scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing Services: The Case of the Employees of the Namibian Correctional Service at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Tangeni Velikoshi ◽  
Burt Davis ◽  
Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala

Despite the growing public awareness about the burden of HIV and AIDS in Namibia, HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) uptake remains to be low. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing the HCT uptake amongst correctional officers deployed at Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility (ENCF) in Rundu, Namibia. The study employed a quantitative approach, and a sample of 31 participants was constituted who completed self-administered questionnaires. This research focused on correctional officers deployed at ENCF. Participants were randomly selected from the employee list. It was found that the majority of the respondents (74%) accessed HCT services in the past twelve months, of which 31% indicated having tested at Elizabeth Nepemba HCT Facility. Factors such as confidentiality and privacy issues, the condition of service and staff competency along with accessibility, fear of rejection from families and friends, information provision, education, future planning and risky behaviour were identified as having an influence on HCT uptake. This study concluded that there is a need for more awareness campaigns, information dissemination and involvement of stakeholders to address HIV-related issues for correctional officers at ENCF. This study recommends that the AIDS Committee and employee wellness department should spearhead workshops, information dissemination and educational programmes for correctional officers, so to improve their visibility and influence as well as improve HCT uptake. In addition, Regular workshops and seminars should be organized to empower correctional officers with the knowledge and skills related to HIV behavioural change; as well as resolve any issues related to fear of stigma or rejection.

Author(s):  
Abdelgadir Abuelgasim ◽  
Salma Daiban

<p>Any country’s ability to mitigate or adapt to climate change and global warming depends, to a large extent, on the availability of freely public information, knowledge, wide public awareness and information dissemination sources. Policies and actions initiated by environmental agencies to mitigate or adapt to climate change require the support of the general public and major stakeholders to be successful and effective. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to determine the level of public awareness with climate change and its spatial distribution among the population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  A questionnaire was used to collect data, and a total of 4000 surveys were distributed throughout the seven emirates of the UAE using a systematic random sampling procedure. The study develops a climate change awareness index for the UAE based on the sample size overall awareness and the awareness of the anthropogenic causes of climate change. The results show an overall awareness level of approximately 57% indicating that more than 40% of the population lack knowledge and awareness with climate change and its impacts on the UAE society, economy and urban development. Furthermore, the Chi-Square results revealed that awareness about CCGW is lower among females in comparison to males. However, The Chi-Square results indicate that the level of awareness is almost uniform among the different emirates of the UAE, indicating that geography, economic activities and income has no significant impact on awareness levels. The study suggests that educational climate change programs and public awareness campaigns are highly needed to address the low awareness levels.</p><p><strong><em>Keyword</em></strong><em>s</em>: Climate change, Global warming, Public awareness, Education, Survey</p>


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakirudeen Odunuga ◽  
Samuel Udofia ◽  
Opeyemi Esther Osho ◽  
Olubunmi Adegun

Introduction:Human activities exert great pressures on the environment which in turn cause environmental stresses of various intensities depending on the factors involved and the sensitivity of the receiving environment.Objective:This study examines the effects of anthropogenic activities along the sub-urban lagoon fragile coastal ecosystem using DPSIR framework.Results:The results show that the study area has undergone a tremendous change between 1964 and 2015 with the built up area increasing to about 1,080 ha (17.87%) in 2015 from 224 ha (1.32%) in 1964 at an average growth rate of 16.78ha per annum. The nature of the degradation includes an increasing fragility of the ecosystem through the emergence and expansion of wetlands, flooding and erosion as well as a reduction in the benefits from the ecosystem services. Population growth, between 2006 and 2015 for Ikorodu LGA, estimated at 8.84% per annum serves as the most important driving force in reducing the quality of the environment. This is in addition to Pressures emanating from anthropogenic activities. The state of the environment shows continuous resource exploitation (fishing and sand mining) with the impacts of the pressures coming from water pollution, bank erosion, biodiversity loss and flooding. Although there has been a strong policy formulation response from the government, weak implementation is a major challenge.Recommendation:The study recommends public awareness campaigns and the implementation of existing policies to ensure a sustainable sub-urban lagoon coastal environment..


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002304
Author(s):  
Judith Rietjens ◽  
Ida Korfage ◽  
Mark Taubert

ObjectivesThere is increased global focus on advance care planning (ACP) with attention from policymakers, more education programmes, laws and public awareness campaigns.MethodsWe provide a summary of the evidence about what ACP is, and how it should be conducted. We also address its barriers and facilitators and discuss current and future models of ACP, including a wider look at how to best integrate those who have diminished decisional capacity.ResultsDifferent models are analysed, including new work in Wales (future care planning which includes best interest decision-making for those without decisional capacity), Asia and in people with dementia.ConclusionsACP practices are evolving. While ACP is a joint responsibility of patients, relatives and healthcare professionals, more clarity on how to apply best ACP practices to include people with diminished capacity will further improve patient-centred care.


Author(s):  
Thea Palsgaard Møller ◽  
Hejdi Gamst Jensen ◽  
Søren Viereck ◽  
Freddy Lippert ◽  
Doris Østergaaard

Abstract Background Medical dispatching is a highly complex procedure and has an impact upon patient outcome. It includes call-taking and triage, prioritization of resources and the provision of guidance and instructions to callers. Whilst emergency medical dispatchers play a key role in the process, their perception of the process is rarely reported. We explored medical dispatchers’ perception of the interaction with the caller during emergency calls. Secondly, we aimed to develop a model for emergency call handling based on these findings. Methods To provide an in-depth understanding of the dispatching process, an explorative qualitative interview study was designed. A grounded theory design and thematic analysis were applied. Results A total of 5 paramedics and 6 registered nurses were interviewed. The emerging themes derived from dispatchers’ perception of the emergency call process were related to both the callers and the medical dispatchers themselves, from which four and three themes were identified, respectively. Dispatchers reported that for callers, the motive for calling, the situation, the perception and presentation of the problem was influencing factors. For the dispatchers the expertise, teamwork and organization influenced the process. Based on the medical dispatchers´ perception, a model of the workflow and interaction between the caller and the dispatcher was developed based on themes related to the caller and the dispatcher. Conclusions According to medical dispatchers, the callers seem to lack knowledge about best utilization of the emergency number and the medical dispatching process, which can be improved by public awareness campaigns and incorporating information into first aid courses. For medical dispatchers the most potent modifiable factors were based upon the continuous professional development of the medical dispatchers and the system that supports them. The model of call handling underlines the complexity of medical dispatching that embraces the context of the call beyond clinical presentation of the problem.


2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 971-974
Author(s):  
Thanh G. Phan ◽  
Richard Beare ◽  
Velandai Srikanth ◽  
Henry Ma

Author(s):  
Martin Weihs ◽  
Anna Meyer-Weitz

Orientation: To encourage workers to participate in workplace HIV testing, some SouthAfrican automotive companies use lotteries. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on how lottery incentives may influence employees’ workplace HIV counselling and testing behaviour.Research purpose: Determine whether workers intend to test for HIV only to win a lottery prize.Motivation for the study: The positive and also negative influences of lotteries on workers’ HIV testing behaviour need to be understood to avoid undue coercion in workplace HIV testing participation.Research design, approach and method: Post-test only quasi-experimental studies were conducted the day HIV testing and lotteries were announced to staff in four companies using a cross-sectional, self-administered survey that measured workers’ workplace HIV testing behaviour intentions. Intention to participate in workplace HIV counselling and testing was used as the main outcome of respondents’ behaviour and investigated via the statement: ‘If the company would organise its on-site Wellness Day tomorrow, I would go testing for HIV tomorrow’. In a first setting, two companies’ workers had to test for HIV to be entered in the lottery (n = 198). In the second setting, two other companies’ workers did not have to test to be entered in the lottery (n = 316). Chi-square tests were conducted to measure significant differences between the two conditions distinguishing between permanent and non-permanent staff.Main findings: No significant association was found between behaviour intention in the two settings for permanent workers’ workplace HIV testing intention ( χ2 = 1.145, p = 0.285, phi = -0.097). However, a significant association with a small effect size was found for non-permanent workers ( χ2 = 8.04, p = 0.005, phi = -0.279).Practical/managerial implications: Results show that lotteries to encourage workplace HIV testing are very likely to help workers ‘do the right thing’ and unlikely to have a coercive effect if all staff attending HIV testing has participated in standardised HIV and AIDS workplace programme activities and is informed about the consequences of testing positive.Contribution: A better understanding of how lotteries influence workplace HIV testing among workers of different work status and informed related recommendations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Jubaidi

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of KK, KTP, and AK services in Samarinda Kota sub district and its factors influencing the effectiveness of KK, KTP, AKservices.The research used field research method which gives an overview on the effectiveness of KK, KTP, and AK services in Samarinda Kota sub district. Data collection techniques use observation techniques, interviews, and media questionnaires by selecting informants who play a role and are involved technically and functionally in service delivery to the community. The data obtained are then analyzed qualitatively and supported by quantitative data.The results showed that service implementation in Samarinda Kota sub-district, especially in the field of population administration and civil registration is done in accordance with existing mechanism and regulation which have been determined by seeing some service indicator such as simplicity is in very safe category with 6.67% and certainty of service procedure and tariff cost are in accordance with the value of 88.33% and 70% respectively, the security and convenience of facilities and infrastructure are in safe and comfortable category with 65% and 73.33% respectively, openness about the ease of obtaining information and provisions services in the categories easy and explained if requested with the value of 71.67% and 63.33% respectively, economical about the cost of KK rates, ID cards, AK category Rp 10,000 - Rp 15,000, equitable fairness with a value of 60%, the timeliness is in category 1 - 2 days, and the efficiency is an exact category with a value of 80%.  And the factors that affect the service is the resources apparatus, facilities and infrastructure, and public awareness. Keywords: Effectiveness, Public Service


Author(s):  
Ana Tisov ◽  
Dan Podjed ◽  
Simona D’Oca ◽  
Jure Vetršek ◽  
Eric Willems ◽  
...  

This paper attempts to alter a prevailing assumption that buildings use energy to an understanding that in fact, people use energy. Therefore, to successfully accelerate the transition to a low-carbon society and economy more emphasis should be on motivating people and increasing their awareness by making them energy conscious building users and therefore active players in the energy transition process. In this context, this paper provides insights from the Horizon 2020 MOBISTYLE project. It demonstrates research and development approaches, highlights the main project objectives, and presents findings of an ethnographic (qualitative) study of users&rsquo; habits, practices, and needs. The aim of the project is to motivate behavioural change by raising consumer awareness through the provision of attractive personalized information on user&rsquo;s energy use, indoor environment and health, all enabled by an integrated information and communication technology (ICT) service. In this context, the anthropological people-centred approach is integrated into the MOBISTYLE approach putting users at the centre of the ICT tools development process. The main quantitative objective of the project is a reduction of energy use for at least 16 % prompted by the provision of combined information and feedback systems on energy, indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and health. The most relevant motivational factors and key performance indicators (KPIs) for encouraging a more energy conscious and healthy lifestyle were defined by means of a people-centred approach, adopting anthropological inquiries in different settings. Information about users&rsquo; lifestyles and their needs was collected in focus groups with potential users in five case studies, located in different European Union (EU) countries. Behaviour change is achieved through awareness campaigns, which encourage users to be pro-active about their energy consumption and to simultaneously improve health and well-being.


2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Author(s):  
Hong Yu (Andrew) Su ◽  
Matt Douglas-Vail

Antibiotics are a powerful tool in fighting bacterial infections but with overuse and misuse, resistance is emerging at an alarming rate. To better understand the root causes of resistance, studying the perceptions of both physicians and the general populace may prove beneficial from a health promotion standpoint. Research reveals that diverging views of these 2 groups remain significant, which proves concerning especially in the face of increasingly resistant bacteria and associated mortality. The issue at large, therefore, requires a better understandifrom both parties with regard to antibiotic guidelines, prescription habits and public awareness campaigns.


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