstanding service would meet nurses' self-actualisation needs; as well as opportunities to further their education