Browsing Faculty of Community & Health Sciences by Title
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Puoane, Thandi; Hughes, Gail (South African Medical Association, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: HIV/AIDS continues to ravage sub-Saharan Africa, and in South Africa accounts for 30% of all mortality, making it the leading cause of death. The epidemic has had other negative effects, which have not been fully realised. Among these is the fact that, paradoxically, the awareness programmes implemented to prevent major spread of HIV/AIDS have complicated the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/283 Files in this item: 1
HIV and NCDs m_samj_v95_n4_a6.pdf (219.2Kb) -
Labonte, Ron; Sanders, David; Baum, Fran; Schaay, Nikki; Packer, Corinne (CSIRO, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Primary health care (PHC) is again high on the international agenda. It was the theme of The World Health Report in 2008, thirty years after the Alma-Ata Declaration, and has been the topic of a series of significant conferences around the world throughout 2008. What have we learnt about its impact in improving population health and health equity? What more do we still need to know? These two questions framed a four-year international research/capacity-building project, “Revitalizing Health for All” (RHFA), funded by the Canadian Global Health Research Initiative, which began in 2007. The findings of a global literature review conducted by this Initiative, and focusing on comprehensive primary health care - and how it has been implemented since Alma Ata are presented. The way in which the political context has affected the comprehensiveness of PHC is considered - along with a series of proposed future PHC research areas. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/476 Files in this item: 1
LabontePrimaryHealthCare2008.pdf (235.2Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Sanders, David; Ashworth, Ann; Chopra, Mickey; Strasser, Susan; McCoy, David (Oxford University Press, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE. To improve the clinical management of severely malnourished children in rural hospitals in South Africa. STUDY DESIGN. A pre- and post-intervention descriptive study in three stages: assessment of the clinical management of severely malnourished children, planning and implementing an action plan to improve quality of care, and monitoring and evaluating targeted activities. A participatory approach was used to involve district and hospital nutrition teams in all stages of the research. SETTING. Two rural Wrst-referral level hospitals (Mary Theresa and Sipetu) in Mount Frere District, Eastern Cape Province. MAIN MEASURES. A retrospective record review of all admissions for severe malnutrition to obtain patient characteristics and case fatality rates, a detailed review of randomly selected cases to illustrate general case management, structured observations in the paediatric wards to assess adequacy of resources for care of malnourished children, and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with nursing and medical staff to identify barriers to improved quality of care. RESULTS. Before the study, case fatality rates were 50% and 28% in Mary Theresa and Sipetu hospitals, respectively. Information from case studies, observations, interviews, and focus group discussions revealed many inadequacies in knowledge, resources, and practices. The hospital nutrition team developed and implemented an action plan to improve the quality of care and developed tools for monitoring its implementation and evaluating its impact. In the 12-month period immediately after implementation, case fatality rates fell by ∼25% in both hospitals. CONCLUSION. Participatory research led to the formation of a hospital nutrition team, which identiWed shortcomings in the clinical management of severely malnourished children and took action to improve quality of care. These actions were associated with a reduction in case fatality rates. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/294 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneHospitalManagement2004.pdf (2.647Mb) -
Tumusiime, David; Frantz, Jose M. (Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation,Sport and Dance/LAM Publications Limited, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of the major non-communicable diseases, which contribute substantially to the global burden of diseases, death and disability. The burden of mortality, morbidity and disability attributable to non-communicable diseases is currently greatest and is continually growing in the developing countries. Most declines in physical activity (PA) occur during the transition period when a person goes from high school to College or University. The objectives of this study were to identify perceived benefits of and barriers to PA and determine whether previous participation in PA does have an influence on these perceptions. A cross- sectional and descriptive study with quantitative design was conducted. Five hundred (500) tertiary institution students were randomly sampled from purposively selected departments and classes at each of the five government educational tertiary institutions in Rwanda. A pre-coded self-administered questionnaire with a small number of open-ended questions was administered to the students. A response rate of 425 (85%) was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, by means of SAS version 8 software. Frequencies and percentages for mean score values with standard deviations for each perception variable were descriptively obtained. False Discovery Rate (FDR) at 5% for multiple test adjustment and Spearman’s correlation (r) tests were used to identify the significant influence of previous participation on perceptions. More than 70% students were not participating in PA at tertiary level. Psychological benefits of PA were some of the most important perceived benefits cited by the students. Most of the important barriers cited concerned equipment and time constraints to exercising. Associations were found between previous participation and the current perceptions of PA. The findings of this study demonstrate that previous participation can influence perceptions of PA among the students. Physical activity promotion programmes should consider the role of these factors which should be emphasised from childhood. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/397 Files in this item: 1
TumusiimePhysicalActivity2006.pdf (127.2Kb) -
Rowe, Michael (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Information and communication technology has been shown to be increasingly important in the education and professional practice of healthcare workers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) discusses the benefits of using ICT in the Primary Healthcare setting in terms of better access to information, improved communication between colleagues, facilitating continuing professional development and providing learning tools for healthcare professionals, patients and the community as a whole. This review of the literature describes the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in the education and professional practice of healthcare workers and goes on to outline the challenges facing the widespread adoption of ICT. The conclusion is that ICT does indeed have a positive role to play in both the education and professional practice of healthcare workers, including physiotherapists, as long as it is implemented as an adjunct to established and proven practice, and not a replacement. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/61 Files in this item: 1
Rowe_Information2008.pdf (398.8Kb) -
Mathews, Verona (Health Systems Trust, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This chapter emphasises the need for a routine information system for Human Resources Management (HRM). It provides an assessment of the current information system for HRM using a case study approach. It also outlines a suggested approach for the development of a Routine Information System with an Essential Data Set for HRM. Finally, it provides an overview of proposed indicators to produce information for the management and monitoring of Human Resources for the health sector. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/459 Files in this item: 1
MathewsInformation2005.pdf (105.3Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: A number of initiatives were launched in various countries worldwide to provide quality physical education in schools. However, the promotion of participation in sport and specifically elite sport is still regarded to be economically more feasible, than the introduction of physical education in schools and “sport for all” programmes at community level. In order to improve the current situation, the conventional ideas of the school physical education programme needs to be reconsidered and more serious consideration should be given to the preferences and needs of the key stakeholders. The aim of the study was to determine the views of teachers and learners with regards to physical education and the promotion of physical activity in a local community school. Participants included learners and teachers involved in life orientation and coaching of sport in a high school in a local community in the Western Cape, South Africa. The school was purposively selected as it caters for the previously disadvantaged learners in the area. Data was collected by means of focus group discussions. The results indicated that both the learners and teachers appreciated the benefits associated with participation in physical education but also highlighted significant barriers that prevented the effective implementation of physical education programmes in the school. South Africa needs a structured, cost effective approach to physical and health education in schools that stipulates national objectives and detailed strategies to realize the objectives. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/118 Files in this item: 1
FrantzPhysicalEducation2008.pdf (46.38Kb) -
Dewing, Sarah; Mathews, Cathy; Schaay, Nikki; Cloete, Allanise; Simbayi, Leickness; Louw, Johann (Springer, 2013)[more][less]
Abstract: There is growing interest in standard care programmes for antiretroviral (ARV) adherence support. In South Africa, individual counselling following ARV initiation is a main strategy for supporting adherence in the public sector. Egan’s client-centred ‘‘Skilled Helper’’ counselling model is the predominant model used in HIV counselling in this context. This study evaluated counselling delivered by lay ARV adherence counsellors in Cape Town in terms of adherence to Egan’s model. Thirty-eight transcripts of counselling sessions with non-adherent patients were analysed based on the methods of content analysis. These sessions were conducted by 30 counsellors. Generally counsellors’ practice adhered neither to Egan’s model nor a client-centred approach. Inconsistent with evidence-based approaches to counselling for ARV adherence support, counsellors mainly used informationgiving and advice as strategies for addressing clients’ nonadherence. Recommendations for improving practice are made. The question as to how appropriate strategies from developed countries are for this setting is also raised. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/510 Files in this item: 1
DewingARV-Support2013.pdf (186.3Kb) -
Rowe, Michael (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Institutions of higher learning are under pressure to respond to the changing needs of today's learners and the use of information and communication technology has been at the forefront of that change. Furthermore, the use of social software to enable people to interact with each other in a dynamic way has been identified as one possible solution. This survey sought to identify the knowledge and attitudes of South African physiotherapy students towards the use of social software in a physiotherapy department. The design was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey that took place in a university physiotherapy department in the Western Cape, South Africa. It included 135 students and used a self-developed questionnaire. Results showed that these students had only a superficial understanding of social software and that they did not make use of common services. They did however, show an openness to new approaches and a willingness to interact with lecturers outside the traditional classroom setting. A lack of access to appropriate technology was identified as one possible factor for their lack of understanding. Conclusion Any attempt to incorporate social software to improve teaching and learning practice into this department would have to be accompanied by significant training and support. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/62 Files in this item: 1
Rowe_Knowledge2009.pdf (68.47Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Objective: The author aimed to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire that would measure the knowledge of learners relating to risk factors for chronic disease of lifestyle such as stroke, diabetes and hypertension. The questionnaire was intended to be used as part of a health education programme aimed at improving the knowledge of learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. Method: The development of the questionnaire was guided by Williams 9 steps of questionnaire design and was influenced by the national curriculum of education’s life orientation programme and literature. A 31 item questionnaire was designed and presented to an expert panel. Content validity was done by the expert panel and face validity was tested through informal discussions with high school learners. Reliability testing was done using the test-retest method and Kappa co-efficient was used to test stability of the items. The questionnaire was administered to 40 high school learners but only 30 did the test the second time. Results: The questionnaire yielded a reliability analysis that revealed internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.897. The average score obtained by learners using this questionnaire was 14. The questionnaire can be used for learners with a grade 10 education. The questionnaire also highlighted that learners had a moderate knowledge relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle and the need for appropriate information interventions was emphasized URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/115 Files in this item: 1
FrantzQuestionnaire2008.pdf (372.6Kb) -
Ntumba, Alexis; Scott, Vera; Igumbor, Ehimario U. (OpenJournals Publishing, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: Namibia bears a large burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and the youth are disproportionately affected. Objectives: To explore the current knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of female adolescents attending family planning to HIV prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used on a sample 251 unmarried female adolescents aged from 13 years to 19 years accessing primary care services for contraception using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using Epi Info 2002. Crude associations were assessed using cross-tabulations of knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores against demographic variables. Chi-square tests and odds ratios were used to assess associations from the cross-tabulations. All p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A quarter of sexually active teenagers attending the family-planning services did not have adequate knowledge of HIV prevention strategies. Less than a quarter (23.9%) always used a condom. Most respondents (83.3%) started sexual intercourse when older than 16 years, but only 38.6% used a condom at their sexual debut. The older the girls were at sexual debut, the more likely they were to use a condom for the event (8% did so at age 13 years and 100% at age 19 years). Conclusions: Knowledge of condom use as an HIV prevention strategy did not translate into consistent condom use. One alternate approach in family-planning facilities may be to encourage condom use as a dual protection method. Delayed onset of sexual activity and consistent use of condoms should be encouraged amongst schoolchildren, in the school setting. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/515 Files in this item: 1
NtumbaHIVFemaleAdolescents2012.pdf (438.9Kb) -
Schneider, Helen; Lehmann, Uta (Routledge, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: One of the consequences of massive investment in antiretroviral access and other AIDS programmes has been the rapid emergence of large numbers of lay workers in the health systems of developing countries. In South Africa, government estimates are 65,000, mostly HIV/TB care-related lay workers contribute their labour in the public health sector, outnumbering the main front-line primary health care providers and professional nurses. The phenomenon has grown organically and incrementally, playing a wide variety of care-giving, support and advocacy roles. Using South Africa as a case, this paper discusses the different forms, traditions and contradictory orientations taken by lay health work and the system-wide effects of a large lay worker presence. As pressures to regularise and formalise the status of lay health workers grow, important questions are raised as to their place in health systems, and more broadly what they represent as a new intermediary layer between state and citizen. It argues for a research agenda that seeks to better characterise types of lay involvement in the health system, particularly in an era of antiretroviral therapy, and which takes a wider perspective on the meanings of this recent re-emergence of an old concept in health systems heavily affected by HIV/AIDS. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/458 Files in this item: 1
SchneiderHealthSystems2010.pdf (278.2Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M.; Rhoda, Anthea; Rowe, Michael; Phillips, Julie; Karachi, F; Mlenzana, Nondwe; Pharaoh, H; Steyl, Tania; Struthers, Patricia (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: A growing shift towards research and evidence based practice in academia is associated with requirements to disseminate research results in the form of publication in peer reviewed journals. Mentoring has been identified as an important component of developing young authors, as it increases confidence and competence, and facilitates professional development. This led to the formation of a support group to stimulate peer-review publication in the physiotherapy department at the University of the Western Cape. The Kirkpatrick Framework of Evaluation was used to evaluate the success of the mentoring process which made use of a participatory action research methodology. The writing group consisted of nine academic members of staff and took place over ten weeks. The programme included writing, giving feedback, discussion and peer review on a weekly basis. Focus group discussions were taped and transcribed in order to evaluate the mentoring process by identifying relationships within the data and categorising key concepts, which were shaped into a thematic framework. The findings indicated that participants experienced a variety of emotions throughout the programme, with an overall feeling of personal growth by the end. In addition, participants also reported improved writing, reviewing and communication skills. Six months following the programme, six participants had submitted at least one article to a peer reviewed journal. It is clear from this study that some academics still find the task of writing and reviewing articles daunting, and that guidance and support in the form of a writing programme can be useful. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/190 Files in this item: 1
FrantzMentoring2010.pdf (323.0Kb) -
Nkonki, Lungiswa L.; Doherty, Tanya M.; Hill, Zelee; Chopra, Mickey; Schaay, Nikki; Kendall, Carl (BioMed Central, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: The objective of this study was to examine missed opportunities for participation in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in three sites in South Africa. A rapid anthropological assessment was used to collect in-depth data from 58 HIV-positive women who were enrolled in a larger cohort study to assess mother-to-child HIV transmission. Semistructured interviews were conducted with the women in order to gain an understanding of their experiences of antenatal care and to identify missed opportunities for participation in PMTCT. Results: 15 women actually missed their nevirapine not because of stigma and ignorance but because of health systems failures. Six were not tested for HIV during antenatal care. Two were tested but did not receive their results. Seven were tested and received their results, but did not receive nevirapine. Health Systems failure for these programme leakages ranged from nonavailability of counselors, supplies such as HIV test kits, consent forms, health staff giving the women incorrect instructions about when to take the tablet and health staff not supplying the women with the tablet to take. Conclusion: HIV testing enables access to PMTCT interventions and should therefore be strengthened. The single dose nevirapine regimen is simple to implement but the all or nothing nature of the regimen may result in many missed opportunities. A short course dual or triple drug regimen could increase the effectiveness of PMTCT programmes. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/429 Files in this item: 1
NkonkiNevirapineStudy2007.pdf (184.6Kb) -
Chopra, Mickey; Kendall, Carl; Hill, Zelee; Schaay, Nikki; Nkonki, Lungiswa L.; Doherty, Tanya M. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Interviews conducted in South Africa found that awareness of antiretroviral therapy was generally poor. Antiretroviral drugs were not perceived as new, but one of many alternative therapies for HIV/AIDS. Respondents had more detailed knowledge of indications, effects and how to access alternative treatments, which is bolstered by the active promotion and legitimization of alternative treatments. Many expressed a lack of excitement about the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, and little change in their attitudes concerning the epidemic. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/478 Files in this item: 1
ChopraARV2006.pdf (1.056Mb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Hughes, Gail; Bradley, Hazel A. (Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Obesity and associated non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease were previously thought to be diseases of affluent countries, but they are becoming increasingly prevalent in developing nations. Accessibility to cheap unhealthy food, global trade and market development influence nutrition transition towards diets with high fat and sugar contents. A decrease in physical activity due to urbanisation and other environmental factors such as crime and violence are thought to lead to an increased risk of obesity. Positive beliefs about body weight among black African women, together with the idea of association of thinness with HIV/AIDS virus infection are believed to fuel the obesity epidemic amongst this population This paper describes some of the contributory factors which black South African women are faced with in making choices about healthy living. A multisectoral approach will be needed to fight the epidemic of obesity and associated diseases. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/243 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneObesity2005.pdf (29.48Kb) -
Kruger, Salome H; Puoane, Thandi; Senekal, Marjanne; Van Der Merwe, Theresa M (Nutrition Society, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To review data on the prevalence, causes and health consequences of obesity in South Africa and propose interventions to prevent and treat obesity and related outcomes. METHODS: Data from existing literature were reviewed with an emphasis on changing eating and activity patterns, cultural factors, perceptions and beliefs, urbanisation and globalisation. Results of studies on the health consequences of obesity in South Africans are also reviewed. RESULTS: Shifts in dietary intakes and activity patterns to higher fat intakes and lower physical activity are contributing to a higher prevalence of obesity. Few overweight black women view themselves as overweight, and some associate thinness with HIV/AIDS. Glucose and lipid toxicity, associated with insulin resistance, play roles in the pathogenesis of the co-morbid diseases of obesity. Elevated free fatty acids in the black population predispose obese black patients to type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS: Obesity prevention and treatment should be based on education, behaviour change, political support, intersectoral collaboration and community participation, local actions, wide inclusion of the population, adequately resourced programmes, infiltration of existing initiatives, evidence-based planning, and proper monitoring and evaluation. Interventions should have the following components: reasonable weight goals, healthful eating, physical activity and behavioural change. Genes and mutations affecting susceptibility to the development of co-morbidities of obesity and vulnerable periods of life for the development of obesity should be prioritised. Prevention should be managed in community services, identification of high-risk patients in primary healthcare services and treatment of co-morbid diseases in hospital services. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/285 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneObesityChallenges2005.pdf (160.4Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Steyn, Kristela; Bradshaw, Debbie; Laubscher, Ria; Fourie, Jean; Lambert, Vicki; Mbanangwa, Nolwazi (Nature Publishing Group, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: To ascertain the anthropometric profile and determinants of obesity in South Africans who participated in the Demographic and Health Survey in 1998. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A sample of 13,089 men and women (age, _15 years) were randomly selected and then stratified by province and urban and nonurban areas. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and waist and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was used as an indicator of obesity, and the waist/hip ratio (WHR) was used as an indicator of abdominal obesity. Multivariate regression identified sociodemographic predictors of BMI and waist circumference in the data. RESULTS: Mean BMI values for men and women were 22.9 kg/m2 and 27.1 kg/m2, respectively. For men, 29.2% were overweight or obese (_25 kg/m2) and 9.2% had abdominal obesity (WHR _1.0), whereas 56.6% of women were overweight or obese and 42% had abdominal obesity (WHR _0.85). Underweight (BMI _18.5 kg/m2) was found in 12.2% of men and 5.6% of women. For men, 19% of the variation of BMI and 34% of the variation in waist circumference could be explained by age, level of education, population group, and area of residence. For women, these variables explained 16% of the variation of BMI and 24% of the variation in waist circumference. Obesity increased with age, and higher levels of obesity were found in urban African women. DISCUSSION: Overnutrition is prevalent among adult South Africans, particularly women. Determinants of overnutrition include age, level of education, ethnicity, and area of residence. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/291 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneSurvey2002.pdf (63.15Kb) -
Igumbor, Ehimario U.; Puoane, Thandi; Gansky, Stuart A.; Plesh, Octavia (South Africa Academy of Family Physicians, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: The burden of pain in primary care has not been described for South Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pain in primary care and to characterise pain among adult patients attending a rural and a periurban clinic in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Method: cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among adult patients attending a rural and periurban clinic over four days. Consecutive patients were asked whether they were in the clinic because of pain and whether the pain was the major reason for their visit. Pain was characterised using an adaptation of the Brief Pain Inventory and the Pain Disability Index. The prevalence percentage and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of pain were estimated, and the relationship with demographic variables was determined at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Seven hundred and ninety-six adult patients were interviewed, representing a response rate of 97.4%. Almost three-quarters (74.6%; 95% CI: 63.2-81.4%) reported visiting the clinic because of pain. Pain was the primary reason for 393 (49.4%; 95% CI: 32.1-61.0%) visits and was secondary in 201 (25.3%; 95% CI: 12.8-33.7%) visits. The common sites of pain were the head, back and chest. The median pain score was eight on a scale of 0-10 (interquartile range: 6-8). Respondents experienced limitations in a number of activities of daily living as a result of pain. Conclusion: Pain is a central problem in public primary care settings in the EC Province and must therefore be a priority area for primary care research. Strategies are needed to develop to improve pain management at primary care level in the province. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/428 Files in this item: 1
IgumborPeriurbanHealthClinic2012.pdf (197.4Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Tsolekile, Lungiswa; Steyn, Nelia (International Society on Hypertension in Blacks, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess beliefs about body size (fatness and thinness) and body image in Black girls aged 10–18 years living in Cape Town. DESIGN: Exploratory using qualitative methods. SETTING: Cape Town, South Africa. METHOD: Participants were Black African girls (n5240), aged 10–18 years, who attended 5 primary and 6 high schools in Black townships in Cape Town. The schools and the girls were randomly selected. This paper presents qualitative data from 6 focus groups among 60 girls regarding their beliefs about thinness and fatness, and the advantages and disadvantages of being overweight or thin. RESULTS: Beliefs regarding body image indicate that two thirds of the girls perceived fatness as a sign of happiness and wealth. Socially, fatness was accepted but one third of the girls had contradictory views about its advantages. Among obese girls who believed that being obese was preferable, the dominant reasons were that being fat allowed one to engage in sport activities that need strength and also makes one look respectable. On the other hand fatness was viewed as associated with diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and with increased difficulty in finding appropriate clothing sizes. Three quarters of the girls associated thinness with ill health particularly HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis. An advantage of thinness was being less prone to develop chronic non-communicable diseases. CONCLUSION: The study shows that opinions and beliefs about body image start in adolescence. It is therefore important to consider these perceptions when designing interventions for preventing obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases during early childhood URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/293 Files in this item: 1
PuoanePerceptionsCapeTown2010.pdf (178.9Kb)