https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/14512 2026-08-04T20:10:35Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32855 Exploring sociocultural factors and ubuntuism for women living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe Idah, Moyo; Mpofu, Limkile; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen; Idah, Moyo Background: The focus of this study was on women living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe, who face many challenges, both in the family and community. Patriarchy compounds these problems as these women navigate access to health and other services. Objectives: The study sought to explore ubuntuism and the sociocultural factors that facilitate or constrain women living with HIV from accessing community services and resources. Method: An interpretive phenomenological analysis research design was utilised for the study. Purposive and quota sampling were applied to recruit 40 participants from six villages. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions that were audio recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using the interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. Results: The study found that women living with HIV face stigma and discrimination in the form of social exclusion and reduced access to community-based health activities and empowerment opportunities. These challenges were compounded by the negative impact of patriarchy that gives rise to land, resettlement and acculturation challenges. Conclusion: Ubuntu is a reflection of mutual dependence and can be used to promote more compassionate relationships with those who are HIV positive in the community. Contribution: The study provides unique insights into the challenges experienced by women living with HIV and how ubuntu could mitigate those challenges so that it adds to the humanistic philosophies in interpersonal relationships. 2024-11-13T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32854 Psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-serodiscordant couples Lelaka, Constance Matshidiso; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen Living in HIV serodiscordant relationship poses psychosocial challenges to couples. These necessitate proper counseling. This paper explored the psychosocial support for counselors working with HIV-serodiscordant couples at a regional hospital. The study used descriptive and exploratory approaches, underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological analysis design (IPA). Participants were selected using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. A total of nine participants took part in the study. Data were collected using an in-depth interview guide and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis framework. Three themes emanated: knowledge deficiency on serodiscordancy among the counselors, limited/lack of support and ways to recommend HIV-serodiscordant couples services. The findings indicates that there is need to enhance, strengthen, and provide comprehensive psychosocial support services to discordant couples. To support and improve the knowledge, confidence and skills of counselors, the following should be implemented: provision of training, introducing debriefing sessions to reflect on discordant cases, follow-up on discordant couple’s post diagnosis to offer psychosocial support services, and establishment and strengthening of the support groups. 2024-08-29T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32853 Pentecostal church leaders' support to children in need of care and protection Spaumer, Andrew; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen Churches are considered one of the important structures responsible for providing care and support to vulnerable populations. One such population are children in need of care and support. This article presents the support provided by Pentecostal religious leaders to children needing care and protection. The study was conducted in Pentecostal churches in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, which is found in Gauteng province, South Africa. This qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis design. Data were collected from nineteen purposively selected leaders in Pentecostal churches using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was guided by the interpretative phenomenological analysis framework for data analysis. Findings indicate that religious leaders within Pentecostal churches are involved in providing care and support to children in need of care. The process they are engaged in include proper identification of those children, attending to physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. However, each religious leaders use their approach depending on the relationship they have with members of government institutions such as police services and social workers. In order to enhance the support provided the children in need of care and protection, by religious leaders within Pentecostal churches, it is recommended that religious leaders are well informed about the role of different members of multidisciplinary teams such as social workers, psychologists, police officers, parents and other community structures. Moreover, there should be formalised collaboration and referral processes that will ensure that the child’s rights are not further violated in the process of provision of support. Contribution: The study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the role Pentecostal church religious leaders are playing in child protection. Furthermore, it sheds light on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that children in need of care and protection are holistically supported. 2025-01-27T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32852 Marital Resilience Factors that Enhance Conflict Management in Black African Marriages in South Africa: An Afro-Centric Perspective Spaumer, Andrew; Mavhandu-Mudzusi, Azwihangwisi Helen; Adewoye, Segun Emmanuel Despite the stressful conditions and difficulties that bring about habitual conflict in many Black African marriages, some couples choose to manage their conflict and remain married, even in the context of the divorce culture. It is important to determine the potential factors that impact marital resilience in the midst of difficulties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore resilience factors that enhance conflict management in Black African marriages in South Africa. A phenomenological research design was adopted using a qualitative research approach. Forty participants, consisting of 20 married men and 20 married women, were purposively selected to participate in this study. Data was collected using semi-structured individual and focus group interviews which were also audio-recorded. Following recordings, the interviews were transcribed. The data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings of this study demonstrated that, of all the techniques employed to handle marital crises, effective communication was the most widely favoured. Leaving things alone by opting to remain silent, being humble, and pastoral counselling were also found to be effective tactics. The findings of this study may be useful in therapeutic work with couples. The factors that participants identified as vital in contributing towards their marital resilience may be helpful to add to the understanding of marital resilience and may be used to develop a strengths-based intervention program for couples in marital crisis. 2025-01-30T00:00:00Z