Thabo T. Fako

Social and psychological factors associated with willingness to test for HIV infection among young people in Botswana

Abstract In spite of extensive campaigns to promote voluntary counselling and testing through the radio, television, newspapers and mass rallies, testing for HIV remains a challenge in Botswana. Using a representative sample of 1,294 students from secondary schools and tertiary institutions, the study investigates the effects of socio-demographic background variables, family coherence, interpersonal relations, sexual experience and knowledge about sexual health, on willingness to test for HIV infection. The results show that willingness to test for HIV infection was negatively associated with being sexually active and having a number of partners. Indicators of family, coherence, psychological bonding and personal adjustment such as common residence among parents, emotional support from the family attachment to parents, happiness with life in general and satisfaction with life as a student were associated with willingness to test. The importance of sexual activity, number of partners, happiness with life in general, level of attachment to father and physical fights with other children were identified as the social and psychological predictors of willingness to test for HIV using multiple logistic regression. The study highlights the importance of continued education about voluntary counselling and testing among sexually active young people, especially those from poorer backgrounds in rural areas.

Job satisfaction among nurses in Botswana

Abstract In this paper the authors examines the extent of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction in a national sample of 325 nurses working in hospitals, clinics and health posts in Botswana. The analyses explored the effects of background variables, work context variables, resources variables, recognition and support variables, and union membership on job satisfaction. The findings show that nurses were generally not satisfied with their jobs. Twelve of the 31 variables examined were found to be associated with job satisfaction. Age, basic level of education, level of nursing training, level of income, extent of satisfaction with income, type of health facility, adequacy of telecommunication facilities and overall health since posting were found to have strong and positive associations with job satisfaction. Adequacy of equipment, recognition from supervisors, and overall health before posting had moderate and positive effects on job satisfaction. Satisfaction with current workstation had a positive but weak relationship with job satisfaction. No relationship was found between job satisfaction and other work environment variables such as adequacy of transport, opportunity for in-service training and reationships with peers. Similarly, workload was not found to be an important determinant of job satisfaction among nurses, nor were community involvement and membership of nursing organisations.

Transferring health technology to South Africa: the importance of traditional African culture

The transfer of new health technology to South Africa is occurring despite the fact that North American and European health care planners and entrepreneurs have a very limited understanding of traditional Black South African cultures which condition the health-related behaviors of the majority of the population. Consequently, relatively few people of African descent in this very diverse nation are, at least initially, benefiting from the new imported medical technology. This study gives an overview of traditional Black medicine in South Africa and, through the presentation of several case studies, discusses its implications for the societal adoption of new health technology received from the United States and other industrialized nations. The example of the successful application of cervical cancer exams in rural and urban clinics of the Eastern Cape is analyzed and institutional mechanisms that support successful transfer are identified.

The definition and functions of the family: Towards a rationale for teaching family values through schools in Botswana

Abstract This paper attempts to show that while the family continues to be an important value within the social fabric, and may continue to be idealized as the primary socializing agent, it does not have a sustained impact on matters that concern population and family life education. Its traditional functions are increasingly being taken over by schools (and other social welfare organizations) which are equipped with the necessary human and other resources to anticipate and effectively address the effects of separation of family members, scattered multiple residence, male absenteeism, family instability, and rapid socio-economic change on children. Through carefully prepared curricula, formal educational institutions are in a position to effectively provide young people with the mental and ideological frame of reference that could produce uniform social ideals and values regarding family life.

Professional, social, and psychological correlates of HIV/AIDS care involvement among nurses in Botswana

This analysis explores the correlates of HIV/AIDS care involvement among nurses in a healthcare system (Botswana) that is severely impacted by the AIDS epidemic. It identifies the antecedents and consequences of recent HIV/AIDS nursing care participation in Botswana and develops testable hypotheses for further study. In 2009 a self-administered questionnaire on nursing practice and related issues was completed by 201 nurses working in different types of facilities in rural and urban areas of Botswana. Nurses who were citizens of Botswana, degree holders, and highly qualified professionals (midwives and specialists) were more engaged in providing HIV/AIDS clinical services. Also, caregivers who had greater participation in maternal and child healthcare duties, or those who felt they were competent to provide care and treatment for patients with HIV illness were more involved. There were also several psychological/mental health correlates. The analyses suggest that HIV/AIDS care in Botswana is mostly provided by highly educated and specialized nurses who because of the complex and often conflicting work demands placed upon them experience stress related to their work flow and scheduling.

Reflections on managing student protest

Abstract This paper addresses problems associated with effective management of student protest in African universities. The fundamental concerns around which student protests and demonstrations have arisen are discussed. Types of official response are outlined and the influence of the protests on political events is assessed. The paper also discusses how the university environment contributes to student activism; the relationship between the students and the establishment; and the logic behind official response to student demonstrations. It is argued that demonstrations are largely spontaneous and do not usually represent a permanent problem. They should be understood within a broader framework of democracy. Student affairs should be handled within the university through administrative structures designed to facilitate the regular expression of grievances. Students should have adequate representation in decision-making bodies of universities; and progressive policies regarding counselling and recreation s...