43867 research outputs found
Sort by
The marginalization of African Philosophers in academia
Get PDFAbstract: The aim of this research paper is to bring to light the epistemic injustices that African philosophers are subjected to in academia. Academia is often presented as being objective and fair. Using the theory of epistemic injustice, I uncover the four injustices that African Philosophers suffer. With the aim of presenting a sound and valid argument, I hope my findings lead to a change in the academic sphere, with a much more decolonized setting. This study is extremely significant as it can lead to a much more reflective field of study and the removal of prejudice and racism in this sphere. Furthermore it can lead to African voices being included more in mainstream philosophy.M.A. (Philosophy
Challenges faced by women in cross-border trade in the context of Regional Trade Agreements in Southern Africa : the case of Zimbabwe
Get PDFAbstract: The role of international trade in women’s empowerment has been magnified in the past decade as a result of the proliferation of regional and international trade agreements. The various international trade agreements have triggered tensions over tariffs and non-tariff barriers in an attempt to achieve inclusive economic and social development. The thesis focuses on the study of gender and regional integration in free trade areas in Southern African, with the emphasis on women in informal cross-border trading. It sought to understand the challenges faced by women involved in informal cross-border trading and ways that could be adopted to redress these challenges. The nexus between gender and regional integration was explored with the intention to find the common ground to ensure that the efforts to have international trade address social and economic development as articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals do not neglect gender equality. The concept of developmental feminism was introduced in the thesis to assist in generating gender-sensitive and gender-responsive trade policies that can assist in addressing the challenges faced by women as they trade across the borders. Developmental feminism is anchored in the need to include women in the designing, formulating, and implementing regional trade policies to enhance the eradication of challenges they face under regional trade agreements (RTAs). Marxism, postmodernism and African feminism were all utilised to cement the important role of gender in regional trade policies. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods in collecting and analysing data. The areas of interest were the challenges faced by women in cross-border trading and the failures of regional trade policies in meeting their needs. The main observations were the lack of gender-differentiated data and inadequate capacity by both regional and national trade institutions to integrate the needs of women under existing regional trade policies. The thesis concludes by proposing how future and existing regional trade policies can be reformed to be gender responsive and gender sensitive and contribute to resolving the challenges faced by women in informal cross-border training (WICBT) under RTAs.D.Litt. et Phil. (Political Studies
She slayed her single story: an african feminist exploration into the life herstory narratives of women participants in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in Kagiso, South Africa
Get PDFAbstract: Single stories fortify single truths by which certain groupings of people are defined. This base reduction of the lives of women in Africa creates a hypervisible narrative of a perceived hegemonic grouping of African women who are seemingly unable to move beyond daily strife, unable to pursue universal goals or even to dare fulfil personal aspirations. In South Africa, the single story of Expanded Public Works Programme [EPWP] beneficiaries has been largely documented through government communication channels. These government sponsored narratives create a powerful single story of the EPWP beneficiary that fixates on the positive impact of this temporary income transfer. This thesis moves beyond statistical evidence and disembodied anecdotal evidence to narrate the life herstories of nine African black women participants in the EPWPs infrastructure sector, National Youth Service and Zivuseni Reloaded projects at Leratong Hospital in Gauteng Province in South Africa. Utilising the lens of African feminisms coupled with the life history narrative method this thesis explores how participants in this study have leveraged this intervention to change their life herstories. This study “visibilises” critical life herstory scenes, evaluates the lived experiences of participants, investigates the similarities and or differences between participants and documents their experiences in recounting their life herstories. The life herstories contained herein pioneer a new narrative that positions the former object of the single story as the most significant agent in her own life. The findings indicate that participants are dissatisfied with the lack of accredited training and the quality of on-the-job training. They are frustrated that their contracts have rolled on for six years without gaining formal qualifications. The body politics of work are clearly articulated as is the disjuncture between government narratives of the grateful and empowered beneficiary. The findings highlight that patriarchal boundaries and preconceptions are institutionalised within the infrastructure sector. EPWP beneficiaries are subject to differential treatment by government employees. There is inequitable access to communal resources as government employees claim these as a right. Participants are consistently made aware of their precarious contracts and the transient nature of the programme. They believe they are filling labour gaps which should be replaced with permanent work. Participants indicate that EPWP labour frees permanent employees to undertake paid private work during working hours...Ph.D. (Industrial Sociology
Diagnostic radiographers’ perception of professional identity in Johannesburg, South Africa
Get PDFAbstract: Diagnostic radiographers are health professionals who integrate patient history, supporting clinical data and imaging protocols with the radiographic examination in order to obtain quality diagnostic results (HPCSA, 2020:2). While they fulfil their role, radiographers are responsible for the entire radiographic procedure, which includes patient care, use of technology, applying scientific knowledge to the clinical practice, and quality assurance to acquire the required medical images (Lundgren, Lunden & Andersson, 2015: 68). The professional identity of a diagnostic radiographer is described as being of dual nature (Stalsberg & Thingnes, 2016:239). This duality arises from the notion that radiographers work with both scientific mechanical technology and patient-centred care to which they must apply their humanistic nature (Joyness, 2014:56). The professional identity of diagnostic radiographers is created in the diagnostic department, where diagnostic radiographers interact with patients and other health care professionals (Stalsberg & Thingnes, 2016: 243). The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore and describe the professional identity of diagnostic radiographers in Johannesburg. Furthermore, the study intended to formulate and propose recommendations for the professional identity of diagnostic radiographers in SA, based on the findings of the study. The population used in this research consisted of diagnostic radiographers working in private hospitals, public hospitals, and those who own their own clinical practices. For this research the sample size consisted of diagnostic radiographers who are registered with the HPCSA and practising in Johannesburg. Several sampling techniques were used to access information-rich participants for this study. Firstly, purposive sampling was used and then quota sampling was used to ensure the sample represented the public and private sector and those owning their own practice. Finally, a snowball sampling method was used to acquire information-rich participants who knew the radiographers already participating in the study. Data was collected using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Additionally, field notes were also used as a method of collecting data. To perform data analysis, Braun & Clarke‟s (2006) thematic analysis was used. Inductive analysis was applied by the researcher in order to work back and forth between codes and themes. The research findings demonstrated that diagnostic radiographers who were interviewed had a positive professional identity. Furthermore, diagnostic radiographers who were interviewed...M.Tech. (Radiography
Prevalence and risk of needlestick injuries among community Human Immunodeficiency Virus counsellor-testers in Benue, Nigeria
Get PDFM.A. (Public Health)Abstract: Introduction: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) remain a public health concern amongst health care workers (HCWs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) counsellor-testers recruited to identify HIV infected individual for care and treatment in Benue, Nigeria. Most studies on NSIs, have so far been facility-based, hence the need to assess the impact of NSI at the community level in Benue, Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NSIs, and examine the contributing factors associated with NSI among community HIV counsellor- testers in Benue State, Nigeria. Methods: An analytic cross sectional study of 400 randomly selected community counsellor testers was used. Participants responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were carried out to determine the association between NSIs and several independent variables. Results: The prevalence of NSIs among community counsellor-testers in Benue, Nigeria was 29%. Among the participants with NSIs, 72.4% was attributed to risky behaviours, improper sharps disposal and 27.6% was due to uncooperative clients. A number of factors were significantly associated with NSIs, including age group (AOR= 7.20, 95% CI 1.97- 26.33), hours per shift (AOR 4.05 95% CI 2.25-7.28), years of experience (OR 0.13, CI 95% CI 0.50-0.33), training (AOR= 6.24, 95% CI 3.05-12.78), lack of guidelines (AOR= 3.75 95% CI: 2.08-6.05), knowledge on NSI measures (AOR=1.77, 95% CI 0.99-3.16), NSI measures on HIV related infection (AOR= 3.01, 95% CI 1.57-5.76), NSI measures on Hepatitis C Virus related infection (AOR=6.52, 95% CI 2.30-18.49), NSI measures on Hepatitis B Virus related infection (AOR= 5.92, 95% CI 2.31-15.18), and the lack of PPE (AOR = 4.31, 95% CI 2.26-8.22). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of NSIs among the community counsellor testers. Based on the study findings, limited knowledge, lack of PPE, lack of guidelines, and training of HCWs, are the contributory risk factors for NSIs. The strengthening of preventive and universal measures including building the capacity and knowledge of HCWS will reduce the NSIs occurrence at the community level
The relationship of asthma and indoor air pollution in Orange Farm, Johannesburg Homes in 2020
Get PDFM.A. (Public Health)Abstract: Background: Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease worldwide which creates breathing difficulties that range from mild to life-threatening. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are inhaled substances and particles. There is strong evidence that air pollution exacerbates asthma morbidity and mortality and some evidence that it may affect asthma prevalence. Several studies have investigated the effects of pollution emitted by building materials such as asbestos on indoor air quality. However, few studies have been aimed at demonstrating the association between indoor air pollution and asthma. Objective: This study sought to determine if indoor air pollution in Orange Farm homes is a major contributor to respiratory health, particularly asthma amongst the residents. Methods: An Analytical cross study of 452 conveniently selected asthmatic adult patients in Stretford community healthcare center. Only patients residing in either Orange Farm or Lenasia and surrounding areas were considered for the study. We relied on medical practitioners to identify asthma cases when they visited the clinic either for follow up visits or initial diagnosis. Once the potential participants were identified, they were contacted and invited to take part in the study using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the study participants, 72.6% (n=328) were from Orange Farm and 27.4% (n=124) were from Lenasia and its surroundings. This study revealed that the risk factors for the development of asthma included being over the age of 50years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2.-0.73) compared to those aged below 30 years, living in a flat (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.56) compared to those living in brick houses and using wood/coal stove/imbawula, fireplace, and gas or paraffin heater as a heating system [AOR = 3.71% CI (1.48 – 9.29); AOR = 3.52% CI (1.59 – 7.73) and AOR = 2.41% CI (1.33 – 4.36)] compared to using an electric heater. Conclusion: Strengthening of air pollution education and policies to reduce harmful indoor air pollution in Orange Farm, Lenasia and surrounding areas is needed. This will enable the government’s efforts is to improve public health through service delivery programs and access to clean energy sources especially electricity
A model to facilitate the mental health of the mothers of children living with attention deficit hyperactive disorder
Get PDFD.Cur. (Psychiatric Nursing)Abstract: Children with behavioural problems, particularly those with such externalising disorders as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), can adversely affect their mothers’ mental health. The findings of the previous study conducted by the researcher revealed that the mothers of children living with ADHD experienced psychological stress while caring for their children, resulting in feelings of a loss of control, loss of self-esteem, devastation and the need for family support. They also experienced ambivalence between their love for their children and the feeling of failing these children. Furthermore, the findings depicted that the mothers experienced a lack of knowledge about ADHD but had faith in God for a miracle to happen while they faced a deep concern about the future of their children. These findings displayed that caring for children living with ADHD can be very challenging when the mothers’ own emotional and health needs are under strain. Therefore, a research question was formulated based on the above findings: what can be done to facilitate the mental health of the mothers of children living with ADHD? The purpose of this study was to develop, describe, implement and evaluate a model to facilitate the mental health of the mothers of children living with ADHD. A theorygenerating, qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was utilised. A postmodern constructivist philosophy of science was adhered to in this research design. The research was conducted over four steps. In Step One, the central concept “facilitation of self-directedness” was identified from the researcher’s minor dissertation results on the experiences of mothers of children living with ADHD. The central concept was defined by means of identifying essential attributes from dictionaries and subject literature. The defined central concept was classified using Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach’s survey list. In Step Two, the concepts were placed into relationships. Relational statements were developed as follows: The psychiatric nurse facilitates the self-directedness of the mothers of children living with ADHD. The psychiatric nurse creates a participative environment to make the process easier for the mothers of children living with ADHD. During the process, the mothers of children living with ADHD are enabled to mobilise resources. This process enhances the psychological maturation of the mothers of children living with ADHD. The mothers’..
Practices of self-care by professional nurses working at a primary healthcare clinic in Gauteng
Get PDFAbstract: In nursing, self-care is essential for the wellbeing of patients and nurses. Professional nurses often pay attention to the health of their patients and little or no attention to their own wellbeing. Caring for one’s own mental and physical health is as imperative as caring for a patient’s health because a lack of self-care will affect one’s ability to provide care and compassion to others. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design using a phenomenological approach was used to explore and describe professional nurses’ experiences with self-care practices at a primary healthcare clinic (PHC) in Gauteng, practicing self-care. The target population was professional nurses who practice self-care within a PHC clinic for a year or more. The inclusion criteria were professional nurses employed within a PHC clinic in Gauteng for 12 months or longer, and the sample size were 25 professional nurses who consented to be part of this study. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and data were collected using unstructured individual interviews with the participants. Nine interviews were conducted physically, and one was conducted via Zoom; all interviews were conducted with strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations. Colaizzi’s method of data analysis was employed. Measures to ensure trustworthiness was adhered to through applying criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical consideration focused on the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. The exploration and description of how professional nurses practice self-care within a PHC clinic led to recommendations to facilitate professional nurses’ empowerment to practice self-care as a lifestyle. It is anticipated that the findings will be implemented in nursing practice in PHC clinics in Gauteng...M.Cur. (Nursing Science
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers towards the care of Tuberculosis patients in primary healthcare facilities of uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal province
Get PDFM.A. (Public Health)Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of South Africa's most serious public health problems, with the country ranking sixth in the world with the highest TB burden in 2015. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) are key elements in the control the spread of the disease. Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess the knowledge level, attitudes and practices of HCWs towards the care of TB patients in primary healthcare facilities of uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal province. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a sample of 386 randomly selected participants was conducted focusing on HCWs primary healthcare facilities of uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The relationship between independent and dependent variables was examined using logistic regression. Results: There is lack of knowledge amongst healthcare workers who have less than 10 years of working experience, since they did not received training in TB management in the past 5 years (OR-2.57, 95% CI 1.56-4.22), not received training in TB infection and prevention in the past 5 years (OR-2.20, 95% CI 1.35-3.38). Furthermore, participants with less than 10 years of working experience disagree that they know measures used to prevent TB (OR-1.52 95% CI 0.68-3.50), and disagree that they can give health education related to TB (OR-2.56, 95% CI 1.09-4.94). Participants with less than 10 years of work experience displayed negative attitude regarding care for TB patient, and when asked if they "would accept to examine/treat TB/MDR-TB patient," they said "No" (OR 2.38, 95% CI (1.47-3.88), while they also answered with “No” when they were asked if they would be interested in working at a TB/MDR-TB clinic or ward (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.42-3.74). Participants with less than 10 years of working experience were not always wearing N95 respirator when caring for patient with TB symptoms (OR 5.24, 95% CI 1.12-24.50), while they also answered with not sure whether they do collect sputum for testing in all TB presumptive patients (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.62-8.00) and on other hand they were not sure whether they do perform TB screening for all patients entering the facility (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.41-6.93)..
Conveying Science through Art : the case of Kaalspruit
Get PDFAbstract: Water issues have become complex and interconnected with many factors and sectors, making them too large to be handled by one single institution. Water problems can no longer be resolved solely by water professionals, the water science they provide is essential to resolve the water crisis, but the effectiveness of the solutions depends on the capability of the scientists to provide new, logical and practical visions to improve water systems, governance and communication. As part of Integrated Water Resource Management and Public Participation the current research aimed to address the knowledge gap that exists between the General Public and the Scientists by using applied theatre, particularly empatheatre to improve how scientific information is communicated. Using R-studio for statistical analysis, the study evaluated the effectiveness of using applied theatre to communicate and educate the community of Kaalspruit on water resource management. The study revealed that using art to convey science is an effective Strategic Environmental Communication tool and was highly recommended by the participants to promote public participation towards the rehabilitation of the Kaalspruit River. Keywords: Strategic Environmental Communication, Integrated Water Resource Management, applied theatre.M.Sc. (Environmental Management
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage University of Johannesburg Institutional Repository? Access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard!