An investigation into births before arrival in healthcare facilities in uThungulu Health District during a period of 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015
- Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Childbirth Childbirth at home
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11161 , vital:37198
- Description: Births Before Arrival (BBAs) in healthcare facilities is a worldwide health challenge. These births results with diverse obstetric and neonatal complications which could be avoided should delivery took place in an accredited environment. Delivery in health facility rate and Births Before Arrival is one of the vital measures used to monitor access as well as quality of Maternal and Child health services. A birth before arrival in health institutions happens accidentally and unattended by skilled health professionals outside the healthcare facilities (Lazic & Takač, 2011). It is found in both developed and developing countries with various adverse outcomes ranging from haemorrhage to death. Important strides had been taken to improve maternal and child health globally but the healthcare facilities are still experiencing an overwhelming number of births before arrival in healthcare facilities. This is a public health concern. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with Births before Arrival in UThungulu Health District facilities and determine the prevalence of BBAs and the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with it. A retrospective quantitative research design was used. Maternity clinical records Reviews of 238 Births Before Arrival (BBA) in healthcare facilities that occurred between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were conducted in the six hospitals in UThungulu Health District. The births before arrival data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 23, for Windows and used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The reasons for BBA included poor ante natal education of mothers on early signs of labour, lack of transport, poor use of maternity waiting areas and some clinics do not conduct deliveries. The majority of study participants were single (unmarried) and this accentuates the importance of strengthening family planning coverage in this area. Poor reporting of early neonatal deaths and stillbirths was one of the significant observations made during the study. Deceased babies were left at home and buried without being registered at home affairs. Taking cognizance of diverse risks and health needs of expectant women would assist the Health department in planning for adequate coverage for provision of suitable pregnancy care that would improve the health of women and their babies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Cynthia Nqobile Nokuthula
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Childbirth Childbirth at home
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11161 , vital:37198
- Description: Births Before Arrival (BBAs) in healthcare facilities is a worldwide health challenge. These births results with diverse obstetric and neonatal complications which could be avoided should delivery took place in an accredited environment. Delivery in health facility rate and Births Before Arrival is one of the vital measures used to monitor access as well as quality of Maternal and Child health services. A birth before arrival in health institutions happens accidentally and unattended by skilled health professionals outside the healthcare facilities (Lazic & Takač, 2011). It is found in both developed and developing countries with various adverse outcomes ranging from haemorrhage to death. Important strides had been taken to improve maternal and child health globally but the healthcare facilities are still experiencing an overwhelming number of births before arrival in healthcare facilities. This is a public health concern. The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with Births before Arrival in UThungulu Health District facilities and determine the prevalence of BBAs and the neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with it. A retrospective quantitative research design was used. Maternity clinical records Reviews of 238 Births Before Arrival (BBA) in healthcare facilities that occurred between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 were conducted in the six hospitals in UThungulu Health District. The births before arrival data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 23, for Windows and used for descriptive and inferential analysis. The reasons for BBA included poor ante natal education of mothers on early signs of labour, lack of transport, poor use of maternity waiting areas and some clinics do not conduct deliveries. The majority of study participants were single (unmarried) and this accentuates the importance of strengthening family planning coverage in this area. Poor reporting of early neonatal deaths and stillbirths was one of the significant observations made during the study. Deceased babies were left at home and buried without being registered at home affairs. Taking cognizance of diverse risks and health needs of expectant women would assist the Health department in planning for adequate coverage for provision of suitable pregnancy care that would improve the health of women and their babies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors contributing to tuberculosis mortality among new tuberculosis patients in Zululand Health District
- Dlamini, Khulekani Zakheleni
- Authors: Dlamini, Khulekani Zakheleni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mortality Tuberculosis -- Mortality Tuberculosis -- Patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10667 , vital:35657
- Description: During the period ranging from 2011 to 2013, Zululand Health District reported tuberculosis (TB) related mortality cases above the WHO’s norm of 10 percent. This raised concerns because TB is curable even if the person is HIV positive. The overall performance of TB programme in South Africa concealed the actual problem of TB related mortality in the country and most particularly in Zululand Health District. The aim of the study was to examine factors contributing to TB mortality, and the extent of TB related mortality in Zululand Health District. A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to review records of data on the electronic TB register at the district level in order to ascertain the relationship between TB mortality and the contributory factors associated with TB mortality. The TB data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to test the null hypothesis at the significance level of p< 0.05. The study was limited to only new patients enrolled between the periods from the 1st January 2012 to the 31 December 2013. The study found that TB/HIV comorbidity was a main factor contributing to mortality among new TB patients. Eighty percent (80%) of all patients who died were HIV positive. Poor CD4 monitoring, delays or failure to initiate TB/HIV comorbid patients was one of the factors associated with mortality (p < 0.0001, OR 0.51) among this cohort of patients. Poor DOT support system significantly (p< 0.0008, OR 0.81) contributed to mortality in this district. The study also found significant association between mortality and failure to initiate comorbid patient on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (Chi-square =9.1; df=1; p=0.0025). Tuberculosis and HIV comorbidity, and delays or failure to providing antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive patients were the main factors responsible for TB mortality in Zululand Health District. The whole phenomenon was attributable to health worker related factors. Good TB/HIV clinical management guidelines and protocols developed by the Department of Health, and distributed to all health facilities did not alleviate the problem. Support and supervision could translate policies and protocols to action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dlamini, Khulekani Zakheleni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mortality Tuberculosis -- Mortality Tuberculosis -- Patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10667 , vital:35657
- Description: During the period ranging from 2011 to 2013, Zululand Health District reported tuberculosis (TB) related mortality cases above the WHO’s norm of 10 percent. This raised concerns because TB is curable even if the person is HIV positive. The overall performance of TB programme in South Africa concealed the actual problem of TB related mortality in the country and most particularly in Zululand Health District. The aim of the study was to examine factors contributing to TB mortality, and the extent of TB related mortality in Zululand Health District. A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to review records of data on the electronic TB register at the district level in order to ascertain the relationship between TB mortality and the contributory factors associated with TB mortality. The TB data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to test the null hypothesis at the significance level of p< 0.05. The study was limited to only new patients enrolled between the periods from the 1st January 2012 to the 31 December 2013. The study found that TB/HIV comorbidity was a main factor contributing to mortality among new TB patients. Eighty percent (80%) of all patients who died were HIV positive. Poor CD4 monitoring, delays or failure to initiate TB/HIV comorbid patients was one of the factors associated with mortality (p < 0.0001, OR 0.51) among this cohort of patients. Poor DOT support system significantly (p< 0.0008, OR 0.81) contributed to mortality in this district. The study also found significant association between mortality and failure to initiate comorbid patient on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (Chi-square =9.1; df=1; p=0.0025). Tuberculosis and HIV comorbidity, and delays or failure to providing antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive patients were the main factors responsible for TB mortality in Zululand Health District. The whole phenomenon was attributable to health worker related factors. Good TB/HIV clinical management guidelines and protocols developed by the Department of Health, and distributed to all health facilities did not alleviate the problem. Support and supervision could translate policies and protocols to action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Perceptions and experiences of ward based outreach teams in implementation of primary health care reengineering at Mhlontlo and Nyandeni Sub District in OR Tambo Health District in the Eastern Cape Province- South Africa
- Authors: Jack, Nomfanelo Mirriam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Primary health care Nurses--South Africa--Eastern Cape Primary health care--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11085 , vital:37127
- Description: This study focused on perceptions and experiences of Ward-Based Outreach Teams in implementing Primary Health Care Re-engineering at Nyandeni and Mhlontlo Sub-Districts in OR Tambo District. Primary Health Care (PHC) is defined as essential health care, devised to be universally accessible to the community through means acceptable to them, with their full involvement and at costs that the community can afford. The National Department of Health (NDoH) introduced the new strategy of Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs) that are regarded as the key stakeholders in this effort, as they render health services at households. WBOTs are allocated in different municipal wards and are supposed to visit the population, irrespective of race, socio-economic status and geographical setting. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of Ward-Based Outreach Teams in implementing the RPHC at Mhlontlo and Nyandeni sub-districts. The qualitative research design was employed to reach the objectives of the study. The sample used was all WBOTs who had been working for more than one year and had undergone WBOTs training for ten days. Self- structured questionnaires, one-on-one interviews and a focus group were used to collect data from different categories of WBOTs. The researcher adhered to the ethical standards of nursing research as explained by the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa, such as anonymity, confidentiality, privacy and quality research. Participant’s names were not written on the questionnaires. The data was analyzed using themes, categories and sub categories, the statistical package for social sciences. Bar graphs and tables were used to communicate data. The results of the study showed that WBOTs are essential to needy households and individuals. The study revealed that the job of Community Health Workers (CHWs) involved community mapping, giving health education talks, household registration, tracing of defaulters, referring needy clients to health facilities depending on severity of illnesses and building relations with other government organizations, namely the Department of Home Affairs, to help clients obtain birth certificates and identity documents, the Department of Social Development, for social problems within households, and the Department of Education, acting as partner for the overall welfare of students. The results of the study revealed that shortage of outreach teams, limited resources, inconsistence in recruitment of Health Promoters and Community Health Workers causes psychological distress, frustration, absenteeism, less concentration when serving communities and impacts on the service delivery system. Therefore,it is recommended that the Department of health should provide outreach teams with medical equipment, dedicated transport, trainings and improve recruitment and retention strategy. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that the department of Health has taken the right direction with this programme and that some cooperation does exist between health and other departments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jack, Nomfanelo Mirriam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Primary health care Nurses--South Africa--Eastern Cape Primary health care--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11085 , vital:37127
- Description: This study focused on perceptions and experiences of Ward-Based Outreach Teams in implementing Primary Health Care Re-engineering at Nyandeni and Mhlontlo Sub-Districts in OR Tambo District. Primary Health Care (PHC) is defined as essential health care, devised to be universally accessible to the community through means acceptable to them, with their full involvement and at costs that the community can afford. The National Department of Health (NDoH) introduced the new strategy of Ward-Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs) that are regarded as the key stakeholders in this effort, as they render health services at households. WBOTs are allocated in different municipal wards and are supposed to visit the population, irrespective of race, socio-economic status and geographical setting. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of Ward-Based Outreach Teams in implementing the RPHC at Mhlontlo and Nyandeni sub-districts. The qualitative research design was employed to reach the objectives of the study. The sample used was all WBOTs who had been working for more than one year and had undergone WBOTs training for ten days. Self- structured questionnaires, one-on-one interviews and a focus group were used to collect data from different categories of WBOTs. The researcher adhered to the ethical standards of nursing research as explained by the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa, such as anonymity, confidentiality, privacy and quality research. Participant’s names were not written on the questionnaires. The data was analyzed using themes, categories and sub categories, the statistical package for social sciences. Bar graphs and tables were used to communicate data. The results of the study showed that WBOTs are essential to needy households and individuals. The study revealed that the job of Community Health Workers (CHWs) involved community mapping, giving health education talks, household registration, tracing of defaulters, referring needy clients to health facilities depending on severity of illnesses and building relations with other government organizations, namely the Department of Home Affairs, to help clients obtain birth certificates and identity documents, the Department of Social Development, for social problems within households, and the Department of Education, acting as partner for the overall welfare of students. The results of the study revealed that shortage of outreach teams, limited resources, inconsistence in recruitment of Health Promoters and Community Health Workers causes psychological distress, frustration, absenteeism, less concentration when serving communities and impacts on the service delivery system. Therefore,it is recommended that the Department of health should provide outreach teams with medical equipment, dedicated transport, trainings and improve recruitment and retention strategy. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that the department of Health has taken the right direction with this programme and that some cooperation does exist between health and other departments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of women towards maternal deaths at Qaukeni Sub-district in OR Tambo Health District in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mayekiso, Nomahlubi Dorcas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternal health services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Mothers--Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11194 , vital:37203
- Description: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Maternal mortality is a global problem, with the risk of deathever present during pregnancy, labour and postnatal, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of women of child-bearing age concerning maternal deaths in Qaukeni Sub-District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, contextual, exploratory research design was used to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of child-bearing-age women. Interviews were conducted with 21 purposively selected multiparous pregnant women. FINDINGS: Some of the participants knew signs and symptoms of pregnancy as well as danger signs during pregnancy such as haemorrhage, sepsis, high blood pressure and complications of unsupervised home deliveries; while others had little knowledge about these signs and symptoms. Some participants knew about the causes of maternal deaths and a number of them had beliefs that can be construed as myths. The use of herbal medications in pregnancy, such as gwarugwaru and mbelekisane, were highlighted as a problem in maternal health, with serious complications that can lead to maternal deaths. The participants have negative attitudes towards the clinics and hospitals due to the ill treatment they received from health professionals in labour wards, which may have led to the loss of lives of women and children. Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and responsibility by health professionals were contributory factors towards maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and the irresponsibility of professional nurses and doctors were all pointed out by participants as either direct or indirect causes of maternal deaths. The recommendations include frequent in-service training for unskilled birth attendants, and the provisions of more professional nurses and doctors. Campaigns also need to be held to highlight the risks that women are exposed to during pregnancy, and the importance of early interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mayekiso, Nomahlubi Dorcas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternal health services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Mothers--Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11194 , vital:37203
- Description: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Maternal mortality is a global problem, with the risk of deathever present during pregnancy, labour and postnatal, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of women of child-bearing age concerning maternal deaths in Qaukeni Sub-District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, contextual, exploratory research design was used to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of child-bearing-age women. Interviews were conducted with 21 purposively selected multiparous pregnant women. FINDINGS: Some of the participants knew signs and symptoms of pregnancy as well as danger signs during pregnancy such as haemorrhage, sepsis, high blood pressure and complications of unsupervised home deliveries; while others had little knowledge about these signs and symptoms. Some participants knew about the causes of maternal deaths and a number of them had beliefs that can be construed as myths. The use of herbal medications in pregnancy, such as gwarugwaru and mbelekisane, were highlighted as a problem in maternal health, with serious complications that can lead to maternal deaths. The participants have negative attitudes towards the clinics and hospitals due to the ill treatment they received from health professionals in labour wards, which may have led to the loss of lives of women and children. Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and responsibility by health professionals were contributory factors towards maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and the irresponsibility of professional nurses and doctors were all pointed out by participants as either direct or indirect causes of maternal deaths. The recommendations include frequent in-service training for unskilled birth attendants, and the provisions of more professional nurses and doctors. Campaigns also need to be held to highlight the risks that women are exposed to during pregnancy, and the importance of early interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Reasons for late booking of pregnant women at antenatal care clinics in King Sabata Dalindyebo Sub-district in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ntshanga, Nomvume Signoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prenatal Care Late antenatal care booking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10520 , vital:35592
- Description: Background: The initiation of ante-natal care booking is universally recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy. While working in the Oliver Reginald Tambo district in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, the researcher noticed that late booking was the norm in all sub-districts, especially in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) sub-district, resulting in impaired antenatal care and an increased potential for adverse outcomes such as maternal mortalities. Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the reasons for late booking for antenatal care by pregnant women in the KSD sub-district. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine reasons why women were booking late for antenatal in KSD sub district. Methods: Thirteen in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with late bookers (i.e., those who sought antenatal care (ANC) after twenty weeks of pregnancy) between July and August 2015. The interviews were recorded and, subsequently, transcribed by a reputable linguist from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and analysed using Creswell’s thematic analysis model. Findings: The average gestational age of booking was 22 weeks (ranging from 22 to 28 weeks). Most women were teenagers and young unmarried women, most of whom were still attending school. All were unemployed. Most had experienced previous pregnancies. All these women delayed attending clinic early due to their ignorance of the exact gestational period for one to start the clinic. Although most of the women did not have direct reasons, the bulk of their reasons for delays were linked to long distances being travelled, leading to the payment of expensive taxi fees. This may also be attributed to cultural factors that seem to promote a veil of secrecy regarding pregnancy, the desire for visual evidence of pregnancy first and the practice of married women having to care for sick relatives. Conclusion: Poor access to clinics is a fundamental systemic failure and a major contributor and one of the reasons why women delayed in attending antenatal care clinics. Low socio economic status and cultural beliefs, coupled with long distance and expensive taxi fare, are other reasons for late booking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntshanga, Nomvume Signoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Prenatal Care Late antenatal care booking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10520 , vital:35592
- Description: Background: The initiation of ante-natal care booking is universally recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy. While working in the Oliver Reginald Tambo district in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, the researcher noticed that late booking was the norm in all sub-districts, especially in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) sub-district, resulting in impaired antenatal care and an increased potential for adverse outcomes such as maternal mortalities. Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the reasons for late booking for antenatal care by pregnant women in the KSD sub-district. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine reasons why women were booking late for antenatal in KSD sub district. Methods: Thirteen in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with late bookers (i.e., those who sought antenatal care (ANC) after twenty weeks of pregnancy) between July and August 2015. The interviews were recorded and, subsequently, transcribed by a reputable linguist from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and analysed using Creswell’s thematic analysis model. Findings: The average gestational age of booking was 22 weeks (ranging from 22 to 28 weeks). Most women were teenagers and young unmarried women, most of whom were still attending school. All were unemployed. Most had experienced previous pregnancies. All these women delayed attending clinic early due to their ignorance of the exact gestational period for one to start the clinic. Although most of the women did not have direct reasons, the bulk of their reasons for delays were linked to long distances being travelled, leading to the payment of expensive taxi fees. This may also be attributed to cultural factors that seem to promote a veil of secrecy regarding pregnancy, the desire for visual evidence of pregnancy first and the practice of married women having to care for sick relatives. Conclusion: Poor access to clinics is a fundamental systemic failure and a major contributor and one of the reasons why women delayed in attending antenatal care clinics. Low socio economic status and cultural beliefs, coupled with long distance and expensive taxi fare, are other reasons for late booking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Relationship between alcohol use patterns and knowledge of alcohol-attributable health conditions among undergraduate students' at a university in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mandeya, Andrew
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Drinking of alcoholic beverages College students--Alcohol use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11128 , vital:37173
- Description: Background: Alcohol use prevalence has been found to be higher than 50 percent at some universities in South Africa. It is against this background that this study aimed to establish the relationship between alcohol use, knowledge of alcohol-attributable health conditions and biographical characteristics. Literature review: The study was based on a review of literature on prevalence and patterns of alcohol use among university students, knowledge of alcohol-attributable chronic diseases, foetal alcohol syndrome, sexual and reproductive health and alcohol use measurement. Methodology: Data were collected from 213 undergraduate students enrolled for the Statistics service courses on two campuses of the same university. The Mann-Whitney normal approximation and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare health knowledge across levels of alcohol use and biographical characteristics. The chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to determine the significance and patterns of associations between alcohol use and health knowledge and biographical characteristics. Results: The prevalence rates of alcohol use and risky alcohol use were found to be 58.2 percent and 42.7 percent, respectively. The mean health knowledge was 42.9 percent, which, is rather low. Males [OR=0.3; 95 percentCI (0.18; 0.68)], returning students [OR=0.5; 95 percentCI (0.25; 0.94)] and those with employed fathers [OR=2.3; 95 percentCI (1.19; 4.47)] were found to be at a higher risk of alcohol use. Health knowledge was significantly higher among alcohol users (Z=-2.7; p=0.0074) and those whose fathers had a post matric education (𝜒2=6.4; p=0.0410) and/or employment (Z=-2.7; p=0.0064). Conclusion: While prevalence rates of alcohol use and risky alcohol were high, health knowledge was disappointingly low. This suggests need for interventions designed to minimise alcohol use while at the same time increasing health knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mandeya, Andrew
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Drinking of alcoholic beverages College students--Alcohol use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11128 , vital:37173
- Description: Background: Alcohol use prevalence has been found to be higher than 50 percent at some universities in South Africa. It is against this background that this study aimed to establish the relationship between alcohol use, knowledge of alcohol-attributable health conditions and biographical characteristics. Literature review: The study was based on a review of literature on prevalence and patterns of alcohol use among university students, knowledge of alcohol-attributable chronic diseases, foetal alcohol syndrome, sexual and reproductive health and alcohol use measurement. Methodology: Data were collected from 213 undergraduate students enrolled for the Statistics service courses on two campuses of the same university. The Mann-Whitney normal approximation and the Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare health knowledge across levels of alcohol use and biographical characteristics. The chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to determine the significance and patterns of associations between alcohol use and health knowledge and biographical characteristics. Results: The prevalence rates of alcohol use and risky alcohol use were found to be 58.2 percent and 42.7 percent, respectively. The mean health knowledge was 42.9 percent, which, is rather low. Males [OR=0.3; 95 percentCI (0.18; 0.68)], returning students [OR=0.5; 95 percentCI (0.25; 0.94)] and those with employed fathers [OR=2.3; 95 percentCI (1.19; 4.47)] were found to be at a higher risk of alcohol use. Health knowledge was significantly higher among alcohol users (Z=-2.7; p=0.0074) and those whose fathers had a post matric education (𝜒2=6.4; p=0.0410) and/or employment (Z=-2.7; p=0.0064). Conclusion: While prevalence rates of alcohol use and risky alcohol were high, health knowledge was disappointingly low. This suggests need for interventions designed to minimise alcohol use while at the same time increasing health knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Secrets that kill : reflections on violation of cultural rights enshrined in the constitution and human rights through traditional circumcision
- Authors: Mlisa, Lily Rose Nomfundo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human rights--South Africa Circumcision Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11150 , vital:37176
- Description: The study was based on four research objectives: (1) to identify philosophy, psychology, cultural reasons behind the harsh and traumatic experiences of young Xhosa boys and their mothers during ukwaluka (male circumcision) as a mark for transition to manhood; (2) to review perceptions concerning the role of mothers during the male circumcision (MC) process (3) identify cultural and psycho-social construction and meaning of MC and (4) to explore recommended possible strategies on managing MC-related traumas and deaths in the Sub-Saharan region and Eastern Cape Province in particular. Desktop literature review methodology was followed. An in depth literature review was conducted on diverse website search engines using a set of inclusion criteria. Published articles from 1995 to 2015 were selected. Thematic content analysis was used to categorise and interpret emerging themes from the reviewed articles as aligned to set research objectives. Results revealed diverse philosophical and cultural perceptions around MC, its construction and meaning among different cultures whether circumcising or non-circumcising cultures. In addition, various reasons are laid out for the harsh treatment given to initiates in different settings. Results also indicated that the MC is no longer a secret due to social media profuse publications about it. The impact of education and health care benefits around medical male circumcision (MMC) has influenced women from both non-circumcising and circumcising cultures to accept it. It is recommended that MC should continue under strict observation of prescribed protocols to lessen or prevent malpractices in the process. MMC is also highly recommended. In addition, the government and traditional leaders have to continue to conduct capacity building of traditional surgeons, prospective initiates and initiates including nurses and family members about crucial protocols and health matters around MC. Finally, results recommend best practices that could be learnt from other circumcising cultures to restore the respect of MC in the Eastern Cape, as well as inclusion of women in the MC process management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mlisa, Lily Rose Nomfundo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Human rights--South Africa Circumcision Circumcision--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11150 , vital:37176
- Description: The study was based on four research objectives: (1) to identify philosophy, psychology, cultural reasons behind the harsh and traumatic experiences of young Xhosa boys and their mothers during ukwaluka (male circumcision) as a mark for transition to manhood; (2) to review perceptions concerning the role of mothers during the male circumcision (MC) process (3) identify cultural and psycho-social construction and meaning of MC and (4) to explore recommended possible strategies on managing MC-related traumas and deaths in the Sub-Saharan region and Eastern Cape Province in particular. Desktop literature review methodology was followed. An in depth literature review was conducted on diverse website search engines using a set of inclusion criteria. Published articles from 1995 to 2015 were selected. Thematic content analysis was used to categorise and interpret emerging themes from the reviewed articles as aligned to set research objectives. Results revealed diverse philosophical and cultural perceptions around MC, its construction and meaning among different cultures whether circumcising or non-circumcising cultures. In addition, various reasons are laid out for the harsh treatment given to initiates in different settings. Results also indicated that the MC is no longer a secret due to social media profuse publications about it. The impact of education and health care benefits around medical male circumcision (MMC) has influenced women from both non-circumcising and circumcising cultures to accept it. It is recommended that MC should continue under strict observation of prescribed protocols to lessen or prevent malpractices in the process. MMC is also highly recommended. In addition, the government and traditional leaders have to continue to conduct capacity building of traditional surgeons, prospective initiates and initiates including nurses and family members about crucial protocols and health matters around MC. Finally, results recommend best practices that could be learnt from other circumcising cultures to restore the respect of MC in the Eastern Cape, as well as inclusion of women in the MC process management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of employee assistance programme and its contribution in the improvement of employee productivity in the Department of Health, OR Tambo District : a case study of forensic pathology laboratory
- Authors: Siyangaphi, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor productivity Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10542 , vital:35603
- Description: The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a programme used by organizations to address problems related to drug addiction, stress and family problems, aimed at enhancing both work productivity and promoting high morale among the workers. The employees in the Department of Health (DoH) are faced with many challenges which affect them, personally, and their output at work. The OR Tambo District is currently faced with high levels of absenteeism, stress, low morale amongst health staff members, resulting in most employees resigning from the service. Others die due to ill health caused by high levels of stress and depression. Some employees are being dismissed for unethical behaviour, which include, among other things, alcohol and drug abuse and abuse of state resources, non-performance and absenteeism. Furthermore, due to the shortage of staff which results in a very high workload for the incumbents, some employees experience burnout, stress, depression and exhaustion. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme among OR Tambo health workers in order to improve their work productivity and performance. The study applied a descriptive, quantitative design. The target population were all employees in the Forensic Pathology Laboratory in OR Tambo District and the sample included Managers, FPOs, Supervisors and General Assistants. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The major findings of the study demonstrated that most workers are dissatisfied with their personal growth and development in the organization. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents are not satisfied with the decision space in their job functions, salary and benefits. The findings of this study demonstrated that most employees of the Department of Health experienced health, emotional and financial problems relating to alcohol and drug abuse, stress and work overload in their workplace. The study shows that the managers referred their employees for cases related to poor performance, absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, tiredness, employee and health problems; changes which were noticeable after referral. One of the major conclusions and recommendations that have been drawn in this study is that EAP is a good programme in terms of its contribution to work productivity of employees, however, it needs to be marketed and services should be utilized effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Siyangaphi, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor productivity Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10542 , vital:35603
- Description: The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a programme used by organizations to address problems related to drug addiction, stress and family problems, aimed at enhancing both work productivity and promoting high morale among the workers. The employees in the Department of Health (DoH) are faced with many challenges which affect them, personally, and their output at work. The OR Tambo District is currently faced with high levels of absenteeism, stress, low morale amongst health staff members, resulting in most employees resigning from the service. Others die due to ill health caused by high levels of stress and depression. Some employees are being dismissed for unethical behaviour, which include, among other things, alcohol and drug abuse and abuse of state resources, non-performance and absenteeism. Furthermore, due to the shortage of staff which results in a very high workload for the incumbents, some employees experience burnout, stress, depression and exhaustion. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme among OR Tambo health workers in order to improve their work productivity and performance. The study applied a descriptive, quantitative design. The target population were all employees in the Forensic Pathology Laboratory in OR Tambo District and the sample included Managers, FPOs, Supervisors and General Assistants. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The major findings of the study demonstrated that most workers are dissatisfied with their personal growth and development in the organization. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents are not satisfied with the decision space in their job functions, salary and benefits. The findings of this study demonstrated that most employees of the Department of Health experienced health, emotional and financial problems relating to alcohol and drug abuse, stress and work overload in their workplace. The study shows that the managers referred their employees for cases related to poor performance, absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, tiredness, employee and health problems; changes which were noticeable after referral. One of the major conclusions and recommendations that have been drawn in this study is that EAP is a good programme in terms of its contribution to work productivity of employees, however, it needs to be marketed and services should be utilized effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The factors that affect the low uptake of medical male circumcision among adult males 20-39 years of age in Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Authors: Palmer, Eurica Laetitia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Circumcision Circumcision -- South Africa -- Gauteng Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10553 , vital:35606
- Description: The objective of this study is to determine the factors that contribute to low MMC uptake with the aim of proposing strategies to improve MMC demand creation for older adult males (20-39 years). By employing a qualitative research methodology, the study explores the factors and barriers that contribute to the low MMC uptake of adult males aged between 20 to 39 years in order to understand the situation from the perspective of the participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select 24 participants. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with four Provincial Programme Managers from the National and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health. Two focus-group discussions were also conducted with 20 adult males aged 20 to 39 years. The data collected were analysed, categorised, synthesised and decoded. The results of the research were explained well comprising the narratives of the participants. The main findings show that there are various contextual, individual and community factors contributing to the low MMC uptake. The study also found that the MMC programme does not review MMC communication messages consistently and continuously and demand creation strategies for adult males in the age group 20 to 39 years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Palmer, Eurica Laetitia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Circumcision Circumcision -- South Africa -- Gauteng Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10553 , vital:35606
- Description: The objective of this study is to determine the factors that contribute to low MMC uptake with the aim of proposing strategies to improve MMC demand creation for older adult males (20-39 years). By employing a qualitative research methodology, the study explores the factors and barriers that contribute to the low MMC uptake of adult males aged between 20 to 39 years in order to understand the situation from the perspective of the participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select 24 participants. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with four Provincial Programme Managers from the National and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health. Two focus-group discussions were also conducted with 20 adult males aged 20 to 39 years. The data collected were analysed, categorised, synthesised and decoded. The results of the research were explained well comprising the narratives of the participants. The main findings show that there are various contextual, individual and community factors contributing to the low MMC uptake. The study also found that the MMC programme does not review MMC communication messages consistently and continuously and demand creation strategies for adult males in the age group 20 to 39 years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
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