The experiences of registered nurses' of their work environment in a critical care unit
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the computer literacy status of nurse managers in a private hospital group in the Nelson Mandela metropolitan area
- Authors: Booysen, Mary Kathleen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/924 , Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Description: There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Booysen, Mary Kathleen
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/924 , Nursing informatics , Nursing -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Information storage and retrieval systems -- Hospitals , Hospital care -- Data processing -- South Africa - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area
- Description: There has been an increase in the use of information technology in the hospital environment over the past decade and the use of computers by Nursing Managers is rapidly increasing. The latter poses a challenge to Nurse Managers, as their computer literacy status is unknown. This is evident from the fact that prior to 1996 there was only four computers at one of the private hospitals used in this study. Computer skills were never a requirement when applying for the position of Nurse Manager; and there is still currently no formal computer training provided for Nurse Managers or Acting Nurse Managers. Resources are however available in the hospitals to assist the managers with various computer problems but it is not known if these resources equip managers with the appropriate tools to become efficient in their role. The lack of formal training and lack of assessment of resources to determine whether the computer needs of Nurse Managers are met results in a lot of time being wasted and many frustrations experienced among Nurse Managers. The researcher was therefore motivated by the latter problem to explore and describe the computer literacy status of Nurse Managers in order to make recommendations to management regarding the research findings. The researcher selected a quantitative, explorative, contextual and descriptive survey design. The research population was made up of all Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A 100 percent sample was utilised and comprised thirty-four respondents who made up the entire group of Nurse Managers and Acting Nurse Managers at the time of the study. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used in Phase One of the research and in Phase Two a data observation sheet was used to test the respondents and to collect the necessary data. This data was manually processed and analysed by the iii researcher. All ethical considerations were honoured throughout the research process. The main findings of the research study reflected that the respondents had a below average ability to use various software packages such as Microsoft Word, EXCEL and Power Point. Findings further revealed that the respondent’s literacy levels were average with regard to the use of peripheral components of the computer such as the use of the mouse and keyboard. The respondents rated their competency level as average with regard to using a computer. Due to the limitations and small sample size used in the study the researcher recommends that further research using a larger sample by expanding the research into the other private hospitals in the group through out South Africa should take place in order to produce more constructive results than this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Biological activities of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat Septicaemia in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Chinyama, Robert Fred
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1274 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Over the past 25 years, there has been a resurgence of worldwide scientific research in the fields of ethnopharmacology. The Western world has acknowledged the continued use of traditional medicines by the majority of third world countries, and the need for novel drug development. Hence, much of the pharmaceutical research in recent years has focused on the ethnobotanical approach to drug discovery (Light et al., 2005). In South Africa, as in most developing parts of the world, traditional herbal medicine still forms the backbone of rural healthcare. The government health services in South Africa provide only western medical care although the majority of the population consult traditional healers for some or all of their healthcare needs (McGaw et al., 2005). Medicinal plants like Harpephyllum caffrum are used as blood purifiers or emetics (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962), and also for treating acne and eczema. The antimicrobial activity of this plant can be used to treat septicaemia, which is ranked the sixth leading cause of death among neonates and the eighth leading cause of death for infants through the first year of life (Heron, 2007). In this study, the plants investigated for antimicrobial activity were Harpephyllum caffrum, Hermannia cuneifolia, Chironia baccifera, Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata and Pentzia incana. These plants were tested against ATTC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and microorganisms isolated from clinical isolates of patients suffering from septicaemia. The assay methods used included the agar diffusion method using the Mast multipoint inoculator, the microtitre dilution method were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, thin layer chromatography fingerprints accompanied by bioautographic assay were used to detect the inhibition of bacterial growth by active compounds separated from plant extracts and the Ames test was required to assess the possibility of bacterial mutagenesis upon the exposure to plant extracts which can lead to carcinogenicity. In agar diffusion method, extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited nine strains of Candida albicans, three species of Acinetobacter and four strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus and three strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited one strain of Acinetobacter and five strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of plants Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata, and Pentzia incana showed no antimicrobial activity. In the microtitre dilution method used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the results were different from the agar diffusion method. More activity was observed. Extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited three strains of E.coli, six strains of S.aureus, three species of Acinetobacter and one strain of Klebsiella pneumonia. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus, three strains of S.aureus, two strains of K.oxytoca and one species of Acinetobacter. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited three strains of S.aureus, one strain of MRSA, one species of Acinetobacter and one strain of S.haemolyticus. The MIC values ranged from 0.049 to 6.25mg/ml. Using the thin layer chromatography fingerprints, bioautography showed the presence of various inhibitory chemical compounds. Methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum, separated very well and showed various inhibition zones on exposure to Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The different inhibition zones were recorded as Rf In the Ames test (Maron and Ames, 1983) the methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum and Hermannia cuneifolia were negative which means they were devoid of any mutagenic properties. Methanol extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum showed similar results in the Ames assay as reported by Verschaeve and Van Staden (2008). values ranging from 0.25 to 0.95. The zones indicate the different inhibiting chemical compounds present in the plant. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and formic acid were the solvents used in the assay in the ratio 8:7:5:1, respectively. Establishing the antimicrobial activity of these plants contribute to the systematic scientific investigation of indigenous South African medicinal plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chinyama, Robert Fred
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10119 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1274 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Over the past 25 years, there has been a resurgence of worldwide scientific research in the fields of ethnopharmacology. The Western world has acknowledged the continued use of traditional medicines by the majority of third world countries, and the need for novel drug development. Hence, much of the pharmaceutical research in recent years has focused on the ethnobotanical approach to drug discovery (Light et al., 2005). In South Africa, as in most developing parts of the world, traditional herbal medicine still forms the backbone of rural healthcare. The government health services in South Africa provide only western medical care although the majority of the population consult traditional healers for some or all of their healthcare needs (McGaw et al., 2005). Medicinal plants like Harpephyllum caffrum are used as blood purifiers or emetics (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962), and also for treating acne and eczema. The antimicrobial activity of this plant can be used to treat septicaemia, which is ranked the sixth leading cause of death among neonates and the eighth leading cause of death for infants through the first year of life (Heron, 2007). In this study, the plants investigated for antimicrobial activity were Harpephyllum caffrum, Hermannia cuneifolia, Chironia baccifera, Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata and Pentzia incana. These plants were tested against ATTC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and microorganisms isolated from clinical isolates of patients suffering from septicaemia. The assay methods used included the agar diffusion method using the Mast multipoint inoculator, the microtitre dilution method were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, thin layer chromatography fingerprints accompanied by bioautographic assay were used to detect the inhibition of bacterial growth by active compounds separated from plant extracts and the Ames test was required to assess the possibility of bacterial mutagenesis upon the exposure to plant extracts which can lead to carcinogenicity. In agar diffusion method, extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited nine strains of Candida albicans, three species of Acinetobacter and four strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus and three strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited one strain of Acinetobacter and five strains of E.faecalis. Extracts of plants Rhigozum obovatum, Felicia muricata, and Pentzia incana showed no antimicrobial activity. In the microtitre dilution method used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the results were different from the agar diffusion method. More activity was observed. Extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum inhibited three strains of E.coli, six strains of S.aureus, three species of Acinetobacter and one strain of Klebsiella pneumonia. Extracts of Hermannia cuneifolia inhibited four strains of B.cereus, three strains of S.aureus, two strains of K.oxytoca and one species of Acinetobacter. Extracts of Chironia baccifera inhibited three strains of S.aureus, one strain of MRSA, one species of Acinetobacter and one strain of S.haemolyticus. The MIC values ranged from 0.049 to 6.25mg/ml. Using the thin layer chromatography fingerprints, bioautography showed the presence of various inhibitory chemical compounds. Methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum, separated very well and showed various inhibition zones on exposure to Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The different inhibition zones were recorded as Rf In the Ames test (Maron and Ames, 1983) the methanol and acetone extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum and Hermannia cuneifolia were negative which means they were devoid of any mutagenic properties. Methanol extracts of Harpephyllum caffrum showed similar results in the Ames assay as reported by Verschaeve and Van Staden (2008). values ranging from 0.25 to 0.95. The zones indicate the different inhibiting chemical compounds present in the plant. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and formic acid were the solvents used in the assay in the ratio 8:7:5:1, respectively. Establishing the antimicrobial activity of these plants contribute to the systematic scientific investigation of indigenous South African medicinal plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer : a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Chéze, Eldon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1221 , Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Serial crime is an element of society that continues to disturb and fascinate scholars. There is thus a need to understand the uniqueness of serial murderers and their psychological development. The field of psychobiography is a qualitative approach to uncover the story of an individual life through greater understanding of psychological concepts. Psychobiographical research is invaluable in the application of theory to the finished lives of exemplary or enigmatic individuals to develop and test theories of human development. Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (1960 – 1994), a cannibalistic serial killer who killed 17 young men, served as the single psychobiographical subject in this study. Dahmer was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. A qualitative psychobiographical research method was utilized in this study. The primary aim of the research was to explore and describe Jeffrey Dahmer’s personality development across his lifespan. This was achieved by applying Erikson’s (1950) psychosocial theory of staged developmental crises to the lifespan developmental process and Adler’s (1929) dynamic individual psychology to provide a more comprehensive idiographic interpretation of Dahmer as an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer’s life history was uncovered in this psychobiographical case study research through the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, which highlighted five significant historical periods: (a) Childhood of Fantasy, (b) The Quiet Loner, (c) Hiatus – or Build-up, (d) Seeking a Compliant Partner and (e) Arrest, Trial and Death. The two theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyze data for analytical generalization (Yin, 1994). A conceptual framework derived from the two theoretical perspectives was constructed to organize and integrate data and to guide the presentation and discussion of the findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggested that both theoretical perspectives considered the biopsychosocial as well as cultural and historical influences of situations and experiences in Dahmer’s personality development throughout the lifespan. Adlerian theory indicated that Dahmer held a socially useless lifestyle whose movement was guided purposively towards a fictional goal xxii of godlikeness through creative, concrete expressions of personal superiority. Eriksonian theory held that Dahmer remained in role confusion, which was viewed as a functional, fragmented identity to survive in society and achieve a fantasy. Thus, both theories indicated, despite their different conceptualizations, that Dahmer’s personality development was ultimately not socially beneficial. The study of Dahmer’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of both Erikson (1950) and Adler’s (1929) theories to understand the processes of personality development in an individual life. It has further highlighted the uniqueness of individual responses to life tasks and consequently unlocked the possibility of perceiving people and their actions differently. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings that utilize a psychobiographical research design and methodology to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of enigmatic personalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chéze, Eldon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1221 , Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Serial crime is an element of society that continues to disturb and fascinate scholars. There is thus a need to understand the uniqueness of serial murderers and their psychological development. The field of psychobiography is a qualitative approach to uncover the story of an individual life through greater understanding of psychological concepts. Psychobiographical research is invaluable in the application of theory to the finished lives of exemplary or enigmatic individuals to develop and test theories of human development. Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (1960 – 1994), a cannibalistic serial killer who killed 17 young men, served as the single psychobiographical subject in this study. Dahmer was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. A qualitative psychobiographical research method was utilized in this study. The primary aim of the research was to explore and describe Jeffrey Dahmer’s personality development across his lifespan. This was achieved by applying Erikson’s (1950) psychosocial theory of staged developmental crises to the lifespan developmental process and Adler’s (1929) dynamic individual psychology to provide a more comprehensive idiographic interpretation of Dahmer as an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer’s life history was uncovered in this psychobiographical case study research through the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, which highlighted five significant historical periods: (a) Childhood of Fantasy, (b) The Quiet Loner, (c) Hiatus – or Build-up, (d) Seeking a Compliant Partner and (e) Arrest, Trial and Death. The two theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyze data for analytical generalization (Yin, 1994). A conceptual framework derived from the two theoretical perspectives was constructed to organize and integrate data and to guide the presentation and discussion of the findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggested that both theoretical perspectives considered the biopsychosocial as well as cultural and historical influences of situations and experiences in Dahmer’s personality development throughout the lifespan. Adlerian theory indicated that Dahmer held a socially useless lifestyle whose movement was guided purposively towards a fictional goal xxii of godlikeness through creative, concrete expressions of personal superiority. Eriksonian theory held that Dahmer remained in role confusion, which was viewed as a functional, fragmented identity to survive in society and achieve a fantasy. Thus, both theories indicated, despite their different conceptualizations, that Dahmer’s personality development was ultimately not socially beneficial. The study of Dahmer’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of both Erikson (1950) and Adler’s (1929) theories to understand the processes of personality development in an individual life. It has further highlighted the uniqueness of individual responses to life tasks and consequently unlocked the possibility of perceiving people and their actions differently. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings that utilize a psychobiographical research design and methodology to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of enigmatic personalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A system review of higher education admissions testing practices in Israel: implications for South Africa
- Authors: Cronje, Johan Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/937 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Description: Internationally, the practice of admissions entry testing in Higher Education (HE) has gained momentum over the past few decades, sparking ongoing research on its effectiveness. On a national level, three factors have signalled a timeous evaluation of admissions practices at HE institutions. Firstly, changes in the school curriculum and the new format of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) have impacted on the admissions criteria of HE institutions. Secondly, with the merging of HE institutions an alignment in admissions practices between the institutions involved were necessitated. Thirdly, South Africa has embarked on the development of National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). The primary aim of this research study was to develop a set of recommendations to guide admissions testing practices in the South African HE context. These recommendations had to place special emphasis on the multicultural and multilingual context of this country. To achieve this aim a systematic review was conducted on HE admissions testing in Israel, as it was identified as a multicultural and multilingual country that had successfully implemented national HE admissions testing. More specifically, a retrospective systematic review was performed on research regarding the national HE admissions test, the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), used in Israel. The systematic review also contained a narrative overview on the educational landscape in Israel and the specifications of the PET, from which themes were also extracted. Eight broad themes emerged through the systematic review and narrative overview as being of critical importance to an effective national HE admissions test. These were the components of the test, the implementation of the testing programme, the method in which the test results are used to make HE admission decisions, the reliability xi of the test, the validity of the test, bias inherent in the test, other psychometric aspects related to the admissions test, and the effect of coaching or specialized preparation on test results. These themes, together with their sub-components, were used to develop eight recommendations that can guide the development and implementation of the National Benchmark Test (NBTs) in South Africa. Both the themes that emerged during the systematic review and narrative overview as well as the recommendations that were made to guide the development and implementation of a national admission test, represent an important contribution to the field of admission testing and decision-making in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cronje, Johan Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/937 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Israel -- Admissions , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Validity , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Israel
- Description: Internationally, the practice of admissions entry testing in Higher Education (HE) has gained momentum over the past few decades, sparking ongoing research on its effectiveness. On a national level, three factors have signalled a timeous evaluation of admissions practices at HE institutions. Firstly, changes in the school curriculum and the new format of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) have impacted on the admissions criteria of HE institutions. Secondly, with the merging of HE institutions an alignment in admissions practices between the institutions involved were necessitated. Thirdly, South Africa has embarked on the development of National Benchmark Tests (NBTs). The primary aim of this research study was to develop a set of recommendations to guide admissions testing practices in the South African HE context. These recommendations had to place special emphasis on the multicultural and multilingual context of this country. To achieve this aim a systematic review was conducted on HE admissions testing in Israel, as it was identified as a multicultural and multilingual country that had successfully implemented national HE admissions testing. More specifically, a retrospective systematic review was performed on research regarding the national HE admissions test, the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), used in Israel. The systematic review also contained a narrative overview on the educational landscape in Israel and the specifications of the PET, from which themes were also extracted. Eight broad themes emerged through the systematic review and narrative overview as being of critical importance to an effective national HE admissions test. These were the components of the test, the implementation of the testing programme, the method in which the test results are used to make HE admission decisions, the reliability xi of the test, the validity of the test, bias inherent in the test, other psychometric aspects related to the admissions test, and the effect of coaching or specialized preparation on test results. These themes, together with their sub-components, were used to develop eight recommendations that can guide the development and implementation of the National Benchmark Test (NBTs) in South Africa. Both the themes that emerged during the systematic review and narrative overview as well as the recommendations that were made to guide the development and implementation of a national admission test, represent an important contribution to the field of admission testing and decision-making in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experience and aftermath of chronic bullying on individuals' socio-emotional development
- Authors: Darney, Christine Kyle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1214 , Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Bullying behaviour is fast becoming a common feature in schools around the world. It is a practice that provokes concern, as it infringes upon the child’s right to human dignity, privacy, freedom and security. The physical, emotional and educational consequences of bullying behaviour can never be underestimated (Oyaziwo, 2008). Limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding the prevalence and possible long-term effects of chronic bullying at school. This study intended to explore and describe the prevalence of bullying behaviour among a sample of grade 8 learners and the prevalence of previous chronic bullying at school among a sample of young adults in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between chronic bullying at school and self-esteem and attachment styles. Finally, the contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of chronic bullying for victims were explored and described. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a mixed method research design. Participants were selected by means of non-probability sampling. The sample consisted of 225 grade 8 learners at a secondary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and 101 young adult participants who had completed their school education in the Nelson Mandela Metropole within the past sixteen years. Data on the demographics of the sample was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. Furthermore, the Olweus (1996) Bully/Victim Questionnaire was utilized in order to obtain information about the prevalence of bullying behaviours among the participants. James Battle’s (1981) Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventories were used to measure the construct of self-esteem, and Bartholomew and Horowitz’ (1991) Relationship Questionnaire was employed in order to identify the participants’ current attachment styles. Individual semi-structured interviews were later conducted among a sub-set of young adult participants, who had experienced chronic bullying at school, in order to identify the contextual factors which may have influenced the xiii outcomes of their experiences of victimization. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized in order to analyze the quantitative data. Key findings revealed that eighty-five percent of the grade 8 participants had been involved in bullying behaviours at school this year and ninety-one percent of the young adult participants had been involved in bullying behaviours during some stage of their school careers. No significant relationship was found to exist between bullying and self-esteem in the grade 8 sample. Self-esteem scores did however vary significantly among the victims, bully-victims and bystanders in the young adult sample. Correlational coefficients confirmed that there was a significant relationship between previous chronic bullying at school and the total self-esteem scores of participants in the young adult sample. Findings also showed that there was no significant relationship between bullying and attachment in either of the samples in this study. Finally, qualitative results revealed that a number of contextual factors influenced the outcomes of chronic bullying at school for the sub-set of young adult victims. These factors included: The nature, frequency and duration of the bullying behaviour, the victims’ social support at the time as well as the victims’ personal characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Darney, Christine Kyle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1214 , Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Bullying behaviour is fast becoming a common feature in schools around the world. It is a practice that provokes concern, as it infringes upon the child’s right to human dignity, privacy, freedom and security. The physical, emotional and educational consequences of bullying behaviour can never be underestimated (Oyaziwo, 2008). Limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding the prevalence and possible long-term effects of chronic bullying at school. This study intended to explore and describe the prevalence of bullying behaviour among a sample of grade 8 learners and the prevalence of previous chronic bullying at school among a sample of young adults in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between chronic bullying at school and self-esteem and attachment styles. Finally, the contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of chronic bullying for victims were explored and described. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a mixed method research design. Participants were selected by means of non-probability sampling. The sample consisted of 225 grade 8 learners at a secondary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and 101 young adult participants who had completed their school education in the Nelson Mandela Metropole within the past sixteen years. Data on the demographics of the sample was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. Furthermore, the Olweus (1996) Bully/Victim Questionnaire was utilized in order to obtain information about the prevalence of bullying behaviours among the participants. James Battle’s (1981) Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventories were used to measure the construct of self-esteem, and Bartholomew and Horowitz’ (1991) Relationship Questionnaire was employed in order to identify the participants’ current attachment styles. Individual semi-structured interviews were later conducted among a sub-set of young adult participants, who had experienced chronic bullying at school, in order to identify the contextual factors which may have influenced the xiii outcomes of their experiences of victimization. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized in order to analyze the quantitative data. Key findings revealed that eighty-five percent of the grade 8 participants had been involved in bullying behaviours at school this year and ninety-one percent of the young adult participants had been involved in bullying behaviours during some stage of their school careers. No significant relationship was found to exist between bullying and self-esteem in the grade 8 sample. Self-esteem scores did however vary significantly among the victims, bully-victims and bystanders in the young adult sample. Correlational coefficients confirmed that there was a significant relationship between previous chronic bullying at school and the total self-esteem scores of participants in the young adult sample. Findings also showed that there was no significant relationship between bullying and attachment in either of the samples in this study. Finally, qualitative results revealed that a number of contextual factors influenced the outcomes of chronic bullying at school for the sub-set of young adult victims. These factors included: The nature, frequency and duration of the bullying behaviour, the victims’ social support at the time as well as the victims’ personal characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Guidelines for the management of patients with diabetes mellitus at health care clinics in the Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- De Mendonça, Hester Magdalena
- Authors: De Mendonça, Hester Magdalena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: vital:10011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1017 , Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the new epidemic in the world with 246 million people suffering from the disease at the moment and a projected increase to 380 million in 2025 (IDF, 2007b:36). The developing countries are the most vulnerable. Statistics state that SA and Egypt have the most diabetics on the continent. Globally, each year 3,8 million deaths are attributable to DM (IDF, 2007a). The Department of Health (DOH) and the Cacadu District Municipality (Eastern Cape) are serving a population of 102 721 in the Kouga and Koukamma areas, which covers an area of 5 992 km², with health care. There are 22 clinics with 28 registered nurses for all the clinics and between 3 and 9 lay health workers (LHWs) per clinic. For the purpose of this research study, the persons suffering from DM (±3550) in this area were taken into consideration (Strydom, 2005). DM is a chronic disorder and therefore patients should be able to manage their disease pattern for the rest of their lives (Healthline, 2008, Mbanya, 2006:12). In order to achieve this, continuous and effective patient education by health care providers are necessary. This disease affects more and more people each passing day, because of the rapid westernisation of the South African population, leading to more people attending clinics in the public health sector (Bonnici, 2002:32). There are specific guidelines laid down by the Department of Health (DOH) pertaining to the control and management of DM. Guidelines include the early diagnosis, treatment and patient education regarding DM (Department of Health, 1997, [revised 2004]). Evidence from previous research studies showed that not all registered nurses are aware of these guidelines and most have not been educated regarding the utilisation of these guidelines (O’Brien, van Rooyen & Carlson, 2006:36-40). In the clinics, the health care givers are confronted with a number of difficulties, such as a lack of funds to enable them to order adequate equipment and medicine. Another problem is the migration of registered nurses out of the country thus; there is also a shortage of staff to operate these clinics (Mkhize, 2004). The organisational structure in the clinics does not function optimally and there is a lack of communication between provincial, district and clinic level. Due to the above-mentioned challenges there is also a lack of efficient auditing systems to ensure quality assurance. Furthermore, a knowledge deficit pertaining to DM and the management thereof in all the groups participating in this study, namely the registered nurses, the lay health workers (LHWs) and the diabetic patients was found. The empowerment process of the LHW is not explored fully and therefore not executed to its full potential. To be able to improve the management of DM in this region, it is important to know what the difficulties are that the health care givers as well as the patients experience in relation to this issue. This study therefore explored and described these difficulties. The research was based on a qualitative, quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. Health care givers as well as diabetic patients attending clinics in the Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape have been requested to complete questionnaires pertaining to their knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus. The current organisational structure of the provincial department of health was explored and findings analysed using the activities of the management process (Muller, 2006:106). The SA Government is committed to combining the national human resource development strategy with the rapid upgrading of service delivery to all of the nation’s communities. Stemming from this undertaking, suitable members of the community are to be trained as LHWs. LHWs are to play an integral role in strengthening the abilities of the community to empower themselves to participate and take responsibility for their own health and wellness (Department of Health, 2001a:4). From the research, it was found that the above-mentioned national plan had been implemented, but is not functioning at optimum level due to several shortcomings/deficits. Proposed guidelines were therefore designed to address the shortcomings and fragmentation of the plan. As specific knowledge deficits in DM were identified during this research study, general educational guidelines were included for the registered nurses and the diabetic patients. The LHW was identified as an indispensable link in the chain of efficient health care and therefore, specific educational guidelines on DM were generated to prepare her for the role. With her knowledge, insight into DM and the management thereof and newly required skills in educating and supporting of the patient, she could be an asset in the road to optimum self-care for the diabetic patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: De Mendonça, Hester Magdalena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: vital:10011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1017 , Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the new epidemic in the world with 246 million people suffering from the disease at the moment and a projected increase to 380 million in 2025 (IDF, 2007b:36). The developing countries are the most vulnerable. Statistics state that SA and Egypt have the most diabetics on the continent. Globally, each year 3,8 million deaths are attributable to DM (IDF, 2007a). The Department of Health (DOH) and the Cacadu District Municipality (Eastern Cape) are serving a population of 102 721 in the Kouga and Koukamma areas, which covers an area of 5 992 km², with health care. There are 22 clinics with 28 registered nurses for all the clinics and between 3 and 9 lay health workers (LHWs) per clinic. For the purpose of this research study, the persons suffering from DM (±3550) in this area were taken into consideration (Strydom, 2005). DM is a chronic disorder and therefore patients should be able to manage their disease pattern for the rest of their lives (Healthline, 2008, Mbanya, 2006:12). In order to achieve this, continuous and effective patient education by health care providers are necessary. This disease affects more and more people each passing day, because of the rapid westernisation of the South African population, leading to more people attending clinics in the public health sector (Bonnici, 2002:32). There are specific guidelines laid down by the Department of Health (DOH) pertaining to the control and management of DM. Guidelines include the early diagnosis, treatment and patient education regarding DM (Department of Health, 1997, [revised 2004]). Evidence from previous research studies showed that not all registered nurses are aware of these guidelines and most have not been educated regarding the utilisation of these guidelines (O’Brien, van Rooyen & Carlson, 2006:36-40). In the clinics, the health care givers are confronted with a number of difficulties, such as a lack of funds to enable them to order adequate equipment and medicine. Another problem is the migration of registered nurses out of the country thus; there is also a shortage of staff to operate these clinics (Mkhize, 2004). The organisational structure in the clinics does not function optimally and there is a lack of communication between provincial, district and clinic level. Due to the above-mentioned challenges there is also a lack of efficient auditing systems to ensure quality assurance. Furthermore, a knowledge deficit pertaining to DM and the management thereof in all the groups participating in this study, namely the registered nurses, the lay health workers (LHWs) and the diabetic patients was found. The empowerment process of the LHW is not explored fully and therefore not executed to its full potential. To be able to improve the management of DM in this region, it is important to know what the difficulties are that the health care givers as well as the patients experience in relation to this issue. This study therefore explored and described these difficulties. The research was based on a qualitative, quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. Health care givers as well as diabetic patients attending clinics in the Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape have been requested to complete questionnaires pertaining to their knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus. The current organisational structure of the provincial department of health was explored and findings analysed using the activities of the management process (Muller, 2006:106). The SA Government is committed to combining the national human resource development strategy with the rapid upgrading of service delivery to all of the nation’s communities. Stemming from this undertaking, suitable members of the community are to be trained as LHWs. LHWs are to play an integral role in strengthening the abilities of the community to empower themselves to participate and take responsibility for their own health and wellness (Department of Health, 2001a:4). From the research, it was found that the above-mentioned national plan had been implemented, but is not functioning at optimum level due to several shortcomings/deficits. Proposed guidelines were therefore designed to address the shortcomings and fragmentation of the plan. As specific knowledge deficits in DM were identified during this research study, general educational guidelines were included for the registered nurses and the diabetic patients. The LHW was identified as an indispensable link in the chain of efficient health care and therefore, specific educational guidelines on DM were generated to prepare her for the role. With her knowledge, insight into DM and the management thereof and newly required skills in educating and supporting of the patient, she could be an asset in the road to optimum self-care for the diabetic patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Resilience in families where a parent misuses alcohol
- Authors: Fisher, Ruth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/953 , Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: Surveys have shown that alcohol misuse is the biggest substance misuse problem in the world today, affecting millions of people. With the disease being part of a family, all members of the family experience the distress of parental alcohol misuse. While the challenges that these families have to face are many, they seem to have the ability to “bounce back”, in other words, have resilience. There has been limited research to date on family relations and alcohol misuse in South Africa, especially in terms of the parental member as the alcohol misuser. The proposed research aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families where a member misuses alcohol. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was used to analyze the factors that enable a family to adapt to the alcohol misuse, as outlined in the broader study at the University of Stellenbosch. An exploratory descriptive research design was employed in the proposed study. For the purposes of this study, the researcher combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to use their complementary strengths to enrich the data obtained from the proposed study. Sixty three families were surveyed using a biographical questionnaire and seven pencil-and-paper questionnaires. These families were accessed via drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities throughout South Africa. The data from the biographical questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the proposed research allow for better management of the alcohol misuser’s condition through the understanding of what resiliency areas the family may improve upon. Furthermore, the study can be used as a stepping stone for future research of resilience in families living with a parental member who misuses alcohol, and ultimately contributes to the broader context of family resilience research in South Africa. Key words: alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, family, resilience, adjustment, adaptability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Fisher, Ruth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/953 , Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: Surveys have shown that alcohol misuse is the biggest substance misuse problem in the world today, affecting millions of people. With the disease being part of a family, all members of the family experience the distress of parental alcohol misuse. While the challenges that these families have to face are many, they seem to have the ability to “bounce back”, in other words, have resilience. There has been limited research to date on family relations and alcohol misuse in South Africa, especially in terms of the parental member as the alcohol misuser. The proposed research aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families where a member misuses alcohol. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was used to analyze the factors that enable a family to adapt to the alcohol misuse, as outlined in the broader study at the University of Stellenbosch. An exploratory descriptive research design was employed in the proposed study. For the purposes of this study, the researcher combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to use their complementary strengths to enrich the data obtained from the proposed study. Sixty three families were surveyed using a biographical questionnaire and seven pencil-and-paper questionnaires. These families were accessed via drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities throughout South Africa. The data from the biographical questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the proposed research allow for better management of the alcohol misuser’s condition through the understanding of what resiliency areas the family may improve upon. Furthermore, the study can be used as a stepping stone for future research of resilience in families living with a parental member who misuses alcohol, and ultimately contributes to the broader context of family resilience research in South Africa. Key words: alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, family, resilience, adjustment, adaptability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation into the antimicrobial and anticancer activities of Geranium incanum, Artemisia afra and Artemisia absinthium
- Authors: Freidberg, Ryno
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1045 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents
- Description: It has been estimated that between 3000 and 4000 plant species are used for their medicinal properties throughout South Africa, with approximately 27 million South Africans making use of traditional medicines. Of this 27 million, 3 million South Africans rely on traditional medicine as their primary source of health care. Of the 250 000 to 500 000 known plant species, very few have been investigated for their pharmacological qualities, and compounds of significant medicinal value may still remain undiscovered in many plant species. The aims of this study included investigating the antimicrobial properties of Geranium incanum and Artemisia afra, both plants traditionally used for their medicinal properties, and comparing the antimicrobial activity of the latter to that of Artemisia absinthium, as well as investigating the anticancer properties of G. incanum and A. afra, and comparing the anticancer activity of the latter to that of A. absinthium. Infusions, aqueous-, methanol- and acetone extracts of the three plants were prepared and used for anticancer and antimicrobial screening. Plant specimens used to prepare extracts for antimicrobial activity were collected and extracted over three seasons, while extracts used for anticancer screening were prepared from plants collected during the summer only. Considerable variation existed in the percentage crude extract yields obtained when different extractants were used, while the season in which the plants were harvested and extracted also appeared to play a significant role in the amount of extract obtained. The plant extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against various strains of Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, using an agar dilution method. G. incanum and A. afra possessed activity for C. albicans, while all three plants showed activity for S. aureus and B. cereus. Activity was largely dependent on the extraction method used. iii The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to screen for anticancer activity of the respective extracts, at varying concentrations, against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells, HT-29 (human colonic adenocarcinoma) cells and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cells. All of the extracts showed cytotoxic activity in all three cell lines to varying extents, depending on the extract used and cell line screened. The acetone extract of A. afra proved to be the most effective inhibitor with the lowest IC50 (2.65 ± 1.05 μg/ml) having been shown in MCF-7 cells. A. afra and A. absinthium showed similar inhibitory patterns, with the methanol- and acetone extracts having been the most potent inhibitors of each of the respective cell lines in general. Fluorescence microscopy employing 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI) staining indicated that the acetone extract of A. afra induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells as apposed to necrosis, and the results were comparable to those obtained for cells exposed to cisplatin. Screening of the A. afra acetone extract for toxicity in normal human cells using the CellTiter-Blue® assay indicated the extract to be toxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC’s) at concentrations comparable to that for MCF-7 cells, while cell cycle analysis of MCF-7 cells exposed to the A. afra acetone extract indicated the extract’s ability to induce apoptosis comparable to that of cisplatin, with the extract exerting its activity at a point during or just prior to the S phase of the cell cycle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Freidberg, Ryno
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10122 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1045 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Cancer -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents
- Description: It has been estimated that between 3000 and 4000 plant species are used for their medicinal properties throughout South Africa, with approximately 27 million South Africans making use of traditional medicines. Of this 27 million, 3 million South Africans rely on traditional medicine as their primary source of health care. Of the 250 000 to 500 000 known plant species, very few have been investigated for their pharmacological qualities, and compounds of significant medicinal value may still remain undiscovered in many plant species. The aims of this study included investigating the antimicrobial properties of Geranium incanum and Artemisia afra, both plants traditionally used for their medicinal properties, and comparing the antimicrobial activity of the latter to that of Artemisia absinthium, as well as investigating the anticancer properties of G. incanum and A. afra, and comparing the anticancer activity of the latter to that of A. absinthium. Infusions, aqueous-, methanol- and acetone extracts of the three plants were prepared and used for anticancer and antimicrobial screening. Plant specimens used to prepare extracts for antimicrobial activity were collected and extracted over three seasons, while extracts used for anticancer screening were prepared from plants collected during the summer only. Considerable variation existed in the percentage crude extract yields obtained when different extractants were used, while the season in which the plants were harvested and extracted also appeared to play a significant role in the amount of extract obtained. The plant extracts were screened for antimicrobial activity against various strains of Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, using an agar dilution method. G. incanum and A. afra possessed activity for C. albicans, while all three plants showed activity for S. aureus and B. cereus. Activity was largely dependent on the extraction method used. iii The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to screen for anticancer activity of the respective extracts, at varying concentrations, against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cells, HT-29 (human colonic adenocarcinoma) cells and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cells. All of the extracts showed cytotoxic activity in all three cell lines to varying extents, depending on the extract used and cell line screened. The acetone extract of A. afra proved to be the most effective inhibitor with the lowest IC50 (2.65 ± 1.05 μg/ml) having been shown in MCF-7 cells. A. afra and A. absinthium showed similar inhibitory patterns, with the methanol- and acetone extracts having been the most potent inhibitors of each of the respective cell lines in general. Fluorescence microscopy employing 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI) staining indicated that the acetone extract of A. afra induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells as apposed to necrosis, and the results were comparable to those obtained for cells exposed to cisplatin. Screening of the A. afra acetone extract for toxicity in normal human cells using the CellTiter-Blue® assay indicated the extract to be toxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC’s) at concentrations comparable to that for MCF-7 cells, while cell cycle analysis of MCF-7 cells exposed to the A. afra acetone extract indicated the extract’s ability to induce apoptosis comparable to that of cisplatin, with the extract exerting its activity at a point during or just prior to the S phase of the cell cycle.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Curiosity, exploration, and strategies for dealing with uncertainty amongst psychologists-in-training
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1238 , Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Description: By adopting a positive psychology framework, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the level of curiosity and exploration amongst psychologists-in-training, and how they dealt with uncertainty in the context of their professional development. A mixed-method exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to collect the quantitative data by means of the Curiosity and Exploratory Inventory. The qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviews to explore how psychologists-in-training have dealt with uncertainty. Purposive-availability sampling was used to select the participants at three South African universities. A total number of 50 participants completed the CEI and six participants were interviewed. The data were analysed using mixed-method data analysis. It was found that participants had moderate-to-high levels of curiosity and exploration, with higher levels of exploration than absorption. The majority of participants reported that they actively sought as much information as they could and frequently looked for new opportunities to grow as persons. The strategies used by the selected group of participants to deal with uncertainty included: reliance on clinical supervision; consultation with peers; self-enhancement; reliance on theory; learning from practical experience; using certain cognitive appraisals; and self-care. Certain conclusions and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gerber, Ora
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1238 , Psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychology -- Study and teaching , Uncertainty -- Psychological aspects , Positive psychology -- South Africa , Risk-taking (Psychology) -- South Africa
- Description: By adopting a positive psychology framework, the aim of this study was to explore and describe the level of curiosity and exploration amongst psychologists-in-training, and how they dealt with uncertainty in the context of their professional development. A mixed-method exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to collect the quantitative data by means of the Curiosity and Exploratory Inventory. The qualitative data were collected using semistructured interviews to explore how psychologists-in-training have dealt with uncertainty. Purposive-availability sampling was used to select the participants at three South African universities. A total number of 50 participants completed the CEI and six participants were interviewed. The data were analysed using mixed-method data analysis. It was found that participants had moderate-to-high levels of curiosity and exploration, with higher levels of exploration than absorption. The majority of participants reported that they actively sought as much information as they could and frequently looked for new opportunities to grow as persons. The strategies used by the selected group of participants to deal with uncertainty included: reliance on clinical supervision; consultation with peers; self-enhancement; reliance on theory; learning from practical experience; using certain cognitive appraisals; and self-care. Certain conclusions and recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The development, implementation and evaluation of a locus of control-based training programme for HIV and AIDS risk reduction among university students
- Authors: Gwandure, Calvin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1242 , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Description: There is an escalation of HIV and AIDS among the youth in South Africa and other developing countries. Research on HIV and AIDS risk factors has tended to focus more on poverty, gender, race, illiteracy, and violence than personality factors that could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour. Previous studies have also shown that wealth, education, race, and gender may not make an individual more or less vulnerable to HIV infection. This study argued that locus of control could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour and that external locus of control could be a risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a locus of control-based training programme in reducing HIV and AIDS risk among university students. The locus of control-based variables that formed the training programme for HIV and AIDS risk reduction among university students were: social systems control, self-control, fatalism, achievement-oriented behaviour, deferment of gratification, personal values and expectancies, and social alienation. These locus of control-based variables were regarded as contexts in which individuals could exhibit health risk behaviours. A sample of 257 first-year university students participated in the study. There were (N = 170) female participants and (N = 87) male participants drawn from the University of the Witwatersrand. The study was a pretest-posttest repeated measures design. Data were analysed using t tests, correlations, multiple regression, structural equation modelling, and repeated measures tests. The results of this study showed significant differences in health risks between participants with an external locus of control and participants with an internal locus of control. There was a significant relationship between locus of control-based variables and HIV and AIDS risk. The locus of control-based training programme significantly modified personality and significantly reduced locus of control-based health risks and HIV and AIDS risk. Directions for future research on locus of control, health risks, and HIV and AIDS risk could focus on the development and implementation of various locus of control-based training programmes in South Africa. Locus of control should be targeted as a health risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gwandure, Calvin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1242 , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Description: There is an escalation of HIV and AIDS among the youth in South Africa and other developing countries. Research on HIV and AIDS risk factors has tended to focus more on poverty, gender, race, illiteracy, and violence than personality factors that could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour. Previous studies have also shown that wealth, education, race, and gender may not make an individual more or less vulnerable to HIV infection. This study argued that locus of control could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour and that external locus of control could be a risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a locus of control-based training programme in reducing HIV and AIDS risk among university students. The locus of control-based variables that formed the training programme for HIV and AIDS risk reduction among university students were: social systems control, self-control, fatalism, achievement-oriented behaviour, deferment of gratification, personal values and expectancies, and social alienation. These locus of control-based variables were regarded as contexts in which individuals could exhibit health risk behaviours. A sample of 257 first-year university students participated in the study. There were (N = 170) female participants and (N = 87) male participants drawn from the University of the Witwatersrand. The study was a pretest-posttest repeated measures design. Data were analysed using t tests, correlations, multiple regression, structural equation modelling, and repeated measures tests. The results of this study showed significant differences in health risks between participants with an external locus of control and participants with an internal locus of control. There was a significant relationship between locus of control-based variables and HIV and AIDS risk. The locus of control-based training programme significantly modified personality and significantly reduced locus of control-based health risks and HIV and AIDS risk. Directions for future research on locus of control, health risks, and HIV and AIDS risk could focus on the development and implementation of various locus of control-based training programmes in South Africa. Locus of control should be targeted as a health risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A longitudinal study of the occupational aspirations and perceptions of twelve to fourteen year-old South African children
- Authors: Hunter, Carrie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/968 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Description: While career development has been acknowledged as a lifelong process, little research attention has been given to the developmental stage of childhood. In addition, there has been a lack of longitudinal research into career development despite consistent calls for research of this nature. The lack of research and theory pertaining to childhood career development prompted the initiation of the current longitudinal project of which the present study forms a part. The longitudinal project was designed to provide information about the occupational aspirations and perceptions of a cohort of South African children from six years of age onwards, with the present studying examining the occupational aspiration development of 12 to 14 year old South African children. South African career research to date has focused primarily on adolescent and adult career development. The present longitudinal study aimed to explore and describe possible changes over a three year period in the interest typology, occupational status level and occupational gender stereotypes of the 44 participants. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the sample’s reflections on their own occupational aspiration development. The results of this study will provide much needed baseline information on the development of South African children’s occupational aspirations and will provide useful recommendations for the development of career education programmes. The present study was contextualised within both child and career development theories. This study was quantitative in nature as it made use of semi-structured interviews and biographical questionnaires to record verbal data which was transposed into nominal data for analysis. The semi-structured interview consisted of four broad areas that included the participants’ occupational aspirations, how many occupations they knew about, how much they knew about the identified occupations xiii and the extent to which they held gender stereotypes regarding fourteen different occupations. The data captured was coded according to Holland’s (1985) classification system of interest types. The occupational aspirations identified by participants were also coded according to their status levels. The coded data was then analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages. In addition, content analysis was performed on the participants’ reflections on their own career development in order to elicit themes. Results from the study supported child and career development theories, emphasising childhood as a critical phase of career development. The study found that the majority of children aspired to Social type occupations across all three years of the study and most children consistently aspired to high status occupations. Furthermore, occupational gender stereotyping decreased over time. Lastly, it was found that most children were able to reflect on their career development with the majority attributing changes in their occupational aspirations to changes in their interests. The present study has provided valuable insight into the occupational aspiration development of a group of South African children, which can be used as a foundation on which to base further research and on which to develop career education programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hunter, Carrie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/968 , Vocational interests -- Research -- South Africa , Children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Personality and occupation
- Description: While career development has been acknowledged as a lifelong process, little research attention has been given to the developmental stage of childhood. In addition, there has been a lack of longitudinal research into career development despite consistent calls for research of this nature. The lack of research and theory pertaining to childhood career development prompted the initiation of the current longitudinal project of which the present study forms a part. The longitudinal project was designed to provide information about the occupational aspirations and perceptions of a cohort of South African children from six years of age onwards, with the present studying examining the occupational aspiration development of 12 to 14 year old South African children. South African career research to date has focused primarily on adolescent and adult career development. The present longitudinal study aimed to explore and describe possible changes over a three year period in the interest typology, occupational status level and occupational gender stereotypes of the 44 participants. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the sample’s reflections on their own occupational aspiration development. The results of this study will provide much needed baseline information on the development of South African children’s occupational aspirations and will provide useful recommendations for the development of career education programmes. The present study was contextualised within both child and career development theories. This study was quantitative in nature as it made use of semi-structured interviews and biographical questionnaires to record verbal data which was transposed into nominal data for analysis. The semi-structured interview consisted of four broad areas that included the participants’ occupational aspirations, how many occupations they knew about, how much they knew about the identified occupations xiii and the extent to which they held gender stereotypes regarding fourteen different occupations. The data captured was coded according to Holland’s (1985) classification system of interest types. The occupational aspirations identified by participants were also coded according to their status levels. The coded data was then analysed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency counts and percentages. In addition, content analysis was performed on the participants’ reflections on their own career development in order to elicit themes. Results from the study supported child and career development theories, emphasising childhood as a critical phase of career development. The study found that the majority of children aspired to Social type occupations across all three years of the study and most children consistently aspired to high status occupations. Furthermore, occupational gender stereotyping decreased over time. Lastly, it was found that most children were able to reflect on their career development with the majority attributing changes in their occupational aspirations to changes in their interests. The present study has provided valuable insight into the occupational aspiration development of a group of South African children, which can be used as a foundation on which to base further research and on which to develop career education programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Usefulness of the neo PI-R personality profiles in the selection of psychology master's applicants
- Authors: Hurter, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009640 , NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Description: Each year, psychology departments across South Africa are faced with the arduous task of selecting the most suitable candidates to fill their Clinical, Counselling, Educational, and Industrial Psychology master’s coursework programmes. Although various criteria are considered in this process, personality has long been considered an important variable in the screening and selection of master’s psychology applicants, and some sort of personality assessment is commonly utilized by selection committees as part of the screening and selection procedures. While there are many different theoretical perspectives on personality and various personality assessment measures available, the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality has gained considerable attention over the last decade as a comprehensive and universal conceptualization of a broad trait structure for human personality. Currently, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) is considered to be one of the best commercially available measures of the personality traits proposed by this model. The NEO PI-R provides a comprehensive measure of adult personality, has been extensively researched, and has demonstrated its utility across many different cultures, languages, and contexts. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the personality profiles of short-listed master’s psychology applicants at a higher education institution in South Africa, using the NEO PI-R, in an effort to explore the use of NEO PI-R profiles in the selection of master’s psychology applicants. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a quantitative research method. The sample of 247 participants was selected according to non-probability convenience sampling and was sourced from an archival research database. As part of the application process at the higher education institution, applicants were required to complete various tests, tasks, and questionnaires. The questionnaires selected for this study included a biographical questionnaire, used to describe the biographical variables of the sample, and the NEO PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), used as a measure of personality. The NEO PI-R has been found to have good validity and reliability, with reliability in particular having being established in the South African context. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations, cluster xiv analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized to analyze the data. Key findings revealed that overall, the group of short-listed master’s psychology applicants could be described as being emotionally well-adjusted and sociable, which is in line with previous national and international research. In addition, a cluster analysis revealed three significantly different personality subgroups within the total sample, thus highlighting the heterogeneous nature of this sample of applicants. Each of the three personality subgroups exhibited significantly different personality traits which were judged to be more or less suitable for potential psychologists-in-training. Clusters 1 and 2 exhibited the most desirable personality characteristics in relation to selection into a master’s psychology programme, while Cluster 3 exhibited the least desirable traits. Various classification functions were derived which classified applicants into “selected” and “not selected” groups as well as the three personality subgroups, which could aid selection committees in the future to screen out potentially unsuitable candidates earlier in the selection process. It was concluded that the use of NEO PI-R personality profiles could aid the screening and selection of short-listed master’s psychology applicants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hurter, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009640 , NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Description: Each year, psychology departments across South Africa are faced with the arduous task of selecting the most suitable candidates to fill their Clinical, Counselling, Educational, and Industrial Psychology master’s coursework programmes. Although various criteria are considered in this process, personality has long been considered an important variable in the screening and selection of master’s psychology applicants, and some sort of personality assessment is commonly utilized by selection committees as part of the screening and selection procedures. While there are many different theoretical perspectives on personality and various personality assessment measures available, the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality has gained considerable attention over the last decade as a comprehensive and universal conceptualization of a broad trait structure for human personality. Currently, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) is considered to be one of the best commercially available measures of the personality traits proposed by this model. The NEO PI-R provides a comprehensive measure of adult personality, has been extensively researched, and has demonstrated its utility across many different cultures, languages, and contexts. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the personality profiles of short-listed master’s psychology applicants at a higher education institution in South Africa, using the NEO PI-R, in an effort to explore the use of NEO PI-R profiles in the selection of master’s psychology applicants. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a quantitative research method. The sample of 247 participants was selected according to non-probability convenience sampling and was sourced from an archival research database. As part of the application process at the higher education institution, applicants were required to complete various tests, tasks, and questionnaires. The questionnaires selected for this study included a biographical questionnaire, used to describe the biographical variables of the sample, and the NEO PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), used as a measure of personality. The NEO PI-R has been found to have good validity and reliability, with reliability in particular having being established in the South African context. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations, cluster xiv analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized to analyze the data. Key findings revealed that overall, the group of short-listed master’s psychology applicants could be described as being emotionally well-adjusted and sociable, which is in line with previous national and international research. In addition, a cluster analysis revealed three significantly different personality subgroups within the total sample, thus highlighting the heterogeneous nature of this sample of applicants. Each of the three personality subgroups exhibited significantly different personality traits which were judged to be more or less suitable for potential psychologists-in-training. Clusters 1 and 2 exhibited the most desirable personality characteristics in relation to selection into a master’s psychology programme, while Cluster 3 exhibited the least desirable traits. Various classification functions were derived which classified applicants into “selected” and “not selected” groups as well as the three personality subgroups, which could aid selection committees in the future to screen out potentially unsuitable candidates earlier in the selection process. It was concluded that the use of NEO PI-R personality profiles could aid the screening and selection of short-listed master’s psychology applicants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of people living with HIV-AIDS with regard to the comprehensive antiretroviral therapy management received from registered nurses at selected public primary heathcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Jackson, Dawne Shirley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jackson, Dawne Shirley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Comparing the development of a sample of South African pre-school boys and girls utilizing the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-extended revised
- Authors: Jakins, Tamarin Ashlea
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Griffiths Scales of Mental Development , Preschool children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa , Child development -- South Africa , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9904 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/990 , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development , Preschool children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa , Child development -- South Africa , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa
- Description: Both children and adults share a common, culturally distinct view of what it means to be male or female. These gender stereotypes are pervasive in society and daily social interactions, and influence all aspects of gender development (Golombok & Fivush, 1994). The inherent physical differences of boys and girls may have triggered the speculation and accompanying myths surrounding the existence of gender differences in childhood development. Many people believe that boys and girls follow a different developmental path that lead to gender differences in intellectual ability. An up-to-date and integrative review of theory and research on gender indicates two opposing perspectives on the topic, with substantial information supporting each view. However, this is the first study to examine and compare a sample of South African pre-school boys and girls from a truly holistic developmental perspective on the recently released Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). Developmental theorists have emphasized the profound impact early childhood development has on subsequent development, as it shapes the course of an individual’s life. Contemporary cognitive developmental theories, such as Demetriou’s (2000; 2004) developmental model of cognitive development, advance that child development does not progress in a fixed and predictable manner. Instead, Demetriou proposes that development occurs in a wave-like fashion, where the processes and functions of the various levels of the mind may be at differing points in their cycle of development. When one function progresses to a higher level, it unlocks the possibility for another function to advance to a different point in its cycle (Demetriou et al., 2002). As the significance of understanding the process of early childhood development more fully increases, so does the need to establish with more confidence the value and role of developmental assessment in the early identification of problems. The overall purpose of this study was to generate comparative information regarding the general development of a sample of 5- and 6-year-old South African pre-school boys and girls. Specifically, the study aimed to explore and describe the developmental profiles of pre-school boys and girls within the abovementioned age group with respect to their overall performance on the GMDS-ER as well as their performance on the six Subscales. Then, the mean General Quotients (GQ) and developmental profiles of the pre-school boys and girls obtained on the GMDS-ER were compared. An exploratory-descriptive quantitative research method was used. The sample (N = 64) was selected through a combination of non-probability, purposive and convenience xiii sampling. Within this framework, a between-subjects design in which matching was used to control extraneous variables, was employed. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests to compare the GQs of the gender groups. A Hotellings T2 was used to compare the Subscale profiles. No significant gender differences were found when comparing the overall developmental and Subscale profiles of the boys and girls on the GMDS-ER. However, certain interesting trends did emerge from a review of the findings when compared to the literature review and previous studies. The information generated from this study has contributed to our knowledge base of the performance of South African children on the recently released GMDS-ER.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jakins, Tamarin Ashlea
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Griffiths Scales of Mental Development , Preschool children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa , Child development -- South Africa , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9904 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/990 , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development , Preschool children -- Intelligence testing -- South Africa , Child development -- South Africa , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa
- Description: Both children and adults share a common, culturally distinct view of what it means to be male or female. These gender stereotypes are pervasive in society and daily social interactions, and influence all aspects of gender development (Golombok & Fivush, 1994). The inherent physical differences of boys and girls may have triggered the speculation and accompanying myths surrounding the existence of gender differences in childhood development. Many people believe that boys and girls follow a different developmental path that lead to gender differences in intellectual ability. An up-to-date and integrative review of theory and research on gender indicates two opposing perspectives on the topic, with substantial information supporting each view. However, this is the first study to examine and compare a sample of South African pre-school boys and girls from a truly holistic developmental perspective on the recently released Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). Developmental theorists have emphasized the profound impact early childhood development has on subsequent development, as it shapes the course of an individual’s life. Contemporary cognitive developmental theories, such as Demetriou’s (2000; 2004) developmental model of cognitive development, advance that child development does not progress in a fixed and predictable manner. Instead, Demetriou proposes that development occurs in a wave-like fashion, where the processes and functions of the various levels of the mind may be at differing points in their cycle of development. When one function progresses to a higher level, it unlocks the possibility for another function to advance to a different point in its cycle (Demetriou et al., 2002). As the significance of understanding the process of early childhood development more fully increases, so does the need to establish with more confidence the value and role of developmental assessment in the early identification of problems. The overall purpose of this study was to generate comparative information regarding the general development of a sample of 5- and 6-year-old South African pre-school boys and girls. Specifically, the study aimed to explore and describe the developmental profiles of pre-school boys and girls within the abovementioned age group with respect to their overall performance on the GMDS-ER as well as their performance on the six Subscales. Then, the mean General Quotients (GQ) and developmental profiles of the pre-school boys and girls obtained on the GMDS-ER were compared. An exploratory-descriptive quantitative research method was used. The sample (N = 64) was selected through a combination of non-probability, purposive and convenience xiii sampling. Within this framework, a between-subjects design in which matching was used to control extraneous variables, was employed. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests to compare the GQs of the gender groups. A Hotellings T2 was used to compare the Subscale profiles. No significant gender differences were found when comparing the overall developmental and Subscale profiles of the boys and girls on the GMDS-ER. However, certain interesting trends did emerge from a review of the findings when compared to the literature review and previous studies. The information generated from this study has contributed to our knowledge base of the performance of South African children on the recently released GMDS-ER.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Awareness, attitudes and referral practices of health care providers to psychological services in Botswana
- Authors: July, Emma
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medical care -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Public health -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Attitude (Psychology) -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Attitudes , Primary health care -- Botswana , Awareness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9889 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1166 , Medical care -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Public health -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Attitude (Psychology) -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Attitudes , Primary health care -- Botswana , Awareness
- Description: The provision of psychological services is vital considering the complex nature of psychosocial issues facing people today. Nevertheless, the provision and utilization of psychological services has not been given due recognition in most African countries, including Botswana. Botswana is one of the countries faced by the challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other mental health problems, as well as poverty and unemployment. To date statistics on the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana, published annually by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) reflect an increased rate of mental illness and psychosocial problems. Considering the complex nature of issues that impact negatively on people in Botswana, there is a need for awareness and the provision of psychological services in the primary health care system. There is little research on the place of psychology and psychological services in Botswana. The availability of such information is crucial for the planning of effective community-based psychological services. The present study employed a quantitative research method to explore and describe awareness and attitudes towards psychological services and referral practices in relation to psychological problems, of health care providers in Botswana. The participants in the study were chosen, based on a non-probability, purposive sampling method. The sample consisted of ninety-six persons and constituted medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and clinical social workers from governmental and non-governmental institutions from Gaborone and Francistown in Botswana. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics in order to identify the mean, ranges and standard deviations. Frequency counts and percentages of the participants’ responses were computed. The results of the study revealed an awareness of available psychological services, positive attitudes towards psychology and psychological services and a reasonable percentage of referrals to psychological services. The results also revealed that available psychological services were limited and not easily accessible to patients. There was also an indication of a shortage of trained professionals to offer psychological services in health care centres, which resulted in psychological problems being referred to social workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: July, Emma
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medical care -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Public health -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Attitude (Psychology) -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Attitudes , Primary health care -- Botswana , Awareness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9889 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1166 , Medical care -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Public health -- Botswana -- Psychological aspects , Attitude (Psychology) -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Botswana , Medical personnel -- Attitudes , Primary health care -- Botswana , Awareness
- Description: The provision of psychological services is vital considering the complex nature of psychosocial issues facing people today. Nevertheless, the provision and utilization of psychological services has not been given due recognition in most African countries, including Botswana. Botswana is one of the countries faced by the challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other mental health problems, as well as poverty and unemployment. To date statistics on the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana, published annually by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) reflect an increased rate of mental illness and psychosocial problems. Considering the complex nature of issues that impact negatively on people in Botswana, there is a need for awareness and the provision of psychological services in the primary health care system. There is little research on the place of psychology and psychological services in Botswana. The availability of such information is crucial for the planning of effective community-based psychological services. The present study employed a quantitative research method to explore and describe awareness and attitudes towards psychological services and referral practices in relation to psychological problems, of health care providers in Botswana. The participants in the study were chosen, based on a non-probability, purposive sampling method. The sample consisted of ninety-six persons and constituted medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and clinical social workers from governmental and non-governmental institutions from Gaborone and Francistown in Botswana. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics in order to identify the mean, ranges and standard deviations. Frequency counts and percentages of the participants’ responses were computed. The results of the study revealed an awareness of available psychological services, positive attitudes towards psychology and psychological services and a reasonable percentage of referrals to psychological services. The results also revealed that available psychological services were limited and not easily accessible to patients. There was also an indication of a shortage of trained professionals to offer psychological services in health care centres, which resulted in psychological problems being referred to social workers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Resilience in children experiencing voluntary parental absence
- Authors: Kana, Gudveig Kartveit
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1167 , Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Description: The South African White Paper for Social Welfare (1997:58) acknowledges the importance to children of living in a secure and nurturing family. Nevertheless, many families are unable to fulfil their parenting roles as a result of the increasing pressures in society. One of these pressures concerns the employment of parents. There is an increasing tendency for people to relocate to bigger cities where there are more job opportunities. This then results in many children being left in the care of grandparents or other relatives while the biological parents pursue job opportunities in other cities. The aim of this study was to enhance an understanding of children’s experiences of these voluntary parental absences and the factors that contribute to their resilience during this process. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed and seven primary school children (10-12 years) from Port Elizabeth participated in semi-structured interviews including drawings. Trustworthiness was ensured and data analysis was conducted by using Tesch’s model (in Creswell, 1998). Four themes were derived from the study: Children’s perception of a family, where the participants defined family according to characteristics of (amongst others) care and love; Children’s experiences of living with a substitute family, where there was a process of detachment from biological parents, attachment to the substitute family and present experiences in the new family; Resilience in children, where the participants revealed their ways of coping; and, lastly, Suggestions from the participants on how other children in the same situation could cope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kana, Gudveig Kartveit
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1167 , Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Description: The South African White Paper for Social Welfare (1997:58) acknowledges the importance to children of living in a secure and nurturing family. Nevertheless, many families are unable to fulfil their parenting roles as a result of the increasing pressures in society. One of these pressures concerns the employment of parents. There is an increasing tendency for people to relocate to bigger cities where there are more job opportunities. This then results in many children being left in the care of grandparents or other relatives while the biological parents pursue job opportunities in other cities. The aim of this study was to enhance an understanding of children’s experiences of these voluntary parental absences and the factors that contribute to their resilience during this process. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed and seven primary school children (10-12 years) from Port Elizabeth participated in semi-structured interviews including drawings. Trustworthiness was ensured and data analysis was conducted by using Tesch’s model (in Creswell, 1998). Four themes were derived from the study: Children’s perception of a family, where the participants defined family according to characteristics of (amongst others) care and love; Children’s experiences of living with a substitute family, where there was a process of detachment from biological parents, attachment to the substitute family and present experiences in the new family; Resilience in children, where the participants revealed their ways of coping; and, lastly, Suggestions from the participants on how other children in the same situation could cope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The performance profile of children from a low socio-economic status on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised
- Authors: Kheswa, Thembi Lucia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1072 , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Description: This study, focused on child mental development, has aimed to contribute and provide valuable information to a larger research project that is currently under way to create a set of norms for a South African population on the GMDS-ER. The primary aim of the study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children from a low socio-economic status, aged between 3 and 8 years 4 months old, on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The purpose of the study was to generate information on low socio-economic status and child mental development. A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The participants were selected through a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure. Information was collated using clinical observations, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales Extended-Revised. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tables[PJS1].
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kheswa, Thembi Lucia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1072 , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Description: This study, focused on child mental development, has aimed to contribute and provide valuable information to a larger research project that is currently under way to create a set of norms for a South African population on the GMDS-ER. The primary aim of the study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children from a low socio-economic status, aged between 3 and 8 years 4 months old, on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The purpose of the study was to generate information on low socio-economic status and child mental development. A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The participants were selected through a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure. Information was collated using clinical observations, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales Extended-Revised. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tables[PJS1].
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Disclosure of HIV status and adherence to antiretroviral therapy
- Kubashe, Nomachina Theopatra
- Authors: Kubashe, Nomachina Theopatra
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- South Africa , Self-disclosure -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10142 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1174 , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa , Self-disclosure -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Description: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting people in South Africa and throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate the effect disclosure of HIV status had on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. A convenience sample of 65 HIV positive adult patients currently taking ART at a public Primary Health Care (PHC) clinic in the Nelson Mandela Metropole was selected. Participation was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained at all times. Data was collected using three tools/techniques: (1) a Patient Questionnaire (PQ) to extract information on patient's demographics, HIV disclosure status, regimen the patient was on and self-reported adherence to ART; (2) an audit of a Patient Medical Record (PMR) for information on the regimen the patient was on, the period during which the patient had been on ART medication, the adherence to ART care and the level of the patient‟s biological markers; and (3) Pill Counts (PC) performed on the patient's medical supply to validate the self-reported adherence to ART. There was no significant relationship between the disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART (p= 0.59; Chi²). However, the relationship between the adherence to ART and increase in the CD4 count levels of patients on ART in this population was significant (p=0.03; Chi²). It can be concluded that no direct relationship was found between the disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART in this population. However, several factors affected the reasons and decisions of individuals to disclose their HIV status and this influenced their daily taking of medication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kubashe, Nomachina Theopatra
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- South Africa , Self-disclosure -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10142 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1174 , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa , Self-disclosure -- South Africa , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Description: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the leading chronic diseases affecting people in South Africa and throughout the world. This study aimed to investigate the effect disclosure of HIV status had on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. A convenience sample of 65 HIV positive adult patients currently taking ART at a public Primary Health Care (PHC) clinic in the Nelson Mandela Metropole was selected. Participation was voluntary and confidentiality was maintained at all times. Data was collected using three tools/techniques: (1) a Patient Questionnaire (PQ) to extract information on patient's demographics, HIV disclosure status, regimen the patient was on and self-reported adherence to ART; (2) an audit of a Patient Medical Record (PMR) for information on the regimen the patient was on, the period during which the patient had been on ART medication, the adherence to ART care and the level of the patient‟s biological markers; and (3) Pill Counts (PC) performed on the patient's medical supply to validate the self-reported adherence to ART. There was no significant relationship between the disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART (p= 0.59; Chi²). However, the relationship between the adherence to ART and increase in the CD4 count levels of patients on ART in this population was significant (p=0.03; Chi²). It can be concluded that no direct relationship was found between the disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART in this population. However, several factors affected the reasons and decisions of individuals to disclose their HIV status and this influenced their daily taking of medication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Optimizing the recovery rate of Mycobacterium species from gastric lavages in children at an urban Zambian hospital
- Authors: Lubasi, David
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1440 , Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged as a major worldwide public health hazard with increasing incidence among adults and children. Although cases among children represent a small percentage of all TB cases, they are a reservoir from which many adult cases will arise. Estimates indicate that 9 million people develop TB annually, out of which 1 million (11 percent) occur in children less than 15 years old. Childhood tuberculosis is on the increase worldwide because of persisting inability to conform the diagnosis, leading to a large number of children dying of undiagnosed tuberculosis. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis has depended on bacteriological examination of sputum. In most of the developing countries sputum smear microscopy has been used as it has been found to be cheap and relative efficient. As a result of the high TB burden, there is an urgent need for improved methods of laboratory diagnosis of TB. This is especially needed in children were diagnosis is more challenging as mycobacteria is being detected in fewer than 50 percent of the cases. Children cannot produce adequate sputum samples for examination. Their sputum samples, if produced, has a low bacterial yield and making detection of mycobacteria by using the smear microscopy difficult. Therefore, gastric lavages from children are being recommended as the best specimen for culture. In this study, gastric lavages from 408 children suspected of having tuberculosis were examined for the recovery of mycobacteria. Recovery was optimized by the use of the relatively new non-radiometric fully automated BACTEC MGIT 960. BACTEC MGIT 960 produced a positivity rate of 27.2 percent against 17.2 percent that of Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media, which is a conventional culture method used widely. The direct microscopy which is the cheapest traditional method used in diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) yielded a 5.6 percent positive rate. The BACTEC MGIT 960 had also a very high isolate detection rate of 98.2 percent compared to that of L-J media of 61.9 percent, and only 20.4 percent were detected with the direct microscopy. On time taken to detection or mean time to detection (TTD) of v isolates, the BACTEC MGIT 960 technique had a shorter mean time to detection, 12.5 days as compared to 34.3 days shown by the L-J media technique. The study showed that children normally get tuberculosis from adult members of the household. A positive TB case was found in the households of 55.4 percent of the suspects. The study has found that 46.4 percent of the children below the age of 4 years developed the disease, compared to 10.5 percent the older children in the age group 10 to 14 years. The study found that tuberculosis in children is mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Out of the 113 isolates detected, 110 (97.3 percent) were M. tuberculosis. The remaining 2.7 percent were the non-tuberculous M. avium complex and M. kansasii. It was inconclusive whether the 2.7 percent of other species were causing tuberculosis and this need to be studied further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lubasi, David
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1440 , Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged as a major worldwide public health hazard with increasing incidence among adults and children. Although cases among children represent a small percentage of all TB cases, they are a reservoir from which many adult cases will arise. Estimates indicate that 9 million people develop TB annually, out of which 1 million (11 percent) occur in children less than 15 years old. Childhood tuberculosis is on the increase worldwide because of persisting inability to conform the diagnosis, leading to a large number of children dying of undiagnosed tuberculosis. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis has depended on bacteriological examination of sputum. In most of the developing countries sputum smear microscopy has been used as it has been found to be cheap and relative efficient. As a result of the high TB burden, there is an urgent need for improved methods of laboratory diagnosis of TB. This is especially needed in children were diagnosis is more challenging as mycobacteria is being detected in fewer than 50 percent of the cases. Children cannot produce adequate sputum samples for examination. Their sputum samples, if produced, has a low bacterial yield and making detection of mycobacteria by using the smear microscopy difficult. Therefore, gastric lavages from children are being recommended as the best specimen for culture. In this study, gastric lavages from 408 children suspected of having tuberculosis were examined for the recovery of mycobacteria. Recovery was optimized by the use of the relatively new non-radiometric fully automated BACTEC MGIT 960. BACTEC MGIT 960 produced a positivity rate of 27.2 percent against 17.2 percent that of Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media, which is a conventional culture method used widely. The direct microscopy which is the cheapest traditional method used in diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) yielded a 5.6 percent positive rate. The BACTEC MGIT 960 had also a very high isolate detection rate of 98.2 percent compared to that of L-J media of 61.9 percent, and only 20.4 percent were detected with the direct microscopy. On time taken to detection or mean time to detection (TTD) of v isolates, the BACTEC MGIT 960 technique had a shorter mean time to detection, 12.5 days as compared to 34.3 days shown by the L-J media technique. The study showed that children normally get tuberculosis from adult members of the household. A positive TB case was found in the households of 55.4 percent of the suspects. The study has found that 46.4 percent of the children below the age of 4 years developed the disease, compared to 10.5 percent the older children in the age group 10 to 14 years. The study found that tuberculosis in children is mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Out of the 113 isolates detected, 110 (97.3 percent) were M. tuberculosis. The remaining 2.7 percent were the non-tuberculous M. avium complex and M. kansasii. It was inconclusive whether the 2.7 percent of other species were causing tuberculosis and this need to be studied further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009