Prof. Josè Frantz
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Position: | Dean |
Faculty: | Faculty of Community and Health Sciences |
Qualifications: | BSc, MSc, PhD(PT) (Western Cape) |
My publications in this repository | |
More about me: | here, and here |
Tel: | 021 959 2631 |
Fax: | 021 959 2755 |
Email: | chs-deansoffice@uwc.ac.za |
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Item Health promotion needs of physically disabled individuals with lower limb amputation in Rwanda(Taylor and Francis, 2005) Amosun, Seyi Ladele; Mutimura, Eugene; Frantz, Jose M.PURPOSE. The objectives of the study were to identify the health-related behaviors among physically disabled individuals with lower limb amputation resident in Rwanda, the factors that influenced these behaviors, and the major issues that should be targeted in health promotion programs for physically disabled individuals with lower limb amputation. METHOD. A cross-sectional survey, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was carried out among 334 lower limb amputees who volunteered to take part in the study. In addition, a sub-sample of 15 participants was purposively selected for in-depth face-to-face interviews. RESULTS. Many participants did not engage in physical exercises (64.7%). Others abused alcohol on daily basis (14.4%), smoked 11 – 20 cigarettes daily (13.2%), and used recreational drugs such as marijuana, opium and cocaine (9.6%). There were significant associations between the age group of the participants and participation in exercises (P=0.001), and consuming alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs (P = 0.001). In-depth interviews revealed factors influencing the behavior of participants. CONCLUSIONS. Participants were found to be at risk of secondary complications because of poor lifestyle choices. There is a need to develop and promote wellness-enhancing behaviors in order to enhance the health status of physically disabled individuals in Rwanda who have lower limb amputations.Item Physical inactivity as one of the chronic disease risk factors among high school learners in public schools in a local community in South Africa(Stellenbosch University, 2006) Frantz, Jose M.This study aimed to determine the physical activity levels and existence of risk factors associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners. A crosssectional research design was used to obtain information about physical activity levels from 951 learners from two high schools in a local community in the Western Province of South Africa. Physical activity levels were obtained using the KUOPIO Ischaemic Heart Disease 24-hour physical activity record over a seven-day period. Anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements as well as behaviours including cigarette smoking and alcohol use were recorded as risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (2000). Risk factors were identified as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and hypertension. Variance of analysis (ANOVA) was used to statistically determine differences in groups. The results indicated that 32% of the learners were classified as being physically inactive and that 21% engaged in health risk behaviours. In addition, 35% of the learners had more than one risk factor for chronic diseases of lifestyle present. Since cardiovascular risk factors have been shown to persist into adulthood, health professionals should assume some responsibility for the prevention, detection, and intervention relevant to cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.Item Influence of previous participation in physical activity on its perceptions among tertiary institution students(Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation,Sport and Dance/LAM Publications Limited, 2006) Tumusiime, David; Frantz, Jose M.Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of the major non-communicable diseases, which contribute substantially to the global burden of diseases, death and disability. The burden of mortality, morbidity and disability attributable to non-communicable diseases is currently greatest and is continually growing in the developing countries. Most declines in physical activity (PA) occur during the transition period when a person goes from high school to College or University. The objectives of this study were to identify perceived benefits of and barriers to PA and determine whether previous participation in PA does have an influence on these perceptions. A cross- sectional and descriptive study with quantitative design was conducted. Five hundred (500) tertiary institution students were randomly sampled from purposively selected departments and classes at each of the five government educational tertiary institutions in Rwanda. A pre-coded self-administered questionnaire with a small number of open-ended questions was administered to the students. A response rate of 425 (85%) was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, by means of SAS version 8 software. Frequencies and percentages for mean score values with standard deviations for each perception variable were descriptively obtained. False Discovery Rate (FDR) at 5% for multiple test adjustment and Spearman’s correlation (r) tests were used to identify the significant influence of previous participation on perceptions. More than 70% students were not participating in PA at tertiary level. Psychological benefits of PA were some of the most important perceived benefits cited by the students. Most of the important barriers cited concerned equipment and time constraints to exercising. Associations were found between previous participation and the current perceptions of PA. The findings of this study demonstrate that previous participation can influence perceptions of PA among the students. Physical activity promotion programmes should consider the role of these factors which should be emphasised from childhood.Item Stress and smoking among university students at the University of the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Frantz, Jose M.INTRODUCTION: Stress is one of the most commonly reported reasons for smoking and generally smokers are perceived to experience more stress than non-smokers. Reducing stress may thus be an important part of smoking cessation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of smoking and stress among university students attending the University of the Western Cape. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey study design was used to describe and identify smoking habits of university students as well as their stress levels. The data was captured on Excel and SPSS was used to analyse the data. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred and twelve university students. Setting: Students enrolled at six faculties at the University of the Western Cape. Intervention: Self-answered questionnaire RESULTS: Slightly more than half (53%) of the students had smoked previously but only, 61% of these reported having smoked in the last month (current smokers). Females reported to experience more stress than males (stress score 21.6 vs 16.6). The main reasons for smoking included helping to relax, just enjoying smoking , coping with stress and smoking because friends smoke. CONCLUSION: Students need to know that increased stress levels are associated with smoking. Groups at higher risk are: those being older than 30 years; female; of the coloured ethnic group; in the fourth year of study and studying in the law faculty .Item HIV/AIDS education in South Africa: knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of high school learners in Paarl and Wellington(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Pharaoh, Hamilton; Frantz, Jose M.; Rhoda, AntheaINTRODUCTION: In South Africa about 1500 people become HIV infected every day. More than half of these new infections occur in young people. HIV/AIDS programmes have been implemented to combat the disease, but yet the incidences are still on the increase. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of high school learners about HIV/AIDS in the Paarl and Wellington area. Methodology: This study made use of a quantitative study design, by means of a self-administered questionnaire in order to reflect the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of high school learners in the Paarl and Wellington areas regarding HIV/AIDS. Convenient sampling was used to obtain a large enough sample size to represent the learner population represented by the high schools in Paarl and Wellington. Data analysis was done using the SPSS version 10.0 to obtain frequencies, means and percentages. Cross-tabulations were done to determine relationships between variables. RESULTS: This study confirms that the learners have basic knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. The learners make use of this knowledge during some stages of their decision-making but a lack of more in-depth knowledge in certain areas may put them at risk of becoming HIV infected. They might not perceive themselves to be at risk. Their beliefs and attitudes in some instances did afford them the opportunity to make certain safer choices regarding their sexual health. CONCLUSION: It is evident that the HIV/AIDS education programmes is making an impact to improve the knowledge of the learners. Further research is however needed to find even more effectives means to provide learners and the rest of the population with more in-depth knowledge regarding HIV/AIDSItem Challenges facing physiotherapy education in Africa(Nova Southeastern University, 2007) Frantz, Jose M.Health care is changing and the demands put on health professionals are increasing. Physiotherapy education should reflect the health and social priorities of the nation. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) is committed to assisting physiotherapy associations in developing educational standards. Physiotherapy education in Africa however, seems to have a real need for assistance from the WCPT. The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges facing physiotherapy education in Africa. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain information from key informants involved in the area of physiotherapy education from a variety of African countries. The majority of the participants were people who have experienced physiotherapy education in Africa either as graduates or current teachers. Data were analyzed into themes and sent back to respondents for confirmation. The most important challenges highlighted were: lack of undergraduate training opportunities, limited number of therapists, upgrading of physiotherapy educators, research as a major component of physiotherapy education, and recognition of physiotherapy as an essential service. It is concluded that assistance is needed for physiotherapists from Africa to take their rightful place in the health team and higher education institutions should look at improving diploma qualifications of physiotherapists in African countries.Item Effects of strength-training trials for children and adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Matheri, Joseph Mwangi; Frantz, Jose M.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of strength-training on lower limb muscles and motor activity among children and adolescents with spastic Cerebral Palsy. METHODS: A comprehensive search of full text published studies in English was performed. Electronic databases were searched with no limit for year of publication. Terms used included: exercise, children, youth, disability, treatment, strength training, spastic cerebral palsy, muscle strength, training program, therapeutic exercise, gait training, and physical function. Reference lists of retrieved articles were also examined to identify additional studies. To be included, studies had to be: randomised controlled trials evaluating strength training outcomes on children and adolescents with spastic CP. Those with intellectual disability were excluded. Evaluation for quality: Trials were rated for methodological quality using the PEDro scale independently by the 2 researchers. RESULTS: Of 4 selected trials, 1 an abstract was excluded, 3 full articles were included. Trials methodological quality ranged from 6 to 8 on PEDro scale. Two studies reported significant muscle strength changes following strength training, with effect sizes ranging from d equal to 1.17 to 1.78 and another reported improved gait and perceived body image. CONCLUSION: Trials demonstrate that strength-training improves strength of targeted muscle and motor functioning. More rigorous trials on larger samples should evaluate the impact of specificity in strength-training and cost-effectiveness of programs.Item Health-promotion needs of youth with a spinal cord injury in South Africa(Informa Healthcare, 2007) Njoki, Emma; Frantz, Jose M.; Mpofu, RatiePurpose. To determine the health promotion needs through an exploration of health-related behaviours and the factors that influence the behaviour of physically disabled youth with spinal cord injury. Methods. A descriptive and exploratory study that utilized a qualitative approach was carried out among ten participants aged between 15 and 29 years who were purposely selected. Information was obtained from individual face-to-face interviews and a focus-group discussion. Results. The participants were involved in risky health behaviours including sedentary lifestyles, use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Various factors that influenced their participation in these behaviours were identified including personal struggles with identity and adjustment issues. Conclusions. The results emphasize that participants were involved in health-risk behaviours, which are associated with development of secondary conditions such as respiratory problems, heart diseases, and stroke. Health-promotion strategies employed for these individuals should address the psychological impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the individual as an influence to participation in health risk behaviours.Item Medical coverage at soccer sessions(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Twizere, J.; Frantz, Jose M.INTRODUCTION: Soccer in Rwanda exposes soccer players to the risk of injury warranting a need for medical coverage at both training and competitive sessions. This study aims to identify the prevalence, period of injury occurrence, and severity of common soccer injuries among the 1st and 2nd division soccer teams in Rwanda. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective quantitative study design was used. Simple random sampling, clustered within teams, was used to get a sample of this study. During sample selection, the random order was determined using the random number generator in Microsoft Excel. Data for soccer players was gathered, using a close-ended questionnaire. The data from soccer players were captured and analyzed with the Microsoft Excel package. RESULTS: The study revealed 68.1 % injury prevalence with a significantly high rate of injuries occurring during training (p< 0.005). Most of the training injuries were moderate followed by major, minor and severe injuries while most injuries during competition were major-moderate, followed by severe-minor. CONCLUSION: The prevalence, period of injury occurrence and severity of injuries in Rwanda indeed warrants medical coverage as a first preventive strategy.Item A knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to risk factors for chronic disease of lifestyle for high school learners: validity and reliability(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Frantz, Jose M.OBJECTIVE: The author aimed to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire that would measure the knowledge of learners relating to risk factors for chronic disease of lifestyle such as stroke, diabetes and hypertension. The questionnaire was intended to be used as part of a health education programme aimed at improving the knowledge of learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. METHOD: The development of the questionnaire was guided by Williams' nine steps of questionnaire design and was influenced by the national curriculum of education's life orientation programme and literature. A 31 item questionnaire was designed and presented to an expert panel. Content validity was done by the expert panel and face validity was tested through informal discussions with high school learners. Reliability testing was done using the test-retest method and Kappa co-efficient was used to test stability of the items. The questionnaire was administered to 40 high school learners but only 30 did the test the second time. RESULTS: The questionnaire yielded a reliability analysis that revealed internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.897. The average score obtained by learners using this questionnaire was 14. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire can be used for learners with a grade 10 education. The questionnaire also highlighted that learners had a moderate knowledge relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle and the need for appropriate information interventions was emphasized.Item Introducing physical education into schools: The view of teachers and learners(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008) Frantz, Jose M.A number of initiatives were launched in various countries worldwide to provide quality physical education in schools. However, the promotion of participation in sport and specifically elite sport is still regarded to be economically more feasible, than the introduction of physical education in schools and “sport for all” programmes at community level. In order to improve the current situation, the conventional ideas of the school physical education programme needs to be reconsidered and more serious consideration should be given to the preferences and needs of the key stakeholders. The aim of the study was to determine the views of teachers and learners with regards to physical education and the promotion of physical activity in a local community school. Participants included learners and teachers involved in life orientation and coaching of sport in a high school in a local community in the Western Cape, South Africa. The school was purposively selected as it caters for the previously disadvantaged learners in the area. Data was collected by means of focus group discussions. The results indicated that both the learners and teachers appreciated the benefits associated with participation in physical education but also highlighted significant barriers that prevented the effective implementation of physical education programmes in the school. South Africa needs a structured, cost effective approach to physical and health education in schools that stipulates national objectives and detailed strategies to realize the objectives.Item A knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008) Frantz, Jose M.Objective: The author aimed to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire that would measure the knowledge of learners relating to risk factors for chronic disease of lifestyle such as stroke, diabetes and hypertension. The questionnaire was intended to be used as part of a health education programme aimed at improving the knowledge of learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. Method: The development of the questionnaire was guided by Williams 9 steps of questionnaire design and was influenced by the national curriculum of education’s life orientation programme and literature. A 31 item questionnaire was designed and presented to an expert panel. Content validity was done by the expert panel and face validity was tested through informal discussions with high school learners. Reliability testing was done using the test-retest method and Kappa co-efficient was used to test stability of the items. The questionnaire was administered to 40 high school learners but only 30 did the test the second time. Results: The questionnaire yielded a reliability analysis that revealed internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.897. The average score obtained by learners using this questionnaire was 14. The questionnaire can be used for learners with a grade 10 education. The questionnaire also highlighted that learners had a moderate knowledge relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle and the need for appropriate information interventions was emphasizedItem Introducing physical education into schools: the view of teachers and learners(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Frantz, Jose M.; Pillay, TanushreeINTRODUCTION: A number of initiatives were launched in various countries worldwide to provide quality physical education in schools. However, the promotion of participation in sport and specifically elite sport is still regarded to be economically more feasible, than the introduction of physical education in schools and "sport for all" programmes at community level. In order to improve the current situation, the conventional ideas of the school physical education programme needs to be reconsidered and more serious consideration should be given to the preferences and needs of the key stakeholders. METHODOLOGY: The aim of the study was to determine the views of teachers and learners with regards to physical education and the promotion of physical activity in a local community school. Participants included learners and teachers involved in life orientation and coaching of sport in a high school in a local community in the Western Cape, South Africa. The school was purposively selected as it caters for the previously disadvantaged learners in the area. Data was collected by means of focus group discussions. RESULTS: The results indicated that both the learners and teachers appreciated the benefits associated with participation in physical education but also highlighted significant barriers that prevented the effective implementation of physical education programmes in the school. CONCLUSION: South Africa needs a structured, cost effective approach to physical and health education in schools that stipulates national objectives and detailed strategies to realize the objectives.Item A systematic review on the effect of stretching in sports injury prevention(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008) Assuman, Nuhu; Frantz, Jose M.Introduction Although stretching increases soft tissue flexibility and joint range of motion, numerous studies demonstrated contradictory findings as to its effect in injury prevention. Aim The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of stretching on the prevention of injuries. Methods An electronic search using MEDLINE, SCIENCE DIRECT, COCHRANE, EBSCOHOST, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases, checking the references. Randomised control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies investigating stretching as an injury prevention measure published in the last decade were selected in this review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Results Two RCTs and two prospective cohort studies all of high quality were included in this analysis. One cohort study found that stretching reduced the incidence of exercise related injuries. Two RCTs and one cohort study found that stretching did not produce practical reduction on the occurrence of injuries. Conclusion Stretching exercises does not give a practical useful reduction in the risk of injuries. Not enough recent research has been done to draw definitive conclusion on the effect of stretching in injury prevention. Well designed studies are needed to shed light as to the effect of stretching in exercise-related injury risk reduction.Item Youth health research as an area of expertise at the University of the Western Cape(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008) Phillips, Julie; Frantz, Jose M.; Mpofu, RatieIntroduction: There is mounting evidence of the health risk behaviours that adolescents are involved in on a daily basis. Local and national governments have advocated for intervention programmes to prevent an increase in the health risk behaviours among young people. In order to introduce effective prevention strategies, evaluation of the current situation is needed. The University of the Western Cape, identified Youth Wellness as one of the niche areas for research. Aim: This paper aims to synthesize the studies on youth wellness conducted at the University of the Western Cape. Findings: The studies conducted included epidemiological studies and intervention studies. Studies used both qualitative and quantitative designs. Most of the studies highlighted the need for intervention programmes at various levels such as personal (individual), community and policy. Conclusion: The findings of the research clearly highlights the need for researchers at UWC to identify appropriate criteria by which to measure the desired intervention outcomes.Item The effects of a short term physical activity intervention programme on body mass index, blood pressure, and percentage body fat among high school learners(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009) Pillay, Tanushree; Frantz, Jose M.Introduction: The increase in physical inactivity is thought to be one of the main risk factors for the development of diseases of lifestyle. This has highlighted the need for prevention and intervention programmes that are thought to assist in influencing the modifiable risk factors. Physical activity programmes have been proven to positively influence risk factors such us blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Interventions by health professionals can assist in combating the problem. This study aimed to determine the effects of a short term physical activity programme on the BMI, body fat and blood pressure of high school learners in a local community in the Western Cape. Methods: The total number of learners who volunteered to participate in the study was 106. The study used a pre-test post-test design. The intervention programme was a 6 week programme run for 3 days per week for a period of 40 – 60 minutes per session. The intervention consisted of moderate to vigorous activities. Data was analysed by comparing learners who participated in the intervention and those who did not. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in this study. Results: Prior to the intervention it was found that 18% were found to be obese and at least 10% were hypertensive. Following the intervention it was reported that blood pressure as well as BMI and percentage body fat was influenced in positive way. Conclusion: One can conclude that, a short term physical activity intervention programme conducted three times a week with moderate activities can affect the BMI and blood pressure levels of adolescents.Item The views of learners regarding a school-based health education programme(LAM Publications Limited, 2009) Frantz, Jose M.The importance of schools as a setting for health promotion is increasingly being acknowledged. Part of this health promoting function includes curricular offerings to increase health awareness and to assist in ensuring that young adults are able to make informed decisions about their health. For these programmes to be successfully implemented and sustained there is a need to determine the views of the participants. This study aims to determine the views of learners regarding the impact of a school based health education programme relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. A questionnaire with three open ended questions was used to determine the views of the learners regarding the programme, what they would like to have changed and recommendations regarding the future of the programme. Information was recorded and coded by two independent reviewers. Themes were decided upon independently and agreed upon between the author and an independent reviewer. Focusing on the comments relating to what was good about the programme, three main themes emerged which included course structure, course content and personal development. The themes that emerged from what the students did not like about the programme included communication, group interaction/personal factors and feedback. The recommendations and suggestions were mostly positive and included focusing on the following aspects of the programme namely more interaction, content, links to other subjects and time. The opinions of participants provided valuable information during the evaluation process and the qualitative method allowed them to express their views.Item Physical activity levels among young people with physical disabilities in selected high schools in Kenya and their perceived barriers and facilitators to participation(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009) Matheri, Joseph Mwangi; Frantz, Jose M.Purpose: To determine the levels of and potential contributing factors to participation in physical activity among young people with physical disabilities attending high school in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a pre-piloted and validated self-administered questionnaire, was carried out in a purposively selected sample of 234 young people with physical disabilities drawn from three inclusive high schools in Kenya. The questionnaire comprising outcome measures for physical activity levels, barriers, and facilitators to physical activity participation was administered to the young people. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Results: Almost half of the children in the sample were inactive. Key barriers to physical activity were found to be: fear avoidance and disability, lack of time and the need to rest. Finding ways to exercise that are enjoyable, and not being in good health were associated significantly to gender (p<0.05). Likewise, age was significantly associated with gaining peer acceptance, as was encouragement from family and having disability (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate there is a need, for activity counselling and provision of local disability-friendly and/or conducive environments to increase physical activity participation in this sample. All stakeholders should be enlisted in making recommendations and designing physical activity programmes for young people with disabilities in their schools.Item Writing a case report for publication(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009) Frantz, Jose M.Introduction: Research has become an integral part of all health care practitioners. Finding effective ways of sharing the valuable work that is being done in the clinical setting is essential. A case report is a form of communicating information to other health care practitioners regarding exceptional cases. Aim: This paper aims to describe the importance and role of case reports in the literature and summarise the guidelines for doing a case report. Method: A literature search was conducted in Pubmed and Medline using terms such as case reports, publishing, and guidelines to determine successful literature that highlights how to write a case report. Case reports will contribute to the body of evidence needed for professions and could stimulate debate around controversial issues. A summary of the relevant information needed to write a good case report for publication based on the literature is summarised in order to facilitate the process for new authors. Conclusion: Case reports if written in a scientific manner, can make a valuable contribution to research.Item Readability and test-retest reliability of a psychometric instrument designed to assess HIV/AIDS attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and sources of HIV prevention information of young adults(2010) Balogun, Joseph A.; Abiona, C. Tititlayo; Lukobo-Durrell, M.; Adefuye, Adedeji; Amosun, Seyi Ladele; Yakut, Yavuz; Frantz, Jose M.Objective: This comparative study evaluated the readability and test-retest reliability of a questionnaire designed to assess the attitudes, beliefs behaviours and sources of information about HIV/AIDS among young adults recruited from universities in the United States of America (USA), Turkey and South Africa. Design/Setting: The instrument was administered on two occasions, within a two week interval, to 219 university students in the USA (n = 66), Turkey (n = 53) and South Africa (n = 100). Method: The psychometric instrument developed has five major subscales: demographic, HIV/AIDS attitudes and beliefs, HIV risk sexual behaviour, alcohol and drug use, and HIV sources of information. Results: The instrument’s readability evaluation revealed a Flesch-Kincaid score (literacy difficulty level of the questionnaire) of 8.4, indicating that respondents would need an eighth grade reading level to understand the survey. The overall test-retest reliability coefficients for the items on the demographic subscale were generally high (0.893–0.997). Similarly, high test-retest reliability was obtained for the HIV risk sexual behaviour (0.738–0.996) and the alcohol and drug use (0.562–1.000) subscales. Much lower test-retest reliability was obtained for the HIV/AIDS attitudes and beliefs (0.32–0.80), and sources of information about HIV/AIDS (0.370–0.892) subscales. Conclusion: We found no discernible difference in the reliability data among the respondents from the three countries. The instrument should be of interest to clinicians and researchers investigating the HIV risk behaviours of young adults and older age groups with an eighth grade reading level. The availability of this instrument may enhance HIV population and intervention studies internationally.