11613 research outputs found
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Exploring teacher professional resilience: a case of selected rural and remote schools in Lesotho
No full textThe aim of the study was to explore teacher professional resilience in rural and remote schools in Lesotho. I was impelled to undertake this study after realising that there were some schools in rural and remote parts of Lesotho which perform well and were producing desirable results, despite working within adverse circumstances far from essential services, compared to some schools in the urban areas. They were schools whose pass rate was at least 60 percent upwards from year 2013 to 2017. The study employed qualitative method using multiple case study as the design. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and narratives. I used purposeful sampling to select both male and female participant who were qualified teachers. They were teachers that were already in these schools from 2013 to 2017. Data generated through semi-structures interviews and written narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis, as proposed by Braun & Clarke (2006). Findings from the empirical research point out that teachers understood what teacher professional resilience is. However, their way of conceptualising teacher professional resilience overlooked the ecological perspective of resilience. They also ignored the role played by the environment and the resources available in it for teacher professional resilience. However, most of their assertions demonstrated that they recognise the essence of ecological resources for their development, despite excluding them when conceptualising the concept. The results reflected that the participants are resilient teachers. Nevertheless, in order to develop their resilience better, more support from stakeholders such as learners themselves, parents, leaders and the government through the Ministry of Education need to be strengthened. Future research should therefore consider these important stakeholders to find out their awareness of teacher professional resilience, the role they play and can play to enhance teacher professional resilience. It would also be interesting to find out if resilient teachers facilitate learning in a way that could enhance resilient learners. Teachers’ suggestions on what they think should be done to help teachers to be more resilient in order to produce best results could also be considered. The study should also cover many district to acquire deeper and richer data
The use of computed tomography for the detection of gastrointestinal injury in patients with penetrating torso trauma: a central South African experience
No full textBackground: There is a consensus that selective nonoperative management is the strategy of choice for patients with penetrating torso trauma that are haemodynamically stable and do not have generalised peritonitis. Amongst two prominent trauma associations Computed Tomography is either considered part of the management strategy or given as an option depending on available resources. However, during a systematic review conducted in 2018 CT was found to fall short in the evaluation of possible gastrointestinal injury with a prevalence of 8,7% of false negative CT scans. Given that in our clinical setting there is a high incidence of penetrating torso trauma it is of value to review our local accuracy in diagnosing penetrating gastrointestinal injury using CT and to determine which direct and/or indirect signs are of greatest value for doing so. Objectives: Determining the local accuracy for identifying gastrointestinal injury on CT and reviewing the local sensitivity and specificity of some described signs for the detection of GIT injury. Method CT scans that included the torso and clinical records were reviewed for all patients with penetrating torso trauma that presented to Pelonomi Academic Hospital trauma centre from 18 December 2017 until 18 June 2019 and received a CT scan prior to surgery or discharge after a minimum of 24 hours serial clinical examination. A select number of direct and indirect CT signs for gastrointestinal injury were documented and compared to surgically confirmed GIT injury or presumed negative for GIT injury if the patient was discharged after 24 hours serial clinical examinations without clinical features suggestive of GIT injury. Results: Of the 114 cases that formed part of the study 44 (38,6%) had surgically proven GIT injury. GIT wall thickening and intra peritoneal free fluid at a site distant to the tract in the absence of solid organ injury had the greatest sensitivity and specificity of the signs evaluated each with a sensitivity of 77,3% and 73,5% and a specificity of 82,9 and 89,7% respectively. In spite of the overall high local sensitivity of 93,2% for identifying GIT injury based on CT findings, there was a prevalence of 6,8% of false negative cases. Conclusion: CT may be used as an adjunct in the evaluation of patients with penetrating torso trauma with clinical evaluation as the mainstay of management as CT cannot safely exclude GIT injury
A mobile health communication framework for postnatal care in rural Kenya
No full textBackground: Maternal and neonatal health remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in the burden of a high rate of maternal and neonatal deaths. Postnatal care is an intervention recommended by the World Health Organization to promote maternal and neonatal health. In spite of this recommendation, uptake of postnatal care in Kenya, as in many other sub-Saharan African countries, has remained low, particularly in rural areas, despite targeted postnatal care services being implemented. Mobile health communication is proposed to promote the uptake of postnatal care; however, no theory-based framework has been developed in this regard to date. This study, therefore, aimed to develop a mobile health communication framework for postnatal care in rural Kenya. Methods: A multi-method research design guided the development of the framework through a multi-phased approach. The first phase systematically reviewed literature to gather the best available evidence on how mobile health communication could strengthen postnatal care in rural areas. The second phase of this study used a visual-based narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of postnatal mothers with health care providers and their views on mobile health communication in a rural area in Kenya. In the final phase, the findings of the preceding phases were used to draft the framework, which was validated by policymakers from the same rural area where data had been gathered. The theoretical underpinning of the study was provided by both the integrative model of behaviour prediction and the theory of change logic model. The integrative model of behaviour prediction was used to identify determinants of postnatal care uptake, while theory of change logic model underpinned the development of the mobile health communication framework by describing what the framework comprised. Results: The findings of the systematic review reveal that one-way messaging is the most common type of mobile health communication that is used in an attempt to strengthen postnatal care in rural areas. Evidence reveals that mobile health communication can be used to improve uptake of postnatal care by influencing the critical determinants that predict behaviour uptake, which are, according to the integrative model of behaviour prediction, intention, skills and environmental factors. The findings also reveal that changing beliefs related to attitudes, perceived norms and self-efficacy can enhance the intention to use postnatal care. Mobile health communication can enhance the skills necessary to use postnatal care, such as breastfeeding, cord care, thermal care, delayed bathing of babies, safer sleep practices, care-seeking and problem-solving. The environmental factors that are considered to hinder uptake of postnatal care in rural areas, and which can be reduced by use of mobile health communication, were inaccessibility, unavailability and unaffordability. The findings of the visual-based narrative inquiry reveal that postnatal mothers had expectations of health care providers, with some expectations being met, and others not. The postnatal mothers reported having positive experiences with their health care providers as a result of the physical and emotional support they received. The positive experiences had various outcomes for both mothers and their children. The findings also reveal that postnatal mothers had expectations of mobile health communication, viewing it as a way in which health education and psychological support in relation to postnatal care could be provided. In addition, they expressed positive attitudes towards mobile health communication – they regarded it as useful for improving access to health care providers, and the availability of and access to the health facility. From the validation exercise, guided by theory of change logic model, a mobile health communication framework for postnatal care in rural Kenya was developed. The model helped to address the problem caused by the absence of a mobile health communication framework in rural areas, by linking postnatal mothers’ needs, the desired results, influential factors and strategies. In addition, the assumptions behind the effectiveness of the framework were highlighted. The framework that was developed integrated the integrative model of behaviour prediction and theory of change logic model. In addition to the models, both users and policymakers’ inputs were incorporated, as was additional literature, which strengthened the framework. Conclusion: In this study, a theory-based mobile health communication framework for postnatal care in rural Kenya was developed on the basis of the best evidence available on mobile health communication, and users’ and the policymakers’ inputs. Given that the mobile health communication framework was developed on the basis of the contextual realities of rural Kenya, its piloting and implementation is recommended, as it is likely to improve the uptake of postnatal care, as well as both maternal and neonatal health, thereby helping to address the high rate of maternal and neonatal mortality, especially in rural settings and in low- and middle-income countries.University of the Free StateEdward Tiffany bursaryDedan Kimathi Universit
Health literacy of Sesotho-speaking patients with end-stage renal disease in the Free State province
No full textBackground: End-stage renal disease is a global health concern, and health literacy is essential for managing this complex disease. In South Africa, the health literacy status of Sesotho-speaking patients is unknown. Meaningful data will only be generated if health literacy is tested and local context, and cultural and dialectal diversity is taken into consideration. Aim: This study aimed to assess the health literacy of Sesotho-speaking patients with end-stage renal disease in the Free State province of South Africa. Objectives: The objectives were to establish the health literacy association between Sesotho-speaking patients with end-stage renal disease in the Free State province who received haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis at private and public dialysis centres in this province. Methodology: The researcher followed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. The research technique used was the culture- and context-sensitive Sesotho Health Literacy Test (SHLT). Patients receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the private and public healthcare sectors in four towns of the Free State province were included in the study (N=420). Convenience sampling (n=263) was used to collect data. Frequencies and percentages for categorical data and medians and percentiles for numerical data were calculated per group. Associations were calculated utilising the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical data and the Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical data. Results: The researcher studied 263 respondents: 57.4% (n=151) were from the public sector, 74.9% (n=197) received haemodialysis, and 25.1% (n=66) were on peritoneal dialysis. Male gender predominated, with 60.3% (n=158) men, and the median age of respondents was 49 years. The majority (58.4%) of respondents had an education level between Grade 9 and 12. Hypertension (91.3%) and diabetes mellitus (27%) were the highest reported comorbidities. Respondents had been on renal replacement therapy for a median of four years, and 46.8% reported having problems reading due to inadequate eyesight. Low health literacy levels were identified in 12.9% (n=34), moderate health literacy levels in 49.4% (n=130), and high health literacy levels in 37.6% (n=99) of the respondents. Low health literacy levels were significantly associated (p<0.01) with lower education levels. Lower health literacy levels were not associated with healthcare sector groups (p=0.58), treatment modalities (p=0.80), gender (p=0.20), age (p=0.06), years on dialysis (p=0.50) or with a higher number of comorbidities (p=0.81). However, a significant association (p<0.01) was reported between lower health literacy levels and the scores obtained in appraisal and understanding questions. Recommendations: The South African Renal Society could possibly implement context- and culture-related health literacy assessment for end-stage renal disease patients when they are diagnosed. Training institutions could integrate health literacy training into the education of healthcare workers in the dialysis field. End-stage renal disease patients could benefit if they received education and training from dialysis role players in their home language. End-stage renal disease patients’ health outcomes could improve if the staff-to-patient ratio was 1:4. Health literacy levels of end-stage renal disease patients should be considered when selection for renal replacement therapy in the public sector, and selection for transplant in both sectors take place. Education and training of end-stage renal disease patients should be related to the language, cultural and environmental context of living of the patient, education level and age of the patient, whether the patient has inadequate eyesight, and the patients’ health literacy level. Knowledge about emergencies, the influence of lifestyle, understanding of prescriptions, volume measurement, tuberculosis and hepatitis B, and the impact of nephrotoxic medications have to be reinforced during patient training. Conclusion: The health literacy of Sesotho-speaking end-stage renal disease patients was unknown. The SHLT was applicable for assessing the health literacy of these patients. Almost 50% of Sesotho-speaking end-stage renal disease patients have difficulties with measurement, possess inadequate knowledge about health, nutrition and exercise, and experience problems following medication prescriptions. This study suggests that end-stage renal disease patients’ health literacy status should be known, to improve self-management and health outcomes
Selfies as self-representation tools during the construction of narrative identities
No full textIn this study, the topic of selfies as tools for self-representation during the construction of narrative identity is explored. Emerging adulthood, narrative identity and selfies were the focus of the study. Emerging adulthood is a dynamic developmental stage in which the main developmental task is the exploration of identity, particularly in western societies. It was, therefore, important to examine this life stage as it is experienced by emerging adults in the South African context, but with a story-telling aspect. The social constructivist perspective as a theoretical framework was adopted for this study, as it indicates that several elements – including but not limited to family, peers, friends, media, religion and culture – ultimately affect narrative identity development. A qualitative framework was employed to explore the participants’ narratives. Narrative identity is socially constructed and develops through interaction with others, and meaning-making is also part of the process. Data collection took the form of four focus groups, with a group total of twenty-five, consisting of diverse participants who had been sampled by means of purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis in which extensive coding was done, and themes were constructed by analysing the participants’ responses. Emerging adults narrate their life stories in accordance with their personal preferences but also in accordance with external standards that have been stipulated by the societies in which they exist. Life stories were expressed through selfies, in which communication has evolved from the textual to the visual. Some similarities were identified between the experiences of emerging adults in western societies and those in African societies. The limitations of this research study were identified, and these will hopefully be valuable for future studies in this area.National Research Foundation (NRF
Curriculum reform and classroom practice: teaching geography in the Zimbabwean Curriculum Framework 2015 – 2022
No full textZimbabwe is currently in the throes of implementing whole-curriculum reforms encased in the Zimbabwe Curriculum Framework for Primary and Secondary Education 2015 to 2022 (ZCF 2015-2022). One of the major aims of this competence-based curriculum drive is the adoption of learner-centred pedagogy. An understanding of how Zimbabwean teachers make sense and enact the learner-centred instructional policy was a lacuna which this study sought to address. The research focuses on how four purposively sampled form 3 and 4 geography teachers from archetypical secondary schools, made sense of and enacted the ZCF 2015-2022 mandated learner-centred pedagogy. The study adopted a multiple-case study design using techniques of documentary study, observations, interviews, and self-reporting instruments namely; reflective self- journaling and a learner-centred practices gauge to generate qualitative data that yielded the following three main findings, in line with the research’s sub-questions. Firstly, though well-articulated policy signals abound in flagship policy documents, teachers lacked adequate understanding of these signals due to ineffective pre-implementation induction. The resultant policy-practice gap reflects discordant understandings between change-agents and local actors. Secondly, although all four teachers professed support for learner-centred pedagogy, each held individual perceptions on teaching. The commonly espoused support for learner-centred pedagogy was traceable to initial teacher training pro-learner-centred courses. Such espousal also reflected respondent biases of; ‘social desirability’ and ‘social acquiescence’ associated with data generated through self-check instruments where respondents want to look good and agree with what they know is the ideal. The four teachers also held individual sense-making understandings of teaching. A third finding was that there was scanty evidence on teachers’ voiced support for learner-centred methods in observed lessons. Observed teacher-centred question-and-answer sessions failed to attain effective levels of learner-centredness. However, some observed lessons approximated the ZCF 2015-2022 learner-centred policy mandate. This was partly due to factors as; participation in staff development courses, membership to a professional learning community and ability to create Rich Environments for Active Learning. The study recommends, an Integrated Eclectic Cognitive Sense-Making Framework, for an inclusive process of curriculum policy implementation with potential for meaningful local actor sense-making in enacting mandated reforms
Time Motion Analysis in the South African Premier Soccer League using GPS technology
No full textIntroduction: The game of soccer is an intermittent sport characterised by aerobic and anaerobic periods. TMA research on soccer in South Africa is lacking when compared with international counterparts, even though scientific-based soccer research can equip Strength and Conditioning Coaches in soccer with the precise knowledge to aid the development of individualised conditioning programmes for soccer players. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the physical demands of different positions in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa. Methods: GPS data on 26 players were collected, 46 matches and 459 observations and entries were analysed for the study. Minimax X4 Catapult GPS units were used to determine the physical and physiological demands made on soccer players. The following variables were recorded: Distances covered runs, run distance; number of runs, sprints, sprint distance and number of sprints in a match play. The quantitative variables were compared between playing positions using a mixed linear model, fitting playing position as fixed effect and match and (individual) player as random effect. Fitting the random effects allowed for the correlation of data within matches and for a given player. For each variable analysed, the overall F-test for playing position and the associated P-value are reported. Furthermore, the pairwise mean differences between playing positions, 95% confidence intervals for the mean differences, and associated P-values are reported. A so-called “lines” display is used to indicate which pairwise differences between the various playing positions are statistically significant. Results: All playing positions combined covered a mean total distance of 8494m (7197m-9200m) during a match which is notably lower than total distances reported from international soccer leagues which range from 10.180m- 11.680m. The CAM covered the highest total distance (9200.63m), closely followed by the WB (8724m) and CM (8621m). The ST, in contrast, covered the lowest total distance (7197m), closely followed by CB (7741m) and WA (8301m). The same positions made the greatest number of runs CAM (78m) and WB (72m). The WA covered the highest sprinting distance (299m), narrowly followed by the WB (278m). The lowest sprint distance was registered by CM (99m) and CB (101m). The WA performed a greater number of sprints (19) closely followed by the WB with a total of (17). CM and CB listed the lowest number of sprints in a match (7). Conclusions: In order to optimise soccer performance and to construct appropriate conditioning programmes, it is critical to have an understanding of the physiological demands placed on PSL players during a match. Our findings emphasise the differences in physical demand between the playing positions in soccer. Coaches can apply the findings of this study to develop position-specific strength and conditioning programmes for PSL players. For example, programmes for the CAM, should pay attention on improving aerobic capacity (extensive continuous low intensities) and aerobic power (intensive high intensity training, 2v2). The total distance covered by the W positions suggests that the W should have a balanced programme that switches between aerobic and anaerobic intensities. WA covers the highest sprinting distance among all positions; training regimens should focus on improving the W’s anaerobic capacity and anaerobic power ability. The WB training would consist of anaerobic modalities to help prepare the WB for the high intensity of speed endurance demands associated with the position. However, the WA must concentrate on anaerobic power as the sprints in this position consist of lower distances, so speed endurance production is essential in this position. To perform at high intensity throughout the duration of the match, soccer players should improve both aerobic and anaerobic endurance using high-intensity training modalities. This study can also help aspiring soccer players from club level to understand the physiological demands to play at PSL level and the physical demands at International level
Refeeding syndrome characterised by hypophosphataemia in children 0 – 59 months diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition in a South African setting
No full textBackground and motivation: The World Health Organisation (WHO) uses the term severe acute malnutrition (SAM) to describe children under five years who are severely malnourished and present with severe wasting, classified by weight-forlength/height 0.16 mmol/L to a level 1.7, and urinary tract infection (UTI) on-admission, and longer length of hospitalisation, but not with being HIV positive. HIV-exposure was, however, borderline statistically significant and diarrhoea had a trend towards significance on admission in participants who later developed RFS. Findings on protein and energy intakes were inconclusive as the grade of oedema, which influences the dietary requirements, was not recorded consistently in the hospital files. Most participants developed RFS after day five of hospitalisation, which is inconsistent with the usual timing of the development of RFS. Most participants were receiving F-75 substitutes (standard, soy or extensively hydrolysed infant formula with or without additional modular supplementation) during the initial phase of dietary treatment, thus high protein intake in oedematous participants may have contributed to the development of RFS in this study. Conclusions and recommendations: This study confirms the occurrence of RFS in patients with SAM and identifies several biochemical and clinical features present on admission that may aid in the identification of high-risk patients. This information may assist in the revision and standardisation of feeding protocols. Further investigation into risk factors which might predispose a child with SAM to develop RFS may help in reducing the incidence of RFS and the concurrent risk of death that it poses and, therefore, assist with the WHO’s goal to reduce the mortality of children under the age of five. Physicians, nurses and dietitians should be educated on RFS in order to diagnose and treat patients with SAM more effectively. The study highlights the importance of identifying and recording the grades of oedema in children with complicated SAM, which is vital for prescribing the correct dietary requirements. It also highlights the need for dietitians and other healthcare professionals to follow the WHO guidelines for the treatment of SAM, and use F-75 substitutes with great caution as their protein content is higher and their micronutrient composition is lower compared to F-75.University of the Free State (UFS
Does occupational noise matter amongst manufacturing (small and medium enterprises) workers? Empirical evidence from Magaba, Mbare, Zimbabwe
No full textBackground: The significance of how occupational noise can influence attitudes towards occupational noise exposure, susceptibility to hearing loss and job performance has generally been neglected in the past studies.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of occupational noise on attitudes towards occupational noise exposure, susceptibility to hearing loss and job performance of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) workers in Zimbabwe.
Method: A survey was conducted involving 250 respondents, including manufacturing SME workers, and the hypotheses were analysed by applying structural equation modelling.
Results: Occupational noise had a positive and significant effect on attitudes towards occupational noise exposure and perceived susceptibility to hearing loss amongst manufacturing SME workers. In addition, attitudes towards exposure to occupational noise and the perceived susceptibility of hearing loss have had a positive and significant impact on manufacturing SME workers’ job performance.
Conclusion: The novelty of the research is its analysis of occupational noise as an indicator of attitudes towards occupational noise exposure and susceptibility to hearing loss as well as job performance. This study provides practitioners with beneficial implications. Collective knowledge on occupational noise could help manufacturing SME managers in recognising the perceptions of employees on occupational noise and how it ultimately affects job performance. Moreover, this study is intended to add new knowledge to the current body of African occupational noise literature – a context that has not received much research attention in developing countries.Publisher's versio
Why teaching? Perspectives from first-year South African pre-service teachers
No full textSouth African initial teacher education institutes are currently experiencing an annual increase in admissions of first-year students. In addition, the increasing attrition rate of newly qualified teachers is of concern globally. This begs the question of why students are opting for teaching as a profession. This study focuses on reasons why first-year students have opted to study teaching at a South African university. The theoretical lens used is linked to the expectancyvalue theory of achievement motivation (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000). Five hundred and eighty first year students participated in a mixed methods research study. Data were analysed by using theories of career motivation categories, namely: altruistic, extrinsic, and intrinsic reasons. Trustworthiness was ensured by a side-by-side comparison which collated quantitative and qualitative data. All ethical principles were adhered to. The findings indicate that more than half (60%) of the participants were motivated to pursue teaching for altruistic
reasons, followed by almost a quarter (23%) choosing teaching for extrinsic reasons, and 17% opting to become teachers for intrinsic
reasons. This paper argues that it would be prudent for initial teacher
education institutes to understand students’ rationales for selecting
teaching to support them to complete their qualification and remain in the profession.Publisher's versio