An assessment of school food and nutrition environments for strengthening the integrated school health policy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
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- Date Issued: 2019
An educational intervention on sepsis related to mechanical ventilation in adult public critical care units in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hlungwane, Emmanuel Zamokwakhe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intensive care units Septicemia -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40139 , vital:35759
- Description: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and local adult public critical care units continue to experience incidences of sepsis. Professional nurses (PNs) need to base their nursing care on sepsis guidelines in order to properly manage sepsis on a mechanically ventilated adult patient in the critical care units. Adequate knowledge on sepsis guidelines remains crucially indicative to PNs as they endeavour to maintain asepsis on a critically ill patient. The aim was to develop, review and implement an educational intervention and investigate the effect of this intervention on the professional nurses’ knowledge and practices of sepsis in mechanically ventilated patients in adult public critical care units in the Eastern Cape Province. The research study followed a positivistic, quantitative research paradigm, using a quasi-experimental pre-post-test design, with an intervention research approach conducted in three phases. A pre-test questionnaire was administered to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of professional nurses related to sepsis in the mechanically ventilated patients in the adult public critical care units (Phase One). An educational intervention was developed, reviewed, and used to implement the sepsis guideline (Phase Two). The effect of the guideline on the knowledge and practices of the professional nurses in public adult critical care units were assessed through a post-test questionnaire (Phase Three). The questionnaires (pre-and post-) were developed by the researcher to collect the relevant data and were pilot tested to ascertain validity and reliability. The educational intervention to be implemented was developed based on the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines, reviewed by experts, implemented, and evaluated based on the sepsis guideline. A non-probability purposive sampling method was implemented. The intervention was implemented amongst three groups of PNs, namely experimental group one (EG1) (Powerpoint, Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines and two monitoring visits), experimental group two (EG2) (Powerpoint and Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines) and the control group (CG) (no exposure to intervention). Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The target population was professional nurses working in selected adult public CCUs in the Eastern Cape. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, mode and median and inferential data analysis such as ANOVA and Chi square, have been conducted with the assistance of a statistician. The pre- and post-test questionnaire results on the knowledge related to SSC guidelines revealed a means of 57.72 and 54.61, as well as standard deviations of 13.99 and 12.15 with a difference of 3.11 for EG1. For EG2, the results revealed means of 53.28 and 62.18, standard deviations of 14.39 and 13.60 with a difference of -8.89 indicating a medium difference around 0.63 standard deviation. EG2 indicated more difference of above 0.5 standard deviation as compared to EG1. The control group on the other hand had produce large effect of mean difference above 0.8 standard deviation. Although there was no statistical significance found between the knowledge score between the three groups (EG1, EG2, CG), implementing the SSC guidelines (full intervention) in EG1 had medium effect on the knowledge of PNs on MV adult patient in the CCU. For EG2, there were positive relationships between the knowledge related to SCC Guidelines and practices related to SSC Guidelines. Ethical principles such as respect for person/informed consent, beneficence, privacy, and confidentiality, as well as rigour were maintained throughout the research study.
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- Date Issued: 2019
An educational intervention on the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units
- Authors: Oamen, Benedict Raphael , ten Ham-Baloyi, Wilma
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intensive care units -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurse and patient
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42968 , vital:36715
- Description: Professional nurses perform liberation of ventilated patients in the critical care units to ensure that ventilated patients can breathe on their own to maintain adequate oxygenation after the removal of an artificial airway and prevent liberation failure. The study aimed to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in public critical care units. The research study described how an educational intervention increased the knowledge of professional nurses working in five public adult critical care units with a total of 54 beds for medical and surgical adult patients who are mechanically ventilated across the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives were first; to investigate the knowledge of professional nurses, concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Secondly, to implement the evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention. Thirdly, to describe the effect of an educational intervention on professional nurses’ knowledge concerning the liberation of ventilated adult patients in five public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher conducted an intervention research study using a quantitative, quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test with a control group design. The researcher recruited 150 participants who were professional nurses working in the five adult critical care units in academic hospitals. The five public adult critical care units were purposively divided into three sample groups, which consisted of two experimental groups and a control group. While considering the geographical location and proximity of the academic hospitals the groups were divided into Experimental Group 1 (comprised of 57 professional nurses from two critical care units) and Experimental Group 2 (comprised of 59 professional nurses from two critical care units), plus a Control Group (comprised of 34 professional nurses from one critical care unit). To achieve a large sample, all the professional nurses working in the five academic hospitals across the Eastern Cape Province were included in this study. The research study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One of the study, a pre-test questionnaire was administered to the professional nurses to investigate their current knowledge of the liberation of ventilated adult patients. Subsequently, in Phase Two, an educational intervention that was based on the liberation of ventilated adult patients used a PowerPoint in-service presentation in the form of a formal lecture, printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation and colour printed posters attached to the notice boards and strategic places such as the tea room and corridor of the critical care units in Experimental Group 1. Equally, Experimental Group 2 received only printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines. In the Control Group, the researcher did not implement the evidence-based guidelines. Three months after the implementation of the evidence-based guidelines, Phase Three was conducted, and a post-test questionnaire was administered to describe the effect of the educational intervention on the professional nurses’ knowledge. With the assistance of the statistician, data were analysed through descriptive analysis using the measure of frequency, central tendency, dispersion/variation and position. In addition to that, an inferential analysis used Analysis of Variance, Chi-square test, t-statistic (t-test), Cohen’s d, Cramér’s V, and Scheffe’s post-hoc test. Since there was no existing questionnaire, the researcher developed the questionnaires that were used in this study. The researcher ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The ethical clearance reference number, H17-HEA-NUR-019 was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University. A letter of permission was granted by the Provincial’s Department of Health, Bhisho, the Eastern Cape Province, with reference number, EC_201712_017. Other ethical principles were taking into consideration. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines on liberation using an educational intervention in the form of PowerPoint presentation, complemented with printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines and coloured posters as reminders showed an increase (Mean = 65,22; S.D = 12,08) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 1. Contrary, the use of printed copies of the evidence-based guidelines on liberation showed a significant decrease (Mean = 53,41; S.D = 15,44; p = 0.033; Cohen's d = 0.49 small effect) in the mean knowledge score of professional nurses in Experimental Group 2. A single educational intervention method did not affect knowledge increase compared to a combined educational intervention method. Imparting knowledge in the public critical care units across the Eastern Cape Province is still very important. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were provided.
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- Date Issued: 2019
An exploration of HIV and aids disclosure among HIV-serodiscordant married couples in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ndlela, Joshua Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stigma (Social psychology) , AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects , HIV-positive persons -- Mental health , Disclosure of information , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Family relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41774 , vital:36580
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence and incidence of HIV infection worldwide, mostly attributed to heterosexual transmission. Transmission in HIV-serodiscordant couples who have received joint voluntary counselling and testing ranges from 3% to 7% per year and only about 20% know that they are living in a discordant relationship. Disclosure is seen as a cornerstone for the prevention of HIV transmission between in HIV-serodiscordant married partners. It is argued that numbers of HIV-serodiscordant couples are most likely increasing; however, limited or no support is given to these couples as most because counselling interventions in South Africa do not provide for married heterosexual HIV-serodiscordant couples. The aim of the study was to identify the impact of disclosure of HIV and AIDS status on partners in HIV-serodiscordant married relationships. The second aim was to synthesize the findings to guide the development of contextualized counselling guidelines for married couples in HIV-serodiscordant relationships. Five HIV-serodiscordant married couples and 6 HIV and AIDS counsellors from a variety of settings in Nelson Mandela Bay, participated in this study. In this interpretive qualitative study, non-probability criteria, purposive sampling was used. Both participant groups are isiXhosa-speaking adults between the ages of 21 and 65 years and include both males and females. Qualitative data were gathered by means of audio-recorded semi structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, while Guba’s guidelines were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the research. Semi-structured interviews with HIV-serodiscordant married couples revealed 5 common themes and were: (a) confused environment of couples in HIV disclosure, (b) inconsistent delivery of healthcare information to HIV-serodiscordant couples, (c) relationship predicaments post disclosure, (d) partner support on sexual intimacy for married couples and (e) reactions of family, children and friends towards the HIV disclosure. The HIV and AIDS counsellors 3 common themes and were: (a) basic HIV and AIDS counselling skills, (b) organisational resources support of HIV counsellors and (c) suggestions to support HIV counsellors.. This study supports the view that further research be done in other related areas (gay, lesbians, bi-sexual relationships) and demystify this unknown or misunderstood notion needs to take place at a larger scale and probably incorporate quantitative surveys to supplement the current qualitative research. Implications for practise and avenues for research are considered in this study.
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- Date Issued: 2019
An exploration of the adolescent maltreatment experience and its perceived impact on young adult survivors in the Eastern Cape Pondoland areas
- Authors: Jinoyi, Nomava Siyasamkela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adolescent psychiatry , Child abuse -- Treatment , Abused children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child psychiatry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42262 , vital:36640
- Description: Recognition of adolescent maltreatment as a specialised problem area within the context of child maltreatment did not occur until the late 1970s. Since its occurrence, studies have been consistent in finding that adolescent maltreatment has not received much attention in the research literature. This ignited the researcher’s interest to explore the survivor’s experience of the adolescent maltreatment phenomenon and to understand its perceived impact on the survivor’s functioning in adulthood. The researcher conducted a qualitative study, following a social constructivism paradigm. Data collection and analysis followed a narrative design, with Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model of Human Development as the theoretical framework that guided the study. Five women participated in the study. In order to participate, the participants had to be between the ages of 23 and 35 with a history of the adolescent maltreatment, experienced between the ages of 12 and 19 years. This study found that adolescent maltreatment was experienced as an emotive experience. It entailed sense-making of the experience through finding answers to a question ‘why did it happen to me?’ It found that the experience involves a transition from the maltreating situation and fosters adjustment to a new life after the experience. It also emerged that the experience leaves enduring negative effects on its survivors. Despite the negative effects, the survivors perceived their experience as a non-defining factor for their future directions. This study concluded, therefore, that adolescent maltreatment is a complex phenomenon that requires continued research for its in-depth understanding through qualitative studies.
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- Date Issued: 2019
An interpretive phenomenological analysis of change in attitudes and beliefs toward domestic violence and rape myths as experienced by Eastern Cape adolescents
- Authors: De Vries, Lauré
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Violence in children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Psychological aspects Women -- Violence against Children -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39436 , vital:35246
- Description: Although there is extensive research focused on decreasing the occurrence of gender-based violence (GBV) (domestic violence and rape) with a focus on underlying attitudes and beliefs, no attention is given to how these attitudes and beliefs and change therein, is experienced. This study aimed to address this gap by interviewing three adolescent learners (one female and two males aged 16 to 18) who formed part of a community-based rape prevention project at their school in Motherwell (Eastern Cape). By utilizing Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the researcher explored and described lived experiences in terms of change in attitudes toward domestic violence (objective 1) and beliefs about rape myths (objective 2). Analytic attention was not restricted to the perceived influence of the attended rape prevention project but was given to broader lived experiences. The Transtheoretical Model of Change was employed as the theoretical framework. From the findings, the researcher argues that the three participants experienced a shift from the precontemplation stage toward the action stage. Participants described change from a disengaged but concerned onlooker, to a conscious onlooker, and finally to a willing agent of change. Through the interplay of change influencers deeply embedded in their social context, participants described not only individual change, but also the awakening of an internal willingness to effect broader social change. However, participants raised concerns about their ability to do so. The results of this small study with a cohort of adolescents may have important implications for future research, as adolescents are often an untapped resource in forming part of the larger movement toward social change.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Attachment styles, coping strategies, personal meaning, and mental health in nonclinical adults
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Attachment behavior -- South Africa , Mental illness -- South Africa Psychology, Applied
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30485 , vital:30950
- Description: Meaning in life can be attained through a variety of sources. A limited amount of research has investigated the association between attachment and personal meaning while no studies have investigated the association between attachment, personal meaning, and sources of meaning. The current study aimed to investigate the association between different attachment styles, personal meaning, and sources of meaning in order to develop a deeper understanding of their relationships. A quantitative exploratory-descriptive design was used to collect the data using standardized questionnaires from 226 participants. Statistical analysis of the data suggests that a secure attachment style is positively associated with personal meaning and presented with meaning sources consisting of breadth and depth. A fearful attachment style was associated with a lack of personal meaning and sources of meaning while a preoccupied attachment style was associated with a lack of personal meaning and presented with sources of meaning lacking in depth and breadth. No significant association was found between a dismissive attachment style and personal meaning, but associations were found with sources of meaning, including feeling financially secure, experiencing personal growth, meeting basic everyday needs, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. Recommendations for psychotherapy based on the findings of the study were offered.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Attitudes of healthcare professionals towards substance dependent Clients who have relapsed
- Authors: Yokwe, Zintle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- Relapse , Substance abuse -- Psychological aspects Attitude (Psychology) Psychologists -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44345 , vital:37156
- Description: Relapse has been identified as a major problem when it comes to substancedependence. Research focusing on substance-dependence has found that substance users are at risk of relapsing after attending treatment, whether receiving out-patient or in-patient services. Healthcare professionals are seen as playing a crucial role when it comes to assisting substance-dependence clients; hence their attitudes when working with these clients are considered important. This study explored the attitudes of healthcare professionals when it came to working with substance-dependent clients who had relapsed. The study further explored whether the attitudes held by the healthcare professionals affected the treatment interventions or plans implemented. The study adopted the theory of planned behavior as a theoretical framework, and a qualitative research methodology was used. Nine participants (four social workers, one nurse, one drug counsellor, one psychologist and one registered counsellor) made up the research sample. A combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques was used. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study indicated that healthcare professionals displayed both positive and negatives attitudes when working with substance-dependent clients who had relapsed. The findings of the study showed that although some of the healthcare professionals displayed negative attitudes when clients relapsed, they still believed that their clients could recover and were committed to assisting them. The findings showed that healthcare professionals who worked with substance-dependent clients who had relapsed were influenced by the confidence they had in working with substance-dependence clients, their experiences, the client’s attitudes and level of motivation, as well as the client’s reasons for relapsing. This study also described the different treatment interventions healthcare professionals implemented when working with relapsed clients. Based on the conclusions made, it is important for healthcare professionals to have the relevant education, knowledge and experience that is needed to work with substance-dependence and relapse. The importance of healthcare professionals’ awareness of their attitudes and how these affect their behavior when working with substance-dependence was noted. It is recommend that similar studies are conducted in provinces or cities that have been identified to have high levels of substance-dependence relapse. Identifying healthcare professionals’ attitudes from these regions could result in more knowledge.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Bullying victimisation and traumatic stress severity among high school learners
- Authors: Meyer, Courtney Clarissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bullying in schools , Bullying Victimisation Developmental psychology Social psychology , Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41864 , vital:36604
- Description: Bullying victimisation is experienced extensively in international and South African schools and results in numerous serious consequences for the victim, traumatic stress being one of these, which has received limited attention in South African literature. This led to the study which had the overall aim to explore and describe the relationship between bullying victimisation and traumatic stress severity among high school learners in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Seven hundred and thirty-five learners from grades eight through to twelve, from the two selected public high schools were sampled using stratified random sampling. A quantitative research design, which is exploratory, descriptive and correlational was followed. Four self-reported written administered questionnaires, namely a biographical questionnaire, the revised Olweus Bully/Victim questionnaire, the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) questionnaire and an adapted version of part 1 of the Harvard Trauma questionnaire, were used as data collection measures in this study. The data was analysed and interpreted using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The findings portrayed that 20.95% of the learners from the two selected public high schools in the Nelson Mandela Metropole experienced bullying victimisation. It was also found that just under one third (31.21%) of the high school learners may be suffering from severe traumatic stress. When applying multiple linear regression analysis to the data, being exposed to bullying victimisation specifically in the form of verbal bullying, social exclusion/isolation bullying, emotional/psychological bullying and/or sexual bullying was seen to significantly contribute to the traumatic stress severity reported by the learners. Traumatic stress severity was however seen to depend on the frequency of bullying victimisation.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Carbon monoxide exposure and respiratory diseases in Wells Estate and Walmer township in Port Elizabeth, South africa
- Authors: Ejesieme, Amarachi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Air -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Carbon monoxide , Respiratory organs -- Diseases , Respiratory infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39874 , vital:35496
- Description: To ascertain household exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and its associations with respiratory diseases in Port Elizabeth, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in Walmer Township and Wells Estate in Port Elizabeth. Ambient and indoor CO levels were measured in each township and compared with national and international air quality guideline. ChromAir® diffusion carbon monoxide badges were used for carbon monoxide measurement. Badges are relatively inexpensive and easy to use and results can be obtained after a 48-hour passive exposure. Exposure to CO was determined by measuring levels in the ambient environment and living rooms of study dwellings. The prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms were assessed using the iBhayi study questionnaire. The mean of ambient and indoor CO levels for the total sample was 8.02 (SD 2.43) and 0.68 (SD 1.23) ppm respectively. In this study, 40% of ambient CO measurements exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) 8-hour guideline of 8.7 ppm. The Student’s t-test showed that ambient (p = 0.59) and indoor (p = 0.16) CO levels in Walmer Township and Wells Estate were similar. This shows that CO exposure in both townships do not vary significantly. Fever and chills (32%), headache (19%) and runny/blocked nose (19%) were the most prevalent acute respiratory symptoms. The predominant respiratory diseases/conditions were tuberculosis (8.5%) and asthma (5.7%). CO at levels below the WHO 8-hour guidelines was significantly associated with the prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms (AOR = 2.286; 95% CI: 1.220 - 4.283). Ageing emerged as an independent risk factor for high tuberculosis prevalence in the study sites (AOR = 5.837; 95% CI: 1.654 – 20. 596). The study indicated low levels of carbon monoxide exposure in the study areas. From the findings, CO may be associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms in the study population. Increasing community awareness on sources and adverse health effects of CO exposure with improved service delivery will be helpful in reducing the burden of respiratory outcomes in the study sites.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Case study of Nkosi Johnson
- Authors: Ntlangu, Sihle Theophelus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Johnson, Nkosi -- 1989-2001 , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa , AIDS activists -- South Africa , Child psychology , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42672 , vital:36679
- Description: The late Nkosi Johnson was one of the youngest Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) activists in South Africa and the longest known HIV positive child who survived without antiretroviral drugs (Nkosi Haven, 2016). His life story was characterized by his brave fight against the acumen that environs people living with HIV/AIDS and especially during a time when there were many misconceptions surrounding the condition. During the twelve years that he lived, Nkosi had the opportunity to make a difference, both nationally and internationally. The support he received allowed him to internalize many positive attributes such as bravery, courage, endurance and love which eventually made him a positive role model and activist for his cause. This study made use of Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory to highlight the short-lived but influential life of Nkosi Johnson. The study is a single case study and is qualitative in nature. Biographies, published information, and contact made with his adoptive mother, Gail Johnson, were all constituents gathered as data used for the study. The collected data was analysed using Miles and Huberman (1994) steps of data reduction, data display, as well as conclusion drawing and verification. Moreover, the data was organised and integrated in a conceptual matrix which guided the analysis, presentation and discussion of the research findings. The findings of the study suggested that although Nkosi Johnson experienced difficulties in his process of psychosocial development he was able to achieve Erikson’s seventh stage ‘Generativity versus Stagnation’, even though he lived a short life. These findings support the notion that continued research into the applicability of the sequential age order of developmental theories is needed.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Comparison of leg dominance and fatigue state on lower extremity kinematics during cutting manoeuvres in male soccer players
- Authors: Nienaber, Madeleine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Human mechanics , Kinematics Kinesiology Sports injuries Soccer players -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42880 , vital:36702
- Description: Soccer is one of the most popular sports played in South Africa and around the world. Soccer is a high intensity, semi-contact sport which is associated with an increased prevalence of injuries, especially to the lower extremities. Central and neuromuscular fatigue is believed to cause changes to kinetic and kinematic patterns of soccer players which may increase the risk for injuries, specifically related to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). To investigate the effects of fatigue on knee joint kinematics during the stance phase of a cutting manoeuvre of the dominant and non-dominant legs. A quantitative approach, more specifically, an experimental study design was adopte and a quasi-experimental study design was selected. A ‘within-participants post-test only design’ was used, which is also known as a ‘repeated measures design’ because all participants were ‘repeatedly’ measured under each experimental condition. Due to the non-randomization of the quasi-experimental design, non-probability sampling was utilized to sample the population group for the proposed study. A total of 13 male soccer players volunteered for the study. The participants had the following characteristics (mean ± SD): age 22.15 ± 2.77 years; height 169.64 ± 5.75 cm and weight 64.60 ± 7.04 kg. Non-significant differences within hip joint kinematics were observed between the dominant and non-dominant legs in a non-fatigued state in all three planes of motion (F = 0.61, p = 0.55). Similar kinematic characteristics were observed for the knee joint (F = 1.25, p = 0.48) and the ankle joint (F = 3.33, p = 0.64). Non-significant differences were also observed during the fatigued state in all three planes of motion for the hip joints (F = 8.98, p = 0.72), knee joints (F = 5.21, p = 0.41) and ankle joints (F = 0.21, p = 0.12). Peak vertical forces were however significantly different between the fatigued state compared to the non-fatigued state during the cutting manoeuvre (F = 23.51, p = 0.035), thereby indicating that neuromuscular fatigue may influence landing forces on impact during a directional change. The effect of leg dominance did not have a statistically significant impact on any kinematic measures as well as the interactions between fatigue and non-fatigue trials were also not observed for any of the kinematic parameters. Several initial contact and peak stance–phase lower limb-joint rotations were influenced by fatigue during the execution of the sub-maximal 60° cutting manoeuvre. The main effect of fatigue produced an increase in knee internal rotation and hip abduction and a decrease in peak knee abduction angles compared to non-fatigue, but they were not statistically significant. Significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant legs as well as between fatigue and non-fatigue with ankle pronation (p=0.007) and ankle external rotation (p=0.033). Knee abduction angle during cutting (p=0.061) also showed an effect even though not statistically significant. The purpose was to examine the combined effects of leg dominance and fatigue on lower-limb biomechanics during a sub-maximal 60° cutting manoeuvre. The conclusion of the present study related to limb dominance was that no statistically significant differences were evident for any of the dependent variables (limb dominance; fatigue state) related to the independent variables (i.e. joint [hip, knee, ankle], contact time, ground reaction however, between-subject fatigue variations that is large enough could negatively impact the biomechanical data comparisons. Future research should target specific locations of fatigue within a general fatigue paradigm and develop standardized tasks to achieve this.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Culturally-informed coping strategies of posttraumatic stress disorders among the black Africans in the greater Accra region of Ghana and black Africans in the eastern cape of South Africa
- Authors: Thompson, Sandra
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44625 , vital:38154
- Description: The influence of culture in coping with Posttraumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) has been highlighted in literature. However, these culture specific coping strategies are not as yet, extensively explored. The research sought to explore and describe the culturally - informed coping strategies of PTS D among the black Africans in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and black Africans in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A qualitative methodological approach was used to explore the phenomenon under study. Purposive non - probability sampling was employed to obtain access to participants who could inform the objectives of the study. Data was collected using semi - structured interviews with traumatised individuals and focus group discussions with cultural leaders. All interviews were audio - recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed using thematic content analysis to facilitate the description and comparison of the similarities and distinctive features emerging from the two African communities. The findings indicated that a number of cultural factors influence interpretation of symptoms of PTSD and the adopted coping strategies. Participants’ understanding of symptoms of PTSD relied heavily on Christian Religious and African cultural understandings. It was evident that almost all explanations were purely spiritual and minimal knowledge was expressed on cognitive interpretations. A great deal of emphasis by the Ghanaians and isiXhosa of South Africa, was on dreams and such interpretations were deferred to an authoritative individual (especially the traditional healer). An obvious hierarchy for coping emerged with the traditional healer playing a major role for the Ghanaian and isiXhosa participants. Performing rites and the use of plants were essential to healing for these group of individuals. Whereas, the Coloured - Afrikaans made reference to a higher power “God”. An outstanding observation was the extent to which Ghanaian and isiXhosa participants have incorporated Christian and traditional practices (i.e. praying to God, performing rites and using herbs or plants). Even where an individual did not wish to mix practice because of upbringing, they acknowledged the existence and effectiveness of these practices. Colonisation was drawn on as an explanation for such mixed practices. The advent of Christianity was explained as having established Western culture (specifically Christianity) that is incorporated by participants. The Coloured - Afrikaans on the other hand, were consistent with the Christian practices “prayers to God”. A great deal of consistency however existed among all participants. Social support was considered very important. Talking with family and friends were relevant to the healing process as it gets rid of distorted thought patterns and avoids isolation considered as a serious current threat to healing. While there was an element of cognitive understanding, Western based treatment using cognitive restructuring was not a treatment option. Clinical practitioners or Psychologists that come into contact with the black Ghanaians and black South Africans should consider collaborative treatment strategies using the draft checklist as a guide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Culturally-informed coping strategies of posttraumatic stress disorders among the black Africans in the greater Accra region of Ghana and black Africans in the eastern cape of South Africa
- Authors: Thompson, Sandra
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Ghana -- Accra , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural psychiatry Psychoanalysis and culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45160 , vital:38259
- Description: The influence of culture in coping with Posttraumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) has been highlighted in literature. However, these culture specific coping strategies are not as yet, extensively explored. The research sought to explore and describe the culturally-informed coping strategies of PTSD among the black Africans in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana and black Africans in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A qualitative methodological approach was used to explore the phenomenon under study. Purposive non-probability sampling was employed to obtain access to participants who could inform the objectives of the study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with traumatised individuals and focus group discussions with cultural leaders. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed using thematic content analysis to facilitate the description and comparison of the similarities and distinctive features emerging from the two African communities. The findings indicated that a number of cultural factors influence interpretation of symptoms of PTSD and the adopted coping strategies. Participants’ understanding of symptoms of PTSD relied heavily on Christian Religious and African cultural understandings. It was evident that almost all explanations were purely spiritual and minimal knowledge was expressed on cognitive interpretations. A great deal of emphasis by the Ghanaians and isiXhosa of South Africa, was on dreams and such interpretations were deferred to an authoritative individual (especially the traditional healer). An obvious hierarchy for coping emerged with the traditional healer playing a major role for the Ghanaian and isiXhosa participants. Performing rites and the use of plants were essential to healing for these group of individuals. Whereas, the Coloured-Afrikaans made reference to a higher power “God”. An outstanding observation was the extent to which Ghanaian and isiXhosa participants have incorporated Christian and traditional practices (i.e. praying to God, performing rites and using herbs or plants). Even where an individual did not wish to mix practice because of upbringing, they acknowledged the existence and effectiveness of these practices. Colonisation was drawn on as an explanation for such mixed practices. The advent of Christianity was explained as having established Western culture (specifically Christianity) that is incorporated by participants. The Coloured-Afrikaans on the other hand, were consistent with the Christian practices “prayers to God”. A great deal of consistency however existed among all participants. Social support was considered very important. Talking with family and friends were relevant to the healing process as it gets rid of distorted thought patterns and avoids isolation considered as a serious current threat to healing. While there was an element of cognitive understanding, Western based treatment using cognitive restructuring was not a treatment option. Clinical practitioners or Psychologists that come into contact with the black Ghanaians and black South Africans should consider collaborative treatment strategies using the draft checklist as a guide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Descriptive guidelines for mediation to enhance the parental involvement of unmarried fathers
- Authors: Nordien-Lagardien, Razia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mediation , Unmarried fathers -- South Africa Father and child -- South Africa Unmarried mothers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30462 , vital:30948
- Description: A significant change brought about by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (RSA, 2006), is that of the status of unmarried fathers. The parental rights of unmarried fathers have evolved in South Africa, especially since the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (RSA, 2006) now recognises that unmarried fathers should have inherent right of contact, guardianship and care. These rights are, however, not automatic and need to be acquired through a process of mediation. While this legislation aims to facilitate the parental involvement of fathers by giving them rights as per Section 21 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (RSA, 2006), the reality is that many unmarried fathers still remain challenged in this regard despite the change in their legal position as fathers. Unmarried fathers are often compelled to take the matter further through protracted court processes. Unmarried fathers face unique challenges with parental involvement after separation and they often need to negotiate their involvement with the mother after separation. Given that mediation between unmarried parents is in its infancy in South Africa, very little research has been done in this area. It was envisaged that this study would highlight the important aspects of mediation which need to be considered in order for mediation outcomes to be more successful and to enhance the co-parenting relationship. The study employed a qualitative research approach that was exploratory, descriptive and contextual in design. The research study consisted of three phases. Phase 1 employed a multiple case study design in order to develop an understanding of the experiences and perceptions of unmarried fathers and mothers, as well as mediators, regarding the parental responsibilities of unmarried fathers in addition to their experiences of mediation. The data collection process comprised in-depth semi-structured interviews with three sample groups, namely unmarried fathers, and mothers, and mediators. The data collected from the interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed by the researcher through the use of two techniques, namely: within-case analysis and cross-case synthesis. An independent coder was utilised to verify the coding and analysis process. The analysis of the data in Phase 1 revealed that the construction of the role of unmarried fathers is influenced by various factors such as cultural and religious influences; childhood experiences of fatherhood; societal constructions of the father’s role, and the perception of the legal rights of unmarried fathers. The new legislation pertaining to the responsibilities and rights of unmarried fathers, as contained in the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 (RSA, 2006), has resulted in increased parental conflict between parents after separation owing to their lack of awareness and confusion regarding the changes in legislation pertaining to the rights of unmarried fathers and the role of customary law in this regard. This has resulted in misconceptions about the legal rights of unmarried fathers, which have influenced unmarried parents’ attitudes and receptiveness to mediation. A significant barrier to father involvement emanating from the findings was relationship conflict experienced after separation, which was also identified as a significant challenge in mediation. The discussion of the themes reflected both positive and negative experiences of mediation for the study participants. While the parents derived educational and therapeutic benefits from mediation; there were also several factors such as relationship conflict, cultural barriers, influences of the extended family, and the approach and skills of the mediator, which influenced the mediation process. In Phase 2 of the study an integrative literature review and synthesis of the literature was conducted and critically appraised in terms of emergent themes and relevant research in the area of family mediation, which would inform the process of developing the descriptive guidelines for mediation with unmarried parents. The empirical findings from the study were synthesised with the findings from the integrative literature review, thus enabling conclusions to be drawn in order to generate descriptive guidelines for mediation. Phase 3 of the study describes the guidelines for mediation which emanated from the synthesis of the findings in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study. As part of a qualitative evaluation, the guidelines were presented to an expert panel for review, after which the guidelines were finalised. The proposed guidelines for mediation to enhance the parental involvement of unmarried fathers is based on the hybrid model of mediation, which incorporates elements from the Transformative approach, the African centred approach and the co-mediation model. The guidelines are further described in terms of a phased approach to mediation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development and characterisation of miconazole nitrate loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for incorporation into a vaginal mucoadhesive system
- Authors: Gwimo, Wimana Alexis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vaginitis , Vagina -- Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases -- Diagnosis Sexually transmitted diseases -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39632 , vital:35335
- Description: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginitis, affecting 75% of women of sexual maturity. The prescribed first line treatment involves the use of locally-acting imidazole creams. These conventional dosage forms possess limitations, such as leakage, messiness and low residence time at the site of application; all which promote poor patient adherence to pharmacotherapy. Poor adherence is then attributed to increased incidence of VVC reoccurrence and the emergence of Candida strains. It was, therefore, speculated that through the use of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), the pharmacokinetic and antimicrobial characteristics of a model antifungal drug (miconazole nitrate [MNZ]) could be improved. Primary aim: To develop, optimise and characterise a mucoadhesive hydrogel incorporated with MNZ loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MNZ-SLNs) for the intended treatment of VVC. This study was conducted in three phases, viz. pre-formulation studies, development, optimisation and characterisation of MNZ-SLNs, and the development and characterisation of MNZ-SLN-loaded thermoresponsive hydrogel. An alternative method for the quantification of MNZ was developed through the use of an octyl stationary phase. The method was deemed suitable for its intended use with a linear equation of y = 811214x + 67958 and a respective limit of quantitation (LoQ) and detection of 0.015 mg/ml and 0.052 mg/ml. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies suggested that cholesterol showed great promise of facilitating high drug entrapment efficiency (EE). MNZ-SLNs were prepared by means of a novel melt- emulsification sonication and low temperature solidification method and optimised statistically by a 13-run-two-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The predicted optimisation parameters were 4% m/v lipid concentration and 260.94 sonication time. Optimal MNZ-SLN formulations were prepared and characterised by means of photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and centrifugation. PCS revealed uniform particles with a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) and a mean hydrodynamic diameter (z-avg.) of 73.03 nm and zeta potential (ZP) of 38.43 mV. Percent EE was calculated via an indirect method as 75.24%. Furthermore, the MNZ -SLNs were incorporated into a mucoadhesive thermo-responsive hydrogel with a sol-gel transition temperature of 33.33 ± 2.82 °C. In vitro drug release testing (IVDRT) was undertaken with the aid of a Franz diffusion vertical cell (FDVC) apparatus. A % cumulative drug release of 27.94% and 15.87% was obtained for MNZ- SLNs and MNZ-SLN hydrogels, respectively, after eight hours. The resultant data was fitted into various kinetic models with the aid of DDSolverTM (Microsoft Excel® add-ins, 2016) to evaluate which model attained the highest correlation co-efficient (r2). Both formulations attained high r2 of 0.9941 and 0.9945, respectively, with the Korsmeyer- Peppas mathematical model. A high diffusional exponent (n) of >1 was observed, suggesting a super case II drug release mechanism. Finally, a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used for ascertaining Candida albicans susceptibility to the developed formulations. Controls in the form of unloaded preparations and a commercially available cream were used. MNZ-SLNs and MNZ-hydrogel demonstrated superior antifungal activity to the commercially available cream. These results indicate that the developed MNZ-SLNloaded hydrogel formulation with localised thermo-responsive effect may be a promising carrier for intravaginal delivery of MNZ in the treatment of VVC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of a framework for a proposed antimicrobial usage reporting tool for public sector hospitals
- Authors: Ramjan, Yumna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43030 , vital:36727
- Description: Background: The inappropriate and unnecessary use of antimicrobials has increased the need to monitor antimicrobial usage so as to identify inappropriate use. In order to support the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme, it is important to quantify the usage of antimicrobials and this can be achieved by promoting the use of AMS utilisation metrics. They are used to measure the progress and efficacy of an AMS programme (Brotherton, 2018).Primary Aim of Research: The primary aim of the research was to develop a framework for a proposed antimicrobial usage reporting tool, which would integrate with various data sources in order to be used by AMS practitioners to optimise antimicrobial usage in the South African public sector hospital setting.Methodology: The study was divided into three phases: a preliminary phase, a developmental phase and a post-developmental phase. The preliminary phase focused on obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the type and nature of the AMS utilisation metrics and subsequently identifying the views on the usage, usefulness and clinical relevance of those AMS utilisation metrics using a quantitative questionnaire, which was conducted among infectious disease specialists, pharmacists, medical prescribers, i.e. prescribers who were not specialists and clinical pathologists employed at tertiary level, public sector hospitals in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Consequently, a qualitative semi-structured interview was conducted among healthcare professionals who were involved in the daily implementation of AMS in the workplace. Results obtained from the quantitative component and qualitative component were integrated in order to develop a framework for a proposed antimicrobial usage reporting tool. Results: The Defined Daily Dose (DDD), Prescribed Daily Dose (PDD) and Days of Therapy (DOT) were identified as the most common AMS metrics (Grau et al., 2013). However, the DDD was the only AMS metric currently recommended by the South African National Department of Health (South African National Department of Health, 2017a)and it was the only AMS metric currently being utilised at two of the five research sites in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was identified that data pertaining to antimicrobial usage was available and was being extracted from Rx Solution®. However, the programme did not have the ability of automatically producing the reports, hence, emphasising on the need for an antimicrobial usage reporting tool for South African public sector hospitals. Therefore, the framework for the proposed antimicrobial usage reporting tool would integrate antimicrobial stock management data with the following AMS utilisation metrics: DDD, DOT and PDD, were considered for inclusion in the proposed antimicrobial usage reporting tool. Conclusion: The qualitative findings obtained during the post-developmental phase, therefore, established that although an electronic platform for the purpose of monitoring antimicrobial usage for the South African public sector hospitals was required, there would be many challenges obstructing the implementation of the proposed antimicrobial usage reporting tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of a physical activity intervention on the physical fitness of primary schoolchildren in disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Joubert, Nandi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical fitness -- Research , Physical fitness for children Exercise for children Health behavior in children Child development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39962 , vital:35602
- Description: Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and schools are ideal settings for promoting activity and wellness. Only half of South African children meet global activity recommendations and overweightness and obesity remain a growing challenge. Disadvantaged communities are at even greater risk, as environmental- and socioeconomic challenges further influence children’s health and activity levels. This study investigated the effect of a physical activity intervention on the following health-related physical fitness parameters of primary schoolchildren: cardiorespiratory fitness, upper- and lower body strength, lower body flexibility, and body composition. More specifically the objectives were to describe and compare the intervention and control groups, at baseline, mid- and post intervene. A cluster randomised controlled trial determined the effect of the intervention. Testing was phased in three cross sectional surveys, baseline, mid and post-intervention. The study sample consisted of 157 children, aged 8-12 years, from two primary schools in the township of Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. The physical activity intervention consisted of two intervention periods, each 10-weeks in duration, and included physical education lessons, move-to-music dance classes, in-class physical activity breaks, and physical activity ‘homework’. Furthermore, a low-cost physical activity-friendly school environment was created with play structures, painted games, and the upgrade of sporting facilities and equipment. The intervention was shown to have significant positive effects on the number of laps ran (p < 0.05), indicating cardiorespiratory fitness, and handgrip strength (p < 0.001), an indicator of upper body musculature strength. No significant effects were found for lower body musculature strength (p > 0.05), lower body flexibility (p > 0.05) or body mass index (p > 0.05). Schoolchildren’s level of health-related physical fitness should be regularly assessed, and effective interventions should be implemented and monitored to ensure that children meet recommended activity and fitness standards. Physical education in South African schools is currently compromised, with children having low levels of in-school activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour. The majority of physical activity and health-related physical fitness measures are poor, with even lower scores for girls and children from lower socioeconomic areas. Interventions are thus essential and should focus on extended durations and higher activity intensities in order to achieve health enhancing benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of a web-based visual skills training programme on the visual performance of rugby players
- Authors: van Rensburg, Justine Jansen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rugby football -- South Africa -- Physiological aspects , Physical education and training Performance Sports -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42273 , vital:36641
- Description: With ever increasing important expectations being placed on professional sportsmen and women and, with the main emphasis on winning at all costs, the role of how vision can contribute to sports performance has been under the spotlight in the last few decades. While sport vision programmes can potentially play a vital role in improving sports performance, the efficacy of visual skills training on performance, however, has not been convincingly demonstrated and therefore is still debatable. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a web-based visual skills training programme on the visual skills performance of NMU Varsity Cup rugby players. The specific visual skills included accommodation, saccadic eye movement, reaction time and peripheral awareness. The study was quasi-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. A total number of 23 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. Optometric assessments, on the advice of an optometrist, were conducted to ensure “normal” vision among the participants included in the study. A systematic procedure was employed based on the pre-test to allocate the 23 participants to either a control group (CG) (n=8), an experimental group one (EG1) (n=9) and an experimental group two (EG2) (n=6). The two experimental groups underwent four weeks of visual skills training with the EG1 receiving the web-based visual skills training and EG2 receiving the dynamic visual skills training. The tests used consisted of the Hart Near Far Rock Chart, a Saccadic eye movement chart, simple reaction time and choice reaction time as well as the Batak Pro (Accumulator test). Pre- and post-test scores showed some differences but no statistically significant (p<0.05) differences were found between the three groups for any of the tests conducted. Overall the experimental groups produced larger (non-significant) either pre- to post-test mean differences or post-test results than the control group for six of the seven tests implemented. The findings of this study using a web-based visual skills training programme presented no statistically significant improvements nor better results than the dynamic visual skill training programme in respect of visual skill performance of NMU Varsity rugby players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of school-based interventions on attention and academic performance of primary schoolchildren from lower socioeconomic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Adams, Larissa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Exercise -- Physiological aspects Physical education for children Physical education and training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42085 , vital:36624
- Description: Health benefits associated with regular physical activity (PA) have been widely established. Regular PA is not only associated with improved physical and psychological well-being, but also with improved brain function and cognition, thereby enhancing academic performance (AP). Despite these benefits, decreasing levels of PA and increasing levels of overweight and obesity exist world-wide, making childhood physical inactivity a global concern. Research suggests children who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 60-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity attain substantially higher academic grades. Schools provide ideal settings for PA promotion due to the substantial amount of time children spend at school. However, in many countries, including South Africa (SA), Physical Education (PE) programmes have been reduced and replaced with other subjects to increase AP. Furthermore, a scarcity of water, limited accessibility to improved sanitation and lack of personal hygiene at home and in school substantially contributes to the burden of preventable childhood diseases. These hygiene-related illnesses augment the cycle of poverty and disease through its detrimental effect on children’s school attendance, academic performance and productivity. Studies also show that obesity, poor nutrition and food insufficiency affect children’s school achievement. Hence, the school environment plays an essential role in improving children’s health, since many teaching opportunities about important health and nutrition practices are provided. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the attention and AP of primary schoolchildren from disadvantaged communities in Port Elizabeth. Overall, 857 schoolchildren (n = 434 boys and n = 423 girls, aged 8 – 13 years) participated in the study. A 10-week cluster randomised controlled trial using four experimental and four control schools was conducted. Setting-specific interventions incorporated PA, health and hygiene education and nutrition components. The d2 Test of Attention measured selective visual attention and concentration with outcome measures of the percentage of errors, total performance and concentration performance. End of year school results were used to assess AP. Post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences between the inter-school comparisons revealed mixed results for the attention and AP measurements, therefore, no conclusions could be drawn regarding the assessed variables. Intervention group comparisons at post-intervention indicated that the PA intervention group achieved a statistically significant improvement (p < .05 and d > 0.8) for AP, when compared with the non-PA intervention group. No significant differences were found for AP in relation to intervention group comparisons for the health and hygiene education and nutrition intervention groups. Similarly, the intervention group comparisons revealed no significant differences regarding attention for post-intervention and pre- to post-intervention differences. Findings suggest that a school-based PA intervention can positively affect children’s AP. The current study emphasises the necessity of PA and reinforces the importance of PE in the school curriculum. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that PE regains its rightful place and be actively taught within the school curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019