New MPhil graduates’ research shines the spotlight on vulnerable groups
With ending-Aids-by-2030 targets increasingly at risk as efforts to combat the epidemic lose traction globally, it is more important than ever to implement targeted initiatives that address key gaps. Strategic, social impact research is the foundation of addressing shortfalls and blind spots effectively, as it helps to inform decision-making and policy on a granular level. […]
Assessing healthcare worker knowledge of vertical transmission prevention guidelines in South Africa
Student: Ayabonga Vika Country: South Africa South Africa recently updated its prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines to match the current evidence in clinical care. The guidelines were renamed the Guideline for Vertical Transmission Prevention (VTP) of Communicable Infections in August 2023. As the guidelines change, healthcare providers’ knowledge is expected to be consistent with […]
Exploring the effect of parental migration on the treatment outcomes of adolescents and young adults living with HIV in the Quthing district of Lesotho
Student: Katleho Seisa Country: Lesotho Lesotho has the second-highest HIV burden globally with persisting disparities in HIV infections among different population groups. Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYLHIV) face unique challenges, particularly when parental migration disrupts the social support structures crucial for adherence to antiretroviral therapy. The study explored the effects of parental […]
Examining perceptions of the effectiveness of social media campaigns in promoting the uptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24 in the Uthukela district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Student: Mongezi Mhlongo Country: South Africa The prevention of HIV infections through measures such as PrEP is critical in managing the scourge of HIV/Aids. Social media has been widely recognised as effective in encouraging the use of PrEP among youths to prevent HIV infections. This study examined the perceptions of young women aged 18-24 regarding […]
The experiences of parents/guardians raising perinatal HIV-infected children in the Nkomazi subdistrict, Mpumalanga province
Student: Lindelwa Mhlongo Country: South Africa Despite the increasing availability of free antenatal care and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services in South Africa, MTCT is still 15%-40%. If transmitted, the child must be informed of their serostatus at an early stage to ensure treatment adherence. Yet, adolescents and young children continue to have higher […]
Exploring the factors that influence pap smear screening uptake by HIV-positive women in Volksrust, Mpumalanga: a qualitative study
Student: Batako Obed Kodravele Country: Congo If not treated, HIV infection can lead to a decrease of white blood cells. This makes HIV-positive women six times more vulnerable to developing precancerous cells, leading to a high prevalence of co-infection with other diseases such as human papilloma virus, which can cause cervical cancer. In South Africa, […]
Parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on parent-child communication about sexual health in HIV prevention in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Student: Kutala Theodorah Gcisa Country: South Africa HIV/Aids affects households directly and indirectly as it has social, psychological, legal, political, ethical and economic impacts. Minimising its effects requires a collaborative approach from a household to national level. This study aimed to gain in-depth understanding of parents’ experiences of communicating about sex and sexual health behaviours […]
An investigation of the causes of unsuppressed viral load among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy: A qualitative exploratory study of a primary healthcare facility in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Student: Oyena Cenga Country: South Africa Efforts to combat the HIV/Aids epidemic require a stronger focus on managing viral load as well as monitoring adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are cited as having higher tendencies of poor viral load suppression (VLS) than other age groups. The main cause of this […]
A critical assessment of loss to follow-up trends at a paediatric HIV clinic in a district hospital of Ghana: Prevalence and risk factors
Student: Joyce Emakayor Bening Country: Ghana The health outcomes of HIV-infected children have improved greatly with the development and increased accessibility of antiretroviral therapy. ART helps to control the replication of HIV through viral suppression, reducing morbidity and mortality. Yet there are still challenges in enrolling and retaining children on ART, especially in resource-poor settings. […]