Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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Institutional Factors as Precursors of Consortium Building Readiness among University Libraries in Southwestern Nigeria
No full textIn many countries, especially developing ones like Nigeria, university libraries face tremendous challenges in meeting the needs of the ever-growing world of knowledge and information, particularly the demands of their users. These challenges result from diminishing budgets and the galloping cost of subscriptions to periodicals, purchasing materials, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, and they have warranted the need for building consortia among university libraries as an approach to address the foregoing problems. University libraries must, therefore, be ready for consortium building by providing institutional factors within them. The study investigated institutional factors as precursors of consortium building readiness among university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. It adopted the survey design of the correlational type. Total enumeration was used to sample all 643 library personnel in the 45 university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. The library staff sampled possess at least a diploma or degree in Library and Information Science, even a PhD. There are 45 universities located in Southwestern Nigeria. 549 copies of the questionnaire were returned and used for the study, giving a response rate of 85.4 per cent. The self-constructed questionnaire and interview schedule validated and tested on 30 library personnel at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, were used for data collection. The data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. Findings revealed that organisational culture (=3.20; std dev. =0.66) was the most prevalent institutional factor for consortium building. It was followed by ICT literacy skills (=3.18; std dev. =0.64), electricity (=3.16; std dev. =0.73), automation/digitisation (=3.09; std dev. =3.95), training (=2.91; std dev. =0.83), Internet connection (=2.90; std dev. =0.78), finance (=2.89; std dev. =0.81), and organisational policy (formal written document) (=2.79; std dev. =0.81). The findings also reveal that institutional factors altogether (r = .508; p<0.05) have a significant positive relationship with consortium building readiness among university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. Institutional factors aid consortium building readiness among university libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. The study recommends that university libraries must provide institutional factors to show their readiness for consortium building
A Systematic Review of Literature on Intellectual Property and the Creative Industry in Africa Using Scopus
No full textThe shift of the world to a knowledge economy, mainly driven by Intellectual Property (IP), calls for research dissemination through scholarly publishing to promote the protection and commercialisation of IP. In Africa, innovations such as mobile payment systems, drones, and development in the fields of renewable energy, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence have become key drivers of economic growth and development. However, many African countries have yet to know and appreciate the value of IP to their economies. The benefits of IP may be fully realised through proper awareness and understanding of IP using scholarly publications. The study sought to examine the published documents that focus on IP and the creative industry in Africa in order to create awareness and understanding of the breadth and scope of IP and IPRs. Content analysis was conducted on Scopus using descriptive informetrics. The Scopus database was used to ascertain the published documents that focus on IP and the creative industry in Africa. The researcher used the search string TITLE, ABSTRACT, KEYWORD and also applied Scopus “Analyse Search Results”, which facilitated in-depth analysis of the documents according to the key indicators (the year of publication, territory or country, source, author, institute/ affiliation, types of document, subject areas and sponsors). The analysis revealed that there were very few documents published each year on IP and the creative industry published in Africa. Although documents on IP and the creative industry in Africa were published through three document types, there was a diversity of the subject areas in which research on IP and the creative industry in Africa was found. Of the available research, most authors were affiliated with institutions in Africa, but only one of the journals belonged to an African country, and of all the sponsors, only four belonged to an African country. There was very little research on IP and the creative industry published in Africa, although IP is applicable to different disciplines. Africa needs to improve its science and technology capacity, research facilities and funding, and understanding and awareness of IP. Scholarly publishing on IP and the creative industries would be more pronounced if supported by local sponsors and journals instead of relying on scholars and institutions affiliated with countries outside Africa
(Un)paid Social Reproductive Labour at a Taxi Rank in Cape Town, South Africa
No full textThis article draws on the case of omama, who prepare and sell food at the Deck Station taxi rank in Cape Town, South Africa. The study that informed the article aimed to explore social reproductive labour performed through the informal economy. Omama are involved in low-paid survivalist work. According to omama, they do this work because of the lack of choices. Although their labour is key to the everyday work lives of taxi drivers, their work has not received adequate scholarly attention. This study was based on participant observation and eight extensive semi-structured interviews, which were done with women who worked at the taxi rank, cooking and selling food. The study relied on relational comparison analytical tools and was located on social reproductive labour, space, gender and informal economy literature. According to the findings of this study, omama reported that in addition to their low-paid work, they performed unpaid gendered and intimate social reproductive work as a way of keeping their clients happy. Being involved in low-paid informal work puts omama in a position where they are involved in what we have termed “reverse social reproductive labour.” Reverse social reproductive labour is a process whereby women who perform social reproductive labour at the workplace subject other women of lower class to the same survivalist conditions, whether unpaid or underpaid
Magnitude and Factors Associated with Partner and Family-Based Index Case HIV Testing Among Clients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy Follow-ups at Holeta Health Centre, Oromia, Ethiopia
No full textBackground: Index clients are HIV-positive individuals at HIV Testing and Counselling Centres who were enrolled in treatment, care, and support services. Most of the index cases did not test hard-to-reach groups, including children and adult sexual partners. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with partner and family-based index case HIV testing among HIV-positive clients who are on Anti-Retroviral Therapy and follow up at Holeta Health Centre, Ethiopia, 2022 G.C.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 316 selected individuals using simple random sampling techniques. The data was collected using structured questionnaires. The data were entered into EPI Info version 7.14 and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Bivariate logistic regression was used for each independent variable to check its association with the dependent variable. All variables with a P-value <0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with the dependent variables with a P value <0.05 were considered statistically significant factors and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association.
Result: This study showed that among the study participants, 86.8% had tested a partner and 92.9% had tested at least one child. Marital Status (AOR = 0.06 CI: 0.02-0.21), duration on ART (AOR = 2.71 CI: 1.17–6.25), and disclosure status (AOR = 4.26 CI: 1.21–15.05) were identified to be significantly associated with partner- and family-based index case HIV testing.
Conclusion: This study showed that most of the study participants had tested with a partner and at least one child. Partner and family-based index case HIV testing has a significant association with marital status, duration on ART, and disclosure status of index cases
Android-Based Diabestfriend Application: A Digital Self-Care Management Tool for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
No full textBackground: Diabetes patients need an independent management plan that provides diet control, education, physical exercise, blood glucose control, and pharmacological therapy called self-care management. Digital self-care management makes it easy to access care comfortably without having to visit a clinic, thereby reducing the risk of disease or virus transmission, and is more time efficient.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Android-based Diabestfriend application as digital self-care management tool with educational features for controlling blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Method: Our research involved 50 participants in Central Java, Indonesia, including an experimental group (n=25) using the Diabestfriend application, and a control group (n=25) relying on standard care provided by public health facilitators every month. Self-care management and blood glucose levels were assessed over two periods: after seven months of using Diabestfriend (September 2021 to April 2022), and after a further 18 months of use (April 2022 to September 2023).
Results: Self-care management (t=5.972, p<0.000) and current blood sugar values (t=-5.525, p<0.000) improved significantly in diabetes patients after using Diabestfriend over the short-term, compared to the control group. The high level of self-care (t=-6.562, p<0.000) and normal blood glucose values (t=- 5.222, p<0.000) persisted after using the digital application for 18 months.
Conclusions: Diabestfriend is recommended for diabetes mellitus patients to support self-care management and improve blood glucose values in conjunction with following a routine treatment programme
Perspectives of Pregnant Women Regarding the Use of Mobile Phones for Antenatal Health Education: A Qualitative Study in Rural Southwestern Kenya
No full textIntroduction: Pregnant women face a myriad of challenges ranging from anxiety, myths and misconceptions concerning pregnancy, diet, and general antenatal care because of inadequate health education during the antenatal period. There are extensive studies on mobile phone use in primary care; however, only a few qualitative studies have been conducted to establish the usefulness of these devices in antenatal education. Therefore, this study aimed to explore pregnant women’s views on mobile phone use in antenatal education.
Methods: This study utilised a qualitative study design. It was conducted in rural health facilities in southwestern Kenya. Focus group discussions were used to collect data which were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti version 23.
Results: The overall theme that emerged from the study was “antenatal education is beneficial, and if provided via a preferred mode of mobile phone communication, can bridge the gap in antenatal education content.” The participants perceived antenatal education through mobile phones as beneficial and complementary to the information received during routine antenatal care. Most of the participants felt that antenatal education should be given through a preferred mode of mobile phone communication.
Conclusion: Mobile phones have the potential to improve the quality of antenatal education provided during pregnancy
Employee Perspectives on Inclusivity in Ethiopian Workplaces: Linking Perception to Performance
No full textPromoting inclusion in the workplace is an important policy component for developing the national labour force and market. However, this crucial issue has received insufficient attention in Ethiopia. This study aims to initiate the assessment of inclusivity in Ethiopia by analysing workplace performances regarding inclusiveness and its link to major inclusion criteria. This study data came from a national survey on the labour market and inclusiveness, which were then analysed using the partial least square structural equation model. The study results shed light on the positive impact of important inclusion elements such as diversity climate, fairness, maintaining employee uniqueness, establishing an enabling environment, and enhancing organisational strategies and policies consistent with inclusive principles. However, factors such as belongingness, avoidance of discrimination, and training and skills development were perceived as having an adverse impact on workplace inclusivity. This study addresses an important but understudied topic: the effects of inclusion instruments on the perceptions of employees in one of the least developing countries. The results regarding the key inclusion instruments such as diversity, fairness and support for employee uniqueness, combined with a nuanced examination of the potential drawbacks of belongingness, anti-discrimination efforts and training, are new to Ethiopian literature. These results provide valuable insights for academics and labour market practitioners working to improve employee inclusivity. The study suggests that policymakers in the Ethiopian labour market sector consider the revision of inclusion instruments that focus on belongingness, anti-discrimination efforts and training
The Relevance of the Gospel in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Dialogue with Albert Nolan
No full textAlbert Nolan’s book, God in South Africa: The Challenge of the Gospel (first published in 1988), provides insights for both academic and general reading, making it an interesting book to read. Almost three decades have lapsed since the book was first published. Numerous Bible reading establishments (including theological institutions, seminaries and Bible colleges) have emerged, and new theological approaches to expounding biblical themes are coming to the fore. Post-apartheid South Africa has undergone various transformative phases, which the book did not address. A democratic dispensation was obtained in 1994, with Nelson Mandela becoming the first president to be elected by the majority of South African citizens. Post-apartheid South African societies have had high expectations at the dawn of this new dispensation. These expectations emerged from two fronts: (1) The praxis of justice and delivery of services by the ruling party and (2) the role of the Church and the function of the Gospel in developing and transforming societies. This study aimed to elucidate Albert Nolan’s book in detail and blend its contents with the lived realities obtained in the new dispensation in South Africa. The focus of the investigation was to set an agenda for the Church and the teaching of the Gospel to realign towards addressing socioeconomic particularities affecting the majority of South Africans daily. The study utilised Secondary Data Analysis (SDA) as a methodological approach
The Impact of Traditional Health Practices, Revivalism, Patriarchy and Economic Factors on the History of the Baptist Convention’s Health Response in Post-Independence Malawi
No full textThis article reports on a study that sought to investigate the impact of traditional health practices, revivalism, patriarchy and economic factors on the history of the Baptist Convention’s health responses during the past 50 years of its existence in the South East Region of Malawi. During this period, Christians in Malawi continued to rely on traditional health practices, faith healing and biomedical medicine. Traditional healing practices were part of their culture and promoted by the patriarchy as some pastors of the church were also chiefs. Access to biomedical approaches became a challenge because of economic factors. Faith healing practices took a different form under the influence of revivalist movements. There are several studies on healing practices based on mainline churches in Malawi, however, there is a lack of similar studies on the Baptist Convention. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of traditional health practices and economic factors on the history of the Baptist Convention’s health responses in the South East Region of Malawi in the Post-Independence Era (post 1966). Based on qualitative ethnographic research, especially of participant observation since 2000, the study found that the Baptist Convention’s health responses were always wholistic and influenced by the Baptist distinctive of individual conscience, patriarchy, economic factors and church polity. The Baptist distinctive is the total of several precious beliefs and practices based on the Bible
The Disruption of Migrant Labour on the Labourer, Family, Community, Land and Religion or Church in South Africa during the 20th Century: 2023 CONFERENCE OF THE CHURCH HISTORY SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
No full textThe impact of migrant labour could not be avoided by the church during the 20th century in South Africa. Migrant labour has contributed to the national economic development of South Africa. This is an important aspect of community development in terms of growing the South African economy, building infrastructure, opening business opportunities, and for South Africans to benefit from this type of economy. Initially, agriculture was the best economy for community development, driven by African people who were heavily dependent on their agricultural economy. However, the policies related to migrant labour have disrupted and lowered agricultural production that existed, and which was also thriving as an agricultural economy. Furthermore, migrant labour policies promoted numerous cases of family separation and infidelity in marriages. White missionaries collaborated with the mine owners (as colonisers) in terms of access to education and freedom of worship. However, African religion, male labourers, as well as women’s dignity and rights were violated by these same policies. The article will first discuss the socioeconomic successes and challenges caused by migrant labour in South Africa. We then explore the role of African spirituality, the contribution of missionaries and African labourers in missions and evangelism, and the role of the church in addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing migrant labourers. Lastly, the article presents an analysis of the participation of women in migrant labour (by being employed to do household domestic work) and the establishment of women’s church organisations in urban areas.