Factors affecting AIDS orphans' from accessing voluntary counselling and testing (VCT)
- Authors: Maama, Lineo Bernadette
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1046 , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Description: The study seeks to explore and identify factors that prevent AIDS orphans in presenting themselves for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Socio-cultural factors, notably, stigma and the resultant discrimination by community members, have been presented by many researchers as the main aetiological factors that hinder the use of VCT by AIDS orphans. It is on the basis of this that this study was conducted to identify factors that hinder AIDS orphans from accessing VCT. The study used a qualitative approach following an explorative and descriptive, contextual research design and was conducted at Ubuntu Education Fund, Port Elizabeth. Purposive sampling was used to determine a sample of AIDS orphans. Participants of the study had to be orphaned as a result of AIDS, isiXhosa-speaking, between 12-17 years, living in the care of a primary care-giver and had not presented themselves for VCT. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews are suitable in cases where the researcher is interested in an issue that is complex or personal (De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Deloport, 2005). Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (1990) as described in Creswell (2003). The major findings of this study were that people are locked in a ‘poverty-of-the mind cycle’, in respect of HIV and AIDS, and this is exacerbated by educational impoverishment and general poverty. The recommendations that emanated from this study are made from policy and service delivery perspectives. It is recommended that in order for AIDS orphans to access VCT they should be developed and empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to the outmost realization of their potential. It is also recommended that health and other professionals should encourage AIDS orphans and community members to present themselves for VCT and thus curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Maama, Lineo Bernadette
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1046 , Children of AIDS patients -- South Africa , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Testing , Orphans -- Services for
- Description: The study seeks to explore and identify factors that prevent AIDS orphans in presenting themselves for Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Socio-cultural factors, notably, stigma and the resultant discrimination by community members, have been presented by many researchers as the main aetiological factors that hinder the use of VCT by AIDS orphans. It is on the basis of this that this study was conducted to identify factors that hinder AIDS orphans from accessing VCT. The study used a qualitative approach following an explorative and descriptive, contextual research design and was conducted at Ubuntu Education Fund, Port Elizabeth. Purposive sampling was used to determine a sample of AIDS orphans. Participants of the study had to be orphaned as a result of AIDS, isiXhosa-speaking, between 12-17 years, living in the care of a primary care-giver and had not presented themselves for VCT. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews are suitable in cases where the researcher is interested in an issue that is complex or personal (De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Deloport, 2005). Data was analyzed according to the framework provided by Tesch (1990) as described in Creswell (2003). The major findings of this study were that people are locked in a ‘poverty-of-the mind cycle’, in respect of HIV and AIDS, and this is exacerbated by educational impoverishment and general poverty. The recommendations that emanated from this study are made from policy and service delivery perspectives. It is recommended that in order for AIDS orphans to access VCT they should be developed and empowered through sustainable programmes that enhance their capacities to the outmost realization of their potential. It is also recommended that health and other professionals should encourage AIDS orphans and community members to present themselves for VCT and thus curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Guidelines for the management of patients with diabetes mellitus at health care clinics in the Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- De Mendonça, Hester Magdalena
- Authors: De Mendonça, Hester Magdalena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: vital:10011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1017 , Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the new epidemic in the world with 246 million people suffering from the disease at the moment and a projected increase to 380 million in 2025 (IDF, 2007b:36). The developing countries are the most vulnerable. Statistics state that SA and Egypt have the most diabetics on the continent. Globally, each year 3,8 million deaths are attributable to DM (IDF, 2007a). The Department of Health (DOH) and the Cacadu District Municipality (Eastern Cape) are serving a population of 102 721 in the Kouga and Koukamma areas, which covers an area of 5 992 km², with health care. There are 22 clinics with 28 registered nurses for all the clinics and between 3 and 9 lay health workers (LHWs) per clinic. For the purpose of this research study, the persons suffering from DM (±3550) in this area were taken into consideration (Strydom, 2005). DM is a chronic disorder and therefore patients should be able to manage their disease pattern for the rest of their lives (Healthline, 2008, Mbanya, 2006:12). In order to achieve this, continuous and effective patient education by health care providers are necessary. This disease affects more and more people each passing day, because of the rapid westernisation of the South African population, leading to more people attending clinics in the public health sector (Bonnici, 2002:32). There are specific guidelines laid down by the Department of Health (DOH) pertaining to the control and management of DM. Guidelines include the early diagnosis, treatment and patient education regarding DM (Department of Health, 1997, [revised 2004]). Evidence from previous research studies showed that not all registered nurses are aware of these guidelines and most have not been educated regarding the utilisation of these guidelines (O’Brien, van Rooyen & Carlson, 2006:36-40). In the clinics, the health care givers are confronted with a number of difficulties, such as a lack of funds to enable them to order adequate equipment and medicine. Another problem is the migration of registered nurses out of the country thus; there is also a shortage of staff to operate these clinics (Mkhize, 2004). The organisational structure in the clinics does not function optimally and there is a lack of communication between provincial, district and clinic level. Due to the above-mentioned challenges there is also a lack of efficient auditing systems to ensure quality assurance. Furthermore, a knowledge deficit pertaining to DM and the management thereof in all the groups participating in this study, namely the registered nurses, the lay health workers (LHWs) and the diabetic patients was found. The empowerment process of the LHW is not explored fully and therefore not executed to its full potential. To be able to improve the management of DM in this region, it is important to know what the difficulties are that the health care givers as well as the patients experience in relation to this issue. This study therefore explored and described these difficulties. The research was based on a qualitative, quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. Health care givers as well as diabetic patients attending clinics in the Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape have been requested to complete questionnaires pertaining to their knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus. The current organisational structure of the provincial department of health was explored and findings analysed using the activities of the management process (Muller, 2006:106). The SA Government is committed to combining the national human resource development strategy with the rapid upgrading of service delivery to all of the nation’s communities. Stemming from this undertaking, suitable members of the community are to be trained as LHWs. LHWs are to play an integral role in strengthening the abilities of the community to empower themselves to participate and take responsibility for their own health and wellness (Department of Health, 2001a:4). From the research, it was found that the above-mentioned national plan had been implemented, but is not functioning at optimum level due to several shortcomings/deficits. Proposed guidelines were therefore designed to address the shortcomings and fragmentation of the plan. As specific knowledge deficits in DM were identified during this research study, general educational guidelines were included for the registered nurses and the diabetic patients. The LHW was identified as an indispensable link in the chain of efficient health care and therefore, specific educational guidelines on DM were generated to prepare her for the role. With her knowledge, insight into DM and the management thereof and newly required skills in educating and supporting of the patient, she could be an asset in the road to optimum self-care for the diabetic patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: De Mendonça, Hester Magdalena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: vital:10011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1017 , Diabetics -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the new epidemic in the world with 246 million people suffering from the disease at the moment and a projected increase to 380 million in 2025 (IDF, 2007b:36). The developing countries are the most vulnerable. Statistics state that SA and Egypt have the most diabetics on the continent. Globally, each year 3,8 million deaths are attributable to DM (IDF, 2007a). The Department of Health (DOH) and the Cacadu District Municipality (Eastern Cape) are serving a population of 102 721 in the Kouga and Koukamma areas, which covers an area of 5 992 km², with health care. There are 22 clinics with 28 registered nurses for all the clinics and between 3 and 9 lay health workers (LHWs) per clinic. For the purpose of this research study, the persons suffering from DM (±3550) in this area were taken into consideration (Strydom, 2005). DM is a chronic disorder and therefore patients should be able to manage their disease pattern for the rest of their lives (Healthline, 2008, Mbanya, 2006:12). In order to achieve this, continuous and effective patient education by health care providers are necessary. This disease affects more and more people each passing day, because of the rapid westernisation of the South African population, leading to more people attending clinics in the public health sector (Bonnici, 2002:32). There are specific guidelines laid down by the Department of Health (DOH) pertaining to the control and management of DM. Guidelines include the early diagnosis, treatment and patient education regarding DM (Department of Health, 1997, [revised 2004]). Evidence from previous research studies showed that not all registered nurses are aware of these guidelines and most have not been educated regarding the utilisation of these guidelines (O’Brien, van Rooyen & Carlson, 2006:36-40). In the clinics, the health care givers are confronted with a number of difficulties, such as a lack of funds to enable them to order adequate equipment and medicine. Another problem is the migration of registered nurses out of the country thus; there is also a shortage of staff to operate these clinics (Mkhize, 2004). The organisational structure in the clinics does not function optimally and there is a lack of communication between provincial, district and clinic level. Due to the above-mentioned challenges there is also a lack of efficient auditing systems to ensure quality assurance. Furthermore, a knowledge deficit pertaining to DM and the management thereof in all the groups participating in this study, namely the registered nurses, the lay health workers (LHWs) and the diabetic patients was found. The empowerment process of the LHW is not explored fully and therefore not executed to its full potential. To be able to improve the management of DM in this region, it is important to know what the difficulties are that the health care givers as well as the patients experience in relation to this issue. This study therefore explored and described these difficulties. The research was based on a qualitative, quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. Health care givers as well as diabetic patients attending clinics in the Cacadu region of the Eastern Cape have been requested to complete questionnaires pertaining to their knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus. The current organisational structure of the provincial department of health was explored and findings analysed using the activities of the management process (Muller, 2006:106). The SA Government is committed to combining the national human resource development strategy with the rapid upgrading of service delivery to all of the nation’s communities. Stemming from this undertaking, suitable members of the community are to be trained as LHWs. LHWs are to play an integral role in strengthening the abilities of the community to empower themselves to participate and take responsibility for their own health and wellness (Department of Health, 2001a:4). From the research, it was found that the above-mentioned national plan had been implemented, but is not functioning at optimum level due to several shortcomings/deficits. Proposed guidelines were therefore designed to address the shortcomings and fragmentation of the plan. As specific knowledge deficits in DM were identified during this research study, general educational guidelines were included for the registered nurses and the diabetic patients. The LHW was identified as an indispensable link in the chain of efficient health care and therefore, specific educational guidelines on DM were generated to prepare her for the role. With her knowledge, insight into DM and the management thereof and newly required skills in educating and supporting of the patient, she could be an asset in the road to optimum self-care for the diabetic patient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer : a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Chéze, Eldon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1221 , Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Serial crime is an element of society that continues to disturb and fascinate scholars. There is thus a need to understand the uniqueness of serial murderers and their psychological development. The field of psychobiography is a qualitative approach to uncover the story of an individual life through greater understanding of psychological concepts. Psychobiographical research is invaluable in the application of theory to the finished lives of exemplary or enigmatic individuals to develop and test theories of human development. Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (1960 – 1994), a cannibalistic serial killer who killed 17 young men, served as the single psychobiographical subject in this study. Dahmer was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. A qualitative psychobiographical research method was utilized in this study. The primary aim of the research was to explore and describe Jeffrey Dahmer’s personality development across his lifespan. This was achieved by applying Erikson’s (1950) psychosocial theory of staged developmental crises to the lifespan developmental process and Adler’s (1929) dynamic individual psychology to provide a more comprehensive idiographic interpretation of Dahmer as an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer’s life history was uncovered in this psychobiographical case study research through the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, which highlighted five significant historical periods: (a) Childhood of Fantasy, (b) The Quiet Loner, (c) Hiatus – or Build-up, (d) Seeking a Compliant Partner and (e) Arrest, Trial and Death. The two theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyze data for analytical generalization (Yin, 1994). A conceptual framework derived from the two theoretical perspectives was constructed to organize and integrate data and to guide the presentation and discussion of the findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggested that both theoretical perspectives considered the biopsychosocial as well as cultural and historical influences of situations and experiences in Dahmer’s personality development throughout the lifespan. Adlerian theory indicated that Dahmer held a socially useless lifestyle whose movement was guided purposively towards a fictional goal xxii of godlikeness through creative, concrete expressions of personal superiority. Eriksonian theory held that Dahmer remained in role confusion, which was viewed as a functional, fragmented identity to survive in society and achieve a fantasy. Thus, both theories indicated, despite their different conceptualizations, that Dahmer’s personality development was ultimately not socially beneficial. The study of Dahmer’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of both Erikson (1950) and Adler’s (1929) theories to understand the processes of personality development in an individual life. It has further highlighted the uniqueness of individual responses to life tasks and consequently unlocked the possibility of perceiving people and their actions differently. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings that utilize a psychobiographical research design and methodology to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of enigmatic personalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chéze, Eldon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1221 , Dahmer, Jeffrey , Personality development -- South Africa , Murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology , Adlerian psychology -- South Africa , Serial murder investigation -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects
- Description: Serial crime is an element of society that continues to disturb and fascinate scholars. There is thus a need to understand the uniqueness of serial murderers and their psychological development. The field of psychobiography is a qualitative approach to uncover the story of an individual life through greater understanding of psychological concepts. Psychobiographical research is invaluable in the application of theory to the finished lives of exemplary or enigmatic individuals to develop and test theories of human development. Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (1960 – 1994), a cannibalistic serial killer who killed 17 young men, served as the single psychobiographical subject in this study. Dahmer was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. A qualitative psychobiographical research method was utilized in this study. The primary aim of the research was to explore and describe Jeffrey Dahmer’s personality development across his lifespan. This was achieved by applying Erikson’s (1950) psychosocial theory of staged developmental crises to the lifespan developmental process and Adler’s (1929) dynamic individual psychology to provide a more comprehensive idiographic interpretation of Dahmer as an individual. Jeffrey Dahmer’s life history was uncovered in this psychobiographical case study research through the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, which highlighted five significant historical periods: (a) Childhood of Fantasy, (b) The Quiet Loner, (c) Hiatus – or Build-up, (d) Seeking a Compliant Partner and (e) Arrest, Trial and Death. The two theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyze data for analytical generalization (Yin, 1994). A conceptual framework derived from the two theoretical perspectives was constructed to organize and integrate data and to guide the presentation and discussion of the findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggested that both theoretical perspectives considered the biopsychosocial as well as cultural and historical influences of situations and experiences in Dahmer’s personality development throughout the lifespan. Adlerian theory indicated that Dahmer held a socially useless lifestyle whose movement was guided purposively towards a fictional goal xxii of godlikeness through creative, concrete expressions of personal superiority. Eriksonian theory held that Dahmer remained in role confusion, which was viewed as a functional, fragmented identity to survive in society and achieve a fantasy. Thus, both theories indicated, despite their different conceptualizations, that Dahmer’s personality development was ultimately not socially beneficial. The study of Dahmer’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of both Erikson (1950) and Adler’s (1929) theories to understand the processes of personality development in an individual life. It has further highlighted the uniqueness of individual responses to life tasks and consequently unlocked the possibility of perceiving people and their actions differently. Recommendations were made for future research undertakings that utilize a psychobiographical research design and methodology to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of enigmatic personalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Job satisfaction of public sector pharmacists in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Matshotyana, Kidwell
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1006 , Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: There is a severe shortage of pharmacists in the Nelson Mandela Metropole with a current vacancy rate of over 50 percent on the approved posts for pharmacists (PERSAL 31 December 2007). The metropole has struggled to retain pharmacists in spite of the urban setting. The aim of this research was to measure the level of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists working in the public sector of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research objective was to conduct a questionnaire-based survey of pharmacists working in public sector facilities in the Nelson Mandela Metropole in order to assess their levels of job satisfaction, and report the findings with appropriate recommendations to management. For this study, the modified JDI Index survey was used focusing on the subscales; work, pay, promotion, supervision, co-workers and patient interaction. Possible retention strategies were also investigated through the use of open ended questions. The questionnaire was administered to 30 pharmacists in full time employment within the public sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned giving an 83.3 percent response rate. The pharmacists were generally satisfied with the job, their pharmacy co-workers, patient interaction and supervision but were not satisfied with salary and promotion opportunities in the public sector. Using a score from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating a level of high satisfaction, the mean scores for the six subscales were, job (3.2), income (2.1), patient interaction (3.3), promotion (2.0), co-workers (3.4) and supervision (3.7). Financial packages (23, n=25) and fringe benefits (22, n=25) were indicated as the most effective strategies in attracting and retaining pharmacists into the public service. The majority of respondents (15, n=25) agreed that the favourable working hours, flexibility of work, regular working hours with no weekend duties were the most vii positive aspects about their job. The negative aspects mentioned by the majority of the respondents (15, n=25) included poor remuneration, unrealistic notch increases and salaries that were not market-related and uncompetitive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matshotyana, Kidwell
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1006 , Job satisfaction , Employee retention , Pharmacists -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: There is a severe shortage of pharmacists in the Nelson Mandela Metropole with a current vacancy rate of over 50 percent on the approved posts for pharmacists (PERSAL 31 December 2007). The metropole has struggled to retain pharmacists in spite of the urban setting. The aim of this research was to measure the level of job satisfaction amongst pharmacists working in the public sector of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research objective was to conduct a questionnaire-based survey of pharmacists working in public sector facilities in the Nelson Mandela Metropole in order to assess their levels of job satisfaction, and report the findings with appropriate recommendations to management. For this study, the modified JDI Index survey was used focusing on the subscales; work, pay, promotion, supervision, co-workers and patient interaction. Possible retention strategies were also investigated through the use of open ended questions. The questionnaire was administered to 30 pharmacists in full time employment within the public sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. A total of 25 questionnaires were returned giving an 83.3 percent response rate. The pharmacists were generally satisfied with the job, their pharmacy co-workers, patient interaction and supervision but were not satisfied with salary and promotion opportunities in the public sector. Using a score from 1 to 5, with 5 indicating a level of high satisfaction, the mean scores for the six subscales were, job (3.2), income (2.1), patient interaction (3.3), promotion (2.0), co-workers (3.4) and supervision (3.7). Financial packages (23, n=25) and fringe benefits (22, n=25) were indicated as the most effective strategies in attracting and retaining pharmacists into the public service. The majority of respondents (15, n=25) agreed that the favourable working hours, flexibility of work, regular working hours with no weekend duties were the most vii positive aspects about their job. The negative aspects mentioned by the majority of the respondents (15, n=25) included poor remuneration, unrealistic notch increases and salaries that were not market-related and uncompetitive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Mahatma Gandhi : a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Pillay, Koneshverrie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mahatma Gandhi Institute (Mauritius) , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Psychoanalysis , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1159 , Mahatma Gandhi Institute (Mauritius) , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Psychoanalysis , Developmental psychology
- Description: The study is of a psychobiographical nature, employing a psychological theory as a paradigm within which to uncover the narrative of an individual’s life. There are relatively few studies of this nature, particularly with a South African focus. The study applied a qualitative psychobiographical research method which aimed to describe Mahatma Gandhi's psychological development according to Erik Erikson’s (1950) Psychosocial Developmental Theory. Mohandas Karamchund Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi as he was generally known was a major political and spiritual leader. Although much has been written on his life, a psychobiography has not yet been written. He was chosen as the research subject through purposive sampling on the basis of interest value, uniqueness and significance of his life. The data collection and analysis was conducted according to Yin’s (1994) ‘analytic generalization’ which incorporated Erikson’s theory of psychosocial stages. Alexander’s (1988) nine proposed guidelines assisted in the process of data analysis. The study concluded that Gandhi had attained the ego virtues of hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity love, care and wisdom as proposed by Erikson’s (1950) Psychosocial Developmental Theory within the delineated age frame.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pillay, Koneshverrie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mahatma Gandhi Institute (Mauritius) , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Psychoanalysis , Developmental psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1159 , Mahatma Gandhi Institute (Mauritius) , Psychology -- Biographical methods , Psychoanalysis , Developmental psychology
- Description: The study is of a psychobiographical nature, employing a psychological theory as a paradigm within which to uncover the narrative of an individual’s life. There are relatively few studies of this nature, particularly with a South African focus. The study applied a qualitative psychobiographical research method which aimed to describe Mahatma Gandhi's psychological development according to Erik Erikson’s (1950) Psychosocial Developmental Theory. Mohandas Karamchund Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi as he was generally known was a major political and spiritual leader. Although much has been written on his life, a psychobiography has not yet been written. He was chosen as the research subject through purposive sampling on the basis of interest value, uniqueness and significance of his life. The data collection and analysis was conducted according to Yin’s (1994) ‘analytic generalization’ which incorporated Erikson’s theory of psychosocial stages. Alexander’s (1988) nine proposed guidelines assisted in the process of data analysis. The study concluded that Gandhi had attained the ego virtues of hope, will, purpose, competence, fidelity love, care and wisdom as proposed by Erikson’s (1950) Psychosocial Developmental Theory within the delineated age frame.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Optimizing the recovery rate of Mycobacterium species from gastric lavages in children at an urban Zambian hospital
- Authors: Lubasi, David
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1440 , Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged as a major worldwide public health hazard with increasing incidence among adults and children. Although cases among children represent a small percentage of all TB cases, they are a reservoir from which many adult cases will arise. Estimates indicate that 9 million people develop TB annually, out of which 1 million (11 percent) occur in children less than 15 years old. Childhood tuberculosis is on the increase worldwide because of persisting inability to conform the diagnosis, leading to a large number of children dying of undiagnosed tuberculosis. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis has depended on bacteriological examination of sputum. In most of the developing countries sputum smear microscopy has been used as it has been found to be cheap and relative efficient. As a result of the high TB burden, there is an urgent need for improved methods of laboratory diagnosis of TB. This is especially needed in children were diagnosis is more challenging as mycobacteria is being detected in fewer than 50 percent of the cases. Children cannot produce adequate sputum samples for examination. Their sputum samples, if produced, has a low bacterial yield and making detection of mycobacteria by using the smear microscopy difficult. Therefore, gastric lavages from children are being recommended as the best specimen for culture. In this study, gastric lavages from 408 children suspected of having tuberculosis were examined for the recovery of mycobacteria. Recovery was optimized by the use of the relatively new non-radiometric fully automated BACTEC MGIT 960. BACTEC MGIT 960 produced a positivity rate of 27.2 percent against 17.2 percent that of Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media, which is a conventional culture method used widely. The direct microscopy which is the cheapest traditional method used in diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) yielded a 5.6 percent positive rate. The BACTEC MGIT 960 had also a very high isolate detection rate of 98.2 percent compared to that of L-J media of 61.9 percent, and only 20.4 percent were detected with the direct microscopy. On time taken to detection or mean time to detection (TTD) of v isolates, the BACTEC MGIT 960 technique had a shorter mean time to detection, 12.5 days as compared to 34.3 days shown by the L-J media technique. The study showed that children normally get tuberculosis from adult members of the household. A positive TB case was found in the households of 55.4 percent of the suspects. The study has found that 46.4 percent of the children below the age of 4 years developed the disease, compared to 10.5 percent the older children in the age group 10 to 14 years. The study found that tuberculosis in children is mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Out of the 113 isolates detected, 110 (97.3 percent) were M. tuberculosis. The remaining 2.7 percent were the non-tuberculous M. avium complex and M. kansasii. It was inconclusive whether the 2.7 percent of other species were causing tuberculosis and this need to be studied further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lubasi, David
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1440 , Mycobacterium , Tuberculosis in children -- Diagnosis -- Zambia
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged as a major worldwide public health hazard with increasing incidence among adults and children. Although cases among children represent a small percentage of all TB cases, they are a reservoir from which many adult cases will arise. Estimates indicate that 9 million people develop TB annually, out of which 1 million (11 percent) occur in children less than 15 years old. Childhood tuberculosis is on the increase worldwide because of persisting inability to conform the diagnosis, leading to a large number of children dying of undiagnosed tuberculosis. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis has depended on bacteriological examination of sputum. In most of the developing countries sputum smear microscopy has been used as it has been found to be cheap and relative efficient. As a result of the high TB burden, there is an urgent need for improved methods of laboratory diagnosis of TB. This is especially needed in children were diagnosis is more challenging as mycobacteria is being detected in fewer than 50 percent of the cases. Children cannot produce adequate sputum samples for examination. Their sputum samples, if produced, has a low bacterial yield and making detection of mycobacteria by using the smear microscopy difficult. Therefore, gastric lavages from children are being recommended as the best specimen for culture. In this study, gastric lavages from 408 children suspected of having tuberculosis were examined for the recovery of mycobacteria. Recovery was optimized by the use of the relatively new non-radiometric fully automated BACTEC MGIT 960. BACTEC MGIT 960 produced a positivity rate of 27.2 percent against 17.2 percent that of Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media, which is a conventional culture method used widely. The direct microscopy which is the cheapest traditional method used in diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) yielded a 5.6 percent positive rate. The BACTEC MGIT 960 had also a very high isolate detection rate of 98.2 percent compared to that of L-J media of 61.9 percent, and only 20.4 percent were detected with the direct microscopy. On time taken to detection or mean time to detection (TTD) of v isolates, the BACTEC MGIT 960 technique had a shorter mean time to detection, 12.5 days as compared to 34.3 days shown by the L-J media technique. The study showed that children normally get tuberculosis from adult members of the household. A positive TB case was found in the households of 55.4 percent of the suspects. The study has found that 46.4 percent of the children below the age of 4 years developed the disease, compared to 10.5 percent the older children in the age group 10 to 14 years. The study found that tuberculosis in children is mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Out of the 113 isolates detected, 110 (97.3 percent) were M. tuberculosis. The remaining 2.7 percent were the non-tuberculous M. avium complex and M. kansasii. It was inconclusive whether the 2.7 percent of other species were causing tuberculosis and this need to be studied further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Registered nurses' knowledge of infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex of private hospitals
- Authors: Malan, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1079 , Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Description: Infections are a major source of morbidity and cause of mortality during the post-operative phase for patients. Wound infections are the second most commonly encountered type of nosocomial, hospital-acquired, infection in the United States (Nichols, 2007:8). Owing to the fact that wound infection may be induced, such as, by not applying infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex, it is imperative to implement infection control principles and apply sterile technique principles. The researcher noticed that some of the sterile technique principles were not carried out in the operating room complex which lead to the necessity to assess the knowledge of registered nurses’ regarding the implementation of infection control and sterile technique principles. The main goal of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge of registered nurses’ in two private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, related to infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex. Following the analysis of the data, the researcher made recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex. The research design was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The sample consisted of all the registered nurses known as scrub nurses, in the operating room complex. The unit managers were excluded from the study, because the researcher utilized their assistance with the handing out and collecting of the questionnaires because, not all scrub nurses were at work at the same time. Firstly a pilot study was conducted (in both private hospitals) to confirm the reliability of the data collection instrument. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was self-administered and consisted out of three sections: Section A – Biographical Data; Section B – Knowledge Base Related to Infection Control Principles and Section C – Knowledge Base Related to the Principles of Asepsis. The researcher consulted experts to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and to ensure that the iv questionnaires would measure what it is intended to measure and that it will remain consistent. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed by means of statistical and inferential analysis and included descriptive statistics with the assistance of a statistician. Following the analysis of the data, recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex was made. This was done with relevant literature and the guidelines were discussed with experts in the field. The researcher ensured that all the legal and ethical requirements, such as the participants’ right to privacy, were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Malan, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1079 , Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Description: Infections are a major source of morbidity and cause of mortality during the post-operative phase for patients. Wound infections are the second most commonly encountered type of nosocomial, hospital-acquired, infection in the United States (Nichols, 2007:8). Owing to the fact that wound infection may be induced, such as, by not applying infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex, it is imperative to implement infection control principles and apply sterile technique principles. The researcher noticed that some of the sterile technique principles were not carried out in the operating room complex which lead to the necessity to assess the knowledge of registered nurses’ regarding the implementation of infection control and sterile technique principles. The main goal of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge of registered nurses’ in two private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, related to infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex. Following the analysis of the data, the researcher made recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex. The research design was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The sample consisted of all the registered nurses known as scrub nurses, in the operating room complex. The unit managers were excluded from the study, because the researcher utilized their assistance with the handing out and collecting of the questionnaires because, not all scrub nurses were at work at the same time. Firstly a pilot study was conducted (in both private hospitals) to confirm the reliability of the data collection instrument. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was self-administered and consisted out of three sections: Section A – Biographical Data; Section B – Knowledge Base Related to Infection Control Principles and Section C – Knowledge Base Related to the Principles of Asepsis. The researcher consulted experts to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and to ensure that the iv questionnaires would measure what it is intended to measure and that it will remain consistent. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed by means of statistical and inferential analysis and included descriptive statistics with the assistance of a statistician. Following the analysis of the data, recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex was made. This was done with relevant literature and the guidelines were discussed with experts in the field. The researcher ensured that all the legal and ethical requirements, such as the participants’ right to privacy, were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Resilience in children experiencing voluntary parental absence
- Authors: Kana, Gudveig Kartveit
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1167 , Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Description: The South African White Paper for Social Welfare (1997:58) acknowledges the importance to children of living in a secure and nurturing family. Nevertheless, many families are unable to fulfil their parenting roles as a result of the increasing pressures in society. One of these pressures concerns the employment of parents. There is an increasing tendency for people to relocate to bigger cities where there are more job opportunities. This then results in many children being left in the care of grandparents or other relatives while the biological parents pursue job opportunities in other cities. The aim of this study was to enhance an understanding of children’s experiences of these voluntary parental absences and the factors that contribute to their resilience during this process. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed and seven primary school children (10-12 years) from Port Elizabeth participated in semi-structured interviews including drawings. Trustworthiness was ensured and data analysis was conducted by using Tesch’s model (in Creswell, 1998). Four themes were derived from the study: Children’s perception of a family, where the participants defined family according to characteristics of (amongst others) care and love; Children’s experiences of living with a substitute family, where there was a process of detachment from biological parents, attachment to the substitute family and present experiences in the new family; Resilience in children, where the participants revealed their ways of coping; and, lastly, Suggestions from the participants on how other children in the same situation could cope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kana, Gudveig Kartveit
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1167 , Children of working parents -- South Africa , Latchkey children -- South Africa , Children -- Family relationships , Work and family , Public welfare -- South Africa , Social service -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Description: The South African White Paper for Social Welfare (1997:58) acknowledges the importance to children of living in a secure and nurturing family. Nevertheless, many families are unable to fulfil their parenting roles as a result of the increasing pressures in society. One of these pressures concerns the employment of parents. There is an increasing tendency for people to relocate to bigger cities where there are more job opportunities. This then results in many children being left in the care of grandparents or other relatives while the biological parents pursue job opportunities in other cities. The aim of this study was to enhance an understanding of children’s experiences of these voluntary parental absences and the factors that contribute to their resilience during this process. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed and seven primary school children (10-12 years) from Port Elizabeth participated in semi-structured interviews including drawings. Trustworthiness was ensured and data analysis was conducted by using Tesch’s model (in Creswell, 1998). Four themes were derived from the study: Children’s perception of a family, where the participants defined family according to characteristics of (amongst others) care and love; Children’s experiences of living with a substitute family, where there was a process of detachment from biological parents, attachment to the substitute family and present experiences in the new family; Resilience in children, where the participants revealed their ways of coping; and, lastly, Suggestions from the participants on how other children in the same situation could cope.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Resilience in families where a parent misuses alcohol
- Authors: Fisher, Ruth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/953 , Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: Surveys have shown that alcohol misuse is the biggest substance misuse problem in the world today, affecting millions of people. With the disease being part of a family, all members of the family experience the distress of parental alcohol misuse. While the challenges that these families have to face are many, they seem to have the ability to “bounce back”, in other words, have resilience. There has been limited research to date on family relations and alcohol misuse in South Africa, especially in terms of the parental member as the alcohol misuser. The proposed research aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families where a member misuses alcohol. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was used to analyze the factors that enable a family to adapt to the alcohol misuse, as outlined in the broader study at the University of Stellenbosch. An exploratory descriptive research design was employed in the proposed study. For the purposes of this study, the researcher combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to use their complementary strengths to enrich the data obtained from the proposed study. Sixty three families were surveyed using a biographical questionnaire and seven pencil-and-paper questionnaires. These families were accessed via drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities throughout South Africa. The data from the biographical questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the proposed research allow for better management of the alcohol misuser’s condition through the understanding of what resiliency areas the family may improve upon. Furthermore, the study can be used as a stepping stone for future research of resilience in families living with a parental member who misuses alcohol, and ultimately contributes to the broader context of family resilience research in South Africa. Key words: alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, family, resilience, adjustment, adaptability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Fisher, Ruth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/953 , Alcoholics -- South Africa -- Family relationships , Alcoholism -- South Africa -- Prevention , Family psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: Surveys have shown that alcohol misuse is the biggest substance misuse problem in the world today, affecting millions of people. With the disease being part of a family, all members of the family experience the distress of parental alcohol misuse. While the challenges that these families have to face are many, they seem to have the ability to “bounce back”, in other words, have resilience. There has been limited research to date on family relations and alcohol misuse in South Africa, especially in terms of the parental member as the alcohol misuser. The proposed research aimed to explore and describe the factors that facilitate adjustment and adaptation in families where a member misuses alcohol. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation was used to analyze the factors that enable a family to adapt to the alcohol misuse, as outlined in the broader study at the University of Stellenbosch. An exploratory descriptive research design was employed in the proposed study. For the purposes of this study, the researcher combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to use their complementary strengths to enrich the data obtained from the proposed study. Sixty three families were surveyed using a biographical questionnaire and seven pencil-and-paper questionnaires. These families were accessed via drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities throughout South Africa. The data from the biographical questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The findings of the proposed research allow for better management of the alcohol misuser’s condition through the understanding of what resiliency areas the family may improve upon. Furthermore, the study can be used as a stepping stone for future research of resilience in families living with a parental member who misuses alcohol, and ultimately contributes to the broader context of family resilience research in South Africa. Key words: alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, family, resilience, adjustment, adaptability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners
- Authors: Tembani, Nomazwi Maudline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Alternative medicine -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: vital:10012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1283 , Alternative medicine -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
- Description: The formal recognition of traditional healing has been controversial for some time with traditional healers being labelled by those of conventional medical orientation as a medical hazard and purveyors of superstition. The support for the development of traditional medicine and establishment of co-operation between traditional healers and allopathic heath practitioners was first promoted in the international health arena by the World Health Organisation. Estimating that 80% of the population living in rural areas of many developing countries was using traditional medicine for the primary healthcare needs, this organisation advocated for the establishment of mechanisms that would facilitate strong cooperation between traditional healers, scientists and clinicians. The study was undertaken in the Amathole District Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape based on Chapter 2, Section 6(2) (a) of the Traditional Health Practitioners Bill 2003, which required regulation and promotion of liaison between traditional health practitioners and other health professionals registered under any law. The purpose of the study was to develop and propose strategies to facilitate collaboration between traditional and allopathic health practitioners to optimise and complement healthcare delivery. The conceptual framework guiding the study was derived from Leininger’s theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality chosen because of its appropriateness. The terms used throughout the study were defined to facilitate the reader’s understanding. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the research process. To ensure trustworthiness of the study, Guba’s model (in Krefting,1991:214-215) was used where the four aspects of trustworthiness namely, truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality were considered. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used which assisted in articulating the appropriate strategies to develop to facilitate v collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. The study was done in two phases. Phase one entailed data collection using unstructured interviews, a focus group interview, literature control and modified participant observation. In Phase two strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners were developed. The population in this study comprised three groups of participants. Group 1 consisted of allopathic health practitioners, Group 2 comprised traditional healers and Group 3 was composed of participants who were trained as both traditional healers and allopathic health practitioners. All participants had to respond to three research questions which aimed at: exploring and describing the nature of the relationship between allopathic and traditional health practitioners before legalisation of traditional healing and their experience as role-players in the healthcare delivery landscape in the Amathole District Municipality. eliciting the viewpoints of allopathic and traditional health practitioners regarding the impact on their practices of legalisation of traditional healing and developing strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. Data obtained from each group was analysed using Tesch’s method as described by Creswell (2003:192). Themes emerging from data and the corresponding strategies to address the themes were identified for each group. The participants’ responses to the three research questions revealed areas of convergence and divergence. Of significance was the reflection by the participants on their negative attitude towards each other. They also highlighted that there was no formal interaction between traditional and allopathic health practitioners in the Amathole District Municipality. Their working relationship was characterised by a one-sided referral system with traditional healers referring patients to allopathic health practitioners but this seemed not to be reciprocated vi by the latter group. The exception was the case of traditional surgeons whose working relationship with allopathic health practitioners was formally outlined in the Application of Health Standards in the Traditional Circumcision Act, Act No.6 of 2001. Allopathic health practitioners attributed their negative attitude as emanating from the unscientific methods used by traditional healers in treating patients, interference of traditional healers with the efficacy of hospital treatments and delays by traditional healers in referring patients to the hospitals and clinics. Traditional healers stated that they were concerned about failure of allopathic health practitioners to refer patients who talked about “thikoloshe” and “mafufunyana” to the traditional healers. Consequently, these patients presented themselves to the traditional healers when the illness was at an advanced stage. A reciprocal referral system was perceived by the traditional healers as the core element or crux of collaboration. There were ambivalent views regarding the impact of legalisation of traditional healing on the practices of both traditional and allopathic health practitioners. Elimination of unscrupulous healers, economic benefits, and occupational protection were benefits anticipated by traditional healers from the implementation of the Act. The possibility of having to divulge information regarding their traditional medicines, monitoring of their practice resulting in arrests should errors occur were however, cited by traditional healers as threatening elements of the Act. A lack of understanding the activities of each group with an inherent element of mistrust became evident from the participants’ responses. Ways of fostering mutual understanding between them were suggested which included holding meetings together to discuss issues relating to healing of patients, exposing both groups of health practitioners to research, as well as training and development activities. The participants also highlighted areas of collaboration as sharing resources namely, budget, physical facilities, equipment and information and role clarification especially pertaining to disease management. The participants vii strongly suggested that there should be clarity on the type of diseases to be handled by each group. The need for capacity building of traditional and allopathic health practitioners in preparation for facilitating collaboration was advocated by all and the relevant activities to engage into were suggested. Analysis, synthesis and cross referencing of the themes that emerged from the data culminated in the identification of three strategies that were applicable to all groups of participants and which would assist in facilitating collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. The researcher coined the three strategies “Triple C” strategies abbreviated as the TRIC strategies. The first “C” of the three “Cs” stands for “change attitude”, the second “C” for “communication” and the third “C” for “capacity building.” Each of the proposed three strategies is discussed under the following headings:- Summary of findings informing the strategy Theory articulating the strategy Aim of the strategy Suggested implementation mechanism As the strategies had to be grounded in a theory which would serve as a reference point, the researcher used the Survey List by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968:423) as a conceptual framework on which to base the proposed three strategies. The results of this study and recommendations that have been made will be disseminated in professional journals, research conferences and seminars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Tembani, Nomazwi Maudline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Alternative medicine -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: vital:10012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1283 , Alternative medicine -- South Africa , Healers -- South Africa , Physicians -- South Africa
- Description: The formal recognition of traditional healing has been controversial for some time with traditional healers being labelled by those of conventional medical orientation as a medical hazard and purveyors of superstition. The support for the development of traditional medicine and establishment of co-operation between traditional healers and allopathic heath practitioners was first promoted in the international health arena by the World Health Organisation. Estimating that 80% of the population living in rural areas of many developing countries was using traditional medicine for the primary healthcare needs, this organisation advocated for the establishment of mechanisms that would facilitate strong cooperation between traditional healers, scientists and clinicians. The study was undertaken in the Amathole District Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape based on Chapter 2, Section 6(2) (a) of the Traditional Health Practitioners Bill 2003, which required regulation and promotion of liaison between traditional health practitioners and other health professionals registered under any law. The purpose of the study was to develop and propose strategies to facilitate collaboration between traditional and allopathic health practitioners to optimise and complement healthcare delivery. The conceptual framework guiding the study was derived from Leininger’s theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality chosen because of its appropriateness. The terms used throughout the study were defined to facilitate the reader’s understanding. Ethical principles were adhered to throughout the research process. To ensure trustworthiness of the study, Guba’s model (in Krefting,1991:214-215) was used where the four aspects of trustworthiness namely, truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality were considered. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used which assisted in articulating the appropriate strategies to develop to facilitate v collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. The study was done in two phases. Phase one entailed data collection using unstructured interviews, a focus group interview, literature control and modified participant observation. In Phase two strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners were developed. The population in this study comprised three groups of participants. Group 1 consisted of allopathic health practitioners, Group 2 comprised traditional healers and Group 3 was composed of participants who were trained as both traditional healers and allopathic health practitioners. All participants had to respond to three research questions which aimed at: exploring and describing the nature of the relationship between allopathic and traditional health practitioners before legalisation of traditional healing and their experience as role-players in the healthcare delivery landscape in the Amathole District Municipality. eliciting the viewpoints of allopathic and traditional health practitioners regarding the impact on their practices of legalisation of traditional healing and developing strategies to facilitate collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. Data obtained from each group was analysed using Tesch’s method as described by Creswell (2003:192). Themes emerging from data and the corresponding strategies to address the themes were identified for each group. The participants’ responses to the three research questions revealed areas of convergence and divergence. Of significance was the reflection by the participants on their negative attitude towards each other. They also highlighted that there was no formal interaction between traditional and allopathic health practitioners in the Amathole District Municipality. Their working relationship was characterised by a one-sided referral system with traditional healers referring patients to allopathic health practitioners but this seemed not to be reciprocated vi by the latter group. The exception was the case of traditional surgeons whose working relationship with allopathic health practitioners was formally outlined in the Application of Health Standards in the Traditional Circumcision Act, Act No.6 of 2001. Allopathic health practitioners attributed their negative attitude as emanating from the unscientific methods used by traditional healers in treating patients, interference of traditional healers with the efficacy of hospital treatments and delays by traditional healers in referring patients to the hospitals and clinics. Traditional healers stated that they were concerned about failure of allopathic health practitioners to refer patients who talked about “thikoloshe” and “mafufunyana” to the traditional healers. Consequently, these patients presented themselves to the traditional healers when the illness was at an advanced stage. A reciprocal referral system was perceived by the traditional healers as the core element or crux of collaboration. There were ambivalent views regarding the impact of legalisation of traditional healing on the practices of both traditional and allopathic health practitioners. Elimination of unscrupulous healers, economic benefits, and occupational protection were benefits anticipated by traditional healers from the implementation of the Act. The possibility of having to divulge information regarding their traditional medicines, monitoring of their practice resulting in arrests should errors occur were however, cited by traditional healers as threatening elements of the Act. A lack of understanding the activities of each group with an inherent element of mistrust became evident from the participants’ responses. Ways of fostering mutual understanding between them were suggested which included holding meetings together to discuss issues relating to healing of patients, exposing both groups of health practitioners to research, as well as training and development activities. The participants also highlighted areas of collaboration as sharing resources namely, budget, physical facilities, equipment and information and role clarification especially pertaining to disease management. The participants vii strongly suggested that there should be clarity on the type of diseases to be handled by each group. The need for capacity building of traditional and allopathic health practitioners in preparation for facilitating collaboration was advocated by all and the relevant activities to engage into were suggested. Analysis, synthesis and cross referencing of the themes that emerged from the data culminated in the identification of three strategies that were applicable to all groups of participants and which would assist in facilitating collaboration between allopathic and traditional health practitioners. The researcher coined the three strategies “Triple C” strategies abbreviated as the TRIC strategies. The first “C” of the three “Cs” stands for “change attitude”, the second “C” for “communication” and the third “C” for “capacity building.” Each of the proposed three strategies is discussed under the following headings:- Summary of findings informing the strategy Theory articulating the strategy Aim of the strategy Suggested implementation mechanism As the strategies had to be grounded in a theory which would serve as a reference point, the researcher used the Survey List by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968:423) as a conceptual framework on which to base the proposed three strategies. The results of this study and recommendations that have been made will be disseminated in professional journals, research conferences and seminars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The art of addiction : a phenomenological study of the lived experiences of cocaine dependents
- Authors: Plumb, Sarah
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cocaine abuse , Cocaine -- Social aspects , Drugs -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/902 , Cocaine abuse , Cocaine -- Social aspects , Drugs -- Physiological effect
- Description: Addiction is a complex social phenomenon resulting from psychological and physiological dependence. The aim of the study was to create a clinical impression of the lived experiences of cocaine dependents. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elicit the essence of addiction as experienced by the participants. Theoretical sampling ensured relevant participants were selected through haphazard sampling procedures. Data was collected through the use of biographical questionnaires and individual, semi-structured interviews with three cocaine dependents. Data was processed according to the four phenomenological principles epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis using Tesch’s eight steps. The essence of cocaine dependency is contained in the psychological experiences of the drug which define and perpetuate that addiction. The psychological addiction develops prior to physical dependence resulting in an entrenched addiction before treatment is sought by the cocaine dependents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Plumb, Sarah
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Cocaine abuse , Cocaine -- Social aspects , Drugs -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/902 , Cocaine abuse , Cocaine -- Social aspects , Drugs -- Physiological effect
- Description: Addiction is a complex social phenomenon resulting from psychological and physiological dependence. The aim of the study was to create a clinical impression of the lived experiences of cocaine dependents. A transcendental phenomenological approach was used to elicit the essence of addiction as experienced by the participants. Theoretical sampling ensured relevant participants were selected through haphazard sampling procedures. Data was collected through the use of biographical questionnaires and individual, semi-structured interviews with three cocaine dependents. Data was processed according to the four phenomenological principles epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation and synthesis using Tesch’s eight steps. The essence of cocaine dependency is contained in the psychological experiences of the drug which define and perpetuate that addiction. The psychological addiction develops prior to physical dependence resulting in an entrenched addiction before treatment is sought by the cocaine dependents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The attitudes and perceptions of students at a South African university towards binge drinking
- Authors: Mokgethi, Lerato
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: College students -- Alcohol use -- South Africa , Alcoholism -- Treatment -- South Africa , Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Binge drinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1560 , College students -- Alcohol use -- South Africa , Alcoholism -- Treatment -- South Africa , Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Binge drinking
- Description: The focus of this treatise is to explore the attitudes and perceptions of university students towards binge drinking at a South African University. Binge drinking among university students is a serious concern, prevalent on many campuses and ingrained on university campuses worldwide. The aims of this study were (a) to describe students’ understanding of binge drinking, (b) to explore and describe university students’ attitudes towards and perceptions of binge drinking, and (c) to explore the contextual factors relating to binge drinking within a university setting. An exploratory, qualitative approach was utilized. The collection of data was initiated using a biographical questionnaire to identify participants relevant to the study. The data collection process continued with semi‐structured focus group interviews. Data was collected by conducting four focus group sessions with two separate groups of students between the ages of 18 and 25 and residing on a university campus. Data analysis was conducted in accordance with the principles and guidelines of Tesch’s (as cited in Creswell, 1994) eight steps in qualitative data analysis. The results of this study indicate the following: there is lack of knowledge and understanding of binge drinking, students have positive perceptions of binge drinking and there is a perception that the university environment promotes binge drinking. In order to address binge drinking, strategies need to be implemented in the student, family, university and community context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mokgethi, Lerato
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: College students -- Alcohol use -- South Africa , Alcoholism -- Treatment -- South Africa , Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Binge drinking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1560 , College students -- Alcohol use -- South Africa , Alcoholism -- Treatment -- South Africa , Drug abuse -- Treatment -- South Africa , Binge drinking
- Description: The focus of this treatise is to explore the attitudes and perceptions of university students towards binge drinking at a South African University. Binge drinking among university students is a serious concern, prevalent on many campuses and ingrained on university campuses worldwide. The aims of this study were (a) to describe students’ understanding of binge drinking, (b) to explore and describe university students’ attitudes towards and perceptions of binge drinking, and (c) to explore the contextual factors relating to binge drinking within a university setting. An exploratory, qualitative approach was utilized. The collection of data was initiated using a biographical questionnaire to identify participants relevant to the study. The data collection process continued with semi‐structured focus group interviews. Data was collected by conducting four focus group sessions with two separate groups of students between the ages of 18 and 25 and residing on a university campus. Data analysis was conducted in accordance with the principles and guidelines of Tesch’s (as cited in Creswell, 1994) eight steps in qualitative data analysis. The results of this study indicate the following: there is lack of knowledge and understanding of binge drinking, students have positive perceptions of binge drinking and there is a perception that the university environment promotes binge drinking. In order to address binge drinking, strategies need to be implemented in the student, family, university and community context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The development, implementation and evaluation of a locus of control-based training programme for HIV and AIDS risk reduction among university students
- Authors: Gwandure, Calvin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1242 , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Description: There is an escalation of HIV and AIDS among the youth in South Africa and other developing countries. Research on HIV and AIDS risk factors has tended to focus more on poverty, gender, race, illiteracy, and violence than personality factors that could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour. Previous studies have also shown that wealth, education, race, and gender may not make an individual more or less vulnerable to HIV infection. This study argued that locus of control could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour and that external locus of control could be a risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a locus of control-based training programme in reducing HIV and AIDS risk among university students. The locus of control-based variables that formed the training programme for HIV and AIDS risk reduction among university students were: social systems control, self-control, fatalism, achievement-oriented behaviour, deferment of gratification, personal values and expectancies, and social alienation. These locus of control-based variables were regarded as contexts in which individuals could exhibit health risk behaviours. A sample of 257 first-year university students participated in the study. There were (N = 170) female participants and (N = 87) male participants drawn from the University of the Witwatersrand. The study was a pretest-posttest repeated measures design. Data were analysed using t tests, correlations, multiple regression, structural equation modelling, and repeated measures tests. The results of this study showed significant differences in health risks between participants with an external locus of control and participants with an internal locus of control. There was a significant relationship between locus of control-based variables and HIV and AIDS risk. The locus of control-based training programme significantly modified personality and significantly reduced locus of control-based health risks and HIV and AIDS risk. Directions for future research on locus of control, health risks, and HIV and AIDS risk could focus on the development and implementation of various locus of control-based training programmes in South Africa. Locus of control should be targeted as a health risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gwandure, Calvin
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1242 , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , HIV infections , Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services , Risk communication -- South Africa
- Description: There is an escalation of HIV and AIDS among the youth in South Africa and other developing countries. Research on HIV and AIDS risk factors has tended to focus more on poverty, gender, race, illiteracy, and violence than personality factors that could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour. Previous studies have also shown that wealth, education, race, and gender may not make an individual more or less vulnerable to HIV infection. This study argued that locus of control could influence an individual` s health-protective behaviour and that external locus of control could be a risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a locus of control-based training programme in reducing HIV and AIDS risk among university students. The locus of control-based variables that formed the training programme for HIV and AIDS risk reduction among university students were: social systems control, self-control, fatalism, achievement-oriented behaviour, deferment of gratification, personal values and expectancies, and social alienation. These locus of control-based variables were regarded as contexts in which individuals could exhibit health risk behaviours. A sample of 257 first-year university students participated in the study. There were (N = 170) female participants and (N = 87) male participants drawn from the University of the Witwatersrand. The study was a pretest-posttest repeated measures design. Data were analysed using t tests, correlations, multiple regression, structural equation modelling, and repeated measures tests. The results of this study showed significant differences in health risks between participants with an external locus of control and participants with an internal locus of control. There was a significant relationship between locus of control-based variables and HIV and AIDS risk. The locus of control-based training programme significantly modified personality and significantly reduced locus of control-based health risks and HIV and AIDS risk. Directions for future research on locus of control, health risks, and HIV and AIDS risk could focus on the development and implementation of various locus of control-based training programmes in South Africa. Locus of control should be targeted as a health risk factor in HIV and AIDS risk reduction training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experience and aftermath of chronic bullying on individuals' socio-emotional development
- Authors: Darney, Christine Kyle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1214 , Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Bullying behaviour is fast becoming a common feature in schools around the world. It is a practice that provokes concern, as it infringes upon the child’s right to human dignity, privacy, freedom and security. The physical, emotional and educational consequences of bullying behaviour can never be underestimated (Oyaziwo, 2008). Limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding the prevalence and possible long-term effects of chronic bullying at school. This study intended to explore and describe the prevalence of bullying behaviour among a sample of grade 8 learners and the prevalence of previous chronic bullying at school among a sample of young adults in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between chronic bullying at school and self-esteem and attachment styles. Finally, the contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of chronic bullying for victims were explored and described. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a mixed method research design. Participants were selected by means of non-probability sampling. The sample consisted of 225 grade 8 learners at a secondary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and 101 young adult participants who had completed their school education in the Nelson Mandela Metropole within the past sixteen years. Data on the demographics of the sample was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. Furthermore, the Olweus (1996) Bully/Victim Questionnaire was utilized in order to obtain information about the prevalence of bullying behaviours among the participants. James Battle’s (1981) Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventories were used to measure the construct of self-esteem, and Bartholomew and Horowitz’ (1991) Relationship Questionnaire was employed in order to identify the participants’ current attachment styles. Individual semi-structured interviews were later conducted among a sub-set of young adult participants, who had experienced chronic bullying at school, in order to identify the contextual factors which may have influenced the xiii outcomes of their experiences of victimization. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized in order to analyze the quantitative data. Key findings revealed that eighty-five percent of the grade 8 participants had been involved in bullying behaviours at school this year and ninety-one percent of the young adult participants had been involved in bullying behaviours during some stage of their school careers. No significant relationship was found to exist between bullying and self-esteem in the grade 8 sample. Self-esteem scores did however vary significantly among the victims, bully-victims and bystanders in the young adult sample. Correlational coefficients confirmed that there was a significant relationship between previous chronic bullying at school and the total self-esteem scores of participants in the young adult sample. Findings also showed that there was no significant relationship between bullying and attachment in either of the samples in this study. Finally, qualitative results revealed that a number of contextual factors influenced the outcomes of chronic bullying at school for the sub-set of young adult victims. These factors included: The nature, frequency and duration of the bullying behaviour, the victims’ social support at the time as well as the victims’ personal characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Darney, Christine Kyle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1214 , Bullying -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Bullying in schools -- South Africa -- Prevention
- Description: Bullying behaviour is fast becoming a common feature in schools around the world. It is a practice that provokes concern, as it infringes upon the child’s right to human dignity, privacy, freedom and security. The physical, emotional and educational consequences of bullying behaviour can never be underestimated (Oyaziwo, 2008). Limited research has been conducted in South Africa regarding the prevalence and possible long-term effects of chronic bullying at school. This study intended to explore and describe the prevalence of bullying behaviour among a sample of grade 8 learners and the prevalence of previous chronic bullying at school among a sample of young adults in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In addition, the study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between chronic bullying at school and self-esteem and attachment styles. Finally, the contextual factors which may influence the outcomes of chronic bullying for victims were explored and described. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a mixed method research design. Participants were selected by means of non-probability sampling. The sample consisted of 225 grade 8 learners at a secondary school in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and 101 young adult participants who had completed their school education in the Nelson Mandela Metropole within the past sixteen years. Data on the demographics of the sample was gathered through the administration of a biographical questionnaire. Furthermore, the Olweus (1996) Bully/Victim Questionnaire was utilized in order to obtain information about the prevalence of bullying behaviours among the participants. James Battle’s (1981) Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventories were used to measure the construct of self-esteem, and Bartholomew and Horowitz’ (1991) Relationship Questionnaire was employed in order to identify the participants’ current attachment styles. Individual semi-structured interviews were later conducted among a sub-set of young adult participants, who had experienced chronic bullying at school, in order to identify the contextual factors which may have influenced the xiii outcomes of their experiences of victimization. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized in order to analyze the quantitative data. Key findings revealed that eighty-five percent of the grade 8 participants had been involved in bullying behaviours at school this year and ninety-one percent of the young adult participants had been involved in bullying behaviours during some stage of their school careers. No significant relationship was found to exist between bullying and self-esteem in the grade 8 sample. Self-esteem scores did however vary significantly among the victims, bully-victims and bystanders in the young adult sample. Correlational coefficients confirmed that there was a significant relationship between previous chronic bullying at school and the total self-esteem scores of participants in the young adult sample. Findings also showed that there was no significant relationship between bullying and attachment in either of the samples in this study. Finally, qualitative results revealed that a number of contextual factors influenced the outcomes of chronic bullying at school for the sub-set of young adult victims. These factors included: The nature, frequency and duration of the bullying behaviour, the victims’ social support at the time as well as the victims’ personal characteristics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru
- Authors: Motene, Khantse
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1025 , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Description: “We owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too,” These are words from the musical Miss Saigon by Boubill and Schonberg as quoted by van Dyk (2005:278) which prompted the researcher’s interest in the study. According to a study by Kimane and Mturi (2000:8), a good number of AIDS orphaned adolescents have the responsibility of the care of siblings. Moreover, they are economically active, forced to earn income for their own survival or for their unemployed siblings or extended family household. They are the young people one sees in the streets of Lesotho’s principle cities, selling fruit or collecting fares in local taxis. For girls, the situation is particularly dire. While they too sell goods on the streets or some are employed as domestic workers, many find the lure of commercial sex work and the promise of cash irresistible (Kimane and Mturi, 2000:8). However, Fraser (2004:143) denotes that some children, when faced with stressful conditions, construct socially adverse situations as challenges and opportunities and access adequate amounts of available individual and environmental resources. This general frame of reference through which individuals appraise and react to events and situations in the environment is termed resiliency (Fraser, 2004:143). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents. A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to meet the aims of the study. The research was conducted in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru. Purposive sampling was used to access a research sample with the assistance of a service rendering organisation in Lesotho. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with eight AIDS orphaned adolescents between the ages of 15 -18 years. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:153) and Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991:217) was employed for data verification. It was anticipated that the study would contribute to the recommendations towards the development of more effective programmes for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho. In addition, undertaking this research was viewed as critical as it would provide the much needed scientific basis on which the Social Work professional body would be able to reflect on its AIDS orphan support strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Motene, Khantse
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10001 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1025 , AIDS (Disease) in adolescence , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects , Orphans -- Africa
- Description: “We owe them fathers, and a family and loving homes they never knew because we know deep in our hearts that they are all our children too,” These are words from the musical Miss Saigon by Boubill and Schonberg as quoted by van Dyk (2005:278) which prompted the researcher’s interest in the study. According to a study by Kimane and Mturi (2000:8), a good number of AIDS orphaned adolescents have the responsibility of the care of siblings. Moreover, they are economically active, forced to earn income for their own survival or for their unemployed siblings or extended family household. They are the young people one sees in the streets of Lesotho’s principle cities, selling fruit or collecting fares in local taxis. For girls, the situation is particularly dire. While they too sell goods on the streets or some are employed as domestic workers, many find the lure of commercial sex work and the promise of cash irresistible (Kimane and Mturi, 2000:8). However, Fraser (2004:143) denotes that some children, when faced with stressful conditions, construct socially adverse situations as challenges and opportunities and access adequate amounts of available individual and environmental resources. This general frame of reference through which individuals appraise and react to events and situations in the environment is termed resiliency (Fraser, 2004:143). The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of AIDS orphaned adolescents. A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive research design was employed to meet the aims of the study. The research was conducted in Thaba-Bosiu, Maseru. Purposive sampling was used to access a research sample with the assistance of a service rendering organisation in Lesotho. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with eight AIDS orphaned adolescents between the ages of 15 -18 years. Data was analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:153) and Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991:217) was employed for data verification. It was anticipated that the study would contribute to the recommendations towards the development of more effective programmes for the AIDS orphans in Lesotho. In addition, undertaking this research was viewed as critical as it would provide the much needed scientific basis on which the Social Work professional body would be able to reflect on its AIDS orphan support strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of people living with HIV-AIDS with regard to the comprehensive antiretroviral therapy management received from registered nurses at selected public primary heathcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Jackson, Dawne Shirley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jackson, Dawne Shirley
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1253 , Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa , Stigma (Social psychology) , Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa
- Description: Currently South Africa has the highest number of persons living with HIV-AIDS (PLWAs) in the world. Focus-group discussions conducted by Moon (2005:3) in the Eastern Cape indicated that people may not want to get tested for HIV or to access antiretroviral therapy (ART) for fear of disclosure of their HIV-positive status and of stigmatization. These findings prompted the researcher to conduct a study in this field. The objectives of this study are to explore and describe the experiences of PLWAs with regard to the comprehensive ART management received from registered nurses at selected public primary healthcare clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay; and to develop guidelines for registered nurses that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The research study is based on a qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual research design. The research population comprised of HIV-positive patients who received treatment at the selected public primary healthcare clinics. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select participants for the interviews. Ten in-depth unstructured interviews were conducted. Data was then transcribed and coded. One central theme identified the fact that PLWAs experienced both positive and negative experiences at the clinics. The main findings of this research included evidence of various forms of stigma experienced by the PLWAs; distrust of the lay health counselors; but also that PLWAs were generally well-treated and satisfied with the service they had received. Broad guidelines for registered nurses was formulated that could facilitate them in rendering appropriate comprehensive ART management. The study concludes with recommendations made with regards to the areas of nursing practice, education and research. Throughout the study the researcher abided by the ethical considerations. The aspects of trustworthiness implemented in this study, included dependability, credibility, transferability and confirmability (Holloway & Wheeler, 2002:354).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The experiences of registered nurses' of their work environment in a critical care unit
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Adams, Bernardene Lucreshia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10013 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1057 , Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa
- Description: Critical care nursing is a vital and significant part of health care provision to critically ill patients. It is a specialty area of nursing that requires registered nurses who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. These patients are nursed in a complex environment consisting of specialised equipment (such as ventilators, defibrillators, intravenous pumps, and cardiac monitors) that is not found in any other field of nursing. Collegial support and an adequate registered nurse: patient ratio is vital in critical care units in order to provide optimal quality care to critically ill patients. However, an understaffed work environment, the demands of critical care nursing and other work-related problems, such as conflict with physicians, inadequate remuneration packages and an increased workload can cause serious distress and dissatisfaction amongst registered nurses in this specific environment (Carayon & Gürses, 2005:287). The objectives of this study therefore are to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses of their work environment in a critical care unit and to make recommendations that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design will be utilised. Data will be collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analysed according to the framework provided by Tesch (in Cresswell, 2003:192). Purposive sampling will be used to select a sample of registered nurses working in a critical care environment. Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991) will be utilised to verify data and to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study. Once data has been analysed, recommendations will be made that will assist registered nurses working in a critical care unit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The occupational stressors perceived by nurses working in wellness clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Saleni, Nosicelo Betty
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nurses-- Job stress -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Nursing -- Psychological aspects , Nurses -- Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10049 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016156
- Description: The literature has indicated that nurses perceive more occupational stressors than do other professional groups. HIV is a new stressor which has impacted on society, in particular on people caring for HIV/AIDS patients. The availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART) which is accessible at wellness clinics has improved the quality of life of people with HIV and greatly prolonged the lives of many infected people. Wellness clinics are out-patient clinics where HIV positive patients receive their ART. This study has explored and described the occupational stressors perceived by nurses working in wellness clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach. Convenience sampling was used consisting of voluntary registered female nurses. The data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using Tech’s method. The nurses who participated in this study reported their perceptions of occupational stressors in wellness clinics where they worked. The occupational stressors perceived by the nurses included the working environment, interpersonal relationships and the organizational structure. However, they also reported that they experienced satisfaction from their jobs despite the perceived stressors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Saleni, Nosicelo Betty
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nurses-- Job stress -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Nursing -- Psychological aspects , Nurses -- Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10049 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016156
- Description: The literature has indicated that nurses perceive more occupational stressors than do other professional groups. HIV is a new stressor which has impacted on society, in particular on people caring for HIV/AIDS patients. The availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART) which is accessible at wellness clinics has improved the quality of life of people with HIV and greatly prolonged the lives of many infected people. Wellness clinics are out-patient clinics where HIV positive patients receive their ART. This study has explored and described the occupational stressors perceived by nurses working in wellness clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach. Convenience sampling was used consisting of voluntary registered female nurses. The data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using Tech’s method. The nurses who participated in this study reported their perceptions of occupational stressors in wellness clinics where they worked. The occupational stressors perceived by the nurses included the working environment, interpersonal relationships and the organizational structure. However, they also reported that they experienced satisfaction from their jobs despite the perceived stressors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The performance profile of children from a low socio-economic status on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised
- Authors: Kheswa, Thembi Lucia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1072 , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Description: This study, focused on child mental development, has aimed to contribute and provide valuable information to a larger research project that is currently under way to create a set of norms for a South African population on the GMDS-ER. The primary aim of the study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children from a low socio-economic status, aged between 3 and 8 years 4 months old, on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The purpose of the study was to generate information on low socio-economic status and child mental development. A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The participants were selected through a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure. Information was collated using clinical observations, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales Extended-Revised. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tables[PJS1].
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kheswa, Thembi Lucia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1072 , Psychological tests for children -- South Africa , Child development -- Testing
- Description: This study, focused on child mental development, has aimed to contribute and provide valuable information to a larger research project that is currently under way to create a set of norms for a South African population on the GMDS-ER. The primary aim of the study was to explore and describe the developmental profile of children from a low socio-economic status, aged between 3 and 8 years 4 months old, on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). The purpose of the study was to generate information on low socio-economic status and child mental development. A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed. The participants were selected through a non-probability, purposive sampling procedure. Information was collated using clinical observations, biographical data, as well as the results of an assessment on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales Extended-Revised. The data were analysed using descriptive statistical tables[PJS1].
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Usefulness of the neo PI-R personality profiles in the selection of psychology master's applicants
- Authors: Hurter, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009640 , NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Description: Each year, psychology departments across South Africa are faced with the arduous task of selecting the most suitable candidates to fill their Clinical, Counselling, Educational, and Industrial Psychology master’s coursework programmes. Although various criteria are considered in this process, personality has long been considered an important variable in the screening and selection of master’s psychology applicants, and some sort of personality assessment is commonly utilized by selection committees as part of the screening and selection procedures. While there are many different theoretical perspectives on personality and various personality assessment measures available, the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality has gained considerable attention over the last decade as a comprehensive and universal conceptualization of a broad trait structure for human personality. Currently, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) is considered to be one of the best commercially available measures of the personality traits proposed by this model. The NEO PI-R provides a comprehensive measure of adult personality, has been extensively researched, and has demonstrated its utility across many different cultures, languages, and contexts. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the personality profiles of short-listed master’s psychology applicants at a higher education institution in South Africa, using the NEO PI-R, in an effort to explore the use of NEO PI-R profiles in the selection of master’s psychology applicants. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a quantitative research method. The sample of 247 participants was selected according to non-probability convenience sampling and was sourced from an archival research database. As part of the application process at the higher education institution, applicants were required to complete various tests, tasks, and questionnaires. The questionnaires selected for this study included a biographical questionnaire, used to describe the biographical variables of the sample, and the NEO PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), used as a measure of personality. The NEO PI-R has been found to have good validity and reliability, with reliability in particular having being established in the South African context. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations, cluster xiv analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized to analyze the data. Key findings revealed that overall, the group of short-listed master’s psychology applicants could be described as being emotionally well-adjusted and sociable, which is in line with previous national and international research. In addition, a cluster analysis revealed three significantly different personality subgroups within the total sample, thus highlighting the heterogeneous nature of this sample of applicants. Each of the three personality subgroups exhibited significantly different personality traits which were judged to be more or less suitable for potential psychologists-in-training. Clusters 1 and 2 exhibited the most desirable personality characteristics in relation to selection into a master’s psychology programme, while Cluster 3 exhibited the least desirable traits. Various classification functions were derived which classified applicants into “selected” and “not selected” groups as well as the three personality subgroups, which could aid selection committees in the future to screen out potentially unsuitable candidates earlier in the selection process. It was concluded that the use of NEO PI-R personality profiles could aid the screening and selection of short-listed master’s psychology applicants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hurter, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009640 , NEO Personality Inventory , Dregrees, Academic -- South Africa
- Description: Each year, psychology departments across South Africa are faced with the arduous task of selecting the most suitable candidates to fill their Clinical, Counselling, Educational, and Industrial Psychology master’s coursework programmes. Although various criteria are considered in this process, personality has long been considered an important variable in the screening and selection of master’s psychology applicants, and some sort of personality assessment is commonly utilized by selection committees as part of the screening and selection procedures. While there are many different theoretical perspectives on personality and various personality assessment measures available, the Five-Factor Model (FFM) of personality has gained considerable attention over the last decade as a comprehensive and universal conceptualization of a broad trait structure for human personality. Currently, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) is considered to be one of the best commercially available measures of the personality traits proposed by this model. The NEO PI-R provides a comprehensive measure of adult personality, has been extensively researched, and has demonstrated its utility across many different cultures, languages, and contexts. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the personality profiles of short-listed master’s psychology applicants at a higher education institution in South Africa, using the NEO PI-R, in an effort to explore the use of NEO PI-R profiles in the selection of master’s psychology applicants. The study was exploratory descriptive in nature and employed a quantitative research method. The sample of 247 participants was selected according to non-probability convenience sampling and was sourced from an archival research database. As part of the application process at the higher education institution, applicants were required to complete various tests, tasks, and questionnaires. The questionnaires selected for this study included a biographical questionnaire, used to describe the biographical variables of the sample, and the NEO PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), used as a measure of personality. The NEO PI-R has been found to have good validity and reliability, with reliability in particular having being established in the South African context. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations, cluster xiv analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), were utilized to analyze the data. Key findings revealed that overall, the group of short-listed master’s psychology applicants could be described as being emotionally well-adjusted and sociable, which is in line with previous national and international research. In addition, a cluster analysis revealed three significantly different personality subgroups within the total sample, thus highlighting the heterogeneous nature of this sample of applicants. Each of the three personality subgroups exhibited significantly different personality traits which were judged to be more or less suitable for potential psychologists-in-training. Clusters 1 and 2 exhibited the most desirable personality characteristics in relation to selection into a master’s psychology programme, while Cluster 3 exhibited the least desirable traits. Various classification functions were derived which classified applicants into “selected” and “not selected” groups as well as the three personality subgroups, which could aid selection committees in the future to screen out potentially unsuitable candidates earlier in the selection process. It was concluded that the use of NEO PI-R personality profiles could aid the screening and selection of short-listed master’s psychology applicants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009