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Exploring health consequences of problem gambling among adult gamblers in Maseru
Get PDFProblem gambling is globally recognised as a public health issue requiring funding for
prevention. It includes gambling behaviours that compromise, disrupt, or damage an
individual’s life and relationships. This study adopted Pearlin’s (1981) stress process
model to understand the health consequences of problem gambling among adult
gamblers in Maseru, focusing on sources of stress, coping mechanisms, and health
implications of problem gambling.
The research study was qualitative in nature and employed a case study design. Data
were collected using semi-structured interviews among twelve participants who had been
gambling for over two years. The participants were purposively selected and data were
thematically analysed.
The findings of the study revealed, as the primary stressor experienced by adult
gamblers, the financial strain, which was a result of debt accumulation, misdirection of
funds, lying about gambling behaviour and stealing money. Gamblers reported social
support and maladaptive coping mechanisms as the main coping strategies employed to
reduce stress caused by problem gambling.The health implications identified as a result
of problem gambling included depression, mood swings, and headaches.
The study concluded that problem gambling in Maseru is associated with heightened risks
to psychological, emotional, and physical health. It therefore emphasises the urgent need
for policy interventions, recommending that the government of Lesotho strengthen
regulations on gambling activities. This study adds to the ongoing debate and existing
literature regarding the health consequences of problem gamblingNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Evaluation of Southern African Wild Edible Plants for Potential Herb-Drug Interactions Through Ex Vivo P-Glycoprotein and In Vitro Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitory Effects
Get PDFWild edible plants (WEPs) including herbs provide staple foods as well as
income for local communities on the African continent. However, these commonly used plant
materials interact with orthodox or conventional drugs through both p-glycoprotein (P-gp)
and cytochrome P450 enzymes inhibition. Hence, it is vital to explore the possibility of herb-
drug interactions when concomitantly taking conventional drug dosage forms with some of
the WEPs. P-gp and CYP3A4 show analogous substrate specificities and work together to
establish an intestinal absorption barrier against xenobiotics. This study investigated the ex
vivo p-glycoprotein inhibition and the in vitro inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)
isoezyme by selected wild edible plants to identify potential food/herb-drug interactions.Sel
Effectiveness of English as a Lingua Franca on Basotho employees in two multicultural workplaces in Maseru Lesotho
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of English as a lingua franca
(ELF) on Basotho employees in a multicultural workplace, using UNICEF and Epic Printers
(Pty) Ltd as case studies. This study was conducted in Maseru, Lesotho. The study’s research
objectives were to investigate the effectiveness of ELF in a multicultural workplace, to
examine the factors which contribute to this effectiveness, and to identify barriers to effective
communication that are caused or removed by ELF in a multicultural work setting. A mixed-
method approach was found suitable for the study, and data were collected through
questionnaires and interviews. Using convenience sampling, this study’s sample was 37
employees from UNICEF and EPIC Printers (Pty) Ltd. Generally, the study proved that, to a
larger extent, English as a lingua franca is effective in a multicultural workplace. By adopting
English in a multicultural workplace, as a common language of communication, ELF enables
communication effectiveness in diverse professional contexts. Results revealed that ELF
breaks communication barriers between Basotho employees and non-native speakers in a
workplace that is characterised by diversity. The study also showed that education plays a
vital role in communication. In fact, it is a factor which contributes to this effectiveness.
Based on the findings, it was concluded that the participants with higher education
qualifications have good language competence to communicate effectively in the English
language. However, the minority of the research participants considered ELF ineffective
mainly because some expatriates and some semi-skilled Basotho employees are not so fluent
in English and cannot articulate well, which may cause communication breakdownNational Manpower Development Secretaria
The case of Maseru, Lesotho
Get PDFPeople with disabilities (PWDs) are a leading minority group globally, that anyone
can become its member at any given time (Aroonsrimorakot, Laiphrakpan,
Nilthongkum et al., 2020). In addition to accidents, population ageing and chronic
health conditions such as diabetes contribute to the increasing prevalence of
disability (Alswang, Bandawe, Bastian et al., 2022). To its members, disability is an
obstacle to success. Gaining employment is an uphill struggle for PWDs, because
they face recruitment discrimination. When they have been successfully enrolled in
employment, they are confronted with human rights issues that exposes them to
innumerable challenges such as stigma, discrimination and all sorts of inequalities.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges that PWDs
encountered in the workplace in Maseru.
The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the challenges
and to achieve the objectives. The objectives of the study were to find out the
employer’s contribution to ‘reasonably accommodate’ workers with disabilities, to
explore the workplace relationships between PWDs and other employees and to
investigate the stigma experiences of PWDs in the workplace. In-depth interviews
were used to collect data from twelve people with disabilities, who were and have
been employed in Maseru. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used
in the collection of data. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis.
The findings of the study indicated that stigma and discrimination were the most
pervasive and persistent barriers. The study confirmed that some participants with
disabilities were discriminated and stigmatised when they came for interviews and
others when they first reported for work. The participants were not ‘reasonably
accommodated’ in terms of transport provision, housing, support and the built
environment. Furthermore, the participants had strained relationships with both
colleagues and managers, they were discriminated during promotions and were
excluded in extra-mural activities. The findings suggest a need for interventions by
the employers to ‘reasonably accommodate’ workers with disabilities and to reduce
stigma especially enacted stigma that seems to prevail in the workplace, in Maseru.National Manpower Development Secretaria
Exploring higher educators'adoption of Google workspace technology tools for teaching and assessment in Lesotho dynamic landscape
Get PDFThe rapid integration of google workspace tools in higher education has the potential to transform
education. To fully realize this potential, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence
educators’ attitudes and intentions toward adopting these tools. However, current research has
mainly focused on specific contexts, highlighting the need for a comprehensive examination in
different educational settings. This study delves into the complexities of the Technology Accep-
tance Model and expands its scope by considering additional external variables. Data was
collected through an online survey, with 396 educators sharing their perspectives and intentions
regarding google workspace tools. We used composite-based structural equation modeling,
implemented by the SEMinR package in the R programming language, to rigorously assess the
measurement and structural models of the constructs. The study’s findings reveal significant
relationships among the factors that shape educators’ perceptions and behaviors in relation to
google workspace tools. Notably, all paths show significant influence, except those connecting
social influence to perceived usefulness and ease of use to attitude. Additionally, the research
identifies the moderating impacts of gender, which do not significantly contribute to the observed
relationships. This study contributes substantially to the growing knowledge of technology
adoption in higher education. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights that can benefit educators,
institutions, and policymakers who want to leverage the potential of google workspace tools for
teaching and assessment. Lastly, the study provides clear directions for future research in this
areaSel
Reviewing the availability and integration of community health information system for HIV/AIDS in Lesotho
Get PDFBackground: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is an integral part of the Sustainable
Development Goals, with community-based services playing a crucial role. Various
stakeholders contribute to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) interventions, which must
be documented and shared with others for informed decision-making.
Aim: This study aims to review the availability of a community health information system
(CHIS) in Lesotho and its integration between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National
AIDS Commission (NAC).
Setting: The study is based on the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Commission in
Maseru, Lesotho.
Method: A scoping review used peer-reviewed articles, documents from MOH and NAC,
and other relevant reports from non-governmental organisations. The community information
systems were examined for inclusion of clinical and non-clinical information. Possible
linkages of information between MOH and NAC were reviewed.
Results: Clinical information from CSOs is recorded in DHIS2 at the MOH facilities,
while non-clinical information is reported in LOMSHA. However, clinical information from
VHWs is currently not included in DHIS2 and formal reporting tools are being developed.
There are no links between MOH and NAC, which limits information sharing.
Conclusion: Although a CHIS exists, it lacks the necessary linkages. Community-based
information from VHWs is not reported through DHIS2. Therefore, the country does not
benefit fully from community-based health information.
Contribution: Community health information systems review has never been conducted in
Lesotho before. Therefore, this review will raise awareness about its importance and use in
decision-makingGlobal Fund - PERSUAD
The contribution of climate finance on livelihoods of agro-pastoralists in the Sebapala sub-catchment
Get PDFClimatic change and variability is a developmental issue facing the world, particularly the
developing countries that sustain livelihoods through the environment. Climate change is an issue
in Africa, with many agro-pastoralists dealing with its different facets from desertification,
drought, land degradation and extreme weather events such as unpredictable rainfall and
unforeseen temperatures. Many developing countries have benefited from climate finance
initiatives to enhance development and livelihoods. Lesotho, like other developing countries,
receives climate finance to enforce the development of livelihoods. However, no study has been
conducted to determine the impact of climate finance on the livelihoods of the agro-pastoralists in
the Sebapala sub-catchment, in Tsatsane villages, within the Tosing Community Council.
The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of climate finance on the livelihoods
of the agro-pastoralists in the Sebapala sub-catchment within the Tosing Community Council,
Tsatsane. It has identified the kind of livelihoods that existed in the council before the inception
of the project. The study further determines the impact of climate finance on agro-pastoral
livelihoods and assesses the participation of agro-pastoral farmers in projects. The researcher used
a mixed method case study research design to address the problem: whether the impact of climate
finance on agro-pastoral livelihoods has led to a partial contribution to the socio-economic
development of the community. The study reveals that agro-pastoral livelihoods, including those
in Lesotho, have been dominant production systems. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, agro-
pastoralist farmers engage in crop and livestock farming as well as non-farm activities to sustain
their livelihoods. There are some challenges which the study also unpacks. These include land
degradation, drought and encroachment of rangelands. They may lead to the demise of the agro-
pastoral production systems.
The study is intended to contribute to policy development. That is, it may inform processes of
policy formulation and enactment of laws on issues of disaster management and livelihoods.
Notably, the study is intended to contribute to the Sebapala Integrated Watershed Management
(IWM) project considering that no evaluation has been conducted since project implementation.National Manpower Development Secretaria
A theological perspective
Get PDFThis study explores the societal discourses of disability and its dominant beliefs and practices
in the Basotho society. It challenges a long-standing notion among the Basotho that being
disabled necessarily means being punished for moral failure, sick, vulnerable, in need of
support from non-disabled counterparts. It investigates how dominant discourses of disability
namely the moral, medical, and charity, marginalizes and discriminates on people with
disability. On the contrary, through social construction theory, a narrative theory, twin-track
approach, participatory approach, and mainstreaming approach, the study argues that the
societal discourses about disability are socially constructed through historical and cultural
practices. It is in these practices that disabled people have been and continue to be
marginalized, discriminated, and even excluded from the mainstream society. The study has
adopted qualitative methodology which included data collection through interviews as a
primary data.
The study has challenged this situation by laying bare the societal discourses of disability in
the Basotho society so that they could be seen for what they truly are and how they impact on
the lives of people with disability. The study argued that disability does not mean inability. In
this way, it invited the participants to talk about their experiences when their disability is
made into those discourses and to also voice out what they wish could change and how they
would benefit when they are dismantled. The study also highlighted how people with
disability would benefit when the discourses of disability are challenged and dismantled. It
was seen from people with disability that they do not want to be categorized under the moral,
medical, and charity discourses of disability because that is not who they are. The study
would conclude with highlighting that people with disability could benefit when they are
included in the mainstream society when the discourses of disability are challenged and
dismantledNational Manpower Development Secretaria
The effect of the composite leaf of Aloe Barbadensis, Aloe Arborescens and Aloe Ferox as natural feed additive on broiler chicken production
Get PDFThe study was conducted on the Livestock farm of the National University of Lesotho, Roma,
Maseru District, Lesotho to determine the effect of the composite leaf of Aloe barbadensis,
Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox as natural feed supplements on broiler chicken production.
180-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly separated into four groups with a mean
body weight of 43.00 g. One group each was randomly assigned to one of four experimental
dietary treatments, with three replicates of 15 birds each/treatment. Treatment C was the control
where the chicks received 0 mg/L composite leaf powder of aloe species supplement, while
treatments T1, T2 and T3 received Aloe barbadensis, Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox
composite leaf powder, respectively mixed with drinking water at the rate of 500 mg/L. These
aloe species supplements were administered twice per week on the first day and midweek
during a 49-day trial. The three aloe species were analyzed for their nutrient composition, and
growth performance, carcass yield, and economics of production data collected were subjected
to the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test for statistical significance at 5% level
of probability. Aloe barbadensis, Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox supplements had no
significant (p>0.05) effect on the final live body weight, feed intake, body weight gain, feed
conversion ratio, mortality rate and the economics of production/benefit cost at the starter,
grower and finisher phases. At the finisher phase the A. barbadensis, A. arborescens and A.
ferox had no significant (p>0.05) effect on dressed weight, dressing percentage, % DW of back
and neck, thigh, drumstick and wing, but had significant (p<0.05) effect on breast. Also, A.
barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox had no significant effect (p>0.05) on all visceral
organs except the % fasted live weight of liver, which varied significantly (p<0.05). The use
of the composite leaf power of A. barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox as a dietary
supplement in broiler chicken production at a rate of 500 mg/L did not enhance growth and
benefit cost. Further research is necessary to investigate the best supplementation level for each
of A.barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox in the broiler chickens diet to enhance broiler
chickens performance and economics of production.National Manpower Development Secretaria
Examining Alignment between the Intended and Enacted Curricula with Respect to LGCSE Chemistry: A Case Study of Three Schools in Leribe
Get PDFA Curriculum and Assessment Policy framework (CAP) was developed and published in Lesotho
in 2009, with the goal to guide the transformation of teaching and learning, as well as assessment
(MoET, 2009). This policy framework was also adopted to guide the process of localization
through the provision of principles which would guide the implementation of the Lesotho General
Certificate of Secondary Education (LGCSE). However, literature has showed that such policies
hardly get translated into the classrooms. The study examined the alignment between the intended
curriculum as prescribed by CAP and the enacted curriculum, with respect to LGCSE Chemistry.
This qualitative study was delimited to Grade 9 Chemistry discipline in three schools in Leribe.
Data were collected from three teachers using three research instruments: lesson plan, classroom
observations and interview schedules. A total of six lessons were observed and audio-recorded and
teachers also interviewed. Data were analysed using both deductive thematic analysis and
deductive content analysis. While Stake’s (1967) Countenance model only served as a guide in
collection and analysis of data in this study, Bernsteim’s (2000) concepts of classification and
framing were employed in detailed analysis of data. The study examines this alignment in five
dimensions as per CAP’s prescriptions.The findings revealed an alignment, to some degree, between CAP and the syllabus, and a
misalignment between CAP and teachers’ lesson plans as well as corresponding classroom
instructions. The mismatch appeared to be caused by the classroom instructional approaches that
are both teacher and examination driven, lack of resources and insufficient training concerning
what is expected of teachers. The findings therefore suggest a need to ensure alignment between
examinations and the intended curriculum, offer teachers continuous professional development
workshops, and to better equip schools with the requisite resources. The study consequently
advances the field of curriculum studies, through provision of useful perceptive information on
how Chemistry is taught in connection with the intended curriculum.National Manpower Development Secretaria