RESUMO
Objective Educators' perceptions of the psychosocial needs of HIV/AIDS orphans are important in supporting these children. The objective of this research is to determine the view of educators regarding the psychosocial needs of HIV/AIDS affected children. Method - A questionnaire; based on a thorough literature study was administered to determine the views of teachers. A convenient sample of 120 teachers from different schools; who attended a workshop organised for the primary schools in a particular school district in Tswane was used. Results - Only about half of the educators indicated that their schools provided support for HIV/AIDS orphans. Lack of food and clothing were viewed as the most pressing physical needs of the orphans. The desire for security; acceptance; dealing with stress; managing fears and psychological support services were identified as important psychological needs. Lack of security was seen as the most important factor affecting the psychosocial behaviour of these learners. Depression; sadness and stigmatisation were viewed as primary influences on behaviour. Teaching position; gender and age significantly influenced educators' views of various aspects of the learners' needs and behaviours. Conclusion - These findings have important implications for the training of educators to support learners and caregivers of children affected by the disease
Assuntos
Criança , Infecções por HIVRESUMO
Objective Educators' perceptions of the psychosocial needs of HIV/AIDS orphans are important in supporting these children. The objective of this research is to determine the view of educators regarding the psychosocial needs of HIV/AIDS affected children. Method - A questionnaire; based on a thorough literature study was administered to determine the views of teachers. A convenient sample of 120 teachers from different schools; who attended a workshop organised for the primary schools in a particular school district in Tswane was used. Results - Only about half of the educators indicated that their schools provided support for HIV/AIDS orphans. Lack of food and clothing were viewed as the most pressing physical needs of the orphans. The desire for security; acceptance; dealing with stress; managing fears and psychological support services were identified as important psychological needs. Lack of security was seen as the most important factor affecting the psychosocial behaviour of these learners. Depression; sadness and stigmatisation were viewed as primary influences on behaviour. Teaching position; gender and age significantly influenced educators' views of various aspects of the learners' needs and behaviours. Conclusion - These findings have important implications for the training of educators to support learners and caregivers of children affected by the disease
Assuntos
Criança , Infecções por HIVRESUMO
The research aimed to investigate the phenomena of adolescent depressive symptomology, substance abuse and the relationship between the two phenomena in a South African context. The influence of moderator variables was also examined. Another objective was to determine risk factors for the before mentioned. This was done by using a questionnaire with a sample of 1298 conveniently selected adolescents in a South African high school. It was determined that adolescents become progressively unhappier from 13 to 17 years of age. Girls are more depressed than boys. This research also revealed that adolescent depressive symptomology is significantly and positively correlated with earlier age of onset of substance abuse as well as frequency of usage. There appear to be no gender differences in substance abuse but teenagers from different ethnic and language groups differ in their use of substances. Risk factors for depression and substance abuse included a conflict relationship with parents, the experience of major stressful events, dissatisfaction with school grades and friends' use of substances.
