1358 research outputs found
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Co-morbidity of diabetes mellitus and HIV in patients attending the ART clinic Parirenyatwa hospital 2015
No full textBackground: Zimbabwe has a double burden of diseases, with HIV epidemic and increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Since the roll out of Anti Retroviral Therapy in 2004 at Parirenyatwa OI clinic, Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors have been the backbone of antiretroviral therapy. At least 10% of OI clients at the institution are on 2nd line regimen with Protease Inhibitors. These drugs cause metabolic derangements which are potentially Diabetogenic. With improved care in HIV management, patients are living long enough to experience environmental and behavioural risk factors for diabetes mellitus. However diabetic screening is not done at Parirenyatwa OI clinic and the disease burden of HIV/Diabetes co-morbidity is not known.
Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted. Questionnaires were used to collect data on patient’s socio-demographic characteristics, medical history and symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Random blood sugar and glycated haemoglobin tests were done to ascertain diabetes status.
Results: Prevalence of diabetes was 15.42%. Treatment with Protease inhibitors (POR 2.36; 95% CI 1.06-5.23) and a CD4 count at diagnosis of HIV greater than 500 (POR 3.74; 95% CI 1.26-11.09) were associated with development of diabetes mellitus with statistical significance. Smoking (POR 2.34; 95% CI 0.69-7.96), alcohol abuse (POR 1.81; 95% CI 0.74-4.40) being overweight (POR 1.79; 95% CI 0.85-3.79), were also associated with the development of diabetes but not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Behavioural risk factors like smoking, alcohol use and being overweight were associated with developing diabetes. Protease inhibitors use was also associated with the development of diabetes mellitus
An investigation into the readiness of the Zimbabwe financial institutions to the establishment of Reverse Mortgages as a financial vehicle for the aged
No full textThis research is about the readiness of the Zimbabwe financial institutions to the establishment of a reverse mortgage market in Zimbabwe. There are many pensioners who are earning very little in terms of pension and are struggling to make ends meet and yet own residential properties that they could have acquired during their working years. In other words such individuals are asset rich but cash poor. Reverse mortgaging allows senior citizens to avail themselves of funds by mortgaging their residential property without them having to move out of the properties. Following the hyper inflationary period of 2007 to 2009, homeowners were left debt free as they were able to pay off for their properties at very low prices. This then has created an opportune time to establish the reverse mortgage market.
The research thus seeks to find out the conditions that are necessary for reverse mortgages to operate, the factors that affect the market as well as the challenges that hinder the growth of that market. Literature review looked at how reverse mortgage market has been operational in other countries. In The United States of America reverse mortgages started in the 1970s, in Australia it started in the 1990s, in United Kingdom it has been operational since 1993 while in India it was established in 2007. South Africa is the only African country to have offered reverse mortgages with the first deals happening in 2010.
This is a quantitative research. The researcher carried out a survey on all 16 financial institutions through the administration of 10 questionnaires per institution. Data from the research was processed using SPSS, analyzed and discussed before drawing conclusions. Findings show that the main condition has to do with willingness and ability of stakeholders, that is, employees and shareholders. The major factors were to do with those factors that pose financial risk to the consumer, namely, confidence in the market, tax issues, property prices and issues of indebtedness. The main challenge was the currency issue as a result of the possible return of the Zimbabwe at some point, while the other challenges proved to be statistically insignificant
An analysis of the effects of longevity risk on pension planning in Zimbabwe
No full textThis study is about the analysis of the effects of longevity risk on pension planning in Zimbabwe
with a particular focus on defined benefit pension schemes. A defined benefit scheme is an
arrangement whereby the pension benefits are pre-determined by a formula which is a function
of service and salary. The study adopted a quantitative methodology to achieve the following
objectives:
a) Establish how uncertainty regarding future mortality and life expectancy outcomes would
affect the funding position of defined benefit pension schemes in Zimbabwe.
b) Establish the link between mortality and life expectancy in Zimbabwe.
c) Check the adequacy of the existing assets to meet the liabilities of the pension schemes in
Zimbabwe.
d) Determine the contribution rates that would be appropriate for the future.
e) Recommend possible approaches to forecast mortality and life expectancy.
The study considered the research topical given the inability of Zimbabwean defined benefit
pension schemes to meet their liabilities. A sample of 128 participants was drawn from randomly
selected active employees who are member of pension funds. Data were gathered using a
questionnaire. The study was interested in testing the proposition that mortality is improving in
Zimbabwe. The study found that Technological Advancement, Education and Lifestyle and other
factors which include the Millennium Development Goals and Government interventions are the
major contributors to mortality improvements. Generally there are mortality improvements in
Zimbabwe. Where there is mortality improvement, there is longevity risk which has got direct
impact on defined benefit pension funds.
The research objectives were fulfilled and the following recommendations were made:
(a) Indexation of pension benefits to life expectancy in order to partially offset the impact of
longevity.
(b) Policymakers are recommended to set up a Continuous Mortality Investigations Unit
within Zimbabwe.
(c) The Regulator of pension funds is recommended to put in place mechanisms of ensuring
that pension funds and annuity providers fully account for improvements in mortality
An assessment of cultural dimensions and their impact on organisational performance in the Zimbabwean banking sector
No full textCulture is a very diverse concept which has a significant impact on business performance. Hofstede developed one most popular variant of this concept. He came up with six cultural dimensions which he named Power Distance (PD), Uncertainty Avoidance (UA), Individualism (IND), Masculinity (MAS), Long Term Orientation (LTO) and Indulgence INDUL).These terms, together with Business Performance(BP) are largely defined. The main objective of the study was to ascertain the level of these dimensions in banks in Zimbabwe. Other objectives included a development of a regression model and checking if the cultural dimensions are statistically the same across bank types and different staff levels before finally to recommending the most appropriate cultural dimension that enhances bank performance. It was hypothesized that UA, MAS and LTO all had a positive impact on BP while PD, IND and INDUL had a negative impact on BP. The research methodology was quantitative, the research purpose being a descripto-deterministic type, following a positivist philosophy, using a deductive approach and informed by a survey strategy. A mono method research choice was employed. The research was a cross-sectional study and primary data was collected using the questionnaire. The population of the study was all the commercial banks’ employees operating in Harare. Stratified random sampling was used to select participating
banks and employees. The six dimensions’ indices computed all high except for LTO and INDUL. The regression model developed showed that, out of the six dimensions, only PD, UA and INDUL were significant determinants of BP. All but one, (PD), dimensions were found to be statistically indifferent across bank types while across staff levels four dimensions were materially different. The hypothesis that PD, IND and INDUL had a negative impact on BP were rejected and so were the hypotheses that UA and LTO had a positive impact on BP. The hypothesis that MAS had a negative impact on BP was accepted. In the short-to-medium term only, it was recommended that high power distance be maintained while economy and corruption levels are being managed. Maintaining a high UA and INDUL culture was recommended while not much effort was recommended for IND, MAS and LTO because they were insignificant. A replication of this study at a future date when the economy is more stable, and across other sectors of the economy and together with independent tests across gender divide are further studies that are recommended by the researcher
Occupational therapy needs of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy in Zimbabwe: Caregivers’ perspectives
No full textObjectives: To determine occupational therapy needs of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy living in an urban setting, to identify participation levels in activities of daily living and social activities, to identify factors influencing participation and to determine the contribution of occupational therapy in participating in these activities. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional Setting: Community rehabilitation outreach points in Epworth, Mufakose, Glenview, Dzivarasekwa, Mabvuku and Norton. Participants: Thirty-five randomly selected primary caregivers of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. Data analysis: Data collected on the questionnaires was analysed using SPSS/16.0 for frequencies and means. Results: Fourteen (41%) of the adolescents and young adults were independent in self-care activities such as toileting, grooming, dressing, mobility and bathing. Twenty-one (59%) were totally dependent or needed some assistance in performing activities of daily living. Factors reported to influence participation included upper and lower limb contractures, lack of transport, financial constraints and a difficult home environment. Occupational therapy needs of adolescents and young adults as reported by their caregivers included further training in activities of daily living (74%), home adaptations (66%), vocational skills training (20%) and provision of appropriate assistive devices (6%). Conclusion: In light of these findings performance areas that still needed occupational therapy interventions included activities of daily living, vocational skills training, use of assistive devices and home adaptations. Therefore adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy living in Zimbabwe still have functional performance deficits that can be addressed by provision of follow-up community occupational therapy interventions
Assessing the importance of international banks in attracting FDI into Zimbabwe
No full textGlobalisation has literally reduced the world into one market place where distance does not matter anymore and technology advancement revolutionised global trade. Unfortunately, as much as the world has become one village in terms of trade and capital flow Africa has lagged behind. Foreign Direct Investment has been low in Africa compared to Asia and Europe. This study was done to assess the impact international banks do have in driving FDI in Zimbabwe. It was born out of the fact that there is so much political attention to international banks and multinational firms from an indigenisation perspective.
Zimbabwe desperately needs FDI to catapult economic development as local savings are too low to reinvigorate the economy. International Banks are believed to be key drivers of capital migration due to their ability to financially advise investors and also because of their capacity to attract cheaper funding for offshore investments.
The research method used was predominantly quantitative and thus more inclined to positivism and a deductive research approach which was preferred instead of an inductive approach as the deductive approach is more reliable and objective in its findings. This was important for identifying causal effects of FDI movement vis a vis International Banks. The target population consisted of banks and their clients which allowed the writer to distribute 360 questionnaires with a response rate of 72.2%.
Overally the findings of the research show that investors favoured foreign owned banks as opposed to local banks and the reasons were that foreign banks had greater access to international markets than local banks; foreign banks were also supported by their parent country governments; they had enhanced efficiency; enhanced corporate governance levels as well as more advanced financial technology and they also had more skilled and motivated staff. The data was analysed using SPSS. The research was limited to Harare only where most of the economic activity is and Head Offices of the respondents are based. From that perspective the study can be generalised for Zimbabwe as the sample was significant and also that a quantitative analysis was done.
The implication of this research show that international banks play a pivotal role in attracting FDI into the country and their presence helps to retain the already invested capital
Prevalence and the correlates of postnatal depression in an urban high density suburb of Harare
No full textIntroduction: Postnatal depression is a common cause of morbidity but is rarely diagnosed or adequately managed in busy primary care settings in most resource limited countries like Zimbabwe. Objectives: This study sought to determine the prevalence of postnatal depression and establish factors associated with postnatal depression. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design where 295 consenting women (mean age=25.4 years; SD= 5.6 years) attending post natal care services at Mbare Polyclinic were recruited. Data were collected using the validated Shona version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. Associations between variables were computed using the chi-square test statistic and where appropriate the Fisher's exact statistic. Results: Prevalence for postnatal depression was 34.2% among women in the study. Univariate analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant associations between mother's age (p=0.120), parity (p=0.396), marital status (p=0.523), level of education (p=0.805), and age of child (p=0.489) and postnatal depression. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate that there is a high prevalence of postnatal depression in women in Mbare, Zimbabwe. This therefore calls for further studies to identify and address the causes of postnatal depression among women attending postnatal care in Zimbabwe
Factors associated with Adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy among HIV clients, Kadoma city, Zimbabwe 2015
No full textAbstract
Introduction: Adherence is defined as the extent to which patient follows prescribed health care regimen. Non-adherence is associated with resistance and the risk of resistance is 80-90% with incomplete adherence. A review of the ART registers during one of the ART clinics in Kadoma City showed that 40% of ART clients were not adhering to their medication. Key informant discussions and records showed an increase in the number of patients in adherence classes. Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was carried out using an interviewer administered questionnaire to collect information. Record review was also conducted to verify information that was given by the study participants. Key informant interviews were conducted for more information on the running of the ART program. Patients 18 years and above accessed ART services in Kadoma City for more than 3 months were recruited. Random sampling method was used to select participants as they visited the health facilities for their ARV resupply. Results: A total for 227 HIV clients patients were recruited, 67% were females. The median age of the participants was 37 years (Q1=18; Q3=44) .Use of memory aids was reported by 200 (88%) of the participants. Among the participants 45 (20%) took alcohol and 33 (15%) had experienced stigma. In multivariate analysis paying to travel to the health centre (OR 0.16 95%CI 0.06-0.43) and taking Cotrimoxazole (OR 2.38 95% CI 1.04-5.47) were independent factors associated with ART adherence. Self reported adherence among the participants was 87%. Adherence based on pill count among 80 participants was 65%. Conclusion: The self reported ART adherence was high among the participants but was low using pill count. The findings suggest that taking alcohol and having side effects were barriers to ART adherence. Having memory aide to taking medication enhanced adherence. Paying consultation fee was an independent factors associated with adherence to ART. Key Words: Adherence, ART, HIV, Kadoma Cit
An evaluation of the factors affecting export performance and value addition for Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): The case of Zimbabwe after the adoption of the multi currency system 2009 - 2015
No full textThis study was aimed at identifying and evaluating the factors that affect the export
performance of platinum group metals (PGMs) in Zimbabwe, as well as establishing the
constraints and enablers to PGMs beneficiation in the country after the introduction of the
multicurrency system in 2009. The study sought to address the problem of how to address
the persistent balance of payments (BOP) deficit that the nation has been experiencing,
through identifying the factors that need to be addressed in the PGMs mining sector as the
major flagship. Addressing the problem and making appropriate recommendations sought
to enhance the sector’s export performance and beneficiation in the medium to long term.
The research objectives were: to identify and evaluate the supply side factors affecting
PGMs export performance; to identify and evaluate the demand side factors affecting
PGMs export performance and to establish the constraints and enablers of PGMs value
addition in Zimbabwe and proffering appropriate recommendations. The research was
carried out through a qualitative combined case study. The data was gathered through indepth
interviews with representatives from the mining entities and the Ministry of Mines
and Mining Development providing the key information.
The research findings identify supply side themes as being operational factors, firm
characteristics, industry factors, the macroeconomic factors and government regulations.
Demand side factors evaluated were: access to export markets, entry barriers, competition,
and the pricing structures. Value addition factors were raw materials, infrastructure,
electricity and water availability, research and development, skills levels and market
access. A number of factors such as abundant raw materials, low risk, ownership
structures, and favourable exchange control regime and mining incentives were found to
be export performance and beneficiation enablers. Electricity shortages, skills shortages,
distribution channels, high interest rates and infrastructure shortcomings came up
contributing negatively to export performance and beneficiation. The major
recommendations were to resolve the electricity challenges, invest in infrastructure
development, invest in relevant skills training and development, increase production and
suspend the tax on non-beneficiated platinum in order to enhance export performance and
long term beneficiation
