Discrepancy in conventional microscopic manual differential counts of band neutrophils among microscopists
- Godson-Katchew, Chesna Terry-Lee
- Authors: Godson-Katchew, Chesna Terry-Lee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Neutrophils , Hematology Medical statistics -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MHSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30127 , vital:30830
- Description: The interpretation of the band neutrophil count on manual differential counts performed amongst microscopists can vary greatly. The band neutrophil is an immature granulocyte, maturing towards a segmented neutrophil. There are varying degrees of misconception of the band neutrophil identification, as the band neutrophil closely resembles the maturing segmented neutrophil. Although there are guidelines for the identification of band neutrophils, many laboratories incorporate their own “standard” as to what a band neutrophil should look like. Even when a standard exists for the identification of band neutrophils, many microscopists still have difficulty identifying these cells, making it difficult to accurately perform, interpret and report a manual differential count. Due to the controversy it is thus necessary to identify whether the problem lies with the identification of the band neutrophil itself, or the individual microscopist’s perception of differentiation between the band neutrophil and a maturing segmented neutrophil. The purpose of this study was to establish the accuracy by which microscopists distinguish band neutrophils from mature segmented neutrophils, the extent of discrepancies in the band neutrophil count amongst microscopists, to establish whether microscopists required re-training and to establish meaningful recommendations for microscopists to aid in the accurate identification of band neutrophils. The researcher thus made use of a self-administered picture diagram, distributed among microscopists to assess the accuracy of the band neutrophil counts prior to training. Participants counted an average of 61.47% neutrophils and 38.53% band neutrophils. Coefficient of variation (CV) for neutrophils and band neutrophils were calculated and yielded a CV of 22.48 and 35.87 respectively. Due to the high CV calculated, suggesting a greater level of dispersion around the mean, the researcher investigated individual responses from the picture-diagram. With the findings of the individual picture-diagram results, the researcher developed an impression that there was a large variation in counts for both neutrophils and band cells. Training was then given to participants arranged by the researcher, for accurate band neutrophil identification. Following training a second survey was conducted in order to assess the variation in counts among microscopists. 1 The peripheral blood smear was then provided and used to perform a manual differential count by conventional light microscopy, in order to compare results. Similarly, results obtained by the microscopists was compared to the verified manual differential count performed by a Haematologist; to improve the accuracy of results reported routinely. With the findings of the individual manual differential count results the researcher observed, that there was indeed a discrepancy in the manual differential counts performed by microscopists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Godson-Katchew, Chesna Terry-Lee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Neutrophils , Hematology Medical statistics -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MHSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30127 , vital:30830
- Description: The interpretation of the band neutrophil count on manual differential counts performed amongst microscopists can vary greatly. The band neutrophil is an immature granulocyte, maturing towards a segmented neutrophil. There are varying degrees of misconception of the band neutrophil identification, as the band neutrophil closely resembles the maturing segmented neutrophil. Although there are guidelines for the identification of band neutrophils, many laboratories incorporate their own “standard” as to what a band neutrophil should look like. Even when a standard exists for the identification of band neutrophils, many microscopists still have difficulty identifying these cells, making it difficult to accurately perform, interpret and report a manual differential count. Due to the controversy it is thus necessary to identify whether the problem lies with the identification of the band neutrophil itself, or the individual microscopist’s perception of differentiation between the band neutrophil and a maturing segmented neutrophil. The purpose of this study was to establish the accuracy by which microscopists distinguish band neutrophils from mature segmented neutrophils, the extent of discrepancies in the band neutrophil count amongst microscopists, to establish whether microscopists required re-training and to establish meaningful recommendations for microscopists to aid in the accurate identification of band neutrophils. The researcher thus made use of a self-administered picture diagram, distributed among microscopists to assess the accuracy of the band neutrophil counts prior to training. Participants counted an average of 61.47% neutrophils and 38.53% band neutrophils. Coefficient of variation (CV) for neutrophils and band neutrophils were calculated and yielded a CV of 22.48 and 35.87 respectively. Due to the high CV calculated, suggesting a greater level of dispersion around the mean, the researcher investigated individual responses from the picture-diagram. With the findings of the individual picture-diagram results, the researcher developed an impression that there was a large variation in counts for both neutrophils and band cells. Training was then given to participants arranged by the researcher, for accurate band neutrophil identification. Following training a second survey was conducted in order to assess the variation in counts among microscopists. 1 The peripheral blood smear was then provided and used to perform a manual differential count by conventional light microscopy, in order to compare results. Similarly, results obtained by the microscopists was compared to the verified manual differential count performed by a Haematologist; to improve the accuracy of results reported routinely. With the findings of the individual manual differential count results the researcher observed, that there was indeed a discrepancy in the manual differential counts performed by microscopists.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of femininity on sexual health decision making of young females
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Female students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23705 , vital:30603
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of femininity on sexual health decision making of young females
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa , Women -- Identity , Adolescents -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30298 , vital:30928
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Wet, Elna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa , Women -- Identity , Adolescents -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30298 , vital:30928
- Description: South Africa is characterised by high levels of HIV infections and unwanted pregnancies, despite the vast amount of interventions aimed at combatting this issue. It becomes important to explore why these interventions are not actively achieving what they aim to. A major cause for concern is the increase in risky sexual behaviour in the adolescence and young adult (15-24 year) age group. In various cultures, women’s socialization has a direct impact on their ability to prioritize their sexual health. Steeped in patriarchal ideology, many South African cultures prioritise the power of masculinity over and above the femxle experience. Improved partner communication leads to decreased risky sexual behaviour, but it becomes tricky when the relationship is characterized by a gender power imbalance. This study is aimed at understanding South African femxle sexual health by focussing on 1) the extent to which the overarching traditional beliefs about femininity is related to their sexual self-efficacy. Furthermore, it is aimed at 2) the extent to which they engage in sexual activity and behaviour that would protect them from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Research design is quantitative and include an online survey for femxle students between the ages of 18 and 24, enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. The data was analysed statistically, where after the research findings will be interpreted from the perspective of Feminist Psychological Theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effects of an integrated movement programme on motor proficiency, visual motor integration and scholastic achievement in grade one learners of quintile five primary schools in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Lister, Cassandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Perceptual-motor learning , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Self-perception in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22442 , vital:29970
- Description: Globally, the association between physical fitness, motor proficiency and scholastic achievement has been well researched. However, information concerning the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes in children from various socio-economic disparities, is less well studied. A lack of studies exists on the relationship between perceptual-motor development and scholastic performance in literacy and numeracy in children from low-middle income countries such as in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the need exists for educational movement programme implementation in developing countries based on studies of good methodological design, to allow early prevention, identification and rectification of apparent motor deficits in young children. Purpose (Aim): To investigate effects of an integrated movement programme in the classroom setting on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement of grade one learners between the ages of six- to nine-years-old in quintile five primary schools in Port Elizabeth. A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the selected dependent variables at baseline assessment on 45 grade one learners from an experimental-and control group in quintile five schools in Port Elizabeth. There were two intervention periods that consisted of a pre-existing classroom-based integrated movement programme (NeuroNet) administered by an internationally accredited teacher to the experimental group. Each intervention period coincided with school terms three and four in 2017 and were a minimum of four weeks long. Pre-test and post-test assessments for all three dependent variables were done at the beginning and end of each term respectively. The learners participated in the integrated movement programme five days per week for 20-minute duration in the classroom. The main two standardised, reliable and valid test batteries used to measure motor proficiency and visual-motor integration were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Brief Form (BOT-2 Brief Form) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration Full Form sixth edition (Beery VMI). The Beery VMI contained two sub-tests the Beery VMI Visual Perception Test (VMI-VP), and the Beery VMI Motor Coordination Test (VMI-MC), which measured the participants’ visual perception and motor coordination. Scholastic achievement was measured using four domains of the participants’ school reports: numeracy, reading, writing and total scholastic achievement scores. Purposive sampling was used to obtain participants from quintile five primary schools whose principals voluntarily provided consent to undertake the study. Data was collected by trained research assistants and the sole researcher. The Statistica for Windows (StatSoft Incorporated; 2014) software package was used for data analysis. Descriptive data analysis included the means (M) and standard deviations (SD) as measures of central tendency and distribution. Independent t-tests determined between-group differences and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. The magnitude (effect size) of pre-post-intervention differences for both groups was calculated for all variables as Cohen’s d statistic. Subsequent interpretation categories were d<0.20 (insignificant effect), 0.20≤d<0.50 (small effect), 0.50≤d<0.80 (medium effect) and d≥0.80 (large effect) (Gravetter & Wallnau, 2009). The experimental group had statistically significant (p<0.05) higher initial mean values for motor proficiency, visual perception, the reading, writing and total scholastic achievement domains. Motor proficiency showed a mean increase of 10.62±13.97 (24% improvement) in the experimental group compared to a mean increase of 9.63±13.26 (8% improvement) in the control group. A significant final mean between-group difference in motor proficiency was found post-intervention (Diff=16.70, t(43)=3.70, p=0.001; Cohen’s d=1.11: large effect size). Visual-motor integration showed a mean decrease of 5.38±14.34 in the experimental group and a decrease of 8.88±15.39 in the control group. No apparent between-group significant difference occurred for visual-motor integration. Visual perception scores indicated a mean increase of 11.82±18.81 in the experimental group and a mean increase of 15.71±30.03 in the control group. A statistically significant mean between-group difference in visual perception post-intervention was seen (Diff=26.40, t(43) =3.95, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.18: large effect size). Motor coordination showed a mean increase of 20.00±18.45 in the experimental group and decrease of 1.50±23.74 in the control group over the intervention period (Diff=21.50, t(43)=3.36, p=0.002; Cohen’s d=1.00: large effect size). There was a significant between-group mean motor coordination difference post intervention (Diff=19.59, t(43)=2.96, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.88: large effect size). The experimental group showed significantly higher mean reading scores pre- 5.67±0.80 and post-intervention 5.43±0.93 compared to the control group pre- 4.13±0.74 and post-intervention 4.63±0.88. Significant between-group differences in reading scores pre- (Diff=1.54, t(43)=6.73, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.01: large effect size) and post-intervention (Diff=0.80, t(43)=2.99, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.89: large effect size) were also evident. The experimental group also showed significantly higher mean writing scores pre- 5.62±0.74 and post-intervention 5.05±0.86 compared to the control group pre- 3.83±0.96 and post-intervention 4.21±1.28. A significant between-group difference in writing scores pre- intervention (Diff=1.79, t(43)=6.90, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.06: large effect size) was evident. Total scholastic achievement scores showed an initial significant difference between the experimental- and control group (Diff=1.26, t(43)=6.42, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.92: large effect size). Positive practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual-motor integration and reading |r|=0.350; visual perception and writing |r|=0.336; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.318; visual-motor integration and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.330 in the experimental group. In the control group negative practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual perception and reading |r|=-0.304, whereas positive practical significance was found between visual perception and writing |r|=0.319; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.340; motor coordination and numeracy |r|=0.378; and motor coordination and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.378 at (p<0.05). The integrated movement programme had significantly positive effects on motor proficiency, visual perception and motor coordination. Motor proficiency had no significant correlation to scholastic achievement domains post-intervention, whereas visual-motor integration significantly correlated to reading and total scholastic achievement; visual perception correlated significantly to writing and negatively to reading; and motor coordination correlated significantly to writing, numeracy and total scholastic achievement. Future longitudinal research incorporating a larger range and scope is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lister, Cassandra
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Perceptual-motor learning , Motor ability in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Self-perception in children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22442 , vital:29970
- Description: Globally, the association between physical fitness, motor proficiency and scholastic achievement has been well researched. However, information concerning the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes in children from various socio-economic disparities, is less well studied. A lack of studies exists on the relationship between perceptual-motor development and scholastic performance in literacy and numeracy in children from low-middle income countries such as in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the need exists for educational movement programme implementation in developing countries based on studies of good methodological design, to allow early prevention, identification and rectification of apparent motor deficits in young children. Purpose (Aim): To investigate effects of an integrated movement programme in the classroom setting on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement of grade one learners between the ages of six- to nine-years-old in quintile five primary schools in Port Elizabeth. A quasi-experimental research design was used to evaluate the selected dependent variables at baseline assessment on 45 grade one learners from an experimental-and control group in quintile five schools in Port Elizabeth. There were two intervention periods that consisted of a pre-existing classroom-based integrated movement programme (NeuroNet) administered by an internationally accredited teacher to the experimental group. Each intervention period coincided with school terms three and four in 2017 and were a minimum of four weeks long. Pre-test and post-test assessments for all three dependent variables were done at the beginning and end of each term respectively. The learners participated in the integrated movement programme five days per week for 20-minute duration in the classroom. The main two standardised, reliable and valid test batteries used to measure motor proficiency and visual-motor integration were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Brief Form (BOT-2 Brief Form) and the Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration Full Form sixth edition (Beery VMI). The Beery VMI contained two sub-tests the Beery VMI Visual Perception Test (VMI-VP), and the Beery VMI Motor Coordination Test (VMI-MC), which measured the participants’ visual perception and motor coordination. Scholastic achievement was measured using four domains of the participants’ school reports: numeracy, reading, writing and total scholastic achievement scores. Purposive sampling was used to obtain participants from quintile five primary schools whose principals voluntarily provided consent to undertake the study. Data was collected by trained research assistants and the sole researcher. The Statistica for Windows (StatSoft Incorporated; 2014) software package was used for data analysis. Descriptive data analysis included the means (M) and standard deviations (SD) as measures of central tendency and distribution. Independent t-tests determined between-group differences and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. The magnitude (effect size) of pre-post-intervention differences for both groups was calculated for all variables as Cohen’s d statistic. Subsequent interpretation categories were d<0.20 (insignificant effect), 0.20≤d<0.50 (small effect), 0.50≤d<0.80 (medium effect) and d≥0.80 (large effect) (Gravetter & Wallnau, 2009). The experimental group had statistically significant (p<0.05) higher initial mean values for motor proficiency, visual perception, the reading, writing and total scholastic achievement domains. Motor proficiency showed a mean increase of 10.62±13.97 (24% improvement) in the experimental group compared to a mean increase of 9.63±13.26 (8% improvement) in the control group. A significant final mean between-group difference in motor proficiency was found post-intervention (Diff=16.70, t(43)=3.70, p=0.001; Cohen’s d=1.11: large effect size). Visual-motor integration showed a mean decrease of 5.38±14.34 in the experimental group and a decrease of 8.88±15.39 in the control group. No apparent between-group significant difference occurred for visual-motor integration. Visual perception scores indicated a mean increase of 11.82±18.81 in the experimental group and a mean increase of 15.71±30.03 in the control group. A statistically significant mean between-group difference in visual perception post-intervention was seen (Diff=26.40, t(43) =3.95, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.18: large effect size). Motor coordination showed a mean increase of 20.00±18.45 in the experimental group and decrease of 1.50±23.74 in the control group over the intervention period (Diff=21.50, t(43)=3.36, p=0.002; Cohen’s d=1.00: large effect size). There was a significant between-group mean motor coordination difference post intervention (Diff=19.59, t(43)=2.96, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.88: large effect size). The experimental group showed significantly higher mean reading scores pre- 5.67±0.80 and post-intervention 5.43±0.93 compared to the control group pre- 4.13±0.74 and post-intervention 4.63±0.88. Significant between-group differences in reading scores pre- (Diff=1.54, t(43)=6.73, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.01: large effect size) and post-intervention (Diff=0.80, t(43)=2.99, p=0.005; Cohen’s d=0.89: large effect size) were also evident. The experimental group also showed significantly higher mean writing scores pre- 5.62±0.74 and post-intervention 5.05±0.86 compared to the control group pre- 3.83±0.96 and post-intervention 4.21±1.28. A significant between-group difference in writing scores pre- intervention (Diff=1.79, t(43)=6.90, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=2.06: large effect size) was evident. Total scholastic achievement scores showed an initial significant difference between the experimental- and control group (Diff=1.26, t(43)=6.42, p<0.0005; Cohen’s d=1.92: large effect size). Positive practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual-motor integration and reading |r|=0.350; visual perception and writing |r|=0.336; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.318; visual-motor integration and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.330 in the experimental group. In the control group negative practical significance |r|≥0.300 at (p<0.05) was found between visual perception and reading |r|=-0.304, whereas positive practical significance was found between visual perception and writing |r|=0.319; motor coordination and writing |r|=0.340; motor coordination and numeracy |r|=0.378; and motor coordination and total scholastic achievement |r|=0.378 at (p<0.05). The integrated movement programme had significantly positive effects on motor proficiency, visual perception and motor coordination. Motor proficiency had no significant correlation to scholastic achievement domains post-intervention, whereas visual-motor integration significantly correlated to reading and total scholastic achievement; visual perception correlated significantly to writing and negatively to reading; and motor coordination correlated significantly to writing, numeracy and total scholastic achievement. Future longitudinal research incorporating a larger range and scope is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of integrated movement programmes on motor proficiency, visual-motor integration and scholastic achievement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effects of elastic-band tension training on strength, speed, agility and vertical jump height in university soccer players
- Authors: Katushabe, Edgar
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Basics of elastic resistance training , Elastic resistance training for stability, strength, and power , Isometric exercise , Soccer -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30638 , vital:31001
- Description: Soccer is regarded as one of the most popular sports in the world, and involves explosive physical actions such as kicking, jumping, rapid changes of direction and sprinting. These attributes would suggest that strength, power, and agility may play an important role in soccer performance. Elastic band resistance training serves to increase strength, power, speed, balance, coordination and agility However, there is little published research available on the use and effectiveness of elastic-band resistance training as a tool for improvement in muscular strength and power of soccer players. Purpose: To determine the effect of elastic-band resistance training on strength, speed, agility and vertical jump height of university soccer players. The present study used a pre-test post-test experimental study design. The participants comprised of 15 Eastern Cape male soccer players, currently affiliated with the Nelson Mandela University soccer teams. Participants were randomly allocated into one of two groups: a conventional resistance training group, and an elastic band tension resistance training group. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure an even distribution of the performance levels and training experience between the participants. Analysis implemented used Microsoft Excel® and the latest version of Statistica for the purpose of descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination were used to identify statistical correlations between variables of interest. Inferential statistics were applied using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and in the case of significant findings, the Scheffé post-hoc test was utilized for comparisons. Independent t-tests indicated significant between-group differences. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The main findings were that elastic band resistance training would appear to be a superior method to conventional resistance training given that: This method was able to produce greater results in improving maximal vertical jump when compared to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1,25)=9.1135, p=0.00577), produced faster 40m iv sprint times in comparison to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=4.534, p=0.043), and produced significant improvements in one repetition maximum performance in the squat (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=5.454, p=0.028). Based on the results of this study, it would appear that both the elastic band resistance training and free weight resistance training were effective in increasing performance in both the one repetition maximum deadlift and agility tests, with no significant difference between the two methods (ANCOVA, F(1, 25) =0.328, p=0.572), ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=3.597, p=0.069 respectively). Elastic band resistance training may be an effective alternative training methodology to improve performance variables in university soccer players. However, further research may be needed to clearly define the role of combined elastic band resistance training in the periodization of soccer training in a competitive season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Katushabe, Edgar
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Basics of elastic resistance training , Elastic resistance training for stability, strength, and power , Isometric exercise , Soccer -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30638 , vital:31001
- Description: Soccer is regarded as one of the most popular sports in the world, and involves explosive physical actions such as kicking, jumping, rapid changes of direction and sprinting. These attributes would suggest that strength, power, and agility may play an important role in soccer performance. Elastic band resistance training serves to increase strength, power, speed, balance, coordination and agility However, there is little published research available on the use and effectiveness of elastic-band resistance training as a tool for improvement in muscular strength and power of soccer players. Purpose: To determine the effect of elastic-band resistance training on strength, speed, agility and vertical jump height of university soccer players. The present study used a pre-test post-test experimental study design. The participants comprised of 15 Eastern Cape male soccer players, currently affiliated with the Nelson Mandela University soccer teams. Participants were randomly allocated into one of two groups: a conventional resistance training group, and an elastic band tension resistance training group. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure an even distribution of the performance levels and training experience between the participants. Analysis implemented used Microsoft Excel® and the latest version of Statistica for the purpose of descriptive and inferential statistics. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination were used to identify statistical correlations between variables of interest. Inferential statistics were applied using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and in the case of significant findings, the Scheffé post-hoc test was utilized for comparisons. Independent t-tests indicated significant between-group differences. The alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The main findings were that elastic band resistance training would appear to be a superior method to conventional resistance training given that: This method was able to produce greater results in improving maximal vertical jump when compared to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1,25)=9.1135, p=0.00577), produced faster 40m iv sprint times in comparison to free weight resistance training (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=4.534, p=0.043), and produced significant improvements in one repetition maximum performance in the squat (ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=5.454, p=0.028). Based on the results of this study, it would appear that both the elastic band resistance training and free weight resistance training were effective in increasing performance in both the one repetition maximum deadlift and agility tests, with no significant difference between the two methods (ANCOVA, F(1, 25) =0.328, p=0.572), ANCOVA, F(1, 25)=3.597, p=0.069 respectively). Elastic band resistance training may be an effective alternative training methodology to improve performance variables in university soccer players. However, further research may be needed to clearly define the role of combined elastic band resistance training in the periodization of soccer training in a competitive season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Environmental health community service in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mbola, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental health -- Evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32028 , vital:31920
- Description: In terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974), Environmental Health graduates are required to conduct a year of Community Service before they are allowed to register as independent Environmental Health Practitioners at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The main purpose of Community Service by these graduates is to assist Environmental Health Practitioners in the execution of their daily tasks, thereby contributing to more effective service delivery, especially to the disadvantaged communities, within the sphere of government where they are deployed. Several studies have been conducted in an effort to identify problem areas in other health care professions during the Community Service year, but no such study could be found on Environmental Health. The aim of this study was to do the same for the Environmental Health profession in South Africa, by focusing on problems and challenges during Community Service placement, specifically the 2013 to 2016 intakes of Community Service practitioners in the Eastern Cape Province and the administrators responsible for the program at national, provincial and municipal spheres of government. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs (mixed method) and was by nature explorative, descriptive and contextual. Two populations were involved; namely, twenty four Environmental Health graduates who completed their Community Service during 2013 to 2016 within the Eastern Cape Province, and ten Environmental Health Practitioners who were responsible for the administration of the Community Service program at the provincial and municipal spheres of government during the same period. A purposive sample was drawn from each population. Qualitative data was collected by means of interviews and quantitative data through questionnaires. Qualitative data was analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis and quantitative data was statistically analysed. The results of the study revealed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health needs to review the Community Service program for Environmental Health graduates and further initiate resolutions in terms of the identified problems, such as maladministration of Community Service which related to the lack of consistency of communication during the organisation of the Community Service program; declined/decreasing number of Environmental Health Community Service posts in the Eastern Cape Province which led to a shortage of human resources; Inadequate provision of material resources for Community Service; lack of induction training and inconsistent supervision of Environmental Health Community Service practitioners; and lack of evaluation of the success of the Environmental Health Community Service program. The study findings suggest important inequalities and non-compliances which should deserve urgent attention. Based on the challenges that have been identified regarding the organisation and implementation of the Community Service program, this study concludes by presenting recommendations for the improvement of the Community Service program in the Environmental Health profession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbola, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental health -- Evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32028 , vital:31920
- Description: In terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974), Environmental Health graduates are required to conduct a year of Community Service before they are allowed to register as independent Environmental Health Practitioners at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The main purpose of Community Service by these graduates is to assist Environmental Health Practitioners in the execution of their daily tasks, thereby contributing to more effective service delivery, especially to the disadvantaged communities, within the sphere of government where they are deployed. Several studies have been conducted in an effort to identify problem areas in other health care professions during the Community Service year, but no such study could be found on Environmental Health. The aim of this study was to do the same for the Environmental Health profession in South Africa, by focusing on problems and challenges during Community Service placement, specifically the 2013 to 2016 intakes of Community Service practitioners in the Eastern Cape Province and the administrators responsible for the program at national, provincial and municipal spheres of government. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs (mixed method) and was by nature explorative, descriptive and contextual. Two populations were involved; namely, twenty four Environmental Health graduates who completed their Community Service during 2013 to 2016 within the Eastern Cape Province, and ten Environmental Health Practitioners who were responsible for the administration of the Community Service program at the provincial and municipal spheres of government during the same period. A purposive sample was drawn from each population. Qualitative data was collected by means of interviews and quantitative data through questionnaires. Qualitative data was analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis and quantitative data was statistically analysed. The results of the study revealed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health needs to review the Community Service program for Environmental Health graduates and further initiate resolutions in terms of the identified problems, such as maladministration of Community Service which related to the lack of consistency of communication during the organisation of the Community Service program; declined/decreasing number of Environmental Health Community Service posts in the Eastern Cape Province which led to a shortage of human resources; Inadequate provision of material resources for Community Service; lack of induction training and inconsistent supervision of Environmental Health Community Service practitioners; and lack of evaluation of the success of the Environmental Health Community Service program. The study findings suggest important inequalities and non-compliances which should deserve urgent attention. Based on the challenges that have been identified regarding the organisation and implementation of the Community Service program, this study concludes by presenting recommendations for the improvement of the Community Service program in the Environmental Health profession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Experience-based lessons from males in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth on factors that has protected them from becoming involved in gangsterism
- Authors: Davids, Desira Julie-Anne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Gang prevention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Social conditions , Social work with youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21994 , vital:29810
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on factors protecting community members from becoming involved in gangsterism. This phenomenon has been found to be more prevalent in so-called ‘coloured’ communities and predominantly amongst males. Existing research on gangsterism mainly focus on the history and origin of gangsterism, risk factors that cause certain youth to be more vulnerable in becoming involved in gangs, and specific interventions aimed at curbing the phenomenon. The proposed study therefore aimed to explore and describe the experience-based lessons from selected males on factors that have protected them from becoming involved in gangsterism. The study employed a qualitative research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. Participants were chosen through a purposive sampling technique and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. The study utilised the Ecological Systems and Resilience models as theoretical lenses. The study found that the benefits of family support, influence of faith or religion, positive role models and opportunities for furthering one’s education could be cited amongst the factors that protected participants from becoming involved in gangsterism. Amongst the recommendations of the study was lobbying for tertiary education specifically for young boys from previously disadvantaged communities plagued by social ills such as gangsterism, the restoration of disintegrated family units through the assistance of professionals, as well as the restoration and strengthening of the role of spiritual leaders in their involvement in the moral regeneration of communities. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be helpful in understanding the factors that protected males from becoming involved in gangsterism and make recommendations on how these protective factors could be strengthened so as to prevent more males from becoming involved in gangsterism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Davids, Desira Julie-Anne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Gang prevention -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Social conditions , Social work with youth -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21994 , vital:29810
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on factors protecting community members from becoming involved in gangsterism. This phenomenon has been found to be more prevalent in so-called ‘coloured’ communities and predominantly amongst males. Existing research on gangsterism mainly focus on the history and origin of gangsterism, risk factors that cause certain youth to be more vulnerable in becoming involved in gangs, and specific interventions aimed at curbing the phenomenon. The proposed study therefore aimed to explore and describe the experience-based lessons from selected males on factors that have protected them from becoming involved in gangsterism. The study employed a qualitative research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. Participants were chosen through a purposive sampling technique and data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by employing a variety of data verification strategies. The study utilised the Ecological Systems and Resilience models as theoretical lenses. The study found that the benefits of family support, influence of faith or religion, positive role models and opportunities for furthering one’s education could be cited amongst the factors that protected participants from becoming involved in gangsterism. Amongst the recommendations of the study was lobbying for tertiary education specifically for young boys from previously disadvantaged communities plagued by social ills such as gangsterism, the restoration of disintegrated family units through the assistance of professionals, as well as the restoration and strengthening of the role of spiritual leaders in their involvement in the moral regeneration of communities. It is anticipated that findings of this study will be helpful in understanding the factors that protected males from becoming involved in gangsterism and make recommendations on how these protective factors could be strengthened so as to prevent more males from becoming involved in gangsterism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sodidi, Khanyisa Annelice
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nurse educators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape College student development programs Nursing students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23175 , vital:30450
- Description: The nurse educator role is challenging to novice nurse educators and even more so when mentorship is lacking or ineffective. Novice nurse educators who enter the academic world are expected to demonstrate knowledge of both the clinical and classroom environment. Such an expectation creates role strain, stress and frustration. Mentorship has proved to make this entry easier. There appears to be a lack of mentorship for newly-appointed nurse educators in most schools and/or departments of nursing at higher education institutions in South Africa. This phenomenon prompted the researcher to investigate the experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators with the goal of making recommendations on the mentorship of novice nurse educators. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design and phenomenological approach was used to explore and describe the experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape. Purposive sampling of nurse educators with less than five years’ experience at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and with no experience, or less than one year’s previous experience as a nurse educator at any other nursing education institution (NEI) was used. Data was collected using face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews and unstructured observations. Sixteen in-depth, semistructured interviews that were digitally recorded provided saturated data that was then transcribed verbatim. To ensure that the study was trustworthy, the researcher used Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, namely: credibility, confirmability, dependability and transferability. Ethical standards were maintained throughout the study as the researcher complied with the ethical principles: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. Tesch’s method of thematic analysis was used by the researcher and the independent coder to analyse data and to draw meaning from the content. The five themes that emerged from the data were: novice nurse educators experience challenges related to theoretical mentoring; novice nurse educators experience challenges related to clinical mentoring; novice nurse educators experience a lack of orientation; novice nurse educators experience a lack of resources and novice nurse educators provide recommendations in order to optimise the experience and performance of the novice nurse educators in their first year of teaching at a nursing college. The results of the study reveal that novice nurse educators have reservations about their experiences. Their insights on how their mentoring needs could have been realized were incorporated into recommendations for the mentoring of novice nurse educators. These recommendations can be adopted at local, provincial, and national levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sodidi, Khanyisa Annelice
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nurse educators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape College student development programs Nursing students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23175 , vital:30450
- Description: The nurse educator role is challenging to novice nurse educators and even more so when mentorship is lacking or ineffective. Novice nurse educators who enter the academic world are expected to demonstrate knowledge of both the clinical and classroom environment. Such an expectation creates role strain, stress and frustration. Mentorship has proved to make this entry easier. There appears to be a lack of mentorship for newly-appointed nurse educators in most schools and/or departments of nursing at higher education institutions in South Africa. This phenomenon prompted the researcher to investigate the experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators with the goal of making recommendations on the mentorship of novice nurse educators. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design and phenomenological approach was used to explore and describe the experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape. Purposive sampling of nurse educators with less than five years’ experience at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and with no experience, or less than one year’s previous experience as a nurse educator at any other nursing education institution (NEI) was used. Data was collected using face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews and unstructured observations. Sixteen in-depth, semistructured interviews that were digitally recorded provided saturated data that was then transcribed verbatim. To ensure that the study was trustworthy, the researcher used Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, namely: credibility, confirmability, dependability and transferability. Ethical standards were maintained throughout the study as the researcher complied with the ethical principles: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. Tesch’s method of thematic analysis was used by the researcher and the independent coder to analyse data and to draw meaning from the content. The five themes that emerged from the data were: novice nurse educators experience challenges related to theoretical mentoring; novice nurse educators experience challenges related to clinical mentoring; novice nurse educators experience a lack of orientation; novice nurse educators experience a lack of resources and novice nurse educators provide recommendations in order to optimise the experience and performance of the novice nurse educators in their first year of teaching at a nursing college. The results of the study reveal that novice nurse educators have reservations about their experiences. Their insights on how their mentoring needs could have been realized were incorporated into recommendations for the mentoring of novice nurse educators. These recommendations can be adopted at local, provincial, and national levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences of mothers attending well-baby clinics in the Buffalo City Metro Health District regarding exclusive breastfeeding
- Authors: Joseph, Valerie Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Infants -- Nutrition Mothers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30517 , vital:30956
- Description: The researcher observed that exclusive breastfeeding amongst women for the first six months of a baby’s life is very low. The researcher therefore undertook this study to explore and describe the experiences of mothers attending well babies clinics in the Buffalo City Metro Health District regarding exclusive breastfeeding. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to conduct this research. The research population included mothers that visited the postnatal clinics and were exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the six weeks and more. Purposive sampling was used to select the research participants. The data was collected using in-depth one-on-one interviews and all interviews were recorded using a voice recorder. The data analysis was done using Tesch’s method to make sense out of the text and data. A pilot study was conducted before undertaking the actual research using the same methods and design as those in the main study. Strategies were implemented throughout the study to ensure trustworthiness and adherence to ethical principles. Three themes and fourteen sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. The three main themes that emerged highlighted challenges experienced by mothers who exclusively breastfeed their babies as well as the positive experiences that they experienced. The participants also made some suggestions with regard to how exclusive breastfeeding could be enhanced among mothers who have babies. Based on the research findings, several recommendations were made, including the involvement of the private sector and Non-Profit organizations in order to improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Joseph, Valerie Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Infants -- Nutrition Mothers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30517 , vital:30956
- Description: The researcher observed that exclusive breastfeeding amongst women for the first six months of a baby’s life is very low. The researcher therefore undertook this study to explore and describe the experiences of mothers attending well babies clinics in the Buffalo City Metro Health District regarding exclusive breastfeeding. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to conduct this research. The research population included mothers that visited the postnatal clinics and were exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the six weeks and more. Purposive sampling was used to select the research participants. The data was collected using in-depth one-on-one interviews and all interviews were recorded using a voice recorder. The data analysis was done using Tesch’s method to make sense out of the text and data. A pilot study was conducted before undertaking the actual research using the same methods and design as those in the main study. Strategies were implemented throughout the study to ensure trustworthiness and adherence to ethical principles. Three themes and fourteen sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. The three main themes that emerged highlighted challenges experienced by mothers who exclusively breastfeed their babies as well as the positive experiences that they experienced. The participants also made some suggestions with regard to how exclusive breastfeeding could be enhanced among mothers who have babies. Based on the research findings, several recommendations were made, including the involvement of the private sector and Non-Profit organizations in order to improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mjali, Ntombekhaya Mildred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mentally ill -- Care , Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Offenses against the person -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mentally ill -- Commitment and detention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32120 , vital:31964
- Description: The researcher worked as a psychiatric nurse in a psychiatric hospitalin Chris Hani District Municipality and observed when police officers brought mentally ill persons for admission. The mentally ill persons were dealt with harshly and in a degrading manner which raised concerns. It would seem as if police officers did not take into consideration that they were dealing with innocent individuals who were mentally ill. Therefore the researcher sought to explore how police officers experienced interacting with mentally ill persons during their everyday duties. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Chris Hani District Municipality. The study utilised a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population consisted of police officers working in a Community Service Centre in a rural town who regularly came into contact with mentally ill persons in the course of their duties. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants.Data was collected by doing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with an interview guide until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Three themes with subthemes were identified and described. A literature control was done to compare the findings with current literature. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. A high ethical standard was ensured throughout the research process. Police officers had regular contact with the mentally ill, usually when they were called out to a community venue where they had to intervene between an aggressive mentally ill person and the community. This gave them a skewed view of mental illness which they always associated with aggression. Police officers found it difficult to communicate with both the mentally ill person and his/her family. They stated that they did not know how to manage aggressive individuals who were not criminals. Police officers also related that they themselves felt vulnerable, they became very angry with the families and the mentally ill persons and feared that they will be harmed. They also expressed empathy with mentally ill persons. Recommendations were made that police officers should be trained on what their responsibilities were related to the mentally ill person they encounter. To equip them better to deal with the mentally ill, they should also receive training in effective communication and the management of aggression.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mjali, Ntombekhaya Mildred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mentally ill -- Care , Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Offenses against the person -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mentally ill -- Commitment and detention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32120 , vital:31964
- Description: The researcher worked as a psychiatric nurse in a psychiatric hospitalin Chris Hani District Municipality and observed when police officers brought mentally ill persons for admission. The mentally ill persons were dealt with harshly and in a degrading manner which raised concerns. It would seem as if police officers did not take into consideration that they were dealing with innocent individuals who were mentally ill. Therefore the researcher sought to explore how police officers experienced interacting with mentally ill persons during their everyday duties. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Chris Hani District Municipality. The study utilised a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population consisted of police officers working in a Community Service Centre in a rural town who regularly came into contact with mentally ill persons in the course of their duties. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants.Data was collected by doing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with an interview guide until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Three themes with subthemes were identified and described. A literature control was done to compare the findings with current literature. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. A high ethical standard was ensured throughout the research process. Police officers had regular contact with the mentally ill, usually when they were called out to a community venue where they had to intervene between an aggressive mentally ill person and the community. This gave them a skewed view of mental illness which they always associated with aggression. Police officers found it difficult to communicate with both the mentally ill person and his/her family. They stated that they did not know how to manage aggressive individuals who were not criminals. Police officers also related that they themselves felt vulnerable, they became very angry with the families and the mentally ill persons and feared that they will be harmed. They also expressed empathy with mentally ill persons. Recommendations were made that police officers should be trained on what their responsibilities were related to the mentally ill person they encounter. To equip them better to deal with the mentally ill, they should also receive training in effective communication and the management of aggression.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploration of breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge and attitudes toward human milk donation in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Madlingozi, Nompumelelo Sibusisiwe
- Authors: Madlingozi, Nompumelelo Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breast milk , Breastfeeding promotion Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31510 , vital:31499
- Description: The beneficial effects of breastfeeding for mothers and babies are well recognized. When maternal breast milk is not available in sufficient quantity, an alternative source of nutrition is donated breast milk, particularly for ill preterm and other high-risk infants. Therefore, it was important to explore the breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge as well as their attitudes toward human milk donation and the possibilities of enhancing it. The objectives of this study were to: • To explore and describe the breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge as well as their attitudes toward human milk donation in Nelson Mandela Bay. • To make recommendations to operational/unit managers and midwives, based on the findings of the study, in order to enhance and promote human milk bank donation in Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017, using a quantitative approach with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual design after obtaining the necessary approval from the university and relevant authorities. The research population consisted of breastfeeding mothers who were in maternity units in either a public or a private hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from conveniently sampled participants by using set inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining the necessary informed consent. Data was captured by the researcher on a Microsoft Excel spread sheet and was reduced and analysed with the help of a statistician who used a software package called IBM SPSS Statistics 24 to ensure the efficacy of the results. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed and 104 were returned, meaning that a response rate of 87% was achieved. From the research findings it was found that breastfeeding mothers in Nelson Mandela Bay do not know about human milk banking and donation. Breastfeeding mothers acknowledged the fact that they lacked information about human milk banking and donation. Furthermore, there are safety concerns regarding donated breast milk and all the breastfeeding mothers that were part of the study, had never used milk bank services. Based on these findings, recommendations for the incorporation of v breastfeeding and human milk bank services were made. Further recommendations were made on the inclusion of human milk services in the health education that is given during antenatal and postnatal care. The researcher used a literature control to ensure the validity and integrity of the study. Further, the quality of the study was maintained by observing the principles of reliability and validity. Ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report by adopting the principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Madlingozi, Nompumelelo Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breast milk , Breastfeeding promotion Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31510 , vital:31499
- Description: The beneficial effects of breastfeeding for mothers and babies are well recognized. When maternal breast milk is not available in sufficient quantity, an alternative source of nutrition is donated breast milk, particularly for ill preterm and other high-risk infants. Therefore, it was important to explore the breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge as well as their attitudes toward human milk donation and the possibilities of enhancing it. The objectives of this study were to: • To explore and describe the breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge as well as their attitudes toward human milk donation in Nelson Mandela Bay. • To make recommendations to operational/unit managers and midwives, based on the findings of the study, in order to enhance and promote human milk bank donation in Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017, using a quantitative approach with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual design after obtaining the necessary approval from the university and relevant authorities. The research population consisted of breastfeeding mothers who were in maternity units in either a public or a private hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from conveniently sampled participants by using set inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining the necessary informed consent. Data was captured by the researcher on a Microsoft Excel spread sheet and was reduced and analysed with the help of a statistician who used a software package called IBM SPSS Statistics 24 to ensure the efficacy of the results. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed and 104 were returned, meaning that a response rate of 87% was achieved. From the research findings it was found that breastfeeding mothers in Nelson Mandela Bay do not know about human milk banking and donation. Breastfeeding mothers acknowledged the fact that they lacked information about human milk banking and donation. Furthermore, there are safety concerns regarding donated breast milk and all the breastfeeding mothers that were part of the study, had never used milk bank services. Based on these findings, recommendations for the incorporation of v breastfeeding and human milk bank services were made. Further recommendations were made on the inclusion of human milk services in the health education that is given during antenatal and postnatal care. The researcher used a literature control to ensure the validity and integrity of the study. Further, the quality of the study was maintained by observing the principles of reliability and validity. Ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report by adopting the principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring experiences of student nurses regarding the implementation of community-based education at the nursing college in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sefatsa, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurses -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Nursing Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10657 , vital:35653
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of student nurses regarding the implementation of CBE and allow them to tell their story of how CBE impacted to their academic experience. Purposive non-probability sampling was the method of choice. The following research question guided this study: What are the experiences of nursing students at the nursing college on the implementation of CBE as a teaching-learning strategy? The participants in this study were the fourth year students registered in the four year diploma and have been exposed to CBE, according to regulation 425 of the Nursing Act, 2005(Act No.33 of 2005). Fifty (50) students voluntarily participated in the focus groups discussions. Data analysis was done concurrently with data collection. Data was analysed manually as it was categorised into themes, categories, and subcatagories. For this study, a category system/ template was developed to code the data according to the categories, therefore related concepts were grouped together to facilitate the coding process. The final analysis led to the development of a report presenting the interpretation and presentation of results. RESULTS The study results revealed that students had benefited from CBE as a teaching learning strategy. Furthermore, participants reported that CBE had an impact in their training in terms of acquisition of skills, personal and professional growth and correlation of theory to practice. Discussions of findings, along with recommendations for practice conclude the study. Suggestions might be made to improve ways in the implementation of CBE in the nursing college
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sefatsa, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurses -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Nursing Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10657 , vital:35653
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of student nurses regarding the implementation of CBE and allow them to tell their story of how CBE impacted to their academic experience. Purposive non-probability sampling was the method of choice. The following research question guided this study: What are the experiences of nursing students at the nursing college on the implementation of CBE as a teaching-learning strategy? The participants in this study were the fourth year students registered in the four year diploma and have been exposed to CBE, according to regulation 425 of the Nursing Act, 2005(Act No.33 of 2005). Fifty (50) students voluntarily participated in the focus groups discussions. Data analysis was done concurrently with data collection. Data was analysed manually as it was categorised into themes, categories, and subcatagories. For this study, a category system/ template was developed to code the data according to the categories, therefore related concepts were grouped together to facilitate the coding process. The final analysis led to the development of a report presenting the interpretation and presentation of results. RESULTS The study results revealed that students had benefited from CBE as a teaching learning strategy. Furthermore, participants reported that CBE had an impact in their training in terms of acquisition of skills, personal and professional growth and correlation of theory to practice. Discussions of findings, along with recommendations for practice conclude the study. Suggestions might be made to improve ways in the implementation of CBE in the nursing college
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring mindfulness as an intervention on teachers’ stress, anxiety and depression in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Hemmings, Tanya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teachers -- Job stress , Stress (Psychology) Anxiety Depression, Mental
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22365 , vital:29962
- Description: Teaching has been identified as one of the most stress-inducing occupations, thus improving the psychological well-being of teachers is a priority. Research indicates that mindfulness is an effective intervention in stress-related illnesses. This mixed methods study examined the outcomes of a six-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on teachers’ stress, anxiety and depression. Six teachers from a high school in Port Elizabeth were selected through non-probability, purposive sampling. Quantitative data was collected by means of pretest- posttest questionnaires, namely the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, 21-item version (DASS-21), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U-Test revealed a significant difference between the pretest-posttest depression levels of the participants (p < 0.05), and non-significant differences for the anxiety, stress, and mindfulness levels (p = 0.06). Qualitative data from a focus group interview, utilising semi-structured open-ended questions, was analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified, namely changes in stress, anxiety and depression levels, awareness and attention, self-regulation, impact on the teaching environment, and specific negative and positive experiences. Themes were evaluated according to literature and examined through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). The findings indicated that mindfulness has potential to enhance well-being, and alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, in a teaching context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hemmings, Tanya
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Teachers -- Job stress , Stress (Psychology) Anxiety Depression, Mental
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22365 , vital:29962
- Description: Teaching has been identified as one of the most stress-inducing occupations, thus improving the psychological well-being of teachers is a priority. Research indicates that mindfulness is an effective intervention in stress-related illnesses. This mixed methods study examined the outcomes of a six-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on teachers’ stress, anxiety and depression. Six teachers from a high school in Port Elizabeth were selected through non-probability, purposive sampling. Quantitative data was collected by means of pretest- posttest questionnaires, namely the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, 21-item version (DASS-21), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U-Test revealed a significant difference between the pretest-posttest depression levels of the participants (p < 0.05), and non-significant differences for the anxiety, stress, and mindfulness levels (p = 0.06). Qualitative data from a focus group interview, utilising semi-structured open-ended questions, was analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified, namely changes in stress, anxiety and depression levels, awareness and attention, self-regulation, impact on the teaching environment, and specific negative and positive experiences. Themes were evaluated according to literature and examined through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT). The findings indicated that mindfulness has potential to enhance well-being, and alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, in a teaching context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring the relationship between intergroup contact and anti-gay prejudice amongst heterosexual South African students
- Authors: De Beer, Hannari
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intergroup relations -- South Africa -- Students , Prejudices -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Stereotypes (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Students Homosexuality -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Interpersonal relations -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21972 , vital:29808
- Description: Throughout history gay men have experienced oppression in the form of harassment, violence and discrimination and in South Africa it is no different (Brouard et al., 2016; OUT, 2016). According to the contact hypothesis, intergroup contact has shown to be one of the most successful ways to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards an outgroup (i.e. a group that you do not identify yourself with; Allport, 1954; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). Therefore, this study investigated whether positive intergroup contact plays a role in improving attitudes, and lessening prejudice towards gay men in South Africa by exploring the relationship between intergroup contact with gay men amongst heterosexual South African students and anti-gay prejudice. Furthermore, this study aimed to get a better understanding of how this process operates by exploring whether two affective mediators, namely intergroup anxiety and empathy, mediates the contact-prejudice relationship. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used where participants completed an online questionnaire (N = 125). The findings from the present study indicate that contact with gay men amongst heterosexual students at a South African University positively and significantly predicted more positive attitudes towards gay men in general. Moreover, the results show that decreased intergroup anxiety and increased intergroup empathy fully mediates the relationship between intergroup contact and anti-gay prejudice. This research contributes to the body of contact literature in South Africa and could offer practical means for interventions that aim to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards gay men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Beer, Hannari
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intergroup relations -- South Africa -- Students , Prejudices -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Stereotypes (Social psychology) -- South Africa -- Students Homosexuality -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects -- Students Interpersonal relations -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21972 , vital:29808
- Description: Throughout history gay men have experienced oppression in the form of harassment, violence and discrimination and in South Africa it is no different (Brouard et al., 2016; OUT, 2016). According to the contact hypothesis, intergroup contact has shown to be one of the most successful ways to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards an outgroup (i.e. a group that you do not identify yourself with; Allport, 1954; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). Therefore, this study investigated whether positive intergroup contact plays a role in improving attitudes, and lessening prejudice towards gay men in South Africa by exploring the relationship between intergroup contact with gay men amongst heterosexual South African students and anti-gay prejudice. Furthermore, this study aimed to get a better understanding of how this process operates by exploring whether two affective mediators, namely intergroup anxiety and empathy, mediates the contact-prejudice relationship. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was used where participants completed an online questionnaire (N = 125). The findings from the present study indicate that contact with gay men amongst heterosexual students at a South African University positively and significantly predicted more positive attitudes towards gay men in general. Moreover, the results show that decreased intergroup anxiety and increased intergroup empathy fully mediates the relationship between intergroup contact and anti-gay prejudice. This research contributes to the body of contact literature in South Africa and could offer practical means for interventions that aim to reduce prejudice and improve attitudes towards gay men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Exploring women's experience of fundal pressure during the second stage of labour
- Authors: Okafor, Uchenna Benedine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor (Obstetrics) Childbirth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Magister of Curationis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15532 , vital:40424
- Description: Background and Aim: Despite the use of fundal pressure globally, there is a scarcity of information available on how women experience the application of uterine fundal pressure (UFP) during the second stage of labour. The aim of study was to explore the experiences of women concerning UFP application during the second stage of labour. Understanding women’s perception about UFP is important in informing the generation of new ideas to improve on the application of UFP for better outcomes. Methods: This was a qualitative, interpretive, and phenomenological analysis designed to explore the experiences of women regarding the application of UFP during the second stage of labour. Hermeneutics was applied to interpret the participants’ descriptions of their experiences as they tried to make sense of their exposure to UFP; bearing this in mind, the participants’ own interpretation was not distorted. The researcher immersed herself in each transcript, in order to make sense of each participant’s experiences and to gain a sense of what the participant had experienced during UFP application. Each interview was transcribed and analysed independently; and the convergences and divergences of themes were identified without losing the original meaning of each participant’s description before moving on to the subsequent interviews. The target population was women who had had UFP during second stage of labour. A purposive sampling method was used to select three women who were admitted to the DVDHMOU during the research period and who met the inclusion criteria. Information was collected through individual face-to-face interviews and semi-structured interview guide. The principal question was framed as: “Can you please share with me how you felt when the midwives pushed on your tummy to get the baby out”? An audio tape was used to record the interviews, and a notepad was used to make notes of gestures such smiles or other facial expressions. After each interview, the recorded interview was transferred onto a laptop and a file was opened for the interviewee, identified by a pseudonym. The interviews were transcribed verbatim as Word documents. Trustworthiness was maintained by applying the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Committee of the University of Fort Hare. Permission to conduct the study was sought from the Eastern Cape Research Committee and Buffalo City Metropolitan Health District. Informed consent was obtained from the participants prior to data collection. Each interview was analysed separately after completion. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis applicable to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) studies using six steps: reading and re-reading; initial noting; developing emergent themes; searching for connections across the emergent themes; moving to the next case; and lastly, looking for patterns across cases. Findings: The findings of this study indicated that the informants had feelings of fear, loneliness, worry and tearfulness; but also happiness associated with UFP during second stage of labour. They were also worried and expressed fear and anxiety concerning their infants; and their ability to give birth increased as they get tired in the process of pushing during UFP application. However, seeing their infants for the first time took most of the worries away, and all informants expressed relief when the birthing process was over. They also felt that their birthing experience was a very painful event; and were left alone, and they had not been given anything to drink or eat during labour. Midwives threatened them that their inability to pushing appropriately, could cause the death of their infants, leaving them with feelings of guilt and despair when their babies did not cry directly after birth. The findings demonstrated that midwives did not properly inform women what to expect during the second stage of their labour, whilst the midwives expected birthing mothers to know what was happening to them and how to react. Women in labour therefore depended almost entirely on information received from family members, and went into labour with preconceived ideas about labour pain. Although women do experience pain during the second stage of labour, the application UFP increased their pain. Four main themes emerged from the analysis, which are: perceived severity of UFP pain,emotional/physical reaction to UFP pain, perceptions of UFP and perception of midwives care and treatment. Conclusion: The uterine fundal pressure is not a pleasant experience for the women in the second stage of labour. Labouring women experienced pain, fear, and anxiety. However, they felt a sense of happiness after delivery. Before the application of UFP during the second stage of labour, midwives should explain to women the process of UFP application and what they can expect to happen; and where possible, and after explaining the procedure, midwives should get written permission before they apply the intervention during labour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Okafor, Uchenna Benedine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor (Obstetrics) Childbirth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Magister of Curationis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15532 , vital:40424
- Description: Background and Aim: Despite the use of fundal pressure globally, there is a scarcity of information available on how women experience the application of uterine fundal pressure (UFP) during the second stage of labour. The aim of study was to explore the experiences of women concerning UFP application during the second stage of labour. Understanding women’s perception about UFP is important in informing the generation of new ideas to improve on the application of UFP for better outcomes. Methods: This was a qualitative, interpretive, and phenomenological analysis designed to explore the experiences of women regarding the application of UFP during the second stage of labour. Hermeneutics was applied to interpret the participants’ descriptions of their experiences as they tried to make sense of their exposure to UFP; bearing this in mind, the participants’ own interpretation was not distorted. The researcher immersed herself in each transcript, in order to make sense of each participant’s experiences and to gain a sense of what the participant had experienced during UFP application. Each interview was transcribed and analysed independently; and the convergences and divergences of themes were identified without losing the original meaning of each participant’s description before moving on to the subsequent interviews. The target population was women who had had UFP during second stage of labour. A purposive sampling method was used to select three women who were admitted to the DVDHMOU during the research period and who met the inclusion criteria. Information was collected through individual face-to-face interviews and semi-structured interview guide. The principal question was framed as: “Can you please share with me how you felt when the midwives pushed on your tummy to get the baby out”? An audio tape was used to record the interviews, and a notepad was used to make notes of gestures such smiles or other facial expressions. After each interview, the recorded interview was transferred onto a laptop and a file was opened for the interviewee, identified by a pseudonym. The interviews were transcribed verbatim as Word documents. Trustworthiness was maintained by applying the principles of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Committee of the University of Fort Hare. Permission to conduct the study was sought from the Eastern Cape Research Committee and Buffalo City Metropolitan Health District. Informed consent was obtained from the participants prior to data collection. Each interview was analysed separately after completion. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis applicable to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) studies using six steps: reading and re-reading; initial noting; developing emergent themes; searching for connections across the emergent themes; moving to the next case; and lastly, looking for patterns across cases. Findings: The findings of this study indicated that the informants had feelings of fear, loneliness, worry and tearfulness; but also happiness associated with UFP during second stage of labour. They were also worried and expressed fear and anxiety concerning their infants; and their ability to give birth increased as they get tired in the process of pushing during UFP application. However, seeing their infants for the first time took most of the worries away, and all informants expressed relief when the birthing process was over. They also felt that their birthing experience was a very painful event; and were left alone, and they had not been given anything to drink or eat during labour. Midwives threatened them that their inability to pushing appropriately, could cause the death of their infants, leaving them with feelings of guilt and despair when their babies did not cry directly after birth. The findings demonstrated that midwives did not properly inform women what to expect during the second stage of their labour, whilst the midwives expected birthing mothers to know what was happening to them and how to react. Women in labour therefore depended almost entirely on information received from family members, and went into labour with preconceived ideas about labour pain. Although women do experience pain during the second stage of labour, the application UFP increased their pain. Four main themes emerged from the analysis, which are: perceived severity of UFP pain,emotional/physical reaction to UFP pain, perceptions of UFP and perception of midwives care and treatment. Conclusion: The uterine fundal pressure is not a pleasant experience for the women in the second stage of labour. Labouring women experienced pain, fear, and anxiety. However, they felt a sense of happiness after delivery. Before the application of UFP during the second stage of labour, midwives should explain to women the process of UFP application and what they can expect to happen; and where possible, and after explaining the procedure, midwives should get written permission before they apply the intervention during labour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting patient perceptions od service delivery in Postmasburg Hospital in the Z.F. McGawu District, Northern Cape Province, South Africa
- Rakumakoe, Jacob Mogapi Chocky
- Authors: Rakumakoe, Jacob Mogapi Chocky
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public health -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Medical care -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Health services accessibility
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17805 , vital:41262
- Description: Background: There is a requirement to provide proper and safe quality service to patients, hence a view from patients was deemed important as it can help the hospital to improve services rendered to them. There were two Provincial assessments done on National Core Standards in Postmasburg Hospital (overall scores were 32percent in 2013 and 48percent in 2014) and on both occasions, the Hospital failed to comply with the assessments and the implication were a suspected negative impact on the Hospital service delivery. The repercussions could be that the hospital might not be certified or not funded through National Health Insurance following a national assessment if the status quo remains. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the factors affecting patients’ perceptions of service delivery in order to inform health policy decisions to improve service delivery. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data on 133 adult patients admitted for a minimum of three days in the different hospital wards. Participants were administered a structured pre-tested questionnaire to collect data relating to their employment status, the number of hospital admissions and the reason for hospital admission. Results: About 41.4percent of participants were neutral or not sure whether the nurses/doctors came often to the ward where they were admitted. The majority (51.9percent) were neutral or not sure whether the quality of food in the hospital was good; 53.4percent expressed uncertainty concerning the adequacy of benches/chairs in the hospital for patients to sit while waiting to be seen by the health worker; and 55.6percent participants were neural or not sure whether the ward/room had enough space for consulting. Asked whether the hospital was user-friendly to disabled persons, 53.4percent participants were not sure. About 43.6percent participants expressed uncertainty regarding the registration satisfactory nature of the procedures in the hospital; the water cleanliness for patients in the hospital (42.1percent); whether their privacy was respected by all the staff within the hospital (51.9percent); permission to be examined and treated (51.1percent); the nurse/doctor who treated them being polite (53.4percent); and the nurse/doctor who treated them being able to answer all their questions about their illness (56.8percent). On whether they will visit the hospital again, 49.6percent participants were uncertain. The majority (69.7percent) agreed that all prescribed medicine was available in the hospital; the staff explained to them on how to use the medicine/pills (67percent); and they were told on how to store their pills/medication (47percent). Gender, education and employment status of the participants affect exactly one dimension each. Females, those with secondary education and employed were more satisfied on the respective dimensions. Conclusion: Patient involvement is an essential feature in healthcare services. Patients influence outcome quality through compliance, defining the right symptoms and physically experiencing treatment. Patient perceptions and satisfaction with service delivery is a multi-dimensional concept that should be studied by operationalising it within its context. Consequently, a conceptual model to understand and measure patient perception and satisfaction of service delivery and care quality in hospital health care services is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rakumakoe, Jacob Mogapi Chocky
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public health -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Medical care -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Health services accessibility
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17805 , vital:41262
- Description: Background: There is a requirement to provide proper and safe quality service to patients, hence a view from patients was deemed important as it can help the hospital to improve services rendered to them. There were two Provincial assessments done on National Core Standards in Postmasburg Hospital (overall scores were 32percent in 2013 and 48percent in 2014) and on both occasions, the Hospital failed to comply with the assessments and the implication were a suspected negative impact on the Hospital service delivery. The repercussions could be that the hospital might not be certified or not funded through National Health Insurance following a national assessment if the status quo remains. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the factors affecting patients’ perceptions of service delivery in order to inform health policy decisions to improve service delivery. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design was used to collect data on 133 adult patients admitted for a minimum of three days in the different hospital wards. Participants were administered a structured pre-tested questionnaire to collect data relating to their employment status, the number of hospital admissions and the reason for hospital admission. Results: About 41.4percent of participants were neutral or not sure whether the nurses/doctors came often to the ward where they were admitted. The majority (51.9percent) were neutral or not sure whether the quality of food in the hospital was good; 53.4percent expressed uncertainty concerning the adequacy of benches/chairs in the hospital for patients to sit while waiting to be seen by the health worker; and 55.6percent participants were neural or not sure whether the ward/room had enough space for consulting. Asked whether the hospital was user-friendly to disabled persons, 53.4percent participants were not sure. About 43.6percent participants expressed uncertainty regarding the registration satisfactory nature of the procedures in the hospital; the water cleanliness for patients in the hospital (42.1percent); whether their privacy was respected by all the staff within the hospital (51.9percent); permission to be examined and treated (51.1percent); the nurse/doctor who treated them being polite (53.4percent); and the nurse/doctor who treated them being able to answer all their questions about their illness (56.8percent). On whether they will visit the hospital again, 49.6percent participants were uncertain. The majority (69.7percent) agreed that all prescribed medicine was available in the hospital; the staff explained to them on how to use the medicine/pills (67percent); and they were told on how to store their pills/medication (47percent). Gender, education and employment status of the participants affect exactly one dimension each. Females, those with secondary education and employed were more satisfied on the respective dimensions. Conclusion: Patient involvement is an essential feature in healthcare services. Patients influence outcome quality through compliance, defining the right symptoms and physically experiencing treatment. Patient perceptions and satisfaction with service delivery is a multi-dimensional concept that should be studied by operationalising it within its context. Consequently, a conceptual model to understand and measure patient perception and satisfaction of service delivery and care quality in hospital health care services is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors contributing to non-adherence in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in primary health care facilities, East London, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Petse, Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Patient compliance , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9734 , vital:34905
- Description: Aim: South Africa is faced with the major challenge of ensuring and sustaining the quality of services, including preventing and managing side- effects, and improving drug adherence, which are all critical, for the success of a comprehensive HIV programme. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying contributing factors to antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV positive patients attending primary health care facilities in East London. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 371 HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in xx primary health care facilities in East London, South Africa. The study utilized a self- designed structured questionnaire with both open- ended and closed ended questions, divided into socio-demographic, socio- economic, level of understanding and knowledge on HIV, quality of care and waiting times. Results: About 64 percent of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV, 25 percent had an average knowledge with few participants having poor knowledge of HIV (11 percent). Majority (92.2 percent) were counselled before starting ARVs treatment. Majority of participants (70.7 percent) do have money for transport to come to the clinic, while 53.1 percent experienced side effects. The majority (70 percent) of the participants were non-adherents. Concerning viral load distribution, 52 percent were undetectable, 26 percent unsuppressed and 22 percent suppressed. Marital status (married) (p=0.005), having no formal education (p=0.035), being Christian (p=0.007), alcohol consumption (p= 0.021) and viral load suppression had significant association with non-adherence to ARV treatment among participants. After adjusting for confounders, only non-Christians and unsuppressed viral loads were the independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusion: The main contributing factors to ART non-adherence among participants on ARVs were marital status, level of education, religion, and Christians were more adherent to the treatment than non-Christians. Alcohol consumption also contributed to non-adherence and viral load. Adherence counseling should be done on each and every visit to remind the participants on the importance of taking their treatment. These factors need to be addressed to improve adherence to the treatment, decrease the virus in the blood (viral load) and improve their health in general.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Petse, Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Patient compliance , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9734 , vital:34905
- Description: Aim: South Africa is faced with the major challenge of ensuring and sustaining the quality of services, including preventing and managing side- effects, and improving drug adherence, which are all critical, for the success of a comprehensive HIV programme. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying contributing factors to antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV positive patients attending primary health care facilities in East London. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 371 HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in xx primary health care facilities in East London, South Africa. The study utilized a self- designed structured questionnaire with both open- ended and closed ended questions, divided into socio-demographic, socio- economic, level of understanding and knowledge on HIV, quality of care and waiting times. Results: About 64 percent of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV, 25 percent had an average knowledge with few participants having poor knowledge of HIV (11 percent). Majority (92.2 percent) were counselled before starting ARVs treatment. Majority of participants (70.7 percent) do have money for transport to come to the clinic, while 53.1 percent experienced side effects. The majority (70 percent) of the participants were non-adherents. Concerning viral load distribution, 52 percent were undetectable, 26 percent unsuppressed and 22 percent suppressed. Marital status (married) (p=0.005), having no formal education (p=0.035), being Christian (p=0.007), alcohol consumption (p= 0.021) and viral load suppression had significant association with non-adherence to ARV treatment among participants. After adjusting for confounders, only non-Christians and unsuppressed viral loads were the independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusion: The main contributing factors to ART non-adherence among participants on ARVs were marital status, level of education, religion, and Christians were more adherent to the treatment than non-Christians. Alcohol consumption also contributed to non-adherence and viral load. Adherence counseling should be done on each and every visit to remind the participants on the importance of taking their treatment. These factors need to be addressed to improve adherence to the treatment, decrease the virus in the blood (viral load) and improve their health in general.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors influencing adherence to treatment among clients living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Insika Yethu sub-district, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Somkala, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetics Public health Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13161 , vital:39470
- Description: BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the problematic non-communicable diseases and is a major global public health challenge which affects more than 300 million individuals globally. It is predicted that by the year 2025, approximately 12.3 million South Africans will be receiving treatment for chronic conditions; included in that number will be those living with HIV and diabetes. An individual’s health behaviour is mainly determined by one’s demographic factors such as social, economic and cultural background. These influence people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and have an impact on their treatment adherence. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the economic, psycho-social and cultural factors influencing adherence to treatment amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to inform public health policy concerning the treatment and management of diabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study involving 300 purposively selected clients attending health facilities in Intsika Yethu sub district of Chris Hani, Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire focuses on demographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, employment status, number of dependents, duration of taking anti-diabetic medication and existence of other chronic conditions) and the knowledge and attitude of diabetic clients regarding anti-diabetic treatment adherence. Other sections of the questionnaire solicit information on economic, psychosocial and cultural factors affecting adherence to diabetic treatment. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study in order to identify unclear questions, so that they can be rectified before the main study was conducted. FINDINGS: Based on the findings from the study, a total of 177 (59.0percnt) of the diabetic clients had hypertension and that showed the relationship between diabetes and hypertension. On the attitude session, respondents have shown a positive attitude towards treatment. Furthermore, other objectives such as those focusing on economic, cultural and psychosocial factors were found not to be associated with poor adherence to anti-diabetic treatment. According to respondents’ responses, economic factors showed no influence on treatment adherence. Socio-cultural factors indicated that respondents never missed social gatherings and never used traditional medication to treat their diabetes. On the knowledge section which had fourteen questions, most clients seemed to be aware of the complications of diabetes and the benefits of adhering to anti-diabetic treatment because the lowest score was 50percnt. DATA ANALYSIS: The data was captured in Microsoft Excel (MSEXCEL) for onward processing. Data was analysed using data analysis and statistical software version 14. (STATA). Frequencies and percentages were used for describing the categorical variables while mean and standard deviation were used for describing age, number of dependents, duration of illness and knowledge. An independent t-test was used to determine the differences between males and females across the variables. A p-value of 0.05 was of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Economic, psychosocial and socio-cultural factors were not found to have impacted on adherence to treatment. These findings should not be generalised as the study was done on a small sample; further research and more studies need to be conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Somkala, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetics Public health Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13161 , vital:39470
- Description: BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the problematic non-communicable diseases and is a major global public health challenge which affects more than 300 million individuals globally. It is predicted that by the year 2025, approximately 12.3 million South Africans will be receiving treatment for chronic conditions; included in that number will be those living with HIV and diabetes. An individual’s health behaviour is mainly determined by one’s demographic factors such as social, economic and cultural background. These influence people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and have an impact on their treatment adherence. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the economic, psycho-social and cultural factors influencing adherence to treatment amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to inform public health policy concerning the treatment and management of diabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study involving 300 purposively selected clients attending health facilities in Intsika Yethu sub district of Chris Hani, Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire focuses on demographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, employment status, number of dependents, duration of taking anti-diabetic medication and existence of other chronic conditions) and the knowledge and attitude of diabetic clients regarding anti-diabetic treatment adherence. Other sections of the questionnaire solicit information on economic, psychosocial and cultural factors affecting adherence to diabetic treatment. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study in order to identify unclear questions, so that they can be rectified before the main study was conducted. FINDINGS: Based on the findings from the study, a total of 177 (59.0percnt) of the diabetic clients had hypertension and that showed the relationship between diabetes and hypertension. On the attitude session, respondents have shown a positive attitude towards treatment. Furthermore, other objectives such as those focusing on economic, cultural and psychosocial factors were found not to be associated with poor adherence to anti-diabetic treatment. According to respondents’ responses, economic factors showed no influence on treatment adherence. Socio-cultural factors indicated that respondents never missed social gatherings and never used traditional medication to treat their diabetes. On the knowledge section which had fourteen questions, most clients seemed to be aware of the complications of diabetes and the benefits of adhering to anti-diabetic treatment because the lowest score was 50percnt. DATA ANALYSIS: The data was captured in Microsoft Excel (MSEXCEL) for onward processing. Data was analysed using data analysis and statistical software version 14. (STATA). Frequencies and percentages were used for describing the categorical variables while mean and standard deviation were used for describing age, number of dependents, duration of illness and knowledge. An independent t-test was used to determine the differences between males and females across the variables. A p-value of 0.05 was of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Economic, psychosocial and socio-cultural factors were not found to have impacted on adherence to treatment. These findings should not be generalised as the study was done on a small sample; further research and more studies need to be conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Family members’ perspectives on strengthening adherence to treatment for adult persons with a bipolar mood disorder
- Authors: Lambert, Sarah Catherine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Psychiatric social work , Mental illness -- Treatment Manic-depressive illness -- Treatment Family counseling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22497 , vital:29980
- Description: Family members play an important role in supporting and strengthening treatment adherence for persons with a bipolar mood disorder (BMD). Although BMD can be effectively managed on medication and with psychotherapy, treatment non-adherence is widespread; resulting in detrimental consequences for the person and the family. The purpose of this study was to enhance an understanding of how treatment adherence from a family member’s perspective could be strengthened. The theoretical framework was a combination of strengths-perspective and Family Systems Theory. This qualitative study was embedded in an exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design, and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Thirteen resident family members of adults diagnosed with a BMD were recruited as participants. The family members were adult, male or female of any ethnicity, and responsible for co-managing the treatment of the person. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and a thematic data analysis method was employed. The four themes that emerged from the data analysis include family members’ descriptions and experiences of treatment adherence and non-adherence, family members’ perspectives of general systemic factors that enhance and inhibit adherence to treatment, family members’ roles, strategies and coping mechanisms relating to the person’s treatment adherence, and family members’ suggestions on promoting treatment adherence. Data verification methods were used to ensure trustworthiness of the study. This research informs appropriate practice interventions to families that are active partners in co-managing the treatment of bipolar mood disorder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lambert, Sarah Catherine
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Psychiatric social work , Mental illness -- Treatment Manic-depressive illness -- Treatment Family counseling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22497 , vital:29980
- Description: Family members play an important role in supporting and strengthening treatment adherence for persons with a bipolar mood disorder (BMD). Although BMD can be effectively managed on medication and with psychotherapy, treatment non-adherence is widespread; resulting in detrimental consequences for the person and the family. The purpose of this study was to enhance an understanding of how treatment adherence from a family member’s perspective could be strengthened. The theoretical framework was a combination of strengths-perspective and Family Systems Theory. This qualitative study was embedded in an exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design, and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Thirteen resident family members of adults diagnosed with a BMD were recruited as participants. The family members were adult, male or female of any ethnicity, and responsible for co-managing the treatment of the person. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and a thematic data analysis method was employed. The four themes that emerged from the data analysis include family members’ descriptions and experiences of treatment adherence and non-adherence, family members’ perspectives of general systemic factors that enhance and inhibit adherence to treatment, family members’ roles, strategies and coping mechanisms relating to the person’s treatment adherence, and family members’ suggestions on promoting treatment adherence. Data verification methods were used to ensure trustworthiness of the study. This research informs appropriate practice interventions to families that are active partners in co-managing the treatment of bipolar mood disorder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Future role of community pharmacy in the national health insurance
- Authors: Aluko, Olubusola Aderonke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21472 , vital:29525
- Description: Governments all over the world have shown interest in the healthcare system and various policies and measures have been adopted to ensure optimum health of the people. Inequity in health provision in South Africa is a great challenge. In South Africa, the healthcare system is currently characterised by distinctly different public and private sectors. The public sector serves approximately 84% of the population while the private sector services the smaller portion, 16% of the population. However, the expenditure in both the private and public sectors is almost the same, with approximately five times more being spent per capita in the private sector than in the public sector. The South African health care system is therefore unbalanced with respect to expenditure per capita resulting in inequitable access to, and quality of, health services. In particular, relative to the population it serves and the disease burden that it carries, the public sector is under-resourced. In order to address the inequities characteristic of the current two-tiered system, the South African Government is in the process of implementing a National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI will provide a means of pooling all healthcare funding, thereby providing a means of cross subsidization within the public sector. Funding contributions will be linked to the ability of an individual to pay and benefits will be determined by an individual’s need for care. A core principle of NHI is to provide access to quality care. It has been suggested that within a NHI system private pharmacies may be contracted through service agreements to provide both chronic and acute medicines. However, there are currently no policies specifying the roles and functions of pharmacists in the NHI or in a re-engineered Primary Health Care system, although it has been suggested that for South Africa to have a successful healthcare system it requires the support and assistance of pharmacists. Research suggests that the majority of pharmacists do not believe that the NHI is a suitable means to address South Africa’s healthcare problems and many do not agree with the principles behind it. This study describes the perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists and the lay public in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole toward NHI and the potential role of community pharmacists within the NHI. A qualitative approach was used to provide an in-depth exploration of the attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists and the lay public in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole (NMBM). It is envisaged that this understanding will provide a basis for addressing pharmacists’ concerns and may contribute towards the further development of the role and the scope of practice of community pharmacists in the NHI. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with both community pharmacists and with members of the public. The interviews were digitally recorded and then transcribed. The transcriptions were coded and analysed thematically. The analysis of the themes identified revealed that while community pharmacists and the public are aware of NHI they are uncertain as to how it is being implemented. However, both community pharmacists and patients see NHI as an advantage and display a positive attitude towards NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Aluko, Olubusola Aderonke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa , Health care reform -- South Africa Community health services -- South Africa Pharmacy -- Practice -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21472 , vital:29525
- Description: Governments all over the world have shown interest in the healthcare system and various policies and measures have been adopted to ensure optimum health of the people. Inequity in health provision in South Africa is a great challenge. In South Africa, the healthcare system is currently characterised by distinctly different public and private sectors. The public sector serves approximately 84% of the population while the private sector services the smaller portion, 16% of the population. However, the expenditure in both the private and public sectors is almost the same, with approximately five times more being spent per capita in the private sector than in the public sector. The South African health care system is therefore unbalanced with respect to expenditure per capita resulting in inequitable access to, and quality of, health services. In particular, relative to the population it serves and the disease burden that it carries, the public sector is under-resourced. In order to address the inequities characteristic of the current two-tiered system, the South African Government is in the process of implementing a National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI will provide a means of pooling all healthcare funding, thereby providing a means of cross subsidization within the public sector. Funding contributions will be linked to the ability of an individual to pay and benefits will be determined by an individual’s need for care. A core principle of NHI is to provide access to quality care. It has been suggested that within a NHI system private pharmacies may be contracted through service agreements to provide both chronic and acute medicines. However, there are currently no policies specifying the roles and functions of pharmacists in the NHI or in a re-engineered Primary Health Care system, although it has been suggested that for South Africa to have a successful healthcare system it requires the support and assistance of pharmacists. Research suggests that the majority of pharmacists do not believe that the NHI is a suitable means to address South Africa’s healthcare problems and many do not agree with the principles behind it. This study describes the perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists and the lay public in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole toward NHI and the potential role of community pharmacists within the NHI. A qualitative approach was used to provide an in-depth exploration of the attitudes and perceptions of community pharmacists and the lay public in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole (NMBM). It is envisaged that this understanding will provide a basis for addressing pharmacists’ concerns and may contribute towards the further development of the role and the scope of practice of community pharmacists in the NHI. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with both community pharmacists and with members of the public. The interviews were digitally recorded and then transcribed. The transcriptions were coded and analysed thematically. The analysis of the themes identified revealed that while community pharmacists and the public are aware of NHI they are uncertain as to how it is being implemented. However, both community pharmacists and patients see NHI as an advantage and display a positive attitude towards NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018