Research Articles (University of Pretoria)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/121

This collection offers open access to the full text of research articles published by staff, students and affiliates of the University of Pretoria. These items are identical in content to their published counterparts. It is linked to the Research Information System and complements the Annual Research Report.

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Raspberry Pi multispectral imaging camera system (PiMICS) : a low-cost, skills-based physics educational tool
Howell, John C.; Flores, Brian; Naranjo, Juan Javier; Mendez, Angel; Costa-Vera, Cesar; Koumriqian, Chris; Taormina, Nathan; Jordan, Juliana; Neethling, Pieter H.; Groenewald, Calvin; Lovemore, Michael A.C.; Kinsey, Patrick A.T.; Kruger, T.P.J. (Tjaart) (American Association of Physics Teachers, 2026-02)
Here, we report on a skills-building 3D-printable, Raspberry Pi-based multispectral camera (15–25 spectral channels in the visible and near-IR) for as little as $150–$300. The cameras rely on measuring the reflectance spectra of various objects using both active and passive illumination. The cameras were used in a successful pilot program designed such that students could learn 3D modeling, 3D printing, feedback, control, image analysis, Python programming, systems integration, and machine learning, as well as spectroscopy. The students in the pilot program studied a wide array of target spectra upon completion of their cameras, showing their aid as valuable research tools. We believe this can be an important instructional tool in introductory or advanced STEM laboratory courses.
Queer(ed) avatars : exploring visual identity construction in final fantasy XIV online gaymers
Van Heerden, Karl (Sage, 2026)
I explore gaymers’ use of virtual photography to construct their avatar persona in Final Fantasy XIV Online. The study of game photography is a field that has seen relatively sparse engagement from scholars in the past decade. In this article, I discuss virtual photography's potential in gaymers’ visual construction of avatar personas in massively multiplayer online role-playing games. I focus on “gaymers” as they seek alternative identity affordances, expressing dissatisfaction with the narrow range of possibilities in games. In contextualizing the phenomenon, I engage with theories on virtual photography, persona studies, and social networking. I apply this theoretical framework to a series of Instagram accounts dedicated to FFXIV Online avatars. I incorporate a queer methodology in my research to expose how gaymers resist heteronormativity in games. My findings indicate that gaymers queer FFXIV Online's mechanics and visuals through modding and shaders to visually co-construct a digital self.
Radicals in flip subalgebras of Matsuo algebras
Rodrigues, Bernardo Gabriel; Shpectorov, S. (Springer, 2026-04)
We develop methods for determining key properties (simplicity and the dimension of radical) of flip subalgebras in Matsuo algebras. These are interesting classes of commutative non-associative algebras that were introduced within the broader paradigm of axial algebras.
Radio activity from the rapidly rotating T dwarf 2MASS 2228-4310
Wandia, Kelvin; Garrett, Michael A.; Golden, Aaron; Hallinan, Gregg; Williams-Baldwin, David; Lucatelli, Geferson; Beswick, Robert J.; Radcliffe, Jack Frederick; Siemion, Andrew; Myburgh, Talon (Oxford University Press, 2026-03)
Please read abstract in the article.
Rapid commercial CTX-M diagnostics : performance, limitations and clinical impact
Aldeia, Claudia; Peirano, Gisele; Pitout, Johann D.D.; Endimiani, Andrea (Springer, 2026-02)
CTX-M enzymes account for more than 90% of all extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) identified in Enterobacterales. Therefore, rapid identification of these enzymes could improve clinical outcomes in patients infected or colonized by such pathogens. In this review, we described the characteristics and limitations of commercially available rapid tests for detecting CTX-M proteins (lateral flow immunoassays) or blaCTX−M genes (microarrays, quantitative PCR, or loop-mediated isothermal amplification). Additionally, we summarized and discussed their potential clinical impact. Some commercial CTX-M assays - particularly those analyzing aliquots from positive blood cultures (i.e., Verigene, BioFire FilmArray, ePlex) - demonstrated clear advantages over standard-of-care methods, shortening the interval to effective therapy and improving overall patient outcomes. However, the widespread adoption of these rapid assays in routine laboratories remains limited due to several factors, including high costs and the lack of robust evidence supporting their positive impact. To address these implementation challenges, laboratories should focus on a defined patient subgroup in whom the application of these assays is likely to yield the greatest clinical impact. In particular, we propose that all laboratories at least perform rapid CTX-M assays on all Gram-negative-positive blood cultures (including those with sterile fluids) obtained from critically ill patients, such as ICU-patients with septic shock. This strategy is best when accompanied by active communication between the laboratory and key stakeholders in patient management. Providing rapid results for this subpopulation of patients may facilitate timely initiation of appropriate therapy and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Reconceptualising social (in)justice for research in rural South African schools : the roles of space, place and collective response
Higham, Rupert; Mills, Martin; Ebersohn, L. (Liesel) (Routledge, 2026)
Many theories of social justice overlook the importance of space and place. In analysing education in the rural Global South, they do not capture the complexity and situatedness of issues such as cultural and linguistic hierarchies in the language of instruction, and rural flight and individual life trajectories. We propose a new theoretical framework for understanding (in)justice, developed through a project to improve children’s literacy and wellbeing through community engagement in primary schools in rural South Africa. We argue that combining structural, agential and spatial perspectives and incorporating the indigenous theory of ‘flocking’, will help us better hear and understand the distinctive experiences of rural children and adults, and support their agency in addressing the injustices and opportunities they face.
Reasons for hesitancy and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among the Congolese population : a scoping review
Lobukulu Lolimo, Genese; Khonde, Rodrigue; Matondo, Herve; Kabele, Junias; Yannick, K. Musawu; Beshah, Senait Alemayehu; Achala, Daniel Malik; Njeri Muriithi, Grace; Adote, Elizabeth Naa Adukwei; Zegeye, Elias Asfaw; Mbachu, Chinyere Ojiugo;; Ataguba, John Ele-Ojo; Yaya Bocoum, Fadima Inna Kamina; Manitu, Serge Mayaka (Frontiers Media, 2026-02-17)
INTRODUCTION : Despite over 9.6 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered globally, vaccination access remains highly unequal. North America and Western Europe have over 50% vaccination coverage, contrasting sharply with African nations, like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has under 10%. This scoping review explores the key factors contributing to the low COVID-19 vaccination rate in the Congolese population. METHODS : We conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, searching PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed manuscripts published between 2019 and 2023. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, and focused on the factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and access in the DRC. RESULTS : Although surveys indicated a high willingness on the part of the people to get vaccinated, only 2.7% of the population were fully vaccinated. The primary barrier to vaccination was safety concerns, specifically, perceptions of the vaccine as new and experimental (84.4%) and fear of side effects (83.3%). Additional hesitancy factors included mistrust in vaccine effectiveness (60.4%) and a general lack of confidence (60.0%). Facilitators of acceptance included prior family vaccination, perceived risk of infection, belief in the existence of the virus, and awareness of vaccination strategies. Sociodemographic factors such as being a healthcare professional or male also positively influenced uptake. DISCUSSION : These findings highlight the gap between vaccine willingness and actual coverage in the DRC. Addressing safety concerns and building trust through targeted outreach, especially among key professional groups, may improve vaccine acceptance and equity.
Recent advances in multimodal imaging of infections : research highlights using nuclear-optical imaging
Welling, Mick M.; Driver, Cathryn Helena Stanford; Koatale, Palesa Caroline; Naicker, Tricia; Ebenhan, Thomas (Springer, 2026-04)
Multimodal imaging using hybrid imaging agents is a promising strategy for diagnosing and evaluating pathologies after image-guided surgical interventions. Combining optical and radioactive imaging techniques provides a comprehensive approach to monitoring and diagnosing infections, which would be more effective than routine nuclear clinical tracers for SPECT or PET imaging, thereby enabling more effective treatment as in image-guided surgery. This review summarizes the latest developments in hybrid imaging agents and vectors for radioactive and optical imaging of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. We pinpoint the pitfalls in the current preclinical landscape for developing infection imaging tracers. Besides diagnosing and tracking pathogens, the role of optical imaging in diagnosing and aiding antimicrobial interventions, including image-guided surgery, is discussed. Finally, practical considerations are addressed for multimodal workflow challenges in preclinical infection imaging with hybrid tracers.
Evaluating fungicides for the management of rust (Uromycladium acaciae) on black wattle nursery seedlings in Awi zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Regasa , Kumela; Beze, Weldesenbet; Anjulo, Agena; Wondafrash, Mesfin; Hurley, Brett Phillip; Lawson, Simon; Healey, Madaline; Germishuizen, Ilaria (Wiley, 2025-11)
Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild) provides numerous benefits for Ethiopian smallholder farmers due to its fast growth and wide adaptability. It is used for soil improvement and provides economic benefits through charcoal production and the use of wood as biomass fuel. However, in recent years, nursery stocks and young plantations have become susceptible to the wattle rust disease. No fungicides are currently registered in Ethiopia for control of wattle rust. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of fungicides at varying rates for control of black wattle rust at Endewuha and Surta nursery sites, in Awi Zone, northern Ethiopia. Two systemic fungicides, namely, Amistar Top and Amistar Xtra, were evaluated at rates of 1 L·ha−1 and 0.5 L·ha−1 along with an unsprayed control in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Both fungicides at all rates significantly reduced rust infection at both sites. The lowest disease severity, along with increased plant height and collar diameter, was observed in the fungicide-treated plots compared to the untreated control. There was no significant difference in diseases intensity reduction and seedling height and root collar diameter among fungicide rates. The shortest height and the smallest root collar diameter were recorded on the untreated plots at both sites. The percentage reductions in disease damage compared to the control ranged from 94.6% to 96.72% at the Surta site and 94.6%–96.25% at the Endewuha site. Amistar Top or Amistar Xtra fungicide can effectively control acacia rust damage during the seedling stage, ensuring healthy and vigorous planting stock. The choice of the fungicide and application rate will depend on availability and cost, rather than on fungicide group. Further investigation is needed to assess the performance of both treated and untreated seedlings, as well as the progression of the disease in plantation sites.
Remembering the patients on the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Fort England Psychiatric Hospital
Du Plessis, Rory (Taylor and Francis, 2025-08-18)
In 2025, the Fort England Psychiatric Hospital celebrates its 150th anniversary and this marks it as the oldest South African psychiatric facility that is still in use today. Over its many years of existence, the hospital’s history and heritage has been synonymous with the careers of the appointed medical superintendents. Thus, the dominant heritage discourse of the hospital commemorates the achievements of the medical superintendents, but what is missing from the heritage of the hospital is the patients’ experiences and stories. In this article, I seek to include the experiences and stories of the patients as central narratives in the memorialisation and heritage of the hospital. To retrieve aspects of the patients’ lives and experiences, I investigate 20 case files from a set of 200 that was recently discovered at the hospital. The entire set of case files is composed solely of white male patients, who were suffering from chronic mental illness and who remained institutionalised until their passing. A mad studies framework, which aims to humanise the patients, guides the investigation of the case files. Accordingly, the article contributes a humanised narrative of the lives and experiences of the chronic patients to the heritage of the hospital.
The UNHCR’s graduation approach for camp-based poverty reduction : lessons from Zimbabwe’s Tongogara refugee camp
Taruvinga, Raymond; Lombard, A. (Antoinette); Hölscher, Dorothee (Sage, 2025-12)
The article critiques the graduation approach, a poverty alleviation strategy implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners in low-income refugee-receiving countries. This article reports on a qualitative study conducted in 2020 in Zimbabwe’s Tongogara refugee camp with 47 participants through face-to-face interviews. We apply the lens of Amartya Sen’s development as freedom to demonstrate how multiple unfreedoms in the refugee camps context curtail the sustainability of the graduation approach’s six sequential stages. We find that in Tongogara, restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement and other institutional limitations undercut the approach’s chance of viability. We conclude that unless structural concessions are made towards enhancing refugees’ agency, camp-based income-generating activities will remain at the subsistence level. We recommend that the six graduation stages be treated as indivisible and cumulative and that a stage-based evaluation be employed to guarantee the requisite freedoms at each stage.
Thermal decomposition behavior and characterization of automotive paint sludge
Kalani, Pfulwani; Oliver, Ines; Molto-Berenguer, Julia; Conesa, Juan A.; Yapi, Litha; Nofemele, Zuko; Mavukwana, Athi-Enkosi (Wiley, 2025-11)
Automotive paint sludge (APS) is a ubiquitous, recalcitrant waste product of the vehicle manufacturing process. The potential of APS for energy and chemical production via pyrolysis and gasification is undermined by the absence of methodologically consistent, cross-stream physicochemical characterization. This impedes process design for the valorization of APS. This work aims to rectify that by presenting a direct physicochemical characterization and thermogravimetric comparison of five APS types: electrocoat, phosphate coat, primer, base coat, and clear coat. Thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) experiments were conducted at three heating rates, i.e., 5, 10, and 20°C/min, under both nitrogen and air atmospheres. The study revealed that the decomposition of APS occurs in three distinct stages. The first stage involves the removal of moisture and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), occurring at temperatures ranging from 30°C to 220°C. The second stage, which occurs at approximately 220°C–550°C, exhibits a further subdivision profile comprising two subsections. This entails the devolatilization stage, which occurs between 200°C and 380°C. Subsequent to this, the cracking of resins, heavy hydrocarbons, and the formation of char occur at temperatures ranging from 380°C to 550°C. The third and final stage occurs at a range of 550°C–800°C, accounts for the least mass loss, and is characterized by the carbonization and decomposition of inorganic compounds. In this work, we have established temperature intervals for drying/VOC removal, VOC recovery, and secondary cracking/carbonization, providing comparative evidence to optimize APS-to-energy conversion.
Heat in the transport sector: measured heat exposure and interventions to address heat-related health impacts in the minibus taxi industry in South Africa
Wright, Caradee Yael; Kapwata, Thandi; Kunene, Siyathemba; Kwatala, Ngwako; Mahlangeni, Nomfundo; Laban, Tracey; Webster, Candice (Springer, 2025-10)
High temperatures, heat and heatwaves are being experienced more frequently and with greater intensity in many parts of the world, including South Africa, and record-breaking maximum temperatures are becoming more common. Exposure to heat has adverse impacts on human health and wellbeing. The transport sector and its users are vulnerable to heat both inside vehicles as well as in places where people wait for public transport. We sought to assess the temperatures experienced in minibus taxis, a common mode of transport in South Africa and in minibus taxi ranks as well as the heat-related perceptions of minibus taxi drivers working in the Chesterville Taxi Association in Durban. We also observed heat-related elements in minibus taxi ranks. Data from temperature loggers showed that temperatures inside minibus taxis reached up to 39 °C and were between 3-4 °C warmer than outdoors. For around 11 h every day, temperatures inside minibus taxis were warmer than 27 °C - the temperature that is linked to heat-health symptoms. Taxi drivers (N = 16) all agreed they feel hot in the minibus taxi and more than 90% said they drink water to try to cool down. Taxi ranks were lacking in supply of drinking water and shade for minibus taxis and seating. With the projected increase in temperatures caused by climate change, it is imperative to co-develop mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimise heat-related human health impacts in minibus taxis and taxi ranks especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The κ-μ/gamma-Rayleigh fading model : a composite fading model for powerline-wireless communication channels
Mokise, Kealeboga L.; Myburgh, Hermanus Carel (Wiley, 2025-11-25)
Statistical distributions are frequently used to model fading effects introduced by the communication channel on the received signal. Some distributions are directly derived from physical propagation models, while others are adapted from statistics and applied to model fading based on their goodness-of-fit to measurements or on account of their mathematical simplicity. In this paper, a line-of-sight (LOS) shadowed κ-µ/gamma-Rayleigh (κ-µ/GR) is proposed and thoroughly investigated. The GR distribution was selected for its mathematical simplicity and flexibility. Closed-form expressions for fundamental statistics such as the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) are derived for the κ-µ/GR fading model. Additionally, analytical expressions for higher-order moments, including the amount of fading (AF) and the moment generating function (MGF), are provided in closed-form expressions. Performance measures of interest, such as outage probability (OP), average symbol error probability (ASEP), and average channel capacity, are derived in closed-form for communication systems operating under the κ-µ/GR channel fading conditions. The validity and utility of the proposed composite fading model for characterizing composite fading behavior observed in hybrid powerline-wireless communication (PLC-WLC) channels are demonstrated through an extensive series of theoretical comparisons with experimental PLC-WLC measurements. Hybrid PLC-WLC channel measurements were performed in various environments, and PLC-WLC propagation scenarios were classified according to the cable branching characteristics of the PLC segment of the hybrid PLC-WLC channel. The goodness-of-fit of the proposed composite fading model was evaluated using the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence test. The results revealed that the proposed composite fading model exhibited an excellent fit to the fading conditions encountered in hybrid PLC-WLC channels. Compared with other existing composite fading models, the κ-µ/GR model provided the most accurate fitting results for measurements in large indoor environments, for which the propagation conditions present strong LOS signal components and weak scattered signal components. Furthermore, it was concluded on the basis of the obtained results that increased branching and terminations in the PLC channel of a PLC-WLC propagation environment lead to increased shadowing and multipath fading effects on the received signal and, consequently, to increased composite fading.
Nurse educators’ views on online clinical teaching : insights from South Africa’s public nursing colleges
Mabitja, Moeta; Mavis, Mulaudzi Fhumulani (Elsevier, 2025-10-15)
INTRODUCTION : Nursing education institutions have an obligation to create learning platforms to ensure that students are exposed to learning experiences enhancing their confidence and skill as qualified professionals. Challenges negatively influencing the education and training of nursing students include inadequate resources, nurse educator-student ratio, clinical placement, and occurrence of uncommon medical conditions. Online-based activities provide an alternative platform to lessen the challenges in clinical teaching. METHODS : A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design was adopted. Data was collected through three focus group interviews from fifteen (n = 15) nurse educators and analyzed using thematic content analysis. FINDINGS : The analysis revealed two main themes: (a) Teaching convenience associated with the use of online activities and (b) Availability of capital resources. The findings revealed that online clinical activities provided substantial teaching convenience by enhancing flexibility and efficiency in clinical instruction. However, the implementation of these activities was hindered by critical challenges, particularly the limited availability of capital resources such as reliable internet connectivity and appropriate technological tools. DISCUSSION : Views of nurse educators sought to assist nursing education institutions to plan on measures for preventing challenges that can negatively affect effective use of online platform for clinical teaching. Nurse educators considered online activities as an innovative platform that can enhance clinical teaching and contribute positively to clinical learning experiences, although careful consideration must be given to the nature of the nursing discipline. CONCLUSION : While online clinical activities enhance teaching convenience in clinical education, addressing resource limitations is essential for their successful integration in public nursing colleges.
The under-representation of the global South on editorial boards in criminology
Breetzke, Gregory Dennis (International Journal of Crime Justice and Social Democracy, 2025-12)
Less than 5% of editorial board members across all 69 journals listed under the Criminology and Penology category of Clarivate’s Web of Science database have affiliations with institutions in the Global South. Moreover, editorial board members from the Global South are significantly more likely to sit on lower “quality” journals than their Global North counterparts. The extreme skewness in regional representation of editorial board membership is symptomatic of a broader marginalization of the Global South in academia in general, and criminology specifically. The study’s findings should be of importance (and concern) to all criminologists who believe that a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive representation of scholars across all phases of the academic publishing process is key to better understanding the context of crime: a global problem. A number of recommendations are outlined that can be used to increase the regional representativeness of editorial boards.
Organic acid supplementation in worker honeybees (Apis mellifera) : impacts on glandular physiology and colony resilience
Bezabih, Gebreamlak; Atsbha, Tesfay; Altaye, Solomon Zewdu; Zhou, Qingsong; Li, Jianke; Pirk, Christian Walter Werner; Zhu, Chaodong; Fang, Yu (MDPI, 2025-11-26)
Honeybees require diverse nutrients for larval growth, adult development, and colony health. Pollen quality significantly impacts reproduction, productivity, and growth. Bioactive substances from honeybee glands enhance colony health, with recent studies showing that optimal citric acid intake extends lifespan, boosts pollen consumption, accelerates mandibular gland development, and improves royal jelly quality. This review examines organic acid feeding's effects on gland development and overall health, offering insights for beekeeping and supplementary food development to support sustainable apiculture. Research gaps in organic acid supplementation, gland development, and health benefits are identified. The impact of varying organic acid concentrations on 10-HDA biosynthesis in mandibular glands and key regulatory proteins influencing 10-HDA expression is summarized. Findings highlight the benefits of organic acid supplements for worker bee gland development and health, guiding future research and practical applications in beekeeping.
An optimized block hybrid spectral simple iteration methods for solving nonlinear evolution equations
Ahmedai, Salma; Sibanda, Precious; Motsa, Sandile; Goqo, Sicelo; Noreldin, Osman A.I. (Wiley, 2025-12)
This study presents a new optimized block hybrid method and spectral simple iteration method (OBHM-SSIM) for solving nonlinear evolution equations. In this method, we employed a combination of the spectral collocation method in space and the optimized block hybrid method in time, along with a simple iteration scheme to linearize the equations. The performance of OBHM-SSIM is compared with other established numerical methods for various nonlinear evolution equations, including the Stokes' second problem equation, Burgers─Fisher equation, Burgers─Huxley equation, the FitzHugh─Nagumo equation with time-dependent coefficients, and coupled Burgers' equations. Furthermore, the proposed OBHM-SSIM is implemented to solve -dimensional problems, specifically the nonlinear Burgers' equation and the cubic Klein─Gordon equation, demonstrating its capability to solve nonlinear systems efficiently. The extension to two-dimensional cases further validates the flexibility and accuracy of the OBHM-SSIM method, achieved with a notably reduced computational cost. Unlike conventional spectral methods, the proposed OBHM-SSIM achieves high-order accuracy with fewer grid points by optimizing intra-step points and maintaining A-stability for large time domains. We demonstrate that the OBHM-SSIM method gives highly accurate solutions with fewer grid points. This results in enhanced computational efficiency and reduced complexity, particularly for large time domains of nonlinear evolution equations. The findings of this study offer a new approach for the application of the spectral block hybrid method, ultimately improving the accuracy and efficiency of computational solutions for nonlinear evolution equations.
Psychosocial factors influencing the sexual risk behaviour of adolescents living with and affected by HIV who reside in HIV-affected homes in Uganda
Kiirya, Stephen Kisembe; Visser, Maret; Masenge, Andries (Springer, 2026)
We examined the psychosocial factors that predict sexual risk behaviour of adolescents who reside in HIV affected homes in Uganda, to provide evidence for developing suitable interventions. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data about these adolescents’ psychosocial and sexual experiences. The scales and data were verified for precision and reliability using factor analyses, while the predictors of sexual risk behaviour were examined using general linear models. Results showed that having been female, in the younger adolescence stage and a Muganda or Lango, living with one caregiver, being a recipient of HIV/psychosocial care and vulnerable to negative peer influence, personal threats, interpersonal problems, psychosocial distresses (e.g. psychosis and delinquency) and coping by deflecting problems, significantly enabled sexual risk behaviour in these adolescents. However, attending school, religious conviction, experiencing orphanhood especially of the mother, living with two caregivers, and experiencing poverty, judgmental HIV stigma, distress (e.g. inattention and depression), self-control and social support significantly deterred it. These results highlight the centrality of gender, age, HIV care, family situations, sociocultural and peer norms, community stressors, psychosocial distresses, and negative coping methods in influencing sexual risk behaviour of adolescents who reside in HIV affected homes. Interventions by families, schools and agencies are needed to prevent or mitigate these risk factors.
Psychosocial experiences and sexual risk behaviour of the adolescents living with and affected by HIV who reside in HIV affected homes in Uganda
Kiirya, Stephen Kisembe; Visser, Maretha; Masenge, Andries (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
We compared the levels of psychosocial and sexual experiences of adolescents aged 10–19 years who were living with (ALHIV) and affected by HIV who resided in HIV-affected homes of Uganda. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was validated using factor analysis. The levels of psychosocial and sexual experiences of these adolescents were compared using variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results showed that whereas these adolescents were exposed to each observed factor, the ALHIV were significantly more vulnerable to lower education levels, living with sick people, death of both parents, changing homes, living with caregivers who were relatives or alcohol users, negative peer influence, poverty, personal and interpersonal problems, distress, sexual risk behaviour, and negative coping methods, compared to those not living with HIV or unaware of their HIV status. Hence, despite the higher primary education achievement and access to HIV services, ALHIV face a lesser sense of belonging, a higher burden of caring for their family members’ sicknesses, higher vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases, and poorer coping abilities compared to the other adolescents in the same home. Interventions are needed from families, schools and agencies to address the risk and protective factors among these adolescents.

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