Social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college
- Authors: Luzipo, Nomawabo Lessie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Academic achievement - -South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30897 , vital:31211
- Description: The study sought to discover the determinants of the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Poor academic performance results in a number of consequences, for example: an increased cost for students and their parents when the study period is prolonged; a larger number of discontinuations; an increase in students who repeat modules, which has cost implications for institutions; and many personal effects on students, such as depression, demotivation and lack of confidence. Paucity was found regarding the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paucity led to this study being conducted.The aim of the study was to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in order to develop strategies to assist nursing college management and staff to manage the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of these students. The researcher utilized a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The second phase included the development of strategies for managing the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at the public nursing college. The research population consisted of 304 second-year nursing students. A census sampling method was used to select 293 respondents. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and existing questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was comprised of three sections: demographic information (Section A), social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section B), and additional relevant information on social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed a number of factors that negatively affect students’ academic performance for instance, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism and stress were discussed in Chapter Four. The findings were used to develop strategies for educators and managers to manage the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college. The limitations and recommendations were identified and can be found in the closing chapter. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Luzipo, Nomawabo Lessie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Academic achievement - -South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30897 , vital:31211
- Description: The study sought to discover the determinants of the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Poor academic performance results in a number of consequences, for example: an increased cost for students and their parents when the study period is prolonged; a larger number of discontinuations; an increase in students who repeat modules, which has cost implications for institutions; and many personal effects on students, such as depression, demotivation and lack of confidence. Paucity was found regarding the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paucity led to this study being conducted.The aim of the study was to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in order to develop strategies to assist nursing college management and staff to manage the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of these students. The researcher utilized a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The second phase included the development of strategies for managing the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at the public nursing college. The research population consisted of 304 second-year nursing students. A census sampling method was used to select 293 respondents. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and existing questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was comprised of three sections: demographic information (Section A), social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section B), and additional relevant information on social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed a number of factors that negatively affect students’ academic performance for instance, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism and stress were discussed in Chapter Four. The findings were used to develop strategies for educators and managers to manage the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college. The limitations and recommendations were identified and can be found in the closing chapter. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college
- Authors: Luzipo, Nomawabo Lessie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Nursing students -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30902 , vital:31210
- Description: The study sought to discover the determinants of the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Poor academic performance results in a number of consequences, for example: an increased cost for students and their parents when the study period is prolonged; a larger number of discontinuations; an increase in students who repeat modules, which has cost implications for institutions; and many personal effects on students, such as depression, demotivation and lack of confidence. Paucity was found regarding the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paucity led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in order to develop strategies to assist nursing college management and staff to manage the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of these students. The researcher utilized a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The second phase included the development of strategies for managing the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at the public nursing college. The research population consisted of 304 second-year nursing students. A census sampling method was used to select 293 respondents. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and existing questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was comprised of three sections: demographic information (Section A), social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section B), and additional relevant information on social factors that contribute to the poor academic v performance (Section C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed a number of factors that negatively affect students’ academic performance for instance, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism and stress were discussed in Chapter Four. The findings were used to develop strategies for educators and managers to manage the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college. The limitations and recommendations were identified and can be found in the closing chapter. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Luzipo, Nomawabo Lessie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Nursing students -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30902 , vital:31210
- Description: The study sought to discover the determinants of the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Poor academic performance results in a number of consequences, for example: an increased cost for students and their parents when the study period is prolonged; a larger number of discontinuations; an increase in students who repeat modules, which has cost implications for institutions; and many personal effects on students, such as depression, demotivation and lack of confidence. Paucity was found regarding the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paucity led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in order to develop strategies to assist nursing college management and staff to manage the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of these students. The researcher utilized a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The second phase included the development of strategies for managing the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at the public nursing college. The research population consisted of 304 second-year nursing students. A census sampling method was used to select 293 respondents. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and existing questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was comprised of three sections: demographic information (Section A), social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section B), and additional relevant information on social factors that contribute to the poor academic v performance (Section C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed a number of factors that negatively affect students’ academic performance for instance, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism and stress were discussed in Chapter Four. The findings were used to develop strategies for educators and managers to manage the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college. The limitations and recommendations were identified and can be found in the closing chapter. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Stress, resiliency and coping of hostel housemothers caring for children on the autistic spectrum
- Authors: Thiart, Sarita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Patients -- Home care , Caregivers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23272 , vital:30510
- Description: Autism is a life-long neurological disease that manifests differently in every autistic person. Children with autism have difficulties with four developmental areas, namely: language and communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues. These behaviours make it extremely difficult to care for, or teach, autistic children as these children often present with behaviours that are psychologically, cognitively and physically challenging. As there is only one government subsidised school with the expertise and support structures to teach and care for autistic children in the Eastern Cape, parents often have no option, but to place such children in residential care in order for the children to receive the expert teaching they need. As a result, hostel housemothers are often placed in parental roles as they provide much of the parenting on a daily basis. Many of these caregivers have their own families that also need support and care. This may place additional burdens on these employees that could lead to a variety of psychological and physical conditions, depending on their resilience, and ability to handle frequent stressful situations. It is for this reason that this study is imperative, as it will uncover the stressors experienced by the hostel housemothers who play such a pivotal role in the lives of autistic children. The results of the study will serve to inform possible future interventions. This is a qualitative study. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, and data was analysed through a thematic analysis approach. The Salutogenesis theory of Antonovsky was used, which particularly looks at stressors, tension, breakdown, and Salutogenesis. The study has generated, in the researcher, an understanding of how hostel housemothers cope with the stressors of caring for autistic children, and intends to do the same for readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Thiart, Sarita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Patients -- Home care , Caregivers -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23272 , vital:30510
- Description: Autism is a life-long neurological disease that manifests differently in every autistic person. Children with autism have difficulties with four developmental areas, namely: language and communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues. These behaviours make it extremely difficult to care for, or teach, autistic children as these children often present with behaviours that are psychologically, cognitively and physically challenging. As there is only one government subsidised school with the expertise and support structures to teach and care for autistic children in the Eastern Cape, parents often have no option, but to place such children in residential care in order for the children to receive the expert teaching they need. As a result, hostel housemothers are often placed in parental roles as they provide much of the parenting on a daily basis. Many of these caregivers have their own families that also need support and care. This may place additional burdens on these employees that could lead to a variety of psychological and physical conditions, depending on their resilience, and ability to handle frequent stressful situations. It is for this reason that this study is imperative, as it will uncover the stressors experienced by the hostel housemothers who play such a pivotal role in the lives of autistic children. The results of the study will serve to inform possible future interventions. This is a qualitative study. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, and data was analysed through a thematic analysis approach. The Salutogenesis theory of Antonovsky was used, which particularly looks at stressors, tension, breakdown, and Salutogenesis. The study has generated, in the researcher, an understanding of how hostel housemothers cope with the stressors of caring for autistic children, and intends to do the same for readers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Students’ experiences of hunger at an institution of higher learning in South Africa
- Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Authors: Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hunger , College students -- Social aspects Universities and colleges -- Students College students -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30353 , vital:30933
- Description: Student hunger is a violation of the right to sufficient food guaranteed in the Constitution section 7(2) (1996). The State must respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right in addition to all other rights in the Bill Rights. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of hunger, as experienced by students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), furthermore the study sought to generate student-centred recommendations on sustainable ways to address student hunger. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method from sixteen, registered NMU students who were purposively selected. Collected data were analysed using the eight steps suggested by Tesch (1990), in Creswell, (2009). Guba's model of trustworthiness was applied for data verification. Findings of the study suggest that student hunger is a multifaceted concept which includes both physical, material hunger as well as lack of basic needs. Food insecurity, structural poverty and structural inequalities (colonisation and dispossession) are some of the factors contributing to student hunger. Research results show that hunger negatively affects students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants recommend the use of alternative funding models that can address student hunger; a new policy should be formulated to inform interventions to eradicate student hunger. Among these suggested interventions is the creation of employment opportunities for students, provision of food parcels, meal subsidy and meal cards. Ending student hunger requires a wide range of approaches that consider both the contributing factors as well as its adverse impact on students. The depth of hunger as experienced by students requires institutions of higher learning, in collaboration with students, government, NGO’s and the private sector to be proactive in enhancing the wellbeing of students suffering from hunger, through empowerment initiatives. In order to eradicate hunger and restore the dignity and well-being of students, a student-driven social justice, multi-disciplinary approach that is developmental in nature is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntloko, Nkqubela Aphiwe Jackson
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hunger , College students -- Social aspects Universities and colleges -- Students College students -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30353 , vital:30933
- Description: Student hunger is a violation of the right to sufficient food guaranteed in the Constitution section 7(2) (1996). The State must respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right in addition to all other rights in the Bill Rights. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of hunger, as experienced by students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), furthermore the study sought to generate student-centred recommendations on sustainable ways to address student hunger. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method from sixteen, registered NMU students who were purposively selected. Collected data were analysed using the eight steps suggested by Tesch (1990), in Creswell, (2009). Guba's model of trustworthiness was applied for data verification. Findings of the study suggest that student hunger is a multifaceted concept which includes both physical, material hunger as well as lack of basic needs. Food insecurity, structural poverty and structural inequalities (colonisation and dispossession) are some of the factors contributing to student hunger. Research results show that hunger negatively affects students’ academic and emotional well-being. Participants recommend the use of alternative funding models that can address student hunger; a new policy should be formulated to inform interventions to eradicate student hunger. Among these suggested interventions is the creation of employment opportunities for students, provision of food parcels, meal subsidy and meal cards. Ending student hunger requires a wide range of approaches that consider both the contributing factors as well as its adverse impact on students. The depth of hunger as experienced by students requires institutions of higher learning, in collaboration with students, government, NGO’s and the private sector to be proactive in enhancing the wellbeing of students suffering from hunger, through empowerment initiatives. In order to eradicate hunger and restore the dignity and well-being of students, a student-driven social justice, multi-disciplinary approach that is developmental in nature is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The correlation between polygraph results and nonverbal behaviour
- Authors: Ferreira, Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lie detectors and detection , Movement, Psychology of Body language Nonverbal communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29827 , vital:30782
- Description: The long history, serious and multiple negative consequences, and the global prevalence of human deception inspired the current correlational study. According to certain researchers and practitioners, the polygraph has emerged as one of the most promising methods to detect deception. Although its use has not been without controversy, it is still one of the most frequent means used to detect human deception. In an attempt to address the continued reliance on the polygraph, often in the absence of other evidence, the current study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between final polygraph test results and nonverbal behaviour observations during the pre-interview of the polygraph test. The research design was a correlational study, which explored and described the relationship between specified nonverbal behavioural observations, and deceptive and non-deceptive indicator results, of the participants taking the polygraph test. The nonverbal movements of the head, shoulders, hands and feet were the focus of the study. The research hypothesis of the study was that participants who were identified as deceptive on the polygraph would demonstrate significant statistical differences in specific nonverbal behaviours compared to non-deceptive participants. The results indicated significant statistical difference between the hand movements between the deceptive and the non-deceptive groups who participated in the study. The nonverbal behaviour related to the two groups’ hand movements was found to show significant differences, specifically related to five specific domains, hand hold symmetrical action, right arm/hand still, left hand/finger actions, touch behaviour, and thumbs up and downwards movements. The data were described and analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and significant correlational findings were discussed in relation to the relevant published literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ferreira, Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lie detectors and detection , Movement, Psychology of Body language Nonverbal communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29827 , vital:30782
- Description: The long history, serious and multiple negative consequences, and the global prevalence of human deception inspired the current correlational study. According to certain researchers and practitioners, the polygraph has emerged as one of the most promising methods to detect deception. Although its use has not been without controversy, it is still one of the most frequent means used to detect human deception. In an attempt to address the continued reliance on the polygraph, often in the absence of other evidence, the current study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between final polygraph test results and nonverbal behaviour observations during the pre-interview of the polygraph test. The research design was a correlational study, which explored and described the relationship between specified nonverbal behavioural observations, and deceptive and non-deceptive indicator results, of the participants taking the polygraph test. The nonverbal movements of the head, shoulders, hands and feet were the focus of the study. The research hypothesis of the study was that participants who were identified as deceptive on the polygraph would demonstrate significant statistical differences in specific nonverbal behaviours compared to non-deceptive participants. The results indicated significant statistical difference between the hand movements between the deceptive and the non-deceptive groups who participated in the study. The nonverbal behaviour related to the two groups’ hand movements was found to show significant differences, specifically related to five specific domains, hand hold symmetrical action, right arm/hand still, left hand/finger actions, touch behaviour, and thumbs up and downwards movements. The data were described and analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and significant correlational findings were discussed in relation to the relevant published literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of school-based physical activity interventions on body composition of grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Nqweniso, Siphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physical education and training Exercise -- Physiological aspects Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33556 , vital:32886
- Description: South Africa is classified as a low- to middle-income country and is amongst countries affected by the double burden of disease. This double burden may occur in the same household and may be related to food insecurity, nutritional transition and economic inequalities. While the prevalence of underweight has been reduced in the country, stunting and the rise in overweight and obesity in children still remains a problem. The study aimed to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the body composition of Grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight schools which were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=442) and control group (n=437). A ten-week school-based intervention was implemented, consisting of three components, namely: a physical activity (PA) intervention including physical education lessons, dance-to-music lesson and in-class PA breaks, a health and hygiene education intervention, and a nutrition intervention. Body composition measures, pre- and post the intervention included height, weight and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular). Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and BMI-for-age (BAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were also calculated. Baseline data indicated that Coloured children were more likely to be underweight and stunted than Black African children, who were more likely to be obese. After the ten-week intervention, children exposed to the PA intervention showed significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) lower BF% and higher HAZ scores. The nutrition intervention resulted in significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) higher BMI and BAZ scores, indicating an increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. The health and hygiene education intervention had a significant effect on children’s underweight status (WAZ), showing higher WAZ scores. Findings suggest that participating in various combinations of school-based interventions had beneficial effects on children’s body composition and nutritional status. Therefore, strategies to implement school-based interventions are recommended as a means to improve children’s health status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nqweniso, Siphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physical education and training Exercise -- Physiological aspects Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33556 , vital:32886
- Description: South Africa is classified as a low- to middle-income country and is amongst countries affected by the double burden of disease. This double burden may occur in the same household and may be related to food insecurity, nutritional transition and economic inequalities. While the prevalence of underweight has been reduced in the country, stunting and the rise in overweight and obesity in children still remains a problem. The study aimed to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the body composition of Grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight schools which were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=442) and control group (n=437). A ten-week school-based intervention was implemented, consisting of three components, namely: a physical activity (PA) intervention including physical education lessons, dance-to-music lesson and in-class PA breaks, a health and hygiene education intervention, and a nutrition intervention. Body composition measures, pre- and post the intervention included height, weight and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular). Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and BMI-for-age (BAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were also calculated. Baseline data indicated that Coloured children were more likely to be underweight and stunted than Black African children, who were more likely to be obese. After the ten-week intervention, children exposed to the PA intervention showed significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) lower BF% and higher HAZ scores. The nutrition intervention resulted in significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) higher BMI and BAZ scores, indicating an increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. The health and hygiene education intervention had a significant effect on children’s underweight status (WAZ), showing higher WAZ scores. Findings suggest that participating in various combinations of school-based interventions had beneficial effects on children’s body composition and nutritional status. Therefore, strategies to implement school-based interventions are recommended as a means to improve children’s health status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of employee assistance programme and its contribution in the improvement of employee productivity in the Department of Health, OR Tambo District : a case study of forensic pathology laboratory
- Authors: Siyangaphi, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor productivity Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10542 , vital:35603
- Description: The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a programme used by organizations to address problems related to drug addiction, stress and family problems, aimed at enhancing both work productivity and promoting high morale among the workers. The employees in the Department of Health (DoH) are faced with many challenges which affect them, personally, and their output at work. The OR Tambo District is currently faced with high levels of absenteeism, stress, low morale amongst health staff members, resulting in most employees resigning from the service. Others die due to ill health caused by high levels of stress and depression. Some employees are being dismissed for unethical behaviour, which include, among other things, alcohol and drug abuse and abuse of state resources, non-performance and absenteeism. Furthermore, due to the shortage of staff which results in a very high workload for the incumbents, some employees experience burnout, stress, depression and exhaustion. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme among OR Tambo health workers in order to improve their work productivity and performance. The study applied a descriptive, quantitative design. The target population were all employees in the Forensic Pathology Laboratory in OR Tambo District and the sample included Managers, FPOs, Supervisors and General Assistants. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The major findings of the study demonstrated that most workers are dissatisfied with their personal growth and development in the organization. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents are not satisfied with the decision space in their job functions, salary and benefits. The findings of this study demonstrated that most employees of the Department of Health experienced health, emotional and financial problems relating to alcohol and drug abuse, stress and work overload in their workplace. The study shows that the managers referred their employees for cases related to poor performance, absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, tiredness, employee and health problems; changes which were noticeable after referral. One of the major conclusions and recommendations that have been drawn in this study is that EAP is a good programme in terms of its contribution to work productivity of employees, however, it needs to be marketed and services should be utilized effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Siyangaphi, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor productivity Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10542 , vital:35603
- Description: The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a programme used by organizations to address problems related to drug addiction, stress and family problems, aimed at enhancing both work productivity and promoting high morale among the workers. The employees in the Department of Health (DoH) are faced with many challenges which affect them, personally, and their output at work. The OR Tambo District is currently faced with high levels of absenteeism, stress, low morale amongst health staff members, resulting in most employees resigning from the service. Others die due to ill health caused by high levels of stress and depression. Some employees are being dismissed for unethical behaviour, which include, among other things, alcohol and drug abuse and abuse of state resources, non-performance and absenteeism. Furthermore, due to the shortage of staff which results in a very high workload for the incumbents, some employees experience burnout, stress, depression and exhaustion. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme among OR Tambo health workers in order to improve their work productivity and performance. The study applied a descriptive, quantitative design. The target population were all employees in the Forensic Pathology Laboratory in OR Tambo District and the sample included Managers, FPOs, Supervisors and General Assistants. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The major findings of the study demonstrated that most workers are dissatisfied with their personal growth and development in the organization. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents are not satisfied with the decision space in their job functions, salary and benefits. The findings of this study demonstrated that most employees of the Department of Health experienced health, emotional and financial problems relating to alcohol and drug abuse, stress and work overload in their workplace. The study shows that the managers referred their employees for cases related to poor performance, absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, tiredness, employee and health problems; changes which were noticeable after referral. One of the major conclusions and recommendations that have been drawn in this study is that EAP is a good programme in terms of its contribution to work productivity of employees, however, it needs to be marketed and services should be utilized effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of father absenteeism on the development of a masculine identity of young Xhosa men in an urban township
- Authors: Kibi, Aluta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absentee fathers -- South Africa , Men -- Identity , Masculinity , Men -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22332 , vital:29944
- Description: The absence of a biological father in a family system is associated with a myriad of familial and societal problems. Although father absenteeism affects the entire family system, boys raised in the absence of a paternal figure appear to be the most affected especially when they belong to patriarchal cultures. Among the many important roles played by a father in his son’s development he plays a significant role in modelling a culture specific masculinity. This masculinity enables him to effectively navigate the social spaces to acceptance from others within his culture. In his absence, boys look elsewhere for masculinity models some of which may be damaging to the males identity. Although there is substantial research on masculinity there is however paucity of research on how young Xhosa men develop a masculine identity in the absence of a paternal figure. This study sought to elucidate common themes through semi-structured interviews with young Xhosa men in navigating a masculine identity for themselves in the absence of a biological father. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants for this study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data, using Tesch’s method. The results of the study are beneficial to absent fathers, single mothers raising boy children and cultural leaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kibi, Aluta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Absentee fathers -- South Africa , Men -- Identity , Masculinity , Men -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22332 , vital:29944
- Description: The absence of a biological father in a family system is associated with a myriad of familial and societal problems. Although father absenteeism affects the entire family system, boys raised in the absence of a paternal figure appear to be the most affected especially when they belong to patriarchal cultures. Among the many important roles played by a father in his son’s development he plays a significant role in modelling a culture specific masculinity. This masculinity enables him to effectively navigate the social spaces to acceptance from others within his culture. In his absence, boys look elsewhere for masculinity models some of which may be damaging to the males identity. Although there is substantial research on masculinity there is however paucity of research on how young Xhosa men develop a masculine identity in the absence of a paternal figure. This study sought to elucidate common themes through semi-structured interviews with young Xhosa men in navigating a masculine identity for themselves in the absence of a biological father. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants for this study. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data, using Tesch’s method. The results of the study are beneficial to absent fathers, single mothers raising boy children and cultural leaders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The factors that affect the low uptake of medical male circumcision among adult males 20-39 years of age in Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Authors: Palmer, Eurica Laetitia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Circumcision Circumcision -- South Africa -- Gauteng Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10553 , vital:35606
- Description: The objective of this study is to determine the factors that contribute to low MMC uptake with the aim of proposing strategies to improve MMC demand creation for older adult males (20-39 years). By employing a qualitative research methodology, the study explores the factors and barriers that contribute to the low MMC uptake of adult males aged between 20 to 39 years in order to understand the situation from the perspective of the participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select 24 participants. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with four Provincial Programme Managers from the National and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health. Two focus-group discussions were also conducted with 20 adult males aged 20 to 39 years. The data collected were analysed, categorised, synthesised and decoded. The results of the research were explained well comprising the narratives of the participants. The main findings show that there are various contextual, individual and community factors contributing to the low MMC uptake. The study also found that the MMC programme does not review MMC communication messages consistently and continuously and demand creation strategies for adult males in the age group 20 to 39 years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Palmer, Eurica Laetitia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Circumcision Circumcision -- South Africa -- Gauteng Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10553 , vital:35606
- Description: The objective of this study is to determine the factors that contribute to low MMC uptake with the aim of proposing strategies to improve MMC demand creation for older adult males (20-39 years). By employing a qualitative research methodology, the study explores the factors and barriers that contribute to the low MMC uptake of adult males aged between 20 to 39 years in order to understand the situation from the perspective of the participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select 24 participants. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with four Provincial Programme Managers from the National and the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health. Two focus-group discussions were also conducted with 20 adult males aged 20 to 39 years. The data collected were analysed, categorised, synthesised and decoded. The results of the research were explained well comprising the narratives of the participants. The main findings show that there are various contextual, individual and community factors contributing to the low MMC uptake. The study also found that the MMC programme does not review MMC communication messages consistently and continuously and demand creation strategies for adult males in the age group 20 to 39 years.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The perceptions of Nursing service and Operational Managers on the role of nursing sub-professionals in the Health Service System at Mhlontlo Municipality
- Authors: Mpini, Minah Malakiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health service management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing sub-professional
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1341 , vital:32258
- Description: South Africa is experiencing a serious shortage of nurses, especially nursing sub-professionals. The Eastern Cape Province is among the provinces with highest percentage of vacancies for nurses in all nursing categories. Nursing shortage has compromised South African health care services as health services are mostly supported by this group of health professionals. As a result of this shortage, rural health services have for a long time depended on the nursing sub-professionals to perform basic nursing services. This category is however also decreasing, which makes it difficult for nursing professionals to cope with the amount of work. South African rural health centres put pressure on professional nurses to do some of the health care activities that are meant to be done by medical doctors. The aim of the study was to explore the role and value of nursing sub-professionals in the health care system as viewed by the nursing managers. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to get the perceptions of nursing service managers and operational managers on the role and value of nursing sub-professionals in the health service. A purposive sample of 23 participants was selected and interviewed. Most of the participants viewed the retention of nursing sub-professionals as crucial in the health service system. The participants saw sub-professionals as playing a vital role in the health services as the latter have a scope of practice that enables them to work independently. The reasons they put forth in support of their retention include reduction of litigations, easing the work load of professional nurses, sometimes performing non-nursing duties during crisis periods, reduction in the waiting time for patients/clients, and enabling professional nurses to perform more sophisticated professional duties which include management. Few managers viewed the existence of sub-professional nurses as increasing the work of nursing professionals. They felt that nursing sub-professionals worked under the supervision of nursing professionals. This, according to them, resulted in more work for nursing professionals who had to check and/or repeat what had been done in the name of supervision.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mpini, Minah Malakiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health service management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing sub-professional
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1341 , vital:32258
- Description: South Africa is experiencing a serious shortage of nurses, especially nursing sub-professionals. The Eastern Cape Province is among the provinces with highest percentage of vacancies for nurses in all nursing categories. Nursing shortage has compromised South African health care services as health services are mostly supported by this group of health professionals. As a result of this shortage, rural health services have for a long time depended on the nursing sub-professionals to perform basic nursing services. This category is however also decreasing, which makes it difficult for nursing professionals to cope with the amount of work. South African rural health centres put pressure on professional nurses to do some of the health care activities that are meant to be done by medical doctors. The aim of the study was to explore the role and value of nursing sub-professionals in the health care system as viewed by the nursing managers. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to get the perceptions of nursing service managers and operational managers on the role and value of nursing sub-professionals in the health service. A purposive sample of 23 participants was selected and interviewed. Most of the participants viewed the retention of nursing sub-professionals as crucial in the health service system. The participants saw sub-professionals as playing a vital role in the health services as the latter have a scope of practice that enables them to work independently. The reasons they put forth in support of their retention include reduction of litigations, easing the work load of professional nurses, sometimes performing non-nursing duties during crisis periods, reduction in the waiting time for patients/clients, and enabling professional nurses to perform more sophisticated professional duties which include management. Few managers viewed the existence of sub-professional nurses as increasing the work of nursing professionals. They felt that nursing sub-professionals worked under the supervision of nursing professionals. This, according to them, resulted in more work for nursing professionals who had to check and/or repeat what had been done in the name of supervision.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The perceptions of professional nurses about the introduction of the National Health Insurance in a private hospital in Gauteng
- Molokomme, Victoria Khabonina
- Authors: Molokomme, Victoria Khabonina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health insurance Hospitals Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13057 , vital:39444
- Description: The National Health Insurance is a relatively new concept in South Africa currently being piloted to ensure that all citizens have access to quality and affordable health care regardless of their socio-economic status. This study was prompted by concerns regarding the introduction of the NHI and its implications on the South African health system. Therefore it seeks to determine the professional nurses concerns about the introduction of the NHI in a private hospital in Gauteng and to describe recommendations based on these perceptions. This study used a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design. Data was collected using a semi-structured individual interview schedule. The sample was purposive consisting of professional nurses employed in a private hospital in Gauteng. Thematic data saturation determined the number of professional nurses interviewed. Data analysis was done with the aid of Creswell’s theory (2014:1996). Ethical considerations were observed and trustworthiness maintained. The results of the study outlined that professional nurse’s perception about the NHI is centred on equal distribution of health services to benefit all South Africans. However, concerns were based on its financial implications for those mandated to pay towards the fund. The feasibility of its implementation in the midst of staff shortage, inadequate resources and its impact on the public health sector was seen as a major challenge. The notion of a joint effort between public and private health sector in creating one health system was anticipated by most participants. The NHI implementation raised concerns about the impact it will have on the private sectors viability in the future. Professional nurse’s non-involvement in policy making, poor communication, lack of transparency, concerns about governance and management were perceived to be stumbling blocks towards efficient and effective implementation of the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Molokomme, Victoria Khabonina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health insurance Hospitals Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13057 , vital:39444
- Description: The National Health Insurance is a relatively new concept in South Africa currently being piloted to ensure that all citizens have access to quality and affordable health care regardless of their socio-economic status. This study was prompted by concerns regarding the introduction of the NHI and its implications on the South African health system. Therefore it seeks to determine the professional nurses concerns about the introduction of the NHI in a private hospital in Gauteng and to describe recommendations based on these perceptions. This study used a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design. Data was collected using a semi-structured individual interview schedule. The sample was purposive consisting of professional nurses employed in a private hospital in Gauteng. Thematic data saturation determined the number of professional nurses interviewed. Data analysis was done with the aid of Creswell’s theory (2014:1996). Ethical considerations were observed and trustworthiness maintained. The results of the study outlined that professional nurse’s perception about the NHI is centred on equal distribution of health services to benefit all South Africans. However, concerns were based on its financial implications for those mandated to pay towards the fund. The feasibility of its implementation in the midst of staff shortage, inadequate resources and its impact on the public health sector was seen as a major challenge. The notion of a joint effort between public and private health sector in creating one health system was anticipated by most participants. The NHI implementation raised concerns about the impact it will have on the private sectors viability in the future. Professional nurse’s non-involvement in policy making, poor communication, lack of transparency, concerns about governance and management were perceived to be stumbling blocks towards efficient and effective implementation of the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The perceptions of provincial EMS managers regarding the management of the millennial employees in the nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Huysamen, Pieter Johannes
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Emergency medical services -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Personnel management Employees -- Management -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30341 , vital:30932
- Description: Literature on generational theory has paid much attention to the differences in values and work ethics between employees from different generational cohorts, but more specifically between managers and the Millennial Generation. These differences in values and ethics affect the way in which multigenerational employees perceive one another, which often leads to conflict and demotivation in the workplace. In an attempt to explore the perceptions of managers of the Emergency Medical Services regarding the management of the Millennial Generation, the researcher undertook a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual study. Data were gathered through 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers of provincial Emergency Medical Services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data were analysed by using Tesch’s steps in data analysis. During the data analysis, the following four main themes emerged: The employees from the Millennial Generation lacked the discipline required for working in emergency services. The employees from the Millennial Generation had up-to-date knowledge, but had little practical experience. Specific attributes of the Millennial Generation were identified. The managers indicated that the employees from the Millennial Generation were in need of management support. The researcher found that many of the participants’ perceptions were inaccurate and influenced by preconceived generational stereotypes and prejudices. The research ended with recommendations, which should assist managers to manage employees from the Millennial Generation in the Emergency Medical Services more effectively. Recommendations were also made for further research. It is acknowledged that the research study had limitations, which included the fact that the data were only collected from one of the eight districts in the Eastern Cape and that the study did not include the private ambulance services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Huysamen, Pieter Johannes
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Emergency medical services -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Personnel management Employees -- Management -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30341 , vital:30932
- Description: Literature on generational theory has paid much attention to the differences in values and work ethics between employees from different generational cohorts, but more specifically between managers and the Millennial Generation. These differences in values and ethics affect the way in which multigenerational employees perceive one another, which often leads to conflict and demotivation in the workplace. In an attempt to explore the perceptions of managers of the Emergency Medical Services regarding the management of the Millennial Generation, the researcher undertook a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual study. Data were gathered through 11 in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers of provincial Emergency Medical Services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data were analysed by using Tesch’s steps in data analysis. During the data analysis, the following four main themes emerged: The employees from the Millennial Generation lacked the discipline required for working in emergency services. The employees from the Millennial Generation had up-to-date knowledge, but had little practical experience. Specific attributes of the Millennial Generation were identified. The managers indicated that the employees from the Millennial Generation were in need of management support. The researcher found that many of the participants’ perceptions were inaccurate and influenced by preconceived generational stereotypes and prejudices. The research ended with recommendations, which should assist managers to manage employees from the Millennial Generation in the Emergency Medical Services more effectively. Recommendations were also made for further research. It is acknowledged that the research study had limitations, which included the fact that the data were only collected from one of the eight districts in the Eastern Cape and that the study did not include the private ambulance services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The Q bell: experiences of patients with disabilities utilising a new call bell system
- Authors: Sithole, Siphiwo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Self-help devices for people with disabilities , People with disabilities -- Means of communication -- Technological innovations Communication devices for people with disabilities People with disabilities -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35543 , vital:33755
- Description: The Q-bell is a newly developed call bell system that aims to simplify the lives of people living with disabilities by providing a means for them to easily summon assistance from caregivers when needed. The product is designed to be hands free so that a patient only must exert minimal pressure on the device with any part of the body such as the cheek to call for attention. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of disabled participants regarding the functionality of the Q-bell systems during their stay in a care facility. To achieve this aim, an exploratory, descriptive, contextual, qualitative design was decided upon. There was a paucity of similar studies and this method was deemed the most effective method to fully grasp, contextualize and interpret the experiences of the research participants following the use of the Q-bell. The research population included all people with disabilities who were in care facilities. A purposive sampling method was used to identify a small number of disabled participants in care facilities to use the Q-bell. The researcher approached selected facilities and the residents in their care who had limited to no function of their hands and arms to test the Q-bell. The participants were given the Q-bell to use for 2-3 days, after which semi-structured interviews with participating individuals were conducted. Due to difficulties the researcher had with the infrastructure at the facilities eight participants were approached and interviewed in this study. All the interviews were conducted in private, but face to face, at the bedside of each participant, in the facilities of care. Digital voice recordings of these interviews were made after informed consent being sought from the participants. Verbatim transcripts of the recordings were made and a thematic analysis using Tesch’s method, was performed by the researcher followed by a consensus meeting with the independent coder. Ethical considerations such as beneficence, justice, autonomy, informed consent was adhered to by the researcher. Trustworthiness was achieved by following Guba’s principles of credibility, applicability, consistency and neutrality. Three themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one highlighted the participants’ experiences whilst using the Q-bell. Theme two reflected the positive characteristics of the Q-bell when compared to other call devices the participants might have used while theme three posed possible recommendations the participants had to possibly improve on the design of the Q-bell. The research report concludes with the research limitations and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sithole, Siphiwo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Self-help devices for people with disabilities , People with disabilities -- Means of communication -- Technological innovations Communication devices for people with disabilities People with disabilities -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35543 , vital:33755
- Description: The Q-bell is a newly developed call bell system that aims to simplify the lives of people living with disabilities by providing a means for them to easily summon assistance from caregivers when needed. The product is designed to be hands free so that a patient only must exert minimal pressure on the device with any part of the body such as the cheek to call for attention. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of disabled participants regarding the functionality of the Q-bell systems during their stay in a care facility. To achieve this aim, an exploratory, descriptive, contextual, qualitative design was decided upon. There was a paucity of similar studies and this method was deemed the most effective method to fully grasp, contextualize and interpret the experiences of the research participants following the use of the Q-bell. The research population included all people with disabilities who were in care facilities. A purposive sampling method was used to identify a small number of disabled participants in care facilities to use the Q-bell. The researcher approached selected facilities and the residents in their care who had limited to no function of their hands and arms to test the Q-bell. The participants were given the Q-bell to use for 2-3 days, after which semi-structured interviews with participating individuals were conducted. Due to difficulties the researcher had with the infrastructure at the facilities eight participants were approached and interviewed in this study. All the interviews were conducted in private, but face to face, at the bedside of each participant, in the facilities of care. Digital voice recordings of these interviews were made after informed consent being sought from the participants. Verbatim transcripts of the recordings were made and a thematic analysis using Tesch’s method, was performed by the researcher followed by a consensus meeting with the independent coder. Ethical considerations such as beneficence, justice, autonomy, informed consent was adhered to by the researcher. Trustworthiness was achieved by following Guba’s principles of credibility, applicability, consistency and neutrality. Three themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme one highlighted the participants’ experiences whilst using the Q-bell. Theme two reflected the positive characteristics of the Q-bell when compared to other call devices the participants might have used while theme three posed possible recommendations the participants had to possibly improve on the design of the Q-bell. The research report concludes with the research limitations and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between attribution style, rural vs urban status and traumatic stress severity in Kiambu and Nyeri counties, Kenya
- Authors: Ndungu, Jane Wagithi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Kenya , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients -- Interviews -- Kenya Rural conditions -- Psychological aspects -- Kenya Rural mental health services -- Kenya Community psychology -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32793 , vital:32363
- Description: Traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress in Kenya is a common experience. Despite this prevalence, an investigation of the dynamic influence of variables (such as cultural differences) on posttraumatic stress has received little attention in the country. This means that a relatively narrow understanding of traumatic stress exists in the Kenyan context. This study therefore investigated the relationship between attribution style, rural vs. urban status and posttraumatic stress severity. The exploration and description of these relationships contributed to creating a more nuanced understanding of traumatic stress. Such a nuanced understanding would be useful to a variety of fields of practice. The study utilised a sample from a rural and urban area of Kenya. A purposive convenience sample of 178 rural and 176 urban individuals was used. The study employed a biographical questionnaire and 2 quantitative measures, namely, the Attribution Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that posttraumatic stress severity in the urban area was significantly higher than in the rural area. The urban sample was significantly more likely to attribute negative events to internal (rather than external) and specific (rather than global) causes than the rural sample. A regression analysis showed that a negative internal attribution style and educational level had a significant relationship with posttraumatic stress severity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ndungu, Jane Wagithi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Kenya , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients -- Interviews -- Kenya Rural conditions -- Psychological aspects -- Kenya Rural mental health services -- Kenya Community psychology -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32793 , vital:32363
- Description: Traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress in Kenya is a common experience. Despite this prevalence, an investigation of the dynamic influence of variables (such as cultural differences) on posttraumatic stress has received little attention in the country. This means that a relatively narrow understanding of traumatic stress exists in the Kenyan context. This study therefore investigated the relationship between attribution style, rural vs. urban status and posttraumatic stress severity. The exploration and description of these relationships contributed to creating a more nuanced understanding of traumatic stress. Such a nuanced understanding would be useful to a variety of fields of practice. The study utilised a sample from a rural and urban area of Kenya. A purposive convenience sample of 178 rural and 176 urban individuals was used. The study employed a biographical questionnaire and 2 quantitative measures, namely, the Attribution Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that posttraumatic stress severity in the urban area was significantly higher than in the rural area. The urban sample was significantly more likely to attribute negative events to internal (rather than external) and specific (rather than global) causes than the rural sample. A regression analysis showed that a negative internal attribution style and educational level had a significant relationship with posttraumatic stress severity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between psychological capital,life satisfaction and employee retention
- Authors: Van Greuning, Hester
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee Retention , Work -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45712 , vital:38957
- Description: South African organisations are faced with the challenge of retaining key and critical employee cohorts. externally focused methods and models of turnover and retention fail to comprehensively explain the lack of highly skilled employees and the inability of organisations to successfully retain these employee groupings. This nonexperimental correlational study investigated the relationship and interaction between the positive psychological constructs of psychological capital and life satisfaction and employee turnover intention of a South African sample of specialist and management level employees (n=150). The survey method was utilised to gather data for the study with a biographical questionnaire, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire-12 (PCQ-12), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Turnover Intention Scale-6 (TIS-6). Data analysis was conducted in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency tables, Cronbach’s Alpha testing, exploratory factory analysis, correlation analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance and structural equation modelling. The results indicated that significant relationships exist between psychological capital, life satisfaction and employee turnover intention. A substantial negative relationship was found between psychological capital and employee turnover intention, as well as a small, yet definite negative relationship between life satisfaction and turnover intention. Even though the results indicated a substantial positive relationship between psychological capital and life satisfaction, the relationship with employee turnover intention was insignificant when the two variables were correlated. This study adds to the current body of knowledge regarding employee retention in South Africa, and allows for a number of future research avenues to be explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van Greuning, Hester
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee Retention , Work -- Psychological aspects , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45712 , vital:38957
- Description: South African organisations are faced with the challenge of retaining key and critical employee cohorts. externally focused methods and models of turnover and retention fail to comprehensively explain the lack of highly skilled employees and the inability of organisations to successfully retain these employee groupings. This nonexperimental correlational study investigated the relationship and interaction between the positive psychological constructs of psychological capital and life satisfaction and employee turnover intention of a South African sample of specialist and management level employees (n=150). The survey method was utilised to gather data for the study with a biographical questionnaire, the Psychological Capital Questionnaire-12 (PCQ-12), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Turnover Intention Scale-6 (TIS-6). Data analysis was conducted in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency tables, Cronbach’s Alpha testing, exploratory factory analysis, correlation analysis, t-tests, analysis of variance and structural equation modelling. The results indicated that significant relationships exist between psychological capital, life satisfaction and employee turnover intention. A substantial negative relationship was found between psychological capital and employee turnover intention, as well as a small, yet definite negative relationship between life satisfaction and turnover intention. Even though the results indicated a substantial positive relationship between psychological capital and life satisfaction, the relationship with employee turnover intention was insignificant when the two variables were correlated. This study adds to the current body of knowledge regarding employee retention in South Africa, and allows for a number of future research avenues to be explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of empathy in emotionally intelligent leadership: an integrative review
- Greyling, Candice, De Jager, Marina
- Authors: Greyling, Candice , De Jager, Marina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22123 , vital:29842
- Description: Empathy is regarded as a fundamental interpersonal skill. Interpersonal skills are the life skills that we make use of every day to communicate and interact with other people, both individually and in groups. In this study, empathy is given prominence as a component of emotional intelligence. The concept emotional intelligence has enjoyed great popularity in recent years. In this study leadership denotes any person in a leadership position within an organisation. Extensive research has been done on the impact of emotional intelligence on organisations and leadership. Therefore, the aim of this study is to critically analyse the available evidence and to provide a clear review and synthesis of the role that empathy plays in emotionally intelligent leadership. The methodology used in this study will be that of an integrative review. An integrative review summarises the best-quality empirical evidence of the benefits and limitations of a specific practice to provide recommendations for future research. Data to be reviewed include articles in scholarly journals, books, theses and computerised databases. International and national literature involving both quantitative and qualitative research studies will be reviewed. As both qualitative and quantitative research studies will be of focus in this integrative review, rigour in both research methods was considered. The reviewer also considered four ethical considerations, namely: quality, transparency, honesty and plagiarism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Greyling, Candice , De Jager, Marina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Emotional intelligence -- Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22123 , vital:29842
- Description: Empathy is regarded as a fundamental interpersonal skill. Interpersonal skills are the life skills that we make use of every day to communicate and interact with other people, both individually and in groups. In this study, empathy is given prominence as a component of emotional intelligence. The concept emotional intelligence has enjoyed great popularity in recent years. In this study leadership denotes any person in a leadership position within an organisation. Extensive research has been done on the impact of emotional intelligence on organisations and leadership. Therefore, the aim of this study is to critically analyse the available evidence and to provide a clear review and synthesis of the role that empathy plays in emotionally intelligent leadership. The methodology used in this study will be that of an integrative review. An integrative review summarises the best-quality empirical evidence of the benefits and limitations of a specific practice to provide recommendations for future research. Data to be reviewed include articles in scholarly journals, books, theses and computerised databases. International and national literature involving both quantitative and qualitative research studies will be reviewed. As both qualitative and quantitative research studies will be of focus in this integrative review, rigour in both research methods was considered. The reviewer also considered four ethical considerations, namely: quality, transparency, honesty and plagiarism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Therapists’ perception of the healing variables of animal assisted intervention
- Authors: Torghi, Parnaz Salmani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Pets -- Therapeutic use Human-animal relationships Psychotherapy -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36705 , vital:34045
- Description: The significance of the bond that is formed through animal companionship can be found in narratives throughout history. In fact, often a pet is viewed as an integral part of the family and valued as deeply as a member if not more. This has resulted in numerous studies regarding the incorporation of animals within the therapeutic environment and the unique positive impact of their presence on the client. This study aimed to highlight the healing variables of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) as perceived by therapists that actively and purposefully incorporated animals into the therapeutic milieu. A qualitative research approach was utilised for the purpose of this study and semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of five participants selected through a nonprobability purposive and snowball sampling strategy. Participants included registered Psychologists and Counsellors that had incorporated an animal into the therapeutic environment on at least three separate occasions in order to facilitate the therapeutic process. The participants revealed that the presence of the animal within the therapeutic environment acted as a social lubricant for therapy. This allowed for increased interaction between the therapist and the client, thereby facilitating the process of rapport building and the formation of a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The presence of the animal was observed as influential in increasing clients’ self-esteem. Likewise, the animal’s presence acted as an instrument in teaching social skills, namely, empathy and responsibility. Clients were additionally observed as more present within the here and now, further enabling the therapist to gain more in-depth information regarding the client’s relational interaction outside of the therapeutic setting. The therapy animal also provided the client with therapeutic touch and affection, a source of distraction, a form of a transitional object or object of projection, as well as a buffer that enabled clients to access and express emotions more freely. This study adds to the body of knowledge available on AAI within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Torghi, Parnaz Salmani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Animals -- Therapeutic use , Pets -- Therapeutic use Human-animal relationships Psychotherapy -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36705 , vital:34045
- Description: The significance of the bond that is formed through animal companionship can be found in narratives throughout history. In fact, often a pet is viewed as an integral part of the family and valued as deeply as a member if not more. This has resulted in numerous studies regarding the incorporation of animals within the therapeutic environment and the unique positive impact of their presence on the client. This study aimed to highlight the healing variables of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) as perceived by therapists that actively and purposefully incorporated animals into the therapeutic milieu. A qualitative research approach was utilised for the purpose of this study and semistructured interviews were conducted with a sample of five participants selected through a nonprobability purposive and snowball sampling strategy. Participants included registered Psychologists and Counsellors that had incorporated an animal into the therapeutic environment on at least three separate occasions in order to facilitate the therapeutic process. The participants revealed that the presence of the animal within the therapeutic environment acted as a social lubricant for therapy. This allowed for increased interaction between the therapist and the client, thereby facilitating the process of rapport building and the formation of a therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. The presence of the animal was observed as influential in increasing clients’ self-esteem. Likewise, the animal’s presence acted as an instrument in teaching social skills, namely, empathy and responsibility. Clients were additionally observed as more present within the here and now, further enabling the therapist to gain more in-depth information regarding the client’s relational interaction outside of the therapeutic setting. The therapy animal also provided the client with therapeutic touch and affection, a source of distraction, a form of a transitional object or object of projection, as well as a buffer that enabled clients to access and express emotions more freely. This study adds to the body of knowledge available on AAI within the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards the development of a conceptual framework for hospital performance assessment of a South African public hospital in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Wagner, Rolene Margaret
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public hospitals Hospital care Hospitals -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12249 , vital:39223
- Description: An integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals, is not available. The aim of this study was therefore to contribute to the development of a conceptual framework for assessing the performance of a SA public hospital in the Eastern Cape Province. The systematic literature review included all black and grey literature that relate to one of the two main themes- the purpose of measuring hospital performance and the methodology of assessing hospital performance. Relevant studies were identified through a Google search using the following descriptors: “Hospital Performance”, and “Hospital Performance Assessment”. There were 369 scholarly articles with the exact descriptors anywhere in the article with 59 articles released during the period 2012 to 2016. Ultimately, 7 articles met all the inclusionary criteria and described enterprise wide assessments of hospital performance. Other relevant articles, inclusive of grey literature, are included. Two of the studies in Morocco and Costa Rica were systematic reviews of hospital performance and covered the period 2000-2011. The Botswana case study assessed the use of the WHO PATH tool to measure the performance of its public hospitals. The Iranian, United States and Malaysian studies reflected on single aspect measures of hospital performance such as efficiency; the effect of weighting hospital performance indicators for patient harm on hospital profiles and payment; and Bed Occupancy rates, respectively. The review of the challenges associated with developing a hospital performance assessment framework was not found to be as useful as the other articles. The WHO PATH tool provides a high level integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals. This, however, needs to be adapted to the South African context with specific indicators being selected by local stakeholders that will promote best possible patient outcomes and a positive experience of patient-centred care at effective and efficient public health facilities. Lessons can be drawn from other countries’ experiences that have implemented hospital performance assessments and tested specific performance indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wagner, Rolene Margaret
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public hospitals Hospital care Hospitals -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12249 , vital:39223
- Description: An integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals, is not available. The aim of this study was therefore to contribute to the development of a conceptual framework for assessing the performance of a SA public hospital in the Eastern Cape Province. The systematic literature review included all black and grey literature that relate to one of the two main themes- the purpose of measuring hospital performance and the methodology of assessing hospital performance. Relevant studies were identified through a Google search using the following descriptors: “Hospital Performance”, and “Hospital Performance Assessment”. There were 369 scholarly articles with the exact descriptors anywhere in the article with 59 articles released during the period 2012 to 2016. Ultimately, 7 articles met all the inclusionary criteria and described enterprise wide assessments of hospital performance. Other relevant articles, inclusive of grey literature, are included. Two of the studies in Morocco and Costa Rica were systematic reviews of hospital performance and covered the period 2000-2011. The Botswana case study assessed the use of the WHO PATH tool to measure the performance of its public hospitals. The Iranian, United States and Malaysian studies reflected on single aspect measures of hospital performance such as efficiency; the effect of weighting hospital performance indicators for patient harm on hospital profiles and payment; and Bed Occupancy rates, respectively. The review of the challenges associated with developing a hospital performance assessment framework was not found to be as useful as the other articles. The WHO PATH tool provides a high level integrated conceptual framework for measuring and comparing the performance of a South African teaching hospital in the Eastern Cape Province with other hospitals. This, however, needs to be adapted to the South African context with specific indicators being selected by local stakeholders that will promote best possible patient outcomes and a positive experience of patient-centred care at effective and efficient public health facilities. Lessons can be drawn from other countries’ experiences that have implemented hospital performance assessments and tested specific performance indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Weight gain in hospitalised low birth weight (LBW) premature infants receiving breast milk or breast milk with human milk fortifier in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Wicomb, Ra-eesa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Premature infants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Birth weight, Low -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Birth weight -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Infants -- Nutrition Children -- Nutrition -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23327 , vital:30529
- Description: Rationale: Worldwide, hospitals with premature units have one generalised objective, i.e. to achieve postnatal growth and body composition similar to that of a normal foetus of similar gestational age. Optimal nutrition leads to optimal neurodevelopment and breastfeeding (BF) is known as the golden standard for infant nutrition. Human breast milk (BM) has significant value for preterm and term infants and is of special benefit to HIV infected mothers. Maternal supplementation is provided as part of the standard protocol in certain hospitals in the Eastern Cape province to those mothers who breastfeed their low birth weight (LBW) infants after delivery. human milk fortifier (HMF) is a nutritional supplement that is added to expressed breast milk for feeding preterm infants in order to meet their high energy and protein needs and therefore supporting the recommended growth velocity of 10g/kg/day-15g/kg/day. Some hospitals within South Africa provide HMF to preterm infants as part of their standard nutritional protocol in order for the infant to gain weight if BM only failed to produce adequate results. To date, little to no South African studies support or discourage the use of HMF for LBW infants. This study aimed to describe the effect of maternal supplementation compared with breast milk with HMF, or a combination of maternal supplementation and breast milk with HMF, on growth velocity in hospitalised LBW premature infants within the Nelson Mandela Bay health district. The proposed study design followed a longitudinal, observational, descriptive study in a cohort of LBW infants. The study was analytical using quantitative empirical data. Study participants were selected, by using convenience sampling, at Dora Nginza Hospital, Zwide between October 2015 and August 2016 (ethics approval: EC_2016RP27_564). Quantitative data on anthropometric measurements was collected from study participants. Primary care givers provided written informed consent. Registered nurses were trained and performed anthropometrical measurements according to standardised methods. A structured questionnaire was completed by the principal reasarcher as a source of data collection. Numerical data was described using means and standard deviations. Chi squares were used to describe the associations between maternal risk factors and birth weight outcomes. ANOVA was used to determine the relationship between growth velocity and the various supplementation groups. A sample size of 91 LBW preterm infants and mother pairs were entered into this study. The majority of mothers, 64% (n=58) fell in the age category of 20-35 years old. Of the total maternal sample (n=88), 35% (n=31) were classified in the at risk age category, i.e. <20years old and >36years old. Out of the total infant sample (n=91), 65% (n=59) was classified as VLBW, 22% was LBW and 22% (n=20) was ELBW. No statistically significant association was found between infant growth velocity and maternal risk factors. The group receiving BM with HMF had a mean growth velocity of 19.75 g/kg/day (SD=6.45) that was statistically significantly (p<0.05) more than the other groups. The maternal supplementation only group and the maternal supplementation and BM fortification group showed mean growth velocities of 12.26 g/kg/day (SD=5.41) and 12.29 g/kg/day (SD=6.97) respectively. A post hoc test was done between growth velocity in the supplementated groups and the length of hospital stay. These results reveal that the group receiving BM with HMF had a significantly (p<0.05) shorter mean length of hospital stay of 11.29 days (SD=7.02), compared with the group on the combination of maternal supplementation and BM with HMF. In this study, infants receiving HMF with BM showed the highest growth velocity with the shortest hospital stay before discharge. In this group, infants were already receiving an adequate BM intake of 150-180 ml/kg/day prior to participation in the study. This meant that the HMF group consisted of more stable preterm infants compared to the rest of the supplementated groups. However, a large proportion of participants in the maternal supplementation group also showed adequate to good growth velocity. The researcher recommends the implementation of maternal supplementation only, as standard of care for all hospitalised lactating women. Furthermore, timeous addition of HMF to expressed BM is necessary for infants with growth velocities <15 g/kg/day. This may save costs to the hospital as the use of HMF allowed for better weight gain and earlier discharge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wicomb, Ra-eesa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Premature infants -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Birth weight, Low -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Birth weight -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Infants -- Nutrition Children -- Nutrition -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23327 , vital:30529
- Description: Rationale: Worldwide, hospitals with premature units have one generalised objective, i.e. to achieve postnatal growth and body composition similar to that of a normal foetus of similar gestational age. Optimal nutrition leads to optimal neurodevelopment and breastfeeding (BF) is known as the golden standard for infant nutrition. Human breast milk (BM) has significant value for preterm and term infants and is of special benefit to HIV infected mothers. Maternal supplementation is provided as part of the standard protocol in certain hospitals in the Eastern Cape province to those mothers who breastfeed their low birth weight (LBW) infants after delivery. human milk fortifier (HMF) is a nutritional supplement that is added to expressed breast milk for feeding preterm infants in order to meet their high energy and protein needs and therefore supporting the recommended growth velocity of 10g/kg/day-15g/kg/day. Some hospitals within South Africa provide HMF to preterm infants as part of their standard nutritional protocol in order for the infant to gain weight if BM only failed to produce adequate results. To date, little to no South African studies support or discourage the use of HMF for LBW infants. This study aimed to describe the effect of maternal supplementation compared with breast milk with HMF, or a combination of maternal supplementation and breast milk with HMF, on growth velocity in hospitalised LBW premature infants within the Nelson Mandela Bay health district. The proposed study design followed a longitudinal, observational, descriptive study in a cohort of LBW infants. The study was analytical using quantitative empirical data. Study participants were selected, by using convenience sampling, at Dora Nginza Hospital, Zwide between October 2015 and August 2016 (ethics approval: EC_2016RP27_564). Quantitative data on anthropometric measurements was collected from study participants. Primary care givers provided written informed consent. Registered nurses were trained and performed anthropometrical measurements according to standardised methods. A structured questionnaire was completed by the principal reasarcher as a source of data collection. Numerical data was described using means and standard deviations. Chi squares were used to describe the associations between maternal risk factors and birth weight outcomes. ANOVA was used to determine the relationship between growth velocity and the various supplementation groups. A sample size of 91 LBW preterm infants and mother pairs were entered into this study. The majority of mothers, 64% (n=58) fell in the age category of 20-35 years old. Of the total maternal sample (n=88), 35% (n=31) were classified in the at risk age category, i.e. <20years old and >36years old. Out of the total infant sample (n=91), 65% (n=59) was classified as VLBW, 22% was LBW and 22% (n=20) was ELBW. No statistically significant association was found between infant growth velocity and maternal risk factors. The group receiving BM with HMF had a mean growth velocity of 19.75 g/kg/day (SD=6.45) that was statistically significantly (p<0.05) more than the other groups. The maternal supplementation only group and the maternal supplementation and BM fortification group showed mean growth velocities of 12.26 g/kg/day (SD=5.41) and 12.29 g/kg/day (SD=6.97) respectively. A post hoc test was done between growth velocity in the supplementated groups and the length of hospital stay. These results reveal that the group receiving BM with HMF had a significantly (p<0.05) shorter mean length of hospital stay of 11.29 days (SD=7.02), compared with the group on the combination of maternal supplementation and BM with HMF. In this study, infants receiving HMF with BM showed the highest growth velocity with the shortest hospital stay before discharge. In this group, infants were already receiving an adequate BM intake of 150-180 ml/kg/day prior to participation in the study. This meant that the HMF group consisted of more stable preterm infants compared to the rest of the supplementated groups. However, a large proportion of participants in the maternal supplementation group also showed adequate to good growth velocity. The researcher recommends the implementation of maternal supplementation only, as standard of care for all hospitalised lactating women. Furthermore, timeous addition of HMF to expressed BM is necessary for infants with growth velocities <15 g/kg/day. This may save costs to the hospital as the use of HMF allowed for better weight gain and earlier discharge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Women's knowledge and attitudes towards discontinuation of the Long-acting reversible contraceptive (Implanon) in Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Mrwebi, Khungelwa Patricia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Contraceptives Birth control Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11206 , vital:37231
- Description: Unintended pregnancy remains a public health concern worldwide despite the availability of many contraceptives options. The South Africa Government introduced Implanon —a Long-acting Reversible Device— with aim to cost effectively prevent unplanned pregnancy. There are concerns that the implementation of this contraceptive option was without prior piloting to test for level of acceptance and attitude towards this contraception. Also, there is paucity of evidence on knowledge of women and their attitude to implanon as well as duration of use and reasons for discontinuation of implanon in South Africa. The present study address this gap by assessing the women’s knowledge of and attitude to implanon as well as reasons for implanon discontinuation in Buffalo City Municipality in South Africa. This prospective observational study administered a pre-validated questionnaire to 189 women who had removed implanon in the reproductive health clinic in one regional hospital and a primary health centre in Buffalo City Municipality. Descriptive statistics were used to analysis the study data. The average duration for implanon use among the participants was 11.2 months. Most participants had poor knowledge of implanon and implanon knowledge was significantly associated was with age. Most participants opined that implanon use is associated with heavy bleeding (60.7), irregular frequent bleeding (84.3percent), and weight gain (67percent). The main reason for implanon discontinuation was its side effects (71.3 percent). Other reasons for discontinuation of implanon are poor or wrong positioning (3.2percent), want to become pregnant (4.3percent). Some participants discontinued implanon because they were on treatment; 24 participants on ARV drug, one on antipsychotic drugs, and one on TB drugs. Experience of heavy bleeding (39.9percent) was the most stated side of implanon leading to implanon discontinuation. The study concluded that women, even though adopted implanon, lack knowledge of implanon mechanism of action and side effects. Poor knowledge of implanon side effects could explain its early discontinuation among women in South Africa. Provider should prioritise comprehensive counselling of clients on implanon side effects and mechanism of action in order to realise the benefit of implanon in this population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mrwebi, Khungelwa Patricia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Contraceptives Birth control Women's health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11206 , vital:37231
- Description: Unintended pregnancy remains a public health concern worldwide despite the availability of many contraceptives options. The South Africa Government introduced Implanon —a Long-acting Reversible Device— with aim to cost effectively prevent unplanned pregnancy. There are concerns that the implementation of this contraceptive option was without prior piloting to test for level of acceptance and attitude towards this contraception. Also, there is paucity of evidence on knowledge of women and their attitude to implanon as well as duration of use and reasons for discontinuation of implanon in South Africa. The present study address this gap by assessing the women’s knowledge of and attitude to implanon as well as reasons for implanon discontinuation in Buffalo City Municipality in South Africa. This prospective observational study administered a pre-validated questionnaire to 189 women who had removed implanon in the reproductive health clinic in one regional hospital and a primary health centre in Buffalo City Municipality. Descriptive statistics were used to analysis the study data. The average duration for implanon use among the participants was 11.2 months. Most participants had poor knowledge of implanon and implanon knowledge was significantly associated was with age. Most participants opined that implanon use is associated with heavy bleeding (60.7), irregular frequent bleeding (84.3percent), and weight gain (67percent). The main reason for implanon discontinuation was its side effects (71.3 percent). Other reasons for discontinuation of implanon are poor or wrong positioning (3.2percent), want to become pregnant (4.3percent). Some participants discontinued implanon because they were on treatment; 24 participants on ARV drug, one on antipsychotic drugs, and one on TB drugs. Experience of heavy bleeding (39.9percent) was the most stated side of implanon leading to implanon discontinuation. The study concluded that women, even though adopted implanon, lack knowledge of implanon mechanism of action and side effects. Poor knowledge of implanon side effects could explain its early discontinuation among women in South Africa. Provider should prioritise comprehensive counselling of clients on implanon side effects and mechanism of action in order to realise the benefit of implanon in this population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018