The Influence of School Environmental Factors on Grade 12 Learners’ Academic Performances
- Authors: SIKUZA PUMLA MARJORIE
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2822 , vital:42959
- Full Text:
- Authors: SIKUZA PUMLA MARJORIE
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2822 , vital:42959
- Full Text:
Investigating the Role of the Representative Council of Learners in the School Governing Body
- Authors: Rufinus Marumo Nakin
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2830 , vital:42961
- Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of the study undertaken at five schools in South Africa was to investigate the role of the Representative Council of Learners on School Governing Bodies in the Bizana District (Eastern Cape). The researcher conducted this research because little had been written about the role of RCLs on School Governing Bodies at South African schools. This was a qualitative study in which a multiple case study approach was used. The researcher collected data from the five schools using document analysis, observations and interviews. Observations of the proceedings were undertaken during the SGB meetings. Unstructured interviews, with a small purposive sampling of informants, supplemented the data obtained from the observations. All data collected in this way were analyzed, discussed and synthesized. There were five learners from each school, three parents from each school, two educators from each school and one principal from each school. There were a total of fifty-five participants. The findings were that RCLs are at present not playing their roles effectively on School Governing Bodies. They are often not included in some of the SGB meetings and thus contribute to their ineffectiveness. The researcher therefore recommended that RCLs should be included at all SGB meetings so as play their roles effectively in representing their fellow learners on SGBs and that further research be undertaken regarding the role of RCLs on School Governing Bodies in South Africa. The researcher is also of the view that formal structures, each with a code of conduct, need to be re-visited and instituted in order to capacitate RCLs. Workshops in this regard are also a recommendation. Key words: School Governing Body, Representative Council of Learners, role, decision making, involvement, democratic principles.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rufinus Marumo Nakin
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2830 , vital:42961
- Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of the study undertaken at five schools in South Africa was to investigate the role of the Representative Council of Learners on School Governing Bodies in the Bizana District (Eastern Cape). The researcher conducted this research because little had been written about the role of RCLs on School Governing Bodies at South African schools. This was a qualitative study in which a multiple case study approach was used. The researcher collected data from the five schools using document analysis, observations and interviews. Observations of the proceedings were undertaken during the SGB meetings. Unstructured interviews, with a small purposive sampling of informants, supplemented the data obtained from the observations. All data collected in this way were analyzed, discussed and synthesized. There were five learners from each school, three parents from each school, two educators from each school and one principal from each school. There were a total of fifty-five participants. The findings were that RCLs are at present not playing their roles effectively on School Governing Bodies. They are often not included in some of the SGB meetings and thus contribute to their ineffectiveness. The researcher therefore recommended that RCLs should be included at all SGB meetings so as play their roles effectively in representing their fellow learners on SGBs and that further research be undertaken regarding the role of RCLs on School Governing Bodies in South Africa. The researcher is also of the view that formal structures, each with a code of conduct, need to be re-visited and instituted in order to capacitate RCLs. Workshops in this regard are also a recommendation. Key words: School Governing Body, Representative Council of Learners, role, decision making, involvement, democratic principles.
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Beliefs, Attitudes, Practices, Response to Interventions and Therapeutic Education of Obese and Normal Weight Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients attending the Diabetic Clinic in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha
- Authors: Odufu Alexander Abiodun
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2854 , vital:42965 , Type 2 diabetes, belief, attitudes, practices, responses to intervention, therapeutic education
- Description: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Education is the cornerstone of diabetes care. Because of lack of awareness, most patients suffer from diabetes complications. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, practices and responses to interventions and therapeutic education of obese and normal weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: to determine the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practices among patients with T2DM; to estimate the proportions of uncontrolled blood glucose, poor quality of life, and no adherence to medications and diet among patients with T2DM; to explore food choices and nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM; and to develop from responses, educational programs towards self and health professional management. Methods: This descriptive study included two hundred T2DM. A modified version of the Diabetes knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaires were used for data collection. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique and all data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 18. The patient‟s knowledge, attitudes and practice about the disease, the proportion of uncontrolled blood glucose and no adherence to medication and diet, nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM were the main outcome measures. Results: The mean age of the patients were 49.0±16.6 years for men and 48.2±15.8 years for females with the male to female ratio being 1:1. The population was formed by adults and elderly adults, who were between 18 and 80 years of age. Most were obese (43.0%); married (50.5%) and overweight (27.7%). Patients‟ awareness about diabetes was high. The overall knowledge on the etiology and features of T2DM was good. Answers for glycemic control, risk factors and complications were very good. Awareness about eye and renal complications was also high. A majority also noted eye problems as the complication of DM yet only 69% have visited an ophthalmologist. More than half of the sample population correctly answers questions regarding dietary requirements in diabetes.80% of the patients responded that alcohol is not good for a diabetic, that losing weight can prevent diabetic from getting worse and that smoking can worsen diabetes. 20% of the population does not know that the above mentioned factors are important in the management of their condition. The percentage of uncontrolled blood sugar and HbA1c among T2DM residing in Mthatha was good as 80% of the patients have their previous and current blood sugar level and HbA1c as normal. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were high in most areas of diabetes care. However, the majority of the patients were obese emphasizing the need for additional educational efforts in life style modification.
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- Authors: Odufu Alexander Abiodun
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2854 , vital:42965 , Type 2 diabetes, belief, attitudes, practices, responses to intervention, therapeutic education
- Description: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Education is the cornerstone of diabetes care. Because of lack of awareness, most patients suffer from diabetes complications. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, practices and responses to interventions and therapeutic education of obese and normal weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: to determine the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practices among patients with T2DM; to estimate the proportions of uncontrolled blood glucose, poor quality of life, and no adherence to medications and diet among patients with T2DM; to explore food choices and nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM; and to develop from responses, educational programs towards self and health professional management. Methods: This descriptive study included two hundred T2DM. A modified version of the Diabetes knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaires were used for data collection. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique and all data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 18. The patient‟s knowledge, attitudes and practice about the disease, the proportion of uncontrolled blood glucose and no adherence to medication and diet, nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM were the main outcome measures. Results: The mean age of the patients were 49.0±16.6 years for men and 48.2±15.8 years for females with the male to female ratio being 1:1. The population was formed by adults and elderly adults, who were between 18 and 80 years of age. Most were obese (43.0%); married (50.5%) and overweight (27.7%). Patients‟ awareness about diabetes was high. The overall knowledge on the etiology and features of T2DM was good. Answers for glycemic control, risk factors and complications were very good. Awareness about eye and renal complications was also high. A majority also noted eye problems as the complication of DM yet only 69% have visited an ophthalmologist. More than half of the sample population correctly answers questions regarding dietary requirements in diabetes.80% of the patients responded that alcohol is not good for a diabetic, that losing weight can prevent diabetic from getting worse and that smoking can worsen diabetes. 20% of the population does not know that the above mentioned factors are important in the management of their condition. The percentage of uncontrolled blood sugar and HbA1c among T2DM residing in Mthatha was good as 80% of the patients have their previous and current blood sugar level and HbA1c as normal. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were high in most areas of diabetes care. However, the majority of the patients were obese emphasizing the need for additional educational efforts in life style modification.
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Phytomedical Studies of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for The Treatment of Chest and Cough Related Diseases in The Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ndamane, Yolanda
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2814 , vital:42954
- Description: GENERAL ABSTRACT Herbal plants play a fundamental role in the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases particularly in remote areas of Eastern Cape where health care facilities are sparsely located. The phytomedical studies of plants implicated in the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases in the OR Tambo District Municipality,Eastern Cape was investigated. This study was aimed at documenting the commonly used plants and validates their efficacy against different organisms which are notorious for causing coughing and chest related diseases. The methods employed for the present study include interviews with traditional healers, herbalist and knowledgeable rural dwellers that provided ethnobotanical information and identified 17 plants used for the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases in the study area. Of these the three medicinal plants that were reported to be most widely and frequently used by the local people as remedies for coughing and chest related diseases were Tetradenia riparia, Plectranthus laxiflarus and Eucalyptus renans. T. riparia was selected for further study based on its frequency of citation during the interviewees. Hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, dichloromethane and Aqueous extracts of Tetradenia riparia were screened against ten bacterial species. The dichloromethane extract was the only extract that did not show any activity against bacterial strains. All other four extracts exhibited various degrees of activity with the ethyl acetate extract showing the highest activity against the bacterial species used during the antibacterial assays. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the leaves of Tetradenia riparia yielded one pure compound. The antimicrobial investigation of the isolated compound showed inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms. It is noteworthy that the isolated compound showed a significantly higher inhibitory activity than the actual crude extract, this is suggestive of the powerful ability of the compound in working independently.The present study has lend scientific credence to the folkloric use of T.riparia in the management of cough on chest related disorders.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndamane, Yolanda
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2814 , vital:42954
- Description: GENERAL ABSTRACT Herbal plants play a fundamental role in the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases particularly in remote areas of Eastern Cape where health care facilities are sparsely located. The phytomedical studies of plants implicated in the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases in the OR Tambo District Municipality,Eastern Cape was investigated. This study was aimed at documenting the commonly used plants and validates their efficacy against different organisms which are notorious for causing coughing and chest related diseases. The methods employed for the present study include interviews with traditional healers, herbalist and knowledgeable rural dwellers that provided ethnobotanical information and identified 17 plants used for the treatment of coughing and chest related diseases in the study area. Of these the three medicinal plants that were reported to be most widely and frequently used by the local people as remedies for coughing and chest related diseases were Tetradenia riparia, Plectranthus laxiflarus and Eucalyptus renans. T. riparia was selected for further study based on its frequency of citation during the interviewees. Hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, dichloromethane and Aqueous extracts of Tetradenia riparia were screened against ten bacterial species. The dichloromethane extract was the only extract that did not show any activity against bacterial strains. All other four extracts exhibited various degrees of activity with the ethyl acetate extract showing the highest activity against the bacterial species used during the antibacterial assays. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the leaves of Tetradenia riparia yielded one pure compound. The antimicrobial investigation of the isolated compound showed inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms. It is noteworthy that the isolated compound showed a significantly higher inhibitory activity than the actual crude extract, this is suggestive of the powerful ability of the compound in working independently.The present study has lend scientific credence to the folkloric use of T.riparia in the management of cough on chest related disorders.
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Causes of conflict in school governing bodies of Mthatha district schools in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Authors: Mandisa Nokwanda Memela
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2838 , vital:42963
- Description: ABSTRACT According to the South African Schools Act (Act 84, 1996) (SASA), which came into effect in the beginning of 1997, all public schools in South Africa should have democratically elected School Governing Bodies, with parents, educators, non-teaching staff, learners and the principal. Their functions included creating an environment conducive to teaching and learning, developing a vision and mission statement for the school and promoting the best interests of the school. School governance practices are performed with tension due to values inherent in African traditions; customs and values of modern school leadership. Integrating schools and the communities and making the former accountable to its community and having representations of legitimate interests in the schools are seen as politically and socially correct. It is argued that conflicts and tensions in school governance are likely to continue. In this study, the researcher explores and analyses causes of conflict in SGBs of Mthatha District schools in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. A quantitative study using questionnaires was conducted, using five respondents of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) from each of the rural, semi-urban and urban schools. Two schools were selected from each of these categories. This gave a total of thirty respondents. Non- probability purposive sampling was used. Two types of comparative analysis were done to the quantitative data. There was the usual descriptive statistical analysis meant to draw comparisons based on the responses within a given variable. This was the initial analysis for quantitative data. Some reliable conclusions were determined from this analysis. The findings of the study reveal numerous causes of conflict in SGBs related to SGB‟s in ability to execute their functions and ability to rule the school as prescribed in the South Africa Schools Act.84 of 1996. The causes of conflict include parents‟ level of education, parental interference, illiteracy, or lack of transparency, recruitment and lack of financial mismanagement. Finally, it is also evident that only learners could not be blamed for causing conflict. The study concludes with some recommendations, amongst them that there should be a friendly atmosphere between parents and teachers with teachers accepting the presence and involvement of parents in the running of school activities but that parents should not interfere in the teaching practices of educators and should not be at school during odd hours of the day.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mandisa Nokwanda Memela
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2838 , vital:42963
- Description: ABSTRACT According to the South African Schools Act (Act 84, 1996) (SASA), which came into effect in the beginning of 1997, all public schools in South Africa should have democratically elected School Governing Bodies, with parents, educators, non-teaching staff, learners and the principal. Their functions included creating an environment conducive to teaching and learning, developing a vision and mission statement for the school and promoting the best interests of the school. School governance practices are performed with tension due to values inherent in African traditions; customs and values of modern school leadership. Integrating schools and the communities and making the former accountable to its community and having representations of legitimate interests in the schools are seen as politically and socially correct. It is argued that conflicts and tensions in school governance are likely to continue. In this study, the researcher explores and analyses causes of conflict in SGBs of Mthatha District schools in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. A quantitative study using questionnaires was conducted, using five respondents of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) from each of the rural, semi-urban and urban schools. Two schools were selected from each of these categories. This gave a total of thirty respondents. Non- probability purposive sampling was used. Two types of comparative analysis were done to the quantitative data. There was the usual descriptive statistical analysis meant to draw comparisons based on the responses within a given variable. This was the initial analysis for quantitative data. Some reliable conclusions were determined from this analysis. The findings of the study reveal numerous causes of conflict in SGBs related to SGB‟s in ability to execute their functions and ability to rule the school as prescribed in the South Africa Schools Act.84 of 1996. The causes of conflict include parents‟ level of education, parental interference, illiteracy, or lack of transparency, recruitment and lack of financial mismanagement. Finally, it is also evident that only learners could not be blamed for causing conflict. The study concludes with some recommendations, amongst them that there should be a friendly atmosphere between parents and teachers with teachers accepting the presence and involvement of parents in the running of school activities but that parents should not interfere in the teaching practices of educators and should not be at school during odd hours of the day.
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Factors Influencing Enrolment In Rural Primary Schools In One Circuit, Port St. Johns Cmc, Or Tambo Coastal Education District
- Authors: Lungu, Simlindile Humphrey
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Collaboration, school culture, school merger, rationalisation, educator attrition, enrolment, rural, educators, learners.
- Language: English
- Type: Masters , Master of Education (M. Ed)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6244 , vital:45343
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing enrolment in rural primary schools in one Circuit in Port St. Johns CMC in OR Tambo Coastal Education District. The literature review looked into each of the following aspects of factors influencing enrolment in rural primary schools: challenges resulting in policy issues, the challenge of infrastructure, other factors that influence enrolment in rural school and strategies to overcome enrolment challenges in rural schools. The study was qualitative in nature and employed case study research design. Convenient sampling was used to select four rural primary schools in one Circuit in Port St. Johns Circuit Management Centre (CMC) in OR Tambo Education District. The principal, one (1) educator, one (1) parent and one (1) learner were purposively selected from each school and this made a total of sixteen (16) participants. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted to gather data about the views and opinions of the participants. Data were analysed using the interpretational analytical strategies. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants. The major findings were:When the number of learners decreases, the number of educators is also reduced proportionately as a results educators have to take more subjects.There was a negative effect of the relocation of parents, there was poor quality of teaching and learning, the effect of instability crippled normal functioning of the school, there was poor school management as the schools were hit by having no principals due to internal disputes, there were disruptions of teaching and learning due to instability in rural primary schools. The main recommendations are: Rural primary schools should gradually improve the quality of teaching and learning provisioning and arrest the decline in enrolment;At least each class should have an educator, so that discipline can be maintained in all classes; Given the highly technical nature of the process involved in determining the PPN of schools, the DBE, the Provincial Education Departments as well as educator unions should as a matter of priority engage in a massive campaign to capacitate principals on the application of the PPN and its related formula; An audit into the schools' physical infrastructure be conducted to redress the meaningful pedagogical environment of teaching and learning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lungu, Simlindile Humphrey
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Collaboration, school culture, school merger, rationalisation, educator attrition, enrolment, rural, educators, learners.
- Language: English
- Type: Masters , Master of Education (M. Ed)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6244 , vital:45343
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing enrolment in rural primary schools in one Circuit in Port St. Johns CMC in OR Tambo Coastal Education District. The literature review looked into each of the following aspects of factors influencing enrolment in rural primary schools: challenges resulting in policy issues, the challenge of infrastructure, other factors that influence enrolment in rural school and strategies to overcome enrolment challenges in rural schools. The study was qualitative in nature and employed case study research design. Convenient sampling was used to select four rural primary schools in one Circuit in Port St. Johns Circuit Management Centre (CMC) in OR Tambo Education District. The principal, one (1) educator, one (1) parent and one (1) learner were purposively selected from each school and this made a total of sixteen (16) participants. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted to gather data about the views and opinions of the participants. Data were analysed using the interpretational analytical strategies. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants. The major findings were:When the number of learners decreases, the number of educators is also reduced proportionately as a results educators have to take more subjects.There was a negative effect of the relocation of parents, there was poor quality of teaching and learning, the effect of instability crippled normal functioning of the school, there was poor school management as the schools were hit by having no principals due to internal disputes, there were disruptions of teaching and learning due to instability in rural primary schools. The main recommendations are: Rural primary schools should gradually improve the quality of teaching and learning provisioning and arrest the decline in enrolment;At least each class should have an educator, so that discipline can be maintained in all classes; Given the highly technical nature of the process involved in determining the PPN of schools, the DBE, the Provincial Education Departments as well as educator unions should as a matter of priority engage in a massive campaign to capacitate principals on the application of the PPN and its related formula; An audit into the schools' physical infrastructure be conducted to redress the meaningful pedagogical environment of teaching and learning.
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An Assessment of The Effectiveness of Government Intervention Strategies For Water Provision In Rural Communities In The O R Tambo District Municipality South Africa
- Authors: Kunseh E, Betek Cecilia
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2870 , vital:42969
- Description: ABSTRACT This study examines the provision of potable water to rural areas by South African municipalities, focusing on the experience of the O R Tambo District Municipality. Managing rural water supply systems effectively and efficiently is a challenge to the municipality due to the long distances between consumers and municipal centres. This is couple with the low income of most residents and the government's policy of free basic water is making rural water provision very difficult in the O R Tambo District Municipality. This policy obliges municipalities to supply a basic quantity of water usually set at 6 kilolitres per month to each household free of charge. Many rural municipalities face additional challenges of limited revenue and limited managerial and technical capacity as well as limited quantity and quality water system or source. There is little empirical data on how successful municipalities have been in providing water to rural areas. Data was collected from three local municipalities of O R Tambo that is King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mhlontlo and Qawukeni local municipalities respectively. According to the result of the research, 77% of the sample population complained that there have been no improvements in their livelihood because they still get water from the natural source and even the 33% that were getting water from the taps still have to depend on natural sources because the taps are always broken. Despite significant investment and important progress, access to safe potable water continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for rural communities in O.R.Tambo District Municipality. Rural communities should be educated on the importance of co-operation and willingness to clean and protect the surroundings of natural sources of water.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kunseh E, Betek Cecilia
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2870 , vital:42969
- Description: ABSTRACT This study examines the provision of potable water to rural areas by South African municipalities, focusing on the experience of the O R Tambo District Municipality. Managing rural water supply systems effectively and efficiently is a challenge to the municipality due to the long distances between consumers and municipal centres. This is couple with the low income of most residents and the government's policy of free basic water is making rural water provision very difficult in the O R Tambo District Municipality. This policy obliges municipalities to supply a basic quantity of water usually set at 6 kilolitres per month to each household free of charge. Many rural municipalities face additional challenges of limited revenue and limited managerial and technical capacity as well as limited quantity and quality water system or source. There is little empirical data on how successful municipalities have been in providing water to rural areas. Data was collected from three local municipalities of O R Tambo that is King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mhlontlo and Qawukeni local municipalities respectively. According to the result of the research, 77% of the sample population complained that there have been no improvements in their livelihood because they still get water from the natural source and even the 33% that were getting water from the taps still have to depend on natural sources because the taps are always broken. Despite significant investment and important progress, access to safe potable water continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for rural communities in O.R.Tambo District Municipality. Rural communities should be educated on the importance of co-operation and willingness to clean and protect the surroundings of natural sources of water.
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The Role of Biomarkers in the Management of Stroke in Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Collin Asongapha Forka
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2846 , vital:42964
- Description: ABSTRACT Stroke is defined as rapidly developed clinical signs of focal (or global) disturbance of the cerebral function, lasting more than 24 hours with no apparent cause other than a vascular origin. A biomarker is defined as “a physiological characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological or pathogenic process as well as pharmacological responses to a therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of biomarkers in defining inflammation, endogenous oxidants/antioxidant status (oxidative stress imbalance) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This case (stroke types and subtypes) – control (healthy) study (matched for gender and age) was conducted between December 2012 and June 2015. Mthatha Hospital complex served as the study setting. Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) is a tertiary facility that provides health care to South African population, majority of whom dwell in rural areas around the hospital. Student t-test and ANOVA served to compare means between 2 groups and across >3 groups. Chi – square test was used to compare proportions between 2 groups. Multivariate (multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and discriminant functions) analyses were used to identify the most important risk factors of all strokes and fibrinogen to discriminate stroke types and subtypes. ROC method obtained specific ethnic cut–off points of biomarkers that associated independently with all strokes. In total 67 participants were examined: 37 cases of strokes (11 ischemic, 26 haemorrhagic, 11 lacunar ischemic, 13 intra-cerebral hematomas and 8 haemorrhagic brain ischaemia) versus 28 controls. Low socio – economic status (OR=10.3 95%CI 3.3- 32.9 p<0.0001), physical inactivity (OR=13 95% CI 3.3-51.6 p<0.0001), rural residence(OR=6.5 95% CI 1.6-26.5 p=0.004), RDW(OR=3.7 95% CI 1.3-10.9 p=0.016), D – dimer (OR=17.4 95% CI 2.9-104 p=0.002), Fibrinogen (OR=35.1 95% CI 3.5-356.5 p=0.003), and BMI(OR=1.387 95% CI 0.985-2 p=0.06) were the most independent risk factors of all strokes. RDW, Platelets, D-dimer, and Neutrophils were the most discriminant of absence of strokes, ischaemic and haemorrhagic types of stroke. Only Fibrinogen and BNP were the most discriminant of stroke subtypes in low socio–economic status. Meanwhile, Platelets, Neutrophils, and CRP were the most discriminant of stroke subtypes in high socio – economic status. The cut-off points of RDW>14%, Fibrinogen>3.5 g/L, and D-dimer>0.5g/mL separated efficiently all stroke types and controls. Independent variations (R2 = 48%) of Fibrinogen in all participants were explained by increase in CRP (Beta = 0.315; P = 0.003), Platelets (Beta = 0.280; P = 0.004), BMI (Beta = 0.268; P = 0.006), and Monocytes (Beta = 0.241; P = 0.014).iii In conclusion, increased levels of Biomarkers of inflammation, thrombosis, hypercoagulability, but opposite variations of innate immunity (increase in monocytes, decrease or increase in neutrophils), overweight/Obesity, low socio-economic status, physical inactivity, and rural residence were the major risk factors of all strokes. Biomarkers of inflammation have superior performance to diagnose all strokes and to discriminate stroke types and to predict the severity of stroke subtypes than the few traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Education, adequate diet, exercise, reduction of poverty, other measures of secondary prevention, applied research, and integration of chemical pathology in the management of strokes are needed in personalised medicine with cheap tools (RDW, platelets and Fibrinogen) in absence of neuro – imaging in the poorest Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
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- Authors: Collin Asongapha Forka
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2846 , vital:42964
- Description: ABSTRACT Stroke is defined as rapidly developed clinical signs of focal (or global) disturbance of the cerebral function, lasting more than 24 hours with no apparent cause other than a vascular origin. A biomarker is defined as “a physiological characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological or pathogenic process as well as pharmacological responses to a therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of biomarkers in defining inflammation, endogenous oxidants/antioxidant status (oxidative stress imbalance) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. This case (stroke types and subtypes) – control (healthy) study (matched for gender and age) was conducted between December 2012 and June 2015. Mthatha Hospital complex served as the study setting. Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital (NMAH) is a tertiary facility that provides health care to South African population, majority of whom dwell in rural areas around the hospital. Student t-test and ANOVA served to compare means between 2 groups and across >3 groups. Chi – square test was used to compare proportions between 2 groups. Multivariate (multiple linear regression, binary logistic regression, and discriminant functions) analyses were used to identify the most important risk factors of all strokes and fibrinogen to discriminate stroke types and subtypes. ROC method obtained specific ethnic cut–off points of biomarkers that associated independently with all strokes. In total 67 participants were examined: 37 cases of strokes (11 ischemic, 26 haemorrhagic, 11 lacunar ischemic, 13 intra-cerebral hematomas and 8 haemorrhagic brain ischaemia) versus 28 controls. Low socio – economic status (OR=10.3 95%CI 3.3- 32.9 p<0.0001), physical inactivity (OR=13 95% CI 3.3-51.6 p<0.0001), rural residence(OR=6.5 95% CI 1.6-26.5 p=0.004), RDW(OR=3.7 95% CI 1.3-10.9 p=0.016), D – dimer (OR=17.4 95% CI 2.9-104 p=0.002), Fibrinogen (OR=35.1 95% CI 3.5-356.5 p=0.003), and BMI(OR=1.387 95% CI 0.985-2 p=0.06) were the most independent risk factors of all strokes. RDW, Platelets, D-dimer, and Neutrophils were the most discriminant of absence of strokes, ischaemic and haemorrhagic types of stroke. Only Fibrinogen and BNP were the most discriminant of stroke subtypes in low socio–economic status. Meanwhile, Platelets, Neutrophils, and CRP were the most discriminant of stroke subtypes in high socio – economic status. The cut-off points of RDW>14%, Fibrinogen>3.5 g/L, and D-dimer>0.5g/mL separated efficiently all stroke types and controls. Independent variations (R2 = 48%) of Fibrinogen in all participants were explained by increase in CRP (Beta = 0.315; P = 0.003), Platelets (Beta = 0.280; P = 0.004), BMI (Beta = 0.268; P = 0.006), and Monocytes (Beta = 0.241; P = 0.014).iii In conclusion, increased levels of Biomarkers of inflammation, thrombosis, hypercoagulability, but opposite variations of innate immunity (increase in monocytes, decrease or increase in neutrophils), overweight/Obesity, low socio-economic status, physical inactivity, and rural residence were the major risk factors of all strokes. Biomarkers of inflammation have superior performance to diagnose all strokes and to discriminate stroke types and to predict the severity of stroke subtypes than the few traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Education, adequate diet, exercise, reduction of poverty, other measures of secondary prevention, applied research, and integration of chemical pathology in the management of strokes are needed in personalised medicine with cheap tools (RDW, platelets and Fibrinogen) in absence of neuro – imaging in the poorest Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
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Phytomedicinal Studies Of Medicinal Plants Used For The Treatment Of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders (Diarrhoea And Stomach Ache), In The Three Districts Of The Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Babalwa N Mbolekwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2862 , vital:42968
- Description: GENERAL ABSTRACT The use of plants for medicinal purposes has involved many plants exhibiting healing powers for many diverse illnesses and circumstances and one of those being diarrhoea. In different areas of the OR Tambo, Ukhahlamba and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa it has been long-established that native plants are the main components of traditional health care systems. The study aimed at identifying and documenting plants frequently used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders (diarrhoea and stomach ache), evaluating their efficacy and isolation of active compounds in the crude extracts. Ethnobotanical information of the commonly used plants was collected and documented through the use of questionnaires with traditional healers, herbalists and community members. In the study area, the ethnobotanical data revealed that 51 plant species belonging to 36 families were used in treating diarrhoea and stomach ache. According to the ethnobotanical information, Acacia mearnsii (idywabasi) was the most frequently used plant for treating diarrhoea and was selected for further studies because of its frequent use in most sites within the study area. Four extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol) from the bark of Acacia mearnsii were screened against five Gram-positive bacteria strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus kristinae and Streptococcus faecalis.) and five Gram-negative bacteria strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumonia and Serratia marcescens). The antibacterial activities were determined by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bio-autographic methods. The extracts showed various degrees of activity. Ethyl acetate extract showed higher activity against bacterial species used during the antibacterial assay and was further investigated for isolation of active compounds. Bio-autography results showed one compound separated on the TLC with activity against the test organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus. In the future, this study may serve as a foundation for choosing the common, active medicinal plants to use in traditional medicine practices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Babalwa N Mbolekwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2862 , vital:42968
- Description: GENERAL ABSTRACT The use of plants for medicinal purposes has involved many plants exhibiting healing powers for many diverse illnesses and circumstances and one of those being diarrhoea. In different areas of the OR Tambo, Ukhahlamba and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa it has been long-established that native plants are the main components of traditional health care systems. The study aimed at identifying and documenting plants frequently used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders (diarrhoea and stomach ache), evaluating their efficacy and isolation of active compounds in the crude extracts. Ethnobotanical information of the commonly used plants was collected and documented through the use of questionnaires with traditional healers, herbalists and community members. In the study area, the ethnobotanical data revealed that 51 plant species belonging to 36 families were used in treating diarrhoea and stomach ache. According to the ethnobotanical information, Acacia mearnsii (idywabasi) was the most frequently used plant for treating diarrhoea and was selected for further studies because of its frequent use in most sites within the study area. Four extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methanol) from the bark of Acacia mearnsii were screened against five Gram-positive bacteria strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus kristinae and Streptococcus faecalis.) and five Gram-negative bacteria strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Klebsiella pneumonia and Serratia marcescens). The antibacterial activities were determined by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bio-autographic methods. The extracts showed various degrees of activity. Ethyl acetate extract showed higher activity against bacterial species used during the antibacterial assay and was further investigated for isolation of active compounds. Bio-autography results showed one compound separated on the TLC with activity against the test organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus. In the future, this study may serve as a foundation for choosing the common, active medicinal plants to use in traditional medicine practices.
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