IsiXhosa speaking biological fathers’ perceptions and experiences of parental alienation
- Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation -- Psychological effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44587 , vital:38148
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mokolobate, Motshabi Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Parental alienation -- Psychological effects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44587 , vital:38148
- Description: There has been a positive shift in South African laws advocating for children and father’s rights to parent-child relationships. Children often get caught in the middle of their parents’ enduring battles and acrimonious separations or divorces frequently resulting in loss of contact with one parent. The term parental alienation is used to describe this phenomenon. Parental alienation can take many forms with the common thread being the negative impact that it has on the parent-child relationship and an increase in father absenteeism. The psychological effects of absent fathers on children and single parenthood are significant and contribute to social ailments such as substance abuse, violence and abuse. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of parental alienation on children; however, there is limited research on how fathers experience parental alienation and how it shapes their perception of fatherhood. This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of fathers who have experienced parental alienation. A purposive sampling method was utilized using 6 participants who were sourced from a male-focused NGO in Zwide Township in the Port Elizabeth Metropolitan area. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured audio taped interviews. Transcribed data was analysed by means of thematic analysis following Guba’s Model of Trustworthiness as a guide for data verification. All necessary ethical considerations were adhered to. Four themes emerged from the study. Participants understood and experienced parental alienation as unjust and painful; parental alienation was perceived as complex and challenging; upbringing influenced their paternal involvement and finally parental alienation affected their perception of fatherhood and their construction of paternal identity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An exploration of the romantic experiences of young female adults raised by single mothers
- Authors: Masinyane, Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Single-parent families , Single mothers -- South Africa Intimacy (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22343 , vital:29945
- Description: Family units have seen significant changes over the last decades, from more traditional to non-traditional family structure. South African literature has since seen a rise in single-parent family studies, however, has been geared towards the outcome of paternal absence on the male child. The paternal absence on young women and their romantic experiences remains largely unexplored. Historically, young women without fathers have been found to experience damaging effects on their well-being. Specifically, adversities pertaining to their identity, academic performance, relationships with and attitudes towards men and career and future prospects are evident in literature. This study was conducted with young female adults from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, raised by single mothers to explore their perceptions and experiences of romantic relationships growing up without the paternal figure. This study utilizes a feminist psychology and social learning theoretical framework to conceptualise these experiences. The study uses a qualitative methodology and phenomenological design approach. The sample was identified through non-probability purposive sampling, and the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The data is analysed using a thematic analysis framework. The eight young women who participated in this study, collectively constructed themselves to be resilient to the experiences of fatherlessness, they portrayed themselves as self-sufficient, empowered in their identities, driven in their academic performance and career development and future aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Masinyane, Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Single-parent families , Single mothers -- South Africa Intimacy (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22343 , vital:29945
- Description: Family units have seen significant changes over the last decades, from more traditional to non-traditional family structure. South African literature has since seen a rise in single-parent family studies, however, has been geared towards the outcome of paternal absence on the male child. The paternal absence on young women and their romantic experiences remains largely unexplored. Historically, young women without fathers have been found to experience damaging effects on their well-being. Specifically, adversities pertaining to their identity, academic performance, relationships with and attitudes towards men and career and future prospects are evident in literature. This study was conducted with young female adults from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan, raised by single mothers to explore their perceptions and experiences of romantic relationships growing up without the paternal figure. This study utilizes a feminist psychology and social learning theoretical framework to conceptualise these experiences. The study uses a qualitative methodology and phenomenological design approach. The sample was identified through non-probability purposive sampling, and the data collected through semi-structured interviews. The data is analysed using a thematic analysis framework. The eight young women who participated in this study, collectively constructed themselves to be resilient to the experiences of fatherlessness, they portrayed themselves as self-sufficient, empowered in their identities, driven in their academic performance and career development and future aspirations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors contributing to paediatric HIV diclosure by caregivers
- Authors: Van der Meulen, Christine
- Date: 2016X
- Subjects: HIV-positive children -- Care -- South Africa. Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Highly active antiretroviral therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13359 , vital:27178
- Description: Due to the increasing availability of ART (antiretroviral therapy),HIV is starting to be seen as a chronic disease. This has several effects on families, one of which is the need to disclose their HIV status to children who were born with the illness. Potential barriers and available support structures with regards to paediatric HIV disclosure need to be considered before specific guidelines can be given to caretakers and health care providers. This study aimed to explore and describe the patterns of paediatric HIV disclosure or non-disclosure using a sample of caretakers or parents of children/adolescents who were born with HIV. The Disclosure Decision Making Model (DDMM) was used as a framework to understand the decision-making process that leads to either disclosure or non-disclosure. Qualitative data was gathered by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted in English. Ten participants were recruited from a community health care centre that offers HIV counselling and testing in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data gathered was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s model was used to determine the trustworthiness of the data. The two themes that emerged from the study were (1) caretakers wish to disclose HIV status to the child but identified barriers to doing this and, (2) caretakers identified factors that helped them to disclose the child’s status. This study provides a more in-depth understanding of the factors that influence disclosure in a resource-limited setting in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016X
- Authors: Van der Meulen, Christine
- Date: 2016X
- Subjects: HIV-positive children -- Care -- South Africa. Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Highly active antiretroviral therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13359 , vital:27178
- Description: Due to the increasing availability of ART (antiretroviral therapy),HIV is starting to be seen as a chronic disease. This has several effects on families, one of which is the need to disclose their HIV status to children who were born with the illness. Potential barriers and available support structures with regards to paediatric HIV disclosure need to be considered before specific guidelines can be given to caretakers and health care providers. This study aimed to explore and describe the patterns of paediatric HIV disclosure or non-disclosure using a sample of caretakers or parents of children/adolescents who were born with HIV. The Disclosure Decision Making Model (DDMM) was used as a framework to understand the decision-making process that leads to either disclosure or non-disclosure. Qualitative data was gathered by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted in English. Ten participants were recruited from a community health care centre that offers HIV counselling and testing in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data gathered was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s model was used to determine the trustworthiness of the data. The two themes that emerged from the study were (1) caretakers wish to disclose HIV status to the child but identified barriers to doing this and, (2) caretakers identified factors that helped them to disclose the child’s status. This study provides a more in-depth understanding of the factors that influence disclosure in a resource-limited setting in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016X
Teaching strategies to facilitate active learning in a private nursing education institution
- Authors: Choonara, Shereen Mohammed
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing schools -- South Africa , Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa College teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14829 , vital:27878
- Description: Nurse educators are the custodians of nursing education and are faced with the task of providing quality nursing education in a way that inspires and enhances learning. The approach to teaching has moved away from the traditional teacher centre approach to a more student centred, active learning approach. Nurse educators are faced with many challenges, such as creating a learning environment that is conducive to a new and diverse generation of students who have different needs, learning styles and expectations. It is therefore important that the nurse educators strive to enhance the overall learning experience by incorporating teaching strategies that engage students as active participants in the learning process. This study followed a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design in order to determine the activities, educational resources and teaching strategies used to facilitate active learning in a private nursing education institution. The target population was comprised of student nurses registered at the private nursing education institution. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire from 721 participants at learning centres throughout the country. The statistician used Statistica Version 12 to obtain both a descriptive and a statistical summary of the data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the common features of the data used and the findings were discussed and summarized in tables and graphs. The ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, beneficence, non-maleficence, veracity and justice have been maintained throughout this study. This study was conducted in one private nursing education institution in South Africa and only focussed on student nurses. The findings were that the greater majority of the students were encouraged to actively participate in the classroom. Students voiced their preference regarding the activities and teaching strategies utilized. There is disparity and inequality regarding the availability of educational media, resources and facilities. A variety of teaching strategies were utilized in the classrooms of the private NEI, but the use of technology based teaching strategies was limited. Information obtained from nurse educators could provide clarity on their use of teaching strategies to facilitate active learning in the classroom or at least highlight gaps in their knowledge that could help to facilitate training for nurse educators. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for nursing practice, research and nursing education were made. The main recommendations for nursing education include the continuation of active learning activities given by the nurse educators in the classroom. Nurse educators to take cognisance of the students’ preferences and justify their selection of teaching strategies. The private NEI should ensure the availability and accessibility of educational resources, multimedia and facilities that are essential in teaching students to become self-directed, independent practitioners. Opportunities should be made available for nurse educators to attend seminars or workshops on the use of technology-based teaching strategies and undergo training in the utilization of different strategies that can enhance active learning. This could be included as a mandatory module of the nurse educators’ continuous professional development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Choonara, Shereen Mohammed
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Nursing schools -- South Africa , Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa College teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14829 , vital:27878
- Description: Nurse educators are the custodians of nursing education and are faced with the task of providing quality nursing education in a way that inspires and enhances learning. The approach to teaching has moved away from the traditional teacher centre approach to a more student centred, active learning approach. Nurse educators are faced with many challenges, such as creating a learning environment that is conducive to a new and diverse generation of students who have different needs, learning styles and expectations. It is therefore important that the nurse educators strive to enhance the overall learning experience by incorporating teaching strategies that engage students as active participants in the learning process. This study followed a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design in order to determine the activities, educational resources and teaching strategies used to facilitate active learning in a private nursing education institution. The target population was comprised of student nurses registered at the private nursing education institution. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire from 721 participants at learning centres throughout the country. The statistician used Statistica Version 12 to obtain both a descriptive and a statistical summary of the data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the common features of the data used and the findings were discussed and summarized in tables and graphs. The ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, beneficence, non-maleficence, veracity and justice have been maintained throughout this study. This study was conducted in one private nursing education institution in South Africa and only focussed on student nurses. The findings were that the greater majority of the students were encouraged to actively participate in the classroom. Students voiced their preference regarding the activities and teaching strategies utilized. There is disparity and inequality regarding the availability of educational media, resources and facilities. A variety of teaching strategies were utilized in the classrooms of the private NEI, but the use of technology based teaching strategies was limited. Information obtained from nurse educators could provide clarity on their use of teaching strategies to facilitate active learning in the classroom or at least highlight gaps in their knowledge that could help to facilitate training for nurse educators. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for nursing practice, research and nursing education were made. The main recommendations for nursing education include the continuation of active learning activities given by the nurse educators in the classroom. Nurse educators to take cognisance of the students’ preferences and justify their selection of teaching strategies. The private NEI should ensure the availability and accessibility of educational resources, multimedia and facilities that are essential in teaching students to become self-directed, independent practitioners. Opportunities should be made available for nurse educators to attend seminars or workshops on the use of technology-based teaching strategies and undergo training in the utilization of different strategies that can enhance active learning. This could be included as a mandatory module of the nurse educators’ continuous professional development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the treatment options for dental caries among the adult patients for dental caries in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Veleekizhakethil, Legy
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Dental caries , Periodontics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22968 , vital:53257
- Description: Dentistry offers several caries-preventive measures, some of which emphasise not only patient’s responsibility to manage their disease, but also how dental professionals should manage it. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adult patients towards treatment options relating to dental caries in the geographical context of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Purpose Firstly, this quantitative study set out to assess the existing oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among an adult population visiting dental health facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Secondly, it aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases and tooth associated diseases in this specific setting. Furthermore, the study sought to provide baseline data in order to organise a successful dental prevention programme. The data obtained will determine the layout of policies to be put forward to the Department of Health. Methodology The researcher took a quantitative approach and conducted descriptive surveys from November 2019 to March 2020. A close-ended, structured questionnaire for data collection was designed based on the aspects of knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviour pertaining to the area of dental caries. A clinical examination of dental status was performed using dental probes, dental mirrors and tooth air-drying. All decay, and missing, filled or restored teeth due to dental caries, along with the presence of calculus, gingival, and periodontal lesions were recorded. Results Participants had an average knowledge score of 80percent with a 95percent confidence interval of (76percent; 84percent). The majority knew the importance of cleaning their teeth (88.9percent), were aware of the effects of sugary diets (80.7percent), avoided sugary foods (64.6percent), and lastly were aware of the causes of dental caries (71.3percent). However it is concerning that most had never visited a dentist, as reflected by 69.1percent of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing. At least 70percent of those who responded were satisfied with their dentists in that they ( the dentists) freely share ideas and opinions and provide advice on options for dental care. The study revealed a high prevalence of dental caries with a ratio of 6.23. Conclusions The majority of the participants affirmed the importance of visiting the dentist for a routine dental examination. In addition, the majority are aware that sugary diets are associated with dental caries. However, there is a high prevalence of dental caries among participants in this setting. Therefore, dentists should provide preventive measures, along with professional restorative and plaque removal, to curb the burden of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The type and extent of preventive measures must be adjusted according to the patient’s individual needs. Dental health professionals must collaborate with other health-care providers to promote preventive dental health. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
- Authors: Veleekizhakethil, Legy
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Dental caries , Periodontics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22968 , vital:53257
- Description: Dentistry offers several caries-preventive measures, some of which emphasise not only patient’s responsibility to manage their disease, but also how dental professionals should manage it. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adult patients towards treatment options relating to dental caries in the geographical context of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Purpose Firstly, this quantitative study set out to assess the existing oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among an adult population visiting dental health facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Secondly, it aimed to examine the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases and tooth associated diseases in this specific setting. Furthermore, the study sought to provide baseline data in order to organise a successful dental prevention programme. The data obtained will determine the layout of policies to be put forward to the Department of Health. Methodology The researcher took a quantitative approach and conducted descriptive surveys from November 2019 to March 2020. A close-ended, structured questionnaire for data collection was designed based on the aspects of knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviour pertaining to the area of dental caries. A clinical examination of dental status was performed using dental probes, dental mirrors and tooth air-drying. All decay, and missing, filled or restored teeth due to dental caries, along with the presence of calculus, gingival, and periodontal lesions were recorded. Results Participants had an average knowledge score of 80percent with a 95percent confidence interval of (76percent; 84percent). The majority knew the importance of cleaning their teeth (88.9percent), were aware of the effects of sugary diets (80.7percent), avoided sugary foods (64.6percent), and lastly were aware of the causes of dental caries (71.3percent). However it is concerning that most had never visited a dentist, as reflected by 69.1percent of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing. At least 70percent of those who responded were satisfied with their dentists in that they ( the dentists) freely share ideas and opinions and provide advice on options for dental care. The study revealed a high prevalence of dental caries with a ratio of 6.23. Conclusions The majority of the participants affirmed the importance of visiting the dentist for a routine dental examination. In addition, the majority are aware that sugary diets are associated with dental caries. However, there is a high prevalence of dental caries among participants in this setting. Therefore, dentists should provide preventive measures, along with professional restorative and plaque removal, to curb the burden of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The type and extent of preventive measures must be adjusted according to the patient’s individual needs. Dental health professionals must collaborate with other health-care providers to promote preventive dental health. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
Levels of selected heavy metals in garden soil in Walmer Township and Wells Estate, Port Elizabeth
- Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Authors: Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Environmental chemistry Pollution -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42990 , vital:36722
- Description: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have high densities. Heavy metals have been found to have applications in various sectors such as the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical sectors, thus resulting in environmental pollution which may pose a hazard to human health. Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance, and they are commonly found in garden soils. In this study, residential garden soils were sampled in dwelling sites in Wells Estate and Walmer Township, and analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, manganese and lead. A cross sectional design was employed in this study. The research was carried out in two phases; the first phase involved soil sample collection, preparation and laboratory work for the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The second phase focused on the social aspect of the study population which included the use of a pre-approved questionnaire and face-to-face interviews for the collection of human health related information at each dwelling site where soil samples were collected. The research protocol was approved by the Health Sciences Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committees (FPGSC) of Nelson Mandela University. Garden soil from residential yards of Wells Estate (near an industrial site, ̴ 2 km) and Walmer Township (further away from the industrial site (̴ 22 km), but relatively close to Port Elizabeth airport, ̴ 2 km) were sampled over a total of six sampling sessions resulting in 100 soil samples. Fifty soil samples were collected in Wells Estate and fifty soil samples in Walmer Township during the month of May 2017. Surface soil samples were collected from the top 2 cm of the soil using a sterile stainless-steel spoon. In addition to the collection of soil samples, a visual inspection of the house was undertaken to collect information about the house characteristics, geographic location (GPS coordinates) and characteristics of the surrounding area. Soil samples were prepared for analysis by grinding and drying followed by heavy metal determination using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser (Bruker s1 TITAN Analyser, USA). A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a suitable respondent at each dwelling site to obtain information related to health symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pains, earache, sore throat, headaches, rapid breathing, sneezing, running/blocked nose, teary watery eyes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases and mental illness. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were in the order manganese>lead>arsenic for both study sites. In Walmer Township soil samples, the mean concentrations of heavy metals determined were 154.8 mg/kg, 84.4 mg/kg and 5.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead, and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals as determined in Wells Estate were 322.2 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, and 3.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead and arsenic, respectively. Manganese concentration across the study sites are below the guideline levels for USA (630 mg/kg) and South African (1500 mg/kg). About 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African lead guideline level of 230 mg/kg, while 4.1% exceeded European lead level of 400 mg/kg in Walmer Township. Lead levels in Wells Estate were all below the South African, European and United States guideline levels. By contrast, 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African arsenic guideline level of 48 mg/kg, 2.0% exceeded European arsenic guideline level of 50 mg/kg and 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Walmer Township, while 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Wells Estate. Mann Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between lead levels (U=1527, p < 0.001) and manganese levels (U=2632, p < 0.001) across study sites. Soil manganese level showed significant association with age of house (crude OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.83, p =0.016). Using data obtained from the questionnaire, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between soil heavy metals and the various health outcomes. In Walmer Township, manganese showed association with dry cough (OR: 11.35, 95% CI: 1.08-119.20) and sneezing (OR: 11.30, 95% CI: 1.09-116.67). Manganese was also associated with wet cough (OR: 0.19 95% CI: 0.05-0.70), dry cough (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) and watery eye (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.01-20.58) in Wells Estate. Dry cough (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), sneezing (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.48) and watery eye adjusted (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.63-8.48) were also associated with manganese in the total sample. Confounding factors such as overcrowding (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11-4.48) and air pollution (adjusted OR = 2.76; 95% CI:1.39-5.50), predicted wet cough and sneezing, respectively, across the total sample. Heavy metal concentration in most of the study dwellings of Walmer Township and Wells Estate were below the safe limit recommended by United States, European and South Africa soil reference levels. Nevertheless, we found a strong association between manganese and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sneezing in Walmer Township, as well as a strong association between manganese and watery eyes in Wells Estate. There was no evidence of associations between heavy metal exposure and gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic diseases and mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Environmental chemistry Pollution -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42990 , vital:36722
- Description: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have high densities. Heavy metals have been found to have applications in various sectors such as the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical sectors, thus resulting in environmental pollution which may pose a hazard to human health. Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance, and they are commonly found in garden soils. In this study, residential garden soils were sampled in dwelling sites in Wells Estate and Walmer Township, and analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, manganese and lead. A cross sectional design was employed in this study. The research was carried out in two phases; the first phase involved soil sample collection, preparation and laboratory work for the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The second phase focused on the social aspect of the study population which included the use of a pre-approved questionnaire and face-to-face interviews for the collection of human health related information at each dwelling site where soil samples were collected. The research protocol was approved by the Health Sciences Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committees (FPGSC) of Nelson Mandela University. Garden soil from residential yards of Wells Estate (near an industrial site, ̴ 2 km) and Walmer Township (further away from the industrial site (̴ 22 km), but relatively close to Port Elizabeth airport, ̴ 2 km) were sampled over a total of six sampling sessions resulting in 100 soil samples. Fifty soil samples were collected in Wells Estate and fifty soil samples in Walmer Township during the month of May 2017. Surface soil samples were collected from the top 2 cm of the soil using a sterile stainless-steel spoon. In addition to the collection of soil samples, a visual inspection of the house was undertaken to collect information about the house characteristics, geographic location (GPS coordinates) and characteristics of the surrounding area. Soil samples were prepared for analysis by grinding and drying followed by heavy metal determination using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser (Bruker s1 TITAN Analyser, USA). A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a suitable respondent at each dwelling site to obtain information related to health symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pains, earache, sore throat, headaches, rapid breathing, sneezing, running/blocked nose, teary watery eyes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases and mental illness. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were in the order manganese>lead>arsenic for both study sites. In Walmer Township soil samples, the mean concentrations of heavy metals determined were 154.8 mg/kg, 84.4 mg/kg and 5.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead, and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals as determined in Wells Estate were 322.2 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, and 3.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead and arsenic, respectively. Manganese concentration across the study sites are below the guideline levels for USA (630 mg/kg) and South African (1500 mg/kg). About 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African lead guideline level of 230 mg/kg, while 4.1% exceeded European lead level of 400 mg/kg in Walmer Township. Lead levels in Wells Estate were all below the South African, European and United States guideline levels. By contrast, 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African arsenic guideline level of 48 mg/kg, 2.0% exceeded European arsenic guideline level of 50 mg/kg and 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Walmer Township, while 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Wells Estate. Mann Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between lead levels (U=1527, p < 0.001) and manganese levels (U=2632, p < 0.001) across study sites. Soil manganese level showed significant association with age of house (crude OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.83, p =0.016). Using data obtained from the questionnaire, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between soil heavy metals and the various health outcomes. In Walmer Township, manganese showed association with dry cough (OR: 11.35, 95% CI: 1.08-119.20) and sneezing (OR: 11.30, 95% CI: 1.09-116.67). Manganese was also associated with wet cough (OR: 0.19 95% CI: 0.05-0.70), dry cough (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) and watery eye (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.01-20.58) in Wells Estate. Dry cough (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), sneezing (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.48) and watery eye adjusted (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.63-8.48) were also associated with manganese in the total sample. Confounding factors such as overcrowding (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11-4.48) and air pollution (adjusted OR = 2.76; 95% CI:1.39-5.50), predicted wet cough and sneezing, respectively, across the total sample. Heavy metal concentration in most of the study dwellings of Walmer Township and Wells Estate were below the safe limit recommended by United States, European and South Africa soil reference levels. Nevertheless, we found a strong association between manganese and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sneezing in Walmer Township, as well as a strong association between manganese and watery eyes in Wells Estate. There was no evidence of associations between heavy metal exposure and gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic diseases and mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Fundamental movement skill proficiency status of girls aged 9-to-12 years from previously disadvantaged communities in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Kahts, Samantha Andrea
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Movement therapy for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Exercise therapy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10107 , http://ndl.handle.net/10948/d1020060
- Description: A lack of fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency in children can contribute to decreased physical activity (PA) levels, increased adiposity and poor acquisition of specialised sport specific movement skills. To prevent the latter, the identification of FMS status in early and middle childhood years is needed for targeted and specific interventions. Against the backdrop of physical education being omitted from the South African school curriculum, the presence of a patriarchal society, gender sporting stereotyping, high levels of unemployment and low education levels; the assessment of FMS status is particularly warranted. Aim of Study: The primary aim of this study was to assess the FMS proficiency of girls aged 9-to-12 years from previously disadvantaged communities within Nelson Mandela Bay. Methodology:A descriptive-exploratory-contextual study design, employing quantitative assessment techniques, was utilized. The sample comprised of 227 girls. Convenience sampling was employed. Testing consisted of FMS proficiency tests in the 20m and 40m sprint, standing long jump, throwing for distance, catching, static balance and throwing for accuracy. FMS process scores were assessed with the body component (BC) and Test of Gross Motor Development II (TGMD II) approaches. Anthropometric measurements of the standing and seated height, mass, arm span and leg length were additionally measured. Microsoft Excel® and Statistica® were used for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. In the case of significant ANOVA results, the Scheffe post hoc test was used for pairwise comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<.05 and practical significance (Cohen’s d) was set at d>.2. Pearson Correlation Coefficient identified statistical and practical correlations between two variables and chi square was applied to indicate differences in frequency distribution tables. Cramer’s V values were applied to determine practical significance in the case where statistical significant differences were identified between sets of frequency distributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kahts, Samantha Andrea
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Movement therapy for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Exercise therapy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10107 , http://ndl.handle.net/10948/d1020060
- Description: A lack of fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency in children can contribute to decreased physical activity (PA) levels, increased adiposity and poor acquisition of specialised sport specific movement skills. To prevent the latter, the identification of FMS status in early and middle childhood years is needed for targeted and specific interventions. Against the backdrop of physical education being omitted from the South African school curriculum, the presence of a patriarchal society, gender sporting stereotyping, high levels of unemployment and low education levels; the assessment of FMS status is particularly warranted. Aim of Study: The primary aim of this study was to assess the FMS proficiency of girls aged 9-to-12 years from previously disadvantaged communities within Nelson Mandela Bay. Methodology:A descriptive-exploratory-contextual study design, employing quantitative assessment techniques, was utilized. The sample comprised of 227 girls. Convenience sampling was employed. Testing consisted of FMS proficiency tests in the 20m and 40m sprint, standing long jump, throwing for distance, catching, static balance and throwing for accuracy. FMS process scores were assessed with the body component (BC) and Test of Gross Motor Development II (TGMD II) approaches. Anthropometric measurements of the standing and seated height, mass, arm span and leg length were additionally measured. Microsoft Excel® and Statistica® were used for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. In the case of significant ANOVA results, the Scheffe post hoc test was used for pairwise comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<.05 and practical significance (Cohen’s d) was set at d>.2. Pearson Correlation Coefficient identified statistical and practical correlations between two variables and chi square was applied to indicate differences in frequency distribution tables. Cramer’s V values were applied to determine practical significance in the case where statistical significant differences were identified between sets of frequency distributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Factors contributing to paediatric HIV diclosure by caregivers
- Authors: Van der Meulen, Christine
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: HIV-positive children -- Care -- South Africa Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Highly active antiretroviral therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45514 , vital:38623
- Description: Due to the increasing availability of ART (antiretroviral therapy), HIV is starting to be seen as a chronic disease. This has several effects on families, one of which is the need to disclose their HIV status to children who were born with the illness. Potential barriers and available support structures with regards to paediatric HIV disclosure need to be considered before specific guidelines can be given to caretakers and health care providers. This study aimed to explore and describe the patterns of paediatric HIV disclosure or non-disclosure using a sample of caretakers or parents of Children/adolescents who were born with HIV. The Disclosure Decision Making Model (DDMM) was used as a framework to understand the decision-making process that leads to either disclosure or non-disclosure. Qualitative data was gathered by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted in English. Ten participants were recruited from a community health care centre that offers HIV counselling and testing in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data gathered was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s model were used to determine the trustworthiness of the data. The two themes that emerged from the study were (1) caretakers wish to disclose HIV status to the child but identified barriers to doing this and, (2) caretakers identified factors that helped them to disclose the child’s status. This study provides a more in-depth understanding of the factors that influence disclosure in a resource-limited setting in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van der Meulen, Christine
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: HIV-positive children -- Care -- South Africa Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Highly active antiretroviral therapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45514 , vital:38623
- Description: Due to the increasing availability of ART (antiretroviral therapy), HIV is starting to be seen as a chronic disease. This has several effects on families, one of which is the need to disclose their HIV status to children who were born with the illness. Potential barriers and available support structures with regards to paediatric HIV disclosure need to be considered before specific guidelines can be given to caretakers and health care providers. This study aimed to explore and describe the patterns of paediatric HIV disclosure or non-disclosure using a sample of caretakers or parents of Children/adolescents who were born with HIV. The Disclosure Decision Making Model (DDMM) was used as a framework to understand the decision-making process that leads to either disclosure or non-disclosure. Qualitative data was gathered by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews, conducted in English. Ten participants were recruited from a community health care centre that offers HIV counselling and testing in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Data gathered was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Lincoln and Guba’s model were used to determine the trustworthiness of the data. The two themes that emerged from the study were (1) caretakers wish to disclose HIV status to the child but identified barriers to doing this and, (2) caretakers identified factors that helped them to disclose the child’s status. This study provides a more in-depth understanding of the factors that influence disclosure in a resource-limited setting in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Perpetrators’ perspective of the psychological factors contributing to racially-motivated hate crimes in South Africa
- Authors: Heyneke, Wilmie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hate crimes -- South Africa , Racism -- South Africa Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30072 , vital:30817
- Description: This study set out to explore and understand racially-motivated hate crimes from the psychological and emotional standpoint of the individual who perpetrated them. The focus on the perpetrator was essential given that most research conducted on hate crimes have honed in on the elements concerning the victims. By virtue of its focus, the study offered a perpetrator’s perspective, providing a more holistic understanding of hate crimes in South Africa. Such information could be used to develop violence interventions in order to help prevent future hate crimes. A qualitative research design was used and constructionist grounded theory employed as the research tool. The sample consisted of five individuals currently imprisoned in the Eastern Cape. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and journal entries. Supportive data was obtained from official prison documents. The findings from this study guided the formulation of the frustration deconstruction theory (FDT), the theory generated in this study. FDT indicates that the link between historically and socially constructed negative racial cognition and emotion may find expression through violence, which can be labelled as hate crimes. Interventions aimed at deconstructing the motives that underpin hate can result in positive behaviour. The findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the nuances that define and characterise the perpetrators of racially-motivated hate crimes in the South African context. The research is a valuable contribution to the field of hate crimes as it provides evidence of the psychological and emotional underpinning of hate crimes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Heyneke, Wilmie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hate crimes -- South Africa , Racism -- South Africa Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30072 , vital:30817
- Description: This study set out to explore and understand racially-motivated hate crimes from the psychological and emotional standpoint of the individual who perpetrated them. The focus on the perpetrator was essential given that most research conducted on hate crimes have honed in on the elements concerning the victims. By virtue of its focus, the study offered a perpetrator’s perspective, providing a more holistic understanding of hate crimes in South Africa. Such information could be used to develop violence interventions in order to help prevent future hate crimes. A qualitative research design was used and constructionist grounded theory employed as the research tool. The sample consisted of five individuals currently imprisoned in the Eastern Cape. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and journal entries. Supportive data was obtained from official prison documents. The findings from this study guided the formulation of the frustration deconstruction theory (FDT), the theory generated in this study. FDT indicates that the link between historically and socially constructed negative racial cognition and emotion may find expression through violence, which can be labelled as hate crimes. Interventions aimed at deconstructing the motives that underpin hate can result in positive behaviour. The findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the nuances that define and characterise the perpetrators of racially-motivated hate crimes in the South African context. The research is a valuable contribution to the field of hate crimes as it provides evidence of the psychological and emotional underpinning of hate crimes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of teachers’ views and experiences on the effects of community Violence on learners at Lusikisiki
- Authors: Gwarubana, Nolufefe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Kerr-Soltis model -- Lusikisiki , Posttraumatic Stress Disorder -- Lusikisiki
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60144 , vital:63206
- Description: A significant number of children in the South African context are exposed to community violence and become traumatised. In South Africa, many learners bring trauma histories into the classroom. To attend to this problem, it is important to understand how Exposure to Community Violence (ECV) affects learners, how this exposure is manifested in the classroom, and how teachers and schools can best support and mitigate adverse outcomes for trauma-impacted learners. The study aimed to understand teachers’ views and experiences on the effects of community violence on learners and the nature of the support that they offer to learners with trauma related to community violence. An exploratory design was used within which qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Data was gathered from Mkhankomo Full Service School, which is located in Lusikisiki. A maximum number of 10 teachers participated in the study and interviews were audio-recorded. Results of this study provide insight into the effects of community violence on the learners who were victims either directly or as witnesses. Based on thematic analysis, the results clearly showed that the effects of community violence were found to be mainly emotional, behavioural and psychological. All these effects were seen to affect the learners’ performance at school in the long run. In addition, the findings point to the teachers showing a willingness to support learners exposed to community violence, however, they felt ill-equipped to do so given that they had never worked with learners exposed to trauma. Also, in their attempts to support learners, teachers implemented support systems such as offering individual lessons to learners and additionally assuming supportive roles such as that of mentor and mother. Moreover, the findings indicated that teachers were not provided with any v training to help them work with learners exposed to trauma and their expectations for the Department of Basic Education to assist were not met. Consequently, the study provides an understanding of the effects of community violence on learners from the perspectives of teachers in the school. It also assists with information regarding teachers’ preparedness and ability to respond to learners’ chronic exposure to community violence. Furthermore, this study gives an understanding of teachers’ approach to supporting learners experiencing traumatic stress in the classroom. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Gwarubana, Nolufefe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Kerr-Soltis model -- Lusikisiki , Posttraumatic Stress Disorder -- Lusikisiki
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60144 , vital:63206
- Description: A significant number of children in the South African context are exposed to community violence and become traumatised. In South Africa, many learners bring trauma histories into the classroom. To attend to this problem, it is important to understand how Exposure to Community Violence (ECV) affects learners, how this exposure is manifested in the classroom, and how teachers and schools can best support and mitigate adverse outcomes for trauma-impacted learners. The study aimed to understand teachers’ views and experiences on the effects of community violence on learners and the nature of the support that they offer to learners with trauma related to community violence. An exploratory design was used within which qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Data was gathered from Mkhankomo Full Service School, which is located in Lusikisiki. A maximum number of 10 teachers participated in the study and interviews were audio-recorded. Results of this study provide insight into the effects of community violence on the learners who were victims either directly or as witnesses. Based on thematic analysis, the results clearly showed that the effects of community violence were found to be mainly emotional, behavioural and psychological. All these effects were seen to affect the learners’ performance at school in the long run. In addition, the findings point to the teachers showing a willingness to support learners exposed to community violence, however, they felt ill-equipped to do so given that they had never worked with learners exposed to trauma. Also, in their attempts to support learners, teachers implemented support systems such as offering individual lessons to learners and additionally assuming supportive roles such as that of mentor and mother. Moreover, the findings indicated that teachers were not provided with any v training to help them work with learners exposed to trauma and their expectations for the Department of Basic Education to assist were not met. Consequently, the study provides an understanding of the effects of community violence on learners from the perspectives of teachers in the school. It also assists with information regarding teachers’ preparedness and ability to respond to learners’ chronic exposure to community violence. Furthermore, this study gives an understanding of teachers’ approach to supporting learners experiencing traumatic stress in the classroom. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Physical activity and health: building health-promoting schools in Gqeberha and beyond
- Authors: Walter, Cheryl
- Subjects: Exercise for children -- Physiological aspects , Exercise for children -- Psychological aspects , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56070 , vital:55194
- Description: For this address, I thought it would be appropriate to share information on the research into the physical activity, health and wellbeing of primary school children living in the Northern Areas and townships of Gqeberha – which formed part of the 10-year collaboration between the Department of Human Movement Science at Nelson Mandela University, the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of Basel and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, in Basel, Switzerland. Three large studies formed the core of the 10-year collaboration: the Disease, Activity and Schoolchildren’s Health (DASH) study, the KaziBantu Project and the KaziAfya study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Walter, Cheryl
- Subjects: Exercise for children -- Physiological aspects , Exercise for children -- Psychological aspects , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56070 , vital:55194
- Description: For this address, I thought it would be appropriate to share information on the research into the physical activity, health and wellbeing of primary school children living in the Northern Areas and townships of Gqeberha – which formed part of the 10-year collaboration between the Department of Human Movement Science at Nelson Mandela University, the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of Basel and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, in Basel, Switzerland. Three large studies formed the core of the 10-year collaboration: the Disease, Activity and Schoolchildren’s Health (DASH) study, the KaziBantu Project and the KaziAfya study.
- Full Text:
Prevalence and resistance gene mutations of multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hayes, Cindy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial mutation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020374
- Description: The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drugresistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are a major medical and public problem threatening the global health. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and XDR-TB in the Eastern Cape; (ii) analyze patterns of gene mutations in MDR-TB and (iii) identify gene mutations associated with resistance to second line injectable drugs in XDR-TB isolates. A total of 1520 routine sputum specimens sequentially received within a period of 12 months i.e. February 2012 to February 2013 from all MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients treated by Hospitals and clinics in the Eastern Cape were included in this study, of which 1004 had interpretable results. Samples were analyzed with the Genotype MTBDRplus VER 2.0 assay kit (Hain Lifescience) for detection of resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid while solid and liquid culture drug susceptibility tests were used for ethambutol, streptomycin, ethionamide, ofloxacin, capreomycin and amikacin. PCR and sequence analysis of short regions of target genes gyrA, (encode subunit of DNA topoisomerase gyrase), rrs (16S rRNA) and tlyA (encodes a 2’-O-methyltransferase) were performed on 20 XDR-TB isolates. MTBDRplus kit results and drug susceptibility tests identified 462 MDR-TB, 284 pre-XDR and 258 XDR-TB isolates from 267 clinics and 25 hospitals in the Eastern Cape. There was a high frequency of resistance to streptomycin, ethionamide, amikacin, ofloxacin and capreomycin. Mutation patterns indicated differences between the health districts as well as differences between the facilities within the health districts. The most common mutation patterns observed were: (i) ΔWT3, ΔWT4, MUT1 [D516V+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG), ΔWT1 [C15T] (inhA) [39 MDR, 204 XDR-TB and 214 pre XDR-TB isolates], (ii) ΔWT8, MUT3 [L533P+S531L] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] [145 MDR, 18 pre-XDR and 3 XDR-TB solates] and (iii) ΔWT3, WT4 [D516Y+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG) [75 MDR, 1 pre-XDR and 7 XDR-TB isolates]. Mutations in inhA promoter regions were strongly associated with XDR-TB isolates. Two thirds (66.6 percent (669/1004) of the isolates had inhA mutations present with 25.4 percent (170/669) found among the MDR isolates, 39.2 percent (262/669) among the pre-XDR isolates and 35.4 percent (237/669) among the XDR-TB isolates, which implies that these resistant isolates are being spread by transmission within the community and circulating in the province. There was good correlation between XDR-TB drug susceptibility test results and sequence analyses of the gyrA and rrs genes. The majority of XDR-TB isolates contained mutations at positions C269T (6/20) and 1401G (18/20) in gyrA and rrs genes respectively. Sequence analysis of short regions of gyrA and rrs genes may be useful for detection of fluoroquinolone and amikacin/ kanamycin resistance in XDR-TB isolates but the tlyA gene is not a sensitive genetic marker for capreomycin resistance. This study highlighted the urgent need for the development of rapid diagnostics for XDR-TB and raised serious concerns regarding ineffective patientmanagement resulting in ongoing transmission of extremely resistant strains of XDRTB in the Eastern Cape suggesting that the Eastern Cape could be fast becoming the epicenter for the development of Totally Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TDR-TB) in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hayes, Cindy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial mutation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020374
- Description: The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drugresistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are a major medical and public problem threatening the global health. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and XDR-TB in the Eastern Cape; (ii) analyze patterns of gene mutations in MDR-TB and (iii) identify gene mutations associated with resistance to second line injectable drugs in XDR-TB isolates. A total of 1520 routine sputum specimens sequentially received within a period of 12 months i.e. February 2012 to February 2013 from all MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients treated by Hospitals and clinics in the Eastern Cape were included in this study, of which 1004 had interpretable results. Samples were analyzed with the Genotype MTBDRplus VER 2.0 assay kit (Hain Lifescience) for detection of resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid while solid and liquid culture drug susceptibility tests were used for ethambutol, streptomycin, ethionamide, ofloxacin, capreomycin and amikacin. PCR and sequence analysis of short regions of target genes gyrA, (encode subunit of DNA topoisomerase gyrase), rrs (16S rRNA) and tlyA (encodes a 2’-O-methyltransferase) were performed on 20 XDR-TB isolates. MTBDRplus kit results and drug susceptibility tests identified 462 MDR-TB, 284 pre-XDR and 258 XDR-TB isolates from 267 clinics and 25 hospitals in the Eastern Cape. There was a high frequency of resistance to streptomycin, ethionamide, amikacin, ofloxacin and capreomycin. Mutation patterns indicated differences between the health districts as well as differences between the facilities within the health districts. The most common mutation patterns observed were: (i) ΔWT3, ΔWT4, MUT1 [D516V+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG), ΔWT1 [C15T] (inhA) [39 MDR, 204 XDR-TB and 214 pre XDR-TB isolates], (ii) ΔWT8, MUT3 [L533P+S531L] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] [145 MDR, 18 pre-XDR and 3 XDR-TB solates] and (iii) ΔWT3, WT4 [D516Y+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG) [75 MDR, 1 pre-XDR and 7 XDR-TB isolates]. Mutations in inhA promoter regions were strongly associated with XDR-TB isolates. Two thirds (66.6 percent (669/1004) of the isolates had inhA mutations present with 25.4 percent (170/669) found among the MDR isolates, 39.2 percent (262/669) among the pre-XDR isolates and 35.4 percent (237/669) among the XDR-TB isolates, which implies that these resistant isolates are being spread by transmission within the community and circulating in the province. There was good correlation between XDR-TB drug susceptibility test results and sequence analyses of the gyrA and rrs genes. The majority of XDR-TB isolates contained mutations at positions C269T (6/20) and 1401G (18/20) in gyrA and rrs genes respectively. Sequence analysis of short regions of gyrA and rrs genes may be useful for detection of fluoroquinolone and amikacin/ kanamycin resistance in XDR-TB isolates but the tlyA gene is not a sensitive genetic marker for capreomycin resistance. This study highlighted the urgent need for the development of rapid diagnostics for XDR-TB and raised serious concerns regarding ineffective patientmanagement resulting in ongoing transmission of extremely resistant strains of XDRTB in the Eastern Cape suggesting that the Eastern Cape could be fast becoming the epicenter for the development of Totally Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TDR-TB) in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Clinicians knowledge and perceptions of point of care testing (poct) in selected hospitals in the free state, South Africa
- Authors: Watkins, Edgar Jeffrey
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Point-of-care testing , Preventive health services , Medical technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27264 , vital:66487
- Description: Point of care testing (POCT) improves access and equity to health diagnostic services in resource-limited settings like South Africa, where some health facilities do not have on-site laboratories. With recent technological advancements, most traditional laboratory tests can now be conducted on-site at primary health clinics (PHC), hospital wards and clinics. One advantage of the POCT device is that it can be used by a non-medical laboratory expert at the patient’s bed side during hospitalizations or near the patient in the doctor’s consultation rooms. This results in a shorter turnaround time for the availability of test results when compared to that from a specimen sent to a traditional clinical laboratory. Despite the benefits of POCT, many clinicians (doctors and nurses) avoid utilizing POCT for quality assurance reasons. Clinicians believe the results from a POCT device may not be as reliable as the results from tests performed by a medical laboratory scientist in the traditional clinical laboratory. This study used a concurrent mixed method research design to explore clinicians' POCT knowledge and attitudes in a subset of hospitals in the Free state of South Africa. The study population comprised of consenting medical professionals from the ten (10) selected Free State district hospitals (study sites). The findings demonstrated that hospitals in urban areas have easier access to laboratory services. There were two (2) urban study sites that had on-site laboratories which achieved faster Turn-Around-Time (TAT). The participants indicate that they are aware of POCT and routinely use it, but there are far fewer POCT tests available than laboratory tests. When diagnostic options are scarce, point-of-care testing (POCT) can provide a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. The improved health care provision and reduced incidence of health complications is the end result. According to the participants, having access to POCT diagnostic services has shown promise in addressing challenges that sometimes present with laboratory-based methods, particularly in settings with limited access to hospitals or when laboratories cannot be accessed. Further, clinicians argue that errors in the usage of POCT may occur due to the quality of these POCTs and improper documentation of the test results by the clinicians. Therefore, poor utilization of POCT by clinicians can be improved if implemented with pre-set strict selection goals and processes to ensure that the right POCT is selected for the right purpose that would reduce resource expenditure by the hospitals and improve patient experiences and health outcomes. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Watkins, Edgar Jeffrey
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Point-of-care testing , Preventive health services , Medical technology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27264 , vital:66487
- Description: Point of care testing (POCT) improves access and equity to health diagnostic services in resource-limited settings like South Africa, where some health facilities do not have on-site laboratories. With recent technological advancements, most traditional laboratory tests can now be conducted on-site at primary health clinics (PHC), hospital wards and clinics. One advantage of the POCT device is that it can be used by a non-medical laboratory expert at the patient’s bed side during hospitalizations or near the patient in the doctor’s consultation rooms. This results in a shorter turnaround time for the availability of test results when compared to that from a specimen sent to a traditional clinical laboratory. Despite the benefits of POCT, many clinicians (doctors and nurses) avoid utilizing POCT for quality assurance reasons. Clinicians believe the results from a POCT device may not be as reliable as the results from tests performed by a medical laboratory scientist in the traditional clinical laboratory. This study used a concurrent mixed method research design to explore clinicians' POCT knowledge and attitudes in a subset of hospitals in the Free state of South Africa. The study population comprised of consenting medical professionals from the ten (10) selected Free State district hospitals (study sites). The findings demonstrated that hospitals in urban areas have easier access to laboratory services. There were two (2) urban study sites that had on-site laboratories which achieved faster Turn-Around-Time (TAT). The participants indicate that they are aware of POCT and routinely use it, but there are far fewer POCT tests available than laboratory tests. When diagnostic options are scarce, point-of-care testing (POCT) can provide a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. The improved health care provision and reduced incidence of health complications is the end result. According to the participants, having access to POCT diagnostic services has shown promise in addressing challenges that sometimes present with laboratory-based methods, particularly in settings with limited access to hospitals or when laboratories cannot be accessed. Further, clinicians argue that errors in the usage of POCT may occur due to the quality of these POCTs and improper documentation of the test results by the clinicians. Therefore, poor utilization of POCT by clinicians can be improved if implemented with pre-set strict selection goals and processes to ensure that the right POCT is selected for the right purpose that would reduce resource expenditure by the hospitals and improve patient experiences and health outcomes. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
Resilience in families living with a Type I diabetic child
- Authors: Coetzee, Mariska
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Diabetes in children -- South Africa , Diabetes -- Prevention , Stress (Psychology) , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/665 , Diabetes in children -- South Africa , Diabetes -- Prevention , Stress (Psychology) , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Description: Type I diabetes has the ability to promote change in the family. In truth, although the child with diabetes is the diagnosed patient, the whole family has diabetes. While the challenges that families have to face are many, families seem to have the ability to “bounce back” (i.e., they have resilience). Research on the construct of resilience, and more specifically, family resilience has surged in recent times. However, South African research on family resilience is limited. This study aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families that include a child living with Type I diabetes. The Resiliency Model of Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, developed by McCubbin and McCubbin (2001) served as a framework to conceptualise the families’ adjustment and adaptation process. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed. Sixteen families participated in this study, providing a total of 31 participants. Participants consisted of the caregivers of a family living with a child between the ages of four and 12 with Type I diabetes. The study was triangular in nature, with an exploratory, descriptive approach. A biographical questionnaire with an open-ended question was used in conjunction with seven other questionnaires to gather data. These questionnaires were: The Family Hardiness Index (FHI), the Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI), the Social Support Index (SSI), the Family Problem-Solving Communication (FPSC) Index, the Family Crises-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), the Relative and Friend Support Index, and the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the biographical information. Quantitative data were analysed by means of correlation and regression analysis, and a content analysis was conducted to analyse the qualitative data. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated three significant positive correlations with the FACI8. These variables were family hardiness (measured by the FHI), family problem-solving communication (measured by the FPSC), and family time and routines (measured by the FTRI). The results of the qualitative analysis revealed that social support, the caregivers’ acceptance of the condition, and spirituality and religion were the most important strength factors that contributed to the families’ adjustment and adaptation. Although the study had a small sample and many limitations, the study could be used as a stepping-stone for future research on resilience in families living with chronic medical conditions and will contribute to family resilience research in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Coetzee, Mariska
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Diabetes in children -- South Africa , Diabetes -- Prevention , Stress (Psychology) , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/665 , Diabetes in children -- South Africa , Diabetes -- Prevention , Stress (Psychology) , Adjustment (Psychology)
- Description: Type I diabetes has the ability to promote change in the family. In truth, although the child with diabetes is the diagnosed patient, the whole family has diabetes. While the challenges that families have to face are many, families seem to have the ability to “bounce back” (i.e., they have resilience). Research on the construct of resilience, and more specifically, family resilience has surged in recent times. However, South African research on family resilience is limited. This study aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families that include a child living with Type I diabetes. The Resiliency Model of Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, developed by McCubbin and McCubbin (2001) served as a framework to conceptualise the families’ adjustment and adaptation process. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed. Sixteen families participated in this study, providing a total of 31 participants. Participants consisted of the caregivers of a family living with a child between the ages of four and 12 with Type I diabetes. The study was triangular in nature, with an exploratory, descriptive approach. A biographical questionnaire with an open-ended question was used in conjunction with seven other questionnaires to gather data. These questionnaires were: The Family Hardiness Index (FHI), the Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI), the Social Support Index (SSI), the Family Problem-Solving Communication (FPSC) Index, the Family Crises-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales (F-COPES), the Relative and Friend Support Index, and the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the biographical information. Quantitative data were analysed by means of correlation and regression analysis, and a content analysis was conducted to analyse the qualitative data. The results of the quantitative analysis indicated three significant positive correlations with the FACI8. These variables were family hardiness (measured by the FHI), family problem-solving communication (measured by the FPSC), and family time and routines (measured by the FTRI). The results of the qualitative analysis revealed that social support, the caregivers’ acceptance of the condition, and spirituality and religion were the most important strength factors that contributed to the families’ adjustment and adaptation. Although the study had a small sample and many limitations, the study could be used as a stepping-stone for future research on resilience in families living with chronic medical conditions and will contribute to family resilience research in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mjali, Ntombekhaya Mildred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mentally ill -- Care , Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Offenses against the person -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mentally ill -- Commitment and detention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32120 , vital:31964
- Description: The researcher worked as a psychiatric nurse in a psychiatric hospitalin Chris Hani District Municipality and observed when police officers brought mentally ill persons for admission. The mentally ill persons were dealt with harshly and in a degrading manner which raised concerns. It would seem as if police officers did not take into consideration that they were dealing with innocent individuals who were mentally ill. Therefore the researcher sought to explore how police officers experienced interacting with mentally ill persons during their everyday duties. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Chris Hani District Municipality. The study utilised a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population consisted of police officers working in a Community Service Centre in a rural town who regularly came into contact with mentally ill persons in the course of their duties. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants.Data was collected by doing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with an interview guide until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Three themes with subthemes were identified and described. A literature control was done to compare the findings with current literature. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. A high ethical standard was ensured throughout the research process. Police officers had regular contact with the mentally ill, usually when they were called out to a community venue where they had to intervene between an aggressive mentally ill person and the community. This gave them a skewed view of mental illness which they always associated with aggression. Police officers found it difficult to communicate with both the mentally ill person and his/her family. They stated that they did not know how to manage aggressive individuals who were not criminals. Police officers also related that they themselves felt vulnerable, they became very angry with the families and the mentally ill persons and feared that they will be harmed. They also expressed empathy with mentally ill persons. Recommendations were made that police officers should be trained on what their responsibilities were related to the mentally ill person they encounter. To equip them better to deal with the mentally ill, they should also receive training in effective communication and the management of aggression.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mjali, Ntombekhaya Mildred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mentally ill -- Care , Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Offenses against the person -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mentally ill -- Commitment and detention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32120 , vital:31964
- Description: The researcher worked as a psychiatric nurse in a psychiatric hospitalin Chris Hani District Municipality and observed when police officers brought mentally ill persons for admission. The mentally ill persons were dealt with harshly and in a degrading manner which raised concerns. It would seem as if police officers did not take into consideration that they were dealing with innocent individuals who were mentally ill. Therefore the researcher sought to explore how police officers experienced interacting with mentally ill persons during their everyday duties. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Chris Hani District Municipality. The study utilised a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population consisted of police officers working in a Community Service Centre in a rural town who regularly came into contact with mentally ill persons in the course of their duties. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants.Data was collected by doing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with an interview guide until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Three themes with subthemes were identified and described. A literature control was done to compare the findings with current literature. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. A high ethical standard was ensured throughout the research process. Police officers had regular contact with the mentally ill, usually when they were called out to a community venue where they had to intervene between an aggressive mentally ill person and the community. This gave them a skewed view of mental illness which they always associated with aggression. Police officers found it difficult to communicate with both the mentally ill person and his/her family. They stated that they did not know how to manage aggressive individuals who were not criminals. Police officers also related that they themselves felt vulnerable, they became very angry with the families and the mentally ill persons and feared that they will be harmed. They also expressed empathy with mentally ill persons. Recommendations were made that police officers should be trained on what their responsibilities were related to the mentally ill person they encounter. To equip them better to deal with the mentally ill, they should also receive training in effective communication and the management of aggression.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
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
Cultural perspectives on health decision making of HIV positive Xhosa males
- Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
- Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Tebekana, Aviwe Zuziwe Nomalibongwe
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53769 , vital:45835
- Description: In 1998, following a recommendation made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESO), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) adopted a cultural approach to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment for sustainable development. Cultural identity, values and norms are all influential factors in health decision making and may be especially important in the context of HIV infection. The research aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of HIV positive Xhosa males in relation to understanding how cultural identity, cultural values and norms influence the health decision making behaviour of Xhosa males. A qualitative study design was adopted. A descriptive and interpretative approach was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 HIV positive Xhosa males aged 25 to 49 years in four primary healthcare clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse the data through the lens of literature and the bio-ecological model. The data was coded by the researcher and an independent coder. Three themes and six sub themes emerged from the study. Theme one is: significance of culture for HIV positive Xhosa males. Theme two is: perspectives on factors that have an influence on health decision making. Theme three is: perceived beliefs and perceptions about HIV and AIDS in the Xhosa ethnic group. The study indicated that cultural factors such as ancestral beliefs regarding illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations influenced health decision making of the Xhosa males. In addition, there are other factors that have an influence on health decision making such as psycho-social factors of peer pressure and biological factors which include physical developmental changes. In addition to factors that have an influence to health decision making, it became apparent in the study that there was perceived stigma attached to HIV and AIDS from family members and the Xhosa community. Participants also experienced internalised stigma and expressed a v fear of not having an heir; thus, influencing risk taking health decision in fear of being stigmatised. Perceptions of HIV positive Xhosa males on cultural factors that have an influence on health decision making such as risk behaviour and adherence to treatment are: ancestral belief of protection against illness, traditional circumcision, initiation school and masculine roles and expectations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Intervention to improve the level of documentation of antipsychotic related adverse drug reactions
- Authors: Purcell, Gregory Mark
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Psychotropic drugs Psychopharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10340 , vital:26654
- Description: Antipsychotic drugs are the mainstay of treatment for psychotic disorders according to the Standard Treatment Guidelines (2012). However, these drugs are associated with multiple severe adverse drug reactions. In order to limit the effect of adverse drug reactions on patient care, documentation is necessary. Documentation of adverse drug reactions entails recording the reaction experienced, as well as supplementary information. Proper documentation can prevent future occurrences of the same or similar adverse drug reactions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an educational intervention targeting increasing documentation of the adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs. The objectives of the study were: to determine the pre-intervention extent and frequency of documentation of antipsychotic-related adverse drug reactions in the patient medical record; to implement an intervention aimed at educating the relevant healthcare professionals, focusing on the adverse drug reactions of antipsychotic drugs and how to record or document these reactions; to assess the post-intervention extent and frequency of documentation of antipsychotic-related adverse drug reactions in the patient medical record; and to assess the attitude of healthcare providers towards the documentation of antipsychotic related adverse drug reactions before and after the intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Purcell, Gregory Mark
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Psychotropic drugs Psychopharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10340 , vital:26654
- Description: Antipsychotic drugs are the mainstay of treatment for psychotic disorders according to the Standard Treatment Guidelines (2012). However, these drugs are associated with multiple severe adverse drug reactions. In order to limit the effect of adverse drug reactions on patient care, documentation is necessary. Documentation of adverse drug reactions entails recording the reaction experienced, as well as supplementary information. Proper documentation can prevent future occurrences of the same or similar adverse drug reactions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an educational intervention targeting increasing documentation of the adverse effects of antipsychotic drugs. The objectives of the study were: to determine the pre-intervention extent and frequency of documentation of antipsychotic-related adverse drug reactions in the patient medical record; to implement an intervention aimed at educating the relevant healthcare professionals, focusing on the adverse drug reactions of antipsychotic drugs and how to record or document these reactions; to assess the post-intervention extent and frequency of documentation of antipsychotic-related adverse drug reactions in the patient medical record; and to assess the attitude of healthcare providers towards the documentation of antipsychotic related adverse drug reactions before and after the intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Registered nurses' experiences of working with patients diagnosed with substance-induced psychosis in a tertiary psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Damane, Brenda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing , Psychiatry Psychoses -- Treatment Substance abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39457 , vital:35250
- Description: Illicit drug use is common among patients with mental health difficulties. Illicit drug use is common among patients with mental health difficulties. Psychiatric inpatient services often must provide care for people with mental health difficulties who use prohibited drugs. Admissions to an acute care hospital in the Eastern Cape are done daily, with as many as eight admissions per day. Statistics show that a significant percentage of these admissions are of patients with substance-induced psychosis. These patients are acutely mentally ill and may present with symptoms such as hearing voices, delusions, verbal, or physical aggression where they attack staff and other patients and being restless. Patients with a diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis are difficult to take care of due to their behaviour associated with the above symptoms. These patients are also young and because they are psychotic, they make the acute wards unruly, making it difficult to nurse them. The following research question arises from the above-mentioned problem: What are the experiences of registered nurses working in a tertiary psychiatric hospital with patients admitted with a diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis? The goal of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses working in a tertiary psychiatric hospital when caring for patients admitted with substance-induced psychosis. The researcher used a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design. The research population consisted of registered nurses working at a tertiary psychiatric hospital. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants. Data was collected by means of one-to-one interviews and field notes. Data was analysed using Tesch’s model of content analysis to reduce the information to themes or categories. The researcher used Guba’s model of trustworthiness to evaluate the study’s rigour. The researcher also used the three fundamental ethical principles which include: the principle of respect for persons, the principle of beneficence and non-maleficence, and the principle of justice to guide the researcher during the research process. Four main themes with subthemes emerged from the study. The study showed that registered nurses working in a psychiatric hospital found it difficult to nurse patients with substance-induced psychosis. These difficulties included the characteristics these patients presented with, the ward not being conducive to nursing substanceinduced psychotic patients, which resulted in registered nurses feeling emotionally drained when nursing these patients. Recommendations were made as an effort to help registered nurses cope better in caring for substance-induced psychotic patients and prevent staff from experiencing burnout.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Damane, Brenda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychiatric nursing , Psychiatry Psychoses -- Treatment Substance abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39457 , vital:35250
- Description: Illicit drug use is common among patients with mental health difficulties. Illicit drug use is common among patients with mental health difficulties. Psychiatric inpatient services often must provide care for people with mental health difficulties who use prohibited drugs. Admissions to an acute care hospital in the Eastern Cape are done daily, with as many as eight admissions per day. Statistics show that a significant percentage of these admissions are of patients with substance-induced psychosis. These patients are acutely mentally ill and may present with symptoms such as hearing voices, delusions, verbal, or physical aggression where they attack staff and other patients and being restless. Patients with a diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis are difficult to take care of due to their behaviour associated with the above symptoms. These patients are also young and because they are psychotic, they make the acute wards unruly, making it difficult to nurse them. The following research question arises from the above-mentioned problem: What are the experiences of registered nurses working in a tertiary psychiatric hospital with patients admitted with a diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis? The goal of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses working in a tertiary psychiatric hospital when caring for patients admitted with substance-induced psychosis. The researcher used a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design. The research population consisted of registered nurses working at a tertiary psychiatric hospital. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants. Data was collected by means of one-to-one interviews and field notes. Data was analysed using Tesch’s model of content analysis to reduce the information to themes or categories. The researcher used Guba’s model of trustworthiness to evaluate the study’s rigour. The researcher also used the three fundamental ethical principles which include: the principle of respect for persons, the principle of beneficence and non-maleficence, and the principle of justice to guide the researcher during the research process. Four main themes with subthemes emerged from the study. The study showed that registered nurses working in a psychiatric hospital found it difficult to nurse patients with substance-induced psychosis. These difficulties included the characteristics these patients presented with, the ward not being conducive to nursing substanceinduced psychotic patients, which resulted in registered nurses feeling emotionally drained when nursing these patients. Recommendations were made as an effort to help registered nurses cope better in caring for substance-induced psychotic patients and prevent staff from experiencing burnout.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The voice of the child in parental divorce: a narrative inquiry
- Authors: Brand, Carrie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conversation analysis , Children of divorced parents , Divorced parents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8923 , vital:26443
- Description: Parental divorce is considered one of the most stressful events in the lives of children. The adult perspective has dominated the discourse on divorce, and only recently has research started to consider the viewpoint of children. Research indicates that the nature of the divorce process as experienced by the child is the most important factor in post-divorce adjustment. It also remains a relatively unexplored area, with research on the manner in which children experience the divorce process being limited. The current study aimed to conduct a narrative inquiry into the experiences and perceptions of parental divorce, of a purposive sample of 9 to 10 year old children. The primary aim of the study was to highlight and honour the voice of the child in a parental divorce process. The current research was qualitative in nature and adopted a narrative paradigm. Five children were interviewed qualitatively using an unstructured interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Seven themes were identified. The first theme explored children’s endeavours to describe and explain parental divorce. An additional six themes were developed around the types of stories children told of the divorce process. Themes included, What is a Divorcement, Stories of Loss, Stories of Gain, Stories of Change, Stories of Stability, Healing Stories, and Complicating Stories. This study endeavoured to provide divorced parents and those working with children a greater understanding of the way in which children perceive parental divorce, and insight into the factors that facilitate children’s positive adjustment to parental divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Brand, Carrie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conversation analysis , Children of divorced parents , Divorced parents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8923 , vital:26443
- Description: Parental divorce is considered one of the most stressful events in the lives of children. The adult perspective has dominated the discourse on divorce, and only recently has research started to consider the viewpoint of children. Research indicates that the nature of the divorce process as experienced by the child is the most important factor in post-divorce adjustment. It also remains a relatively unexplored area, with research on the manner in which children experience the divorce process being limited. The current study aimed to conduct a narrative inquiry into the experiences and perceptions of parental divorce, of a purposive sample of 9 to 10 year old children. The primary aim of the study was to highlight and honour the voice of the child in a parental divorce process. The current research was qualitative in nature and adopted a narrative paradigm. Five children were interviewed qualitatively using an unstructured interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Seven themes were identified. The first theme explored children’s endeavours to describe and explain parental divorce. An additional six themes were developed around the types of stories children told of the divorce process. Themes included, What is a Divorcement, Stories of Loss, Stories of Gain, Stories of Change, Stories of Stability, Healing Stories, and Complicating Stories. This study endeavoured to provide divorced parents and those working with children a greater understanding of the way in which children perceive parental divorce, and insight into the factors that facilitate children’s positive adjustment to parental divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016