A drug utilisation review of Isotretinoin in the management of acne
- Authors: Burger, Solé
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/673 , Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Description: Acne is a common, chronic disorder that affects many adolescents. The most effective acne medication is systemic isotretinoin. It provides a permanent cure for many patients, but has various side effects. A South African Acne Treatment Guideline was introduced in 2005. Adherence to this guideline could lead to safer, more effective acne management. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of medications prescribed in the treatment of acne in South Africa, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of systemic isotretinoin utilised by patients in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A drug utilisation study (including 18 803 South African acne patients’ chronic prescription data between 2000 and 2005) and a patient questionnaire survey (including information from 57 patients in the NMM who used systemic isotretinoin) were conducted. Basic descriptive and interferential statistics were calculated. The drug utilisation study revealed that systemic antibiotics were the acne treatment prescribed to most (43.3 percent) patients, followed by 42.1 percent of patients on systemic isotretinoin, 33.2 percent on hormonal therapy and 18.9 percent on topical therapy. Topical retinoids were underused. The questionnaire survey indicated a lack of compliance by prescribers with guideline recommendations regarding the prescription (and accompanying counselling and monitoring) of isotretinoin. Incorrect cumulative doses were frequently prescribed, and a lack of proper implementation of pregnancy prevention measures was evident. The majority of isotretinoin patients reported a high efficacy of isotretinoin in clearing their acne.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Burger, Solé
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/673 , Acne -- Treatment , Isotretinoin
- Description: Acne is a common, chronic disorder that affects many adolescents. The most effective acne medication is systemic isotretinoin. It provides a permanent cure for many patients, but has various side effects. A South African Acne Treatment Guideline was introduced in 2005. Adherence to this guideline could lead to safer, more effective acne management. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the appropriateness of medications prescribed in the treatment of acne in South Africa, and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of systemic isotretinoin utilised by patients in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). A drug utilisation study (including 18 803 South African acne patients’ chronic prescription data between 2000 and 2005) and a patient questionnaire survey (including information from 57 patients in the NMM who used systemic isotretinoin) were conducted. Basic descriptive and interferential statistics were calculated. The drug utilisation study revealed that systemic antibiotics were the acne treatment prescribed to most (43.3 percent) patients, followed by 42.1 percent of patients on systemic isotretinoin, 33.2 percent on hormonal therapy and 18.9 percent on topical therapy. Topical retinoids were underused. The questionnaire survey indicated a lack of compliance by prescribers with guideline recommendations regarding the prescription (and accompanying counselling and monitoring) of isotretinoin. Incorrect cumulative doses were frequently prescribed, and a lack of proper implementation of pregnancy prevention measures was evident. The majority of isotretinoin patients reported a high efficacy of isotretinoin in clearing their acne.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Accelerated staff turnover among professional nurses at a district hospital
- Authors: Toni, Gladys Nosisana
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/620 , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Personnel management
- Description: The study emanated from the researcher’s experience and involvement in clinical nursing and nursing management. The researcher noted how heavy losses of recruited professional nurses might have had an influence on the quality of service delivery. It is a costly and time-consuming task to recruit enough nurses into the profession and retention of staff is especially difficult. There had been a significant increase in the number of professional nurses leaving the district hospitals either to primary health care service, private hospitals or other countries. Before the commencement of the study the turnover rate at the district hospital where the study was conducted, almost doubled the accepted norm, which was ten percent of the staff. For those reasons the researcher decided to conduct a study named, “Accelerated staff turnover among professional nurses at a district hospital.” The constant heavy losses of qualified nurses from the profession constitute one of the serious challenges for nursing managers. The researcher wanted answers to the following question: “What were your experiences of your job as a professional nurse at the district hospital?” The objectives of the study were: · to explore and describe factors leading to high staff turnover of professional nurses at a district hospital · to develop guidelines to help retain professional nurses. The design of this study, which was conducted in one of the district hospitals in the Makana Local Service Area in the Eastern Cape, is qualitative, descriptive and contextual. Informed permission for conducting the research was obtained from relevant authorities and participants were asked to sign a consent form before the researcher proceeded with the study. Participants that met the selection criteria were selected by means of purposive sampling. Data was obtained by means of semi-structured telephonic interviews that were audio-taped and later transcribed verbatim. To ensure trustworthiness of the study, the researcher applied the four strategies as proposed by Lincoln and Guba (De Vos, 2002:351) namely, credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Collected data was analysed according to the descriptive method proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:154). The services of an independent coder, who was provided with transcripts and a protocol to guide data analysis, were utilised. A consensus meeting was held between the researcher and the independent coder to discuss the identified themes and sub-themes. Following the data analysis, a literature control was undertaken to highlight the similarities to and differences in comparison between this and previous studies. Four major themes and sub-themes were identified through analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Toni, Gladys Nosisana
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/620 , Labor turnover -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Personnel management
- Description: The study emanated from the researcher’s experience and involvement in clinical nursing and nursing management. The researcher noted how heavy losses of recruited professional nurses might have had an influence on the quality of service delivery. It is a costly and time-consuming task to recruit enough nurses into the profession and retention of staff is especially difficult. There had been a significant increase in the number of professional nurses leaving the district hospitals either to primary health care service, private hospitals or other countries. Before the commencement of the study the turnover rate at the district hospital where the study was conducted, almost doubled the accepted norm, which was ten percent of the staff. For those reasons the researcher decided to conduct a study named, “Accelerated staff turnover among professional nurses at a district hospital.” The constant heavy losses of qualified nurses from the profession constitute one of the serious challenges for nursing managers. The researcher wanted answers to the following question: “What were your experiences of your job as a professional nurse at the district hospital?” The objectives of the study were: · to explore and describe factors leading to high staff turnover of professional nurses at a district hospital · to develop guidelines to help retain professional nurses. The design of this study, which was conducted in one of the district hospitals in the Makana Local Service Area in the Eastern Cape, is qualitative, descriptive and contextual. Informed permission for conducting the research was obtained from relevant authorities and participants were asked to sign a consent form before the researcher proceeded with the study. Participants that met the selection criteria were selected by means of purposive sampling. Data was obtained by means of semi-structured telephonic interviews that were audio-taped and later transcribed verbatim. To ensure trustworthiness of the study, the researcher applied the four strategies as proposed by Lincoln and Guba (De Vos, 2002:351) namely, credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Collected data was analysed according to the descriptive method proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:154). The services of an independent coder, who was provided with transcripts and a protocol to guide data analysis, were utilised. A consensus meeting was held between the researcher and the independent coder to discuss the identified themes and sub-themes. Following the data analysis, a literature control was undertaken to highlight the similarities to and differences in comparison between this and previous studies. Four major themes and sub-themes were identified through analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation into the introduction of process analytical technology, using near infrared analysis, to selected pharmaceutical processes
- Authors: Naicker, Krishnaveni
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Near infrared spectroscopy , Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/577 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011710 , Near infrared spectroscopy , Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Description: Introduction: Process analytical technologies are systems for the analysis and control of manufacturing processes to assure acceptable end-product quality. This is achieved by timely measurements of critical parameters and performance attributes of raw material and in-process material and processes. The introduction of process analytical technology using near infrared analysis was investigated in three areas, namely incoming raw material analysis, blend uniformity analysis and moisture determination in the fluid bed dryer. Methodology: Incoming raw material identification - The FOSS XDS rapid content analyzer was used for the development of a NIR method for the identification and material qualification of starch maize and lactose monohydrate. Blend uniformity analysis – The SP15 Laboratory Blender fitted with near infrared probe was utilized for the study. Two types of blend experiments were designed to monitor the distribution of magnesium stearate (lubricant) in the blend, namely, a powder blend utilizing lactose monohydrate and a granule blend utilizing Ridaq® granule. Software methods were developed to monitor the standard deviation of the absorbance at the wavelengths that were specific for lactose monohydrate, Ridaq® granule and magnesium stearate. To confirm the prediction of end-point using near infrared, results were verified using an atomic absorption method for magnesium stearate. The blends were sampled at the selected time intervals corresponding to three states of the blend, namely, before end-point, at end-point and after end-point using a sampling plan. An additional six blends were conducted for the granule blend and sampled when the standard deviation had reached a value below 3 x 10-6 at the magnesium stearate wavelength at four consecutive data points (standard deviation value extrapolated from blends carried out to predetermined time intervals). Moisture determination in the fluid bed dryer – Moisture values for two products (Product A and Product B) were retrospectively collected from past production batches. A process capability study was conducted on the moisture values to determine if the current process was in a state of control. Results and Discussion: Incoming raw material identification – The algorithms used for the spectral library were able to distinguish between the raw materials selected. The spectral library positively identified the starch maize and lactose monohydrate samples that were not present in the library. The negative challenge with pregelatinised starch and tablettose demonstrated that the spectral library was able to differentiate between closely related compounds. Blend uniformity analysis – Blends sampled at the predetermined time intervals demonstrated a homogeneous state when the standard deviation of the absorbance was low and a non-homogeneous state when the standard deviation of the absorbance was high, thus near infrared prediction on the state of the blend was confirmed by the standard analytical methods. The series of Ridaq® granule and magnesium stearate blends sampled when the standard deviation was below 3 x 10-6 were homogeneous with the exception of one blend that was marginally out of specification. Blend durations were significantly lower than the standard blend durations used in the facility and ranged from 112 to 198 seconds. Moisture determination in the fluid bed dryer – From the process capability study of the two products it was noted that Product A is stable but can still be optimized while Product B is at a desirable state. The statistical evaluation of the moisture values for Product A and Product B demonstrated that the use of the product temperature to monitor the moisture gave consistent results. The current process is stable and capable of producing repeatable results although near infrared provides a means for continuously monitoring the product moisture and allows one to take action to prevent over-drying or under-drying. Conclusion: From the investigations conducted, it can be seen that there is definitely a niche for process analytical technology at this pharmaceutical company. The implementation is a gradual process of change, which may take time, probably several years (Heinze & Hansen 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Naicker, Krishnaveni
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Near infrared spectroscopy , Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/577 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011710 , Near infrared spectroscopy , Pharmaceutical chemistry
- Description: Introduction: Process analytical technologies are systems for the analysis and control of manufacturing processes to assure acceptable end-product quality. This is achieved by timely measurements of critical parameters and performance attributes of raw material and in-process material and processes. The introduction of process analytical technology using near infrared analysis was investigated in three areas, namely incoming raw material analysis, blend uniformity analysis and moisture determination in the fluid bed dryer. Methodology: Incoming raw material identification - The FOSS XDS rapid content analyzer was used for the development of a NIR method for the identification and material qualification of starch maize and lactose monohydrate. Blend uniformity analysis – The SP15 Laboratory Blender fitted with near infrared probe was utilized for the study. Two types of blend experiments were designed to monitor the distribution of magnesium stearate (lubricant) in the blend, namely, a powder blend utilizing lactose monohydrate and a granule blend utilizing Ridaq® granule. Software methods were developed to monitor the standard deviation of the absorbance at the wavelengths that were specific for lactose monohydrate, Ridaq® granule and magnesium stearate. To confirm the prediction of end-point using near infrared, results were verified using an atomic absorption method for magnesium stearate. The blends were sampled at the selected time intervals corresponding to three states of the blend, namely, before end-point, at end-point and after end-point using a sampling plan. An additional six blends were conducted for the granule blend and sampled when the standard deviation had reached a value below 3 x 10-6 at the magnesium stearate wavelength at four consecutive data points (standard deviation value extrapolated from blends carried out to predetermined time intervals). Moisture determination in the fluid bed dryer – Moisture values for two products (Product A and Product B) were retrospectively collected from past production batches. A process capability study was conducted on the moisture values to determine if the current process was in a state of control. Results and Discussion: Incoming raw material identification – The algorithms used for the spectral library were able to distinguish between the raw materials selected. The spectral library positively identified the starch maize and lactose monohydrate samples that were not present in the library. The negative challenge with pregelatinised starch and tablettose demonstrated that the spectral library was able to differentiate between closely related compounds. Blend uniformity analysis – Blends sampled at the predetermined time intervals demonstrated a homogeneous state when the standard deviation of the absorbance was low and a non-homogeneous state when the standard deviation of the absorbance was high, thus near infrared prediction on the state of the blend was confirmed by the standard analytical methods. The series of Ridaq® granule and magnesium stearate blends sampled when the standard deviation was below 3 x 10-6 were homogeneous with the exception of one blend that was marginally out of specification. Blend durations were significantly lower than the standard blend durations used in the facility and ranged from 112 to 198 seconds. Moisture determination in the fluid bed dryer – From the process capability study of the two products it was noted that Product A is stable but can still be optimized while Product B is at a desirable state. The statistical evaluation of the moisture values for Product A and Product B demonstrated that the use of the product temperature to monitor the moisture gave consistent results. The current process is stable and capable of producing repeatable results although near infrared provides a means for continuously monitoring the product moisture and allows one to take action to prevent over-drying or under-drying. Conclusion: From the investigations conducted, it can be seen that there is definitely a niche for process analytical technology at this pharmaceutical company. The implementation is a gradual process of change, which may take time, probably several years (Heinze & Hansen 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of indoor air quality assessment in office buildings
- Janse van Rensburg, Francois
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Francois
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32 , Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
- Description: Over the last several years studies have shown that the quality of indoor air may be worse than outdoor air. People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, therefor, the associated health risk due to indoor air pollution may be greater than the risk due to outdoor air pollution. Building designs have altered dramatically over the last two decades resulted in "tighter" buildings that rely on sophisticated mechanical systems to provide for the quantity of air required throughout the building. These changes over the years could result in an increased number of complaints received regarding Sick Building Syndrome symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 30% of office buildings world-wide may have significant problems regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study involves a literature study of the major indoor air pollutants regarding the source of the pollutant, the associated health effects, the measuring techniques available and the results of previous studies conducted on the specific pollutant. Measurements will be taken in two sealed buildings, one an old and the other a new building to identify the major pollutants. A questionnaire was compiled specifically for building occupants and completed by the occupants of both buildings. From the results obtained a step-by-step method for solving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems was proposed. The method was applied and evaluated in a case study of a problem building where indoor air quality related problems were experienced. The results of the study revealed that the major indoor air pollutants are present in old as well as new buildings. The study also revealed that some office workers might be more susceptible than others to the medical reactions cause to human beings by these pollutants. Some concentrations are higher in new buildings than in old buildings. The responses from the questionnaire was evaluated against the results obtained from the measurement study. The step-by-step method in the case study provided a more systematic approach at solving IAQ problems at buildings. Solving indoor air quality problems is a very practical issue and does not necessarily require an investment of expensive high technology equipment, but might merely require a practical approach. Environmental Health Officers can play a major role in providing expert advice when scrutinizing building plans. Environmental Health Officers should empower themselves with the knowledge to do inspections or investigations in office buildings by using the step-by-step method for investigating indoor air quality problems. By addressing indoor air quality problems in buildings, the workers in healthy buildings can increase their productivity with lasting effects on a company’s bottom line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Francois
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32 , Indoor air pollution , Air quality management , Air quality -- Measurement
- Description: Over the last several years studies have shown that the quality of indoor air may be worse than outdoor air. People spend as much as 90% of their time indoors, therefor, the associated health risk due to indoor air pollution may be greater than the risk due to outdoor air pollution. Building designs have altered dramatically over the last two decades resulted in "tighter" buildings that rely on sophisticated mechanical systems to provide for the quantity of air required throughout the building. These changes over the years could result in an increased number of complaints received regarding Sick Building Syndrome symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 30% of office buildings world-wide may have significant problems regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ). This study involves a literature study of the major indoor air pollutants regarding the source of the pollutant, the associated health effects, the measuring techniques available and the results of previous studies conducted on the specific pollutant. Measurements will be taken in two sealed buildings, one an old and the other a new building to identify the major pollutants. A questionnaire was compiled specifically for building occupants and completed by the occupants of both buildings. From the results obtained a step-by-step method for solving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems was proposed. The method was applied and evaluated in a case study of a problem building where indoor air quality related problems were experienced. The results of the study revealed that the major indoor air pollutants are present in old as well as new buildings. The study also revealed that some office workers might be more susceptible than others to the medical reactions cause to human beings by these pollutants. Some concentrations are higher in new buildings than in old buildings. The responses from the questionnaire was evaluated against the results obtained from the measurement study. The step-by-step method in the case study provided a more systematic approach at solving IAQ problems at buildings. Solving indoor air quality problems is a very practical issue and does not necessarily require an investment of expensive high technology equipment, but might merely require a practical approach. Environmental Health Officers can play a major role in providing expert advice when scrutinizing building plans. Environmental Health Officers should empower themselves with the knowledge to do inspections or investigations in office buildings by using the step-by-step method for investigating indoor air quality problems. By addressing indoor air quality problems in buildings, the workers in healthy buildings can increase their productivity with lasting effects on a company’s bottom line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Collaborative research with traditional African health practitioners of the Nelson Mandela Metropole : antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-diabetic activities of five medicinal plants
- Authors: Van Huyssteen, Mea
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Healers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Anti-infective agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10148 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/663 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Healers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Anti-infective agents
- Description: The promotion and development of indigenous knowledge pertaining to the traditional African healing system is one of the prime objectives set out by the South African government. Despite excellent research opportunities and funding, the biggest problem with ethnopharmacological research is a lack of interaction with indigenous communities, which tends to dilute the benefits this research has to offer these communities. The primary aim of this study was thus to promote the traditional African healing system through collaborative medicinal plant research with local traditional health practitioners. The research collaboration aimed to validate some biological activities of traditional remedies used by collaborating traditional health practitioners and ensured interactive sessions where scientific literature, research practices, findings and relevant legislation were discussed and debated. The joint development of a medicinal garden was a valuable tool in realising these goals. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Bulbine frutescens, Ornithogalum longibracteatum, Ruta graveolens, Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Tulbaghia violacea were selected for antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-diabetic screening, because of their sustainable utilisation potential. The ethanol extract of T. violacea produced the best antimicrobial activity on Bacillus subtilis (100% growth inhibition) and Candida albicans (89% growth inhibition) at 250 μg/ml. The EC50 for the ethanol extract of T. violacea against HT29 colon cancer cells was 101 μg/ml. The aqueous extracts of B. frutescens and T. camphoratus (0.5 and 50 μg/ml) produced the highest overall glucose uptake activity in Chang liver and C2C12 muscle cells. T. camphoratus was unanimously chosen by participating practitioners as the plant to be investigated further. The aqueous extract of T. camphoratus increased glucose uptake in C2C12 muscle cells through increased translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane and activation of the PI3-kinase and AMP-kinase pathways. It produced some alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity at concentrations of ≥ 200 μg/ml. Apart from interactive feedback seminars at which the findings were presented to participating practitioners, all scientific literature regarding the plants was summarised, translated, compiled and given to participating practitioners in written format. An indigenous knowledge agreement has been negotiated and will formalise the collaboration in future. It is recommended that future research focuses on plants with economic development potential that can be cultivated in the medicinal garden.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Van Huyssteen, Mea
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Healers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Anti-infective agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10148 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/663 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Healers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Anti-infective agents
- Description: The promotion and development of indigenous knowledge pertaining to the traditional African healing system is one of the prime objectives set out by the South African government. Despite excellent research opportunities and funding, the biggest problem with ethnopharmacological research is a lack of interaction with indigenous communities, which tends to dilute the benefits this research has to offer these communities. The primary aim of this study was thus to promote the traditional African healing system through collaborative medicinal plant research with local traditional health practitioners. The research collaboration aimed to validate some biological activities of traditional remedies used by collaborating traditional health practitioners and ensured interactive sessions where scientific literature, research practices, findings and relevant legislation were discussed and debated. The joint development of a medicinal garden was a valuable tool in realising these goals. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Bulbine frutescens, Ornithogalum longibracteatum, Ruta graveolens, Tarchonanthus camphoratus and Tulbaghia violacea were selected for antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-diabetic screening, because of their sustainable utilisation potential. The ethanol extract of T. violacea produced the best antimicrobial activity on Bacillus subtilis (100% growth inhibition) and Candida albicans (89% growth inhibition) at 250 μg/ml. The EC50 for the ethanol extract of T. violacea against HT29 colon cancer cells was 101 μg/ml. The aqueous extracts of B. frutescens and T. camphoratus (0.5 and 50 μg/ml) produced the highest overall glucose uptake activity in Chang liver and C2C12 muscle cells. T. camphoratus was unanimously chosen by participating practitioners as the plant to be investigated further. The aqueous extract of T. camphoratus increased glucose uptake in C2C12 muscle cells through increased translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane and activation of the PI3-kinase and AMP-kinase pathways. It produced some alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity at concentrations of ≥ 200 μg/ml. Apart from interactive feedback seminars at which the findings were presented to participating practitioners, all scientific literature regarding the plants was summarised, translated, compiled and given to participating practitioners in written format. An indigenous knowledge agreement has been negotiated and will formalise the collaboration in future. It is recommended that future research focuses on plants with economic development potential that can be cultivated in the medicinal garden.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Cultural values and leadership styles of middle level managers in a private sector hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Boguslavsky, Marianna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011927 , Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has seen increasing cultural diversification with regard to the appointment of managers in private healthcare facilities. However, research conducted in this area remains extremely limited. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe cultural values and leadership styles of middle managers at a private sector hospital in the Eastern Cape. Hofstede’s (1980, a ) model of cultural values served as a theoretical framework to conceptualise this study. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of in-depth research interviews conducted with a diverse sample of middle managers. The researcher made use of homogeneous and convenience sampling and utilised five participants. The qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990, in De Vos, 2002) method of analysis. Results revealed that despite the differences in personal culture, most of the managers are similar in their leadership styles and are also affected by the organizational culture. The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of the influence of cultural values and leadership styles in South Africa and will thereby benefit health institutions in their dealings with their modern day multi-cultural management staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Boguslavsky, Marianna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10080 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011927 , Hospitals, Proprietary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Middle managers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, South Africa has seen increasing cultural diversification with regard to the appointment of managers in private healthcare facilities. However, research conducted in this area remains extremely limited. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe cultural values and leadership styles of middle managers at a private sector hospital in the Eastern Cape. Hofstede’s (1980, a ) model of cultural values served as a theoretical framework to conceptualise this study. The study was qualitative in nature and made use of in-depth research interviews conducted with a diverse sample of middle managers. The researcher made use of homogeneous and convenience sampling and utilised five participants. The qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990, in De Vos, 2002) method of analysis. Results revealed that despite the differences in personal culture, most of the managers are similar in their leadership styles and are also affected by the organizational culture. The results of the study contribute to a better understanding of the influence of cultural values and leadership styles in South Africa and will thereby benefit health institutions in their dealings with their modern day multi-cultural management staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Depressive disorders and chronic comorbid disease states: a pharmacoepidemiological evaluation
- Authors: Kritiotis, Lia Costas
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Depression, Mental , Child psychopathology , Adolescent psychopathology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/653 , Depression, Mental , Child psychopathology , Adolescent psychopathology
- Description: The treatment of Depressive Disorders in patients with chronic comorbid disease states warrants careful consideration of the risk-benefit ratio pertaining to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the antidepressant being considered, against the physiological susceptibilities of the patient; potential drug-drug interactions and depressive symptoms. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Depressive Disorders and the most frequently diagnosed chronic comorbid disease states in a depressed South African study population; and to comment on the appropriateness of antidepressants prescribed to these patients. This retrospective drug utilisation study consisted of two parts: the first part focused on the prevalence of the most frequently diagnosed chronic comorbidities in a depressed South African population (N = 21 171). The three most prevalent chronic comorbid disease states were Hypertension (52.87 percent), Lipid Disorders (20.40 percent) and Arthritis (16.70 percent). The second part of the study included an assessment of the antidepressants prescribed to depressed patients in 2004 (N = 6 150). Emphasis was placed on the suitability of antidepressants selected for depressed adult patients (18 years of age and older) with comorbid Hypertension, Lipid Disorders or Arthritis. SSRIs were prescribed most frequently to the depressed patients during 2004 (59.67 percent). SSRIs are the suggested first-line treatments for depressed patients with multiple chronic comorbid disease states. However, of the SSRIs, fluoxetine has the least favourable pharmacokinetic profile and was found to be the antidepressant prescribed most often. Amitriptyline, which was the TCA prescribed most frequently, produces the greatest degree of anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive effects, relative to other agents in the same antidepressant class. Thus, it is not recommended as a first-line antidepressant, especially in depressed patients with comorbidities. This study identifies potential areas of intervention regarding antidepressant prescribing in depressed individuals with chronic comorbid disease states and offers recommendations to promote the selection of optimal, individualised drug treatment strategies for these patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kritiotis, Lia Costas
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Depression, Mental , Child psychopathology , Adolescent psychopathology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/653 , Depression, Mental , Child psychopathology , Adolescent psychopathology
- Description: The treatment of Depressive Disorders in patients with chronic comorbid disease states warrants careful consideration of the risk-benefit ratio pertaining to the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the antidepressant being considered, against the physiological susceptibilities of the patient; potential drug-drug interactions and depressive symptoms. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Depressive Disorders and the most frequently diagnosed chronic comorbid disease states in a depressed South African study population; and to comment on the appropriateness of antidepressants prescribed to these patients. This retrospective drug utilisation study consisted of two parts: the first part focused on the prevalence of the most frequently diagnosed chronic comorbidities in a depressed South African population (N = 21 171). The three most prevalent chronic comorbid disease states were Hypertension (52.87 percent), Lipid Disorders (20.40 percent) and Arthritis (16.70 percent). The second part of the study included an assessment of the antidepressants prescribed to depressed patients in 2004 (N = 6 150). Emphasis was placed on the suitability of antidepressants selected for depressed adult patients (18 years of age and older) with comorbid Hypertension, Lipid Disorders or Arthritis. SSRIs were prescribed most frequently to the depressed patients during 2004 (59.67 percent). SSRIs are the suggested first-line treatments for depressed patients with multiple chronic comorbid disease states. However, of the SSRIs, fluoxetine has the least favourable pharmacokinetic profile and was found to be the antidepressant prescribed most often. Amitriptyline, which was the TCA prescribed most frequently, produces the greatest degree of anticholinergic, sedative and hypotensive effects, relative to other agents in the same antidepressant class. Thus, it is not recommended as a first-line antidepressant, especially in depressed patients with comorbidities. This study identifies potential areas of intervention regarding antidepressant prescribing in depressed individuals with chronic comorbid disease states and offers recommendations to promote the selection of optimal, individualised drug treatment strategies for these patients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Development of an antiretroviral solid dosage form using multivariate analysis
- Authors: Nqabeni, Luxolo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Analysis of variance , Experimental design , Multivariate analysis , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/705 , Analysis of variance , Experimental design , Multivariate analysis , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of pharmaceutical development is to design a quality product and the manufacturing process to deliver the product in a reproducible manner. The development of a new and generic formulation is based on a large number of experiments. Statistics provides many tools for studying the conditions of formulations and processes and enables us to optimize the same while being able to minimize our experimentation. The purpose of this study was to apply experimental design methodology (DOE) and multivariate analysis to the development and optimization of tablet formulations containing 150 mg lamivudine manufactured by direct compression.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Nqabeni, Luxolo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Analysis of variance , Experimental design , Multivariate analysis , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10145 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/705 , Analysis of variance , Experimental design , Multivariate analysis , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of pharmaceutical development is to design a quality product and the manufacturing process to deliver the product in a reproducible manner. The development of a new and generic formulation is based on a large number of experiments. Statistics provides many tools for studying the conditions of formulations and processes and enables us to optimize the same while being able to minimize our experimentation. The purpose of this study was to apply experimental design methodology (DOE) and multivariate analysis to the development and optimization of tablet formulations containing 150 mg lamivudine manufactured by direct compression.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Effectiveness of the basic antenatal care package in primary health care clinics
- Authors: Snyman, J S
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/728 , Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Description: Pregnancy challenges the health care system in a unique way in that it involves at least two individuals – the woman and the fetus. The death rates of both pregnant women (maternal mortality) and newborns (perinatal mortality) are often used to indicate the quality of care the health system is providing. In terms of maternal and perinatal outcomes South Africa scores poorly compared to other upper-middle income countries (Penn-Kekana & Blaauw, 2002:14). The high stillbirth rate compared to the neonatal death rate reflects poor quality of antenatal care. Maternal and perinatal mortality is recognised as a problem and as a priority for action in the Millennium Development Goals (Thieren & Beusenberg, 2005:11). The Saving Mothers (Pattinson, 2002: 37-135) and Saving Babies (Pattinson, 2004:4-35) reports describe the causes and avoidable factors of these deaths with recommendations on how to improve care. The quality of care during the antenatal period may impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the outcome of the pregnancy, in particular on the still birth rate. In primary health care services there are many factors which may impact on and influence the quality of antenatal care. For example with the implementation of the comprehensive primary health care services package (Department of Health, 2001a:21-35) changes at clinic level resulted in a large number of primary health care professional nurses having to provide antenatal care, who previously may only have worked with one aspect of the primary health care package such as minor ailments or childcare. Because skills of midwifery or antenatal care, had not been practiced by some of these professional nurses, perhaps since completion of basic training, their level of competence has declined, and they have not been exposed to new developments in the field of midwifery. The practice of primary health care nurses is also influenced by the impact of diseases not specifically related to pregnancy like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The principles of quality antenatal care are known (Chalmers et al. 2001:203) but despite the knowledge about these principles the maternal and perinatal mortality remains high. The Basic Antenatal Care quality improvement package is designed to assist clinical management and decision making in antenatal care. The implementation of the BANC package may influence the quality of antenatal care positively, which in turn may impact on the outcome of pregnancy for the mother and her baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic antenatal care (BANC) package to improve the quality of antenatal care at primary health care clinics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Snyman, J S
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/728 , Pregnant women -- Health and hygiene , Hospitals -- Maternity services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Evaluation , Maternal health services
- Description: Pregnancy challenges the health care system in a unique way in that it involves at least two individuals – the woman and the fetus. The death rates of both pregnant women (maternal mortality) and newborns (perinatal mortality) are often used to indicate the quality of care the health system is providing. In terms of maternal and perinatal outcomes South Africa scores poorly compared to other upper-middle income countries (Penn-Kekana & Blaauw, 2002:14). The high stillbirth rate compared to the neonatal death rate reflects poor quality of antenatal care. Maternal and perinatal mortality is recognised as a problem and as a priority for action in the Millennium Development Goals (Thieren & Beusenberg, 2005:11). The Saving Mothers (Pattinson, 2002: 37-135) and Saving Babies (Pattinson, 2004:4-35) reports describe the causes and avoidable factors of these deaths with recommendations on how to improve care. The quality of care during the antenatal period may impact on the health of the pregnant woman and the outcome of the pregnancy, in particular on the still birth rate. In primary health care services there are many factors which may impact on and influence the quality of antenatal care. For example with the implementation of the comprehensive primary health care services package (Department of Health, 2001a:21-35) changes at clinic level resulted in a large number of primary health care professional nurses having to provide antenatal care, who previously may only have worked with one aspect of the primary health care package such as minor ailments or childcare. Because skills of midwifery or antenatal care, had not been practiced by some of these professional nurses, perhaps since completion of basic training, their level of competence has declined, and they have not been exposed to new developments in the field of midwifery. The practice of primary health care nurses is also influenced by the impact of diseases not specifically related to pregnancy like HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The principles of quality antenatal care are known (Chalmers et al. 2001:203) but despite the knowledge about these principles the maternal and perinatal mortality remains high. The Basic Antenatal Care quality improvement package is designed to assist clinical management and decision making in antenatal care. The implementation of the BANC package may influence the quality of antenatal care positively, which in turn may impact on the outcome of pregnancy for the mother and her baby. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Basic antenatal care (BANC) package to improve the quality of antenatal care at primary health care clinics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
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
Exploring normal South African and British children: a comparative study utilizing the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- extended revised
- Authors: Van Heerden, Rivca
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/629 , Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Description: The health status of a substantial number of South African children can be classified as “children at risk” (Luiz, 1999) as the majority of children are influenced by factors such as poverty, poor living conditions and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These are only some of the influences that contribute significantly to the health status of South African children and consequently their development. It can thus be argued that developmental assessment is imperative in the South African context. One of the most important reasons are that children with special needs in South Africa can be identified and given the opportunity to catch up developmentally and cope successfully as opposed to those who are identified much later (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2006). Furthermore, children in South Africa must begin Grade one in the year in which they turn seven. They may only enter grade one if the school has an opening and if the necessary evidence is provided to the Department of Education that the child will be able to cope with the demands of formal schooling (Department of Education, 2002). Developmental assessment measures therefore needs to be appropriate, accurate and informative in the modern South African context. The need for a measuring instrument to assess children’s overall development and thus their developmental readiness to cope with the demands of formal schooling could be satisfied by the Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). This recently revised measure has not been normed on a representative, contemporary South African sample. The purpose of the study was therefore to generate information on the applicability of British norms for the contemporary South African population. This study compared and explored the performance of South African and British children aged 5-years and 6-years on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). A contemporary South African sample was obtained by testing children between the ages of 5-years and 6-years on the GMDS-ER, whilst the British sample was drawn from the United Kingdom and Eire standardization sample. The British sample was screened for normality and a similar process was followed to establish normality for the South African sample. A matched simple frequency distribution technique (taking into account age, socioeconomic status and gender as variables) was employed to approximate the equivalence between the samples. The profiles were compared by conducting an independent sample t-test with subsequent post hoc analyses to explore potential differences in the performance of the two samples. The major findings of the present study were as follows: 1. There is a significant difference between the South African and British children’s overall developmental profiles (as measured by the GMDS-ER). 2. Generally, South African children performed better on the Locomotor subscale and the Personal Social Subscale (although not statistically significant), whilst British children performed statistically better on the Language, Eye and Hand Co-ordination, and Practical Reasoning Subscales. 3. No significant differences were found for the Performance Subscale which could indicate that South African and British children’s performances on this scale are similar. Further investigations into the applicability of the GMDS-ER for the contemporary South African context are recommended and the establishment of South African norms for clinical utilization is essential. Caution with regard to the utilization of the British–based norms in the South African context is final recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Van Heerden, Rivca
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/629 , Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Description: The health status of a substantial number of South African children can be classified as “children at risk” (Luiz, 1999) as the majority of children are influenced by factors such as poverty, poor living conditions and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These are only some of the influences that contribute significantly to the health status of South African children and consequently their development. It can thus be argued that developmental assessment is imperative in the South African context. One of the most important reasons are that children with special needs in South Africa can be identified and given the opportunity to catch up developmentally and cope successfully as opposed to those who are identified much later (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2006). Furthermore, children in South Africa must begin Grade one in the year in which they turn seven. They may only enter grade one if the school has an opening and if the necessary evidence is provided to the Department of Education that the child will be able to cope with the demands of formal schooling (Department of Education, 2002). Developmental assessment measures therefore needs to be appropriate, accurate and informative in the modern South African context. The need for a measuring instrument to assess children’s overall development and thus their developmental readiness to cope with the demands of formal schooling could be satisfied by the Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). This recently revised measure has not been normed on a representative, contemporary South African sample. The purpose of the study was therefore to generate information on the applicability of British norms for the contemporary South African population. This study compared and explored the performance of South African and British children aged 5-years and 6-years on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). A contemporary South African sample was obtained by testing children between the ages of 5-years and 6-years on the GMDS-ER, whilst the British sample was drawn from the United Kingdom and Eire standardization sample. The British sample was screened for normality and a similar process was followed to establish normality for the South African sample. A matched simple frequency distribution technique (taking into account age, socioeconomic status and gender as variables) was employed to approximate the equivalence between the samples. The profiles were compared by conducting an independent sample t-test with subsequent post hoc analyses to explore potential differences in the performance of the two samples. The major findings of the present study were as follows: 1. There is a significant difference between the South African and British children’s overall developmental profiles (as measured by the GMDS-ER). 2. Generally, South African children performed better on the Locomotor subscale and the Personal Social Subscale (although not statistically significant), whilst British children performed statistically better on the Language, Eye and Hand Co-ordination, and Practical Reasoning Subscales. 3. No significant differences were found for the Performance Subscale which could indicate that South African and British children’s performances on this scale are similar. Further investigations into the applicability of the GMDS-ER for the contemporary South African context are recommended and the establishment of South African norms for clinical utilization is essential. Caution with regard to the utilization of the British–based norms in the South African context is final recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Exploring the construct-related validity of the personal-social subscale of the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-extended revised (GMDS-ER)
- Authors: Moosajee, Shaheda
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011708 , Psychological tests for children , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Description: Child assessment has become imperative today as parents and teachers recognize the need for early diagnostic assessments to adequately cater for children’s’ diverse and growing needs so that children can benefit from services and attention in a psychological or educational setting. The Griffiths Mental Development Scales, an established and well-researched instrument is reported to be one of the most carefully designed measures of child development . Studies in various parts of the world have demonstrated that the Griffiths Scales are applicable to diverse populations and that they tap experiences that are common to different cultures. The recent revision and restandardisation of the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) has necessitated investigations into its psychometric properties. In view of the important role that assessment measures play in the early identification of developmental delays, it is important that assessment measures are reliable and valid for their intended purpose(s). This study, which is part of a larger research project, attempted to explore and add further evidence of the construct validity of one of the six Subscales of the GMDS-ER, namely the Personal-Social Subscale (Subscale B). An exploratory-descriptive design using a triangulation approach was utilized to explore the construct validity of the Personal-Social Subscale. A nonprobability purposively selected sample of 18 experts working with children participated in the facet analysis to identify the constructs underlying Subscale B (the qualitative aspect of the study). The sample for the quantitative aspects of this study (i.e., the empirical validation of the identified constructs) was collected as part of the broader restandardisation and represented a stratified random sample of 1026 children between the ages of 3 and 8 years from across the United Kingdom and Eire. Three measures, namely a biographical questionnaire, the GMDS-ER and a construct evaluation form were used to gather the qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed by means of facet analysis and literature control. The quantitative data was analysed by using exploratory common factor analysis using oblique (DQUART) rotation to empirically verify the qualitatively identified construct model by specifying a onefactor solution for each underlying construct.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Moosajee, Shaheda
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9934 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011708 , Psychological tests for children , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Description: Child assessment has become imperative today as parents and teachers recognize the need for early diagnostic assessments to adequately cater for children’s’ diverse and growing needs so that children can benefit from services and attention in a psychological or educational setting. The Griffiths Mental Development Scales, an established and well-researched instrument is reported to be one of the most carefully designed measures of child development . Studies in various parts of the world have demonstrated that the Griffiths Scales are applicable to diverse populations and that they tap experiences that are common to different cultures. The recent revision and restandardisation of the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER) has necessitated investigations into its psychometric properties. In view of the important role that assessment measures play in the early identification of developmental delays, it is important that assessment measures are reliable and valid for their intended purpose(s). This study, which is part of a larger research project, attempted to explore and add further evidence of the construct validity of one of the six Subscales of the GMDS-ER, namely the Personal-Social Subscale (Subscale B). An exploratory-descriptive design using a triangulation approach was utilized to explore the construct validity of the Personal-Social Subscale. A nonprobability purposively selected sample of 18 experts working with children participated in the facet analysis to identify the constructs underlying Subscale B (the qualitative aspect of the study). The sample for the quantitative aspects of this study (i.e., the empirical validation of the identified constructs) was collected as part of the broader restandardisation and represented a stratified random sample of 1026 children between the ages of 3 and 8 years from across the United Kingdom and Eire. Three measures, namely a biographical questionnaire, the GMDS-ER and a construct evaluation form were used to gather the qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was analysed by means of facet analysis and literature control. The quantitative data was analysed by using exploratory common factor analysis using oblique (DQUART) rotation to empirically verify the qualitatively identified construct model by specifying a onefactor solution for each underlying construct.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Influence of pharmaceutical advertising on consumers: an exploratory descriptive study
- Authors: Knoesen, Brent Claud
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Moral and ethical aspects , Pharmaceutical industry -- Marketing , Pharmaceutical industry -- ethics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Pharmaceutical policy -- Developing countries , Advertising -- Medicine -- Moral and ethical aspects , Advertising -- Drugs -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/658 , Pharmaceutical industry -- Moral and ethical aspects , Pharmaceutical industry -- Marketing , Pharmaceutical industry -- ethics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Pharmaceutical policy -- Developing countries , Advertising -- Medicine -- Moral and ethical aspects , Advertising -- Drugs -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: Pharmaceutical advertising involves the advertising of medicines, medical devices, and healthcare services. A review of available international literature indicates the belief that pharmaceutical advertisements negatively affect healthcare decisions made by consumers. Very little research has been conducted to determine how consumers in South Africa (SA) are affected by pharmaceutical advertisements. This study aimed to determine how consumers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM) perceive pharmaceutical advertisements. More specific objectives included the investigation of legislation in SA employed in pharmaceutical advertisements, the interpretation and misinterpretation of the advertisements, and the identification of problematic areas in this form of advertising. South African legislation applied to pharmaceutical advertisements was investigated by means of a literature review. A qualitative research design was also used to achieve the aim and objectives. This included a focus group consisting of six randomly selected participants in the NMM. A consumer survey, consisting of a 100 consumers obtained from 10 randomly selected community pharmacies within the NMM, supported the findings of the qualitative techniques. The themes identified in the focus group were incorporated into a questionnaire used in the consumer survey. Three randomly selected pharmaceutical advertisements were also decoded to interpret the components employed in each. The results determined that pharmaceutical advertising is a marketing tool that incorporates various emotional and psychological techniques to persuade consumers. It was also evident that consumers can misinterpret pharmaceutical advertisements. Various legal and ethical problems were identified in pharmaceutical advertisements. These results showed that pharmaceutical advertisements have the possibility of negatively affecting consumers’ healthcare decisions and warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Knoesen, Brent Claud
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Moral and ethical aspects , Pharmaceutical industry -- Marketing , Pharmaceutical industry -- ethics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Pharmaceutical policy -- Developing countries , Advertising -- Medicine -- Moral and ethical aspects , Advertising -- Drugs -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/658 , Pharmaceutical industry -- Moral and ethical aspects , Pharmaceutical industry -- Marketing , Pharmaceutical industry -- ethics -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Pharmaceutical policy -- Developing countries , Advertising -- Medicine -- Moral and ethical aspects , Advertising -- Drugs -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: Pharmaceutical advertising involves the advertising of medicines, medical devices, and healthcare services. A review of available international literature indicates the belief that pharmaceutical advertisements negatively affect healthcare decisions made by consumers. Very little research has been conducted to determine how consumers in South Africa (SA) are affected by pharmaceutical advertisements. This study aimed to determine how consumers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM) perceive pharmaceutical advertisements. More specific objectives included the investigation of legislation in SA employed in pharmaceutical advertisements, the interpretation and misinterpretation of the advertisements, and the identification of problematic areas in this form of advertising. South African legislation applied to pharmaceutical advertisements was investigated by means of a literature review. A qualitative research design was also used to achieve the aim and objectives. This included a focus group consisting of six randomly selected participants in the NMM. A consumer survey, consisting of a 100 consumers obtained from 10 randomly selected community pharmacies within the NMM, supported the findings of the qualitative techniques. The themes identified in the focus group were incorporated into a questionnaire used in the consumer survey. Three randomly selected pharmaceutical advertisements were also decoded to interpret the components employed in each. The results determined that pharmaceutical advertising is a marketing tool that incorporates various emotional and psychological techniques to persuade consumers. It was also evident that consumers can misinterpret pharmaceutical advertisements. Various legal and ethical problems were identified in pharmaceutical advertisements. These results showed that pharmaceutical advertisements have the possibility of negatively affecting consumers’ healthcare decisions and warrants further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Marital turnarounds : an exploratory qualitative study
- Authors: Ntlokwana, Nomalungelo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Remarriage -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/585 , Remarriage -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Description: The purpose of this study was to study marital turnarounds by focusing on the exploration of the reasons for couples remarrying each other. A comprehensive approach based on human ecology provided a framework for exploring the reasons for marital turnarounds ranging from micro to macro level factors. Data was collected through six semi-structured interviews, with two African marital turnaround couples from the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Data analysis was carried out systematically through a stepwise process. Data verification and trustworthiness was also performed. Five major themes emerged from the data analysis of the interviews as follows: Culture and religious influences, individual influences, personal growth, family influences and the influence of friends. Culture and religion emerged as powerful theme in shaping decisions about marital turnaround. An important sub-theme was that, in a culture that continues to value marriage as a permanent commitment, spouses internalised the social and religious norm of marriage as a permanent commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ntlokwana, Nomalungelo
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Remarriage -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/585 , Remarriage -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Description: The purpose of this study was to study marital turnarounds by focusing on the exploration of the reasons for couples remarrying each other. A comprehensive approach based on human ecology provided a framework for exploring the reasons for marital turnarounds ranging from micro to macro level factors. Data was collected through six semi-structured interviews, with two African marital turnaround couples from the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Data analysis was carried out systematically through a stepwise process. Data verification and trustworthiness was also performed. Five major themes emerged from the data analysis of the interviews as follows: Culture and religious influences, individual influences, personal growth, family influences and the influence of friends. Culture and religion emerged as powerful theme in shaping decisions about marital turnaround. An important sub-theme was that, in a culture that continues to value marriage as a permanent commitment, spouses internalised the social and religious norm of marriage as a permanent commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Operating room nursing science learning programmes in South Africa
- Authors: Prince, Jacqueline Yvonne
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Operating room nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012880 , Operating room nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: Operating room nurses form the corner-stone of the operating room because perioperative care of the patient rests mainly in the hands of the nursing personnel. Unique challenges face nurses functioning in the stressful surgical environment where anticipation to prevent or cope with life-threatening situations is the order of the day. The operating room nurse must be knowledgeable, skilled and alert, as he/she is held accountable for all acts of commission and omission. To ensure that nurses are appropriately educated and trained and able to keep trend with the changing technology in the operating room, it is essential that learning programmes meet the minimum standards for registration as prescribed by the South African Nursing Council. Reviewing and evaluating learning programmes on a regular basis by specialist nursing educationists, are therefore essential to ensure that the standards of education and training are maintained and upgraded if required. The aim of this study is to explore and describe the various Operating Room Nursing Science Learning Programmes offered at accredited Higher Education Institutions, utilized for the education and training of the operating room nursing students in South Africa. The proposed research is based on a qualitative paradigm and the theoretical grounding is found in Bergman’s model for professional accountability (Bergman, 1982:8). A document analysis of five approved comprehensive Operating Room Nursing Science Learning Programmes from higher education institutions in South Africa (nursing colleges and universities) was carried out, together with a sixth programme, the Operating Theatre Learning Programme, as suggested by the Standard Generating Body. Requests for permission were forwarded to the management of the selected colleges or universities for inclusion of the respective programmes in the study. The researcher formulated and utilized thirty-four essential criteria derived from three documents, the first being a document entitled “Proposed Standards for Nursing and Midwifery Qualifications” submitted to the SANC and SAQA by the SGB for Nursing and Midwifery (2001-2004). The second document entitled the Public and Private Higher Education Institutions format template for criteria for the Generation and Evaluation of Qualifications and Standards within the National Qualifications Framework was also utilized (SAQA, 1430/00) and thirdly the researcher included the most relevant criteria from the list of criteria for curriculum development as indicated by the South African Nursing Council. Various tables were compiled, to reflect the findings of the document analysis according to the thirty-three criteria indicated above, to provide a clear and broad overview of the specific data in the respective six Operating Room Nursing Science Learning Programmes utilized in the study. In conclusion recommendations for a broad macro-curriculum were made to facilitate formulation of programmes in Operating Room Nursing Science relevant to the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Prince, Jacqueline Yvonne
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Operating room nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012880 , Operating room nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Description: Operating room nurses form the corner-stone of the operating room because perioperative care of the patient rests mainly in the hands of the nursing personnel. Unique challenges face nurses functioning in the stressful surgical environment where anticipation to prevent or cope with life-threatening situations is the order of the day. The operating room nurse must be knowledgeable, skilled and alert, as he/she is held accountable for all acts of commission and omission. To ensure that nurses are appropriately educated and trained and able to keep trend with the changing technology in the operating room, it is essential that learning programmes meet the minimum standards for registration as prescribed by the South African Nursing Council. Reviewing and evaluating learning programmes on a regular basis by specialist nursing educationists, are therefore essential to ensure that the standards of education and training are maintained and upgraded if required. The aim of this study is to explore and describe the various Operating Room Nursing Science Learning Programmes offered at accredited Higher Education Institutions, utilized for the education and training of the operating room nursing students in South Africa. The proposed research is based on a qualitative paradigm and the theoretical grounding is found in Bergman’s model for professional accountability (Bergman, 1982:8). A document analysis of five approved comprehensive Operating Room Nursing Science Learning Programmes from higher education institutions in South Africa (nursing colleges and universities) was carried out, together with a sixth programme, the Operating Theatre Learning Programme, as suggested by the Standard Generating Body. Requests for permission were forwarded to the management of the selected colleges or universities for inclusion of the respective programmes in the study. The researcher formulated and utilized thirty-four essential criteria derived from three documents, the first being a document entitled “Proposed Standards for Nursing and Midwifery Qualifications” submitted to the SANC and SAQA by the SGB for Nursing and Midwifery (2001-2004). The second document entitled the Public and Private Higher Education Institutions format template for criteria for the Generation and Evaluation of Qualifications and Standards within the National Qualifications Framework was also utilized (SAQA, 1430/00) and thirdly the researcher included the most relevant criteria from the list of criteria for curriculum development as indicated by the South African Nursing Council. Various tables were compiled, to reflect the findings of the document analysis according to the thirty-three criteria indicated above, to provide a clear and broad overview of the specific data in the respective six Operating Room Nursing Science Learning Programmes utilized in the study. In conclusion recommendations for a broad macro-curriculum were made to facilitate formulation of programmes in Operating Room Nursing Science relevant to the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Optimisation of pharmacological management of diabetes mellitus in a primary health care setting
- Authors: Dickason, Beverley Janine
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Diabetes , Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/846 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012902 , Diabetes , Diabetes -- Treatment
- Description: Levels of diabetic care in primary health care settings in South Africa have been found to be sub-optimal. Knowledge deficits and inadequate practices have been implicated in the poor quality of local diabetes care. Type 2 diabetes and hypertension are commonly associated chronic conditions hence to optimise diabetic care, tight control of blood pressure is essential. Although guidelines for the overall management of diabetes in a primary health care setting have been published (Working Group of the National Diabetes Advisory Board, 1997; Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa, 2002a), adherence to these guidelines has not yet been optimised in the primary health care setting. The objectives of the study were: to design and implement an educational intervention aimed at nursing staff, based on the South African guidelines for type 2 diabetes and hypertension, at a public sector primary health care clinic; to determine the impact of the educational intervention on the level of knowledge and attitudes of the nursing staff, and on the level of diabetic and blood pressure control achieved in the patient population, and to determine the impact of the educational intervention on pharmacological management of patients. A questionnaire was used to quantitatively assess the nursing staffs’ knowledge of the management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension at a primary health care level. A qualitative evaluation of the nursing staff attitudes was obtained using focus group interviews. The educational intervention, in the form of lectures and based on national diabetes and hypertension guidelines (Working Group of the National Diabetes Advisory Board, 1997; Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa, 2002a; Milne et al., 2003), was then implemented and directed at the nursing staff at a primary health care clinic. A post-intervention evaluation was performed after four months by repeating the questionnaire and focus group interviews. Comparisons between the pre- and post-intervention questionnaire and focus group interviews evaluated the impact of the educational intervention on the knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff towards the management of type 2 diabetes. Pre- and post-intervention patient data was collected from patient medical files and compared to determine if the management of diabetes and hypertension improved in the patient population after the implementation of the educational intervention. The patient population consisted of 103 patients. The educational intervention resulted in an extremely significant improvement in the level of knowledge of the nursing staff [93 correct responses (28.3 percent; n = 329 (pre-intervention)) vs 223 correct responses (67.8 percent; n = 329 (post-intervention)); p < 0.0001, Fisher’s Exact test]. The educational intervention resulted in improved attitudes of nursing staff towards the management of diabetes. Ideal random blood glucose concentrations improved significantly [16 percent; n = 100 (pre-intervention) vs 22 percent; n = 100 (post-intervention); p = 0.0003; Student t test]. The number of patients with a compromised HbA1c level (> 8 percent) decreased by 2 [51; 49.5 percent, n = 103 (pre-intervention) vs 49, 47.5 percent, n = 103 (post-intervention)] which was not a significant improvement. Ideal blood pressure control improved by one from 38 patients [36.9 percent; n = 103 (pre-intervention)] to 39 patients [37.9 percent; n = 103 (post-intervention)] which was not significant. Optimal change of pharmacological management following the referral of an uncontrolled diabetic patient was only noted for 18 patients (20.2 percent, n = 89) referred in the post-intervention phase. Clinical inertia was identified as a major limitation to the optimisation of diabetes care. Implementation of an educational intervention based on the South African diabetes and hypertension guidelines at a public sector primary health care clinic was successful in improving the knowledge levels and attitudes of nursing staff
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Dickason, Beverley Janine
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Diabetes , Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:10161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/846 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012902 , Diabetes , Diabetes -- Treatment
- Description: Levels of diabetic care in primary health care settings in South Africa have been found to be sub-optimal. Knowledge deficits and inadequate practices have been implicated in the poor quality of local diabetes care. Type 2 diabetes and hypertension are commonly associated chronic conditions hence to optimise diabetic care, tight control of blood pressure is essential. Although guidelines for the overall management of diabetes in a primary health care setting have been published (Working Group of the National Diabetes Advisory Board, 1997; Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa, 2002a), adherence to these guidelines has not yet been optimised in the primary health care setting. The objectives of the study were: to design and implement an educational intervention aimed at nursing staff, based on the South African guidelines for type 2 diabetes and hypertension, at a public sector primary health care clinic; to determine the impact of the educational intervention on the level of knowledge and attitudes of the nursing staff, and on the level of diabetic and blood pressure control achieved in the patient population, and to determine the impact of the educational intervention on pharmacological management of patients. A questionnaire was used to quantitatively assess the nursing staffs’ knowledge of the management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension at a primary health care level. A qualitative evaluation of the nursing staff attitudes was obtained using focus group interviews. The educational intervention, in the form of lectures and based on national diabetes and hypertension guidelines (Working Group of the National Diabetes Advisory Board, 1997; Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa, 2002a; Milne et al., 2003), was then implemented and directed at the nursing staff at a primary health care clinic. A post-intervention evaluation was performed after four months by repeating the questionnaire and focus group interviews. Comparisons between the pre- and post-intervention questionnaire and focus group interviews evaluated the impact of the educational intervention on the knowledge and attitudes of nursing staff towards the management of type 2 diabetes. Pre- and post-intervention patient data was collected from patient medical files and compared to determine if the management of diabetes and hypertension improved in the patient population after the implementation of the educational intervention. The patient population consisted of 103 patients. The educational intervention resulted in an extremely significant improvement in the level of knowledge of the nursing staff [93 correct responses (28.3 percent; n = 329 (pre-intervention)) vs 223 correct responses (67.8 percent; n = 329 (post-intervention)); p < 0.0001, Fisher’s Exact test]. The educational intervention resulted in improved attitudes of nursing staff towards the management of diabetes. Ideal random blood glucose concentrations improved significantly [16 percent; n = 100 (pre-intervention) vs 22 percent; n = 100 (post-intervention); p = 0.0003; Student t test]. The number of patients with a compromised HbA1c level (> 8 percent) decreased by 2 [51; 49.5 percent, n = 103 (pre-intervention) vs 49, 47.5 percent, n = 103 (post-intervention)] which was not a significant improvement. Ideal blood pressure control improved by one from 38 patients [36.9 percent; n = 103 (pre-intervention)] to 39 patients [37.9 percent; n = 103 (post-intervention)] which was not significant. Optimal change of pharmacological management following the referral of an uncontrolled diabetic patient was only noted for 18 patients (20.2 percent, n = 89) referred in the post-intervention phase. Clinical inertia was identified as a major limitation to the optimisation of diabetes care. Implementation of an educational intervention based on the South African diabetes and hypertension guidelines at a public sector primary health care clinic was successful in improving the knowledge levels and attitudes of nursing staff
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Perceptions of selected beneficiaries regarding government grants for sustainable development projects
- Authors: Gwam, Zukiswa Sylvia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Government aid -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/517 , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Government aid -- South Africa
- Description: The overall aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of beneficiaries of government grants for the sustainability of development projects. A qualitative method was used following an explorative and descriptive design, as the researcher seeks to understand paradigm shifts from a welfare perspective to a developmental perspective. The qualitative approach is most suitable when the aim of the researcher is to understand a phenomenon from the point of view of participants (Creswell, 1998:17) and to elicit thought processes and feelings (Straus and Corbin, 1998:11). The methods of data collection included in-depth semi-structured interviews, field notes as well as the use of focus groups. The semi-structured interviews allowed the researcher to ask specific questions in an open-ended manner when necessary. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s eight steps for analyzing qualitative research data (Creswell, 1994: 154-155). Guba’s model was used to assess the trustworthiness of research findings for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research (Krefting, 1990: 214-222). It is envisaged that this study will provide insights into the perceptions of beneficiaries of government social development grants. Findings indicate that a great deal of skills development for sustainability of development projects is needed, and will be used for further research in the area of social development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Gwam, Zukiswa Sylvia
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Government aid -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9989 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/517 , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Government aid -- South Africa
- Description: The overall aim of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of beneficiaries of government grants for the sustainability of development projects. A qualitative method was used following an explorative and descriptive design, as the researcher seeks to understand paradigm shifts from a welfare perspective to a developmental perspective. The qualitative approach is most suitable when the aim of the researcher is to understand a phenomenon from the point of view of participants (Creswell, 1998:17) and to elicit thought processes and feelings (Straus and Corbin, 1998:11). The methods of data collection included in-depth semi-structured interviews, field notes as well as the use of focus groups. The semi-structured interviews allowed the researcher to ask specific questions in an open-ended manner when necessary. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s eight steps for analyzing qualitative research data (Creswell, 1994: 154-155). Guba’s model was used to assess the trustworthiness of research findings for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research (Krefting, 1990: 214-222). It is envisaged that this study will provide insights into the perceptions of beneficiaries of government social development grants. Findings indicate that a great deal of skills development for sustainability of development projects is needed, and will be used for further research in the area of social development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Physical characteristics as performance indicators in surfing
- Hayselden, Kirsten Jacqui-Anne
- Authors: Hayselden, Kirsten Jacqui-Anne
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Surfing -- South Africa , Athletic ability , Physical fitness -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10097 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/662 , Surfing -- South Africa , Athletic ability , Physical fitness -- Testing
- Description: The aim of this study was to identify indictors of performance in surfing. Therefore the objectives of the study were to determine the following: {u100085} Anthropometric measures such as: height, weight, body proportions; {u100085} Flexibility measures such as: back extension, hip flexion, ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion; {u100085} Core stability; {u100085} Dynamic balance; {u100085} Explosive leg power; {u100085} Which of the physical characteristics measured discriminate between elite and non-elite surfers. To achieve the aim and objectives of this study, the literature pertaining to excellence in surfing, and the theory surrounding talent identification and the many factors that can contribute to success in sport, were reviewed. Potential criteria important for performance in surfing were identified and appropriate tests to assess these criteria were selected. An ex post facto quasi experimental design was used to assess which of the identified criteria best discriminated between elite and non-elite surfboard riders. The test battery included a personal information questionnaire and the assessment of: anthropometric variables, flexibility, core stability, dynamic balance and explosive leg power. These abovementioned physical characteristics were identified from the literature as the factors most important to success in surfing. Fifty five (55) surfers were assessed of which 28 were elite surfers and 27 were non-elite surfers. The results obtained from the evaluation of the samples were compared in terms of their descriptive statistics and the differences tested for statistical and practical significance. The variables of height, age started surfing, core stability, dynamic balance, number of days surfed per week and number of hours surfed per day were found to most discriminate between the elite and non-elite participants. Finally, a stepwise discriminant analysis was used to determine classification functions that could be used for future prediction purposes. The variables included in the discriminant analyses included height, age started surfing, number of years surfing, core stability and dynamic balance. To verify the prediction model a jack-knife procedure was performed. The results from the jack-knife procedure indicated that 85.5 perecent of the entire sample was correctly classified while 92.9 percent of the elite sample and 77.8 percent of the non-elite sample were correctly classified. Thus, the discriminant functions obtained can be used for predictive purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Hayselden, Kirsten Jacqui-Anne
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Surfing -- South Africa , Athletic ability , Physical fitness -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10097 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/662 , Surfing -- South Africa , Athletic ability , Physical fitness -- Testing
- Description: The aim of this study was to identify indictors of performance in surfing. Therefore the objectives of the study were to determine the following: {u100085} Anthropometric measures such as: height, weight, body proportions; {u100085} Flexibility measures such as: back extension, hip flexion, ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion; {u100085} Core stability; {u100085} Dynamic balance; {u100085} Explosive leg power; {u100085} Which of the physical characteristics measured discriminate between elite and non-elite surfers. To achieve the aim and objectives of this study, the literature pertaining to excellence in surfing, and the theory surrounding talent identification and the many factors that can contribute to success in sport, were reviewed. Potential criteria important for performance in surfing were identified and appropriate tests to assess these criteria were selected. An ex post facto quasi experimental design was used to assess which of the identified criteria best discriminated between elite and non-elite surfboard riders. The test battery included a personal information questionnaire and the assessment of: anthropometric variables, flexibility, core stability, dynamic balance and explosive leg power. These abovementioned physical characteristics were identified from the literature as the factors most important to success in surfing. Fifty five (55) surfers were assessed of which 28 were elite surfers and 27 were non-elite surfers. The results obtained from the evaluation of the samples were compared in terms of their descriptive statistics and the differences tested for statistical and practical significance. The variables of height, age started surfing, core stability, dynamic balance, number of days surfed per week and number of hours surfed per day were found to most discriminate between the elite and non-elite participants. Finally, a stepwise discriminant analysis was used to determine classification functions that could be used for future prediction purposes. The variables included in the discriminant analyses included height, age started surfing, number of years surfing, core stability and dynamic balance. To verify the prediction model a jack-knife procedure was performed. The results from the jack-knife procedure indicated that 85.5 perecent of the entire sample was correctly classified while 92.9 percent of the elite sample and 77.8 percent of the non-elite sample were correctly classified. Thus, the discriminant functions obtained can be used for predictive purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Postnatal women's experiences of the prevention of mother-to-child transmittion of HIV programme
- Authors: Links, Nomvuyiseko
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10042 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011704 , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Description: This research study endeavoured to explore and describe the experiences of women who participated in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Programme. Data relating to evaluation of the PMTCT Programme in the piloted sites compiled by other researchers in the Department of Health focus on the process, progress and extent of service implementation. There appears to be a dearth of information available from women participants in the PMTCT Programme. The objectives of the study were to: · Explore and describe postnatal women’s experiences of the PMTCT Programme offered in the East London Hospital Complex. · Propose recommendations into the existing guidelines for midwives who implement the PMTCT Programme in the health services to ensure optimal implementation of this programme. The research population included postnatal women who participated in the PMTCT of HIV Programme at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Ethics Committee, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital complex and the Advanced Degrees Committee and Human Ethics Committee at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The research study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in design. Data collection was carried out by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with postnatal women at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim with the aid of field notes. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s method of data analysis (in De Vos et al, 2000:343). Themes were identified from the transcriptions and finalised after consensus discussions with an independent coder who was experienced in qualitative research. Literature control, guided by the themes identified in the interviews, was carried out to compare and verify the findings of the study. Three major themes with sub-themes were identified during data analysis. The major themes were identified as follows: · The participants expressed feelings of being devastated by the results that confirmed their HIV positive status. · The participants expressed a thirst for knowledge on how to live with the diagnosis and on how to continue with the PMTCT Programme. · The physical environment where counselling and testing were done, as well as the practical arrangements, were not conducive to the full implementation of the PMTCT Programme at the antenatal clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made in the form of additional guidelines for midwives implementing the PMTCT Programme in the antenatal clinic health services. Guidelines for further midwifery-related research were formulated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Links, Nomvuyiseko
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10042 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011704 , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Children -- Diseases -- Prevention , HIV infections -- Transmission , Maternal health services
- Description: This research study endeavoured to explore and describe the experiences of women who participated in the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV Programme. Data relating to evaluation of the PMTCT Programme in the piloted sites compiled by other researchers in the Department of Health focus on the process, progress and extent of service implementation. There appears to be a dearth of information available from women participants in the PMTCT Programme. The objectives of the study were to: · Explore and describe postnatal women’s experiences of the PMTCT Programme offered in the East London Hospital Complex. · Propose recommendations into the existing guidelines for midwives who implement the PMTCT Programme in the health services to ensure optimal implementation of this programme. The research population included postnatal women who participated in the PMTCT of HIV Programme at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). Permission to conduct the research was obtained from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Ethics Committee, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital complex and the Advanced Degrees Committee and Human Ethics Committee at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The research study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in design. Data collection was carried out by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with postnatal women at the East London Hospital Complex (Frere site). The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim with the aid of field notes. Data analysis was done according to Tesch’s method of data analysis (in De Vos et al, 2000:343). Themes were identified from the transcriptions and finalised after consensus discussions with an independent coder who was experienced in qualitative research. Literature control, guided by the themes identified in the interviews, was carried out to compare and verify the findings of the study. Three major themes with sub-themes were identified during data analysis. The major themes were identified as follows: · The participants expressed feelings of being devastated by the results that confirmed their HIV positive status. · The participants expressed a thirst for knowledge on how to live with the diagnosis and on how to continue with the PMTCT Programme. · The physical environment where counselling and testing were done, as well as the practical arrangements, were not conducive to the full implementation of the PMTCT Programme at the antenatal clinic. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made in the form of additional guidelines for midwives implementing the PMTCT Programme in the antenatal clinic health services. Guidelines for further midwifery-related research were formulated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Referral of pregnant women from district hospitals to a reigonal hospital in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mugerwa-Sekawabe, Edward
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Medical referral -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medical referral
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/831 , Medical referral -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medical referral
- Description: There is a perception that some of the pregnant women referred from district to regional hospitals should have been managed at the former hospitals. To establish the truth of this perception, a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was undertaken to determine to what extent pregnant women admitted to a regional hospital are appropriately referred from district hospitals according to criteria described in the Guidelines for Maternity Care in South Africa and in the Primary Health Care Package for South Africa. Maternity case records of two hundred and eighty pregnant women admitted to a regional hospital in the Eastern Cape Province following referral from district hospitals between 1 July 2005 and 31 December 2005 were reviewed and analysed. The majority of these women were referred for medical complications, previous caesarean section, failure to progress in labour, obstructed labour, preterm baby and eclampsia. The commonest reasons cited for the transfer of these patients were shortage of maternity care providers in maternity units and lack of expertise at district hospital level. A lack of drugs and equipment were less commonly cited as the reason. Criteria for referral from district to regional hospitals were fulfilled in only 78 (34.2%) of the referrals. This low level of fulfillment of the criteria is attributed to the apparent lack of feedback processes between district and regional hospitals. This in turn limits the opportunity to develop competencies and skills of staff at these maternity units. To address this issue a referral strategy for implementation in the Eastern Cape Province was developed and presented in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mugerwa-Sekawabe, Edward
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Medical referral -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medical referral
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10002 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/831 , Medical referral -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medical referral
- Description: There is a perception that some of the pregnant women referred from district to regional hospitals should have been managed at the former hospitals. To establish the truth of this perception, a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was undertaken to determine to what extent pregnant women admitted to a regional hospital are appropriately referred from district hospitals according to criteria described in the Guidelines for Maternity Care in South Africa and in the Primary Health Care Package for South Africa. Maternity case records of two hundred and eighty pregnant women admitted to a regional hospital in the Eastern Cape Province following referral from district hospitals between 1 July 2005 and 31 December 2005 were reviewed and analysed. The majority of these women were referred for medical complications, previous caesarean section, failure to progress in labour, obstructed labour, preterm baby and eclampsia. The commonest reasons cited for the transfer of these patients were shortage of maternity care providers in maternity units and lack of expertise at district hospital level. A lack of drugs and equipment were less commonly cited as the reason. Criteria for referral from district to regional hospitals were fulfilled in only 78 (34.2%) of the referrals. This low level of fulfillment of the criteria is attributed to the apparent lack of feedback processes between district and regional hospitals. This in turn limits the opportunity to develop competencies and skills of staff at these maternity units. To address this issue a referral strategy for implementation in the Eastern Cape Province was developed and presented in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007