Sanctuary or Double-Edged Sword? Challenges Confronting Adolescents Living at Nkosi's Haven in Johannesburg; South Africa

Living in an institution associated with HIV and AIDS is likely to exacerbate difficulties experienced by teenagers who have to cope with the normal stresses of adolescence. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges that adolescents living at Nkosi's Haven encounter and whether they experience any problems when interacting with their peers and other members of the community. The study was located within a qualitative research paradigm and utilised a purposive; non-probability sample of 15 participants recruited from two Nkosi's Havens. A semi-structured interview schedule was employed as the research tool; with in-depth one-on-one interviews adopted as the method of data collection. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data collected during the interviews. The main finding that emanated from the study was that Nkosi's Haven is indeed a place of care and nurturing as adolescents are afforded the opportunity to continue with their educational needs while basic and psychosocial needs are also addressed. However; it also emerged that rejection; discrimination; social exclusion and stigmatisation associated with the setting make it difficult for resident adolescents to integrate freely with their peers at school and in the community. The conclusion drawn is that Nkosi's Haven can be regarded as a double-edged sword as it presents both positive and negative factors that impact on its resident adolescents. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for community awareness programmes; policies and practice changes regarding employment and training of staff; and visiting of parents as well as future research

Otology Practice in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution: A 10-Year Review

Background : The practice of otology in developing countries has remained unsatisfactory. The aim of this study is to describe the practice in a tertiary health institution with a view to articulate strategies for improvement. Materials and Method : This a retrospective study of patients with otology problems; who attended Ear; Nose and Throat clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; over a 10-year period (1997-2007). Case notes were retrieved and studied. Results : Otologic conditions accounted for 56.3of the 8070 clinic visits. The most frequent condition seen was chronic otitis media (25.4). Sensorineural hearing loss (mostly preventable) accounted for 16. Other cases included wax impaction (7.5) and foreign body in ear (7.3). Modern diagnostic and operative equipment were lacking. Operative surgery was offered to 4of cases of chronic suppurative otitis media and 72of patients needing hearing aid could not afford one. There was no middle ear reconstructive or inner ear operation in the 10-year period. Conclusion : A significant number of patients are in need of otology services. These services are inadequate presently. Concerted effort should be geared toward strengthening preventive ear health; training and re-training; procurement of relevant diagnostic and operative equipment