Student's Journal of Health Research Africa
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BRIDGING THE GAP: A CROSS-SECTIONAL QUANTITATIVE STUDY INVESTIGATING ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS AT MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY.
Get PDF BackgroundFirst-year students at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) often encounter academic and social adjustment challenges, impacting performance, sense of belonging, and retention. Academic and social support systems are vital in easing this transition; however, empirical evidence evaluating their effectiveness is limited. This study investigates the availability, accessibility, engagement level, and perceived impact of these support systems on first-year students’ academic success and social integration.
MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative design was employed using a structured questionnaire distributed to 200 first-year students across five faculties at MUT. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across gender, faculty, and residence status. The survey instrument comprised Likert-scale items assessing experiences with academic support (e.g., tutoring, mentoring) and social support (e.g., peer networks, counselling). Descriptive statistics were used to determine engagement levels and barriers, while Pearson correlation examined relationships between support engagement, academic performance, and satisfaction.
ResultsOf the 200 students surveyed, 176 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 88%). Respondents were 56% female and 44% male; 62% resided in campus residences and 38% commuted. Seventy-two percent engaged with at least one academic support service, while 59% accessed social support. Common barriers included lack of awareness (41%), inconvenient service times (28%), and stigma around counselling (19%). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) was observed between support engagement and academic performance. High engagement is also aligned with stronger social integration and academic confidence.
ConclusionSupport systems positively influence first-year student outcomes; however, gaps in awareness and access remain, particularly for off-campus students.
RecommendationMUT should enhance visibility and accessibility of support services through targeted orientation, peer mentoring, and early intervention programs to better support first-year student integration and success
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ASSESSING THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITY–UNIVERSITY RELATIONSHIPS IN THE FACE OF EMERGING TRENDS AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE AND SOCIAL UNREST.
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Community University Partnerships (CUPs) in post-apartheid South Africa emerged as mechanisms for socio-political transformation, embedding community engagement into the core mandates of higher education institutions. Initially addressing local needs in education, health, and economic development, CUPs now confront intensifying global pressures such as climate change, deepening social inequities, and rapid technological change. These challenges demand more resilient, systems-oriented forms of collaboration.
Methods
A convergent mixed-methods design using a comparative case study approach was employed to examine the evolving role of CUPs. Data were collected from selected South African universities through qualitative interviews with 50 stakeholders—academics (n = 20), community leaders (n = 15), students and project participants (n = 10), and institutional policymakers (n = 5). This was complemented by a review of relevant policy documents (1997–2024) and a quantitative analysis of institutional reports tracking investment levels, project scope, and stakeholder participation
Results
The study found a shift toward resilience-oriented CUP models, defined by participatory governance, co-creation of knowledge, and scalable social innovation. Many CUPs now prioritize climate adaptation and equity, reflecting a strategic pivot toward sustainability. Institutional commitment varied, with Stellenbosch University reporting the highest engagement (26%), followed by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (25%) and the University of the Western Cape (23.3%). Interviews highlighted the expanding role of universities as anchor institutions, advancing transformative change and community resilience.
Conclusion
South African CUPs have evolved into strategic alliances that respond to global crises while reinforcing institutional relevance and public accountability. Their success depends on inclusive governance and locally grounded, co-created knowledge.
Recommendations
To enhance CUP effectiveness, resilience objectives should be integrated into policy frameworks, best practices scaled across institutions, and capacity-building initiatives expanded. The sustainable impact will require multi-year funding commitments and standardized monitoring and evaluation systems
HOPE IN THE VALLEY OF PHD STUDY IN SOUTHWESTERN UGANDA: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY.
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This phenomenological study investigates the pivotal role of hope in shaping the lived experiences of PhD students in Southwestern Uganda, with particular attention to the challenges they face, their aspirations, and the perceived effectiveness of available support systems throughout their academic journey.
Methods
Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws insights from in-depth interviews conducted with 20 PhD candidates, 7 female and 13 male, aged bracket 35-55 years of age, enrolled across multiple universities in the region. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure a rich diversity of perspectives. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, revealing a complex interplay between personal determination and external barriers.
Results
Findings highlight a range of emotional, financial, academic, and institutional challenges, including limited access to research funding, inadequate supervision, prolonged timelines, and family pressures.
Conclusion
Despite these obstacles, hope emerged as a central psychological and motivational resource that sustained the students’ commitment to completing their studies and making meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader society. The study further uncovered the significance of informal peer networks, mentorship, and occasional institutional support in nurturing this hope.
Recommendation
The research underscores the need for higher education institutions to develop more robust and responsive support systems tailored to the needs of doctoral students. It calls for policies that address mental health, financial aid, supervision quality, and career development. By recognizing and fostering hope as a critical component of academic resilience, universities can enhance the overall doctoral experience and improve completion rates
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS PREMARITAL SCREENING FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMONG ADULTS IN GOMBE HOSPITAL, BUTAMBALA DISTRICT.
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According to the WHO, 300,000 children with SCD are born worldwide every year. Moreover, about 5% of the world's population carries hemoglobinopathy genes that cause SCD. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults towards premarital screening for sickle cell disease at Gombe Hospital, Butambala District.
Methodology.
The research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design using quantitative collection methods. A simple random sampling technique was employed to obtain a desired sample size of 100 respondents. Data was manually tallied using tally sheets, and results were obtained using Microsoft Word and Excel and presented in the form of pie charts and tables.
Study results.
Most 45 (45%) of the respondents were aged 18-29 years,69(69%) were female, and 939% had attained secondary education. Concerning knowledge, 80(80%) of the respondents were unaware of premarital screening, and 85(85%) were unaware of their hemoglobin genotype. Regarding participants' attitudes,76(76%) believed screening was Important and 63(63%) supported making it mandatory. Practices were limited, with 79(79%) never screened for SCD, although 62(62%) expressed willingness to consider screening in the future.
Conclusion.
The study revealed low levels of knowledge and limited practices regarding premarital screening for sickle cell disease among adults at Gombe Hospital, despite positive attitudes toward its importance and necessity. There is a need for enhanced education and community awareness to improve understanding and participation in premarital screening initiatives.
Recommendation.
There is a need for combined efforts from different stakeholders like the government, the Ministry of Health, and health practitioners to ensure couples ready for marriage actively seek information and guidance on premarital screening for sickle cell disease and consider participating in screening together, recognizing it as an essential step in safeguarding their future family health
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON SCHOOL SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT AND SECONDARY SCHOOL LEARNERS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MBARARA CITY.
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One of the central objectives of the post-independence education agenda in Uganda was to ensure that all children have access to quality education as a pathway to national development. This study examined the effect of the school social environment on the academic performance of secondary school learners in Mbarara City.
Methodology.
A descriptive survey research design was employed, targeting a study population of secondary school learners and teachers. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula, with respondents selected through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Inclusion criteria encompassed actively enrolled secondary school learners and teachers, while non-teaching staff and newly transferred students were excluded. Data were collected using questionnaires and an observation checklist. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), generating descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results.
271 (73.8%) of the students were male, 98(54.1%) of teachers were within the 25-35 years age bracket, and 66(36.5%) of teachers had between 6-10 years of experience. There was a strong positive correlation between School Social Environment and Learners' Academic Performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.644, which was statistically significant at the 0.01 level (p = 0.000), 74.6% of students demonstrated a strong understanding of the subject matter, 66.3% completed assignments on time, and 78.6 % actively participated in class. Further, 73.0% reported a performance improvement, and 70.2% performed well in exams.
Conclusion.
The study established a statistically significant positive relationship between the school's social environment and academic performance. The study concludes that a conducive school social environment enhances academic performance.
Recommendation.
Schools should strengthen student-teacher relationships, enhance extracurricular activities, and implement fair discipline policies to foster better learning outcomes
CORRELATION BETWEEN MRI-BASED BRAIN VOLUME CHANGES AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN PATIENTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
Get PDFBackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia, characterized by subtle cognitive decline. MRI-based brain volumetry, particularly of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for predicting cognitive deterioration. This study aimed to assess the relationship between structural brain volume changes and cognitive decline among patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
MethodsA prospective cohort of 100 patients diagnosed with MCI (mean age 68.5 ± 6.7 years; 54% male) was enrolled. Baseline cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and MRI-based volumetric analysis of the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex was conducted. Participants were followed for 12 months, with cognitive status reassessed. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between brain volume and cognitive performance.
ResultsBaseline MMSE scores averaged 26.2 ± 1.8. Pearson correlation revealed a significant positive association between hippocampal volume (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) and entorhinal cortex volume (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) with MMSE scores. Participants with cognitive decline (n = 40) exhibited significantly greater hippocampal volume reduction (5.2% ± 1.1%) compared to stable participants (2.1% ± 0.9%; p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis identified hippocampal (β = 0.43, p < 0.001) and entorhinal cortex volumes (β = 0.37, p = 0.002) as independent predictors of cognitive performance (adjusted R² = 0.42, p < 0.001).
ConclusionsMRI-based volumetric reductions in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex are significantly correlated with cognitive decline in MCI patients, suggesting their potential as predictive biomarkers for disease progression.
Recommendations
Recommend integrating MRI-based hippocampal and entorhinal cortex volumetry into routine MCI assessments for early detection and intervention
Metabolic syndrome prevalence in postmenopausal and perimenopausal women – A cross-sectional study.
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Metabolic syndrome is influenced by factors such as weight gain, abdominal fat, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid and glucose levels. Additionally, lifestyle changes during menopause, including reduced physical activity and poor diet, contribute to its development.
Objectives- The main purpose of conducting this study is to compile the body of research on the prevalence of MetS in women who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal, emphasizing the risk factors and contributing variables.
Materials and Methods
The Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, Odisha, India, was the site of this Observational study, which was carried out between May 2023 and October 2024 (one year and five months). After determining their eligibility based on the selection criteria, 200 women in the 40–60 age range—100 perimenopausal and 100 postmenopausal—were enlisted for the study. Participants have to be between the ages of 40 and 60 to be eligible.
Results
The results show a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among middle-aged women in the study. MetS prevalence was 89.2% in postmenopausal women and 76.5% in perimenopausal women. The overall prevalence of MetS in the population was 83.0%. These findings highlight a greater metabolic risk after menopause and the need for preventive health strategies in this age group.
Conclusion
The menopausal transition significantly impacts women's health, with 47% of perimenopausal women aged 40-49 and 45.5% of postmenopausal women over 50. Postmenopausal women had higher mean diastolic and systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and levels of triglyceride, as well as a greater prevalence of diabetes (25.0% vs. 7.0%) and hypertension (24.5% vs. 19.0%).
Recommendation
Regular health screenings and lifestyle modifications are recommended for middle-aged women to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome
A Cross-sectional bioassessment of ecological integrity using SASS5 in the Umngeni, Thukela, Umvoti, Umdloti, and Umfolozi rivers, KwaZulu-Natal.
Get PDFBackgroundFreshwater ecosystems provide essential biodiversity and ecological services but face increasing threats from urbanization, agriculture, and industrial discharge. In South Africa, the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5) is widely used to monitor river health through macroinvertebrate community responses. This study assessed the ecological integrity of five major rivers in KwaZulu-Natal, uMngeni, Thukela, Umvoti, Umdloti, and Umfolozi, using SASS5 to evaluate biotic responses to environmental stress across spatial gradients.
MethodsA cross-sectional bioassessment was conducted between October and December 2024 at 15 sites (upstream, midstream, and downstream per river). Macroinvertebrates were sampled using SASS5 protocols across different biotopes. Taxa were identified to family level, with SASS5 scores and Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT) calculated. Physical habitat quality was assessed using the Index of Habitat Integrity (IHI). Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation, were used to evaluate relationships between habitat quality and biotic indices across sites.
ResultsSubstantial spatial variability was observed. The uMngeni and Umvoti Rivers recorded the lowest downstream scores (SASS5: 48 and 52; ASPT: 4.2 and 4.4, respectively), indicating poor ecological condition due to urban and industrial pollution. In contrast, Umdloti and Umfolozi Rivers displayed higher scores, reflecting better habitat quality and ecological integrity. The Thukela River showed moderate scores with downstream decline. A significant positive correlation between SASS5 scores and IHI (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) confirmed that better habitat conditions supported healthier macroinvertebrate communities.
ConclusionRiver health in KwaZulu-Natal is highly variable, with downstream sections most impacted by anthropogenic stress. SASS5 proved effective in detecting ecological degradation across spatial gradients.
RecommendationIntegrated biomonitoring using SASS5, habitat, and water quality assessments is recommended. Degraded downstream reaches should be prioritized for restoration via land-use management, pollution control, and community-based monitoring
Clinical profile of paediatric extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India- A prospective study.
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Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in children remains a significant health challenge with diverse clinical presentations and diagnostic difficulties. Given the diagnostic complexity and potential severity of pediatric extrapulmonary TB, particularly in high-burden regions like India, it is crucial to better understand its clinical presentation and epidemiological profile.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical profile, diagnostic methods, and outcomes of pediatric EPTB cases admitted to a tertiary hospital in Odisha.
Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted over 21 months at SCB Medical College, enrolling 196 pediatric patients aged 1 month to 14 years diagnosed with EPTB. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and outcomes were collected using structured proformas. Diagnoses were confirmed based on national guidelines through clinical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v24 with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results
Most patients were aged 5–10 years (40.8%) with a male predominance (57.7%). CNS tuberculosis was the most common diagnosis (50.5%), especially among males (59.3%). Fever was the predominant symptom (84.7%), with seizures in 45.9% of cases. Neurological symptoms were also prominent, with seizures present in 45.9% and altered sensorium in 25% of the cases, reflecting central nervous system involvement. Respiratory symptoms such as cough and chest pain were reported in 25.5% and 16.8% respectively. The association between diagnosis and gender showed significant differences across various forms of EPTB, with a p-value of 0.000.
Conclusion
Pediatric EPTB presents with varied clinical and diagnostic profiles, necessitating age-tailored approaches for early detection and management.
Recommendations
As this was a short-term study, further research is needed with a longitudinal study design and a larger sample to achieve more definitive results
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF PROFESSIONAL NURSES TOWARDS NURSES’ DOCUMENTATION AT KAYUNGA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KAYUNGA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
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Nurses’ documentation is a critical aspect of healthcare that ensures continuity of care, patient safety, and effective communication among healthcare professionals. However, gaps in knowledge and inadequate documentation practices compromise patient outcomes and legal compliance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of professional nurses regarding nurses' documentation at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Kayunga District.
Methodology
The method was a descriptive cross-sectional study design using quantitative research methods. A structured questionnaire was administered, and a checklist for the practice of professional nurses at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital was selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected on nurses' knowledge and practices regarding documentation and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with results presented in tables, pie charts, and figures.
Results
60% of nurses had adequate knowledge of the importance of documentation, 55% were unaware of the potential consequences of improper documentation, and 53% did not consistently document nursing interventions provided to patients. 78% of nurses practiced real-time or near-real-time documentation, while 68% adhered to standardized documentation protocols.
22 (55%) were between 25 and 44 years old, while the least number of respondents, 2 (5%), were less than 25 years old. The majority, 32 (80%), were female, while the smallest group, 8 (20%), were males. 28 (70%) had attained a certificate in nursing, while the lowest number of respondents, 2 (5%), had attained a diploma in nursing. 24 (60%), had practiced for 1- 5 years, while the smallest group, 2 (5%), had practiced for less than 1 year
Conclusion
The study revealed that nurses understood the importance of documentation but struggled with applying documentation standards in practice.
Recommendation
The study recommended regular training, the use of structured formats, and real-time documentation to improve the quality and accuracy of nursing documentation at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital