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Biomedical subjects

Liz Walker

Publications and source records attributed to Liz Walker.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Men behaving differently: South African men since 1994.

Liberal versions of sexuality, which mark South Africa's new democracy, have had a number of highly contradictory consequences for women and men, as old notions of masculinity and male privilege have been destabilized. The transition to democracy has precipitated a crisis of masculinity. Orthodox notions of masculinity are being challenged and new versions of masculinity are emerging in their place. Some men are seeking to be part of a new social order while others are defensively clinging to more familiar routines. Drawing on in-depth interviews with young African working class men, this paper explores new masculinities in contemporary South Africa. It examines how men negotiate their manhood in a period of social turbulence and transition. Masculinity, male sexuality, and the expectations which men have of themselves, each other and women are contested and in crisis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The challenge of recruiting people with schizophrenia to a health promotion trial.

People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of coronary heart disease. This pilot study tested the feasibility of carrying out a randomised controlled trial to compare coronary heart disease prevention for this population through an enhanced occupational therapy support intervention versus a practice-based intervention. Difficulty in deciding whether to take part meant that 123 visits were made to 25 people with 12 ultimately providing informed consent. Participants' discussion at a subsequent focus group (n = 3) suggested a poor understanding of the study process. Distrust of randomisation suggests that randomised controlled trials may not be the best way to evaluate community-based interventions for people with schizophrenia.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed2004

'We are bitter but we are satisfied': nurses as street-level bureaucrats in South Africa.

This study investigates how a group of nurses based in busy urban primary care health clinics experienced the implementation of the free care (the removal of fees) and other South African national health policies introduced after 1996. The study aimed to capture the perceptions and perspectives of front-line providers (street-level bureaucrats) concerning the process of policy implementation. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study paid particular attention to the personal and professional consequences of the free care policy; the factors which influence nurses' responses to policy changes such as free care; and what they perceive to be barriers to effective policy implementation. The research reveals firstly that nurses' views and values inform their implementation of health policy; secondly that nurses feel excluded from the process of policy change; and finally that social, financial and human resources are insufficiently incorporated into the policy implementation process. The study recommends that the practice of policy change be viewed through the lens of the 'street-level bureaucrat' and highlights three sets of related managerial actions.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Facilitating perception and imagination in generating change through reflective practice groups.

This paper describes the process of facilitating groups of registered nurses to generate change in themselves and their practice through guided reflection. The concept of perception is explored in respect of individual interpretations of personal experiences where perception becomes reality for that individual. Such perception is subject to bias and without supported guidance in the reflective process inappropriate conclusions are easily generated. Through facilitating group deconstruction of the perceived experience the individual is able to identify the elements of bias emerging and subsequently reaches valid conclusions by reconstructing the experience with reduced elements of subjectivity which are more appropriate to personal and practice development. Within the reconstruction process, imagination is stimulated by steering individuals within the group towards visualising outcomes of planned actions. Use of imagination allows internal acting out of events and the identification of consequences of following a particular course of action. This process enables generation of appropriate actions to take place through development of insight and deeper awareness of influences on personal change. Through appropriate developments in personal approaches the ensuing changes generated in practice take place through considered strategies, which will enhance nursing and care provision.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2002

Treading the path of least resistance: HIV/AIDS and social inequalities a South African case study.

This paper outlines aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic scenario and the complexities associated with it. It reveals the socio-epidemiological patterns of the epidemic and in doing so identifies the populations with the greatest and fastest growing rates of infection. From the data presented it is evident that the pattern of HIV/AIDS in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa in particular is unique. The pattern emerging in South Africa follows closely. The features of this pattern are as follows: the epidemic is mainly a heterosexual epidemic, the rates of infection in the general population are very high and the percentage of HIV-positive women is greater than men. An additional unique feature is the young age of onset of infection for women. These data demonstrate the need to focus our attention on young African women and the factors underpinning their predicament. In order to understand their position we examine the long standing relationship between social inequalities and health in general and further invoke the concepts of vulnerability and social capital to shed light on the position of women in the epidemic. Within the constraints of limited and problematic statistical data, the paper argues that a mixture and complex interaction of material, social, cultural and behavioural factors shape the nature, process and outcome of the epidemic in South Africa. It concludes with recommendations for the way forward.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

HIV/AIDS in South Africa: an overview.

This paper presents an overview of the development of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, taking into consideration the social context and analyzing the factors most likely to have influenced its spread as well as the societal response to it. The authors argue that macro factors such as social and political structures, in addition to behavioral ones, have combined to shape the course of the epidemic. Since various factors linked to social inequalities have combined to shape the pattern and growth of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa, it is inappropriate to focus on only one dimension in an attempt to combat the epidemic. Following the psycho-socio- environmental model, all potential contributing elements need to be addressed simultaneously. This calls for a true interdisciplinary and multi-sectorial approach. It also requires great commitment as well as strong political will.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗