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Assessing Final Year Secretaryship and Management Students academic writing proficiency in Ghanaian Technical Universities
No full textPhD (English)Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsAcademic writing plays an important role in the academic discourse community. In all higher education across the world, writing plays an indispensable role because students need to write assignments, examinations, academic reports and field or laboratory reports. Writing is a fundamental skill that underpins students’ academic success in university studies. It is, therefore, expected by lecturers that final-year university students demonstrate adequate writing competences but unfortunately, in Ghana and beyond, many final-year university students are unable to exhibit high levels of competence in their writings. This is because many of them lack the abilities needed to successfully communicate in writing. The primary aim of the study was to assess the academic writing proficiency of final-year university students. The multiple case study design was used for the study. In-depth interviews were used to elicit data from four lecturers and forty final-year students of Secretaryship and Management Studies from four selected Technical Universities in Ghana. Additionally, test scripts were analysed. In analysing the data, thematic content analysis and document analysis were used. Error Analysis, Cognitive Processes Theory, Schleppegrell’s (2004) model of academic written language, and Halliday and Hasan’s framework on cohesion undergirded the study. The interpretivism and constructivism paradigm underpinned the study, and the research approach was qualitative. The study's sample consisted of four (4) lecturers who taught Secretarial English from the Secretaryship and Management Studies Department, forty (40) final-year students conveniently selected from the Department, and sixty (60) examination scripts purposively selected from the same Department of the four selected technical universities. It was found that final- year university students in technical universities in Ghana were not proficient in their academic writing. They committed grammatical, mechanical, content and structural errors. It is recommended that students be given the necessary interventions needed to overcome the challenges identified. Universities and educational systems should integrate academic writing interventions directly into their curricula to effectively address and overcome the widespread challenges students encounter in academic writing
The attitudes of Pre-service Teachers Towards the Use of Experiments in Teaching and Learning Science
No full textMED in Chemistry EducationDepartment of Professional and Curriculum StudiesThis study examined the attitude of pre-service teachers towards the use of experiments at a university in South Africa. This study employed a quantitative research design to investigate the attitudes of a sample of 82 pre-service teachers toward the use of
experiments in science education. The participants were chosen through stratified random sampling. In a stratified random sample, the population was split into gender-based groups that are mutually exclusive, and random samples were taken from each category. The population comprised all undergraduate pre-service science teachers. All 2nd-year pre-service science teachers made up the study sample size (36 males and 46 females, making a total of 82).
The study utilised experiments, survey administration, and questionnaires to gather data on pre-service teachers' attitudes and experiences related to experiments in science education. The data was collected using Google Forms and shared via WhatsApp. The aim was to understand the occurrence of positive and negative attitudes, identify potential patterns, and assess the impact of demographic variables such as gender. The questionnaires were designed to elicit responses regarding pre-service teachers' attitudes, perceptions, and experiences related to experiments in science education. These attitudes were measured and analysed quantitatively using IBM-SPSS, with a focus on understanding the pre-service science teachers attitudes towards the use of experiments by identifying potential patterns and assessing the impact of demographic variables.
Virtual or computer laboratory simulations are computer-based tools with wide application possibilities in scientific areas. Virtual laboratories include students doing experiments online, and they require input data to begin the tests. Real laboratory experiments involve tasks that are carried out in the laboratory using a lab manual. Students acquire data in this type of experiment by taking measurements or making observations. Additionally, the lab manual was provided to assist with the carrying out of the experiment. The statistical analysis method used is called inferential statistics. This type of method was used to measure differences between groups (between males and females), assess relationships between variables and test hypotheses. IBM-SPSS version 28 for Windows was used to analyse data that were collected using google form on a weekly basis. Most of the pre-service science teachers shows positive attitudes towards the use of experiments in science education. This confirms that majority of pre-service science teachers identify
experiments as an effective teaching tool to make learners understand the curriculum and improve student engagement.
According to the findings, female pre-service teachers showed a slightly higher positive attitudes towards the use of experiments than male pre-service teachers. Males only shows the confidence of able to conduct experiments independently and with less help from the demonstrator. Results showed that gender does not significantly influence attitudes towards experimental methods in science education among pre-service teachers, indicating the importance of using lab manuals in scientific areas. The study encourages the importance of having practical science experiments during the teacher education programs to foster positive attitudes and improve teaching effectively
Augmenting black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, production on various agricultural waste streams, and the beneficiation of BSF frass
No full textPhD (Life Sciences: Zoology)Department of Biological SciencesA sustainable and innovative approach to managing organic waste is presented by Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens, flowing from previously underutilised biological waste streams in agricultural systems. These waste streams are regularly disposed of irresponsibly or recycled inappropriately that lead to environmental problems characterised by emission of greenhouse gases, nutrient leaching, and inefficient waste reduction methods. BSFL’s capacity to convert organic material into valuable protein-rich biomass and nutrient-rich frass have great potential in sustainable waste management systems, especially in handling high moisture organic waste streams and contributing to a circular-loop economy.
Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the BSFL performance in converting three economically abundant organic waste streams in Limpopo, Vhembe district, South Africa (avocado waste, orange waste, and potato peels) and to evaluate the effect of frass from those substrates on agricultural productivity. This was achieved through three main specific objectives:1) to determine the growth and survival of BSFL in response to sawdust as a bulking agent for managing high-moisture potato peels; 2) to investigate the effect of nutrient composition of the three organic wastes on BSFL survival, growth rate, larvae yield, waste reduction and the efficiency to convert waste into useful biomass ; and 3) to evaluate the agronomic potential of BSFL frass as an organic fertiliser for improving the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris).
This study also contributed to a better understanding of how BSFL performance can be optimised in various organic waste streams, illustrating the potential for sawdust to provide effective bulking more quickly, thus improving larval growth and subsequent management of the high moisture substrates during the bioconversion process. Results showed that sawdust effectively enhanced larval yield and growth rates by maintaining the aeration and moisture balance of the substrates. Moreover, the results of bioconversion in the three waste streams indicated that larval biomass and frass production were highest when potato peels were used, and some wastes were more efficiently reduced than others, which is mainly related to their composition. In agronomic scales, application of frass has improved beetroot growth and yield, thus showing that the frass also serves as a biopesticide that can protect crops.
This will advance the knowledge base of BSFL bioconversion systems and allow practical guidance identifying conditions to optimise substrates and possibly render frass to be integrated with agriculture. It highlighted that BSFL not only provides a means for organic waste reduction, but when used as a component of organic fertilisers, increases crop yields and improves soil health, thus presenting an eco-friendly agricultural opportunity. This research contributes to offsetting both ecological and economic problems and creates a step towards broader and more effective application of the insect industry on BSFL for this niche in the waste valorisation system
Multiscale modeling of sodium-iron battery materials
No full textPhD (Physics)Department of PhysicsIn recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative energy storage technologies as a result of the diminishing reserves of fossil fuels. The development of these technologies requires a careful evaluation of factors such as energy storage and conversion, implementation costs, and environmental impact. Rechargeable batteries are expected to become crucial energy storage devices and promote a more sustainable energy ecosystem. Battery technology has the potential to become cost competitive, especially for portable applications, and exhibits exceptional efficiency, exceeding 90% in electrical efficiency. Sodium ion batteries are considered to be cost-effective and economically feasible alternatives. This work used multiscale computer modelling techniques to understand, control, and improve the intrinsic properties of NaxMnPO4, an electrode material that undergoes Na intercalation and de-intercalation processes. This work aims to promote a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
Firstly, we examine the structural and electrochemical performance of NaxMnPO4 using the first-principle density functional theory method. Comparison of the exchange correlation functionals PBE, PBEsol, and PBE+U was conducted, and the results showed that the PBE+U replicated the structural parameters and the energy band gap values well and was used to further analyse the electrochemical performance of the de-intercalated systems. The effect of Na atom de-intercalation on the structural, electronic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of both maricite and olivine polymorphs of NaMnPO4 has been investigated by first-principle calculations. The calculated values for the formation energy were found to be negative for all NaMnPO4 systems, hence the solid solution is predicted for states of de-intercalation. The analysis of the electronic density of states indicated that, during the Na removal stages, the material exhibited a rise in its metallic properties between the first and third stages. On the contrary, in the fourth stage, the material displayed semiconductor behaviour, characterised by a band gap of 0.194 eV. A voltage range of 3.997 to 3.848 V was observed, and the computed formation energy values of the de-intercalated systems were determined to be negative, indicating the anticipated presence of a solid in the material.
Secondly, the ab initio molecular dynamics method was used to simulate the dynamic properties of NaxMnPO4 materials at different temperatures. The results showed an increasing mean-square displacement gradient as the number of de-intercalated Na atoms increased. The Na-ion diffusion coefficients for olivine and maricite NaMnPO4 were calculated at 100 K and 300 K. Both polymorphs had low diffusion rates at 100 K but increased at 300 K, suggesting faster ion movement. These findings are crucial for understanding the behavior of NaxMnPO4 materials and their potential applications, as diffusion rates can affect processes such as charge / discharge rates in batteries and ion transport in solid-state electrolytes. Controlling temperature and understanding its influence on diffusion coefficients can optimize the performance of NaxMnPO4 materials.
Lastly, the cluster expansion (CE) method was introduced as a multiscale pipelining method, establishing a connection between first-principles calculation and large-scale atomistic simulations, as well as Monte Carlo simulation. CE was used to examine the phase stabilities of Na concentrations in relation to vacancies. The stability of the predicted structures on the isotopically optimized volume binary diagram was assessed by calculating their mechanical, electronic, and dynamic properties. Structures that underwent isotropic volume optimisation yielded a cross-validation score of 1.1 meV. This score suggests that the cluster expansion is of good quality, as it falls below the threshold of 5 meV per active position. Based on the analysis of the electronic structure, it is observed that both parent structures (MnPO4 and NaMnPO4) exhibit semiconducting behaviour, while the remaining structures (Na1MnPO4, Na0.825MnPO4, Na0.75MnPO4, Na0.625MnPO4, and Na0.25MnPO4) have semi-metallic characteristics. The mechanical stability of NaMnPO4 was shown by the estimated elastic constants, since the stability conditions were met for all intercalated systems, except for the parent structure MnPO4. Based on the Pugh criterion pertaining to the properties of ductility and brittleness, the structures of Na1MnPO4, Na0.825MnPO4, Na0.75MnPO4, Na0.625MnPO4, and Na0.25MnPO4 exhibit ductile characteristics, while the structures of Na0.5MnPO4 and MnPO4 display brittleness. In addition, MD simulations were performed, revealing that the mean square displacement slope is influenced by the concentration of sodium ions, whereas the diffusion coefficients of sodium ions are influenced by the temperature. These findings suggest that the addition of sodium ions improves the ductility of Na1-xMnPO4 structures. The higher
concentration of sodium ions leads to increased ductility, as evidenced by the ductile characteristics observed in Na1MnPO4 and Na0.825MnPO4. However, as the concentration of sodium ions decreases, the structures become more brittle, as seen in Na0.5MnPO4 and MnPO4. Furthermore, the MD simulations indicate that the movement of sodium ions within the structures is influenced by both the concentration of sodium ions and the temperature, highlighting the complex relationship between the composition and mechanical properties in these materials.CSIR-YRE
Investigating the effects of aridity and its impacts on water resources availability in the Luvuvhu River Catchment
No full textPhDENV (Hydrology)Department of Earth SciencesThe study investigated aridity and its impacts on water resource availability in the Luvuvhu River Catchment (LRC). Hydrological information indicates gradual changes towards more arid conditions in the LRC. The shift towards aridity has impacted negatively on water resources availability. Aridity indices for the LRC were determined using both meteorological and hydrological data. The 5-year or 10-year rainfall or streamflow averages were used to detect drought thresholds, except during flood events. A significant study was done on drought conditions using Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration (SPEI) and Standardised Streamflow Index (SDI). The study hypothesised increased inter-station variations (spatial and temporal) observable from 5-year or 10-year rainfall or streamflow averages over a historical hydrological period. The study used rainfall and temperature data from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and South African Weather Service (SAWS) spanning 58 years (1961 - 2018). National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) data with a resolution of 10 km was used to determine historical and future aridity in the LRC. The spatiotemporal variations and trends of aridity are reflected in the availability and distribution of water resources. The study developed the aridity indices using United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Aridity Index (AI) to determine the spatiotemporal variability of water resources in the LRC. The variations and trends of aridity indices were determined using the coefficient of variation and Mann Kendall test, respectively. Due to a limited number of weather stations in the study area, the Kriging method was used to interpolate aridity indices for areas with no stations. The temporal changes of the 5-year or 10-year cycles of hydrological data analyses show progressive, gradual increases linked to global environmental changes such as global warming. The Hierarchical clustering (HC) analysis revealed the presence of two factors that account for 59.7% and 39.3% of the variability in rainfall within the LRC. The results show that upstream of the catchment experiences more rainfall and lower temperatures than downstream. The increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall might negatively impact the availability of water resources for downstream users. Thus, more arid conditions are experienced downstream of the catchment than upstream. Flood events have become rare and more intense, a characteristic
associated with areas prone to droughts. The results of the study reveal significant year-to-year variability in floods and drought events. The increase in aridity should be considered when allocating water resources and implementing sustainable water resources management in the LRC. Thus, the study provides a baseline for monitoring and modelling hydrological processes in arid environments
Assessment of potential health risks of domestic water sources in Matatani Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMENVSCI in Hydrology and Water ResourcesDepartment of Earth SciencePoor water quality is associated with adverse health outcomes worldwide. In many developing countries, access to clean and safe water remains limited, forcing individuals to depend on available water sources despite their poor quality. This study evaluated the potential human health risks associated with domestic water sources at Matatani Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Field observations were conducted to identify the available water sources and the potential contaminants present for each source. Water samples were collected during both wet and dry seasons from the primary sources used by the residents, including boreholes, springs, and a river. Rainwater samples from various roof types were also collected during the rainfall season. The physical parameters including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured using standardized multi-meter. Turbidity was measured using turbidity meter. Microbiological parameters such as total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E.coli) were analyzed using membrane filtration method. Metals such as sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) . The non-metals such as chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), phosphate (PO4) and sulphate (SO4) were analyzed using the DR 3900 Laboratory spectrophotometer. Health risk assessment was conducted for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk through ingestion based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. The pH for groundwater and river water was within the recommended guideline. The turbidity and TDS were above the guidelines for river and groundwater. For rainwater water, the EC and TDS were within the recommended guidelines while the turbidity was above the recommended guideline. The total coliform and E.coli were both above the recommended guidelines for the majority of the samples. Metals such as As, Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Al, and Fe were above the recommended guidelines for surface and groundwater and rainwater, respectively. They metals ranged from 0.60 to 6.88, 1.54 to 6.51, 0 to 16.61, 1.63 to 7.63, 1.54 to 10.59, 4.22 to 5.74, 0.36 to 7.86 for As, Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Al, and Fe, for all sources respectively. The presence of these metals in water sources can cause adverse effects on human health. Non-metals such as from 0.1 to 5.7 and 0 to 89 for F and SO4, they were within the recommended guidelines for groundwater, river water, and rainwater. The non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) ranged from 4.20 to 18.3 for river and groundwater while it ranged from 0.52 to 3.11 for rainwater for both adults and children, respectively. The HI for river and groundwater was greater than 1 for children and adults indicating significant health risk. The HI for children only exceeded 1 for rainwater meaning that
the children are at risk. The carcinogenic risk for Pb, Cd and As ranged between 0.09 to 4.26 and 0.09 to 0.96 for groundwater, river water, and rainwater for adults and children, respectively. Identified microbial health risks include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, cholera and typhoid fever. These findings highlighted the severe risk of diseases for the residents of Matatani Village. They also confirmed that water in Matatani Village is unsafe for human use. It is recommended that residents have to use the sources of water such as municipal water which consistently show lower contamination levels and boil water before use to minimize contamination risk. Residents have to minimize pollution by implementing stricter regulations to reduce the discharge of various elements into the environment
In-vitro and in-silico evaluation for phytochemicals and anti-diabetic potentials of Trichodesma zeylanicum ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts
No full textMSC in ChemistryDepartment of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f) R.Br. belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is an annual shrub native to Australia, Africa, and Asia. This plant contains phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of interest to people with T2DM. The present study was aimed at an in-vitro and in-silico evaluation of phytochemicals and anti-diabetic potentials of ethyl acetate (EA) and ethanol extracts from the leaf, stem, and root of T. zeylanicum.
Materials and methods: Trichodesma zeylanicum was collected from Maungani village near the University of Venda. Its leaf, root, and stem were washed, dried in the shade, and ground into powder. Plant part powders were weighed separately and extracted using absolute EA and ethanol. Plant extract filtrates were concentrated using the rotary evaporator. Qualitative biochemical methods, including Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), were used for phytochemical and antioxidant analyses using ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and rutin as standards. The liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS) technique was used for phytochemical analyses and identifications. In-silico α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitory potentials of selected identified phytochemicals were screened using the Protein Data Bank available α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and VEGFR2 by molecular docking methods using acarbose and sorafenib as standard inhibitors.
Results: Known and unknown phytochemicals in EA extracts of all of T. zeylanicum organs were analysed and identified. In comparison to EA, it was commonly observed that ethanol showed its potential to extract more bioactive chemicals from T. zeylanicum root (59 mg), stem (58 mg) and leaf (67 mg) extracts, as both percentage yields are high. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of EA root, stem and leaf extracts exceeds that of ethanol plant extracts at low to high concentrations, with the EA leaf extract displaying superior radical scavenging activity of up to 70.259±2.029% at 40 μg/mL when compared to ascorbic acid (86.057±0.610%) [p≤0.001] at the same concentration. Although the ethanol radical scavenging activity of root, stem and leaf extracts was extremely low, the leaf extract radical scavenging activity was moderately promising. TPC in ethanol root (11.489±0.545 μg GAE/mg dried extract), stem (10.753±1.116 μg GAE/mg dried extract) and leaf (47.187±2.300 μg GAE/mg dried extract) extracts surpass the EA root (1.604±0.206 μg GAE/mg dried extract, p ≤ 0.001), stem (2.280±0.844 μg GAE/mg dried extract, p ≤ 0.001) and leaf (2.760±0.086 μg GAE/mg dried extract, p ≤ 0.0001) extracts with ethanol leaf extract depicting significantly higher amount of the phenolic content compared to those of ethanol root and stem extracts (p ≤ 0.001).
Among the selected compounds docked against two enzyme markers for diabetes and one protein for wound development, ligand 1A (4-[2,6-Dihydroxy-4-(6,7,8-trihydroxy-2-naphthyl) phenoxy]-3-hydroxy-7-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl) naphthalene-1,2-dione) from EA root extract of T. zeylanicum showed the highest binding affinities when docked against α-amylase (-11,0 kcal/mol), α-glucosidase (-10,2 kcal/mol), and VEGFR2 (-9,6 kcal/mol) in comparison with acarbose (positive control) for α-amylase (-7.4 kcal/mol) and α-glucosidase (-7.8 kcal/mol), and sorafenib (positive control) for VEGFR2 (-8.1 kcal/mol) as inhibitors.
The molecular networking displayed closely related human pancreatic α-amylases (AMY2A and AMY2B) and intestinal α-glucosidase (GAA) participating in the metabolism of carbohydrates, together with the involved interacting enzymes leading to T2DM, whereas the kinase VEGFR2 is not in association with these enzymes, although playing a role in wound formation from diabetic patients. Multiple sequence alignment data demonstrated the α-amylase, α-glucosidase and VEGFR2 fully conserved regions (Trp, Lys, Val, Pro, Gly, Ala, Gln, and Ser), which can support their role in digesting carbohydrates and wound formation.
Conclusion: Findings in this study demonstrated that the EA root extract of T. zeylanicum contains phytochemicals with anti-diabetic potentials associated with wound healing and antioxidants, suggesting that the root of this plant can serve as a source of phytochemicals with antidiabetic and wound healing properties. Cytotoxicity of ethanol and EA extracts from different organs of T. zeylanicum, molecular dynamic simulation (MD) and an in-vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity test are recommended for further research to validate and explore the findings of the molecular docking and safety and efficacy of these plant extracts
A Reformed Theological Perspective on God’s Providence Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa
No full textMaster of Arts in TheologyDepartment of Human SciencesDuring challenging circumstances, people often find themselves contemplating inquiries such as, "What is the underlying cause for these events occurring in my life?" The question of the location of God has been a topic of philosophical and theological inquiry for centuries. And what is the rationale for his decision to permit this occurrence? Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals experienced a loss of religious conviction as they saw a sense of divine abandonment. The comprehension of the Providence of God proves advantageous in times of adversity. The primary objective of this study was to present a theodicy of God's providence in relation to the epidemic and to disseminate information regarding the concept of the Providence of God. Additionally, it aims to educate individuals about the potential for finding solace in the Providence of God during times of adversity and to provide an academic understanding of God's Providence from a Reformed perspective. The study employed a qualitative methodology. Qualitative research is characterised by its aim to comprehend and interpret phenomena through the lens of the participant's perspective. The main population to be considered in this study are the Reformed Church Members in the Vhembe District Municipality. The target group of this study will were both male and female youth and adults of the Reformed Churches at Thulamela Local Municipality under Vhembe District Municipality in South Africa. The goal of this research was to shed new light on how important it is for people who identify themselves as Christians to have faith in God's providence to comfort them during difficult times
The Intersections of Religion and Gender-Based Violence: Perspectives from a Christian-Organised Empowerment Initiative in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMA in Gender StudiesDepartment of Youth and DevelopmentRecent research has shown religion as a particularly essential element that helps women deal with Gender-Based Violence (GBV). While providing the institutional space within which violence against women can be exacerbated, religion can also provide deeply intertwined ideological norms and socio-cultural attitudes, which help victims deal with GBV. Yet, Gender-Based Violence literature in South Africa has provided limited analysis of the role of religion as a catalyst for dealing with GBV. This study addresses this research gap, by exploring the role of religion in combatting gender-based violence, particularly within the context of a Christian-organised empowerment centre in Thohoyandou, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study is encored on the empowerment theory which unravels the situation of the marginalized and victimized in our societies. The research is based on a qualitative approach and one-on-one semi-structured interviews was used for the collection of data; a non-probability purposive and snowball sampling technique was used to select 17 participants for the study (14 women identified as victims of gender-based violence and 3 church pastor/leaders as organizers of the Christian based empowerment program) and the data analysed using thematic analysis. Drawing on data, collected from administrators and the participants of a Christian GBV-empowerment programme, the study identifies religious elements used by the GBV victims to address GBV. Such identified elements include Bible study, prayer, women’s services, conferences, seminars, economic empowerment, medical outreaches, and leadership positions. By analysing these elements, the study reveals that they bring healing, resilience, economic empowerment and power to the survivors of GBV. The data provides not only opportunity to highlight religion’s role as a resource for combating GBV, but also opportunity to amplify GBV victims’ voices. The findings also provide the state opportunity, to draw from non-traditional sources to reformulate policies that assist GBV victims in South Africa. The study concludes that women empowerment encourages participation of women in the economy bringing about faster growth of the economy and an integrated society and
recommends inclusivity by involving non-faith women in the empowerment programs and organising an awareness programs for the perpetrators of GBV
Understanding the influence of comprehensive sexual education interventions on teenage pregnancies amongst adolescent girls in Bolebedu, Limpopo Province
No full textMaster of NursingDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceBackground: Improving teenagers’ knowledge on sexual health and reproductive health is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Purpose: The study aimed to understand the influence of comprehensive sexual education intervention programs on teenage pregnancies, amongst adolescent girls in Bolobedu, Limpopo Province.
Methodology: A qualitative research approach and an explorative descriptive research design was followed in this study. The targeted population in this study was adolescent girls, between the ages of 14 to 21 years. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants, and fifth teen (15) teenage girls were sampled. Sampling was determined by saturation of data, and data saturation was reached on participants nine (9) were interviewed. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, field notes were taken; afterwards the voice recording was transcribed, and inductive coding was used for data analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness in a qualitative study which is credibility, transferability, dependability, conformability and triangulation were followed. Ethical considerations, such as the right to confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for participants -were adhered to. The recommendations made at the end were based on the study's findings.
Findings: Findings revealed that adolescent girls had insufficient information on different sexual intervention programs, hence, were ignorant about the different SHE programs, which contributed to their inability to exploit available knowledge for their self-development. Furthermore – non-awareness of their right to self-determination, lack of comprehension of available sexual education literature, and poor under-developed decision-making skills – had contributed to their attitudes toward accessing sexual health information. This state of affairs was indicated as arising from, no sexual education at home and limited exposure to the topic in schools. Recommendations: Implementing of sexual health programs should be intensified, using a multi-sectoral approach by government and non-governmental organizations. The Departments of Health and Education should work together to ensure effective sexual education interventions