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Self-efficacy in the relationship between illness perception and predicted psychotropic treatment compliance amongst adolescent inpatients
No full textMental illnesses are increasingly being diagnosed among adolescents, and as a result there is an increase in the prescription of psychotropic medication. Non-compliance with psychotropic treatment appears to be a growing problem amongst adolescent mental health care users. Treatment is frequently initiated during hospitalisation periods, which poses the risk that the in-patient may become non-compliant once responsibility for taking treatment is transferred to them on discharge. Though there are a multitude of factors that contribute to treatment compliance amongst adolescents, it appears that self-efficacy, participation in the decision-making process concerning the treatment pathway, and the ways in which mental illness is perceived are significant determinants of treatment compliance. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors influence psychotropic treatment compliance among South African adolescent inpatients admitted to a psychiatric facility. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, survey-type research design was employed. Approximately 170 participants were selected through a nonprobability convenience sampling method. Data was gathered by using self-report measures, namely the Drug Attitude Inventory, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Decision Self-Efficacy Scale. The correlation between the variables was calculated through a Pearson Product correlation coefficient, and a hierarchical regression analysis was utilised to determine the role of self-efficacy in the relationship between illness perception and treatment compliance. The results indicated that there is no significant relationship between treatment compliance and illness perception, but there is a significant relationship between illness perception and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was identified as a moderator between illness perception and treatment compliance of male adolescent inpatients. The findings of the study and the gender difference which surfaced may contribute towards a better understanding of the intricate processes related to treatment compliance in adolescents and help direct intervention aimed at promoting treatment compliance
Principals' perspectives regarding their role as leaders of curriculum reform in Lesotho
Get PDFThe present study explores the perspective of principals regarding their roles and responsibilities in the implementation and leadership of the new integrated curriculum at primary level within the context of Lesotho. This country is currently in the process of implementing a new primary school curriculum. However, it is no secret that many of the principals who lead these reforms have minimal or no prior training in educational leadership, yet their role is crucial for reform implementation. The sense-making theory was used to shed light on how principals interpret and understand their roles and responsibilities as leaders of curriculum reform. Using the concurrent mixed methods design, a questionnaire collected quantitative data from 83 principals on their beliefs, views and understandings regarding their roles. Semi-structured interviews with six principals were conducted to gather qualitative data regarding the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their role. The SAS program was used to generate descriptive statistics. The interview data was deductively analysed based on three main priori codes. The two datasets were then merged to establish convergence and/or divergence. The participants for this study were primary school principals. They were purposively drawn from Maseru, Lesotho to provide rich data because they currently lead the implementation of curriculum reform at this school level. The main findings indicate that principals in this study have positive views regarding their leadership of the new curriculum. However, inadequate in-service training and insufficient knowledge/information on the new curriculum compromise their leadership. As a result, contrary to the sense-making theory adopted in this study, it is the sense-making of teachers that drives the implementation of the new curriculum. In spite of this, principals rely on subtle strategies, such as collaboration and teamwork, to execute their role. Therefore, this study recommends an in-depth in-service program for principals to equip them with curriculum knowledge/information and change management skills. This study is intended to provide valuable insights on how principals view and make sense of their new roles during curriculum reform. It will shed light on challenges and opportunities that principals currently face. It will offer an opportunity for the principals to reflect on their work for possible growth
Christologie, dissipelskap en jeugbediening: ʼn prakties-teologiese ondersoek
No full textJesus Christ’s final command to His disciples was to go and make disciples across language and national boundaries. Today, the same command is still valid for the church. This study will research guidelines on how to fulfill Jesus’ command in youth ministry. Youth ministry in congregations and faith communities faces huge challenges regarding relevance, and some researchers are of the opinion that youth ministry is in crisis, due to falling numbers amongst others. The researcher is of the conviction that a theological understanding of the word “disciple” and the essence of discipleship as it unfolds in the New Testament will produce young people within a youth ministry and mentors who will understand their role and function in the forming of faith among the youth and in co-forming youth in their faith walk. This study essentially shows how, by focusing on Jesus Christ and Him the crucified, a curriculum for the making of disciples within youth ministry can be developed. In essence, this research has a Christological focus as it wants to show how a curriculum for the making of disciples within youth ministry can be derived from the focus on Jesus Christ. A practical theological study will be done on the role of Christology, the Great Focus, the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in the making of disciples in youth ministry. A thorough study is done of the Great Commission and certain models for and approaches to disciple making in youth ministry. This study researches the Great Commission and the understanding of discipleship, followed by an analysis of models and approaches that can contribute themes to the process of disciple making. The study is a continuation of the research by Van Deventer (2010) and Nel (1998), as well as that by Pretorius (2003), which establishes the Great Focus, Jesus Christ, as well as the Great Commandment for more love towards one another and the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations as important keys in youth ministry. Nel’s research, which follows an inclusive approach towards youth ministry in a congregation, is confirmed in the current study. The study researches how the Great Commission can be accomplished in a practical theological way in youth ministry. The entire study focuses on youth ministry within a congregation based on a practical theological paradigm. The relevant theoretical research is followed by empirical, qualitative research by means of depth interviews with ministers, pastors and professors within missional and youth ministries to gain insight into current patterns of disciple making in youth ministries in South Africa. The results of the interviews are analysed and contribute to developing a praxis model/curriculum for the making of disciples within youth ministry. The researcher aims to deduce principles for the making of disciples and to present a curriculum and curricular themes for the making of disciples that can be implemented in churches and faith communities that want to follow a discipleship model in their youth ministry. The study also strives to lay down principles for ministers and mentors in youth ministry to further discipleship by focusing on Jesus Christ, and to make disciples of young people within a congregation, as well as reach out to the nonchurched. Based on the theoretical and empirical research, a curriculum for disciple making in youth ministry is presented in the final chapter of the study
School mathematics performance: a longitudinal case study
No full textIn South African schooling, two sectors exist in which 75% of schools achieve significantly lower than the upper 25% of schools, resulting in a bimodal education system. However, the level of mathematics performance of South African learners from schools of all quintiles is far below international standards. There is a dearth of longitudinal studies investigating mathematics performance and it appears as though none have been done on South African learner performance in mathematics from Grade 1 to 12. The aim of this study was to investigate the mathematics performance from Grade 1 to 12 of boys attending a South African ex-Model C, single-gender school. A two-pronged approach was used. Firstly, the mathematics performance of learners who took Mathematics up to Grade 12 was compared to that of those who opted for Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy instead. Secondly, the effectiveness of mathematics performance in lower grades in predicting that in subsequent grades was investigated.
In order to do so, the promotion marks of learners in eight consecutive cohorts (Grades 1 to 12) at the same school were used. Archived data were retrieved from SA-SAMS and the school’s hardcopies of learners’ results. Learners matriculating at the school in either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy were separated into a Mathematics-set (M-set) (n=302) or a Mathematical Literacy set (ML-set) (n=160) respectively. The “Proc Mixed” procedure was used to analyse the data. The Mixed Model for Repeated Measures (MMRM) with an unstructured covariance matrix for repeated measures within learners was fitted, using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML), fitting fixed effects of cohort, grade and grade within a cohort. Regression analysis was performed to establish correlations and thus the precision with which current grade marks predict future grade marks. Ryan and Deci’s Self-Determination Theory and Piaget’s Cognitive Theory were useful in providing possible explanations for the results.
The mathematics performance of the two sets from Grade 1 to 7 followed a similar trend, but on average, the M-set performed 10% better than the ML-set. Mathematics performance was stable in the Foundation Phase. While national results generally reflect a decrease in marks from Grade 3 to 4, the learners in the current study showed an increase in mean marks. There was a decline in mean marks in Grade 6, which had the weakest correlations with those in other grades than any other grades with one another. The highest mean mark for Mathematics (across all grades) was in Grade 7. The steepest decline in mean marks was from Grade 7 to 9; however, the ML-set experienced a much greater decline, causing the gap between the two sets to widen to 22%.
The implications arising from these results are numerous. For instance, the ML-set achieved mean marks that were below those of the M-set. The set that started out lower in Grade 1 ended lower in Grade 7. This underscores the importance of learners starting formal education in the strongest position possible as this trajectory is generally maintained throughout their schooling. Contrary to national averages, the mean marks increased from Grade 3 to 4. The learners’ minimum of four years’ exposure to English, as the LOLT, prior to Grade 4 could account for this. The decline in mean marks from Grade 7 to 9 coincides with other simultaneously occurring factors, namely puberty, the transition to high school and the introduction of more abstract concepts such as algebra. Learners in the Senior Phase face many difficulties and adjustments. It is in the interest of the learners’ education that they are supported and guided, especially during these changes
Monitoring the impact of translocation on the genetic diversity and fitness of the cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra)
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Genetics))--University of the Free State, 2019Historic efforts to restore the Cape Mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra, CMZ) population from near extinction was implemented through initiatives by government conservation agencies. While the animals have recovered in number, concerns over the genetic diversity of this sub-species have been raised. Efforts to preserve genetic diversity and mitigate risks to population decline have been outlined in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) gazetted in 2018. This study addressed various objectives of the BMP. Specifically, the aim of this study was to monitor the impact that translocations have on the genetic diversity, fitness and long-term survival of the Cape mountain zebra. The study was carried out in four parts: First, the temporal change in genetic diversity was investigated over the last decade using 14 microsatellite markers. This was done to determine how past translocations conservation management has affected the genetic diversity of key populations. Second, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation in Toll-like receptor 9 was investigated to evaluate genetic diversity at adaptive sites and how they relate to protein function. Thirdly, the prevalence of two protozoa attributed to equine piroplasmosis was surveyed using real-time PCR to determine the risks associated with translocation. Lastly, the Cation Sperm Associated (CATSPER) gene 1-3 was screened to identify SNPs that may be associated with reproductive fitness in CMZ. Temporal declines in measures of genetic diversity such as allelic richness, observed heterozygosity and well as a low estimated effective population size (Ne) were identified in MZNP. Notable shifts in genetic structure of DHNR were also observed. Loss of genetic variation in the TLR 9 gene was observed in DHNR and a private reserve in Grahamstown when compared to the source population, MZNP. When investigating the structural implications caused by the genetic mutations in the gene, mutations were determined to not affect active binding regions of the protein structure. All animals tested in three reserves were infected with the equine piroplasm, Theileria equi. Translocations and founding new populations pose a risk to domestic animals in adjacent farms and could potentially introduce new genotypes in these areas. Four SNPs were identified at intronic regions of CATSPER 1 while no SNPs were found in exons screened in CATSPER genes 2 and 3 for the CMZ. This study played a key role in informing conservation actions to be implemented through the BMP. The aim of future analyses will be to incrementally sample each generation for better estimations of effective population size as a measure of genetic health. Collaborative efforts with conservation agencies will enable monitoring and controlled mixing of relict populations to assess which populations would best enable the preservation of the maximum number of alleles.National Research Foundation (NRF)South African National Biodiversity Institut
The effect of receiving mobile text messages on salivary cortisol levels in physiology students at the University of the Free State
No full textObjective: Texting has become central to social life, especially among young adults. It has been shown that texting has an adverse effect on physiological functioning. This study investigated the effect of receiving mobile text messages on salivary cortisol levels in undergraduate Physiology students.
Methods: This protocol was set as an experimental, crossover, quantitative study. Respondents (men age: M = 20.5, SD = 1.34; women age: M = 20.7, SD = 1.69) participated in the study over two consecutive study days, receiving the intervention (receiving mobile text messages) on one day and acting as their own control on the other day. Self-reported data and saliva samples were collected during the study to assess salivary cortisol levels. Anxiety, depression and stress levels as well as the respondents’ subjective experience of the study were determined. Text frequency (number of text messages received) and text emotions (words with a neutral, positive or negative connotation) were varied among respondents.
Results: Salivary cortisol levels did not differ significantly between the intervention and control days. High anxiety levels were associated with increased salivary cortisol levels. No associations with salivary cortisol levels were documented in low to moderate anxiety levels, stress, depression or how respondents subjectively experienced the intervention. There was no significant difference between text frequency, text emotion and the change in cortisol levels on the intervention day.
Conclusion: The results in this study indicate that receiving mobile text messages did not elicit a significant cortisol response in respondents
Overweight, obesity and associated risk factors in the South African Air Force, Bloemfontein
No full textThe prevalence of overweight and obesity has grown to epidemic proportions during recent decades, while this increase does not seem to be slowing down. Various factors influence the development of overweight and obesity, including socio-demographic factors, dietary intake and behaviour such as sleep deprivation, alcohol intake and energy expenditure. A strong link between overweight and obesity and the development of numerous chronic conditions has also been clearly demonstrated in the literature. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, malignancies, obstructive sleep apnoea and osteoarthritis. In this study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the association between the above-mentioned risk factors and health consequences of overweight and obesity, was investigated at Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein (AFB Bspt). A cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted on 166 (136 male and 30 female) uniformed volunteers from AFB Bspt, aged 23 to 59 years, took place at the various units situated at AFB Bspt, including Base Head Quarters, 506 Protection Squadron, 87 Helicopter Flying School, 16 Squadron and 6 Air Support Unit. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire which reported on socio-demographic-, behavioural-, and dietary factors as well as physical activity. Physical activity was determined by means of the self-administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form. Standard measuring techniques were used to determine weight, height and waist circumference. Waist circumference was evaluated by means of the World Health Organization (WHO) gender-specific cut-off points for the evaluation of metabolic complications. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using weight and height and classified, using the WHO BMI cut-off points, as either underweight or normal weight, overweight or obese. The prevalence of both overweight and obesity was high in the current study, which is in line with national and global trends. As expected, a statistically significant relationship was identified between waist circumference and the different BMI categories. Literature supports a relationship between overweight and obesity and ageing. Although not significant, the median age of participants showed a slight increase from normal weight to overweight and obesity. Socio-demographic factors investigated in this study included gender, ethnicity, rank, marital status and educational attainment. Although the relationship between these factors and overweight and obesity is clearly described in the literature, no statistically significant differences were identified in the current study. Also, no significant differences were identified regarding reported health conditions across BMI categories. Dietary factors including high intakes of fat and sugar, low intake of fruits and vegetables, meal frequency and number of meals consumed outside the home have been associated with overweight and obesity, however, in the current study, no significant associations were identified. It is concerning that the majority of participants do not consume the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables daily.
Behavioural aspects including perceived stress, sleeping patterns and tobacco and alcohol use were also investigated. Almost two-fifths of participants identified themselves as moderately stressed, while almost half of the participants identified themselves as highly stressed individuals. Approximately 80% of participants reported more than seven hours of sleep per night. Most respondents were non-smokers. No statistically significant differences were identified between behavioural aspects investigated across BMI categories. High levels of physical activity were reported. Obese individuals had the highest median for moderate physical activity, while all BMI categories had the same median for vigorous physical activity. The maximum number of hours spent on moderate and vigorous physical activity for one individual was observed in the overweight category, where 42 hours per week was reported for each. No statistically significant differences were identified for physical activity with regard to BMI categories.
Future studies should aim to include a larger number of participants, from different military bases in other geographic areas in South Africa. A more detailed evaluation of anthropometric status, including waist-hip ratio and body composition assessment, should be considered. Questionnaires should be completed through structured, individual interviews by qualified researchers to allow for more in-depth assessment and to ensure that questions are well understood. This study provides valuable information regarding the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the study sample, as well as low fruit and vegetable intakes that should be addressed in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the military community at AFB Bspt
Foraging behaviour and health status of Red-billed Oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
No full textRed-billed Oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) are tick feeding birds that reduce ectoparasite loads on African ungulates. However, little is known about their feeding ecology, seasonal abundance and health wellbeing. All these attributes contribute towards their conservation. I studied the Red-billed Oxpecker feeding ecology and health status in the southern regions of Kruger National Park by documenting their seasonal abundance, infection prevalence, body condition and foraging behaviour (host preference and foraging location on host). No significant difference in Oxpecker abundance was observed between the three seasons. Nine potential ungulate host species were recorded and birds were observed feeding on eight of the present species. White rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) were the most preferred hosts whereas waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) were the least preferred host. Birds preferred sitting and foraging from the back, head and neck of the host ungulate – where they appeared more tolerated by the host. No wound feeding activity was recorded during this study. In total, 30 Red-billed Oxpeckers were caught and blood and feather samples from them were screened for parasites. Ectoparasite prevalence on birds was highest during the summer months, with the majority found on the flight wing feathers. It was found that birds with ectoparasites seemed to have a lower body condition index compared to those with no ectoparasites. The most common Haemoparasites found in the Oxpeckers were Leucocytozoon. It was also the only haemoparasite found during the dry season.National Research Foundation (NRF)University of the Free StateFoundational Biodiversity Information Programme (FBIP
Studying the regulation of immune signalling molecules related to immunity during Avibacterium paragallinarum infection
No full textInfectious coryza is a contagious and acute upper respiratory poultry disease caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum, that plagues predominantly layers but also affects broiler breeds. The chicken’s immune response to Av. paragallinarum serovar C-3 (SA-3) infection (reported to be most virulent in South Africa), and the underlying genetic mechanisms involved, are poorly understood and not well documented. The aim of the study is to understand the complexity of the regulation of immune functions by identifying the molecules that are expressed during Av. paragallinarum serovar C-3 (SA-3 strain) infection. In this study, chickens (control versus experimental groups) were directly challenged via infraorbital injection with Av. paragallinarum serovar C-3 (SA-3 strain) and the immune response was monitored. The mean disease score and mean daily egg production score were recorded and calculated. Blood and sera were obtained for blood microscopy, leukocyte population profiling by flow cytometry analysis, and antibody/cytokine screening with ELISA assays. Finally, control and experimental chickens were sacrificed based on the clinical scores obtained (0, 1, 2 or 3). Post-mortem examination was conducted, and organs were harvested for immunohistochemistry staining for identification of distinct immune cell populations. The in vivo results obtained from the experimental studies in combination with the in silico results obtained from bioinformatics tools for the generation of immune signalling pathway maps may provide insight and a birds-eye view into the immune mechanisms between host-pathogen interactions for this disease. Results from our study could potentially assist with diagnostic tests for serovar C-3 and provide insight towards more efficient vaccine development. Hence, if vaccine practices are improved this will limit importations of birds from huge global markets, thus preventing carry-over poultry diseases and zoonosis as well as maintaining a safe and sustainable economy.National Research Foundation (NRF
Normal platelet count in the HIV positive pregnant patient
No full textBackground. Thrombocytopenia complicates 6.6% – 11.6% of all pregnancies. Gestational Thrombocytopenia accounts for the majority of cases, it is usually mild with spontaneous resolution postpartum. It is estimated that more than 25% of pregnant South African patients are HIV positive. Objectives. The objective of the study was to determine the platelet count for HIV positive pregnant patients. This will lead to minimizing unnecessary invasive testing and workup for other pathologies. Method. This was a prospective descriptive study in which low and mild risk pregnant patients with WHO stage 1 HIV disease were recruited for participation. In patients that needed routine blood tests drawn, a platelet count was added. Patients were either first visit patients or following up for routine antenatal care. Results. For all participants (n = 120), the mean platelet count was 270.9 x 10 ⁹/L (range 91 –488). For first trimester participants (n = 37), the mean platelet count was 282.3 x 10 ⁹/L (range 103 – 441). For the second trimester participants (n = 28), the mean platelet count was 263.7 x 10 ⁹/L (range 91 - 470). For the third trimester participants (n = 34), the mean platelet count was 260.2 x 10 ⁹/L (range 99 - 488). For the participants where no trimester was indicated (n = 21), the mean platelet count was 278.1 x 10 ⁹ /L (range 181 - 426). Discussion and Conclusion. Stage 1 HIV does not have a clinical significant impact on the platelet count in pregnant patients