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Self-management strategies to prevent risk factors related to cardiovascular disease development at Ga-Molepo Area Clinics in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Health Sciences)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Background: Cardio Vascular Diseases(CVD) are presently the main cause
of high mortality rate around the world. In sub-Saharan Africa, CVDs
contributes to about 13% of deaths, with 80% deaths being recorded from
developing countries. Behavioural and metabolic risk factors contribute to high
mortality rate related to development of CVD which self-management
strategies and practices could effectively prevent.
Objective: To explore and develop ―self-management strategies‖ to prevent
the development of CVD among patients living with chronic conditions at Ga Molepo Area clinics in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Methods: “A mixed method exploratory sequential design study was
conducted in four primary health care settings in a rural setting.‖ A semi structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 43 patients selected by
non-probability homogenous purposive sampling for a qualitative strand.
Qualitative findings that was obtained with thematic ―Tesch‘s open coding
data analysis method guided the quantitative strand‖. A simple random
sampling was used to sample 347 respondents for the quantitative
strand.Descriptive statistics and chi-square were applied to analyze data from
the quantitative strand.
``Results: The qualitative results revealed that there is different self management strategies used by patients living with hypertension and
Diabetes Mellitus as risk factors of CVDs. The self-management strategies
include engaging in physical activity, eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking a
lot of water and adhering to treatment. The quantitative revealed majority of
participants(74%) perform mild exercises with 26% performing moderate
exercis.On the other hand 7% are having stress and depression and while
7% are smoking.``
Conclusions:The findings indicated that by adopting self-management
strategies could be an effective way of preventing the development of CVD
which complicates to hypertension and diabetic mellitus .Therefore are
encouraged to adhere to strategies adhere to treat,healthy diet and perform
mild exercises
Recommendations Hence, the government needs to appoint CHW
permanently to strengthen the guidelines on the prevention of CVD and also
the risk factors that put the communities at risk of developing CVD.
Communities need to adhere to preventative strategies ti order prevent CVD.SPICES Project - (Scaling -up Packages of Interventions for CVD prevention
in Europe and sub-Saharan
Perceptions of University of Limpopo 3rd year psychology students on the inclusion of men in gender-based violence prevention campaigns in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Gender-based violence (GBV) has become a global epidemic and it affects those who are most vulnerable in society, predominantly women and children. Several causal factors have been identified, which include gender norms, socioeconomic inequalities, and South Africa’s violent history. There are many organisations (governmental and non-governmental) that are committed to reducing GBV. However, even with many interventions in place, the prevalence of GBV in South Africa keeps on rising. A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the perceptions of 3rd year psychology students at the University of Limpopo regarding the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns. The study used two theoretical frameworks, namely, Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory. Purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 16 students (10 females, and 6 males), and the data was analysed using a Thematic Analysis (TA) approach. Three major themes and five subthemes emerged from the analysis, which was supported by existing findings. The themes were identified as GBV prevention campaigns, GBV and government interventions, and GBV knowledge and perceptions. The results of the study found that students had an adequate understanding of GBV prevention campaigns. Their understanding informed their perceptions, which leaned towards supporting the inclusion of men in GBV prevention campaigns. Their perceptions were geared towards a multi-gender approach aimed at increasing awareness, protecting the rights of GBV victims and demanding justice for them. Furthermore, a multi-gender approach was seen as a silver bullet to championing the fight against GBV and stressing the impact that the inclusion of men will have in lowering GBV cases. The current GBV prevention campaigns (both at government and non-governmental levels) were seen as not effective enough in the eradication of GBV. Therefore, a call for a multi-gender approach to GBV prevention campaigns at all societal levels was emphasised. Community-based initiatives (i.e., social organisations) in GBV prevention campaigns were also seen as crucial in the eradication of GBV.HWSETA ( Health and welfare Sector for Education and Training Authority
The challenges faced by women-owned small businesses in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022In today‟s post-modern era, the role of women-owned small businesses in economic development is inevitable. Women are willing to act in business and contribute to the nation‟s growth. However, most women in small businesses face a wide variety of challenges both in starting and in growing their business ventures. Some of the challenges relate to lack of skills and an environment that is not favourable to women small business owners. Thus, a study was conducted in Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality in Limpopo Province. The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by women-owned small businesses in the Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality, Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study used a qualitative research method to collect data. Fifteen (15) individuals participated in the study; twelve (12) of the participants were women who owned small businesses in the municipality and three (3) of the participants were officials working in the LED unit. Participants in the study were chosen purposively because of the knowledge that they possessed. Semistructured interviews were used in the qualitative study to collect data. The study discovered that some of the challenges included lack of skills and training, lack of access to finance, lack of marketing strategies and inadequate resources. Thus, the study recommended that the municipality should provide need-based training for small business owners
Young customers' intention to purchase organic food in South Arica: extending the theory of planned behaviour
Get PDFThesis (M. COM. ( Business Management )) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Ethical consumption has become an increasing trend as young customers are getting increasingly aware of their environmental and ethical responsibilities. The aim of the study was to examine the determinants of organic food purchase intention and behavior of young customers by extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The study had the following objectives (1) to determine the effects of TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) on young consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. (2) to investigate whether the extended TPB model would improve the predictive validity of the model. The TPB was modified by the addition of three value constructs (health, environmental and appearance consciousness) as antecedents of attitude and intention and two personal factors (moral norms and ethical self-identity) as predictors of purchase intention. (3) to investigate if attitude towards organic food will mediate the relationship between health, appearance and environmental consciousness and purchase intention (4) to determine the effect of intention on actual purchasing behavior of young consumers and (5) to develop and test a unique multi-dimensional model of young consumers’ intention to purchase organic food. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and data was collected through the cross sectional survey method using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaires were distributed to the respondents through mall intercept and the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the hypotheses of the study. The findings confirmed that two constructs of the TPB (attitude towards a behaviour and perceived behavioural control) are predictors of purchase intention. In addition, health and environmental conciousness are antecedents of attitude and intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between health and environmental conciousness and intention. Furthermore, intention is a predictor of behaviour. Recommendations to improve the purchase of organic food focus on communication by marketers to consumers about the benefits of organic food. The limitations and areas for further studies are suggested
The epidemiology and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis cases in Lesotho between 2009 and 2019
Get PDFThesis (MPH. (Epidemiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a fatal disease globally, if not managed well, with a million or more people dying by the disease annually in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Around two billion people are thought to be asymptomatically (latently) infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, putting them at risk of acquiring active tuberculosis. Tests that identify immunoreactivity to mycobacterial antigens rather than live bacteria, as well as mathematical modelling, are used to estimate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection. According to reports, tuberculosis (TB) was the cause of 1.3 million fatalities among HIV-negative people in 2016, surpassing the global number of HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) deaths. In addition, TB was a factor in 374,000 HIV-related deaths. Despite the effectiveness of chemotherapy over the last seven decades, tuberculosis remains the world's leading infectious killer. In 2016, 10.4 million new cases were reported, a number that has remained constant since the dawn of the twenty-first century, confounding public health specialists tasked with designing and implementing measures to lessen the global burden of tuberculosis disease. As a result, the current study aims to look into the epidemiology of tuberculosis in Lesotho in order to help policymakers make decisions on TB control in the country.
Methodology:. In the current investigation, a cross-sectional, retrospective descriptive study design was used, as well as a probability sampling strategy. The National TB-Database from the Ministry of Health in Lesotho was used as the source of data for this quantitative investigation, which was analyzed using STATA statistical software version 12 for Windows (STATA Corporation, College Station, Texas). A Chi-Squared test was used to compare categorical variables, while a t-test was used to examine continuous variables. A statistically significant P-value of 0.05 was used.
Results: A total of 18 836 TB patient records were recovered, with 45 percent of the TB patients being females. The average age of the TB patients was 35.9 years, with a standard deviation of 12.7%, and the ages ranged from one year to 84 years. There
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was a statistically significant difference between the age groups (p value 0.001), with 33.1 percent of TB patents being in the age group 25–34 years, followed by 29 percent, 15.4 percent, 11.2 percent, and 5.5 percent in the age groups 35–44 years, 45–55 years, 15–24 years, and 55–64 years 65 years.. There has been a fluctuating treatment outcome of TB from 63.5% for cured patients in 2012 to 57.2% in 2013 and this rose to 60.4% in 2014 then eventually reached 76.7% in 2019. The TB treatment success rate in Lesotho also showed a similar trend as the cure rate. The overall TB death rates in the current study was found to be increasing on an annual basis from 7.4% in 2012 to 9.2% in 2018 then dropped to 8.5% in 2019. The TB patients who have not been evaluated for treatment outcomes have been decreasing annually from 4.4% in 2012 to 0.8% in 2019. The proportion of TB patients with known HIV status increased from 22.3% in 2015 to 90.5% in 2019 and similarly to the proportion of TB patients with HIV status positive increased from 15.1% in 2015 to 60.4% in 2019. The proportion of TB patients with HIV status positive increased with increasing age group all age groups.
Conclusion: TB is still a concern in Lesotho, where treatment target goals have not yet been fulfilled, the findings of this study underline the importance of addressing the underlying socio-economic causes of TB. The most important goal in TB control is to detect 70% and cure at least 85% of sputum smear positive cases. If these goals are met, the prevalence, incidence, transmission, and medication resistance to tuberculosis (TB) could all decrease. Despite the National Tuberculosis Control Programme's attempts to enhance TB patients' access to treatment and adherence to therapy, the percentage of patients who have good treatment outcomes remains low. Despite having an 84 percent detection rate and using the DOTS technique, the available data did not identify the types of tuberculosis, therefore we were unable to forecast multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
An analysis of violence towards educators in the selected high schools : a case study of South African Police Service
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (Criminology and Criminal Justice)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The purpose of this study was to analyse violence towards educators in the selected high schools in the Mankweng policing area. This was done by identifying factors contributing to school violence, assessing consequences of violence on victims of violence and determining measures that can be applied to effectively prevent, combat and investigate this scourge.
This qualitative study applied the explanatory research design to recruit participants using non-probability sampling techniques, specifically purposive and snowball sampling respectively. Eighteen (18) participants were selected for this study, comprising of Six (06) educators from each of the Three (03) selected high schools of Mankweng policing area. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and documentary studies. Based on the transcribed data, themes were extracted and analysed using inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA).
This study established that there are factors that contribute to the occurrence of school violence; victims are affected by school violence (I.e. Be it social, psychological and physical); and that there are measures that may reduce the occurrence of these violence. Findings of the research indicate that factors such as demographic location, substance abuse, peer pressure, gang groups are the causes of violence, leading to victims facing consequences such as depression, anxiety attacks and early retirement. For recommendations, this study provides that the community get involved in reducing school violence, the DBE should provide pro-active and re-active measures to combat violence, enforce a strong collaboration between stakeholders and enforce legislative framework implemented about workplace safety
Effect of municipal waste management budget on waste management service delivery
Get PDFThesis (M. Com. (Accounting)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022South Africa has seen an increase in population over the years and that has resulted in the increase in waste which has created problems in waste collection. Waste management service delivery has become one of the essential services provided by local municipalities. It is essential for local municipalities to effectively provide waste management services to the public. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of the waste management budget on waste management service delivery. A quantitative research approach is used in the study and secondary data was sourced from local municipalities' websites for 12 years, that is, the reporting period from 2010 - 2021. The study tests the correlation between waste capital expenditure, waste operating expenditure, waste collection revenue, Budget performance and municipal waste management service delivery in selected municipalities in South Africa. Using the Generalised Method of Moment (GMM) the results indicated that there is a significant correlation between municipal waste management service delivery and waste capital expenditure, waste operating expenditure, waste collection revenue and budget performance. The study suggests that local municipalities should increase their municipal waste budget to improve the quality of waste management service delivery
The effects of eco-tourism on rural land transformation in Mapungubwe National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M.Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Globally, eco-tourism has been recognised as a tool to enhance rural land transformation, mostly in areas and around eco-tourism destinations or those rich with natural resources. With that, literature has confirmed that there is a well-established principle between eco-tourism and rural land transformation in most countries across the globe. Theoretically, the establishments and expansion of eco-tourism do not necessarily bring only rural land transformation and associated benefits to the society but also entail various challenges. The challenges are inclusive of but not limited to threats to indigenous cultures and environmental degradation. Thus, this study was designed and undertaken to explore the effects of eco-tourism on rural land transformation in Mapungubwe National Park.
The study utilised both qualitative and quantitative research methods and both qualitative and qualitative data was collected theoretically and empirically on the effects of eco-tourism on rural land transformation. Data collection techniques included semi-structured questionnaires with a sample size of 43 respondents, interview schedules for 8 respondents and observations. Recordings of the interviews with the participants were transcribed and analysed including the findings which emanated from this investigation. The findings reveal that eco-tourism does play an important part in ensuring improvement of the Musina local municipal area’s economy, where the Mapungubwe National Park is located. However, there still seems to be lot that needs to be done to ensure eco-tourism is sustainable to ensure there is rural land transformation and economic growth by eliminating damage to the natural ecosystems. Economic growth is always affected by the changing environments, either negatively or positively and there, the concept always comes in where tourism is concerned. The minimal positive impact it was making is improving some people’s lives and through job creation (South African National Parks, 2006). The study revealed that eco-tourism does have positive effect on rural land transformation in the Mapungubwe National Park, which include economic growth through tourist attraction. The researcher is of the view that ecotourism is playing significant role in the rural land transformation of Mapungubwe National Park
Effects of cultivar and planting period on growth, yield, macilage and nutritional composition of corchorus olitorius under field and shade house conditions
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The awareness of the nutritional benefit and consumption of the Jew’s mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) especially in South Africa is low; this is predominantly because of lack of access and availability of the crop in the market. This research aimed to determine to what extent would the planting period affect mucilage, growth, yield and nutritional composition of the selected C. olitorius cultivar under different growing conditions and provide a better understanding and scientific evidence for the producers to maximize production. The experiments were carried out simultaneously, the first experiment (field trial), was on the field and the second (pot trial) in the shade house. Treatment factors were: 2 x growing conditions (field and pot), 4 x planting periods (November, December, January and February) and 3 x C. olitorius cultivars (‘Local’, ‘Oniyaya’ and ‘Amugbadu’). The experiments were carried out as randomised complete block design (RCBD) arranged in split-spilt plot with three replications. Growing condition was the main factor, planting period as the sub-factor, while the cultivars were the sub-subplot factor. Mucilage content, growth and yield parameters were measured and nutritional composition of the crop was determined from harvested plant samples.
Mucilage content of C. olitorius varied with cultivar and growing condition. The significantly (P < 0.05) highest quantity of mucilage at 8 WAT was obtained from Oniyaya cultivar under field condition whereas the least was recorded from Local cultivar under pot condition. The mucilage content of the three cultivars did not differ significantly (P ≤ 0.05) at 6 WAT, however significant (P < 0.01) differences were recorded at 8 WAT. The cultivar Oniyaya produced significantly highest average (184.58 mPa.s) mucilage content at 8 WAT while the lowest average value (124.58 mPa.s) was recorded in the Local cultivar. This implies that Oniyaya cultivar produced the slimiest plants. The mucilage content of Jew’s mallow appears to decline over time; thus, the crop had higher mucilage content when young and tender.
Selected growth parameters such as chlorophyll, number of leaves and stem diameter were significantly affected by the combined effect of cultivar, planting period and growing condition. For example, the average highest chlorophyll content was obtained in Oniyaya cultivar during November period under pot conditions. While the greatest number of leaves at 8 WAT were obtained in Oniyaya and Local cultivars during
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December planting period and in Amugbadu during November period all under the field conditions. All cultivars grown during the February planting period had the lowest average number of leaves.
Growth parameters such as number of branches, plant height and leaf area were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the combined effect of cultivar, planting period and growing condition. Significant (P < 0.05) combined effect of cultivar and planting period was recorded on number of C. olitorius branches at 6 WAT. Furthermore, significant interaction between planting period and growing condition was also recorded. The significantly higher number of branches at 6 WAT was obtained from Oniyaya and Amugbadu cultivars during the November planting period. The test crop seedlings transplanted in February had the lowest average number of branches. Comparing the cultivars at 6 and 8 WAT, Oniyaya produced significantly (P < 0.01) higher number of branches than Local. Local cultivar was significantly taller than others under the field condition; while significantly tallest plant was obtained during December period under the same condition. The differences observed in C. olitorius shoot and root fresh and dry masses were not significantly different in their responses in relation to the combined effect of cultivar, planting period and growing condition. However, the significantly highest average fresh shoot mass was obtained during December period and the lowest average values in February planting period.
The combined effect of cultivar, planting date and growing condition had significant (P < 0.01) influence on number of days to 50% flowering; pod formation and pod maturity of C. olitorius. The significantly longest average number of days to 50% flowering was observed in Oniyaya and Amugbadu cultivars during November period under field condition, while Local cultivar flowered at the shortest period, but produced highest number of pods and seed yield during the December planting period under the same condition.
Cultivar, planting date and growing condition had significant (P < 0.01) influence on Zinc contents of C. olitorius. Whereas the three factors had no significant effect on N, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, P, Al, ash and dry matter contents of the crop. The highest average amounts of N, Mg and K were obtained from Local cultivar during November period while the same cultivar produced the highest average amount of Ca during December period. In conclusion, the mucilage content and fresh shoot mass (which is
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the marketable part of C. olitorius) were optimal in crops grown during the December planting period when the temperatures are at the highest. While better nutritional content of the crop was better attained during the November planting period. Both November and December planting periods allowed C. olitorius to reach its maximum growth capacity, translating to higher yielding parameters than other planting periods
Written grammatical errors committed by English language, non-native first entering students at the University of Limpopo : an exploration
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022This study explores written grammar errors committed by UL first entering non-native English language students. The problem is that the standard of English among nonnative English language students does not seem to improve due to the recurrence of errors, and this has always occupied the attention of many L2 researchers. First year English language lecturers participated in the study; they were interviewed by the researcher to better understand issues related to errors committed by the students. The study is underpinned by Error Analysis theory. Content Analysis (CA) was employed to analyse the qualitative data obtained from the 30 students’ assignment scripts to obtain grammatical errors in the following: word classes, sentences, tense, punctuation, and paragraphing. The findings indicate that English non-native students committed errors in punctuation, sentence structure, noun, pronoun, subject-verb agreement– determiner–, spelling-, logical connectors-, contraction-, preposition-, incomplete sentence and wrong topic sentences errors. It recommends that the Department of Languages should introduce an annual English language competency test at the beginning of each year to access students’ English competency level. This will allow the ELLs to revise and develop teaching materials according to the language needs of the first-year students in the universit