39624 research outputs found
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The Impact of Travel Influencers’ Credibility and Congruency on African Travel and Tourism Intentions
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in Strategic Marketing, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Travel influencers are rapidly changing the tourism marketing landscape. By showcasing travel destinations and personal experiences on their digital platforms, travel influencers have become essential sources of information for travellers worldwide. Although research on influencers’ impact on tourism and consumer intentions is growing, there remains a gap in studies focusing on their influence on African travel and tourism. The purpose of this research was to (1) investigate the roles of credibility and congruency characteristics in travel influencer marketing within African tourism markets, and (2) understand the impact of these travel influencer characteristics on destination image perceptions and visit intentions within these markets. The results of this research indicate that high travel influencer credibility (in terms of trust, expertise, and physical attractiveness) and high travel influencer self-congruity (across all forms to include actual, ideal, social, or ideal social), significantly impact destination image perceptions and visit intentions towards South African travel and tourism on a global scale. This study found that enhanced perceptions of South Africa’s destination image significantly mediate the relationships between (1) travel influencer credibility and visit intentions towards South Africa, and (2) travel influencer self-congruity with their audience and visit intentions towards the country. This research provides valuable insights for tourism stakeholders on the roles of credibility and self-congruity characteristics within travel influencer marketing. Additionally, the study findings contribute to understanding how building a positive perception of African destinations through partnerships with travel influencers can enhance the appeal of these destinations and increase the likelihood of attracting global tourists.MM202
Assessing groundwater potential using GISMCDM and remote sensing techniques A case study of Franschhoek South Africa
No full textLocal anaesthetic wound infusion for postoperative pain management following an abdominal hysterectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Medicine in the branch of Anaesthesiology, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Background: An abdominal hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed major surgical procedures worldwide, used to surgically manage a broad range of gynaecological conditions. It is associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain. Infusion of a local anaesthetic into tissues surrounding the surgical incision, via a multi-lumen indwelling wound catheter may reduce postoperative pain, opioid consumption, opioid related adverse events and the length of hospital stay. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of local anaesthetic wound infusion for postoperative pain management following an abdominal hysterectomy, by assessing pain scores and opioid consumption as the primary objectives. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE Complete, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library and OVID databases from inception until April 2023 to identify trials relevant to this review. We augmented the search by searching reference lists of relevant studies to identify other potential eligible studies. Relevant studies were included based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A random effects model of meta-analysis was performed. Results: This review included six randomised controlled trials that enrolled a total of 244 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy comparing infusion of a local anaesthetic to a placebo or sham. In general, studies had no clear risks of bias concerns, except for one study. Wound infusion of local anaesthetic produced a significant reduction in pain at rest [-6.46 (- 11.22; -1.70)] and opioid consumption [-21.30 (-34.78; -7.83)] 24 hours post abdominal hysterectomy. The analysis reported no complications associated with the intervention of local anaesthetic infusion. There was no significant reduction in pain on movement 24 hours post- surgery. The included trials varied according to dose, type of local anaesthetic and location of wound catheter. There was significant heterogeneity in the analysis undertaken. Conclusion: Local anaesthetic infusion post abdominal hysterectomy is a safe and effective way of reducing pain at rest and opioid consumption 24 hours post-surgery. Further research is warranted to assess the true effectiveness of this technique for pain management.MM202
The challenge of identifying young carers in the US: How state laws put families at risk for separation
No full textLearning sites for health systems research Reflections on five programs in Africa Asia and Central America
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Exploring CounterImaging in Online Political Advertisements During Elections Campaigns A Case of South African Main Opposition Parties
No full textPrevalence and determinants of viral load suppression among pregnant women living with HIV, attending first antenatal care visit in South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Epidemiology (Infectious Diseases), in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Understanding VL suppression among pregnant women living with HIV (PWLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at their first antenatal care (ANC) visit is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes, as it can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. The first ANC visit is a critical opportunity for early identification of health needs, initiation of care, and enhanced support for PWLHIV. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of VL suppression and identify associated factors among PWLHIV attending their first ANC visit in South Africa. We conducted a secondary data analysis using cross-sectional data from the 2022 ANC HIV Sentinel Survey, focusing on 1,542 PWLHIV on ART at their first ANC visit. We analyzed the prevalence of VL suppression (defined as VL ≤49 copies/mL) using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was employed to identify factors independently associated with VL suppression in this population. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex survey design, and clustering at the facility level was considered. The median age of participants was 31 years. The sample included women from all provinces: Eastern Cape (11.76%), Free State (5.79%), Gauteng (28.65%), KwaZulu-Natal (24.33%), Limpopo (6.16%), Mpumalanga (8.12%), Northern Cape (1.06%), North West (6.45%), and Western Cape (7.68%). The overall prevalence of VL suppression was 65.89% (95% CI: 63%- 68%). Young women aged 15-24 years and those who booked ANC in the third trimester had significantly higher odds of unsuppressed VL (OR: 1.75, 95% CI [1.25-2.45], p=0.001; OR: 1.96, 95% CI [1.33-2.88], p<0.001). PWLHIV on dolutegravir-based regimens had higher odds of VL suppression. Provincial differences were also observed, with all provinces except Western Cape and Northern Cape showing higher odds of unsuppressed VL compared to Gauteng. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance ART adherence and VL monitoring among PWLHIV on ART at first ANC, which is essential for optimizing maternal and child health outcomes in South Africa.MM202