Self-management program improves participation in patients with neuromuscular disease: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Energetic, a self-management group program combining aerobic training, energy conservation management, and relapse prevention to improve social participation in patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD) and chronic fatigue.

Methods: In this multicenter, assessor-blinded, 2-armed randomized controlled trial with repeated measurements, 53 patients with various types of NMD and chronic fatigue were randomly allocated to Energetic, a 4-month group intervention, or to usual care. The primary endpoint was social participation assessed with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) performance scale immediately postintervention.

Predictors and psychological pathways for binge drinking among South African men.

Objective: To develop targeted interventions for high-risk drinkers among South African men, we assessed whether sociodemographic factors and history of childhood sexual abuse predicted binge drinking at six-month follow-up assessment and their psychological pathways according to the extended Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA).

Design: Survey responses with a sample of 1181 South African men from randomly selected neighbourhoods in Eastern Cape Province were collected at baseline and six-month follow-up. Multiple logistic regression analysis examined the baseline predictors of binge drinking.

Health-Promotion Intervention Increases Self-Reported Physical Activity in Sub-Saharan African University Students: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

To evaluate the efficacy of a health-promotion intervention in increasing self-reported physical activity among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa. Randomly selected second-year students at a university in South Africa were randomized to an intervention based on social cognitive theory: health-promotion, targeting physical activity and fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption; or HIV risk-reduction, targeting sexual-risk behaviors. Participants completed assessments via audio computer-assisted self-interviewing pre-intervention and 6 and 12 months post-intervention.

Contextualized theory-based predictors of intention to practice monogamy among adolescents in Botswana junior secondary schools: Results of focus group sessions and a cross-sectional study.

Culture and tradition influences behaviour. Multiple partner and concurrent relationships are made responsible for the increase of HIV infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. A contextualized "Theory of Planned Behaviour" was used to identify predictors of intention to practice monogamy.

Effects of Exercise Therapy on Balance Capacity in Chronic Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of exercise training on balance capacity in people in the chronic phase after stroke. Furthermore, we aimed to identify which training regimen was most effective.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of exercise therapy on balance capacity in the chronic phase after stroke.

Partner violence, power, and gender differences in South African adolescents' HIV/sexually transmitted infections risk behaviors.

Objectives: Low relationship power and victimization by intimate partner violence (IPV) have been linked to HIV risks among adult and adolescent women. This article examines associations of IPV and relationship power with sexual-risk behaviors and whether the associations differ by gender among South African adolescents.

Method: Sexual-risk behaviors (multiple partners in past 3 months; condom use at last sex), IPV, and relationship power were collected from 786 sexually experienced adolescents (mean age = 16.

Sub-Saharan African University Students' Beliefs about Abstinence, Condom Use, and Limiting the Number of Sexual Partners.

Given the high risk of HIV infection among university students in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a need for culturally appropriate risk-reduction interventions specifically targeting this population. Efforts to reduce the risk require an understanding of the modifiable antecedents of sexual-risk behaviors. We report the results of a semi-structured elicitation survey based on the reasoned action approach to identify behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding abstinence, condom use, and limiting sexual partners.

Associations between psychosocial factors and incidence of sexually transmitted disease among South African adolescents.

Background: Adolescents living in South Africa are at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The present study sought to identify correlates of curable STD incidence among a cohort of adolescents in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Methods: Data were collected in conjunction with an HIV/STD prevention intervention randomized controlled trial.

Improved gait adjustments after gait adaptability training are associated with reduced attentional demands in persons with stroke.

After stroke, the ability to make step adjustments during walking is reduced and requires more attention, which may cause problems during community walking. The C-Mill is an innovative treadmill augmented with visual context (e.g.

Multiple partners and condom use among students at a South African University.

The prevalence of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa is the highest in the world. Young people, including university students, are at risk. Many sexually active young people have multiple partners, but little is known about how university students who have multiple partners differ from those who do not.

HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention efficacy with South African adolescents over 54 months.

Objective: Little research has tested HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk-reduction interventions' effects on early adolescents as they age into middle and late adolescence. This study tested whether intervention-induced reductions in unprotected intercourse during a 12-month period endured over a 54-month period and whether the intervention reduced the prevalence of STIs, which increase risk for HIV.

Method: Grade 6 learners (mean age = 12.

Gait adaptability training improves obstacle avoidance and dynamic stability in patients with cerebellar degeneration.

Balance and gait problems in patients with cerebellar degeneration lead to reduced mobility, loss of independence, and frequent falls. It is currently unclear, however, whether balance and gait capacities can be improved by training in this group of patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of gait adaptability training on obstacle avoidance and dynamic stability during adaptive gait.

Theory-based behavioral intervention increases self-reported physical activity in South African men: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether a health-promotion intervention increases South African men's adherence to physical-activity guidelines.

Method: We utilized a cluster-randomized controlled trial design. Eligible clusters, residential neighborhoods near East London, South Africa, were matched in pairs.

Protective factors and HIV risk behavior among South African men.

The primary mode of HIV transmission in South Africa is heterosexual sexual behavior. HIV prevention research specifically focusing on men in South Africa is limited. We assessed self-reported HIV risk behaviors in 1,181 men ages 18 to 45 years in randomly selected neighborhoods in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Cluster-randomized controlled trial of an HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk-reduction intervention for South African men.

Objectives: We tested the efficacy of a sexual risk-reduction intervention for men in South Africa, where heterosexual exposure is the main mode of HIV transmission.

Methods: Matched-pairs of neighborhoods in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, were randomly selected and within pairs randomized to 1 of 2 interventions based on social cognitive theory and qualitative research: HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk-reduction, targeting condom use, or attention-matched control, targeting health issues unrelated to sexual risks. Sexually active men aged 18 to 45 years were eligible.

Wake-Up. A Health Promotion Project for Sub-Saharan University Students: Results of Focus Group Sessions.

HIV/AIDS is seen as the major killer in developing countries however, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also referred to as chronic diseases, are the leading causes of death worldwide. University students are an important target for health promotion programmes because they are exposed to a new lifestyle where they have to determine on their own which diet to follow, whether or not to exercise, how much they drink alcohol or smoke, whether to have sex or abstain, as well as whether to practice safe sex or not Focus group sessions were held at a rural Sub-Saharan African University to assess students' knowledge on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. The results suggest a need for a health promotion intervention programme which should be culture-sensitive and considerate of the needs of university students.

Caregivers' intentions to disclose HIV diagnosis to children living with HIV in South Africa: a theory-based approach.

When children know their HIV serostatus, they are more likely to cooperate with steps to manage their health and the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Mounting evidence indicates that caregivers often do not disclose to HIV-positive children that the children are living with HIV, but little is known about the modifiable determinants of pediatric HIV disclosure. The present study examined theory-of-planned-behavior predictors of the intention to disclose to children their HIV diagnosis.

Mediation effects of problem drinking and marijuana use on HIV sexual risk behaviors among childhood sexually abused South African heterosexual men.

HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa is one of the highest in the world with heterosexual, transmission predominantly promoting the epidemic. The goal of this study is to examine whether, marijuana use and problem drinking mediate the relationship between histories of childhood sexual, abuse (CSA) and HIV risk behaviors among heterosexual men. Participants were 1181 Black men aged, 18-45 from randomly selected neighborhoods in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Step by step: a proof of concept study of C-Mill gait adaptability training in the chronic phase after stroke.

Objective: To evaluate the concept of C-Mill gait adaptability training.

Design: Pre- and post-intervention assessments.

Subjects: Sixteen community-dwelling persons in the chronic phase after stroke (mean age 54.

Health Promotion Project for University Students at a South African University: Results of a Pilot Survey.

Globally, chronic diseases place a tremendous burden on health care systems all over the world. The increased prevalence of chronic diseases is mainly influenced by industrialization and decreased levels of physical activity. A cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative pilot survey, using a self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions, was conducted with 73 students to assess the need for and feasibility of a health promotion program for university students at a rural South African university.

Disclosure of HIV Diagnosis to HIV-Infected Children in South Africa: Focus Groups for Intervention Development.

Worldwide about 2.5 million children younger than 15 years of age are living with HIV, and more than 2.3 million of them live in sub-Saharan Africa.

A randomized controlled pilot study of an HIV risk-reduction intervention for sub-Saharan African university students.

This pilot study used a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of an HIV risk-reduction intervention for university students in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Randomly selected second-year students were randomized to one of two interventions based on social cognitive theory and qualitative research: HIV risk-reduction, targeting sexual-risk behaviors; health-promotion control, targeting health behaviors unrelated to sexual risks. Participants completed behavioral assessments via audio computer-assisted self-interviewing pre-intervention, 6, and 12 months post intervention, with 97.

Sexual attitudes and behaviour of university students at a rural South African University: Results of a Pilot Survey.

A cross sectional qualitative and quantitative pilot survey, using self administered questionnaire and focus group discussions, was conducted to assess the need for, and feasibility of, a health promotion programme for university students at a South African University. We examined the gender and cultural effects on sexual attitudes and behaviour, as well as condom use. A total of 73 students, age's between 18 and 30 years, participated in the pilot survey.

Health Promotion: Results of focus groups with African-American men.

BACKGROUND: Almost half (49%) of the people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the United States (US) are African-Americans. Although African-Americans represent only about 13% of the overall population, they continue to account for a higher proportion of cases at all stages of HIV/AIDS. Most documented interventions targeting the African-American population have focused on women, children, men who have sex with men or drug addicts.

Cattle for Wives and Extramarital Trysts for Husbands? Lobola, Men, and HIV/STD Risk Behavior in Southern Africa.

Lobola is in many Southern African countries a tradition, which is expected to be adhered by anyone who is part or want to be part of the community. It is about paying respect to the elders, the family and the community. It is a significant element of marriage among many tribes and there are strict rules to adhere.