Showing items 101 - 120 of 915

Your selections:

Strategies to facilitate the utilisation of child healthcare services in the Nkwanta South Municipality, Ghana

  • Authors: Nyande, Felix Kwasi
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Child health services -- Ghana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51439 , vital:43277
  • Description: Child health outcomes in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa have remained poor compared to other regions of the world. More than half of the global deaths among children under five years of age occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Neonatal and under five child death rates continue to remain high in Ghana, mainly because of the high death rates recorded in the rural areas. Adequate and prompt utilisation of child healthcare services contributes to improved child health outcomes. Despite all the efforts to improve child health, the utilisation of child healthcare services in rural areas in Ghana such as the Nkwanta South Municipality has remained poor. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop strategies that could facilitate the utilisation of child healthcare services by caregivers for their children in need in the Nkwanta South Municipality, Ghana. A qualitative approach, using an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was implemented for this study. The research comprised the following three phases. Phase One comprised the empirical phase which explored and described the experiences of three groups of participants namely, nurses who rendered child healthcare services in both hospitals and clinics; caregivers of children under five years of age who utilised the available child healthcare services and caregivers of child under five years of age who did not utilise the available child healthcare services. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with these participants and analysed qualitatively according to the six steps outlined in Creswell (2014:197). Four main themes and 10 sub-themes emerged from the data analysis and were presented and discussed. Phase Two consisted of the compilation of the conceptual framework using the survey list by Dickoff, James and Wiendenbach (1968:423). The conceptual framework was compiled based on the findings of the empirical phase and the WHO Health for All model which was the theoretical framework that underpinned this study. The conceptual framework was also later used as the lens for the development and description of the strategies to facilitate the utilisation of child healthcare services by caregivers for their children in need in Phase Three. Phase Three of the study was the final phase of the research and it involved the development and description of the strategies that could be used by nurses to facilitate the use of child healthcare services by caregivers for their children in need in Nkwanta South Municipality, Ghana. Five strategies were developed and described in this phase. The five strategies were: training and deployment of nurses; capacity building for nurses to support quality child healthcare delivery; resourcing healthcare facilities; community engagement and participation and stakeholder collaboration. The evaluation criteria of Chinn and Kramer (2011:197) were used by six experts to evaluate the strategies. The strategies were evaluated and found to be understandable, clear, simple, applicable and significant to nursing practice. It can thus be concluded that the purpose of the study was achieved since strategies were developed to facilitate the utilisation of child healthcare services by caregivers for their children in need in the Nkwanta South Municipality, Ghana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The correlation between Instagram usage and relationship satisfaction amongst University students

  • Authors: Widan, Rio Justine
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Online social networks
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52385 , vital:43621
  • Description: At the turn of the twenty-first century, advancements in technology evolved at an exponential rate. This surge was mirrored by the rise in popularity and uptake of social networking sites (SNSs), and more recently, by Instagram, especially among emerging adults. SNSs have become an indispensable part of our daily lives and are influencing the ways individuals communicate, and develop and maintain romantic relationships. The Couple and Family Technology (CFT) Framework describes how the ecological elements of technology influence the structures and processes of romantic relationships, and is the lens through which this study was interpreted. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between Instagram use behaviours and relationship satisfaction amongst university students. This study employed a quantitative research approach and utilised a correlational research design. Participants included a sample of Nelson Mandela University students (N = 231) who were recruited through the nonprobability sampling methods of convenience and purposive sampling. Data were captured online through two measures. The biographical and Instagram use survey measured three variables, namely, frequency of Instagram usage, frequency of monitoring one’s partner’s Instagram activity, and frequency of posting behaviour. The Relationship Assessment Scale measured relationship satisfaction. Significant negative relationships were found between relationship satisfaction and frequency of Instagram usage and frequency of monitoring one’s partner’s Instagram activity. This research study contributed towards the existing body of knowledge, theoretical model, as well as insights for future lines of study within the realm of cyberpsychology. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health markers in young adults

  • Authors: Inglis, Wade Vincent
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Interval training , Cardiopulmonary system -- Blood-vessels
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52499 , vital:43681
  • Description: Background: Limited information related to changes in both the metabolic and blood profiles of healthy young adults engaging in either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) modalities exists. The detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyles can be moderated and may be dependent on the intensity of the intervening activity. It is well known that regular physical activity (PA) can improve a person’s cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and therefore mitigate potential life-threatening effects of sedentary behaviours. Yet despite this, globally, approximately one out of every four adults fail to meet the minimum PA guidelines. Methods: Twenty-eight recreationally active adults from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) initially volunteered to participate in the study. The study was advertised on social media and via the NMU email MEMO database. Eight (n=8) participants were excluded from the study analysis as they failed to complete all the required testing sessions (illness: n=3; failure to attend 80% of sessions: n=2; lost interest: n=3), resulting in a total sample of 20 participants that were retained for analysis (HIIT (n=10) and MICT (n=10)). For inclusion to the study, all participants were required to: (i) be healthy before and during the testing period (ii) be between 18-35 years of age, and (iii) be free of injury before and during testing. Participants attended three training sessions per week for six weeks. HIIT and MICT interventions were matched for exercise load. Results: Within-group differences (i.e. pre- vs. post-intervention) were present, specifically for cardiovascular adaptations including maximal oxygen uptake (HIIT: +17.40%; MICT: +16.11%), gas exchange threshold (HIIT: +14.50%; MICT: +10.83%) and peak power output (HIIT: +38.92%; MICT: +33.79%), but not for cardiometabolic (p = 0.11 – 0.81). No between-group differences were evident for any measured parameters (p = 0.24-0.97), showing no clear preference for either HIIT or MICT modality. Conclusion: Acute improvements in CRF and metabolic biomarkers appeared to be independent of exercise intensity and were achievable within a relatively short time frame. , Thesis (MHMS) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2020-11

The Road to R960: foster parents’ experiences of their journey to receiving a foster care grant in Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Ndwayana, Philasande
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Foster parents -- Services for -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Foster home care -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51418 , vital:43273
  • Description: The focus of this study is on foster parents and how they have experienced foster care process, from initial stages of application to the payment of the foster care grant. Many children have been found to be in need of care and protection following a number of factors ranging from death of biological parents, abandonment or abuse. In South Africa, the Children’s Act 38/2005 upholds the best interests of children and prioritizes family care as opposed to institutional care. Hence, the rise in foster care placements. Prospective foster parents are selected and screened for suitability, once done they then go for approval at Court in a bid to enter into a legal contract so as to care for the child (Children’s Act No 38 of 2005, RSA, 2006). This statutory process is just one part of the road to accessing the foster care grant. However, there is also the view that foster parents are abusing the foster care grant when actually they are caring for other people’s children with the minimal assistance of R960. In a country such as South Africa, where poverty and unemployment contribute to family disintegration, it frequently takes social workers much longer than three months to finalise foster placements, which creates anxiety and uncertainty for the foster parents and the foster children. This qualitative study utilises an exploratory, descriptive research design underpinned by a narrative strategy of inquiry to explore and describe the experiences of foster parents’ journeys to obtaining the foster care grant in Port Elizabeth. The end result envisaged that there will be strengthening of service to clients, an understanding of how the processes and policies empower or challenge foster parents in an aim to render quality care to children and foster parents. And as such recommendations like employment of more social workers, refresher trainings for officials and the marketing adoption as an option of alternative care were mentioned. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The role of ‘social fathers’ in navigation into adulthood

  • Authors: Liziwe, Mavongwana
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Fatherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51320 , vital:43263
  • Description: Various studies have indicated that there is a high rate of father absence in South Africa. This is due to many socio-political conditions like migration, resulting in fathers leaving their families behind in rural areas to find work in urban areas. In addition to this, many households are in fact headed by females as single mothers and they often raise children effectively under difficult socio-economic circumstances. They are often supported by their extended family members such as aunts, uncles and grandparents who take on the role of providing, guiding and giving emotional support for their children’s well-being. South Africa is diverse, with different cultures, where certain cultural practices requires the presence of the father. An example of this is the isiXhosa culture particularly in the rural communities, where the presence of the biological father is important during the transition period from boyhood to manhood. In the absence of biological fathers during this period, other men in the family play this role, known as social fathers. Conversations around absent fathers do not always recognize these support figures in the life of young people. This research study focused on the experiences of young IsiXhosa males regarding the role of social fathers in the process of navigation into adulthood. The researcher conducted this study using a qualitative research approach with non-probability, purposive sampling. Information were gathered through narrative interviews allowing participants to share their experiences of different life transitions and the role that social fathers played during these times. Narrative analysis were used as data analysis method to identify and summarize information gathered. The participants were drawn from the rural communities of Idutywa in the Eastern Cape. The sample of this study were young IsiXhosa males between the age of 18 and 35. The researcher hopes that, by focusing on the role of social fathers in the development of young people, their roles can be escalated and more duly recognized in the work with families. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The use of psychology in roman catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa

  • Authors: Mitchell, Gregory Paul
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Catholic Church -- Africa, Southern -- Psychological aspects -- Congresses
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51344 , vital:43266
  • Description: Psychological assessment forms part of Roman Catholic seminary admissions in Southern Africa. The present study sought to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of the role, purpose, and nature of the use of psychology in Roman Catholic seminary admissions in the territory of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference. A qualitative research design was selected, which utilised the grounded theory method. Church authorities and clinicians, recruited by means of purposive snowball sampling, were interviewed in individual semi-structured interviews. The findings were interpreted in relation to the narrative of a vocation to the Roman Catholic priesthood, international practice guidelines, as well as literature regarding the context of the Southern African Roman Catholic Church. Proposed guidelines for this process in Southern Africa were generated based on the experiences of the participants and this iterative process of thematic analysis. Potential guidelines, grounded in the research data, emerged in the following focus areas: the vocation to the priesthood, contextual and systemic factors, the clinician, the assessment process, factors to be assessed, the psychological report, the decision to admit to seminary, feedback, and psychology in formation. These are recommended to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference in draft form to be implemented in a participatory manner. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2021-04

University students’ perceptions of the influence of cannabis use on mental health

  • Authors: Ramodumo, Itumeleng Adolphina
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Mental health -- Education (Higher) , Marijuana -- Physiological effect , Cannabis -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51611 , vital:43322
  • Description: This study explored university students’ perceptions of cannabis use on mental health at a higher education institution (HEI). Cannabis is described as the most commonly used drug by youth, especially, those who are in tertiary institutions (Allen & Holder, 2014; Arria, Caldeira, Bugbee, Vincent & O’Grady, 2015). The use of cannabis has both negative and positive effects; this is evident in different areas of human functioning. Cannabis usage has been debated upon in courts, regarding its legalisation and decriminalisation, and on the 18th of September 2018, the South African High Court legalised cannabis for personal use. A qualitative study with an explorative- descriptive design was used to give a broader exploration of university students’ perceptions of the influence of cannabis on mental health. The study was conducted at an HEI in the Nelson Mandela Bay and purposive sampling was used to select 15 participants for the study. Data was collected using focused group interviews, following the granting of permission by the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee. The collected data was analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. The research findings indicated both positive and negative influences of cannabis use on mental health. Most participants who expressed positive effects are pervious cannabis users, whereas, most participants with negative perspectives of cannabis use on mental health are non- cannabis users. The findings revealed that participants perceived that the quantity of cannabis smoked determined whether there was a positive or negative effect on mental health, that is, large doses of cannabis had negative effects. The research findings also revealed that the legalisation of cannabis is very likely to increase its use, and the precautionary measures users take to avoid the substance’s negative effects on mental health. The Cognitive Behavioural Theory was used as the lens to better understand how students perceive cannabis use and its influence on mental health. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Assessing South African Medical Interns’ Experience and Confidence in Managing Obstetric Emergencies

  • Authors: Miller, Andrew
  • Date: 2021-02
  • Subjects: Obstetrical emergencies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6882 , vital:52352
  • Description: Background: Medical doctors in South Africa are required to complete a two-year internship at training hospitals, including a four-month rotation in obstetrics and gynaecology. Following this, doctors are allocated to community service posts; many of which are at district and primary level facilities where supervision is limited. The latest triennial Saving Mothers Report identified district hospitals as the second leading site for maternal deaths of all causes. District hospital were also the leading site for maternal deaths secondary to obstetric haemorrhage and the most likely site for the lack of a skilled doctor to be identified as a factor in deaths associated with caesarean delivery. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to describe the self-perceived readiness of medical interns completing their training to independently manage obstetric emergencies, based on the ESMOE modules in the HPCSA internship logbook. The research assessed medical interns in the last three months of their training, using a self-administered online questionnaire, with data collection between October and December 2019. Cluster sampling of interns at training facilities throughout the country resulted in a total of 182 respondents from 17 hospitals in seven provinces in the country, with an overall response rate of 34.1%. Results: Most interns had experience with, and confidence in, the management of miscarriage and hypertension in pregnancy. However, gaps in labour ward management, pregnancy related sepsis and surgical skills were identified. Only 42.3% of respondents were confident in their ability to diagnose obstructed labour, 26.3% had performed an assisted delivery, 39.0% were confident in their knowledge of the indications and contraindications of assisted deliveries and 35.7% had been involved in the delivery of a baby with shoulder dystocia. Regarding pregnancy related sepsis, 54.4% had experience with managing a wound abscess and 29.7% were confident managing puerperal endometritis. While 78.0% felt confident to perform a caesarean section, only 28.6% had performed uterine compression sutures for uterine atony at caesarean section. Additionally, there was a statistically significant variation in scores between training hospitals. Conclusion: A gap exists between the shortcomings in district hospital obstetric services, the prioritisation of placement of community service doctors at primary care and district hospitals, and the self-perceived readiness of medical interns completing their training to safely manage obstetric emergencies. This highlights the importance of clinical support for junior doctors at district hospitals and standardisation of intern training at accredited facilities across the country. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-02

Outcomes of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in Two Rural District Hospitals, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Lotz, John-D Knipe
  • Date: 2021-02
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6834 , vital:51018
  • Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is still rampant in South Africa, and drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) forms a significant part of this burden on both the health care system and economy. A number of interventions have recently been introduced to help curb the growing epidemic of DR-TB, including increasing access to novel and repurposed drugs, decentralisation of care, and a new shorter (9-11 month) treatment regimen recently endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Significantly, this new regimen has now also become injectable-free (also known as an all-oral regimen). However, at the time of implementation in 2017, the shorter regimen was yet to be proven effective in a programmatic setting in South Africa. This is a retrospective cohort study to describe the outcomes in patients on short and long DR-TB treatment regimens, over five years, at two treatment sites in a rural setting in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is the hope that elucidation of factors involved in affecting outcomes in DR-TB may direct future interventions in these two facilities, and the wider DR-TB program in South Africa , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-02

The views of amakrwala on the meaning of umqombothi and commercial alcohol use during the initiation ceremonies

  • Authors: Mavimbela, Mzoli
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Youth -- Alcohol use , Alcoholism -- South Africa , Alcoholism -- Psychological aspects , Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60862 , vital:68801
  • Description: Ulwaluko or initiation ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies practiced by the amaXhosa ethnic group to mark male adolescents’ transition from boyhood to manhood. Every young Xhosa male is anticipated to undergo this ceremony in order to be respected and be viewed as a true man by the society. There is a dearth of literature on amakrwala’s views regarding the meaning of traditional beer (umqombothi) and commercial alcohol (brandy or beer) use during the initiation ceremony. Thus, this study addresses this gap, as it adds to the existing spectrum of knowledge on the meaning of alcohol use during the amaXhosa initiation process. The socio-cultural theory was selected as the theoretical framework for the study. This study took a qualitative nature which was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design employing a non-probability purposive-criterion based technique to sample 16 identified amaXhosa adult males between the ages of 18 to 24 years who recently went through the initiation ceremony. Sixteen individual semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. Data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. Various data verification strategies were employed to ensure trustworthiness. Research ethics applicable to this study were guided by the principles contained in the Belmont report (1979). The findings showed that during the amaXhosa initiation ceremony both commercial alcohol and umqombothi played significant but different roles during each stage of the ceremony. The majority of amakrwala viewed umqombothi as a significant beer for ancestors to divinely bless isiko while brandy and beer were viewed as sweets or beers for fun which accompanied umqombothi. Brandy and beer were viewed as beers required by abafana teaching amakrwala manhood in the lighthouses. Thus, negative behaviours portrayed by abafana during imigidi after drinking alcohol were viewed as a great concern by amakrwala. 7 Alcohol use in ulwaluko was viewed as good by the amakrwala but they emphasized that there should be guidelines that monitor responsible drinking.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021

An Investigation on the Clinical Experiences of Newly Qualified Professional Nurses in Hospital Facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Hloba, Siyathemba Prince
  • Date: 2021-00
  • Subjects: Nurse practitioners
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7942 , vital:55856
  • Description: The study aimed to explore and describe the clinical experiences of newly qualified professional nurses in hospital facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. The newly qualified professional nurses may face difficulties in the hospital facilities when it comes to the execution of duties. The newly qualified professional nurses are expected to display knowledge, skills and to have a positive effect on patients, the relatives of patients and their colleagues to alleviate diseases. This challenge may create emotional distress if newly qualified professional nurses receive inadequate guidance from the senior staff members of the hospital facility. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the clinical experiences of newly qualified professional nurses, to explore how the newly qualified professional nurses were affected emotionally by clinical experiences and to explore the support system to enhance the performance of the newly qualified professional nurses. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used to explore and describe the experiences of the newly qualified professional nurses in hospital facilities of the Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling of newly qualified professional nurses, with less than two years of experience after completing the community service in the clinical practice, was used. The data were collected through face-to-face and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted until the data were saturated. A pilot study was done before the main study to prove the adequacy and suitability of the methods to conduct the main study. The participants‟ interviews and results of the pilot study were incorporated into the interviews and results of the main study. Tesch‟s method of thematic analysis and an independent coder were used to analyse the data and to draw meaning from the content. The study used Guba and Lincoln‟s criteria of measures to ensure trustworthiness, which included credibility, confirmability, dependability and transferability. Ethical standards were maintained throughout the study as the researcher complied with ethical principles, namely, respect for persons, beneficence, justice and autonomy. The key considerations to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as stipulated by the World Health Organisation, were followed during the data collection. On data interpretation, three themes were developed with eight subthemes on the first theme, two subthemes on the second theme and three subthemes on the third theme. The research findings revealed that the participants experienced negative attitudes from colleagues and multidisciplinary team members. The shortage of staff and resources made participants feel ineffective in their work environment. Clinical exposure to different units and procedures in various units added value to the development of the participants. The recommendations were made with regards to three divisions. They were the hospital facilities‟ personnel, future nursing research personnel and nursing schools personnel. In hospital facilities, the recommendations included that all novice professional nurses should be made aware of the emotional impact at work. An annual plan for workshops and in-service training should be implemented. Professional counselling is required for the novice professionals who were exposed to Covid-19 isolation units. A need to increase staff coverage in the clinical units was identified as the workload is too big. Management is encouraged to be more sensitive about the newly employed nurses‟ challenges in their facilities and the most experienced nurses are encouraged to mentor and coach the novice nurses. In the future nursing research, recommendations included that more studies need to be conducted in South Africa and the Eastern Cape province to verify the findings of this research. A specific research study that will focus on the supportive needs of nurses in clinical facilities should be done institutionally to provide evidence-based practice. The research culture on the nurses‟ experiences in clinical facilities needs to become a norm. In nursing schools, the recommendations motivated that the nursing students should be exposed to all clinical units before completing the training xiv course. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the balance between theory and clinical learning on duly performance. The nursing education institutions should use quality improvement suggestion boxes for students to consider their experiences and opinions about their learning. Key words : clinical experiences, newly qualified professional nurses, Alfred Nzo district municipalities , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-00

Women’s perceptions, beliefs and lived experiences of postpartum intrauterine contraception at a District Hospital in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa – a qualitative study

  • Authors: Gibson, Dylan
  • Date: 2021-00
  • Subjects: Postpartum contraception
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6833 , vital:51015
  • Description: Background There is a significant unmet need for family planning in South Africa where long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), including intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) are underutilised. The situation is no different in the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape where high rates of unintended pregnancies continue to be a problem. The postpartum period presents a unique opportunity for providing effective contraception. It has been established that immediate post-placental insertion of a copper IUCD is a safe, effective method that has the potential to reduce unintended pregnancy rates. A Post placental intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) refers to an IUCD that is placed into the uterine fundus immediately after delivery of the placenta after caesarean or vaginal delivery. The understanding of women’s perceptions, beliefs and lived experiences of the PPIUCD in this community has the potential to improve uptake of this method. The aim of the study was to fully explore the phenomenon of postpartum intrauterine contraception as a means of family planning at Madwaleni District Hospital in the Amathole District within the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods A qualitative, phenomenological study design was used in gathering data through a combination of three focus group discussions and in-depth individual interviews with three different groups of peripartum women. Data was collected from perinatal women at three snapshots in time, namely prior to labour, during the postpartum admission and at 12 weeks postpartum with the aim to fully explore the phenomenon of post-placental IUCD use in the study population. III Results The data was analysed using the framework method and five themes were derived iteratively from the text. These themes included the perceptions of perinatal women towards a PPIUCD, the origins of these perceptions, the reasons why women would or would not choose the method for themselves and lastly, the experiences of those women who chose the method. The findings of this study showed that PPIUCD was a novel method in this community and that misinformation, largely driven by deficiencies in antenatal counselling, led to hesitancy to adopt the method. These deficiencies extended to those women who consented to a PPIUCD insertion at caesarean section who did not fully understand what they had consented to. Despite this, women were open to a more effective, convenient contraceptive and the overall experiences of those women who chose to use a PPIUCD was positive. Conclusions Post-placental IUCD insertion was a relatively new method in the study population. Deficiencies in antenatal contraceptive counselling created uncertainty and scepticism which in turn contributed to low uptake of the method among perinatal women. Despite this, there was a strong desire amongst perinatal women to access effective, convenient family planning and prevent future unwanted pregnancies. The overall experiences of women who did choose the method was positive. This suggested that with the right counselling and support, there would be an increase in uptake of PPIUCD in the population. Recommendations from this study include the need to explore healthcare workers perspectives on this topic, to further explore the lived experience of PPIUCD users over a longer period of time and to explore the effectiveness of various antenatal counselling strategies to equip women to make peripartum contraceptive choices. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2021-00

A systematic review on the use of methylphenidate as a performance-enhancing substance in tertiary institutions

  • Authors: Ndhlovu, Stephen
  • Date: 2020-12
  • Subjects: Methylphenidate
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51381 , vital:43269
  • Description: The rationale of this treatise is to synthesize current research, nationally and internationally, both qualitative and quantitative with regards to methylphenidate and its use amongst university students. The study is undertaken to explore the use of methylphenidate by students, as well as the advantages and/or disadvantages of the substance as a performance-enhancer in tertiary institutions. The researcher chose a systematic review, because it summarizes the literature and it critically appraises and synthesizes a specific issue. It synthesizes the results of multiple primary studies that is related to each other, by using strategies that reduce biases and random errors. The methodology employed in this study is derived from Petticrew & Roberts (2006). They recommend that the proceeding 7-steps be noted and followed in conducting a systematic review namely: find existing reviews; define the research question; write the review protocol; decide on inclusion/exclusion criteria; source the literature; assess/appraise the literature; and write the report. The body of literature was accessed through the Nelson Mandela University’s Online Library Catalogue, specifically the accompanying databases: EBSCOhost, Digital Commons, Psych-info, Academic Search Complete, Sage Publications, Science Direct, JSTOR, and Taylor and Francis Online. This study, in the form of a systematic review, is undertaken to provide clarity and a broader perspective of the use of methylphenidate, the rationale or reasoning behind the use, as well as the negative consequences of non-prescription use of methylphenidate in universities, globally. The study is further undertaken to aid policy development in the construction of ethics concerning the use of methylphenidate in universities. Lastly, in relation to the analysis of data, the literature obtained from the systematic review was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method of thematic analysis. Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analysing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Analysis will also be done by an independent reviewer to maintain rigour and reliability. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-12

African narratives of customary marriage, marital stressors, strengths and the value of indigenous marital counselling

  • Authors: Phakane, Tankiso Maxwell
  • Date: 2020-12
  • Subjects: Marriage counseling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53522 , vital:45275
  • Description: The knowledge base of the social sciences and helping professions is characterised by paradigms and theories that have stemmed from a Western intellectual perspective. This has produced many challenges; the main one being that the people of African origin unconsciously embrace the Western worldview leading to the marginalisation of their own view of the world which was a motivation for this study. A further motivation for the study emerged from the divorce rate in customary marriages that is higher than that of statutory marriage in the Makhoaseng Village (Elundini Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan Report, 2015-2016). Employing social constructionism as its theoretical framework, this study, which was located in a rural village in the Eastern Cape, sought to enhance understanding of the stressors and strengths of customary marriage, as well the value of indigenous marital counselling. This qualitative research study was guided by a narrative research design that involved the recruiting of a sample of twenty research participants through the nonprobability purpose sampling, with the local chief serving as a gatekeeper. The data were collected through two separate focus group interviews for males and females, respectively, each of whom were in customary marriages for a period of twenty years and more. As per cultural tradition, the focus group interview for females was conducted by a female colleague, whilst the researcher recorded the observations and the fieldwork notes. The thematic analysis generated four main themes around the participants’ perceptions and experiences of customary marriage, marital stressors, marital strengths and the value of indigenous counselling. The findings make a valuable contribution to the generation of guidelines for marriage counselling from an African worldview. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-12

Cultural perspectives on health decision making of HIV positive Xhosa males

  • Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
  • Date: 2020-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
  • Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-12

Knowledge and perceptions of healthcare workers of the prescripts and implications of the Sexual Offences and Related matters amendment Act 5 of 2015 as applied to adolescent sexual and Reproductive health services in the Buffalo City Municipality

  • Authors: Nake, Khanyisile
  • Date: 2020-11
  • Subjects: Teenagers--Medical care--Law and legislation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22885 , vital:53179
  • Description: Background: In 2015, South Africa amended its Sexual Offences Act to address several disparities surrounding the issue of consensual sex among minors. The amendment has been faced with mixed reactions from the stakeholders with some supporting it while others opposing it. This study was conducted in clinics in East London to explore the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers about the prescripts of the ‘Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 5 of 2015 and their implications to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. The purpose of the study was to explore the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers about the prescripts of the ‘Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 5 of 2015 and their implications to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services provision in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methodology: This study applied the qualitative research approach and used a combination of descriptive and exploratory research design. Three clinic managers and nine professional nurses participated in the in-depth interviews. Thirteen general healthcare practitioners responsible for adolescents, sexual and reproductive health participated in key-informant interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The study found that although healthcare practitioners are aware of the amendment act. However, there was inadequate understanding of the precise implications of this statutory initiative. Many of the participants were not informed of the intent of this act, whilst others suggested that they were not well trained regarding this act due to lack of funding in their respective clinics. Mixed views and perceptions on the impact of this act on their duties, on minors and on the general population were identified. Some were of the view that the Act will make it difficult to control the children while other welcomed it, because it leads to less teenage pregnancies, street abortions, and other similar experiences. Conclusion: In order to overcome these differences in perceptions, the Department of Health must create awareness among staff of the Act and its purpose. Develop initiatives to create understanding of the Act by all members of society to ensure the success of these legislative frameworks. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-11

Usage of traditional medicines and other indigenous practices by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Chituku, Sibongile
  • Date: 2020-09
  • Subjects: Traditional medicine -- Zimbabwe , Medicinal plants
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20142 , vital:45347
  • Description: Use of traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) during pregnancy, labour and delivery is common globally although evidence on their therapeutic effectiveness and safety is scarce. Research relating to indigenous practices and utilisation of traditional medicinal plants by childbearing women during pregnancy in Makoni District, Zimbabwe was carried out. The study included identification of culturally important indigenous knowledge (IK) practices and TMPs used by pregnant women in order to understand how such plants and practices may affect maternal, foetal, labour, and infant outcomes. Four hundred questionnaires were distributed to postnatal mothers in Makoni District, aimed at obtaining information on IK practices associated with utilisation of TMPs by childbearing women during pregnancy. In addition to this, five focused group discussions were carried out between September 2016 and December 2017 with 66 traditional healers from Makoni District. Documented information included names of utilised plants, plant parts used, dosage, methods of preparation and administration, and reasons for use. Voucher specimens of the utilised plant species were collected. Brine shrimp lethality test was used to evaluate potential toxicity of the documented plant species. The collected data were analysed used Epi info version 7.1 and SPSS version 16.5. Quantitative data revealed that 168 (42.0percent) of pregnant women in Makoni District use TMPs and 95 (23.8percent) used traditional practices (including elephant dung) for maternal and childcare. Among the women who used TMPs were those who experienced precipitated and prolonged labour. Correlation was found between demographic factors and utilisation of TMPs. For example, being a Christian was significantly associated with using TMPs with relative risk (RR) value of 8.9. Postnatal mothers who used TMPs during their pregnancy were 82.0percent less likely to have their membranes ruptured artificially, RR = 0.2 and more likely to experience late decelerations during active phase (RR = 2.8) than those who did not use TMPs. The differences between those who used TMPs and those who did not during pregnancy and labour, showed no significant differences in infant outcomes. The ethnobotanical survey revealed that a total of 47 plant species from 27 families and 13 non-plant products were used as herbal, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) by pregnant women. More than half of all the documented plant species (59.8percent), belonged to the Fabaceae (19.1), Asteraceae, (8.5percent), Convolvulaceae (6.4percent), Asparagaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae, Vitaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae (4.3percent each) families. The most used plants were shrubs (40.4percent), trees (27.7percent), climbers (17.0percent), herbs (12.8percent) and a grasses (2.1percent). The most used plant parts were roots (61.7percent), leaves (25.5percent), fruits (12.8percent) and bark (10.6percent). A total of 26 medical conditions were treated with the majority of medicinal plants used to dilate or widen the birth canal (55.3percent) and to augment labour or speed up the delivery process (46.8percent). Interviews with traditional healers revealed that 14.9percent of the documented herbal medicines were used to guard against witchcraft and to prevent the infants’ illnesses. Other major uses of herbal medicines during pregnancy included their use to lower blood pressure or hypertension during pregnancy (12.8percent), to prevent caesarean section (10.6percent) and to loosen or relax muscles during pregnancy (8.5percent). Widely used non-plant products included soil of a burrowing mole (relative frequency citation (RFC) value of 0.61), elephant dung (RFC = 0.59), wasp nest (RFC = 0.32) and soap (RFC = 25). The majority of these non-plant products (22.8percent) were used to dilate birth canal (7.6percent) and augment labour (15.2percent). None of the twenty-five species with (RFC) > 0.05 evaluated for potential toxicity were categorised as toxic, but Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis were categorised as having medium toxicity levels, nine species as having low toxicity levels while 13 species were categorised as non-toxic. This study provides valuable insights into the use of medicinal plants used by women during pregnancy, labour, delivery and post-delivery in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. Medicinal plants play an integral role in the provision of basic health care in Zimbabwe. However, the brine shrimp lethality test results categorised some of the prescribed species such as Albizia amara, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis as having medium levels of toxicity and this is a cause of concern regarding utilization of TMPs during pregnancy. Therefore, TMPs used during pregnancy should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological experiments aimed at identifying some of the potential toxic compounds and side effects associated with intake of TMPs and associated herbal products. , Thesis (PhD(Nursing)) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-09

Knowledge, attitude and behaviors of pregnant women towards pregnancy induced hypertension in Mdantsane Township Buffalo City Health District

  • Authors: Peter, Bulelwa Beatrice
  • Date: 2020-07
  • Subjects: Hypotension in pregnancy , Pregnancy--Complications
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22930 , vital:53221
  • Description: The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) deaths is high in the Eastern Cape. Anecdotal evidence indicates that most women fall pregnant because of attitudes towards contraceptives and are seemingly unaware of pregnancy-related complications. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of pregnant women concerning pregnancyinduced hypertension in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 200 pregnant women attending antenatal healthcare clinics in Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Collected data were managed and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. Data analysis involved both descriptive (count, frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square and logistics regression). For the inferential statistics, the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: It was observed that the married women were more likely to be aware of PIH compared to single women (OR=2.4 95%CI (1.17; 4.90)). Of the 45 married women, 73.3% were aware of PIH compared to single women. Out of the women who participated in the study, 43.8% showed attitudes indicating they were not aware of this condition and associated complications from high-pressure during pregnancy. Compared to those in their first pregnancy, those who had previous pregnancy were more likely to be aware of PIH (OR=17.1 95 % CI (9.09; 32.15)). Of the 140 previously pregnant women, 83.6 % were aware of PIH compared to those during their first pregnancy. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that sociodemographic factors play a role in pregnant women 's understanding of PIH. Improving knowledge of PIH among pregnant women requires context-specific strategies. During an antenatal visit, health care providers should implement focussed health education programmes. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-07

The experiences of users of the Griffiths III

  • Authors: Le Roux, Johan
  • Date: 2020-07
  • Subjects: Child development -- Testing , Psychological tests
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51287 , vital:43260
  • Description: The Griffiths III was published in 2016 and has since then been used internationally by practitioners. The Association for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) is currently planning and reviewing, refining, and improving the 2016 version of this assessment tool. Part of this process is to obtain feedback from all the key role players in the Griffiths III. The purpose of the present study was to explore and describe how users of the Griffiths III experience the measure. A qualitative methodology was utilised, and an exploratory-descriptive design was employed. A questionnaire was created by the ARICD and distributed to all 217 registered users of the Griffiths III. A total of 72 registered Griffiths users, who were using the Griffiths III at that stage, completed and returned the questionnaires to the ARICD. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to extract themes. The findings of the study revealed four overarching themes, namely 1) the purpose and use of the Griffiths III; 2) domains, content, and structure of the Griffiths III; 3) psychometric properties, standardisation, and norms; and 4) merits, limitations, and improvements. Based on the findings, recommendations were made regarding the revision of the Griffiths III. These recommendations relate to a specialised version for children with an autism spectrum disorder, psychometric properties, school readiness elements, universality of the scales, administration time, diagnosis and screening, cost, specific items, and report writing. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciencess, 2021
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-07

An educational intervention for professional nurses on the use of surgical attire in the prevention of surgical site infections in the operating theatres

  • Authors: Alayemi, Joshua
  • Date: 2020-04
  • Subjects: Surgical wound infections--Prevention , Surgery, Aseptic and antiseptic --South africa , Operating room nursing--South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55522 , vital:52754
  • Description: Infection control and prevention is an issue that is of utmost importance to every health practitioner, including professional nurses, as patients who undergo surgeries could develop sepsis, leading to failure of multiple organs and possibly death. Surgical site infections acquired from operating theatres are often introduced when there is lack of application of and adherence to the necessary control measures, sterile principles and techniques, including the appropriate use of surgical attire. This study aimed to contextualize, implement and evaluate an existing educational intervention regarding the use of surgical attire in operating theatres, in order to establish whether the educational intervention enhanced the practices of professional nurses in operating theatres regarding the use of surgical attire. A quantitative research design, using a quasi-experimental two-group pre-test, post-test intervention approach was employed for the study. The study consisted of three phases. The study is underpinned by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation (PARiHS) framework. The research sample consisted of all professional nurses working in the public and private operating theatres in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Purposive sampling was used to select the hospitals in control (Hospitals 2 and 3) and intervention groups (Hospitals 4 and 5), ensuring an equal number of public and iv private hospitals in each group. Data was collected through self-administered pre- and post-questionnaires. An existing educational intervention based on the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN’s) guidelines was contextualized through review by three professional nurses with a specialty in operating theatre. The educational intervention was implemented for the intervention group, while the control group only received the summary of the AORN guidelines. Reliability and validity were ensured through the conduct of a pilot study, and expert review by three professional nurses with a specialty in operating theatre in order to check the validity and reliability of the data collection instrument and educational intervention. This means that the educational intervention had a positive effect in terms of improving the professional nurses’ practices on the use of surgical attire to prevent surgical site infections in operating theatres. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences Clinical Care and Medicinal Science, 2020
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2020-04
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact