Correlations between the occurence of virulent helicobacter pylori strains and chronic disease conditions in dyspeptic patients hospitalized in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mzukwa, Asisipho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori infections Helicobacter pylori Bacterial diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10885 , vital:35905
- Description: Introduction: Individuals predisposed to different chronic disease conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HPT) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) might be susceptible to persistent H. pylori colonization, which overtime encourages infection with virulent strains. The presence of different types of H. pylori virulence factors especially cagA, dupA and various combinations of vacA subtypes (s1/m1, s2/m1 and s2m2) confer a higher risk of gastric disease development. Aim: This study seeks to recover H. pylori from gastric biopsy specimen from patients with different chronic disease conditions referred to the GIT unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, and confirm them and further determine the presence of virulent H. pylori strains in patients with T2DM, HPT and HIV. Methods: Gastric biopsies were obtained from 101 patients with different chronic disease conditions after obtaining consent between August 2017 and February 2018. H. pylori was isolated on selective Colombia blood agar. Presumptive isolates were identified following standard microbiology and biochemical technique. These isolates were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the glmM gene. The H. pylori positive samples were further screened for cagA, dupA and vacA genotypes. Results: H. pylori was recovered from 26 patients, of which 8 were patients with T2DM, 10 with HPT and 8 with HIV. There was no correlation between H. pylori infection and the chronic conditions, but the majority of H. pylori positive participant carried virulent H. pylori strains. The cagA and the dupA genes were more prevalent in T2DM and HPT patients, however the association between these genes and the 2 chronic conditions was not significant. The vacA subtypes common in hypertensive patients compared to the other conditions were the s1m1, s1m2, and s2m2 and the association between these vacA forms and hypertension was significant. Majority of HIV infected patients were found to carry non-virulent H. pylori strains. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori among the general population of patients with T2DM, HPT and HIV was low. Although infected patients are found to be carrying virulent strains of H. pylori, there is no significant association established between the virulent strains and the chronic conditions. Furthermore, HIV-infected patients were found to be carrying non-virulent strains of H. pylori.
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- Authors: Mzukwa, Asisipho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori infections Helicobacter pylori Bacterial diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10885 , vital:35905
- Description: Introduction: Individuals predisposed to different chronic disease conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension (HPT) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) might be susceptible to persistent H. pylori colonization, which overtime encourages infection with virulent strains. The presence of different types of H. pylori virulence factors especially cagA, dupA and various combinations of vacA subtypes (s1/m1, s2/m1 and s2m2) confer a higher risk of gastric disease development. Aim: This study seeks to recover H. pylori from gastric biopsy specimen from patients with different chronic disease conditions referred to the GIT unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, and confirm them and further determine the presence of virulent H. pylori strains in patients with T2DM, HPT and HIV. Methods: Gastric biopsies were obtained from 101 patients with different chronic disease conditions after obtaining consent between August 2017 and February 2018. H. pylori was isolated on selective Colombia blood agar. Presumptive isolates were identified following standard microbiology and biochemical technique. These isolates were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the glmM gene. The H. pylori positive samples were further screened for cagA, dupA and vacA genotypes. Results: H. pylori was recovered from 26 patients, of which 8 were patients with T2DM, 10 with HPT and 8 with HIV. There was no correlation between H. pylori infection and the chronic conditions, but the majority of H. pylori positive participant carried virulent H. pylori strains. The cagA and the dupA genes were more prevalent in T2DM and HPT patients, however the association between these genes and the 2 chronic conditions was not significant. The vacA subtypes common in hypertensive patients compared to the other conditions were the s1m1, s1m2, and s2m2 and the association between these vacA forms and hypertension was significant. Majority of HIV infected patients were found to carry non-virulent H. pylori strains. Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori among the general population of patients with T2DM, HPT and HIV was low. Although infected patients are found to be carrying virulent strains of H. pylori, there is no significant association established between the virulent strains and the chronic conditions. Furthermore, HIV-infected patients were found to be carrying non-virulent strains of H. pylori.
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Utilisation of university health care services by employees of the University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Fritsche, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion Health services administration Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5950 , vital:29449
- Description: Background: University of Fort Hare (UFH) provides health care services to its students and staff; however, whether the health care services are being utilised by the staff is only speculative. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the level of employees’ awareness regarding availability of University Health Care Services (UHS) and factors responsible for their utilization. wildlife and thereby may constitute a serious risk to public health. Therefore, it is recommended that proper regulation of the use of the compounds and their safe disposal be ensured to protect aquatic resources and the well-being of humans. Methodology: This quantitative descriptive study involved conveniently selected 255 UFH employees who were either permanently employed or on contract employment for two years and above. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire solicited information on demographics variables, awareness of employees regarding the existence of university health services, and factors affecting utilization of university health services (UHS) by employees. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (logistic regression analysis). Results: -Two hundred and thirty three (91 percent) of sampled UFH employees in both campuses are aware of the UHS. The longer the duration of employment and the older the employee (above 50 years old) the more likely the employees are aware of UHS. However, the elderly employees displayed poor utilization of health care services. Accessibility of UHS (96 percent), satisfaction with UHS (95 percent), listening to others (word of mouth) (61.2 percent) and having a health concern (51 percent) encourage UHS utilization whereas being unaware (8.6 percent) of the UHS remains the barrier for utilisation. Having medical aid (81 percent) prevent those who are aware of UHS from utilising the university health care services. Operating hours (30 percent), staff attitudes (50 percent) and long waiting time (70 percent) with lack of essential medicines (38 percent) prohibit employees from revisiting. Conclusion: The University of Fort Hare’s health care services are well known by almost every employee through “word of the mouth” though they are not completely aware as to which health service programmes are being offered. The utilization of University of Fort Hare’s health care services is positively and adversely influenced by different factors.
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- Authors: Fritsche, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion Health services administration Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5950 , vital:29449
- Description: Background: University of Fort Hare (UFH) provides health care services to its students and staff; however, whether the health care services are being utilised by the staff is only speculative. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the level of employees’ awareness regarding availability of University Health Care Services (UHS) and factors responsible for their utilization. wildlife and thereby may constitute a serious risk to public health. Therefore, it is recommended that proper regulation of the use of the compounds and their safe disposal be ensured to protect aquatic resources and the well-being of humans. Methodology: This quantitative descriptive study involved conveniently selected 255 UFH employees who were either permanently employed or on contract employment for two years and above. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire solicited information on demographics variables, awareness of employees regarding the existence of university health services, and factors affecting utilization of university health services (UHS) by employees. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (logistic regression analysis). Results: -Two hundred and thirty three (91 percent) of sampled UFH employees in both campuses are aware of the UHS. The longer the duration of employment and the older the employee (above 50 years old) the more likely the employees are aware of UHS. However, the elderly employees displayed poor utilization of health care services. Accessibility of UHS (96 percent), satisfaction with UHS (95 percent), listening to others (word of mouth) (61.2 percent) and having a health concern (51 percent) encourage UHS utilization whereas being unaware (8.6 percent) of the UHS remains the barrier for utilisation. Having medical aid (81 percent) prevent those who are aware of UHS from utilising the university health care services. Operating hours (30 percent), staff attitudes (50 percent) and long waiting time (70 percent) with lack of essential medicines (38 percent) prohibit employees from revisiting. Conclusion: The University of Fort Hare’s health care services are well known by almost every employee through “word of the mouth” though they are not completely aware as to which health service programmes are being offered. The utilization of University of Fort Hare’s health care services is positively and adversely influenced by different factors.
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An assessment of municipal performance assessment system as a tool to improve performance in Ngqushwa local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Batayi, Nokuthula
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13436 , vital:39661
- Description: Monitoring and evaluation is a key contributing factor in the accomplishment of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the department. It is an on-going communication, undertaken in partnership between employees and their immediate supervisors. This research study focused on assessing the performance management system as a tool to improve performance in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. It has been found that Ngqushwa Local Municipality has undertaken measures to implement the performance management system which is aligned with legislative frameworks i.e. Republic of South African Constitution of 1996, Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, Public Service Regulation 2001, and Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks. However, the research findings showed that such efforts were not sufficient in terms of implementation of Performance Management System. The study suggested that 1) the system should also accommodate employees who are in lower levels as way to strengthen the implementation of the system; 2) Involvement of stakeholders should be prioritised so as to promote ownership of the system 3) Continuous training of employees and feedback should also be considered.
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- Authors: Batayi, Nokuthula
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13436 , vital:39661
- Description: Monitoring and evaluation is a key contributing factor in the accomplishment of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the department. It is an on-going communication, undertaken in partnership between employees and their immediate supervisors. This research study focused on assessing the performance management system as a tool to improve performance in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. It has been found that Ngqushwa Local Municipality has undertaken measures to implement the performance management system which is aligned with legislative frameworks i.e. Republic of South African Constitution of 1996, Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, Public Service Regulation 2001, and Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks. However, the research findings showed that such efforts were not sufficient in terms of implementation of Performance Management System. The study suggested that 1) the system should also accommodate employees who are in lower levels as way to strengthen the implementation of the system; 2) Involvement of stakeholders should be prioritised so as to promote ownership of the system 3) Continuous training of employees and feedback should also be considered.
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The implications of landfill closure for waste reclaimers in rural local municipalities : the case of Fort Beaufort landfill, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Ntongana, Kwasa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal Sanitary landfills Waste disposal sites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6027 , vital:29482
- Description: Poverty and unemployment in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape is forcing thousands of vulnerable people into waste picking. There is growing recognition that waste re-claimers contribute to the local economy, to public health and to environmental sustainability. However, they often face low social status, tragic living and working conditions, and little support from local governments. The waste reclaimers of the Raymond Mhlaba Municipal area are unemployed, experiencing a poorer quality of life and feeling even more socially and economically excluded from the rest of society because of the “limitations” on landfill salvaging currently. Moreover, they have developed feelings of resentment and anger that have resulted in defiant acts of trespassing and theft. This social development study highlights the implications of landfill closure for waste salvagers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Landfilling has been the main method for municipal waste disposal in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. To combat the effects of uncontrolled release of landfill gases, the uncontrolled release of leachate that may affect water quality many landfills in the Eastern Cape are being considered for close down and for rehabilitation. To consider as well is the socio-economic backlog and anticipated population growth in the province, which means that landfill salvaging will continue to be an important source of revenue for the poor and homeless. This research used observation, semi-structured one-on-one interviewing, focus group interviewing and questionnaires as well as conducted a review of waste management policy-related documents and secondary data analysis in this qualitative research to analyse the social and the economic impacts. The research found that waste reclaimers in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality area disagreed with the closure of the Fort Beaufort landfill because of what the researcher assumed to be a lack of general environmental awareness and because of their vulnerability to poverty. Research findings also highlight that waste reclamation can be considered as a viable option to minimize waste at landfills and waste reclaimers have shown an increasing interest and commitment to being trained formally to continue reclamation work. This study has suggested disadvantages in rural landfill closure, without feasible alternatives. Focus must move away from extending waste collection and closing down landfills and instead improve final disposal and initiating minimisation- recycling programs as part of their strategies through the formation of waste cooperatives. This research suggests formalizing and controlling waste recovery to cater for the immediate and most basic needs of the poor. The recommendations will hopefully influence thinking about waste management policy planning and implementation in general, and be of service to furthering Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality achieve goals of sustainable employment creation and poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntongana, Kwasa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal Sanitary landfills Waste disposal sites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6027 , vital:29482
- Description: Poverty and unemployment in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape is forcing thousands of vulnerable people into waste picking. There is growing recognition that waste re-claimers contribute to the local economy, to public health and to environmental sustainability. However, they often face low social status, tragic living and working conditions, and little support from local governments. The waste reclaimers of the Raymond Mhlaba Municipal area are unemployed, experiencing a poorer quality of life and feeling even more socially and economically excluded from the rest of society because of the “limitations” on landfill salvaging currently. Moreover, they have developed feelings of resentment and anger that have resulted in defiant acts of trespassing and theft. This social development study highlights the implications of landfill closure for waste salvagers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. Landfilling has been the main method for municipal waste disposal in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. To combat the effects of uncontrolled release of landfill gases, the uncontrolled release of leachate that may affect water quality many landfills in the Eastern Cape are being considered for close down and for rehabilitation. To consider as well is the socio-economic backlog and anticipated population growth in the province, which means that landfill salvaging will continue to be an important source of revenue for the poor and homeless. This research used observation, semi-structured one-on-one interviewing, focus group interviewing and questionnaires as well as conducted a review of waste management policy-related documents and secondary data analysis in this qualitative research to analyse the social and the economic impacts. The research found that waste reclaimers in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality area disagreed with the closure of the Fort Beaufort landfill because of what the researcher assumed to be a lack of general environmental awareness and because of their vulnerability to poverty. Research findings also highlight that waste reclamation can be considered as a viable option to minimize waste at landfills and waste reclaimers have shown an increasing interest and commitment to being trained formally to continue reclamation work. This study has suggested disadvantages in rural landfill closure, without feasible alternatives. Focus must move away from extending waste collection and closing down landfills and instead improve final disposal and initiating minimisation- recycling programs as part of their strategies through the formation of waste cooperatives. This research suggests formalizing and controlling waste recovery to cater for the immediate and most basic needs of the poor. The recommendations will hopefully influence thinking about waste management policy planning and implementation in general, and be of service to furthering Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality achieve goals of sustainable employment creation and poverty alleviation.
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Inter-generational dynamics of smallholder farming households : a case study of family farms at Bumbane and Emagaleni villages, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sixoto, Wandisile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7886 , vital:30791
- Description: This research investigates the inter-generational dynamics of smallholder farming households and their implications for the future of agriculture in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study was conducted in two villages, of which one, Bumbane, is in Amahlathi Local Municipality, and the other, Emagaleni, is in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. The study was mainly qualitative in nature, and involved semi structured, in-depth interviews with small-scale farming households. In particular, interviews were conducted with both youth and elders in the same households, so as to deeply understand the inter-relationships between the two. The study established that there is an age-based hierarchy in most farming families whereby the household head is ‘in charge’ and allows little input from or discretion of his/her adult children. For example, most household heads are not comfortable sharing decision-making authority with adult children, which alienates these adult children. This is the case even though household heads are keen to transfer their knowledge to their children, and hope that their children will one day take over the farming. The discord between household heads and their adult child is one of the reasons why the youth tend to dedicate little of their time to helping out with the farming. On the other hand, the youth are also discouraged from agriculture by other factors, such as production constraints and poor access to markets These intergenerational dynamics may pose a threat to the future of family farming in these and similar communities. The paper concludes that, in as much as household heads learnt agriculture through a participatory approach, there is a necessity to change the strategy and emphasise motivating young adults through farmers’ days and other gatherings that may serve as an inspiration. Alternatively, elders need to be coaxed to adopt a more thoughtful approach to engaging their adult children in agriculture that has a better possibility of encouraging their participation in agriculture rather than discouraging it. The participatory approach must not be the only option, since females do not get the opportunity to be motivated as most of the talks happen on the field.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sixoto, Wandisile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7886 , vital:30791
- Description: This research investigates the inter-generational dynamics of smallholder farming households and their implications for the future of agriculture in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study was conducted in two villages, of which one, Bumbane, is in Amahlathi Local Municipality, and the other, Emagaleni, is in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. The study was mainly qualitative in nature, and involved semi structured, in-depth interviews with small-scale farming households. In particular, interviews were conducted with both youth and elders in the same households, so as to deeply understand the inter-relationships between the two. The study established that there is an age-based hierarchy in most farming families whereby the household head is ‘in charge’ and allows little input from or discretion of his/her adult children. For example, most household heads are not comfortable sharing decision-making authority with adult children, which alienates these adult children. This is the case even though household heads are keen to transfer their knowledge to their children, and hope that their children will one day take over the farming. The discord between household heads and their adult child is one of the reasons why the youth tend to dedicate little of their time to helping out with the farming. On the other hand, the youth are also discouraged from agriculture by other factors, such as production constraints and poor access to markets These intergenerational dynamics may pose a threat to the future of family farming in these and similar communities. The paper concludes that, in as much as household heads learnt agriculture through a participatory approach, there is a necessity to change the strategy and emphasise motivating young adults through farmers’ days and other gatherings that may serve as an inspiration. Alternatively, elders need to be coaxed to adopt a more thoughtful approach to engaging their adult children in agriculture that has a better possibility of encouraging their participation in agriculture rather than discouraging it. The participatory approach must not be the only option, since females do not get the opportunity to be motivated as most of the talks happen on the field.
- Full Text:
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