21623 research outputs found
Sort by
Evaluating the effect of embryonic exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the development of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a zebrafish model.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly increased the quality of life and lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH), however this new lease on life is threatened by a high risk of developing metabolic disorders such hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). TLD, a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral drug comprising tenofovir (300 mg), lamivudine (300 mg) and dolutegravir (50 mg) is a first-line treatment regimen for all PLWH in South African and other mid-to-low income countries, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In adults, TLD is however increasingly associated with adverse side effects such as hyperglycemia, bodyweight gain and T2DM. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood and indicate the need to develop tools and models to better understand the development of cART-related T2DM. Of critical importance, TLD is also widely used for viral suppression in HIV-positive pregnant women as it crosses the placenta, conferring some level of protection in the developing fetus and thereby reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission. However, whether in utero exposure to TLD predisposes the embryo to developing metabolic diseases such as T2DM later in life are not known. Studies on the short- and long-term effects of TLD exposure in utero are therefore required. In this context, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is seen as an ideal animal model for many human diseases and several zebrafish models of T2DM exist.
The aim of this study was therefore to utilise zebrafish to increase our understanding of the effects of embryonic TLD exposure on the development of T2DM in adult organisms, with post-natal bodyweight, fasting blood glucose, and the relative qPCR expression of hormones and enzymes central to glucose metabolism as indicator endpoints. In order to establish morphological (bodyweight), glycemic (fasting blood glucose) and relative qPCR genetic changes likely to occur in non-obese and obese diabetic zebrafish, we first developed adult zebrafish models of T2DM using glucose-immersion and overfeeding approaches. The mean bodyweight of the overfed group (0.73 g ± 0.05 g) was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.57 g ± 0.1 g), while there was no significant bodyweight change for the glucose model. The fasting blood glucose levels of the overfed (3.5 ± 0.9 mmol/L) and glucose-immersed (4.0 ± 0.7 mmol/L) zebrafish models were significantly higher than the controls indicating the progression to insulin resistance and T2DM. Both models revealed a lack of insulin and preproinsulin expression in some fish within these treatment groups relative to controls when assessed with qPCR (i.e. no target amplification).
The toxicity of TLD and its individual components in vitro (on HEK293 cells) and in vivo (on one-day-old dechorionated embryos), and thereby the appropriate TLD concentration for treatment, were then determined. TLD did not induce toxicity in HEK293 cells even when used at the highest concentration (of 100 μM Tenofovir, 100 μM Lamivudine and 50 μM Dolutegravir), but did slow the rate of cell growth. TLD was also not toxic to zebrafish embryos after five days of exposure, but did slow their development by delaying the formation of the swim bladder and therefore the ability of developing embryos to maintain an upright posture.
One-day-old dechorionated zebrafish embryos were then exposed to TLD for 5 days, followed by the evaluation of bodyweight and fasting blood glucose changes in adult zebrafish at 4 months. The bodyweight (0.26 g ± 0.12 g) and fasting blood glucose (3.5 ± 1.92 mmol/L) in response to TLD treatment was higher, but not significantly different to the controls (0.17 g ± 0.04 g and 2.0 ± 0.62 mmol/L) respectively. The relative expression of insulin (zins), preproinsulin (ppins) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 & 2 (pck1 & pck2) (all referred to as candidate genes) was then assessed using qPCR. The qPCR expression of insulin (Δ 2.02 ± 1.0) and preproinsulin (Δ 1.87 ± 0.9) of pooled samples at 4 months after TLD treatment was variable but still higher than controls (Δ 1.0 ± 0.0). The expression of all the selected candidate genes at 5 days and at 1-month post treatment was not significantly different to controls.
In conclusion, to study the implication of embryonic TLD exposure on the development of T2DM in adult organisms, we first established T2DM models in zebrafish in order to understand and establish the changes (physiological and genetic) reflective of a diabetic state. We demonstrate that changes in relative qPCR gene expression in adult zebrafish was variable in both models, with some fish displaying elevated levels while others lost the ability to express insulin and its precursor preproinsulin. Furthermore, our study suggests that exposure to TLD during embryonic development may contribute to weight gain and hyperglycemia (i.e. insulin resistance) later in life, even long after the drug is removed. The genetic effects of TLD were not clearly visible, however it is possible that dietary challenge in the adult fish is required to demonstrate the extent of the effect. These preliminary findings provide insight on the implications of embryonic TLD exposure in the context of the development of metabolic diseases such as T2DM in adults.
Iqoqa.
Ukusetshenziswa kwenhlanganisela yokwelapha ngezidambisi gciwane, icombination antiretroviral therapy (cART) kwandisa kakhulu impilo yabantu abaphila ne-HIV, amapeople living with HIV (PLWH); nokho, ukusetshenziswa kwe-cART kuhlotshaniswa nokuphazamiseka kwemethabholizimu njengehyperglycemia kanye nohlobo lwesibili lwesifo sikashukela imellitus, itype 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Inhlanganisela yomthamo ongaguquki womuthi wezidambisi gciwane i-TDL, uwuhlelo lokwelapha lokuqala lwabo bonke abantu abane-PLWH eNingizimu Afrika, njengoba kunconywe yiNhlangano Yezempilo Yomhlaba, iWorld Health Organisation (WHO). I-TLD iya ngokuya ihlotshaniswa nehyperglycemia, ukunyuka kwesisindo somzimba kanye ne-T2DM. Izindlela ezingaphansi kwe-T2DM ehlobene ne- cART aziqondwa kahle. I-TLD iphinde isetshenziselwe kabanzi ukucindezelwa kwegciwane kwabesifazane abakhulelwe abane-HIV njengoba ikwazi ukweqa iplacenta, ivikele umbungu okhulayo ekusulelekeni ngegciwane elisuka kumama. Kodwa-ke, ukuthi ukuchayeka kwesibeletho ku-TLD kubeka engcupheni umbungu ekuthuthukiseni izifo zemethabholizimu akwaziwa. Izifundo ngemiphumela yesikhathi esifushane neyesikhathi eside yokuchayeka kwe-TLD esibelethweni ngakho-ke ziyadingeka. Kulo mongo, izebrafish (Danio rerio) iyimodeli yezilwane efanelekile yezifo eziningi zabantu.
Inhloso yalolu cwaningo wukusebenzisa izebrafish ukuze kuphenywe imiphumela yokuchayeka kombungu we-TLD ekuthuthukisweni kwe-T2DM kubantu abadala, kusetshenziswa isisindo somzimba sangemuva kokubeletha, iglukhosi yegazi yokuzithiba ekudleni, kanye nokuvezwa okuhlobene kwe-qPCR kwamahomoni nama-enzyme amaphakathi kumethabholizimu kashukela. Siqale sakha amamodeli ezinhlanzi ezindala amazebrafish e-T2DM sisebenzisa ukucwiliswa kuglukhozi kanye nokudla ngokweqile. Womabili amamodeli abenehyperglycemia kanye nokuntuleka kokuvezwa kwe-qPCR kwe-insulin nepreproinsulin kwezinye izinhlanzi ngaphakathi kwamaqembu okwelapha ahlobene nezilawuli. Ubuthi be-TLD kuvitro kanye nevivo banqunywa; i-TLD ayizange idale ubuthi kumaseli e-HEK293 kanye nemibungu yezebrafish kodwa yehlisa izinga lokukhula. Ukuchayeka kombungu we-TLD kukhuphuke kancane isisindo somzimba kanye nehyperglycemia ezinhlanzini ezindala zezebrafish. Isisho se-qPCR se-insulin (∆ 2.02 ± 1.0) kanye nepreproinsulin (∆ 1.87 ± 0.9) ebudaleni ngemuva kokwelashwa kwe-TLD yayingaphezu kokulawula (∆ 1.0 ± 0.0).
Sengiphetha, sibonisa ukuthi izinguquko ekuzivezeni kofuzo okuhlobene kwe-qPCR kuzebrafish yezinhlanzi ezindala beziguquguquka kuzo zombili izinhlobo, ezinye izinhlanzi zibonise amazinga aphakeme kuyilapho ezinye zalahlekelwa amandla okuveza i-insulin kanye nesandulela preproinsulin. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ucwaningo lwethu luphakamisa ukuthi ukuchayeka ku-TLD ngesikhathi sokukhula kombungu kungase kube nomthelela ku-T2DM lapho usumdala
Optimizing citric acid production through sugarcane molasses: detoxification strategies and evaluation of fermentation inducer.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Abstract available in PDF
Development of combination vaccine for prophylactic immunization of domestic ruminants against Rift Valley Fever and pulpy kidney.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and pulpy kidney (PK) are two severe veterinary diseases of domestic ruminants that have a negative impact on the sheep industry. Control and prevention of these diseases depend on strict adherence to vaccination programs. However, epidemics of RVF occur at irregular intervals, leading to periodic vaccination programs that are implemented following emergency warnings of extensive heavy rainfalls and floods. The present vaccination strategy has been consistently reported to result in low vaccination of RVF coverage across Africa and the Arabian peninsula. This approach delay the vaccination of livestock and result in a significant number of animals not developing protective immunity before the onset of infection. These challenges highlight the urgent need for an alternative effective vaccination strategy for livestock in endemic areas to improve the RVF vaccination coverage. In contrast, the epsilon toxoid has been widely used to immunise livestock against PK. The current research aimed to develop a safe and immunogenic RVF/PK combination vaccine as a strategy to improve vaccination coverage against RVF in endemic regions. The first objective of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of the inactivated RVF Smithburn (SB) vaccine as one of the oldest products widely used for immunisation of ruminants against RVF. The SB vaccine has a residual pathogenic effect, which limits its use to non-pregnant animals. The live-attenuated RVFV SB strain was utilized for developing an inactivated vaccine against RVF. The BEI-inactivated RVFV SB vaccine candidate was proven to be safe and elicited an immune response in merino sheep. Consequently, the inactivated RVFV SB was used for formulation of a combination vaccine product with epsilon toxoid at predetermined concentrations. The RVF/PK combination vaccine was evaluated for safety and immunogenicity in a clinical trial with OBP-commercial inactivated RVFV and alumformulated PK vaccines serving as positive controls. The results demonstrated that the RVF/PK combination vaccine was safe for use in sheep, and no clinical signs against RVF or PK infections were observed following primary and secondary injections. The RVF/PK combination vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies at levels comparable to those of commercial monovalent products for RVF and PK. These antibody levels remained high throughout the duration of the study. These findings suggest that the RVF/PK combination vaccine may be a possible alternative strategy for improving vaccination coverage against RVF
Influence of Bus Rapid Transit (BRI) on mixed-traffic capacity utilization and its time headway implications.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems are sustainable mobility interventions that provide commuters with fast, safe, and efficient mobility. Unfortunately, they have been characterized by fundamental traffic flow parameter anomalies, especially speed changes, with attendant consequences on capacity utilization, capacity differentials, and time headway implications. Consequently, this study was carried out to determine the influence of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on mixed traffic capacity utilization and implications for time headways. The overarching objective was to develop a capacity utilization criteria table for assessing roadway performance and determining the Level of Capacity Utilization (LCU) with and without the influence of BRT. Criteria tables serve as standards by which the performance of a roadways in terms of capacity utilization is decided. Traffic data at peak and off-peak periods were collected for a ‘with and without’ BRT impact study at four selected road segments along route R27, located on BRT major trunk route T02 which connects Atlantis, Table View, and Sunset City. Data were logged for 12 weeks continuously using an Automatic Traffic Counter (ATC).
The study assumed that density was a function of speed and flow and hence was not directly impacted by BRT infrastructure based on the conditions at the time of the survey. It suggests that capacity utilization is triggered by variations in speed, and the attendant variations in density, capacity, and time headways were used to estimate capacity utilization rates and determine the LCU. Traffic data on speed, vehicle classes, and volumes were collected, and the results were analyzed. The collected traffic volumes were converted to flow using the South African passenger car equivalent (PCE) values. The results showed speed reductions with attendant differentials in other parameters such as capacity, density, travel time, and time headways. From the developed criteria table, the estimated capacity utilization rates for the BRT dedicated lanes scenario showed poor LCU at E (9% and 36%) across the four sites SS001 to SS004, under steady flow conditions. The capacity utilization rates of the mixed traffic ‘without BRT’ scenario showed fair utilization within the range of 37% and 79%, with average LCU at C across the four sites, whilst the capacity utilization rates of mixed traffic ‘with BRT’ scenario also showed fair utilization (between 40% and 75%), with average LCU C. The time headway implications induced by the capacity utilization and its differentials were also modelled, and the empirical time headway data were fitted to continuous probability distribution models. The Burr continuous probability distribution model, which is known for its compatibility, flexibility and appropriateness in modelling headway data under different traffic conditions, provided the best fit, having emerged with the largest Log-likelihood, and the smallest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) values at 95% confidence and 0.05 significance levels across the four sites. At sites SS002, SS003, and SS004, it ranked first with the lowest AIC values of 3623.33, 4002.73, 3857.44, and corresponding largest LLH values of -1807.64, -1997.35, and -1924.70, respectively, while the Gaussian distribution performed best at site SS001, with the lowest AIC value of 4356.01 and largest LLH value of -2176.00, closely followed by the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution with the lowest AIC and largest LLH values of 4368.09 and -2181.03, respectively at off-peak traffic period. The Burr distribution however performed second best at peak traffic with the lowest AIC and largest LLH values of 4352.49 and -2172.23. The P-values, which ranged between 0.65 and 0.81 across the four sites showed the likelihood of the occurrence of the data sets under the null hypothesis. Hence the null hypothesis was accepted. In conclusion, the study showed that mixed traffic operations ‘with BRT’ and its associated minimized time headways, could significantly enhance capacity utilization. In view of the mixed traffic scenarios considered with and without BRT, it is hereby recommended for future research consider analysing traffic capacity through the development and application of microscopic fundamental diagrams, and a simulation of the time headway distribution of the mixed traffic scenario with BRT should also be considered. In traffic engineering practice, the curbside and mixed traffic designs are therefore recommended for implementation in future BRT infrastructure as the way forward for the South African BRT system for enhanced capacity utilization and sustainable mobility
Understanding doctors and nurses resistance to implementing the Universal Test and Treat Policy Pronouncement in South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.South Africa is one of the African countries affected by the HIV pandemic. It is a signatory to the UNAIDS initiative to eradicate AIDS by 2030. Consequently, the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) Policy Pronouncement was established to help the country achieve the UNAIDS 2020 targets. However, despite this supportive policy environment, South Africa has not met the UNAIDS 2020 targets.
To achieve the UNAIDS 2030 targets, reasons behind the lack of performance must be understood and mitigated. Studies previously conducted cite health system deficiencies, central policy making and low staff morale as barriers to policy implementation. This study focuses on policies, with the understanding that policy formulation processes should have pre-empted contextual limitations, such as health system failures and low staff morale. This study investigates how the selected policy pathways serve as a barrier to policy implementation. The study’s scope is limited to the interface between policy implementers and policy formulation process.
The purpose of the study is to determine whether there was any ambiguity in motivation among HIV clinicians when implementing the UTT Policy.
To achieve the study’s objective, mixed research methods were employed in a phased approach. In the first phase, 100 HIV clinicians working in public health facilities across the country were randomly selected to participate in a survey, and 21 clinicians responded. Findings in the quantitative first phase informed the second phase, where qualitative methods were employed to gain a deeper understanding of meanings associated with ambiguity of motivation to implement the UTT policy and how this affected the efficacy of implementing the UTT policy. Six of the survey respondents were selected to participate in the semi-structured, in-depth interviews.
The study revealed that most clinicians understood and agreed with the ideals of the policy. However, they felt that the policy did not take their skills, experiences, and concerns into account for its effective implementation. This was attributed to how the policy was introduced, which provided little room for alignment with other policies and institutional practices. The discontent was mostly highlighted by staff members with longer service history. The policy development process created ambiguity in the motivation to implement the policy, as it was driven by top-level policymakers with inadequate input from the lower levels of the health care system. A bottom-up consultation process would have prevented the delays and challenges experienced, thereby supporting effective policy implementation
Orthogonal collocation on finite elements using Quadratic and Cubic B-Splines.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.We discuss the application of orthogonal collocation on finite elements (OCFE) method using quadratic and cubic B-spline basis functions to ordinary, partial and fractional differential equations. Collocation is performed at Gaussian points to obtain optimal solutions, hence the name orthogonal collocation. The OCFE method based on quadratic spline is used to solve Burgers’ equation, modified Burgers’ equation and the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in non-uniform subintervals with different cases of soliton solutions. It is also extended to obtain numerical solutions of fractional differential equations taking the fractional diffusion equation as a case study. In addition, we apply orthogonal collocation based on modified quadratic B-spline functions to solve time-dependent and time independent two-dimensional partial differential equations. The numerical results are in good agreement with previous ones in the literature. Furthermore, KdV-Burgers’ equation that does not have an exact solution and the one with exact solution, Burgers’ equation, KdV equation and fractional differential equations are considered as test cases for the OCFE method using cubic B-spline basis functions. The results compare favourably with exact solutions and existing results in the literature. Generally, the numerical schemes are proven to be convergent, unconditionally stable and utilizes minimal memory storage due to the sparse matrix systems associated with B-spline basis functions
Social justice in previously disadvantaged areas in the post-1994 South Africa : distributive justice and learner-capability in Vulindlela rural schools.
No full textDoctoral degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Education and education-related themes are topical in contemporary South Africa. The struggles and campaigns for socially just education in South Africa have as their background, colonial and apartheid systems that discriminated against the colonized who were variously categorized as Black, Coloured, and Indian. However, the continuing negative impact of the colonial and apartheid educational system is mostly felt by the groups that are labelled as Black Africans and Coloured. While there is extensive research on social injustice and education in South Africa, most of the existing research does not incorporate the ideals and values of learners and their parents. To contribute towards filling this knowledge gap, the current study adopted the ubuntu framework and the Capability Approach as theoretical lenses to explore the issue of social justice among previously disadvantaged groups and areas in Post-1994 South Africa. Notably, the two frameworks emphasize the idea of social justice anchored on the notions of agency, values, and ideals of participants. Grounded on these notions, this study focused on the following objectives: firstly, to elicit and interrogate education-related values and ideals held by learners, their parents, and teachers; secondly, the research inquired about resource distribution that would facilitate the achievement of these values and ideals; finally, the research inquired if the achievement of these values and ideals would contribute to a socially just education system. The study adopted the mixed-methods research approach, utilising primary data generated from both semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The study sites are located in Vulindlela District, Northwest of Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Study participants included learners, school principals, and parents of Vulindlela rural school learners. Generated primary data were analysed guided by different analytical approaches including interpretive approach, content analysis, and grounded theory. The study’s findings concur with extant literature regarding challenges faced by South Africa’s Basic Education but contributed new knowledge towards understanding the impact of these challenges on the values, ideals, beings, doings, and agency of learners. Specifically, the study found that South Africa’s basic education system does not contribute positively towards enhancing learners’ capabilities and the realisation of ideals, values, and agency at Vulindlela rural schools. The study’s recommendations suggest among other points, the need to restore the equilibrium in South Africa’s education sector, through constructing an education system premised on 1) actions and beings upheld by learners and their agency, 2) the presence of capability inputs relevant to their values and agency, 3) cognizance of human diversity at school, family, and community levels and the impact these dynamics have concerning the values, ideals and agency of the learners.Abstract only available in English in PDF document
The effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 on the provision of library services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg Campus: a library staff perspective.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study investigated the effect of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the provision of services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Pietermaritzburg (PMB) campus libraries according to the perspective of the libraries’ staff members. The study is of significance to both UKZN Library staff and other academic librarians in terms of highlighting the challenges faced in the provision of library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that the study outcomes and the lessons learned will be of benefit to academic libraries and researchers can use the outcomes to inform future projects of this nature. The study adopted the “Five Laws of Library Science” proposed by SR Ranganathan in 1931 as its theoretical framework. The Laws are considered a foundation for the world of library and information science and their applicability in this, the digital era, persists. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, using a semi-structured interview schedule through Microsoft (MS)Teams meetings and telephone calls (which were recorded) to collect data. Of the 14 library staff who were sampled to participate in the study, only seven participated in the interviews, yielding a response rate of 50%. The results and discussion were organised thematically based on key variables derived from the theoretical framework and research questions. Findings indicated that moving services online was the most significant change encountered at the UKZN PMB campus libraries. Although the extent to which COVID-19 affected the provision of library services was difficult to determine, its effect was both positive and negative. The positive effect was the aggressive purchase of e-books and marketing of the “My Library Account” where students could request items online and remotely. The negative effect was that students who were computer illiterate missed training and were thus unable to take advantage of information being delivered online. One of the mechanisms made available in the library for the continual provision of library services included the creation of a generic email so users could request resources at any time. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the UKZN PMB campus libraries should undertake more user studies to explore how users feel about online services generally and what suggestions they have for the library to improve such services. Where possible, students who had experience of the services provided during the pandemic should be targeted. It is also recommended that the library should create more self-help videos on how to access and use library resources in terms of off-campus access and troubleshooting
The use of isiZulu mother tongue as a medium of teaching and learning in the access programmes in the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textThe focus of this qualitative study was to acquire an in-depth understanding of the use of IsiZulu Mother Tongue as the Medium of Teaching and Learning in the Access Programmes at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The study narrowed its scope to the Extended Curriculum Programmes (Access Programmes). Therefore, the study focused on highlighting the importance of mother tongue and its role in education. Furthermore, the study interrogated the strategies used by the UKZN in implementing the isiZulu-English bilingual policy. The study employed the Language Management Theory (LMT), this theory postulates that the process of language planning should begin with the conceptualisation of language problems within the context of their occurrence followed by the evaluation of such problems and the formulation and implementation of suitable interventions. The research then showed and provided all the positive and negative perspectives provided by the students and the lecturers of the Extended Programmes (EPs).The study primarily had three principal objectives which were: (a) To explore students' and educators’ attitudes towards the use of IsiZulu-English bilingualism as a medium of instruction and learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (b) To investigate the academic benefits and challenges of implementing isiZulu-English bilingualism education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (c) To investigate different strategies used by various Extended Curriculum Programmes to ensure IsiZulu-English bilingualism as a medium of instruction and learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal yields envisaged outcomes. The study adopted a qualitative data collection method because of how the data is going to be collected, and the research showed that as much as they have done a lot in the process of implementing the isiZulu-Bilingual teaching and learning, there are still numerous gaps, which means that there is a lot that still needs to be done. The study further revealed that in South Africa as a whole, the use of African languages as the language of instruction for teaching and learning is still not regarded as a priority. The study recommends that the if Department of Higher Education and other higher offices worked together, a lot of positivity and inclusivity could have been done
An investigation into the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation among adult female offenders at a correctional facility in South Africa: the intervening roles of hopelessness and social support.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The increased prevalence of mental health issues and suicidal behaviour among adult female offenders in correctional settings necessitate an investigation of these dynamics to inform effective interventions with relevant strategies. Depression, hopelessness and lack of social support among offenders is a critical worrying issue that leads to the most unnatural death in correctional centres. However, these symptoms especially depression and hopelessness remain undetected because of the nature of the environment (correctional service centres) that are overcrowded and do not provide space and lack capacity for such investigations. This study was descriptively, and explanatory designed to investigate the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation among adult female offenders in a selected correctional service centre in South Africa. It further assessed the intervening role of hopelessness and social support in this relationship. The interpersonal theory of suicide, hopelessness theory of depression and theory of social support provided the theoretical framework in this study. The study was conducted with a sample of 155 adult female offenders (aged 19-75) who do not have known psychiatric diagnosis at the female correctional centre in Durban KwaZulu Natal. A proportional probability to size cluster random sampling was adopted and data were collected through a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using IBM-SPSS 29. Various statistical analysis was used including descriptive analysis, inferential statistical analysis, multiple regression and Andrew Hayes mediation and moderation Process Macro analysis (Bolin & Hayes, 2013).
Descriptive analysis showed a high prevalence of depression (n=147, 94.8%) and n=8 (5.2%) with average depression symptoms. The prevalence of suicidal ideation is 28% (n=44) and 111 (72%) did not report any suicidal ideation symptoms. Further analysis found that the prevalence of hopelessness among female offenders was 60% (n=93) and 54.8% (n= 85) for participants who receive social support from either family, friends or significant other. Multiple regression analysis found that depression significantly and positively predicts suicidal ideation (F (.154) = 30.477, p<.001); hopelessness as well significantly and positively predicts suicidal ideation (F(1.153) = 215.216, p<.001). The study hypothesised that there is an intervening role of hopelessness and social support in the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation. Hopelessness was found to have a significant mediation role in the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation. A significant regression equation was found (F(2,152)=-3.315, p<.001), with an R² of .585. The results show that the participants’ predicted suicidal ideation is equal to -3.315- 1.248 (hopelessness) + (-.008) (depression). Social support was observed to significantly moderate the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation among adult female offenders (F(3,151) = 41.033, p<.001), with the R² of .342. This study promotes suicide prevention and alleviation through identifying key mediating and moderating factors that could be targeted into interventions in the correctional service environment. Results from this study highlight the need for criminal justice and correctional service centres to strengthen their screening, monitoring and evaluation process of mental health on entry, during and reintegration of offenders. This study recommends further research using qualitative approaches to explore the narratives of female offenders on their lived experiences and the extent to which correctional services available are accessible, responsive to female offenders needs and utilised by offenders as a means of mitigating depression and increasing support mechanisms