UNAM Gā-aisib Repository (University of Namibia)
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Nutritional status, infant and young child feeding among children aged 6-59 months in Windhoek and surrounding areas, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in full fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Physiology (Nutrition)Malnutrition is a global health concern in children under five years, and often presents as stunting, underweight, overweight and wasting. Measurement errors in taking anthropometry limits their validity in defining childhood malnutrition, resulting in need for alternative techniques. This study aimed to determine the nutritional status of Namibian children under five years, and to correlate these findings with their dietary practices, as well as test new digital technologies in child anthropometric measurements. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on Namibian children between the age of 6 to 59 months, using anthropometric measurements of weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference. Height was collected using three different instruments, an analog height board, a digi-board and a 3D scanning mobile phone app called Child Growth Monitor (CGM). The reliability of the digi-board was assessed using technical error of measurement (TEM), percentage technical error of measurement (%TEM), intra class correlation (ICC) and statistical tests on absolute differences. Accuracy of the CGM 3D imaging to diagnose stunting was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). In all these assessments, the analog height board was considered as the gold standard and used for comparison. A dietary survey was conducted using a 24-hour food recall questionnaire. The study recruited 612 children, of which 425 children yielded data using the digital board and analog height board and 187 children yielded data using the CGM 3D imaging and analog height board. The prevalence of malnutrition was determined to be 29.6% stunting, 4.5% wasting, 16.7% underweight and 2.4% overweight, based on the traditional analog height board. The digi-board indicated superiority to the analog height board in terms of reliability (analog TEM = 0.22, digi-board TEM=0.16), while the CGM 3D imaging underestimated children for wasting (analog and CGM 3D imaging = 7% and 1.1%). Underweight and stunting estimated similarly (analog and CGM 3D imaging = 15% and 13.3% for underweight, and 26.9% and 27% for stunting, respectively). There was a low positive correlation between malnutrition and dietary diversity of children, and food diversity was found to improve child health. In this study, the prevalence of stunting is moderate according to the World Health Organisation cut-offs, confirming that stunted growth is still a health problem in Namibian children under five years, and proper interventions such as food donations and educational programmes to mothers on breast- and young child feeding practices are required to address these issues
Challenges to Implementing environmental-DNA monitoring in Namibia
No full textBy identifying fragments of DNA in the environment, eDNA approaches present a
promising tool for monitoring biodiversity in a cost-effective way. This is particularly
pertinent for countries where traditional morphological monitoring has been sparse.
The first step to realising the potential of eDNA is to develop methodologies that are
adapted to local conditions. Here, we test field and laboratory eDNA protocols (aqueous
and sediment samples) in a range of semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia. We successfully gathered eDNA data on a broad suite of organisms at multiple trophic levels (including algae, invertebrates and bacteria) but identified two key challenges to the implementation of eDNA methods in the region: 1) high turbidity requires a tailored sampling technique and 2) identification of taxa by eDNA methods is currently constrained by a lack of reference data. We hope this work will guide the deployment of eDNA biomonitoring in the arid ecosystems of Namibia and neighboring countries
Guidelines to facilitate clinical nursing education of nursing students in the training health facilities of Oshana and Oshikoto regions, Namibia
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing ScienceThe development of the guidelines was necessitated by the challenges experienced during facilitation of clinical nursing education. To meet these challenges, guidelines are required to serve as a guiding tool for registered nurses in their facilitation roles. Nursing is a practice-based profession; thus, student nurses who are attached to the clinical health facilities need to acquire the necessary clinical skills and competencies in nursing practice under the guidance and supervision of registered nurses. However, despite the teaching responsibility of registered nurses, not all are acquainted with teaching methods since nursing education is not part of the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Moreover, it seems that not all registered nurses hold postgraduate qualifications in Nursing Education or Clinical Instruction that could equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate clinical nursing education. This consequently results in inconsistency in the way registered nurses facilitate clinical nursing education in the clinical environment. The purpose of the study was to develop guidelines to facilitate clinical nursing education of nursing students in the training health facilities of Oshana and Oshikoto regions, Namibia. A pragmatism perspective was adopted for this study. A convergent parallel mixed method approach was used to obtain data. The Practice Oriented Theory formed the conceptual framework that guided the study while the ADDIE Model and Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) framework guided the development of the guidelines. This research study was undertaken in the following three phases: Phase 1: To achieve objectives 1,2,3 and 4 of the situational analysis, a mixed methods research approach with descriptive and exploratory designs. Objective 1: A narrative type literature review was conducted to describe best practices in clinical nursing education. Sources published from 2010, were consulted. The said literature review revealed best practices in clinical nursing education as: effective communication, intersectoral collaboration, stakeholders’ involvement, clinical learning environment, qualities of a facilitator and shared vision. Objectives 2 and 3 aimed to explore and describe the experiences of registered nurses (n= 43), lecturers (n =5) and nursing students (n= 28) on facilitation of clinical nursing education. Data were collected through five (5) focus group discussions with registered nurses and three (3) focus group discussions with nursing students, and five (5) individual interviews with lecturers from the training institution. Participants were purposively selected for these two objectives. Data from focus group discussions and interviews were analysed according to Tesch’s steps of qualitative data analysis. Three themes and twenty sub-themes emerged. The findings revealed that participants (respectively) experienced nursing students’ challenges, registered nurses’ and lecturers’ challenges as well as support system challenges that affect facilitation of clinical nursing education. Objective 4: Focused on assessing the clinical environment where clinical nursing education takes place. For this objective a quantitative and descriptive design was used. Quantitative data were collected using self administered questionnaires from registered nurses (n=172) and nursing students (n=108) who were recruited through simple random sampling. A 5-point Likert scale was used to score various variables. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 25.0. The results showed that there were poor interpersonal relationships, support system challenges and a lack of continuing professional development. Phase 2, focused on the conceptual framework that guided the study. The conceptual framework according to Practice Oriented Theory as proposed by Dickoff et al., (1968) was used. The survey list of Dickoff et al., (1968) was used for this purpose. Thus, the agent was the (researcher, registered nurse, nurse educator), recipient (nursing), dynamic (best practices and challenges), procedure (process followed to develop guidelines) and terminus (developed guidelines). Phase 3, concentrated on the development of guidelines for registered nurses regarding the abovementioned aim. The development of the guidelines was based on research evidence from Phase 1 and guided by ADDIE model and MoHSS framework for guidelines development. Four guidelines were developed to strengthen best practices in clinical nursing education and address the identified challenges. In conclusion, clinical nursing education and facilitation are important components in preparing nursing students for the activities they will perform as registered nurses after graduation. However, this study has demonstrated that there are challenges in clinical practice that need to be addressed as they have the potential to negatively affect the facilitation of clinical nursing education. The study recommended that similar studies be conducted using a broader scope of training health facilities and training institutions in Namibia, to gather more information on clinical nursing education. It vii is further recommended that the facilitation of clinical knowledge and skills be based on theories and research to avoid transferring traditionally outdated nursing knowledge and skills to nursing students. The study also recommended that the developed guidelines be validated and operationalised in the practical setting
The nexus between financial innovations and velocity of money: Evidence from Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in business administration- FinanceThe study of the velocity for money in an economy is a central issue in central bank
policy formulation. This is so because a steady demand for money function is vital for
the conduct of effective monetary policy. The study investigated the relationship between
financial innovations and the velocity of money in the Namibian economy. Secondary
data from the World Bank and Bank of Namibia, covering the period 2000 to 2020. The
study relied on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model technique to test the
relationship. The founding objectives were named to explore whether financial
innovation explained the velocity of money and secondly whether there existed a short run or a long-run relationship between the selected variables. The results indicate that
financial innovations explain the velocity of money in the economy, and the Error
Correction model determined that there was an existent long-run relationship between
the variables. The margin of the inverse relationship was evident from the coefficient of -
1.107354, meaning that an increase by one unit change in financial innovation caused a
-1.107354 decrease in the velocity of money in the economy. Hence, the study found that
both in the short-run and long-run financial sector innovations are inseparably linked
with the velocity of money. The model also included two control variables GDP and the
opportunity cost of holding money as the theoretical foundation nominate the two
variables to also affect money demand which eventually affects velocity of money. The
results found that a positive relationship existed between the GDP variable and velocity
of money and the magnitude effect of the relationship is shown by the coefficient. The
other variable opportunity cost of holding money was found to be statistically
insignificant as showed the probability and the t-statistic. From these results, a
cautionary advice would be extended to the policymakers to manage this dynamic
relationships better as it has a bearing on the monetary policy framework in the case of
the velocity of money (money demand function) in an econom
Investigating principals’ infuence to enhance teachers’ job satisfaction in selected secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Educational leadership, Management and Policy studies)The current study investigated principals’ influence to enhance teachers’ job satisfaction in selected secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia. The study was informed by the following objectives. Firstly, to investigate principals’ influence to enhance teachers’ job satisfaction. Secondly, to explore the leadership styles which make teachers feel satisfied with their work. Lastly, to examine the challenges principals face in enhancing teachers’ job satisfaction.
A qualitative research methodology was used. Data were collected using interview guides and questionnaires. The researcher selected 4 secondary schools in the region using purposeful sampling. The respective 4 principals of those schools formed part of the study while 2 teachers from each of the four schools were selected using the purposeful random sampling technique. The study revealed that most principals enhance teachers’ job satisfaction by providing mentorship and
resources, ensuring a conducive work environment, teacher recognition and team building. Secondly, it was found that although principals mainly employ the democratic leadership style to make teachers feel satisfied with their jobs, they employ different types of leadership styles (including autocratic, laissez faire and transformational leadership styles) as necessitated by the situation. The study further revealed various challenges faced by principals in their attempts to
enhance teachers’ job satisfaction such as lack of recognition, high expectations, teachers’ unwillingness to take part in new initiative as well as instigative teachers.
It is recommended that principals should be supported by their teachers, inspectors of education, senior education officers and the Ministry of Education. Furthermore, principals need trainings on how to enhance teachers’ job satisfaction. Moreover, it is recommended that school policies on enhancing teachers’ job satisfaction be formulated and implemented. It is also recommended that institutions of higher learning should pay close attention to educating educators on how to ensure
teachers’ job satisfaction. The study also suggests further research on principals’ job satisfaction
Anthropomorphism and social issues in selected Namibian children’s literature
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (English studies)This study explored the use of anthropomorphism in selected Namibian children’s literature texts. The texts that formed part of the analysis were obtained from the anthology, The Stolen Water and Other Stories: Traditional Tales from Namibia (1993) retold by Jennifer Davis, and Mbinda (1998) by Izona Bock. The aforementioned texts were selected because of their use of anthropomorphised animals to address social issues in the Namibian society. The stories analysed were from different tribes such as the Khoisan people, the Ovambo, the Kavango the Herero, Nama and the Damara. The stories are of a folklore nature; thus, they tell the stories from the cultural perspectives of the Namibian people. The study aimed to explore how anthropomorphism as a literary technique is used to communicate social issues in the selected Namibian’s children literature. The analysis of the data was guided by the folklorist theory, as well as primary and secondary sources on the Namibian and African cultures. The study is qualitative literary research and employed thematic analysis of the selected short stories. From the analysis, it was revealed that social issues such as discrimination, environmental destruction, crime, corruption, abuse and poverty are some of the prevalent problems raised in the various societies in Namibia. The study further revealed that most of the social issues are the consequences of the colonial legacy, the mismanagement of the country’s resources and a disregard for culture. Moreover, the analysis appeared to suggest that possible solutions to the problems could be an inclusion of traditional methods as well as the revival of the spirit of Ubuntu in Namibian societies. Finally, the researcher recommends further studies of children’s literature that explore possible imaginative solutions to social issues currently faced in Namibia
Researchers’ experiences on collaborative research: The case of the University of Namibia and Namibia Commission on Research, Science and Technology
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in SociologyThe study explored the experiences of the academic researchers at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) on collaborative research projects. A total sample size of 15 researchers from UNAM and NCRST participated in this research project. Purposive sampling was applied in the selection of institutions and in the selection of key target participants. The study adopted qualitative methodology following a case study research design. Interviews were used to collect data, thematic analysis method was adopted, facilitated with Atlas.ti software to identify themes. The study adopted dependency theory and world-systems theory as guiding theoretical frameworks, in that both theories provide the understanding of researchers in the peripheral space(s) like the case of UNAM and NCRST where research funding, technological and scientific undertaking are relied on North partners. The results of this research on factors that influence the establishment of research collaborations showed that the most prominent factors lead to collaborative researches were need for funding, exchange of knowledge, strategic partnerships and projects that needed experts and experience in various fields of study. The results of the study further showed that external funders (mainly from the North) set the agenda. Agenda setting varies from one research project to another. The majority of participants revealed that they had good experience working in collaborative research projects and perceived it as expensive, involving, creates opportunities and capacity building for lecturers, platform for development and share knowledge, meaningful and rewarding, beneficial to the society and communities and also inform policy in the country. Challenges faced were classified as individual and institutional. These challenges included; misunderstandings, lack of fund, caliber of researchers, internal politics and bottlenecks, absence of policies to regulate how data sets and how data is owned and absence of national data base to curb scattered data in iii Namibia. Therefore, the study recommended among other things, that research collaboration be encouraged on equal partnership between North-South. Furthermore, government of Namibia to increase research funding allocation on the GDP from the current 1% for research to something higher. The study also recommends that collaborative research be on 50/50 research funding to give southern researchers impetus in agenda setting. Lastly, this study recommends that, NCRST should embark on upskilling information, communication and technology (ICT) to curb scattered data to achieve data ownership in Namibia
Organisational role stress and work engagement among nurses working in intermediate hospital Oshakati, Namibia
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Nursing scienceGenerally, Organisational Role Stress (ORS) arises when there is no balance between one’s work requirement and conditions, and capabilities, which is due to the organisational role of one’s occupation. Health care organisations are characterised by industrialisation, urbanisation, and technological advancements that lead to rising stress. Globally, it is reported that work-related stress among nurses is increasing as they are exposed to several role stressors and demands of the workplace, this can poorly decrease their work engagement. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between organisational role stress and work engagement among nurses working in Oshakati Intermediate Hospital (IHO).
A quantitative cross-sectional and analytical study design was conducted among 222 nurses in Intermediate Hospital Oshakati. It composed of 122 registered nurses and 100 enrolled nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data.
Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample characteristics. The Chi-square was used to determine the association between organisational role stress and work engagement based on p-value <0.05. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the strength and direction of relationships between variables.
The results revealed that most of the responders had a certain level of organisational role stressors. Even though the results on organisational role stress showed a high level of stress among nurses, this study revealed that the majority of nurses has high positive affectivity towards their work engagement. The study further revealed that there is a strong relationship between the variables of organisational role stress and work engagement among nurses and it was clear from the analysis that there was no statistically significant correlation between total organisational role stress and total work engagement (r^=0.02, p-value=0.054). The recommendations are that administrators and policy makers need to design an attractive working climate to decrease the level of organisational role stress and uplift their work engagement among nurses
Evaluation of the compliance of antibiotic prescribing with international clinical practice guidelines for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis at intermediate hospital Rundu, Namibia
No full textA research thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy)Compliance with guidelines of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) has been shown
to reduce the prevalence of surgical site infections by approximately 40%. However,
globally, 30 to 90% of antibiotics used for SAP purposes, are irrationally utilized.
The aim of this study was to estimate the level of compliance with international
clinical practice (ICP) guidelines for SAP and determine predictors of non compliance at Intermediate Hospital Rundu (IHR).
This was a quantitative, analytical retrospective clinical record review. Data were
collected from April 2019 to June 2019 from the clinical records of post-operative
patients in theatre unit using a standardized assessment form. Compliance was
evaluated in terms of correct antibiotic prophylaxis choice, timing, route of
administration, dose and discontinuation.
A total of 153 surgical procedures were evaluated. Of these, 149 warranted SAP but
only 92.0% received antibiotic prophylaxis. The level of compliance with SAP
guidelines was high with regards to correct route (99.3%) and moderate with respect to timing of administration (38.7%). Compliance with SAP guidelines was low with regards to correct antibiotic choice (15.3%), dosing (9.5%) and antibiotic
discontinuation within 24 hours (0.7%). None of the records complied with the
parameters of ICP guidelines for SAP. The main predictors of non-compliance to
prescribing correct SAP were general medical officers OR = 34.29 (95% CI 8.71 to
134.95) and specialists OR = 6.35 (95% CI 2.63 to 37.61). Elective surgical
procedures OR = 2.96 (95% CI 1.32 to 6.65) independently predicted non compliance to appropriate timing of antibiotic administration. General medical
officers OR = 53.03 (95% CI 8.35 to 336.66), specialist OR = 14.11 (95% CI 2.4 to
83.24) and age of patient OR = 1.09 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.16) were predictors of non compliance to correct dosing of prophylactic antibiotics.
Compliance with internationally recognized guidelines was sub-optimal. There is
need to develop local SAP guidelines and access to improve rational antibiotics use
in surgery at IH
How can social protection systems be leveraged for anticipatory action?
No full textAs extreme weather events grow in frequency and severity around the world, there is an ongoing need to examine how existing national and international assistance mechanisms can be leveraged and learned from to respond to both slow- and suddenonset disasters. A growing area of humanitarian action is anticipatory, seeking to use weather forecasting to make informed predictions about extreme weather events and act accordingly. Known as anticipatory action, this type of humanitarian response requires extensive pre-planning in order to deliver the appropriate type of assistance to populations that need it most. While anticipatory
action may aim to build resilience, such as safeguarding assets and minimizing livelihood shocks, it often takes the form of emergency cash assistance or humanitarian in-kind assistance as well