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The medicinal chemistry of the isomers of the cyclic dipeptide: cyclo(Trp-Pro)
- Authors: Jamie, Hajierah
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical chemistry , Cyclic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/281 , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Cyclic compounds
- Description: The isomers of cyclo(Trp-Pro) (cyclo(L-Trp-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro), cyclo(D-Trp-LPro) and cyclo(D-Trp-D-Pro)) have been successfully synthesized and screened for biological activity. High percentage yields were obtained by using the three phase synthesis system, which involves the synthesis of the intermediate protected linear dipeptides, followed by the removal of the protecting Boc groups. This step is followed by cyclization and crystallization of the isomers. The diketopiperazines rings of cyclo(L-Trp-L-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp-D-Pro) contain cisamide bonds, while cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) contain trans-amide bonds. These bonds govern the conformation of the diketopiperazines ring. The isomers have shown different degrees of biological activity, possibly as a result of the orientation of the side chain of tryptophan and this difference in conformation, leading to varying interactions between isomer and a range of receptors. Under experimental conditions, 10-3 M cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) showed effective anticancer activity against the cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, resulting in a <50% reduction in cell viability. Cytotoxicity screening with cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) indicated that it was hepatocyte-specific in its toxicity, whilst the other isomers were cytotoxic against the other cell types tested. At 1mg/ml, cyclo(L-Trp-L-Pro) proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent against Gram positive bacteria, while cyclo(L-Trp-DPro) effectively inhibited the growth of the Gram negative bacteria, Esherichia coli. Cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) proved to be effective against Streptococcus, while cyclo(D-Trp-DPro) effectively reduced viability of the yeast, Candida albicans. Cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) was the only isomer to show Ca2+-channel antagonism, whilst the other isomers resulted in opening of the Ca2+-channel. No effects were observed on K+-channel activity for all the isomers tested. The isomers also proved to be valuable antiarrhythmic agents by effectively reducing the time spent in ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmia, as well as decreasing the time for the heart rate to return to a normal sinus rhythm. Furthermore, cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) showed positive chronotropic activity, while cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) ii showed negative chronotropic activity. In addition, cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp- L-Pro) also increased the coronary flow rate. 0.125 1 mM Cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) decreased aggregation in washed platelets induced by thrombin. All isomers increased adhesion to an artificial surface when the platelets were stimulated by ADP, yet caused reduced adhesion when the platelets were stimulated by thrombin. These results prove the potential of these compounds as novel agents in a range of biological fields, indicating that a combination of L- and D- amino acids may prove more effective than an agent consisting solely of L-amino acids.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Jamie, Hajierah
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical chemistry , Cyclic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/281 , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Cyclic compounds
- Description: The isomers of cyclo(Trp-Pro) (cyclo(L-Trp-L-Pro), cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro), cyclo(D-Trp-LPro) and cyclo(D-Trp-D-Pro)) have been successfully synthesized and screened for biological activity. High percentage yields were obtained by using the three phase synthesis system, which involves the synthesis of the intermediate protected linear dipeptides, followed by the removal of the protecting Boc groups. This step is followed by cyclization and crystallization of the isomers. The diketopiperazines rings of cyclo(L-Trp-L-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp-D-Pro) contain cisamide bonds, while cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) contain trans-amide bonds. These bonds govern the conformation of the diketopiperazines ring. The isomers have shown different degrees of biological activity, possibly as a result of the orientation of the side chain of tryptophan and this difference in conformation, leading to varying interactions between isomer and a range of receptors. Under experimental conditions, 10-3 M cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) showed effective anticancer activity against the cervical cancer cell line, HeLa, resulting in a <50% reduction in cell viability. Cytotoxicity screening with cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) indicated that it was hepatocyte-specific in its toxicity, whilst the other isomers were cytotoxic against the other cell types tested. At 1mg/ml, cyclo(L-Trp-L-Pro) proved to be an effective antimicrobial agent against Gram positive bacteria, while cyclo(L-Trp-DPro) effectively inhibited the growth of the Gram negative bacteria, Esherichia coli. Cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) proved to be effective against Streptococcus, while cyclo(D-Trp-DPro) effectively reduced viability of the yeast, Candida albicans. Cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) was the only isomer to show Ca2+-channel antagonism, whilst the other isomers resulted in opening of the Ca2+-channel. No effects were observed on K+-channel activity for all the isomers tested. The isomers also proved to be valuable antiarrhythmic agents by effectively reducing the time spent in ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmia, as well as decreasing the time for the heart rate to return to a normal sinus rhythm. Furthermore, cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) showed positive chronotropic activity, while cyclo(D-Trp-L-Pro) ii showed negative chronotropic activity. In addition, cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) and cyclo(D-Trp- L-Pro) also increased the coronary flow rate. 0.125 1 mM Cyclo(L-Trp-D-Pro) decreased aggregation in washed platelets induced by thrombin. All isomers increased adhesion to an artificial surface when the platelets were stimulated by ADP, yet caused reduced adhesion when the platelets were stimulated by thrombin. These results prove the potential of these compounds as novel agents in a range of biological fields, indicating that a combination of L- and D- amino acids may prove more effective than an agent consisting solely of L-amino acids.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
The coping orientation and resources of teachers educating learners with intellectual disabilities
- Authors: Jacobs, Tracey Senora
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Special education teachers -- Job stress -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing , Teachers of children with mental disabilities -- Psychological testing -- South Africa , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/460 , Special education teachers -- Job stress -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing , Teachers of children with mental disabilities -- Psychological testing -- South Africa , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa
- Description: An overview of recent literature and research indicates that stress in teaching is now a wellrecognised phenomenon. More specifically, research has found special education to be more demanding than mainstream education. However, in comparison with the literature on mainstream education, both South African and international research relating to special education do not occupy prominent status in the literature. This study thus aims to explore and describe the coping orientation and resources of teachers educating learners with intellectual disabilities. The sample consisted of 59 special education teachers (49 females and 10 males) in the Nelson Mandela Metropole who educate learners with intellectual disabilities. The special education teachers who agreed to participate in the study were requested to complete a biographical questionnaire, Antonovsky’s Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29) and Hammer and Marting’s Coping Resources Inventory (CRI). An exploratory, descriptive design was utilised in this study. The data for this study was analysed by using descriptive and correlation statistics. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was utilized in order to explore and describe the relationship between the sense of coherence and the coping resources of the sample. Key findings include the following: Results from the SOC-29 revealed fairly high mean scores for the current sample. Results from the CRI indicated average mean scores on both the total coping resources scale and all five subscales. Significant positive relationships were found to exist between the SOC-29 and the CRI for the current sample. Significant positive relationships were also found between the SOC-29 score and some of the subscale scores of the CRI for the current sample. In general, the findings of the present study reveal a need for further research on special education teachers. The focus should not only be limited to the pathogenic orientation, but should include more salutogenic approaches to better assist special education teachers to more effectively cope with their challenging work environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Jacobs, Tracey Senora
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Special education teachers -- Job stress -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing , Teachers of children with mental disabilities -- Psychological testing -- South Africa , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9938 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/460 , Special education teachers -- Job stress -- South Africa , Adjustment (Psychology) -- South Africa -- Testing , Teachers of children with mental disabilities -- Psychological testing -- South Africa , Coping Responses Inventory -- South Africa
- Description: An overview of recent literature and research indicates that stress in teaching is now a wellrecognised phenomenon. More specifically, research has found special education to be more demanding than mainstream education. However, in comparison with the literature on mainstream education, both South African and international research relating to special education do not occupy prominent status in the literature. This study thus aims to explore and describe the coping orientation and resources of teachers educating learners with intellectual disabilities. The sample consisted of 59 special education teachers (49 females and 10 males) in the Nelson Mandela Metropole who educate learners with intellectual disabilities. The special education teachers who agreed to participate in the study were requested to complete a biographical questionnaire, Antonovsky’s Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29) and Hammer and Marting’s Coping Resources Inventory (CRI). An exploratory, descriptive design was utilised in this study. The data for this study was analysed by using descriptive and correlation statistics. The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was utilized in order to explore and describe the relationship between the sense of coherence and the coping resources of the sample. Key findings include the following: Results from the SOC-29 revealed fairly high mean scores for the current sample. Results from the CRI indicated average mean scores on both the total coping resources scale and all five subscales. Significant positive relationships were found to exist between the SOC-29 and the CRI for the current sample. Significant positive relationships were also found between the SOC-29 score and some of the subscale scores of the CRI for the current sample. In general, the findings of the present study reveal a need for further research on special education teachers. The focus should not only be limited to the pathogenic orientation, but should include more salutogenic approaches to better assist special education teachers to more effectively cope with their challenging work environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Isokinetic force profile of the cervical spine in a healthy adult urban South African population
- Authors: Olivier, Pierre Emile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cervical vertebrae , Neck -- Muscles , Muscle strength -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/982 , Cervical vertebrae , Neck -- Muscles , Muscle strength -- Testing
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish reference data for the cervical spine’s dynamic force characteristics in a healthy adult urban South African population aged 19 to 69 years. The reference data was classified according to gender discriminate age categories. In total ten gender discriminate age categories, five male and five female, were created; 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60 to 69-year-olds. The force characteristics measured, analysed and used to generate reference data in stanine format were: absolute peak torque (P-), relative peak torque (P-/BW), peak power (Pow-), relative peak power (Pow-/BW), peak work (W-), relative peak work (W-/BW), torque acceleration energy (TAE-), maximal voluntary cervical muscle contraction range of motion (MVCR-), controlled full range of joint motion (CFR-), joint angle at peak torque (Jang@P-) and peak torque ratios for cervical flexion (-F), extension (-E), lateral flexion to the dominant (-LD) and non-dominant (-LN) sides. In addition biographic and anthropometric data was also collected. Data, grouped in the ten gender discriminate age categories were compared and statistically and practically significant differences were highlighted between the gender discriminate age categories. Inferential statistics used included ANOVA and Cohen’s d. A significance level of α = .05 was used in all inferential statistical analyses. Correlations between various anthropometric and isokinetic strength variables were also explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Olivier, Pierre Emile
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cervical vertebrae , Neck -- Muscles , Muscle strength -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/982 , Cervical vertebrae , Neck -- Muscles , Muscle strength -- Testing
- Description: The aim of this study was to establish reference data for the cervical spine’s dynamic force characteristics in a healthy adult urban South African population aged 19 to 69 years. The reference data was classified according to gender discriminate age categories. In total ten gender discriminate age categories, five male and five female, were created; 19 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59 and 60 to 69-year-olds. The force characteristics measured, analysed and used to generate reference data in stanine format were: absolute peak torque (P-), relative peak torque (P-/BW), peak power (Pow-), relative peak power (Pow-/BW), peak work (W-), relative peak work (W-/BW), torque acceleration energy (TAE-), maximal voluntary cervical muscle contraction range of motion (MVCR-), controlled full range of joint motion (CFR-), joint angle at peak torque (Jang@P-) and peak torque ratios for cervical flexion (-F), extension (-E), lateral flexion to the dominant (-LD) and non-dominant (-LN) sides. In addition biographic and anthropometric data was also collected. Data, grouped in the ten gender discriminate age categories were compared and statistically and practically significant differences were highlighted between the gender discriminate age categories. Inferential statistics used included ANOVA and Cohen’s d. A significance level of α = .05 was used in all inferential statistical analyses. Correlations between various anthropometric and isokinetic strength variables were also explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The experiences of professional nurses regarding the management of health services rendered to tuberculosis patients
- Authors: Jantjies, Leigh-Anne Rene
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Nursing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Health services administration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10025 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1399 , Tuberculosis -- Nursing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Health services administration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared tuberculosis (TB) a global emergency, and this infectious disease remains a health threat by being the leading cause of death amongst adults (Naidoo, Dick & Cooper, 2008:55). In 2005, South Africa was ranked seventh in the world for having the highest TB rate and the lowest TB success rate in the world. As a professional nurse involved in the tuberculosis programme at a clinic in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality at local government level for approximately three years, the researcher observed that the morale of professional nurses who provide TB services appeared to be low. They also appeared to be frustrated because they feel that they are not winning the battle with regard to the TB epidemic in their communities irrespective of their efforts to try and curb the spread of the disease. The extent of the workload per person also appeared to add to the low morale and frustration of the professional nurses rendering TB health services because they feel that they are unable to manage everything. The objectives of the study were therefore to explore and describe how professional nurses experienced the management of health services being rendered to TB patients in Sub district B of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) in order to make recommendations that could be used by the district manager to address the research findings. The research study was based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The research population consisted of all professional nurses who worked in the TB services of Sub district B. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select the participants for the study. Seven in-depth and three follow-up interviews were conducted before data saturation was achieved. The data gathered during the interview process by the researcher were transcribed and coded by an independent coder using Tech’s model for data analysis. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the research study. The aspect of trustworthiness according to Guba’s model was implemented in the research study and included credibility, applicability, consistency and neutrality. iii One theme, two sub themes and categories were identified relating to the diverse experiences expressed by the participants relating to the management of health services being rendered to TB patients. The experiences expressed by the professional nurses included both negative and positive experiences. The negative experiences expressed by the participants were for example, a lack of resources as hampering adequate service delivery, a concern regarding the number of staff contracting TB due to a lack of infection control measures, a difference in conditions of service between the two local authorities and the DOTS supporters as being a threat to patient confidentiality. The positive experiences expressed by the participants included experiences relating to job satisfaction in rendering TB health services, the DOTS supporters as being supportive to the staff, the TB meetings serving as an appropriate platform for problem solving and the audits conducted by managers as being remedial. The study concludes with recommendations made with regard to the areas of nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Jantjies, Leigh-Anne Rene
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Nursing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Health services administration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10025 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1399 , Tuberculosis -- Nursing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Health services administration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared tuberculosis (TB) a global emergency, and this infectious disease remains a health threat by being the leading cause of death amongst adults (Naidoo, Dick & Cooper, 2008:55). In 2005, South Africa was ranked seventh in the world for having the highest TB rate and the lowest TB success rate in the world. As a professional nurse involved in the tuberculosis programme at a clinic in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality at local government level for approximately three years, the researcher observed that the morale of professional nurses who provide TB services appeared to be low. They also appeared to be frustrated because they feel that they are not winning the battle with regard to the TB epidemic in their communities irrespective of their efforts to try and curb the spread of the disease. The extent of the workload per person also appeared to add to the low morale and frustration of the professional nurses rendering TB health services because they feel that they are unable to manage everything. The objectives of the study were therefore to explore and describe how professional nurses experienced the management of health services being rendered to TB patients in Sub district B of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) in order to make recommendations that could be used by the district manager to address the research findings. The research study was based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The research population consisted of all professional nurses who worked in the TB services of Sub district B. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select the participants for the study. Seven in-depth and three follow-up interviews were conducted before data saturation was achieved. The data gathered during the interview process by the researcher were transcribed and coded by an independent coder using Tech’s model for data analysis. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the research study. The aspect of trustworthiness according to Guba’s model was implemented in the research study and included credibility, applicability, consistency and neutrality. iii One theme, two sub themes and categories were identified relating to the diverse experiences expressed by the participants relating to the management of health services being rendered to TB patients. The experiences expressed by the professional nurses included both negative and positive experiences. The negative experiences expressed by the participants were for example, a lack of resources as hampering adequate service delivery, a concern regarding the number of staff contracting TB due to a lack of infection control measures, a difference in conditions of service between the two local authorities and the DOTS supporters as being a threat to patient confidentiality. The positive experiences expressed by the participants included experiences relating to job satisfaction in rendering TB health services, the DOTS supporters as being supportive to the staff, the TB meetings serving as an appropriate platform for problem solving and the audits conducted by managers as being remedial. The study concludes with recommendations made with regard to the areas of nursing practice, education and research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Attitudes of undergraduate psychology students towards mental illness
- Authors: Lugogwana, Pakama Linda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Psychology -- Study and teaching Mental illness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14223 , vital:27454
- Description: Negative attitudes and stigmas against those diagnosed with mental illnesses have been found to prevail in modern society, despite the availability of effective treatments and attempts to educate people about mental health. Numerous studies have been conducted on the attitudes of various groups of people and communities towards mental illness. There is, however, limited research about student populations, particularly students registered for courses in the “allied health professions”. This study aimed to explore and describe the prevailing attitudes towards mental illness of a sample of the undergraduate Psychology student population (registered between 2nd and 4th year of study) within the Faculty of Health Sciences at a South African University. The procedure followed was an electronic intranet based survey, utilising the Community Attitudes to Mental Illness (CAMI) scale. The survey was accessed via the university’s student portal and links were sent via email to students to complete. A total of n=51 student responses were recorded and analysed. Data were quantitatively analysed using t-tests and Analyses of Variance (ANOVA). No statistically significant differences on the CAMI scales were found between the students in relation to the various student demographic variables such as age, gender, race or year level, and the CAMI findings. Overall, the sample of undergraduate Psychology students were shown to have favourable attitudes towards mental illness, which is potentially accounted for by their chosen field of study of Psychology. Education and knowledge about mental health were acknowledged as being most important in reducing stigma towards mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Lugogwana, Pakama Linda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Psychology -- Study and teaching Mental illness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14223 , vital:27454
- Description: Negative attitudes and stigmas against those diagnosed with mental illnesses have been found to prevail in modern society, despite the availability of effective treatments and attempts to educate people about mental health. Numerous studies have been conducted on the attitudes of various groups of people and communities towards mental illness. There is, however, limited research about student populations, particularly students registered for courses in the “allied health professions”. This study aimed to explore and describe the prevailing attitudes towards mental illness of a sample of the undergraduate Psychology student population (registered between 2nd and 4th year of study) within the Faculty of Health Sciences at a South African University. The procedure followed was an electronic intranet based survey, utilising the Community Attitudes to Mental Illness (CAMI) scale. The survey was accessed via the university’s student portal and links were sent via email to students to complete. A total of n=51 student responses were recorded and analysed. Data were quantitatively analysed using t-tests and Analyses of Variance (ANOVA). No statistically significant differences on the CAMI scales were found between the students in relation to the various student demographic variables such as age, gender, race or year level, and the CAMI findings. Overall, the sample of undergraduate Psychology students were shown to have favourable attitudes towards mental illness, which is potentially accounted for by their chosen field of study of Psychology. Education and knowledge about mental health were acknowledged as being most important in reducing stigma towards mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room
- Authors: Theron, Margot Cecile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nursing ethics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nurse and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017197
- Description: Patient safety is a primary concern of members of the surgical team. Professional nurses working in the operating room play a vital role in the safety of the patients from the moment the patient enters the operating room to the discharge of the patient to the unit. Quality nursing care is of the utmost importance and therefore it is the responsibility of a professional nurse to ensure patient safety during the peri-operative period. Team work and good communication in the operating room are essential in order to ensure patient safety. Nursing care practices related to patient safety should be a key aspect to consider in rendering care to the surgical patient and professional nurses should perform their duties to the best of their ability despite lack of resources and shortage of staff. The main purpose of the study was to explore and describe nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room at hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. Once this was established recommendations on how to enhance nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room were made. This study is based on a quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Convenient sampling was used in this study. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Ethical considerations were adhered to and the findings of the research will be disseminated appropriately. Recommendations based on the findings that emerge from the data, as well as the literature review, will be offered to enhance nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Theron, Margot Cecile
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nursing ethics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nurse and patient -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10051 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017197
- Description: Patient safety is a primary concern of members of the surgical team. Professional nurses working in the operating room play a vital role in the safety of the patients from the moment the patient enters the operating room to the discharge of the patient to the unit. Quality nursing care is of the utmost importance and therefore it is the responsibility of a professional nurse to ensure patient safety during the peri-operative period. Team work and good communication in the operating room are essential in order to ensure patient safety. Nursing care practices related to patient safety should be a key aspect to consider in rendering care to the surgical patient and professional nurses should perform their duties to the best of their ability despite lack of resources and shortage of staff. The main purpose of the study was to explore and describe nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room at hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. Once this was established recommendations on how to enhance nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room were made. This study is based on a quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. Convenient sampling was used in this study. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Ethical considerations were adhered to and the findings of the research will be disseminated appropriately. Recommendations based on the findings that emerge from the data, as well as the literature review, will be offered to enhance nursing care practice related to patient safety in the operating room.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Mental health care practitioners' perceptions of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context
- Authors: Lombo, Nocawa Philomina
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1179 , Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: This study sought to explore the perceptions of mental health care practitioners’ perceptions on mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context. A qualitative exploratory descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select eight participants from Komani Hospital in Queenstown. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an Independent Interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data collected was analyzed according to Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis as described in Cresswell (1994:155). The researcher utilized services of an Independent Coder who verified the identified major themes. Four major themes emerged from the analysis of the interview: Mental health care practitioner’s perceptions of mental illness, perception of the causes of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context, mental health care practitioners’ views in the management and treatment of mental illness and suggestions put forward to improve the services to mental health care users. The major findings of this study were the lack of knowledge of culture of mental health care users. It is recommended that it would be proper if there could be co-operation between mental health care practitioners and traditional healers by working together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Mental health care practitioners' perceptions of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context
- Authors: Lombo, Nocawa Philomina
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1179 , Mental illness -- South Africa , Mental health personnel , Psychiatric nursing , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: This study sought to explore the perceptions of mental health care practitioners’ perceptions on mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context. A qualitative exploratory descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select eight participants from Komani Hospital in Queenstown. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an Independent Interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data collected was analyzed according to Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis as described in Cresswell (1994:155). The researcher utilized services of an Independent Coder who verified the identified major themes. Four major themes emerged from the analysis of the interview: Mental health care practitioner’s perceptions of mental illness, perception of the causes of mental illness within the isiXhosa cultural context, mental health care practitioners’ views in the management and treatment of mental illness and suggestions put forward to improve the services to mental health care users. The major findings of this study were the lack of knowledge of culture of mental health care users. It is recommended that it would be proper if there could be co-operation between mental health care practitioners and traditional healers by working together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of women towards maternal deaths at Qaukeni Sub-district in OR Tambo Health District in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mayekiso, Nomahlubi Dorcas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternal health services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Mothers--Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11194 , vital:37203
- Description: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Maternal mortality is a global problem, with the risk of deathever present during pregnancy, labour and postnatal, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of women of child-bearing age concerning maternal deaths in Qaukeni Sub-District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, contextual, exploratory research design was used to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of child-bearing-age women. Interviews were conducted with 21 purposively selected multiparous pregnant women. FINDINGS: Some of the participants knew signs and symptoms of pregnancy as well as danger signs during pregnancy such as haemorrhage, sepsis, high blood pressure and complications of unsupervised home deliveries; while others had little knowledge about these signs and symptoms. Some participants knew about the causes of maternal deaths and a number of them had beliefs that can be construed as myths. The use of herbal medications in pregnancy, such as gwarugwaru and mbelekisane, were highlighted as a problem in maternal health, with serious complications that can lead to maternal deaths. The participants have negative attitudes towards the clinics and hospitals due to the ill treatment they received from health professionals in labour wards, which may have led to the loss of lives of women and children. Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and responsibility by health professionals were contributory factors towards maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and the irresponsibility of professional nurses and doctors were all pointed out by participants as either direct or indirect causes of maternal deaths. The recommendations include frequent in-service training for unskilled birth attendants, and the provisions of more professional nurses and doctors. Campaigns also need to be held to highlight the risks that women are exposed to during pregnancy, and the importance of early interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mayekiso, Nomahlubi Dorcas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternal health services--South Africa--Eastern Cape Mothers--Mortality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11194 , vital:37203
- Description: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Maternal mortality is a global problem, with the risk of deathever present during pregnancy, labour and postnatal, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of women of child-bearing age concerning maternal deaths in Qaukeni Sub-District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, contextual, exploratory research design was used to explore the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of child-bearing-age women. Interviews were conducted with 21 purposively selected multiparous pregnant women. FINDINGS: Some of the participants knew signs and symptoms of pregnancy as well as danger signs during pregnancy such as haemorrhage, sepsis, high blood pressure and complications of unsupervised home deliveries; while others had little knowledge about these signs and symptoms. Some participants knew about the causes of maternal deaths and a number of them had beliefs that can be construed as myths. The use of herbal medications in pregnancy, such as gwarugwaru and mbelekisane, were highlighted as a problem in maternal health, with serious complications that can lead to maternal deaths. The participants have negative attitudes towards the clinics and hospitals due to the ill treatment they received from health professionals in labour wards, which may have led to the loss of lives of women and children. Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and responsibility by health professionals were contributory factors towards maternal deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of resources, unskilled traditional birth attendants, lack of accountability and the irresponsibility of professional nurses and doctors were all pointed out by participants as either direct or indirect causes of maternal deaths. The recommendations include frequent in-service training for unskilled birth attendants, and the provisions of more professional nurses and doctors. Campaigns also need to be held to highlight the risks that women are exposed to during pregnancy, and the importance of early interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors affecting people with disabilities in the employment sector
- Authors: Caga, Tabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1549 , Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government has formulated various policies in an attempt to redress the previous political, economic and social imbalances within the country. The majority of the policies have focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Despite the interventions, literature reviewed reflects that there is very little progress made with regard to empowerment of people with disabilities in the employment sector. The study seeks to explore and identify factors that affect people with visual disabilities in the employment sector. The researcher used a qualitative approach to investigate the perceptions of people with visual disabilities through conducting focus groups interviews with participants that were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. A total of four groups from Pretoria have been used to draw findings for the research study. During the focus group discussions, a semi structured interview guide was used to generate more in‐depth interpretations from the participants and data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) framework that is described in Creswell (2003). The findings of the research revealed that people with visual disabilities still have problems in accessing and retaining employment despite the South African favourable legislation. Dominating among the factors that are viewed by the participants to hinder their employability are societal negatives attitudes which include unequal treatment, discrimination when they seek employment, belittling and disregard by employers, coworkers and the society at large. There are also a number of factors that were perceived as barriers to job seekers with visual disabilities which include inaccessible advertising media for vacancies, inaccessible transports systems, inaccessible education and training and lack of funded positions suited for people with visual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Caga, Tabisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1549 , Blind -- Employment , People with visual disabilities -- Employment
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government has formulated various policies in an attempt to redress the previous political, economic and social imbalances within the country. The majority of the policies have focused on empowering previously disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities. Despite the interventions, literature reviewed reflects that there is very little progress made with regard to empowerment of people with disabilities in the employment sector. The study seeks to explore and identify factors that affect people with visual disabilities in the employment sector. The researcher used a qualitative approach to investigate the perceptions of people with visual disabilities through conducting focus groups interviews with participants that were recruited using a purposive sampling approach. A total of four groups from Pretoria have been used to draw findings for the research study. During the focus group discussions, a semi structured interview guide was used to generate more in‐depth interpretations from the participants and data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) framework that is described in Creswell (2003). The findings of the research revealed that people with visual disabilities still have problems in accessing and retaining employment despite the South African favourable legislation. Dominating among the factors that are viewed by the participants to hinder their employability are societal negatives attitudes which include unequal treatment, discrimination when they seek employment, belittling and disregard by employers, coworkers and the society at large. There are also a number of factors that were perceived as barriers to job seekers with visual disabilities which include inaccessible advertising media for vacancies, inaccessible transports systems, inaccessible education and training and lack of funded positions suited for people with visual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Perceptions of the preparedness of pharmacy graduates for internship responsibilities in the industrial pharmacy
- Putsoane, Mathabelo Maliboche
- Authors: Putsoane, Mathabelo Maliboche
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmacy students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46395 , vital:39593
- Description: Pharmacy graduates in South Africa are expected to undertake a compulsory one-yearinternship in diversepharmacy settings. These settings includethe industrial pharmacy sector,where they are expected to integrate furtherthe knowledge and skills they have acquired during their undergraduate training before entering into the pharmacy profession. The success of graduatesduring the internship,therefore, depends amongst other thingson their perceptions of preparedness. However, the perceptions of South African pharmacy graduates preparedness for the industrial pharmacy settingis not reportedin light of the shift in global pharmacy education from product-based to patient-based education which thus provided the impetus for this study.Semi-structured interviews with individual pharmacy graduateswere utilised to explorethe perceptions of the preparedness regarding the technical and generic skills required of an industrial pharmacy intern. Inductive data analysisculminated in thedevelopment of themes and subthemes. A lack of preparedness as perceived by graduateswas a result of a lack of industrial pharmacy experientialwork-basedpractical training and patient-focused education. Graduates perceived themselves to be fairly prepared with communication and teamwork skills; however, their problem-solving skills werenot clear due tothe scope of work ofanintern pharmacist which hinders them from solvingproblems.Though graduates expressed that they had acquired adequate theoretical training, the lack of practical application resulted in inadequate technical skills preparedness. Graduatespreparedness for the industrial pharmacy can be improved by work-based placements of students in the industry pharmacy setting which will assist students to integrate theory with practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Putsoane, Mathabelo Maliboche
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmacy students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46395 , vital:39593
- Description: Pharmacy graduates in South Africa are expected to undertake a compulsory one-yearinternship in diversepharmacy settings. These settings includethe industrial pharmacy sector,where they are expected to integrate furtherthe knowledge and skills they have acquired during their undergraduate training before entering into the pharmacy profession. The success of graduatesduring the internship,therefore, depends amongst other thingson their perceptions of preparedness. However, the perceptions of South African pharmacy graduates preparedness for the industrial pharmacy settingis not reportedin light of the shift in global pharmacy education from product-based to patient-based education which thus provided the impetus for this study.Semi-structured interviews with individual pharmacy graduateswere utilised to explorethe perceptions of the preparedness regarding the technical and generic skills required of an industrial pharmacy intern. Inductive data analysisculminated in thedevelopment of themes and subthemes. A lack of preparedness as perceived by graduateswas a result of a lack of industrial pharmacy experientialwork-basedpractical training and patient-focused education. Graduates perceived themselves to be fairly prepared with communication and teamwork skills; however, their problem-solving skills werenot clear due tothe scope of work ofanintern pharmacist which hinders them from solvingproblems.Though graduates expressed that they had acquired adequate theoretical training, the lack of practical application resulted in inadequate technical skills preparedness. Graduatespreparedness for the industrial pharmacy can be improved by work-based placements of students in the industry pharmacy setting which will assist students to integrate theory with practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Barriers to picking and packing in pharmaceutical warehousing and distribution in South Africa
- Authors: Kemp, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Materials management , Warehouses -- Management Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30627 , vital:30994
- Description: Barriers within the supply chain play an evident role in decreasing its efficiency. The supply chain system is not well documented in the pharmaceutical sector. The aim of this study was to identify any barriers to the movement of picking and packing operators within 6 distribution facilities throughout South Africa using a time and motion analysis. A pilot study was initially conducted to choose the stopwatch application for Android® devices and to ensure reliability of the tools utilised. The motions during the processes of fulfilling an order were identified during the case picking, bulk picking and packing processes by direct observation of operators. The direct observation was performed using a stopwatch application for Android® devices and a tool on Microsoft Excel®. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel®, using a student’s T-test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach to identify similarities and differences between the facilities. The data was further analysed using a descriptive statistics approach to identify the common barriers amongst the distribution centres. Thereafter, the data was analysed by identifying a value-quotient. The value-quotient was used to identify how much time was spent on value-adding activities with each facility. The observation of the operators was done randomly at each facility to avoid subjectivity and bias. Results: The pilot study identified which stopwatch application was to be utilised. The pilot study aided to improve upon the design of the data collection tool used for the transcribing of the timing operation. The student’s T-test and ANOVA revealed that there were statistically significant differences in case picking amongst facilities, namely using the radio frequency identification devices (RFID), picking and transfer of stock. In the bulk picking process, there was a statistically significant difference amongst the facilities, namely using the RFID, pick and transfer of stock. In the packing process there was a statistically significant difference amongst the facilities in the packing process. The analysis of barriers within the distribution centres revealed that the 16 common barriers amongst the picking processes at the facilities included raising the platform, waiting for colleagues to depart an aisle, RFID malfunctions and answering their phones. No common barriers during the packing process was identified. The value-quotient revealed that most of the facilities spent more than 50 percent of their time on value-adding activities during the case picking, bulk picking and packing processes. A time and motion analysis proved to be an effective method to identify similarities and barriers between the six facilities. It was recommended to investigate a few of the basic operations to improve upon, as well as the possibility of implementing a barcoded system to the stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kemp, Nicholas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Materials management , Warehouses -- Management Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa Physical distribution of goods -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30627 , vital:30994
- Description: Barriers within the supply chain play an evident role in decreasing its efficiency. The supply chain system is not well documented in the pharmaceutical sector. The aim of this study was to identify any barriers to the movement of picking and packing operators within 6 distribution facilities throughout South Africa using a time and motion analysis. A pilot study was initially conducted to choose the stopwatch application for Android® devices and to ensure reliability of the tools utilised. The motions during the processes of fulfilling an order were identified during the case picking, bulk picking and packing processes by direct observation of operators. The direct observation was performed using a stopwatch application for Android® devices and a tool on Microsoft Excel®. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel®, using a student’s T-test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach to identify similarities and differences between the facilities. The data was further analysed using a descriptive statistics approach to identify the common barriers amongst the distribution centres. Thereafter, the data was analysed by identifying a value-quotient. The value-quotient was used to identify how much time was spent on value-adding activities with each facility. The observation of the operators was done randomly at each facility to avoid subjectivity and bias. Results: The pilot study identified which stopwatch application was to be utilised. The pilot study aided to improve upon the design of the data collection tool used for the transcribing of the timing operation. The student’s T-test and ANOVA revealed that there were statistically significant differences in case picking amongst facilities, namely using the radio frequency identification devices (RFID), picking and transfer of stock. In the bulk picking process, there was a statistically significant difference amongst the facilities, namely using the RFID, pick and transfer of stock. In the packing process there was a statistically significant difference amongst the facilities in the packing process. The analysis of barriers within the distribution centres revealed that the 16 common barriers amongst the picking processes at the facilities included raising the platform, waiting for colleagues to depart an aisle, RFID malfunctions and answering their phones. No common barriers during the packing process was identified. The value-quotient revealed that most of the facilities spent more than 50 percent of their time on value-adding activities during the case picking, bulk picking and packing processes. A time and motion analysis proved to be an effective method to identify similarities and barriers between the six facilities. It was recommended to investigate a few of the basic operations to improve upon, as well as the possibility of implementing a barcoded system to the stock.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Articulating the nature of clinical nurse specialist practice
- Authors: Bell, Janet Deanne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nurse practitioners , Intensive care nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018623
- Description: Critical care nursing is a clinical specialist nursing practice discipline. The critical care nurse provides a constant presence in the care of a critically ill patient. She/he creates a thread of continuity in care through the myriad of other health care professionals and activities that form part of a patient’s stay in the critical care environment (World Federation of Critical Care Nurses [WFCCN], 2007). During conversations with people who have had intimate experience of the critical care environment, they have offered anecdotes that describe their interaction with critical care nurses who they perceive to be different from and better than other critical care nurses they encountered. Despite having met common professional requirements to be registered as a clinical specialist nurse, these distinctive, unique abilities that seem to be influential in meeting the complex needs and expectations of critically ill patients, their significant others as well as nursing and medical colleagues, are not displayed by all critical care nurses. While students of accredited postgraduate nursing programmes are required to advance their nursing knowledge and skill competence, many students do not seem to develop other, perhaps more tacit, qualities that utilisers characterise in their anecdotes of ‘different and better’ nursing practice. The overarching research question guiding this study was how can ‘different and better’ critical care nursing practice as recognised by a utiliser be explained? The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the qualities that those people who use critical care nursing practice recognise as ‘different and better’ to the norm of nursing practice they encounter in this discipline. The participant sample included patients’ significant others, nursing colleagues and medical colleagues of critical care nurses, collectively identified as utilisers. The stated aim of this work was to construct a grounded theory to elucidate an understanding of the qualities that a utiliser of critical care nursing recognises as ‘different and better’ critical care nursing practice in order to enhance the teaching and learning encounters between nurse educators and postgraduate students in learning programmes aiming to develop clinical specialist nurses. The method processes of grounded theory are designed to reveal and confirm concepts from within the data as well as the connections between these concepts, supporting the researcher in crafting a substantive theory that is definitively grounded in the participants’ views and stories (Streubert & Carpenter, 2011: 123, 128-129). Two data collection tools were employed in this study, namely in-depth unstructured individual interviews and naïve sketch. Constant comparative analysis, memo-writing, theoretical sampling, theoretical sensitivity and theoretical saturation as fundamental methods of data generation in grounded theory were applied. The study unfolded through three broad parts, namely: Forming & shaping this grounded theory through exploration and co-creation; Assimilating & situating this grounded theory through understanding and enfolding; Reflecting on this grounded theory through contemplating and reconnecting. The outcome of the first part of the study was my initial proposition of a grounded theory co-created in the interactions between the participants and myself. This was then challenged, developed and assimilated through a focussed literature review through the second part of the study. Through these two parts of this study, an inductively derived explanation was formed and shaped to produce an assimilated and situated substantive grounded theory named Being at Ease. This grounded theory articulates how ‘better and different’ nursing is recognised from the point of view of those who use the nursing ability of critical care nurses through the core concern ‘being at ease’ and its four categories ‘knowing self’, ‘skilled being’, connecting with intention’ and’ anchoring’. The final part of this study unfolded in my reflections on what this grounded theory had revealed about nurses and elements of nursing practice that are important to a utiliser in recognising ‘different and better’ critical care nursing. I suggest that as nurses we need to develop a language that enables us to reveal with clarity these intangible and tacit elements recognised within the being and doing of ‘different and better’ nursing. I reflected on the pivotal space of influence a teacher has with a student, and on how the elements essential in being and doing ‘different and better’ nursing need to be evident in her/his own ways of being a teacher of nursing. Teaching and learning encounters may be enhanced through drawing what this theory has shown as necessary elements that shape ‘different and better’ nurses through the moments of influence a teacher has in each encounter with a student.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Bell, Janet Deanne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nurse practitioners , Intensive care nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018623
- Description: Critical care nursing is a clinical specialist nursing practice discipline. The critical care nurse provides a constant presence in the care of a critically ill patient. She/he creates a thread of continuity in care through the myriad of other health care professionals and activities that form part of a patient’s stay in the critical care environment (World Federation of Critical Care Nurses [WFCCN], 2007). During conversations with people who have had intimate experience of the critical care environment, they have offered anecdotes that describe their interaction with critical care nurses who they perceive to be different from and better than other critical care nurses they encountered. Despite having met common professional requirements to be registered as a clinical specialist nurse, these distinctive, unique abilities that seem to be influential in meeting the complex needs and expectations of critically ill patients, their significant others as well as nursing and medical colleagues, are not displayed by all critical care nurses. While students of accredited postgraduate nursing programmes are required to advance their nursing knowledge and skill competence, many students do not seem to develop other, perhaps more tacit, qualities that utilisers characterise in their anecdotes of ‘different and better’ nursing practice. The overarching research question guiding this study was how can ‘different and better’ critical care nursing practice as recognised by a utiliser be explained? The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the qualities that those people who use critical care nursing practice recognise as ‘different and better’ to the norm of nursing practice they encounter in this discipline. The participant sample included patients’ significant others, nursing colleagues and medical colleagues of critical care nurses, collectively identified as utilisers. The stated aim of this work was to construct a grounded theory to elucidate an understanding of the qualities that a utiliser of critical care nursing recognises as ‘different and better’ critical care nursing practice in order to enhance the teaching and learning encounters between nurse educators and postgraduate students in learning programmes aiming to develop clinical specialist nurses. The method processes of grounded theory are designed to reveal and confirm concepts from within the data as well as the connections between these concepts, supporting the researcher in crafting a substantive theory that is definitively grounded in the participants’ views and stories (Streubert & Carpenter, 2011: 123, 128-129). Two data collection tools were employed in this study, namely in-depth unstructured individual interviews and naïve sketch. Constant comparative analysis, memo-writing, theoretical sampling, theoretical sensitivity and theoretical saturation as fundamental methods of data generation in grounded theory were applied. The study unfolded through three broad parts, namely: Forming & shaping this grounded theory through exploration and co-creation; Assimilating & situating this grounded theory through understanding and enfolding; Reflecting on this grounded theory through contemplating and reconnecting. The outcome of the first part of the study was my initial proposition of a grounded theory co-created in the interactions between the participants and myself. This was then challenged, developed and assimilated through a focussed literature review through the second part of the study. Through these two parts of this study, an inductively derived explanation was formed and shaped to produce an assimilated and situated substantive grounded theory named Being at Ease. This grounded theory articulates how ‘better and different’ nursing is recognised from the point of view of those who use the nursing ability of critical care nurses through the core concern ‘being at ease’ and its four categories ‘knowing self’, ‘skilled being’, connecting with intention’ and’ anchoring’. The final part of this study unfolded in my reflections on what this grounded theory had revealed about nurses and elements of nursing practice that are important to a utiliser in recognising ‘different and better’ critical care nursing. I suggest that as nurses we need to develop a language that enables us to reveal with clarity these intangible and tacit elements recognised within the being and doing of ‘different and better’ nursing. I reflected on the pivotal space of influence a teacher has with a student, and on how the elements essential in being and doing ‘different and better’ nursing need to be evident in her/his own ways of being a teacher of nursing. Teaching and learning encounters may be enhanced through drawing what this theory has shown as necessary elements that shape ‘different and better’ nurses through the moments of influence a teacher has in each encounter with a student.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Understanding rape perpetration: social origins and enactment
- Authors: Malahle, Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rape -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa Cognitive therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40834 , vital:36241
- Description: In South Africa rates of rape perpetration remain high despite efforts to prevent such violence. Globally, violence (including rape perpetration) has been declared a public health concern by governments and policy makers. This provided impetus for large epidemiological studies that has documented a number of risk factors for perpetration. However, despite these efforts, there are still large gaps in our understanding of rape perpetration, because studies often focus on risk factors rather than the dynamics of rape perpetration. Despite the significant quantitative descriptions of perpetration, there are still aspects which are not well understood, such as the interplay of social constructions and other factors during the actual act of perpetration. It has been suggested that rape can only be understood by engaging perpetrators and that such investigations can inform positive interventions in dealing with rape perpetration. The present study explored and described the origins of reasons for perpetration (subjective meanings and social constructs) and how these reasons interplay with other factors during the enactment of rape in South Africa. The data was purposively collected from seven incarcerated rape perpetrators from a correctional facility close to a major metropolitan area using semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Social Cognitive Learning Theory was used as the main theoretical framework to contextualise the results. Some of the findings in the present study include solipsism and sexual solipsism as reasons, patriarchy and hegemonic masculinity as influential in the social origins, and moral dysregulation as a one of the tools to effect enactment of rape perpetration. Some of the recommendations include employing more psychological workers in the primary health care sector. Furthermore, continued engagement of males by NGO’s, NPO’s, school-based programmes, and community activism to combat the narratives that lead to moral disengagement is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Malahle, Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Rape -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa Cognitive therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40834 , vital:36241
- Description: In South Africa rates of rape perpetration remain high despite efforts to prevent such violence. Globally, violence (including rape perpetration) has been declared a public health concern by governments and policy makers. This provided impetus for large epidemiological studies that has documented a number of risk factors for perpetration. However, despite these efforts, there are still large gaps in our understanding of rape perpetration, because studies often focus on risk factors rather than the dynamics of rape perpetration. Despite the significant quantitative descriptions of perpetration, there are still aspects which are not well understood, such as the interplay of social constructions and other factors during the actual act of perpetration. It has been suggested that rape can only be understood by engaging perpetrators and that such investigations can inform positive interventions in dealing with rape perpetration. The present study explored and described the origins of reasons for perpetration (subjective meanings and social constructs) and how these reasons interplay with other factors during the enactment of rape in South Africa. The data was purposively collected from seven incarcerated rape perpetrators from a correctional facility close to a major metropolitan area using semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Social Cognitive Learning Theory was used as the main theoretical framework to contextualise the results. Some of the findings in the present study include solipsism and sexual solipsism as reasons, patriarchy and hegemonic masculinity as influential in the social origins, and moral dysregulation as a one of the tools to effect enactment of rape perpetration. Some of the recommendations include employing more psychological workers in the primary health care sector. Furthermore, continued engagement of males by NGO’s, NPO’s, school-based programmes, and community activism to combat the narratives that lead to moral disengagement is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development and characterisation of miconazole nitrate loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for incorporation into a vaginal mucoadhesive system
- Authors: Gwimo, Wimana Alexis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vaginitis , Vagina -- Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases -- Diagnosis Sexually transmitted diseases -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39632 , vital:35335
- Description: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginitis, affecting 75% of women of sexual maturity. The prescribed first line treatment involves the use of locally-acting imidazole creams. These conventional dosage forms possess limitations, such as leakage, messiness and low residence time at the site of application; all which promote poor patient adherence to pharmacotherapy. Poor adherence is then attributed to increased incidence of VVC reoccurrence and the emergence of Candida strains. It was, therefore, speculated that through the use of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), the pharmacokinetic and antimicrobial characteristics of a model antifungal drug (miconazole nitrate [MNZ]) could be improved. Primary aim: To develop, optimise and characterise a mucoadhesive hydrogel incorporated with MNZ loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MNZ-SLNs) for the intended treatment of VVC. This study was conducted in three phases, viz. pre-formulation studies, development, optimisation and characterisation of MNZ-SLNs, and the development and characterisation of MNZ-SLN-loaded thermoresponsive hydrogel. An alternative method for the quantification of MNZ was developed through the use of an octyl stationary phase. The method was deemed suitable for its intended use with a linear equation of y = 811214x + 67958 and a respective limit of quantitation (LoQ) and detection of 0.015 mg/ml and 0.052 mg/ml. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies suggested that cholesterol showed great promise of facilitating high drug entrapment efficiency (EE). MNZ-SLNs were prepared by means of a novel melt- emulsification sonication and low temperature solidification method and optimised statistically by a 13-run-two-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The predicted optimisation parameters were 4% m/v lipid concentration and 260.94 sonication time. Optimal MNZ-SLN formulations were prepared and characterised by means of photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and centrifugation. PCS revealed uniform particles with a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) and a mean hydrodynamic diameter (z-avg.) of 73.03 nm and zeta potential (ZP) of 38.43 mV. Percent EE was calculated via an indirect method as 75.24%. Furthermore, the MNZ -SLNs were incorporated into a mucoadhesive thermo-responsive hydrogel with a sol-gel transition temperature of 33.33 ± 2.82 °C. In vitro drug release testing (IVDRT) was undertaken with the aid of a Franz diffusion vertical cell (FDVC) apparatus. A % cumulative drug release of 27.94% and 15.87% was obtained for MNZ- SLNs and MNZ-SLN hydrogels, respectively, after eight hours. The resultant data was fitted into various kinetic models with the aid of DDSolverTM (Microsoft Excel® add-ins, 2016) to evaluate which model attained the highest correlation co-efficient (r2). Both formulations attained high r2 of 0.9941 and 0.9945, respectively, with the Korsmeyer- Peppas mathematical model. A high diffusional exponent (n) of >1 was observed, suggesting a super case II drug release mechanism. Finally, a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used for ascertaining Candida albicans susceptibility to the developed formulations. Controls in the form of unloaded preparations and a commercially available cream were used. MNZ-SLNs and MNZ-hydrogel demonstrated superior antifungal activity to the commercially available cream. These results indicate that the developed MNZ-SLNloaded hydrogel formulation with localised thermo-responsive effect may be a promising carrier for intravaginal delivery of MNZ in the treatment of VVC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gwimo, Wimana Alexis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vaginitis , Vagina -- Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases -- Diagnosis Sexually transmitted diseases -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39632 , vital:35335
- Description: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginitis, affecting 75% of women of sexual maturity. The prescribed first line treatment involves the use of locally-acting imidazole creams. These conventional dosage forms possess limitations, such as leakage, messiness and low residence time at the site of application; all which promote poor patient adherence to pharmacotherapy. Poor adherence is then attributed to increased incidence of VVC reoccurrence and the emergence of Candida strains. It was, therefore, speculated that through the use of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), the pharmacokinetic and antimicrobial characteristics of a model antifungal drug (miconazole nitrate [MNZ]) could be improved. Primary aim: To develop, optimise and characterise a mucoadhesive hydrogel incorporated with MNZ loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (MNZ-SLNs) for the intended treatment of VVC. This study was conducted in three phases, viz. pre-formulation studies, development, optimisation and characterisation of MNZ-SLNs, and the development and characterisation of MNZ-SLN-loaded thermoresponsive hydrogel. An alternative method for the quantification of MNZ was developed through the use of an octyl stationary phase. The method was deemed suitable for its intended use with a linear equation of y = 811214x + 67958 and a respective limit of quantitation (LoQ) and detection of 0.015 mg/ml and 0.052 mg/ml. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies suggested that cholesterol showed great promise of facilitating high drug entrapment efficiency (EE). MNZ-SLNs were prepared by means of a novel melt- emulsification sonication and low temperature solidification method and optimised statistically by a 13-run-two-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The predicted optimisation parameters were 4% m/v lipid concentration and 260.94 sonication time. Optimal MNZ-SLN formulations were prepared and characterised by means of photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and centrifugation. PCS revealed uniform particles with a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) and a mean hydrodynamic diameter (z-avg.) of 73.03 nm and zeta potential (ZP) of 38.43 mV. Percent EE was calculated via an indirect method as 75.24%. Furthermore, the MNZ -SLNs were incorporated into a mucoadhesive thermo-responsive hydrogel with a sol-gel transition temperature of 33.33 ± 2.82 °C. In vitro drug release testing (IVDRT) was undertaken with the aid of a Franz diffusion vertical cell (FDVC) apparatus. A % cumulative drug release of 27.94% and 15.87% was obtained for MNZ- SLNs and MNZ-SLN hydrogels, respectively, after eight hours. The resultant data was fitted into various kinetic models with the aid of DDSolverTM (Microsoft Excel® add-ins, 2016) to evaluate which model attained the highest correlation co-efficient (r2). Both formulations attained high r2 of 0.9941 and 0.9945, respectively, with the Korsmeyer- Peppas mathematical model. A high diffusional exponent (n) of >1 was observed, suggesting a super case II drug release mechanism. Finally, a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay was used for ascertaining Candida albicans susceptibility to the developed formulations. Controls in the form of unloaded preparations and a commercially available cream were used. MNZ-SLNs and MNZ-hydrogel demonstrated superior antifungal activity to the commercially available cream. These results indicate that the developed MNZ-SLNloaded hydrogel formulation with localised thermo-responsive effect may be a promising carrier for intravaginal delivery of MNZ in the treatment of VVC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Audit of intravenous antifungal therapy used for Candida infections at a South African private hospital
- Authors: Jacklyn Kate van Dyk
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Candidiasis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46380 , vital:39600
- Description: The epidemiological landscape of the candida species has changed with the emergence of MDR strains globally and in South Africa. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the compliance to guidelines in the use of intravenous antifungal therapy when treating invasive Candidainfections in a South African private hospital.Objective One was to determine the prevalence of Candida auris(C.auris) in the sample. Objective Two examined the relationship between high-risk patients and positive microbiological cultures. Objective Three studied the prescribing utilisation of the intravenous antifungalsin the form of a clinical audit. Objective Four compared these prescribing patternsto current guidelines by evaluating whether the antifungal course was non-compliant, of suboptimal compliance or compliant. Objective Five was to design a protocol for ward pharmacists to use when assessing antifungal treatment for candidiasis. The research design consisted of a retrospective, non-experimental, cross-sectional analysis of intravenous antifungal use in the management of systemic Candida infections in a private sector hospital in the Gauteng province, South Africa.A positive research paradigm with a quantitative clinical audit was used in this study. The most prevalent species cultured was C.auris with 31 of the 77 positive cultures. Risk stratifying patients was validated with 70% of high risk patients (Candida Score >2.5 and positive β-D-glucan) having a corresponding positive culture. Echinocandins were the most frequently utilised antifungal class, with caspofungin being the most used antifungal in the sample. The average duration of therapy for the echinocandins ranged between 11 and 16 days. Compliance to guidelines was evaluated accordingto: reason for initiation; drug choice and drug dose. Three levels of compliance were determined: non-compliant, sub-optimal compliance and compliant. xivThe overall compliance,according to recommended treatment guidelines,was found to be suboptimal, with anidentified need foranintervention which targets thedosing of the antifungals used. In conclusion, the research findings highlight the importance of reviewing antifungal prescribing habits and the need for antifungal stewardship programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jacklyn Kate van Dyk
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Candidiasis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46380 , vital:39600
- Description: The epidemiological landscape of the candida species has changed with the emergence of MDR strains globally and in South Africa. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the compliance to guidelines in the use of intravenous antifungal therapy when treating invasive Candidainfections in a South African private hospital.Objective One was to determine the prevalence of Candida auris(C.auris) in the sample. Objective Two examined the relationship between high-risk patients and positive microbiological cultures. Objective Three studied the prescribing utilisation of the intravenous antifungalsin the form of a clinical audit. Objective Four compared these prescribing patternsto current guidelines by evaluating whether the antifungal course was non-compliant, of suboptimal compliance or compliant. Objective Five was to design a protocol for ward pharmacists to use when assessing antifungal treatment for candidiasis. The research design consisted of a retrospective, non-experimental, cross-sectional analysis of intravenous antifungal use in the management of systemic Candida infections in a private sector hospital in the Gauteng province, South Africa.A positive research paradigm with a quantitative clinical audit was used in this study. The most prevalent species cultured was C.auris with 31 of the 77 positive cultures. Risk stratifying patients was validated with 70% of high risk patients (Candida Score >2.5 and positive β-D-glucan) having a corresponding positive culture. Echinocandins were the most frequently utilised antifungal class, with caspofungin being the most used antifungal in the sample. The average duration of therapy for the echinocandins ranged between 11 and 16 days. Compliance to guidelines was evaluated accordingto: reason for initiation; drug choice and drug dose. Three levels of compliance were determined: non-compliant, sub-optimal compliance and compliant. xivThe overall compliance,according to recommended treatment guidelines,was found to be suboptimal, with anidentified need foranintervention which targets thedosing of the antifungals used. In conclusion, the research findings highlight the importance of reviewing antifungal prescribing habits and the need for antifungal stewardship programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Experiences of parents whose children have completed a diversion programme
- Authors: Mankayi, Andile
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/556 , Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The goal of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of parents whose children have completed the diversion programme in order to make recommendations to probation officers, social workers and people who facilitate the diversion programmes. The study focused on the Youth Empowerment Scheme programme (YES Programme) because it is the diversion programme mostly used in the Eastern Cape. The aim of the programme is to divert young people in trouble with the law away from the criminal justice system and to rehabilitate the young offenders by providing them with essential life skills that can address the offenders’ real problems. In the study the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach in an attempt to explore the experiences of parents whose children have completed the YES programme. The permission of the gatekeeper was sought before the study commenced. The researcher used purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. In analysing the data, the researcher used the steps for qualitative data analysis as stated in Creswell (2003:192). Three main themes along with sub-themes and categories were identified during the process of data analysis. The main findings that emanated from this study were: the seemingly upcoming culture of lack of respect for authority on the part of the youth of today. Another major finding of this study is that the traditional function of families, notably, socialisation of young people within the family structure is on the wane. The recommendations that emanated from this study are: that the YES programme needs to be adjusted to address the specific needs of children that are referred to the YES programme and those of their families and communities. Family life should be strengthened through community development programmes that seek to address family problems of any nature, namely, material, psycho-social, economic, to mention just a few. Community development programmes should address fragile families through community development approaches that are comprehensive and integrated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mankayi, Andile
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/556 , Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The goal of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of parents whose children have completed the diversion programme in order to make recommendations to probation officers, social workers and people who facilitate the diversion programmes. The study focused on the Youth Empowerment Scheme programme (YES Programme) because it is the diversion programme mostly used in the Eastern Cape. The aim of the programme is to divert young people in trouble with the law away from the criminal justice system and to rehabilitate the young offenders by providing them with essential life skills that can address the offenders’ real problems. In the study the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach in an attempt to explore the experiences of parents whose children have completed the YES programme. The permission of the gatekeeper was sought before the study commenced. The researcher used purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. In analysing the data, the researcher used the steps for qualitative data analysis as stated in Creswell (2003:192). Three main themes along with sub-themes and categories were identified during the process of data analysis. The main findings that emanated from this study were: the seemingly upcoming culture of lack of respect for authority on the part of the youth of today. Another major finding of this study is that the traditional function of families, notably, socialisation of young people within the family structure is on the wane. The recommendations that emanated from this study are: that the YES programme needs to be adjusted to address the specific needs of children that are referred to the YES programme and those of their families and communities. Family life should be strengthened through community development programmes that seek to address family problems of any nature, namely, material, psycho-social, economic, to mention just a few. Community development programmes should address fragile families through community development approaches that are comprehensive and integrated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Adult circumcision practices of traditional surgeons and nurses in relation to the initiates’ health outcomes/morbidity in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dalasa, Siyamthemba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Circumcision -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17029 , vital:40834
- Description: BACKGROUND Despite the adverse outcomes associated with traditional male circumcision, the practice remains prevalent, especially in the Eastern Cape, South, Africa. This study seeks to assess the practices of traditional surgeons and nurses in relation to the prevention and control of infections and their understanding of human physiological mechanisms during circumcision processes. METHOD This study has adopted a qualitative design, which involved conducting 115 semistructured interviews among traditional surgeons, traditional nurses and traditionally circumcised men, and one focus group discussion among traditional nurses. The data generated were transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis. RESULTS The analysis revealed that both traditional surgeons and nurses demonstrated both poor aseptic techniques and a lack of knowledge of how the human body functions. Their lack of knowledge of basic human physiology meant that they trivialised sepsis in the penile wound. In addition, the seclusion lodges for circumcision and initiates living were unclean and uninhabitable. CONCLUSION The poor aseptic techniques of traditional surgeons and nurses, as well as the uncleanliness of their environment during traditional male circumcision procedures, could expose initiates to infections and morbidity. Environmental health officers should regularly supervise traditional surgeons and nurses in order to prevent the adverse health outcomes associated with the traditional male circumcision practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Dalasa, Siyamthemba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Circumcision -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17029 , vital:40834
- Description: BACKGROUND Despite the adverse outcomes associated with traditional male circumcision, the practice remains prevalent, especially in the Eastern Cape, South, Africa. This study seeks to assess the practices of traditional surgeons and nurses in relation to the prevention and control of infections and their understanding of human physiological mechanisms during circumcision processes. METHOD This study has adopted a qualitative design, which involved conducting 115 semistructured interviews among traditional surgeons, traditional nurses and traditionally circumcised men, and one focus group discussion among traditional nurses. The data generated were transcribed and subjected to thematic content analysis. RESULTS The analysis revealed that both traditional surgeons and nurses demonstrated both poor aseptic techniques and a lack of knowledge of how the human body functions. Their lack of knowledge of basic human physiology meant that they trivialised sepsis in the penile wound. In addition, the seclusion lodges for circumcision and initiates living were unclean and uninhabitable. CONCLUSION The poor aseptic techniques of traditional surgeons and nurses, as well as the uncleanliness of their environment during traditional male circumcision procedures, could expose initiates to infections and morbidity. Environmental health officers should regularly supervise traditional surgeons and nurses in order to prevent the adverse health outcomes associated with the traditional male circumcision practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Antimicrobial activity of selected plants and their combined preparations against pathogens causing respiratory infections
- Authors: Onyebuchi, Ukwuoma Collins
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents Respiratory infections -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21197 , vital:29455
- Description: Bacterial infection of the respiratory system is one of the leading causes of death in the world’s population, killing over four million people annually. Treatment of respiratory infections is usually by antibiotics administration. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant pathogens has led to the search for more effective therapeutic agents especially from medicinal plants, as compounds from plants have been shown to possess some therapeutic potential. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of three plants, Tetradenia riparia, Leonotis leonurus and Salvia africana-lutea and the activity of their various combined preparations against 27 pathogens usually associated with respiratory ailments. Various solvents were used for extraction of the dried powdered plant materials. The agar disc diffusion antimicrobial assay and the micro-dilution assay methods were used to determine the inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts. The nature of phytochemicals present in the extracts was determined by thin layer chromatography. The results obtained in this study, showed that ethanol produced the highest average extract yield in both the individual and combined plant preparations. A two-way analysis of variance for the disc diffusion assay showed no significant difference in the inhibition zones (Appendix 1 and 2). MIC of 0.8 mg/ml was obtained with S. africana-lutea against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 and B. cereus ATCC 10976 strains, indicating a strong antibacterial activity. Synergistic interaction (FIC index ranging from 0.20 – 0.50) and a strong antimicrobial activity (MIC values ranging from 0.4 – 0.8 mg/ml), was obtained with the acetone extract of the 1:1 combination of L. leonurus with S. africana-lutea. The XEA and CEF solvent systems eluted the most number of compound spots and produced the best separations. The results obtained in this study validate the traditional use of these plants and their combinations for the treatment of respiratory ailments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Onyebuchi, Ukwuoma Collins
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents Respiratory infections -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21197 , vital:29455
- Description: Bacterial infection of the respiratory system is one of the leading causes of death in the world’s population, killing over four million people annually. Treatment of respiratory infections is usually by antibiotics administration. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant pathogens has led to the search for more effective therapeutic agents especially from medicinal plants, as compounds from plants have been shown to possess some therapeutic potential. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of three plants, Tetradenia riparia, Leonotis leonurus and Salvia africana-lutea and the activity of their various combined preparations against 27 pathogens usually associated with respiratory ailments. Various solvents were used for extraction of the dried powdered plant materials. The agar disc diffusion antimicrobial assay and the micro-dilution assay methods were used to determine the inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts. The nature of phytochemicals present in the extracts was determined by thin layer chromatography. The results obtained in this study, showed that ethanol produced the highest average extract yield in both the individual and combined plant preparations. A two-way analysis of variance for the disc diffusion assay showed no significant difference in the inhibition zones (Appendix 1 and 2). MIC of 0.8 mg/ml was obtained with S. africana-lutea against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 and B. cereus ATCC 10976 strains, indicating a strong antibacterial activity. Synergistic interaction (FIC index ranging from 0.20 – 0.50) and a strong antimicrobial activity (MIC values ranging from 0.4 – 0.8 mg/ml), was obtained with the acetone extract of the 1:1 combination of L. leonurus with S. africana-lutea. The XEA and CEF solvent systems eluted the most number of compound spots and produced the best separations. The results obtained in this study validate the traditional use of these plants and their combinations for the treatment of respiratory ailments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Coping and satisfaction with life of retired elderly females in a residence for the aged
- Authors: Yerushalmi, Orit
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Older women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Old age homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/383 , Older women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Old age homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Demographically the aged are the fastest growing group both world-wide and in South Africa but despite this, psychologists have neglected psycho-geriatric research and its importance. In the past, old age has been studied by psychologists as a deviation from the norm of youth. The primary focus has been on the rate of cognitive decline, the process of social withdrawal and the etiology of dementia. Although these issues are of significant importance, the positive aspects of aging should also be considered; thereby challenging the stereotype that old age means disengagement, decline and degeneration. This study aimed to explore and describe the coping and life satisfaction of the retired elderly females in a residence for the aged. A quantitative exploratory descriptive research design was employed, making use of non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 40 retired females who have been living in a residence for the aged for at least 12 months. Further inclusion criterions were that the participants should have a relatively "sound/stable" neuropsychological status (i.e., they should not be suffering from any clinically diagnosed disorders, for example, dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease). The Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) was utilized to identify the coping resources used by the participants; the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29) was utilised as a measure of the participants' sense of coherence; the Life Satisfaction in the Elderly Scale (LSES) was employed to measure the global life satisfaction of the participants, namely on the cognitive level. A biographical questionnaire collated important demographic and background information. The data was analysed through computing descriptive statistics. Following this a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was utilised to inter-correlate the total score of the SOC-29 and the total score of the LSES with the individual subscales of the CRI. The results of the present study indicated the following: the SOC-29 revealed a relatively high mean score for the current sample. Results of the CRI revealed relatively high mean scores for the total scale as well as the five different subscales. The highest scores were obtained for the Spiritual/Philosophical and Physical Resources Subscales, while the lowest score was obtained for the Cognitive Resource Subscale. Results from the LSES indicated relatively high mean scores for both the total and all eight subscales. The highest scores were obtained for the Mood and xii Social contacts Subscales, while the lowest scores were obtained for the Health and Finance Subscales. Significant positive correlation was evident between the total scores of the CRI, the SOC-29 and the LSES. With regard to the individual subscales of the CRI, the results indicated significant moderate relationships between the SOC- 29 total raw score, the LSES total raw score and the Cognitive, Social and Physical Subscales scores of the CRI. However, the SOC-29 and LSES total raw scores did not correlate with the Emotional and Spiritual/Philosophical subscales of the CRI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Yerushalmi, Orit
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Older women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Old age homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/383 , Older women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes , Old age homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Demographically the aged are the fastest growing group both world-wide and in South Africa but despite this, psychologists have neglected psycho-geriatric research and its importance. In the past, old age has been studied by psychologists as a deviation from the norm of youth. The primary focus has been on the rate of cognitive decline, the process of social withdrawal and the etiology of dementia. Although these issues are of significant importance, the positive aspects of aging should also be considered; thereby challenging the stereotype that old age means disengagement, decline and degeneration. This study aimed to explore and describe the coping and life satisfaction of the retired elderly females in a residence for the aged. A quantitative exploratory descriptive research design was employed, making use of non-probability convenience sampling. The sample consisted of 40 retired females who have been living in a residence for the aged for at least 12 months. Further inclusion criterions were that the participants should have a relatively "sound/stable" neuropsychological status (i.e., they should not be suffering from any clinically diagnosed disorders, for example, dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease). The Coping Resources Inventory (CRI) was utilized to identify the coping resources used by the participants; the Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-29) was utilised as a measure of the participants' sense of coherence; the Life Satisfaction in the Elderly Scale (LSES) was employed to measure the global life satisfaction of the participants, namely on the cognitive level. A biographical questionnaire collated important demographic and background information. The data was analysed through computing descriptive statistics. Following this a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was utilised to inter-correlate the total score of the SOC-29 and the total score of the LSES with the individual subscales of the CRI. The results of the present study indicated the following: the SOC-29 revealed a relatively high mean score for the current sample. Results of the CRI revealed relatively high mean scores for the total scale as well as the five different subscales. The highest scores were obtained for the Spiritual/Philosophical and Physical Resources Subscales, while the lowest score was obtained for the Cognitive Resource Subscale. Results from the LSES indicated relatively high mean scores for both the total and all eight subscales. The highest scores were obtained for the Mood and xii Social contacts Subscales, while the lowest scores were obtained for the Health and Finance Subscales. Significant positive correlation was evident between the total scores of the CRI, the SOC-29 and the LSES. With regard to the individual subscales of the CRI, the results indicated significant moderate relationships between the SOC- 29 total raw score, the LSES total raw score and the Cognitive, Social and Physical Subscales scores of the CRI. However, the SOC-29 and LSES total raw scores did not correlate with the Emotional and Spiritual/Philosophical subscales of the CRI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Histopathology induced by a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa that has shown in vitro anti-microbial activity against drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015