Experiences of psychologists working with female childhood sexual abuse (CSA) survivors
- Ntshangase, Nandisile Elaine
- Authors: Ntshangase, Nandisile Elaine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adult child sexual abuse victims -- Counseling of , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children , Psychologists , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42694 , vital:36681
- Description: Clients who experienced childhood sexual abuse may interact with psychologists in compelling ways. By virtue of the symptoms and personality implications, for instance, strong patterns of borderline and histrionic personality functioning, have been linked to the history of sexual abuse. Implicit to this, is that it is likely that the client will challenge the therapist with regards to both the theoretical approach taken, as well as the therapeutic style adopted. In addition, such clients are likely to project their need for a therapeutic interaction that is both genuine, empathic and at the same time, flexible. In light of this, it is not uncommon for healthcare practitioners to consider such clients as “difficult” in some way or the other. This could impact the psychologist as well, increasing the risk of psychologist stress, frustration and burnout. This study explored South African psychologists’ experiences working therapeutically with female clients who experienced sexual abuse during childhood. The focus was on understanding how the psychologists theoretically understood and practically worked with these clients. A qualitative approach was used and interviews with psychologists practising in the Eastern Cape of South Africa were conducted. The transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. The thematic analysis yielded three themes, namely, 1) challenges experienced by psychologists; 2) preferred approaches to therapy and 3) coping skills utilized. The study applied the ethical principles concerned with trustworthiness, credibility and reliability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ntshangase, Nandisile Elaine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Adult child sexual abuse victims -- Counseling of , Child sexual abuse , Sexually abused children , Psychologists , Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42694 , vital:36681
- Description: Clients who experienced childhood sexual abuse may interact with psychologists in compelling ways. By virtue of the symptoms and personality implications, for instance, strong patterns of borderline and histrionic personality functioning, have been linked to the history of sexual abuse. Implicit to this, is that it is likely that the client will challenge the therapist with regards to both the theoretical approach taken, as well as the therapeutic style adopted. In addition, such clients are likely to project their need for a therapeutic interaction that is both genuine, empathic and at the same time, flexible. In light of this, it is not uncommon for healthcare practitioners to consider such clients as “difficult” in some way or the other. This could impact the psychologist as well, increasing the risk of psychologist stress, frustration and burnout. This study explored South African psychologists’ experiences working therapeutically with female clients who experienced sexual abuse during childhood. The focus was on understanding how the psychologists theoretically understood and practically worked with these clients. A qualitative approach was used and interviews with psychologists practising in the Eastern Cape of South Africa were conducted. The transcripts of the semi-structured interviews were thematically analysed. The thematic analysis yielded three themes, namely, 1) challenges experienced by psychologists; 2) preferred approaches to therapy and 3) coping skills utilized. The study applied the ethical principles concerned with trustworthiness, credibility and reliability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments
- Authors: Hodgson, Hayley Dianne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical education , Teacher-student relationships Communication in education Mentoring in education Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42296 , vital:36643
- Description: Assessment and feedback are closely interlinked terms. High quality feedback within education and assessment can have a profound influence on learning. Summative clinical assessments and feedback, conducted in clinical training sites, are vital steps in successfully preparing an undergraduate diagnostic radiography student for the desired outcome of a competent, skilled diagnostic radiographer. Feedback has the potential to close the gap between a student’s actual clinical performance and desired clinical performance. Despite the importance of feedback, students across the globe, particularly in the health professions, are dissatisfied with the current feedback systems. Failure to provide effective feedback within the clinical context can be detrimental to patient safety because students have a false impression of their clinical skills and competencies. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used to gain in-depth knowledge of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. Data were gathered from students by means of semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using Tesch’s eight steps. Two principle themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme 1 unpacked whether an assessor is an ally or foe. Theme 2 focussed on key elements that influence the nature of the feedback process. There were various positive experiences regarding assessor feedback during the summative clinical assessments reported by the participants. However, they were dissatisfied with numerous aspects of assessor feedback during their summative clinical assessments and this subsequently impeded their learning experience. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices governed this research study. Based on the findings, the recommendations include that the higher education institution, clinical supervisors, and radiography students, should utilise feedback as a learning tool for skills development during summative clinical assesssments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hodgson, Hayley Dianne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical education , Teacher-student relationships Communication in education Mentoring in education Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42296 , vital:36643
- Description: Assessment and feedback are closely interlinked terms. High quality feedback within education and assessment can have a profound influence on learning. Summative clinical assessments and feedback, conducted in clinical training sites, are vital steps in successfully preparing an undergraduate diagnostic radiography student for the desired outcome of a competent, skilled diagnostic radiographer. Feedback has the potential to close the gap between a student’s actual clinical performance and desired clinical performance. Despite the importance of feedback, students across the globe, particularly in the health professions, are dissatisfied with the current feedback systems. Failure to provide effective feedback within the clinical context can be detrimental to patient safety because students have a false impression of their clinical skills and competencies. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used to gain in-depth knowledge of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. Data were gathered from students by means of semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using Tesch’s eight steps. Two principle themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme 1 unpacked whether an assessor is an ally or foe. Theme 2 focussed on key elements that influence the nature of the feedback process. There were various positive experiences regarding assessor feedback during the summative clinical assessments reported by the participants. However, they were dissatisfied with numerous aspects of assessor feedback during their summative clinical assessments and this subsequently impeded their learning experience. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices governed this research study. Based on the findings, the recommendations include that the higher education institution, clinical supervisors, and radiography students, should utilise feedback as a learning tool for skills development during summative clinical assesssments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Experiences of young adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus regarding self-management and lifestyle adaptation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Fayindlala, Meliswa Theodora
- Authors: Fayindlala, Meliswa Theodora
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Treatment , Diabetes Lifestyles -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39818 , vital:35476
- Description: Living with type1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), which is a challenging disease, is especially difficult during the young adult stage of development. This developmental stage is characterised as complex; difficult even for healthy individuals. There is an estimated worldwide increase of 415 million young adults living with T1DM, and this number is projected to rise to 642 million by 2040. Recent statistics indicate that this increase holds true for South Africa. T1DM has an early onset and is treated with insulin injections up to four (4) times a day. The management of T1DM is best achieved through self-management of an individual living with the disease as well as support from the health care providers, community, and the family. Young adults living with T1DM experience difficulties maintaining optimal blood glucose levels, ranging between four (4) and seven (7) millimoles, during this stressful transition period from childhood to young adulthood. Transitional actions include moving away from home for the first time to study at a tertiary institution, joining the work-force, or entering new relationships, such as getting married and becoming a parent. This phenomenon motivated the researcher to explore and describe the experiences of young adults living with T1DM regarding self-management and lifestyle-adaptation. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design. The research population included young adults living with T1DM between the ages of 18 and 25 years in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, attending a diabetic clinic at a public tertiary hospital. Purposive sampling was utilised to select the 11 participants. A pilot study was conducted with one (1) participant before the main study commenced to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. The researcher obtained data through semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Tesch’s method was used to analyse the research data. Once data were analysed; the findings underwent literature control. Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness was utilised to ensure that the study was trustworthy and credible which consists of the following four criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. Ethical principles such as autonomy, informed consent, beneficence, and justice were considered throughout the study to ensure that participants do not experience any violations during the research study. The results of the data analysis revealed the following main findings: Participants had negative experiences in relation to T1DM. Participants shared their experiences in relation to achieving self-management of T1DM. Recommendations were made to assist registered nurses to manage young adults living with T1DM adequately. The study achieved its intended objective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Fayindlala, Meliswa Theodora
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Treatment , Diabetes Lifestyles -- Health aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39818 , vital:35476
- Description: Living with type1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), which is a challenging disease, is especially difficult during the young adult stage of development. This developmental stage is characterised as complex; difficult even for healthy individuals. There is an estimated worldwide increase of 415 million young adults living with T1DM, and this number is projected to rise to 642 million by 2040. Recent statistics indicate that this increase holds true for South Africa. T1DM has an early onset and is treated with insulin injections up to four (4) times a day. The management of T1DM is best achieved through self-management of an individual living with the disease as well as support from the health care providers, community, and the family. Young adults living with T1DM experience difficulties maintaining optimal blood glucose levels, ranging between four (4) and seven (7) millimoles, during this stressful transition period from childhood to young adulthood. Transitional actions include moving away from home for the first time to study at a tertiary institution, joining the work-force, or entering new relationships, such as getting married and becoming a parent. This phenomenon motivated the researcher to explore and describe the experiences of young adults living with T1DM regarding self-management and lifestyle-adaptation. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design. The research population included young adults living with T1DM between the ages of 18 and 25 years in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, attending a diabetic clinic at a public tertiary hospital. Purposive sampling was utilised to select the 11 participants. A pilot study was conducted with one (1) participant before the main study commenced to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. The researcher obtained data through semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Tesch’s method was used to analyse the research data. Once data were analysed; the findings underwent literature control. Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness was utilised to ensure that the study was trustworthy and credible which consists of the following four criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. Ethical principles such as autonomy, informed consent, beneficence, and justice were considered throughout the study to ensure that participants do not experience any violations during the research study. The results of the data analysis revealed the following main findings: Participants had negative experiences in relation to T1DM. Participants shared their experiences in relation to achieving self-management of T1DM. Recommendations were made to assist registered nurses to manage young adults living with T1DM adequately. The study achieved its intended objective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring cultural understandings of traumatic stress among the Amaxhosa traditional healers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mlonyeni, Makhi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbalists -- Psychological aspects Herbalists -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45042 , vital:38228
- Description: Psychology is an essentially Eurocentric discipline. In a world that is becoming progressively aware, tolerant and accepting of differences among people, there is growing interest to challenge and amend psychological constructs that are unfairly generalized universally. Literature abounds with appeals for more research to be conducted on nonwestern cultures so that scholars can be at a better position to ‘decolonise’ the PTSD diagnosis as they will then have an improved understanding of understudied non-western societies. The Eastern Cape province of South Africa is home to the AmaXhosa tribe, the second largest ethnic group in the country. This study seeks to explore indigenous understandings and coping strategies of these people in regards to traumatic exposure. This is done through gaining insights of AmaXhosa traditional healers- Amagqirha (Diviners) and AmaXhwele (Herbalists). A sample of eight participants is sourced from Grahamstown (Makhanda) and the rural areas of Peddie (Ngqushwa). Through the use of two case studies that are presented and open ended follow up questions, the traditional healers relate their perspectives on how they interpret symptoms of psychological trauma and the strategies they employ to facilitate coping/healing of their clients in their context. It was discovered that traditional healers perceived traumatic events as phenomena that befalls only those that are spiritually vulnerable, either due to strained relationships with their ancestors, bewitchment by an enemy or jealous person or simply torment by a wandering wicked spirit. Rituals and practices of how to combat this vulnerability are then outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mlonyeni, Makhi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbalists -- Psychological aspects Herbalists -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45042 , vital:38228
- Description: Psychology is an essentially Eurocentric discipline. In a world that is becoming progressively aware, tolerant and accepting of differences among people, there is growing interest to challenge and amend psychological constructs that are unfairly generalized universally. Literature abounds with appeals for more research to be conducted on nonwestern cultures so that scholars can be at a better position to ‘decolonise’ the PTSD diagnosis as they will then have an improved understanding of understudied non-western societies. The Eastern Cape province of South Africa is home to the AmaXhosa tribe, the second largest ethnic group in the country. This study seeks to explore indigenous understandings and coping strategies of these people in regards to traumatic exposure. This is done through gaining insights of AmaXhosa traditional healers- Amagqirha (Diviners) and AmaXhwele (Herbalists). A sample of eight participants is sourced from Grahamstown (Makhanda) and the rural areas of Peddie (Ngqushwa). Through the use of two case studies that are presented and open ended follow up questions, the traditional healers relate their perspectives on how they interpret symptoms of psychological trauma and the strategies they employ to facilitate coping/healing of their clients in their context. It was discovered that traditional healers perceived traumatic events as phenomena that befalls only those that are spiritually vulnerable, either due to strained relationships with their ancestors, bewitchment by an enemy or jealous person or simply torment by a wandering wicked spirit. Rituals and practices of how to combat this vulnerability are then outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring cultural understandings of traumatic stress among the amaXhosa traditional healers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mlonyeni, Makhi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional healers -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44692 , vital:38147
- Description: Psychology is an essentially Eurocentric discipline. In a world that is becoming progressively aware, tolerant and accepting of differences among people, there is growing interest to challenge and amend psychological constructs that are unfairly generalised universally. Literature abounds with appeals for more research to be conducted on non-western cultures so that scholars can be at a better position to ‘decolonise’ the PTSD diagnosis as they will then have an improved understanding of understudied non-western societies. The Eastern Cape province of South Africa is home to the AmaXhosa tribe, the second largest ethnic group in the country. This study seeks to explore indigenous understandings and coping strategies of these people in regards to traumatic exposure. This is done through gaining insights of AmaXhosa traditional healers- Amagqirha (Diviners) and AmaXhwele (Herbalists). A sample of eight participants is sourced from Grahamstown (Makhanda) and the rural areas of Peddie (Ngqushwa). Through the use of two case studies that are presented and open ended follow up questions, the traditional healers relate their perspectives on how they interpret symptoms of psychological trauma and the strategies they employ to facilitate coping/healing of their clients in their context. It was discovered that traditional healers perceived traumatic events as phenomena that befalls only those that are spiritually vulnerable, either due to strained relationships with their ancestors, bewitchment by an enemy or jealous person or simply torment by a wandering wicked spirit. Rituals and practices of how to combat this vulnerability are then outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mlonyeni, Makhi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional healers -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44692 , vital:38147
- Description: Psychology is an essentially Eurocentric discipline. In a world that is becoming progressively aware, tolerant and accepting of differences among people, there is growing interest to challenge and amend psychological constructs that are unfairly generalised universally. Literature abounds with appeals for more research to be conducted on non-western cultures so that scholars can be at a better position to ‘decolonise’ the PTSD diagnosis as they will then have an improved understanding of understudied non-western societies. The Eastern Cape province of South Africa is home to the AmaXhosa tribe, the second largest ethnic group in the country. This study seeks to explore indigenous understandings and coping strategies of these people in regards to traumatic exposure. This is done through gaining insights of AmaXhosa traditional healers- Amagqirha (Diviners) and AmaXhwele (Herbalists). A sample of eight participants is sourced from Grahamstown (Makhanda) and the rural areas of Peddie (Ngqushwa). Through the use of two case studies that are presented and open ended follow up questions, the traditional healers relate their perspectives on how they interpret symptoms of psychological trauma and the strategies they employ to facilitate coping/healing of their clients in their context. It was discovered that traditional healers perceived traumatic events as phenomena that befalls only those that are spiritually vulnerable, either due to strained relationships with their ancestors, bewitchment by an enemy or jealous person or simply torment by a wandering wicked spirit. Rituals and practices of how to combat this vulnerability are then outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring mythical creatures and their influence on mental health amongst black South Africans residing in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Supernatural beliefs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44717 , vital:38150
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well - being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing Running Head: EXPLORATION OF MYTHICAL CREATURES AND MENTAL HEALTH 9 fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well - being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Supernatural beliefs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44717 , vital:38150
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well - being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing Running Head: EXPLORATION OF MYTHICAL CREATURES AND MENTAL HEALTH 9 fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well - being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring Mythical creatures and their influence on mental health amongst black South Africans residing in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mythology Cultural psychiatry Psychiatry, Transcultural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45075 , vital:38231
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well-being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology. Considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sibam, Zimkhitha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mythology Cultural psychiatry Psychiatry, Transcultural
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45075 , vital:38231
- Description: In various cultures, supernatural beliefs abound and influence individuals through mythical ideas and figures. In South Africa and other parts of the world, mythical creatures are held accountable for terrorising individuals and instilling fear or, held accountable for a host of psychosocial experiences. For example, the tokoloshe is a mythical creature whose very name raises fear and suspicion amongst many Black South Africans. Using community narratives, this study explored the potential influence of the belief in mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on mental health and well-being in rural communities in South Africa (SA). This understanding is considered important given the existing gap in the literature focussing on supernatural beliefs and their influence on mental health which resonates with a current movement in SA focusing on the transformation of psychology. Considering the need to transform and contextualise the relevance of psychology to population groups in SA, understanding supernatural cultural beliefs becomes important. This study employed a qualitative design and the participants were purposively sampled from rural communities in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Four focus group discussions consisting of five to six participants in each were conducted, with the central aim of exploring the potential mental health implications of the belief in mythical creatures. The following ethical considerations were adhered to whilst conducting the study; informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity ad confidentiality and doing no harm to participants. In this study thematic content analysis was used following Braun and Clarkes (2013) analytical steps. Participants suggested that a strong cultural belief in the existence and reality of the tokoloshe exists and described the tokoloshe as a short and hairy male who sexually assaults women mostly in their sleep and causes people to disappear, only to be found dead. Amongst other things, the tokoloshe is believed to be responsible for psychological, social and physical experiences like, misfortune, possession, numbness and fatigue. The tokoloshe is suggested by the participants as causing fear influencing an individual’s psychosocial and emotional well-being. Traditional healers and prophets were further suggested as the most likely to be consulted if the above symptoms were experienced, rather than a psychologist. The findings of the study suggests that supernatural beliefs currently influence the understanding and treatment of a variety of experiences and that unless psychological science begins to incorporate such beliefs into its therapeutic modalities, as a discipline it may not adequately provide services to a diverse population group. Future research should consider exploring role of mythical creatures specifically the tokoloshe on mental illness, with the aim of identifying ways of incorporating such beliefs into psychological interventions. Future studies could consider exploring community narratives of mythical creatures, specifically the tokoloshe on different cultures within South Africa, to compare the differences and similarities. The study also identified several interesting themes, including the potential violence against women, from the tokoloshe. While these narratives were a reflection of personal experience and belief, the implication this poses to the psychology of gender and violence must be explored further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Growing up with a parent who has a mental illness: exploring the development of resilience
- Authors: Hannie, Robyn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Applied , Developmental psychology Mentally ill -- Family relationships Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42320 , vital:36645
- Description: Mental illnesses are one of the world’s greatest health challenges and fall amongst the top ten contributing factors to disability. However, mental health has been one of the least prioritised health issues. Mental illness has major implications on the economy of the country, health services as well as on the quality of patients’ lives, their relatives and society. According to research studies, parental pathology has been identified as an adversarial life experience. Despite the risks associated with growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, some individuals still function well. Current understanding of resilience is that it is a dynamic bidirectional process that is influenced, developed or constructed by individuals in relation to their environment. The understanding of resilience in this context is crucial to foster the development of resilience in young people in similar contexts. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences and development of resilience in individuals raised by a parent who has a mental illness. It attempted to do so by conducting seven face-to-face individual interviews. Qualitative methods and specifically thematic analysis was utilised to explore participants’ development of resilience in the context of parental mental illness. The findings are represented by four broad themes: challenges of growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, social support, mental health literacy and coping strategies that helped to develop resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hannie, Robyn
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychology, Applied , Developmental psychology Mentally ill -- Family relationships Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42320 , vital:36645
- Description: Mental illnesses are one of the world’s greatest health challenges and fall amongst the top ten contributing factors to disability. However, mental health has been one of the least prioritised health issues. Mental illness has major implications on the economy of the country, health services as well as on the quality of patients’ lives, their relatives and society. According to research studies, parental pathology has been identified as an adversarial life experience. Despite the risks associated with growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, some individuals still function well. Current understanding of resilience is that it is a dynamic bidirectional process that is influenced, developed or constructed by individuals in relation to their environment. The understanding of resilience in this context is crucial to foster the development of resilience in young people in similar contexts. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences and development of resilience in individuals raised by a parent who has a mental illness. It attempted to do so by conducting seven face-to-face individual interviews. Qualitative methods and specifically thematic analysis was utilised to explore participants’ development of resilience in the context of parental mental illness. The findings are represented by four broad themes: challenges of growing up with a parent who has a mental illness, social support, mental health literacy and coping strategies that helped to develop resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Isixhosa speaking biological fathers’ perceptions and experiences of parental alienation
- Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome , Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Father and Child -- Psychological aspects Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45053 , vital:38229
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation syndrome , Fatherhood -- Psychological aspects Father and Child -- Psychological aspects Parenting -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45053 , vital:38229
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
IsiXhosa speaking biological fathers’ perceptions and experiences of parental alienation
- Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation -- Psychological effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44587 , vital:38148
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation -- Psychological effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44587 , vital:38148
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Knowledge and attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at midwife obstetric units
- Authors: Sogcwayi, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Childbirth -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Childbirth -- Psychological aspects , Neonatal nursing , Midwifery , Obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44023 , vital:37093
- Description: Companions provide support to women during the antenatal, labour, delivery and post-natal period. During labour and delivery women experience much pain as well as fear, tension and anxiety. Companionship during labour and childbirth can take the form of physical, emotional and psychological support provided by a loved one. Literature suggests that companionship during labour and delivery has a positive influence on women’s birth experiences and improves neonatal outcomes and breastfeeding. Despite the benefits of companionship, however, it is still found to be an uncommon practice in the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa and elsewhere. The objectives of the study were to determine: the knowledge of women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and the attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the NMBHD.bmake recommendations to the NMBHD and MOU managers in order to enhance the practice of companionship during labour and childbirth. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities prior to commencement of data collection of the study. Convenience sampling was used to select women from the target population. The research design was quantitative and descriptive. Questionnaires were used to collect data from delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD. Data was collected from 130 delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD between 4th December and 31st December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilised to analyse the collected data. Most delivered women 65.4% at MOUs in the NMBHD indicated they had knowledge about companionship during labour and childbirth. Majority of women 77.6% perceived companionship during labour and childbirth to be of importance. Some women were not aware of the purpose of companions as most women 39.2% disagreed that companions shorten length of labour, 45.8% agreed that companions monitor the progress of labour, 32.3% agreed that companions conduct deliveries. Most women 77.7% disagreed that companions as unhelpful, 65.4% are disruptive and 81.6% are affected by culture. However, 46.2% of the women in the study had no companion present during labour and childbirth, 56.2% preferred the presence of a female companion. Conclusions were made based on the research findings, that there is a need to educate and increase awareness to women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth so that they are more knowledgeable, and in order to strengthen the practice of companionship. Recommendations were made for more educational programmes to be available in antenatal services to increase awareness and enhance knowledge of women about companionship during labour and childbirth. Health educators need to conduct seminars, regular in-service training and include the concept of companions in the curriculum for midwifery students. Policies should be made available in the MOUs regarding companions, brochures or leaflets should also be available and accessible in all languages for the community to enhance awareness on the benefits of having a companion. Maternity registers should include information about companions in order to monitor the practice of companionship at the MOUs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sogcwayi, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Childbirth -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Childbirth -- Psychological aspects , Neonatal nursing , Midwifery , Obstetrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44023 , vital:37093
- Description: Companions provide support to women during the antenatal, labour, delivery and post-natal period. During labour and delivery women experience much pain as well as fear, tension and anxiety. Companionship during labour and childbirth can take the form of physical, emotional and psychological support provided by a loved one. Literature suggests that companionship during labour and delivery has a positive influence on women’s birth experiences and improves neonatal outcomes and breastfeeding. Despite the benefits of companionship, however, it is still found to be an uncommon practice in the midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in South Africa and elsewhere. The objectives of the study were to determine: the knowledge of women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and the attitudes of women towards companionship during labour and childbirth at MOU facilities in the NMBHD.bmake recommendations to the NMBHD and MOU managers in order to enhance the practice of companionship during labour and childbirth. Ethical approval and permission were obtained from the relevant authorities prior to commencement of data collection of the study. Convenience sampling was used to select women from the target population. The research design was quantitative and descriptive. Questionnaires were used to collect data from delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD. Data was collected from 130 delivered women at the five MOUs in the NMBHD between 4th December and 31st December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were utilised to analyse the collected data. Most delivered women 65.4% at MOUs in the NMBHD indicated they had knowledge about companionship during labour and childbirth. Majority of women 77.6% perceived companionship during labour and childbirth to be of importance. Some women were not aware of the purpose of companions as most women 39.2% disagreed that companions shorten length of labour, 45.8% agreed that companions monitor the progress of labour, 32.3% agreed that companions conduct deliveries. Most women 77.7% disagreed that companions as unhelpful, 65.4% are disruptive and 81.6% are affected by culture. However, 46.2% of the women in the study had no companion present during labour and childbirth, 56.2% preferred the presence of a female companion. Conclusions were made based on the research findings, that there is a need to educate and increase awareness to women regarding companionship during labour and childbirth so that they are more knowledgeable, and in order to strengthen the practice of companionship. Recommendations were made for more educational programmes to be available in antenatal services to increase awareness and enhance knowledge of women about companionship during labour and childbirth. Health educators need to conduct seminars, regular in-service training and include the concept of companions in the curriculum for midwifery students. Policies should be made available in the MOUs regarding companions, brochures or leaflets should also be available and accessible in all languages for the community to enhance awareness on the benefits of having a companion. Maternity registers should include information about companions in order to monitor the practice of companionship at the MOUs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Levels of selected heavy metals in garden soil in Walmer Township and Wells Estate, Port Elizabeth
- Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Authors: Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Environmental chemistry Pollution -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42990 , vital:36722
- Description: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have high densities. Heavy metals have been found to have applications in various sectors such as the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical sectors, thus resulting in environmental pollution which may pose a hazard to human health. Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance, and they are commonly found in garden soils. In this study, residential garden soils were sampled in dwelling sites in Wells Estate and Walmer Township, and analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, manganese and lead. A cross sectional design was employed in this study. The research was carried out in two phases; the first phase involved soil sample collection, preparation and laboratory work for the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The second phase focused on the social aspect of the study population which included the use of a pre-approved questionnaire and face-to-face interviews for the collection of human health related information at each dwelling site where soil samples were collected. The research protocol was approved by the Health Sciences Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committees (FPGSC) of Nelson Mandela University. Garden soil from residential yards of Wells Estate (near an industrial site, ̴ 2 km) and Walmer Township (further away from the industrial site (̴ 22 km), but relatively close to Port Elizabeth airport, ̴ 2 km) were sampled over a total of six sampling sessions resulting in 100 soil samples. Fifty soil samples were collected in Wells Estate and fifty soil samples in Walmer Township during the month of May 2017. Surface soil samples were collected from the top 2 cm of the soil using a sterile stainless-steel spoon. In addition to the collection of soil samples, a visual inspection of the house was undertaken to collect information about the house characteristics, geographic location (GPS coordinates) and characteristics of the surrounding area. Soil samples were prepared for analysis by grinding and drying followed by heavy metal determination using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser (Bruker s1 TITAN Analyser, USA). A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a suitable respondent at each dwelling site to obtain information related to health symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pains, earache, sore throat, headaches, rapid breathing, sneezing, running/blocked nose, teary watery eyes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases and mental illness. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were in the order manganese>lead>arsenic for both study sites. In Walmer Township soil samples, the mean concentrations of heavy metals determined were 154.8 mg/kg, 84.4 mg/kg and 5.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead, and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals as determined in Wells Estate were 322.2 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, and 3.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead and arsenic, respectively. Manganese concentration across the study sites are below the guideline levels for USA (630 mg/kg) and South African (1500 mg/kg). About 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African lead guideline level of 230 mg/kg, while 4.1% exceeded European lead level of 400 mg/kg in Walmer Township. Lead levels in Wells Estate were all below the South African, European and United States guideline levels. By contrast, 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African arsenic guideline level of 48 mg/kg, 2.0% exceeded European arsenic guideline level of 50 mg/kg and 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Walmer Township, while 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Wells Estate. Mann Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between lead levels (U=1527, p < 0.001) and manganese levels (U=2632, p < 0.001) across study sites. Soil manganese level showed significant association with age of house (crude OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.83, p =0.016). Using data obtained from the questionnaire, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between soil heavy metals and the various health outcomes. In Walmer Township, manganese showed association with dry cough (OR: 11.35, 95% CI: 1.08-119.20) and sneezing (OR: 11.30, 95% CI: 1.09-116.67). Manganese was also associated with wet cough (OR: 0.19 95% CI: 0.05-0.70), dry cough (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) and watery eye (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.01-20.58) in Wells Estate. Dry cough (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), sneezing (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.48) and watery eye adjusted (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.63-8.48) were also associated with manganese in the total sample. Confounding factors such as overcrowding (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11-4.48) and air pollution (adjusted OR = 2.76; 95% CI:1.39-5.50), predicted wet cough and sneezing, respectively, across the total sample. Heavy metal concentration in most of the study dwellings of Walmer Township and Wells Estate were below the safe limit recommended by United States, European and South Africa soil reference levels. Nevertheless, we found a strong association between manganese and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sneezing in Walmer Township, as well as a strong association between manganese and watery eyes in Wells Estate. There was no evidence of associations between heavy metal exposure and gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic diseases and mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Environmental chemistry Pollution -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42990 , vital:36722
- Description: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have high densities. Heavy metals have been found to have applications in various sectors such as the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical sectors, thus resulting in environmental pollution which may pose a hazard to human health. Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance, and they are commonly found in garden soils. In this study, residential garden soils were sampled in dwelling sites in Wells Estate and Walmer Township, and analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, manganese and lead. A cross sectional design was employed in this study. The research was carried out in two phases; the first phase involved soil sample collection, preparation and laboratory work for the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The second phase focused on the social aspect of the study population which included the use of a pre-approved questionnaire and face-to-face interviews for the collection of human health related information at each dwelling site where soil samples were collected. The research protocol was approved by the Health Sciences Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committees (FPGSC) of Nelson Mandela University. Garden soil from residential yards of Wells Estate (near an industrial site, ̴ 2 km) and Walmer Township (further away from the industrial site (̴ 22 km), but relatively close to Port Elizabeth airport, ̴ 2 km) were sampled over a total of six sampling sessions resulting in 100 soil samples. Fifty soil samples were collected in Wells Estate and fifty soil samples in Walmer Township during the month of May 2017. Surface soil samples were collected from the top 2 cm of the soil using a sterile stainless-steel spoon. In addition to the collection of soil samples, a visual inspection of the house was undertaken to collect information about the house characteristics, geographic location (GPS coordinates) and characteristics of the surrounding area. Soil samples were prepared for analysis by grinding and drying followed by heavy metal determination using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser (Bruker s1 TITAN Analyser, USA). A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a suitable respondent at each dwelling site to obtain information related to health symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pains, earache, sore throat, headaches, rapid breathing, sneezing, running/blocked nose, teary watery eyes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases and mental illness. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were in the order manganese>lead>arsenic for both study sites. In Walmer Township soil samples, the mean concentrations of heavy metals determined were 154.8 mg/kg, 84.4 mg/kg and 5.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead, and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals as determined in Wells Estate were 322.2 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, and 3.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead and arsenic, respectively. Manganese concentration across the study sites are below the guideline levels for USA (630 mg/kg) and South African (1500 mg/kg). About 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African lead guideline level of 230 mg/kg, while 4.1% exceeded European lead level of 400 mg/kg in Walmer Township. Lead levels in Wells Estate were all below the South African, European and United States guideline levels. By contrast, 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African arsenic guideline level of 48 mg/kg, 2.0% exceeded European arsenic guideline level of 50 mg/kg and 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Walmer Township, while 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Wells Estate. Mann Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between lead levels (U=1527, p < 0.001) and manganese levels (U=2632, p < 0.001) across study sites. Soil manganese level showed significant association with age of house (crude OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.83, p =0.016). Using data obtained from the questionnaire, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between soil heavy metals and the various health outcomes. In Walmer Township, manganese showed association with dry cough (OR: 11.35, 95% CI: 1.08-119.20) and sneezing (OR: 11.30, 95% CI: 1.09-116.67). Manganese was also associated with wet cough (OR: 0.19 95% CI: 0.05-0.70), dry cough (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) and watery eye (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.01-20.58) in Wells Estate. Dry cough (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), sneezing (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.48) and watery eye adjusted (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.63-8.48) were also associated with manganese in the total sample. Confounding factors such as overcrowding (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11-4.48) and air pollution (adjusted OR = 2.76; 95% CI:1.39-5.50), predicted wet cough and sneezing, respectively, across the total sample. Heavy metal concentration in most of the study dwellings of Walmer Township and Wells Estate were below the safe limit recommended by United States, European and South Africa soil reference levels. Nevertheless, we found a strong association between manganese and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sneezing in Walmer Township, as well as a strong association between manganese and watery eyes in Wells Estate. There was no evidence of associations between heavy metal exposure and gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic diseases and mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Lived experiences of people living with HIV and hypertension with regard to disease management in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tokwe, Lwandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hypertension -- South Africa -- Treatment Chronic diseases -- Treatment Patient compliance Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43765 , vital:37045
- Description: Globally, approximately 36.9 million people in 2017 were reported to be living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) across the world. In South Africa, 7.52 million people in 2018 were reported to be living with HIV. In light of the increased life expectancy among people living with HIV (PLWH), which is attributed by availability and enrolment to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) compound the management of HIV in PLWH. South Africa is encountering a burden of communicable diseases and NCDs, in particular, the co-morbidity of HIV and hypertension (HTN). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of people living with HIV and HTN with regard to disease management in the Eastern Cape. Qualitative research design was used and amongst its methods, Husserl’s descriptive phenomenological method was utilized to explore the lived experiences of the participants. The Health Belief model was the theoretical framework that underpinned the study. The study was conducted at Sakhisizwe sub-district located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The target population were adults living with HIV and HTN who were accessing care from Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics and who met the researcher’s inclusion criteria. A purposive sampling method was used and nine participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Giorgi’s (1985) phenomenological method of data analysis which facilitated the emergence of the themes from the data. Four themes and 14 subthemes emerged. The participants reported that they experienced illness-related stigma, support of different influential people, self-love in the form of taking ownership of the diseases, experience of creating self-care practices and transforming lifestyle modification behaviours. Recommendations for clinical practice were made to support the professional nurses in the management of the HIV and HTN in the PHC setting. The study findings reflected the lived experiences of the patients of the selected setting and was conducted only in one province rather than in the entire South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tokwe, Lwandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hypertension -- South Africa -- Treatment Chronic diseases -- Treatment Patient compliance Public health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43765 , vital:37045
- Description: Globally, approximately 36.9 million people in 2017 were reported to be living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) across the world. In South Africa, 7.52 million people in 2018 were reported to be living with HIV. In light of the increased life expectancy among people living with HIV (PLWH), which is attributed by availability and enrolment to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) compound the management of HIV in PLWH. South Africa is encountering a burden of communicable diseases and NCDs, in particular, the co-morbidity of HIV and hypertension (HTN). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of people living with HIV and HTN with regard to disease management in the Eastern Cape. Qualitative research design was used and amongst its methods, Husserl’s descriptive phenomenological method was utilized to explore the lived experiences of the participants. The Health Belief model was the theoretical framework that underpinned the study. The study was conducted at Sakhisizwe sub-district located in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The target population were adults living with HIV and HTN who were accessing care from Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics and who met the researcher’s inclusion criteria. A purposive sampling method was used and nine participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Giorgi’s (1985) phenomenological method of data analysis which facilitated the emergence of the themes from the data. Four themes and 14 subthemes emerged. The participants reported that they experienced illness-related stigma, support of different influential people, self-love in the form of taking ownership of the diseases, experience of creating self-care practices and transforming lifestyle modification behaviours. Recommendations for clinical practice were made to support the professional nurses in the management of the HIV and HTN in the PHC setting. The study findings reflected the lived experiences of the patients of the selected setting and was conducted only in one province rather than in the entire South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Management of quality assurance programmes: experiences of radiographers responsible for quality assurance programmes in digital diagnostic imaging departments of public hospitals
- Authors: Willemse, Marilyn Margot
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40223 , vital:35987
- Description: Quality assurance (QA) in digital diagnostic imaging departments (DDIDs) is of utmost importance to ensure the production of good quality images. Radiographers who are given the responsibility to manage the QA programmes in their departments are faced with challenges that hinder the execution of the required quality control tests. The main objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of diagnostic radiographers who are responsible for the management of QA programmes in DDIDs of public hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was used in this study. In-depth interviews with probing questions were done to collect data. The target population encompassed 16 quality assurance officers, and data collection was continued until saturation was reached at the eleventh interview (n=11). Trustworthiness of the data collection process was ensured by applying Guba and Lincoln’s criteria for qualitative research which include the following: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Required ethical approval was obtained from the various institutions including the Health departments. Electronic informed consent was obtained from the gatekeepers in the work environment of the participants. The researcher conducted the interviews. The ethical principles, as stated in the Belmont report, were observed throughout the study. These principles are respect for persons, beneficence and the principle of justice (The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, 1979:13). Two themes emerged from the data collected, namely: Participants indicated that management support is required to ensure the success of QA programme. Participants provided suggestions to optimise the QA programme. The experiences of the participants were described by means of quotations from the interviews and a literature control verified the participants’ experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Willemse, Marilyn Margot
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Quality assurance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40223 , vital:35987
- Description: Quality assurance (QA) in digital diagnostic imaging departments (DDIDs) is of utmost importance to ensure the production of good quality images. Radiographers who are given the responsibility to manage the QA programmes in their departments are faced with challenges that hinder the execution of the required quality control tests. The main objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of diagnostic radiographers who are responsible for the management of QA programmes in DDIDs of public hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was used in this study. In-depth interviews with probing questions were done to collect data. The target population encompassed 16 quality assurance officers, and data collection was continued until saturation was reached at the eleventh interview (n=11). Trustworthiness of the data collection process was ensured by applying Guba and Lincoln’s criteria for qualitative research which include the following: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Required ethical approval was obtained from the various institutions including the Health departments. Electronic informed consent was obtained from the gatekeepers in the work environment of the participants. The researcher conducted the interviews. The ethical principles, as stated in the Belmont report, were observed throughout the study. These principles are respect for persons, beneficence and the principle of justice (The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, 1979:13). Two themes emerged from the data collected, namely: Participants indicated that management support is required to ensure the success of QA programme. Participants provided suggestions to optimise the QA programme. The experiences of the participants were described by means of quotations from the interviews and a literature control verified the participants’ experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Mental health practitioners’ perceptions of utilising animal-assisted interventions
- Authors: Scheepers, Jessica
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Pets -- Therapeutic use Human-animal relationships Psychiatry -- Practice Mental health counseling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43512 , vital:36903
- Description: Clarity in recognising the individuals or circumstances where interaction with animals is possibly beneficial and suitable, is essential for both the individuals and the animals. The present research study attempted to document the intervention factors when local mental health practitioners utilise animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). This study was undertaken to explore and describe the factors mental health practitioners perceive as important when utilising AAIs for clients. In doing so the researcher was able to identify and describe the characteristics of clients considered by mental health practitioners for utilising AAIs, also the psychopathological conditions for which mental health practitioners utilise AAIs and the non-psychopathological applications. Additionally, the researcher identified and described the types and characteristics of the animals that are utilised in AAIs by mental health practitioners. The current study utilised a qualitative research approach employing non-probability purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female mental health practitioners. All participants had implemented AAIs and were able to speak English fluently. Interviews were conducted in English and continued until data saturation was reached. Findings in the current study demonstrate that local mental health practitioners have numerous considerations that pertain to the client including the human attributes that influence the selection of AAI, an appropriate climate (weather during outdoor therapy), and the medical conditions that may influence the implementation of AAIs. The current research also found that there is a broad scope for psychopathological applications of AAIs. Finally, there are several considerations pertaining to the animal that is used for the AAI, including trustworthiness/predictability, relevant attributes, skills/training the animal requires, a suitable environment, and fatigue/therapy exhaustion that may occur during AAIs. Limitations to the current study were identified - including limitations to the methodology employed and only female participants - and recommendations were made for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Scheepers, Jessica
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Pets -- Therapeutic use Human-animal relationships Psychiatry -- Practice Mental health counseling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43512 , vital:36903
- Description: Clarity in recognising the individuals or circumstances where interaction with animals is possibly beneficial and suitable, is essential for both the individuals and the animals. The present research study attempted to document the intervention factors when local mental health practitioners utilise animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). This study was undertaken to explore and describe the factors mental health practitioners perceive as important when utilising AAIs for clients. In doing so the researcher was able to identify and describe the characteristics of clients considered by mental health practitioners for utilising AAIs, also the psychopathological conditions for which mental health practitioners utilise AAIs and the non-psychopathological applications. Additionally, the researcher identified and described the types and characteristics of the animals that are utilised in AAIs by mental health practitioners. The current study utilised a qualitative research approach employing non-probability purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female mental health practitioners. All participants had implemented AAIs and were able to speak English fluently. Interviews were conducted in English and continued until data saturation was reached. Findings in the current study demonstrate that local mental health practitioners have numerous considerations that pertain to the client including the human attributes that influence the selection of AAI, an appropriate climate (weather during outdoor therapy), and the medical conditions that may influence the implementation of AAIs. The current research also found that there is a broad scope for psychopathological applications of AAIs. Finally, there are several considerations pertaining to the animal that is used for the AAI, including trustworthiness/predictability, relevant attributes, skills/training the animal requires, a suitable environment, and fatigue/therapy exhaustion that may occur during AAIs. Limitations to the current study were identified - including limitations to the methodology employed and only female participants - and recommendations were made for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis related adverse drug reactions: implementation of a documentation tool
- Authors: Cheng, Amber
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44662 , vital:38151
- Description: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an ever-growing problem in South Africa (SA). According to the literature, minimal documentation is done on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), specifically in the MDR-TB population. Co-administration of medications is typical for the treatment of drug resistant forms of TB, which leads to high incidences of ADRs during the treatment period, especially in patients with comorbid disease states. This before-and-after study investigated the impact of an intervention (education training presentation and implementation of a purpose-designed documentation tool) on the current documentation pattern in a public sector hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to measure the sustainability of the intervention, the study compared data from the pre-intervention phase to data collected from the post-intervention immediate phase and post-intervention delayed phase. Study results indicated that the intervention appeared to have had a positive effect on the frequency and variety of ADR documentation (2.1 and 1.3 fold increase, respectively) related to MDR-TB by the hospital staff of a public sector hospital, however, the positive change was not sustainable for longer than a three month period post intervention. It is recommended that factors such as: proper adoption; management; and additional resources are required to implement positive changes to documentation practices. Further studies need to be conducted in South Africa regarding the treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis, in order to establish safer treatment guidelines and more promising ADR reporting practices, which will ultimately improve patient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Cheng, Amber
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44662 , vital:38151
- Description: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an ever-growing problem in South Africa (SA). According to the literature, minimal documentation is done on adverse drug reactions (ADRs), specifically in the MDR-TB population. Co-administration of medications is typical for the treatment of drug resistant forms of TB, which leads to high incidences of ADRs during the treatment period, especially in patients with comorbid disease states. This before-and-after study investigated the impact of an intervention (education training presentation and implementation of a purpose-designed documentation tool) on the current documentation pattern in a public sector hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to measure the sustainability of the intervention, the study compared data from the pre-intervention phase to data collected from the post-intervention immediate phase and post-intervention delayed phase. Study results indicated that the intervention appeared to have had a positive effect on the frequency and variety of ADR documentation (2.1 and 1.3 fold increase, respectively) related to MDR-TB by the hospital staff of a public sector hospital, however, the positive change was not sustainable for longer than a three month period post intervention. It is recommended that factors such as: proper adoption; management; and additional resources are required to implement positive changes to documentation practices. Further studies need to be conducted in South Africa regarding the treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis, in order to establish safer treatment guidelines and more promising ADR reporting practices, which will ultimately improve patient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Parents’ perspectives and experiences regarding the impact of adolescents’ use of social media on the parent-adolescent relationship
- Authors: Poswa, Prudence
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media and children , Parent and teenager -- Psychological aspects Parenthood -- Psychological aspects Adolescent psychotherapy Communication in families
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43290 , vital:36782
- Description: Parent-adolescent relationships are perceived to be an essential part of human relationships. They affect areas of social development and relationship formation in the adolescent’s current and future life. With today’s rapidly changing and technologically advancing world, adolescents as well as parents, increasingly spend a large amount of time engaging on social media. This may have an influence on the parent-adolescent relationship. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the impact of social media on the parent-adolescent relationship as experienced by parents. A qualitative research approach was used with a descriptive, explorative and contextual research design. Data was collected through the use of individual, semi-structured interviews. This data was analysed by following the guidelines provided by Tesch and Guba’s model was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. This study has sought to expand the knowledge base regarding the perceived impact of social media on the parent-child relationship and to offer recommendations regarding how the effective use of social media can enhance the relationship between parent and child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Poswa, Prudence
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mass media and children , Parent and teenager -- Psychological aspects Parenthood -- Psychological aspects Adolescent psychotherapy Communication in families
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43290 , vital:36782
- Description: Parent-adolescent relationships are perceived to be an essential part of human relationships. They affect areas of social development and relationship formation in the adolescent’s current and future life. With today’s rapidly changing and technologically advancing world, adolescents as well as parents, increasingly spend a large amount of time engaging on social media. This may have an influence on the parent-adolescent relationship. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the impact of social media on the parent-adolescent relationship as experienced by parents. A qualitative research approach was used with a descriptive, explorative and contextual research design. Data was collected through the use of individual, semi-structured interviews. This data was analysed by following the guidelines provided by Tesch and Guba’s model was used to ensure the trustworthiness of the study. This study has sought to expand the knowledge base regarding the perceived impact of social media on the parent-child relationship and to offer recommendations regarding how the effective use of social media can enhance the relationship between parent and child.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Perceptions of a multi-disciplinary team on the effectiveness of their treatment approach at an in-patient adolescent drug treatment facility
- Bronkhorst, Willem Lukas Rudolf, Goliath, Veonna
- Authors: Bronkhorst, Willem Lukas Rudolf , Goliath, Veonna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa Teenagers -- Substance use -- South Africa Substance abuse -- Prevention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37720 , vital:34231
- Description: The problem of adolescent substance use disorder as well as the high relapse rates associated with addiction treatment has been recognised both locally and internationally. The ability to effectively implement and monitor existing treatment programs therefore becomes critical to improving treatment outcomes at addiction treatment facilities that serve adolescent clients. The Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) have a key role to play with regard to the delivery and implementation of effective adolescent addiction treatment. The main aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the functioning of the MDT at an in-patient adolescent drug treatment facility and their perceptions regarding the extent to which the nine essential key elements of effective adolescent addiction treatment aligns with their approach to program implementation. This qualitative exploratory-descriptive study employed a non-probability purposive sampling technique to recruit research participants from an adolescent drug treatment centre in Nelson Mandela Bay. Two separate focus group interviews were conducted with participants who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The first group included eight participants, with the second consisting of ten participants. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was used to analyse raw interview data; validated by an analysis conducted by an independent coder. Guba’s model was used to ensure trustworthiness throughout the research process and of the findings. Emphasis was therefore placed on the concepts of truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality. The findings of the study were presented in ten main themes and associated sub-themes. Ethical conduct was ensured by meeting the requirements for 1) ethical review, 2) informed consent, 3) confidentiality and anonymity, 4) the right to confidentiality and privacy of data, 5) beneficence and non-maleficence, and finally 6) exiting ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bronkhorst, Willem Lukas Rudolf , Goliath, Veonna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Substance abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa Teenagers -- Substance use -- South Africa Substance abuse -- Prevention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37720 , vital:34231
- Description: The problem of adolescent substance use disorder as well as the high relapse rates associated with addiction treatment has been recognised both locally and internationally. The ability to effectively implement and monitor existing treatment programs therefore becomes critical to improving treatment outcomes at addiction treatment facilities that serve adolescent clients. The Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) have a key role to play with regard to the delivery and implementation of effective adolescent addiction treatment. The main aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the functioning of the MDT at an in-patient adolescent drug treatment facility and their perceptions regarding the extent to which the nine essential key elements of effective adolescent addiction treatment aligns with their approach to program implementation. This qualitative exploratory-descriptive study employed a non-probability purposive sampling technique to recruit research participants from an adolescent drug treatment centre in Nelson Mandela Bay. Two separate focus group interviews were conducted with participants who met the study’s inclusion criteria. The first group included eight participants, with the second consisting of ten participants. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was used to analyse raw interview data; validated by an analysis conducted by an independent coder. Guba’s model was used to ensure trustworthiness throughout the research process and of the findings. Emphasis was therefore placed on the concepts of truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality. The findings of the study were presented in ten main themes and associated sub-themes. Ethical conduct was ensured by meeting the requirements for 1) ethical review, 2) informed consent, 3) confidentiality and anonymity, 4) the right to confidentiality and privacy of data, 5) beneficence and non-maleficence, and finally 6) exiting ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Perceptions of nurse unit managers regarding the preparedness for practice of newly- qualified professional nurses trained at a public college of nursing in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Piet, Sheila Ann
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nursing -- Practice -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Training of -- South Africa School-to-work transition -- South Africa Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43182 , vital:36757
- Description: Nurses belong to a noble and caring profession, characterized by a specific and scientific body of knowledge and skills that need to be obtained from an accredited Nursing Education Institution (NEI). The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well, and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people (Muller, 2009:4). The newly-qualified professional nurse (NQPN) works within a specific scope of practice, as stipulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Nurses need to have the knowledge, skills and attributes to be able to render quality nursing care to the community at large. There was, however, a concern voiced by nurse unit managers that the NQPN lacked the ability to be an independent practitioner and does not have problem-solving and analytical skills, and therefore their preparedness for practice in the clinical field was questioned. This is a concern for the profession and the colleges of nursing. Sound guidelines are therefore needed regarding the educational programme in order to ensure that NQPNs trained at a public college of nursing are ready to practice, both competently and independently, upon completion of their training. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions of nurse unit managers regarding the preparedness for practice of NQPNs trained at a public college of nursing in the Eastern Cape. Nurse unit managers from the public hospitals and Primary Health Care (PHC) services in the Nelson Mandela Health District, in the Eastern Cape, were interviewed using focus groups in order to obtain information until data saturation was obtained. The focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and Tesch’s (1990) in Creswell (2009:186) data analysis and coding was followed to create themes from the data collected. To protect the dignity of the participants and the integrity of the study, the researcher incorporated the following ethical principles: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. The findings were described in detail and a literature control was conducted. The main findings were: The nurse unit managers indicated that NQPNs were not prepared for clinical practice and pose a danger to patients. Education deficiencies were identified by nurse unit managers. Students do not demonstrate the expected professional behaviour, but nurse unit managers acknowledged that they also contribute towards the under-preparedness of NQPNs. Lastly, nurse unit managers acknowledged their responsibility regarding clinical education, but shifted the blame (role) to other organizations and people. Guidelines were developed for the curriculum development committee and nurse educators, and recommendations were made regarding clinical practice, education and research, and the limitations of the study were identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Piet, Sheila Ann
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nursing -- Practice -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Training of -- South Africa School-to-work transition -- South Africa Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43182 , vital:36757
- Description: Nurses belong to a noble and caring profession, characterized by a specific and scientific body of knowledge and skills that need to be obtained from an accredited Nursing Education Institution (NEI). The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well, and in all settings. It includes the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people (Muller, 2009:4). The newly-qualified professional nurse (NQPN) works within a specific scope of practice, as stipulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Nurses need to have the knowledge, skills and attributes to be able to render quality nursing care to the community at large. There was, however, a concern voiced by nurse unit managers that the NQPN lacked the ability to be an independent practitioner and does not have problem-solving and analytical skills, and therefore their preparedness for practice in the clinical field was questioned. This is a concern for the profession and the colleges of nursing. Sound guidelines are therefore needed regarding the educational programme in order to ensure that NQPNs trained at a public college of nursing are ready to practice, both competently and independently, upon completion of their training. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research study was conducted to explore and describe the perceptions of nurse unit managers regarding the preparedness for practice of NQPNs trained at a public college of nursing in the Eastern Cape. Nurse unit managers from the public hospitals and Primary Health Care (PHC) services in the Nelson Mandela Health District, in the Eastern Cape, were interviewed using focus groups in order to obtain information until data saturation was obtained. The focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and Tesch’s (1990) in Creswell (2009:186) data analysis and coding was followed to create themes from the data collected. To protect the dignity of the participants and the integrity of the study, the researcher incorporated the following ethical principles: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. The findings were described in detail and a literature control was conducted. The main findings were: The nurse unit managers indicated that NQPNs were not prepared for clinical practice and pose a danger to patients. Education deficiencies were identified by nurse unit managers. Students do not demonstrate the expected professional behaviour, but nurse unit managers acknowledged that they also contribute towards the under-preparedness of NQPNs. Lastly, nurse unit managers acknowledged their responsibility regarding clinical education, but shifted the blame (role) to other organizations and people. Guidelines were developed for the curriculum development committee and nurse educators, and recommendations were made regarding clinical practice, education and research, and the limitations of the study were identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Perspectives of South African women and midwives on clinical practice in public maternity units: facilitating the scaling-up of such clinical practices
- Authors: Wibbelink, Margreet
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physician practice patterns , Midwives -- South Africa -- Attitudes Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Attitudes Midwifery -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44422 , vital:37168
- Description: Despite a steady drop globally in maternal and newborn deaths since 1990, thousands of women and newborns still die each year during pregnancy and childbirth. South Africa, together with other countries, failed to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015. This is despite the positive efforts made in the country towards achieving these goals. However, much more still needs to be done. For that reason, proper and safe care of labouring women remains the identified major focus to prevent these deaths. The current study was the culmination of an investigation into the problem of poor performance regarding maternal and perinatal outcomes as identified by the researcher. The aim of this research study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of the women and the midwives regarding the clinical practices in public maternity units in South Africa in order to facilitate the scaling-up of the midwifery practice. A mixed-methods (sequential exploratory) design was used to answer the research question and objectives, and the study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One, a qualitative research design was implemented. The population were all the midwives in the Eastern Cape who had been working in public maternity units and women who had delivered in those settings. Non-probability purposive sampling with inclusion criteria assisted in selecting a suitable sample. Data collection was done using semi-structured audio-recorded interviews from eleven public sector midwives and eleven women receiving care from the midwives in the Eastern Cape, a province of South Africa. On data analysis, three themes emerged, namely participants had diverse experiences of the midwifery practice, midwives highlighted the burden with regard to the shortage of skilled midwives, and midwives identified managerial issues that affect their performance. Phase Two of the study comprised the quantitative research. The population was the midwives in South Africa who were working in public maternity units and nonprobability purposive sampling criteria were used to select participants. Data collection was done by means of a survey that used a tool adapted from the Hennessy-Hicks Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire. Questions for the survey tool were based on the results of Phase One. A total number of 314 questionnaires were completed, returned and analysed. Phase Three of the study comprised the integration of the results of the first two phases. The study found that midwives were committed to provide quality care but major factors needed to be addressed to facilitate scaling-up of clinical midwifery practices. The midwifery profession needed to be strengthened and an enabling working environment provided. Based on the results of the study as well as the theoretical, conceptual and contextual framework, two strategies were developed: Strategy 1: Empowering midwives to deliver woman-centred care in public sector maternity units Strategy 2: Creating an enabling work environment in order to deliver womancentred care in public sector maternity units.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wibbelink, Margreet
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physician practice patterns , Midwives -- South Africa -- Attitudes Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Attitudes Midwifery -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44422 , vital:37168
- Description: Despite a steady drop globally in maternal and newborn deaths since 1990, thousands of women and newborns still die each year during pregnancy and childbirth. South Africa, together with other countries, failed to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality by three quarters by 2015. This is despite the positive efforts made in the country towards achieving these goals. However, much more still needs to be done. For that reason, proper and safe care of labouring women remains the identified major focus to prevent these deaths. The current study was the culmination of an investigation into the problem of poor performance regarding maternal and perinatal outcomes as identified by the researcher. The aim of this research study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of the women and the midwives regarding the clinical practices in public maternity units in South Africa in order to facilitate the scaling-up of the midwifery practice. A mixed-methods (sequential exploratory) design was used to answer the research question and objectives, and the study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One, a qualitative research design was implemented. The population were all the midwives in the Eastern Cape who had been working in public maternity units and women who had delivered in those settings. Non-probability purposive sampling with inclusion criteria assisted in selecting a suitable sample. Data collection was done using semi-structured audio-recorded interviews from eleven public sector midwives and eleven women receiving care from the midwives in the Eastern Cape, a province of South Africa. On data analysis, three themes emerged, namely participants had diverse experiences of the midwifery practice, midwives highlighted the burden with regard to the shortage of skilled midwives, and midwives identified managerial issues that affect their performance. Phase Two of the study comprised the quantitative research. The population was the midwives in South Africa who were working in public maternity units and nonprobability purposive sampling criteria were used to select participants. Data collection was done by means of a survey that used a tool adapted from the Hennessy-Hicks Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire. Questions for the survey tool were based on the results of Phase One. A total number of 314 questionnaires were completed, returned and analysed. Phase Three of the study comprised the integration of the results of the first two phases. The study found that midwives were committed to provide quality care but major factors needed to be addressed to facilitate scaling-up of clinical midwifery practices. The midwifery profession needed to be strengthened and an enabling working environment provided. Based on the results of the study as well as the theoretical, conceptual and contextual framework, two strategies were developed: Strategy 1: Empowering midwives to deliver woman-centred care in public sector maternity units Strategy 2: Creating an enabling work environment in order to deliver womancentred care in public sector maternity units.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019