FACTOR STRUCTURE OF RELIGIOUS PROBLEM – COPING STYLES IN AN AFRICAN SAMPLE

The aim of the study was to determine the factor structure of the Religious Problem-Solving Scale in an African population. The sample included 624 students: 314 Grade 12, secondary school students and 310 third year social science university students in South Africa. The principal component analysis with varimax rotation yielded three components accounting for 64% of the total variance. The first factor contained 12 items from the Deferring scale, the second 12 items of the Self-Directing scale and the third factor 12 items from the Collaborative scale. The Deferring rather than the Collaborative religious problem-solving style seems to be more prevalent in this African sample than among western subjects.

HEALTH-PROMOTING LIFESTYLES AND PERSONALITY AMONG BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS

The aim of this study was to investigate health-promoting lifestyles (HPLP) and personality in black South African students. The sample included 606 students: 236 Grade 12, secondary school and 370 first year social science university students in South Africa. Results indicate a reasonable percentage of health-promoting lifestyles with a mean of 2.72. Secondary school students reported more overall health-promoting lifestyles than did university students. Multiple stepwise regression identified the Lie scale, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism as independent predictors for the total HPLP; Extraversion, gender and group (=secondary or university students) were excluded.

Healthy dietary practices among black South African university students

The aim of the study was to investigate five healthy dietary behaviours among black South African University students. Opsomming Die doel van die navorsing was om vyf gesonde dieet gedragstyle van swart Suid-Afrikaanse studente na te vors. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Knowledge and attitudes of primary care nurses and midwives towards health promotion in rural South Africa

This study was designed to study knowledge, attitudes and views about health promotion among nurse clinicians in rural South Africa. The sample included 90 nurse clinicians (73 primary health care nurses and 17 midwives) in the age range of 24 to 59 years (M age 38.4 yr., SD = 9.3) in the Northern Province. Results indicate that nurses (66.6%) had an inadequate knowledge score on health promotion in this sample. Higher knowledge scores on health promotion were not associated with age and years of experience. However, male nurses had significantly higher knowledge scores on health promotion than female nurses. The majority strongly supported the centrality of their role in health promotion acknowledging the time constraints involved. Better knowledge on health promotion was associated with more positive views on health promotion. More nurses had a satisfactory positive attitude towards health promotion (63.3%) than knowledge about health promotion (33.3%). Finally, the study found that compliance with health promotion was seen as a problem but health counselling was nevertheless seen as cost effective.

Psychosocial correlates of health practices in black South African university students

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of health practices among young male and female adults.OpsommingDie doel van die navorsing was om die voorkeur en die korrelasies van psigososiale gesondheidspraktyke van jong manlike en vroulike volwassenes te bestudeer. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Concepts and treatment modalities for hypertension by traditional and faith healers in the Northern Province, South Africa

Clinical experiences and some research findings indicate that traditional and faith healers play a role in the management of hypertension in Africa.OpsommingKliniese ondervindings en sommige navorsingsbevindinge dui daarop dat tradisionele en geloofsgenesers ‘n rol speel in die hantering van hipertensie in Afrika. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Cancer prevention: attitudes and practices among black South African university students

This study intended to investigate the attitudes and practices of cancer prevention among Black South African university students.OpsommingDie doelwit van hierdie navorsing was om die houdings en praktyke vir die voorkoming van kanker onder swart studente aan Universiteite in Suid Afrika na te vors. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

An investigation into the practices of traditional and faith healers in an urban setting in South Africa

There is a lack of knowledge on traditional and faith healer‘s fees, practice and attitudes towards working within the government health sector.OpsommingDaar is gebrekkige kennis oor die fooie van tradisionele en geloofsgenesers en die praktyke en houdings ten opsigte van hulle werk in die gesondheidsdepartement van die staat. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Attitudes towards handicaps in South African and Indian university students

327 first-year students in South Africa showed a significantly more favourable attitude towards handicaps than 205 first-year Indian students.

Breast self-examination and cervical (Pap) smear test: attitudes and self-reported practices among South African women

This study investigated the attitudes and practices of breast self-examination and cervical (Pap) smear test among South African women. The sample included 150 Black and 150 White women chosen by systematic random sampling from telephone directories. The Black women were within the age range of 18 to 80 years (M age 38.9 yr., SD = 4.7), and the White women were within the age range of 19 to 91 years (M age 41.8 yr., SD = 3.5). Analysis indicated that 97.1% of the White women and 44.9% of the Black women said that they know how to examine their breasts. Of those women, significantly more Black (56.1%) than White (8.9%) women examined with the recommended frequency of more than 10 times a year. Of the Black women 60.5% and 8.4% of White women had never had a cervical smear test. Logistic regression analysis indicated that attitudes were an independent predictor for these two tests.

Factors affecting behaviors that address HIV risk among senior secondary school pupils in South Africa

The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting HIV risk reduction among senior secondary school pupils in South Africa. The sample included 460 Grade 12, Secondary School pupils whose ages ranged from 16 to 30 years (M = 19.7 yr., SD = 2.5) and who were chosen at random from the total Grade 12 population throughout one region in the Northern Province of South Africa. Measures were of sexual behavior and condom use, knowledge about correct condom use, intention of condom use, behavioral norms, attitudes, normative beliefs, and subjective norms about condoms, HIV/AIDS vulnerability (likelihood to get it) and severity of the illness in the country, and condom use self-efficacy. Bivariate analysis gave positive significant relations among normative beliefs, subjective norms, and attitudes towards condom use as well as HIV/AIDS vulnerability and HIV risk behavior. Regression analysis indicated that for boys, younger age at first vaginal intercourse, less intention for condom use, and HIV/AIDS vulnerability were predictive for HIV/AIDS risk behavior and explained 39% of the variance. It is suggested that these predictors should be included in intervention programs for HIV prevention.

Prevalence and patterns of child sexual abuse and victim-perpetrator relationship among secondary school students in the northern province (South Africa)

An investigation into the prevalence and characteristics of child sexual abuse in the Northern Province (South Africa) was conducted. A total of 414 secondary school students in standard 9 and 10 in three representative secondary schools completed a retrospective self-rating questionnaire in a classroom setting. The questionnaire asked about childhood sexual abuse and the victim-perpetrator relationship. Results shows an overall (N = 414) child sexual abuse prevalence rate of 54.2%, 60% for males (N = 193), 53.2% for females (N = 216). Among them, 86.7% were kissed sexually, 60.9% were touched sexually, 28.9% were victims of oral/anal/vaginal intercourse. "Friend" was the highest indicated perpetrator in all patterns of sexual abuse. Many victims (86.7%) perceived themselves as not sexually abused as a child, and many (50.2%) rated their childhood as "very happy." A call is made for more research, publicity, and campaigns in the area of child sexual abuse in the Province.

Perception of illness among secondary school pupils in South Africa: malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and alcoholism

The study investigated beliefs of 121 high school students in Grade 11 about people who are ill with malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and alcoholism. The sample of Black pupils were chosen at random from two rural secondary schools in one region in the Northern Province of South Africa. Analysis indicated that HIV/AIDS was clearly distinguished from the other three illnesses by being seen as the least easily cured, having the most gradual onset, being the most contagious, showing the least look of illness, and the patients being likely those most blamed for their illness.

Perceptions of interventions for child sexual abuse in an urban South African sample

A questionnaire was used to study perceptions of interventions for child sexual abuse in a nonrepresentative urban South African population of 132 African/Black participants (61 men and 71 women) from the general public of Mankweng. Their ages ranged from 21 to 60 years (M age = 32.2 yr., SD = 10.4). Analysis indicated these participants clearly supported most of the components of nonadversarial approaches. Women were more positive about a nonadversarial approach than men; however, participants disagreed on questions about controlling the offender and whether an accused relative should move out of the home of the victim. Participants supported prosecuting offenders and longer prison sentences and did not favour leniency for first-time offenders. They further believed children, the family, and even less the offenders should receive treatment.

Perceptions of epilepsy among black students at a university in South Africa

The present study sought to investigate the relationship between familiarity, attitudes, causative and treatment beliefs about epilepsy in a sample of black young adults (university students) in South Africa. The sample included a convenient sample of 253 second year social science students, 98 (38.7%) males and 155 (61.3%) females in the age range from 18 to 42 years (M = 25.0 years, (SD = 4.2). The questionnaire administered to students in a class room situation included sociodemographic data, and sections on familiarity, beliefs about cause and treatment, sources of information, attitudes about epileptics, and prevention of epilepsy. Results showed that the majority of students, in particular from a rural background, were familiar with epilepsy. Health care institutions were the most important source of information on epilepsy, especially for women. Those who believed in traditional causes of epilepsy also endorsed traditional treatment for it, though they did not see such treatment as curative. Those who believed in a medical treatment did however see such treatment as curative. Although the majority of the students had a positive attitude towards epileptics through sharing a meal or room and willingness to marry an epileptic, 17% thought that epileptics can infect others with their saliva during a seizure, 12% felt an epileptic is a witch or wizard, and about 10% said an epileptic must be isolated. Findings should be included in educational programmes for young adults.

Tobacco use among black South African university students: attitudes, risk awareness and health locus of control

OBJECTIVES

To provide data on African/black South African university students' tobacco use status, belief in the benefits to health of not smoking, risk awareness in terms of knowledge of the links between smoking and disease, health locus of control, value for health, subjective health status and well-being.

DESIGN

Cross sectional.

SETTING

University of the North.

SUBJECTS

793 Black University students from non-health courses chosen by random sampling, of these 370 (46.7%) were males and 423 (53.3%) were females in the age range of 18 to 25 years (M age 21.0 years, SD = 3.48).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A measure of smoking, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Health as a Value Scale, and a measure for subjective health and subjective well-being.

RESULTS

The average prevalence of current tobacco use was 15% in men and 1% in women. The proportion of tobacco users who were classified as light users (1-10 per day) averaged 10% in men and 1% in women. Age and being male were significantly positively associated with status and frequency of tobacco use. Awareness of the link between smoking and lung cancer was high (93%), but awareness of the role of smoking in heart disease was very low (16%). The importance to health of not smoking was associated with smoking status (non-smoking versus smoking). Overall, 75% of the current smokers stated that they would like to reduce the amount they smoked. Poor subjective health status and low subjective well-being was associated with smoking status. No significant differences were found among non-tobacco users and tobacco users in relation to the three subscales of the Health Locus of Control (Internal, Chance, and Powerful others) and Value for health.

CONCLUSION

For about 9% of the male students investigated, a high risk exists to become regular tobacco users for the next 30 years.

Concepts and treatment for diabetes among traditional and faith healers in the northern province, South Africa

The purpose of the study was to assess the concepts and treatment modalities for diabetes among traditional and faith healers in the Northern Province in South Africa. The sample consisted of 50 traditional healers (13 females and 37 males) and 50 faith healers (12 females and 38 males). They were interviewed on local terminology, clinical manifestations, causes, curability, and treatment for diabetes, help-seeking behaviour of diabetes patients, and the healers' sources of information about diabetes. Results indicate that all healers were familiar with "diabetes", however, not all of them had seen patients suffering from diabetes. The perceived causes of diabetes by both traditional and faith healers could be divided into (1) diet (especially too much of sugar), (2) heredity, (3) supernatural, and (4) psychological causes. Most traditional healers (92%) and faith healers (90%) indicated that diabetes is curable. Treatments used by the healers in this study included the use of prayer, diet, and herbs. The authors conclude that the concepts and treatment modalities for diabetes among traditional and faith healers should be taken note of by health workers while developing health education programmes in the Province.

Smokeless tobacco use among adults in the Northern Province of South Africa: qualitative data from focus groups

The aim of this study was to investigate perceptions on the use of smokeless tobacco in the Northern Province, South Africa. Ten focus groups were conducted in 1999 with two heterogeneous groups (5 with middle-aged and 5 with the aged). They were mainly Northern Sotho speaking. From 72 participants 16 women and 8 men admitted to using snuff. The most popular types of smokeless tobacco used were homemade snuff and only a few used "commercial" snuff. The basic ingredients for homemade snuff were tobacco and other plant leaves. Snuff was found to have important functions and to be socially acceptable in the groups studied mainly for ceremonial and medicinal use and to a lesser degree for relaxation and pleasure. Generally, positive and medicinal effects were noted for snuff use. Most participants agreed that it is addictive, but only a few acknowledged the negative effects in terms of causing cancer.

Knowledge and practice of condom use among first year students at University of the North, South Africa

The aim of the study is to investigate knowledge and sexual practices with reference to correct use of condoms among first year South African University students. The sample consisted of 206 participants, 146 female and 60 male, the mean age was 20.9 years (SD = 3.4), with a range from 17 to 34 years. Results indicated that one third (29.2%) of the sample reported never using condoms, 35.4% always, 19.8% regularly and 8.5% irregularly in the past three months. About 90% levels of correct answers for condom use were found for the items of 'condoms as protection against STD and AIDS', 'expiry date of condoms', and 're-using condoms'. More than 15% were not aware that a condom should be put on before any contact with the vagina. The most common mistakes with respect to condom use were ignorance about the correct moment to put on a condom (56%), and when to take off a condom (55%). Male sex and especially increasing recent sexual encounters was associated with correct condom knowledge. The most common reasons for not using a condom were 'I do not have the AIDS virus' and 'I thought I was safe' seems to indicate a low perceived susceptibility. Findings are discussed in view of condom promotion programmes.

Tobacco smoking in Black and White South Africans

OBJECTIVES

To provide data on black and white South Africans' tobacco use status, belief in the benefits to health of not smoking, risk awareness in terms of knowledge of the links between smoking and disease, health status, subjective health status and well-being.

DESIGN

Randomised study.

SETTING

Two urban communities in the Northern Province of South Africa.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and fifty blacks and 250 whites. The black participants were 100 (40%) men and 150 (60%) women in the age range of 18 to 80 years (mean = 38.9 years, SD=4.7), and the white participants were 111 (44.4%) men and 139 (55.6%) women in the age range of 19 to 91 years (mean = 41.8 years, SD=3.5).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A measure of smoking, health benefits, risk awareness, health status, subjective health and subjective well-being.

RESULTS

The average prevalence of current smoking was 11.2% in Blacks, 23.6% in whites, 31.8% in men and 6.9% in women. Age, being male, being white, and being married or living with a partner were significantly positively associated with smoking status and smoking frequency. Risk awareness of the negative effects of smoking and the belief in the importance of not smoking were both significantly negatively associated with both smoking status and smoking frequency.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of smoking tobacco, especially among males and Whites as well as the low risk awareness of smoking is a cause of concern. Stronger beliefs in the importance of not smoking, being female and lower age were identified as independent predictors among non-smokers than smokers.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The present study sought to investigate the relationships between substance use and psychological variables among 799 first-year South African university students chosen by random sampling. Psychological correlates (in terms of minor psychiatric morbidity, perceived stress, sensation-seeking, self-esteem, subjective health, and anomia) of substance use were found to be associated with the use of specific substances. Sensation-seeking was associated with the use of cannabis, alcohol and tobacco; minor psychiatric morbidity with cannabis and alcohol use; and anomia with cannabis use. Logistic regression on cannabis use identified male gender and sensation-seeking as independent predictors for current cannabis use.

PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN BLACK AND WHITE SOUTH AFRICANS

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of healthy practices among 250 Black and 250 White South Africans chosen by systematic random sampling. Results indicated that Blacks practiced on average above 7 and Whites above 8 healthy behaviors from a total of 13. For most healthy practices significant differences were found between Whites and Blacks. Analysis of Variance showed that a number of sociodemographic variables, health benefits, subjective health and subjective well-being were positively associated with healthy practices. Multiple stepwise regression analysis found that independent predictors for the health practices index were women, having children, Whites, formal education, and worse health status.

Risk for traumatization among violent crime victims in an urban community sample in South Africa

This study intended to investigate risk factors for the development of trauma symptoms as a consequence of violent crime in an urban South African community. The sample included 128 adult victims of violent crime chosen by snowball sampling. The adults were 36 (28.1%) males and 92 females (71.9%) in the age range of 18 to 52 years (M age 36.6 yr., SD = 8.9). Results indicate that the most common violent crimes experienced among the participants were rape (attempted rape), followed by physical assault, armed robbery, attempted murder and threat in that order. The majority of the victims scored high on the Kölner Risk Index (for traumatization)--several case examples are given. Analysis of Variance indicated that almost all factors of the Kölner Risk Index seem to be significantly correlated with PTSD outcome measures (PTSS-10, IES-R, Peritraumatic Dissociation and Trauma Belief). It is concluded that the Kölner Risk Index can be a useful tool for identifying crime victims at risk for the development of trauma symptoms, especially in (mental) health care settings.