Walter Sisulu University
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Ipasi-lentloko
No full textThe headband is meticulously crafted from flat white bead strips, elegantly adorned with delicate blue lines that trace their way across its surface. This stunning piece is further enhanced by a vibrant fringe of chevrons, sporting a palette of striking blue, green, and red hues, all interspersed with intricately arranged white and black beads. At the centre of the forehead, three lustrous pearl buttons are tastefully positioned, adding a touch of sophistication and charm. This beautiful headband is traditionally worn by both middle and adult-aged male and female members of the Nxaxo community in Centani, serving as a symbol of cultural identity and artistic expression.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Iguza
No full textA stunningly crafted calabash, fully adorned with intricate beads in an array of vibrant colours—pristine white, lush green, sunny yellow, fiery red, deep black, and calming turquoise. The handle is elegantly designed with a striking strip of navy and yellow beads, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This beautifully decorated calabash serves a significant purpose: it is used by a traditional doctor to carry powdered medicine, embodying both artistry and cultural importance in its form.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Impempe
No full textA beautifully crafted whistle hangs from a delicate necklet, featuring a sleek steel whistle suspended amidst an array of vibrant decorations. Adorned with strands of intricately designed flat strips, the whistle is embellished with colourful glass beads that catch the light, creating a shimmering effect. Short, playful bead streamers dangle gracefully, while delightful pink wool pompoms add a touch of whimsy. Pearl buttons provide a touch of elegance, enhancing the overall charm of this unique piece.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Ubulunga bempungutye
No full textThe necklace is a ceremonial neckband, comprising dual strands of white beads, culminating in a single pearl button. This adornment is further embellished with the pelts and furs derived from a jackal. Notably, this neckband transcends gender boundaries, being universally worn by both males and females. This piece not only serves as a decorative accessory but also signifies cultural and perhaps ritualistic importance, warranting further investigation into its origins, symbolism, and role within isiXhosa-speaking people who utilise it.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Inkciyo yomtshakazi
No full textThis genital girdle, adorned with a single bead fringe delicately attached to an apron, finds its elegance in simplicity. Supported by four rows of shimmering white "AMASO" beads resembling pearls, this exquisite garment holds profound cultural significance as it adorns a bride on her special day. The choice of white AMASO beads adds a touch of purity and innocence and signifies the bride's transition into a new phase of life, symbolising hope, clarity, and new beginnings. As the bride wears this girdle, it becomes more than just an accessory; it becomes a sacred link between her and her cultural heritage, a tangible expression of tradition, and a testament to the love and commitment she shares with her partner. Paired with her bead band and blankets, the girdle completes the bride's ensemble, weaving elements of beauty and symbolism into a tapestry of matrimonial bliss. Thus, this genital girdle becomes a cherished heirloom, carrying within its beads the memories and blessings of generations past.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months in very and extremly low birth weight infants and determinants of breastfeeding practices at the Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Get PDFINTRODUCTION: Breastmilk provides adequate nutrition for the optimal growth and development of infants globally. Breastfeeding is an incomparable practice that cannot sufficiently be replaced by any other substance. Breastmilk and breastfeeding offer numerous medical and non-medical advantages that influence the welfare not only of infants, but also of women, their families and society. The last few decades have shown a worldwide increase in the birth and survival rate of preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. These infants have an increased risk of adverse outcomes, thus necessitating optimal management including best feeding practices of this vulnerable population. AIM: This study assessed the exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate in VLBW and ELBW infants at their corrected six months of age and aimed to identify reasons for premature cessation of EBF as well as appraising the association between maternal socio-demographic variables and breastfeeding practices. This study also investigated the type, volume and preparation of replacement feeds given to infants that were not EBF. iii METHOD: This retrospective, cross sectional descriptive study was conducted between December 2017 to November 2018 at Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape. A comprehensive database was compiled with all the infants’ demographics and relevant maternal socio-demographic variables at birth. Information on the changeover of primary caregiver, feeding practices, reasons stated for premature discontinuation of EBF, and the infant’s anthropometry were documented at each follow up visit and included in the database. RESULTS: The prevalence of EBF at the corrected six month follow up was 22%. Insufficient breastmilk supply (23%, 43% and 13% at one, three and six months respectively) and maternal commitments to school or work (35%, 33% and 50% at one, three and six months respectively) were the predominant reasons stated by mothers for discontinuation of EBF. The number of other children a mother had was significantly related to EBF practices at months one and six (p = .029 and .025, respectively), and EBF was also significantly related to the level of maternal education at month three (p = .006). The percentage of mothers who breastfed exclusively was proportional to the number of other children they had, and inversely proportional to the level of their education. The volume of replacement feeds was known to be incorrect in over a third of cases at months one and three (35% and 34%, respectively), and in almost half of cases at month six (48%). Replacement feeds were being prepared most incorrectly at the three month follow up with almost half (46%) of these feeds being prepared iv inaccurately. These replacement feeds comprised of exclusive formula feeds (EFF) for 95% of cases that were not EBF at month one, 88% at month three, and 97% at month six. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EBF in VLBW and ELBW infants at six months in this study remains sub-optimal compared with other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and is much lower than the target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Factors that affected EBF practices in this study include mother’s perception of insufficient breastmilk supply, maternal commitments to work/school, the number of other children in the household as well as the level of maternal education. A combination of various interventions is urgently needed to effectively increase EBF rates in this population.Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, 202
Molecular analysis of Tigecycline Resistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Mthatha and surrounding hospitals
Get PDFThe emergency of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales is prevalent and poses a significant threat to health systems worldwide. The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a mortality rate of about 50% in patients with CRE bloodstream infections. This study aimed to conduct a molecular analysis of tigecycline resistance in 100 CRE in clinical isolates from Mthatha and surrounding hospitals. The results showed a notable high prevalence of CRE infections in neonatal, male surgical, and maternal and pediatric wards, predominantly driven by Klebsiella spp. (53.4%), followed by Enterobacter spp. (20.5 %), then Escherichia coli (6.7%). The present study performed tigecycline AST using an E-test on 100 CRE hospital isolates., A total of 92.8 % CRE was susceptible to tigecycline, 1.6 % intermediate resistant to tigecycline, and 5.8 % resistant to tigecycline. A multiplex SYBR green-based PCR assay for rapid detection of tet(X) and its variants, including tet(X1), tet(X2), and high-level tigecycline resistance genes tet(X3), tet(X4), and tet(X5) were developed. The results in 100 CRE clinical isolates studied indicated that there were no tet (X) gene detected that was responsible for tigecycline resistance. The risk factors associated with tigecycline resistance in CRE include age, pre-exposure to antibiotics, prolonged hospitalization, and undergoing invasive procedures indicated by strong r2 =0.9501. CRE gradually evolves, posing a significant threat to patients of all ages. Early detection of carbapenemase production in clinical infections, carriage states, or both is essential to prevent hospital based outbreaks. As using Tigecycline is the last line of treatment for CRE infection, the high rate of tigecycline resistance in this study is alarming for the healthcare system in South Africa. Tigecycline combination therapy is recommended when treating critically ill patients. Tet (X) genes are not responsible for tigecycline resistance in the sample of this study. The risk factors associated with tigecycline resistance in CRE include age, pre exposure to antibiotics, prolonged hospitalization, and undergoing invasive procedures.Degree: M. Science (Medical Microbiology
Health Care Professionals’ Attitudes Towards Patients with Mental Illness at Nelson Mandela Central Hospital
Get PDFThe belief that persons with mental illness are dangerous and unpredictable has been noted in several studies. This perception is often associated with fear in those who hold this belief. The unpredictable nature of mental illness may also be a factor in how health care professionals react to and provide care for mentally ill patients. This may lead to an increase in negative attitudes towards mentally ill patients thereby resulting in negative patient outcomes. In South Africa (SA) there is paucity of literature regarding attitudes towards mental illness. Most studies done in SA have focused on patients’ experience of stigma and community attitudes towards people with mental illness. This research was conducted against this background to assess health care professionals’ attitudes towards patients with mental illness at the study site, which was at Nelson Mandela Central Hospital, in the Eastern Cape. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the attitudes of health care professionals working at Nelson Mandela Central Hospital towards patients with mental illness…Degree: M. Medicine (Psychiatry
Stigma In Women With Infertility In A Rural Community In The Eastern Cape Province: A Qualitative Study
Get PDFThe stigma surrounding infertility is a problem linked with different psychological and social difficulties, particularly for women, as well as a sense of shame and concealment. Infertile women experience high levels of stigma in South Africa. The infertility stigma is regarded as one of the greatest challenges in most societies for reproduction and sexual health of infertile women. This study aims to explore the intersection of stigma, demographic characteristics, experiences, and coping mechanisms among women with infertility in Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape Province…Degree: M. Public Healt
Ugesi-wesinqe
No full textAn intricate waistband crafted from vibrant plastic tubing in shades of yellow and green encircles the waist. This ornate design features a charming bead fringe measuring three centimetres, cascading elegantly from either side. Accentuating the colourful tubing are playful pink wool pompoms, adding a delightful touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. The combination of vivid hues and decorative elements creates a stunning visual appeal, making the waistband a standout accessory.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio