List of Titles

The impact of HIV knowledge and attitudes on HIV testing acceptance among patients in an emergency department in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

- Ryan, Sofia, Hahn, Elizabeth, Rao, Aditi, Mwinnyaa, George, Black, John, Nyanisa, Yandisa, Quinn, Thomas C, Hansoti, Bhakti, Maharaj, Roshen, Mvandaba, Nomzamo

Authors: Ryan, Sofia , Hahn, Elizabeth , Rao, Aditi , Mwinnyaa, George , Black, John , Nyanisa, Yandisa , Quinn, Thomas C , Hansoti, Bhakti , Maharaj, Roshen , Mvandaba, Nomzamo
Date: 2020
Subjects: HIV testing , Emergency departments
Language: English
Type: article , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/4473 , vital:44123 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09170-x
Description: Transmission of HIV in South Africa continues to be high due to a large proportion of individuals living with undiagnosed HIV. Uptake of HIV testing is influenced by a multitude of factors including the patient’s knowledge and beliefs about HIV. Methods: This study sought to quantify the impact of knowledge and attitudes on HIV testing acceptance in an emergency department by co-administering a validated HIV knowledge and attitudes survey to patients who were subsequently offered HIV testing. During the study period 223 patients were interviewed and offered HIV testing. Individuals reporting more negative overall attitudes (p = 0.006), higher levels of stigma to HIV testing, and individuals who believed their test was confidential were more likely to accept an HIV test. Interventions focused on improving patient perceptions around testing confidentiality will likely have the greatest impact on testing acceptance in the emergency department.
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Training a Fit-For-Purpose Rural Health Workforce for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): How Do Drivers and Enablers of Rural Practice Intention Differ Between Learners From LMICs and High Income Countries?

- Karen Johnston, Monsie Guingona, Salwa Elsanousi, Jabu Mbokazi, Charlie Labarda, Fortunato L. Cristobal, Shambhu Upadhyay 6, Abu-Bakr Othman, Torres Woolley, Balkrishna Acharya, John C. Hogenbirk, Sarangan Ketheesan1, Jonathan C. Craig, Andre-Jacques Neusy, Sarah Larkins

Authors: Karen Johnston , Monsie Guingona , Salwa Elsanousi , Jabu Mbokazi , Charlie Labarda , Fortunato L. Cristobal , Shambhu Upadhyay 6 , Abu-Bakr Othman , Torres Woolley , Balkrishna Acharya , John C. Hogenbirk , Sarangan Ketheesan1 , Jonathan C. Craig , Andre-Jacques Neusy , Sarah Larkins
Date: 2020
Language: English
Type: Journal article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3954 , vital:43976
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Umbilical cord interleukin-6 predicts outcome in very low birthweight infants in a high HIV-burden setting: a prospective cohort study

- Mackay , Cheryl Anne, Smit, James Stephanus, Khan, Farhaad, Dessai, Fazana, Connolly, Catherine, Masekela, Refiloe

Authors: Mackay , Cheryl Anne , Smit, James Stephanus , Khan, Farhaad , Dessai, Fazana , Connolly, Catherine , Masekela, Refiloe
Date: 2020
Language: English
Type: Journal Article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6376 , vital:45384
Description: Objectives South Africa has a double burden of high neonatal mortality and maternal HIV prevalence. Common to both is a proinflammatory in utero and perinatal milieu. The aim of this study was to determine cytokine profiles in HIV exposed (HE) and HIV unexposed (HU) very low birthweight (VLBW) infants and to determine whether these were associated with predischarge outcomes. Design Single-centre, prospective cohort study conducted from 1 June 2017 to 31 January 2019. Patients Inborn infants with birth weight of <1500 g were enrolled and cord blood was collected for interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) assays. Participants provided informed consent and ethics approval was obtained. Outcome measures The primary outcome was umbilical cord cytokine levels according to maternal HIV status. Secondary outcomes included death and/or serious neonatal infection, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leucomalacia, chronic lung disease and haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus before discharge. Results A total of 279 cases were included with 269 cytokine assays performed on 122 HEs and 147 HUs. Median IL-6 levels were 53.0 pg/mL in HEs and 21.0 pg/ mL in HUs (p=0.07). Median TNF-α levels were 7.2 pg/ mL in HEs and 6.5 pg/mL in HUs (p=0.6). There was significantly more late-onset sepsis in the HE group compared with the HU group (41.2% vs 27.9%) (p=0.03). IL-6 levels were significantly higher for those with any adverse outcome (p=0.006) and death and/or any adverse outcome (p=0.0001). TNF-α levels did not differ according to predischarge outcomes. Conclusion There is no significant difference in IL-6 and TNF-α levels in cord blood of HE compared with HU VLBWs. However, IL-6 levels are significantly higher in VLBWs with adverse predischarge outcomes, and VLBW HEs are at increased risk of adverse predischarge outcomes compared with HUs, particularly late-onset sepsis.
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But is it publishable? Mastering the MMed message

- A G Parrish, E S Grossman,

Authors: A G Parrish , E S Grossman,
Date: 202
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3353 , vital:43318 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13033
Description: The research requirement for South African specialist registration offers opportunities and challenges. For some clinicians it may spark a lifelong interest in clinical investigation, while for many others it may provide a potential publication opportunity. Integrating the specific requirements of an MMed mini-dissertation with those of standard medical publications can be difficult for first-time authors and their supervisors; published guidance caters to full-length laboratory Master’s or doctoral research. We suggest that research is more likely to be publishable if it is locally relevant, has a clear clinical message and is coherently presented.
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Perspectives on the effects of Principal's workload on grade 12 learners' academic performance

- Nontso, Andile, 0009-0007-3329-6812

Authors: Nontso, Andile, 0009-0007-3329-6812
Date: 2020-00
Subjects: teaching strategies
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/9410 , vital:73524
Description: The aim of this study was to investigate perspectives on the effects of principals’ workloads on Grade 12 learners’ academic performance in selected schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Principals play the role of administrators and expert overseers of legal, contractual and policy mandate initiatives in schools. Their job descriptions frequently sound overwhelming and have the indispensable role of handling and resolving large and diverse challenges. The study was informed by participatory leadership theory. In this study, a mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse data. The sample size for the study was 214, comprised of teachers, principals and School Governing Bodies for quantitative data. In addition, 13 participants (principals, School Governing Bodies and Circuit Managers) were used for qualitative data and, therefore, the total sample size for the whole study was 227 participants and respondents. Statistical descriptive, factor and inferential analysis were used to examine the quantitative data while in qualitative data, similar categories were identified and analysed manually. The findings revealed that principals’ added responsibilities, attending unplanned departmental meetings and lack of support from various stakeholders were the work drivers which increased the workload of the principal, thus, contributing to poor Grade 12 learner performances. These resulted to poor teacher supervision, which directly or indirectly led to a lack of effective teaching and poor learner performance at the matric level. This shows that there was no participation by everyone, and it can be argued that there was no participatory leadership. The study recommends, among others, that principals be adequately trained to cope with their workloads and in various other school managerial tasks. In addition, the DoE should design a schedule of meetings for all schools the previous year for the coming year, and not hold those meetings during school hours. Planning meetings in the previous year would limit and completely put to a stop the calling of unplanned departmental meetings. The study further suggests that more personnel should be employed to assist the principal in managing extra duties like school finances, school information systems, teacher unions, school nutrition, overcrowded classrooms, school discipline, school safety, teacher redeployment and teacher rationalisation. The study concludes by suggesting a proposed A. Nontso workload reduction model for the 21st century, which, if adopted would assist reducing principal’s workload. , Thesis (D.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2020
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Factors affecting the Quality of Food Provided by School Nutrition Programme in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland Education District

- Mjali, Neziwe Nellitia

Authors: Mjali, Neziwe Nellitia
Date: 2019-10
Subjects: Nutrition students
Language: English
Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6615 , vital:47164
Description: This study sought to evaluate factors affecting the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland Education District. This was a qualitative study in the form of case study research design. Two (2) schools were conveniently selected and from these, 2 principals, 2 school nutrition coordinators, 4 food handlers and 10 learners were purposefully selected to form the sample. Thus, 18 participants were selected in total. Interviews were used to collect data. A review of literature demonstrated that the school nutrition programme was valuable and played an important role towards addressing some of challenges prevalent in South Africa due to the history of the country. The literature reviewed also highlighted challenges faced by the school nutrition programme despite its tremendous success. These are some of the findings: the school nutrition programme was successful towards improving learner punctuality and engaging in the classroom. This had the potential to improve learner health overall; however, it was observed that lack of training around food preparation and hygiene could reduce the effectiveness of the programme. The provision for appropriate storage facilities was also noted as an issue that placed the programme at risk. These are some of the recommendations: the government should provide appropriate training and proper storage facilities in schools with nutrition programme; this could contribute meaningfully towards improving the quality of food provided by the school nutrition programme. , Thesis (M.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2019
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The Impact of Curriculum Change on Grade 12 Business Studies Learners Academic Performance in the Mthatha District of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

- Kwasi, Boadzo Robert Mawuli

Authors: Kwasi, Boadzo Robert Mawuli
Date: 2019-10
Subjects: Curriculum change
Language: English
Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6672 , vital:47205
Description: Curriculum change processes in South Africa have been effected since 1994 after the general elections. This was meant to deconstruct the apartheid education curriculum, which was biased against the black majority. A curriculum change strategy is meant to improve the education system. It is also traditional that teachers form an important component of any curriculum change process. In spite of this, teachers have never played a centre stage in any curriculum change process. This study had the objective of investigating the impact of curriculum change on the academic performance of Grade 12 Business Studies learners in the Mthatha Education district of the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher set out to collect data using stratified random sampling design where a school represented a stratum. Two research instruments were constructed for this study. The two instruments were: a questionnaire and an interview schedule. The participants to the two research instruments were selected by random procedure. A random number table was used to select the participants based on a properly laid down statistical mechanism. Ten high schools constituting of 100 Business Studies learners and ten Business Studies teachers were randomly selected to participate. The data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively and later merged for common themes. The key findings were: curriculum change having influence on teachers’ and learners’ academic performance and improved availability of resources for teaching and learning. The findings also revealed factors that drive curriculum change and challenges facing curriculum change. Another key finding was the support by the majority of participants in favour of frequent curriculum reviews, an established positive attitude by teachers towards curriculum change and showing skills and sufficient knowledge in the cause of delivering of lessons. These were not influenced by the respondent’s age group. Finally, it was observed that there was dire need for frequent curriculum reviews and institution of learner-centeredness of classroom activities. The recommendations proffered included: Workshops for the professional development of teachers be on going, considering the inevitable continuous change. This should be boosted by incentives in the form of certificates or cash for workshop attendance. There should also be on-going post-training follow-ups and cluster visits by EDOs and Subject Advisors for guidance purposes: regular feedback helps teachers to effectively apply change because help is immediately available. , Thesis (D.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2019
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Parents’ and teachers’ perspectives towards teaching and learning of intellectually impaired learners at the Foundation Phase in Mthatha Education Sub-District

- Magwenshu, Tulile Angela

Authors: Magwenshu, Tulile Angela
Date: 2019-09
Subjects: Inclusive education
Language: English
Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6604 , vital:47157
Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate parents’ and teachers’ perspectives towards the teaching and learning of intellectually impaired learners at Foundation Phase in Mthatha Education Sub-District. This study explored the lived experiences of parents and teachers of intellectually impaired learners in this special school. It determined parents’ and teachers’ understanding of intellectual disability, the challenges they face in working with such children and strategies they use to deal with intellectually challenged learners. The research was limited to one special school in Mthatha, which is the only special school in this sub-district. The study used the qualitative research approach in the form of case study research design. The sample consisted of twelve participants, four parents of learners who are intellectually impaired and eight Foundation Phase teachers in this special school. These are some of the findings: The Education White Paper 6 on building an inclusive education and training is effective even though it is moving slowly. There has been no preparation on how it should be implemented in terms of human and other resources, knowledge and skills on special needs education. The challenges teachers face in teaching learners who are intellectually impaired include: learner-teacher ratio that is not followed, hence overcrowded classes; classroom management; lack of learner support materials; no special curriculum designed for intellectually impaired learners; confining subject matter and teachers not participating in skills development. The mechanism that were suggested to assist learners who are intellectually impaired included: equipping teachers with skills necessary for learning and teaching of intellectually impaired learners, establishing institutional level support teams, making more learning and teaching resources available, providing qualified human resources, mobilizing public support, government understanding impairment and therapists being employed (psychologists, physicians, nurses, doctors and social workers). Some of the recommendations are: conducting workshops on effective coping strategies for teachers, public awareness campaigns in communities about intellectual disability, school governing bodies working with the government to supply the school with adequate learner support materials, proper infrastructure, School Based Support Teams support service, the District taking responsibility for establishing networks that promote effective communication between learners, teachers and parents as well as with non-governmental organizations and welfare, health and justice departments and Supporting teachers on site. , Thesis (M.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2019
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GeoGebra as a Manipulative Tool in Providing Processes of Circle Geometry in Grade 11: A Case of One School in OR Tambo Inland District

- Marange, Israel Yeukai

Authors: Marange, Israel Yeukai
Date: 2019-06
Subjects: Great circle (Geometry)
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6593 , vital:47152
Description: The aim of this study was to establish the influence of using GeoGebra as a manipulative tool in providing processes of Grade 11 circle geometry at one school in OR Tambo Inland. The study adopted a quantitative approach and utilised the quasi-experimental research design. The sample consisted of 107 Grade 11 mathematics learners. Sixty (60) learners were in the experimental group and 47 in the control group. Pre-test and post-test, and likert-scaled questionnaires were used as instruments. Reliability and validity were ensured through test-retest, as well as member checking and a pilot study. All ethical requirements were followed. Findings revealed that pre-test results did not show much difference in the performance of experimental and control groups. After using GeoGebra, it statistically emerged that control group respondents performed lower than the experimental group. Findings obtained from the questionnaire also showed similar patterns. The study also found that participants who learnt circle geometry using GeoGebra were significantly motivated and that GeoGebra allowed learners to be exceedingly creative and discover skills of solving geometry problems by themselves. The positive impact of using GeoGebra resulted in significant differences on academic performance. Based on gender, more females compared to males agreed that GeoGebra was an effective manipulative tool in learning circle geometry. Interestingly, boys performed better than girls in the post-test. The study concluded that students who used GeoGebra showed higher ability in conceptual knowledge compared to students who used conventional methods. It also concluded that GeoGebra had positive effects on learners’ understanding as learners became significantly active and responsible for their own learning process as the software allows a self-learning process. Recommendations included the need for teachers to use the latest technology and to vary their methods of teaching to motivate learners. There is also a need for a workable alternative opposed to the rigid axiomatic approaches to circle geometry to facilitate and enhance learners’ ability to make and test conjectures. Curriculum planners and subject specialists need to emphasise on education systems that shift teaching and learning away from the traditional methods and emphasise on learning rules for manipulating geometry problems. , Thesis (M.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2020
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The Impact of Energy Consumption on The Profitability and Renewable Energy Preference among SMEs in The KSD Municipality

- Vikela, Sithole Liso

Authors: Vikela, Sithole Liso
Date: 2019-03
Subjects: Energy consumption , Cost effectiveness
Language: English
Type: Master's/Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6730 , vital:47570
Description: This study investigated the impact of energy consumption on the profitability and renewable energy preference among SMEs in the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) local municipality. Cross sectional data was collected using a questionnaire and the adoption of information acceleration (IA) technique. The theoretical framework applied in this study is the theory of consumer-fuel-energy choice which is based on the energy ladder model and the associated fuel switching. Short-run sensitivity analysis (SRA), cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and multinomial logit model (MNL) were employed to measure the profitability and switching behaviour of the firms. SRA showed that the average monthly profit/loss by all firm categories were positive indicating a profit in the consumption of non-renewable energy (NRE). In contrast, results showed that all categories of the firms’ ran at loss if they were to switch to the renewable energy (RE) immediately. Results for CBA indicate that only RE system option satisfied the economic viability of all the three CBA decision criteria on both discount rates, proving to be a viable investment choice for all firm categories. The MNL regression results showed that the number of rooms, firm revenue, irregular power experiences, product information, price, business age, firm grades, gender of the respondent, and the educational levels have a statistically significant impact on willingness to switching from substantial to full willingness. The study recommends establishment of financial subsidy to SMEs to enable them switch to RE system. The research also suggests the need for policies and incentives on profit enhancing strategies, symmetric product information and environmental benefits for switching to RE by SMEs in the rural areas. Key words: Energy consumption, Profitability, Willin¬gness to switch, Cost-Benefit analysis, Multinomial logit model. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce and Administration, 2019
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Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activities of Spilanthes filicaulis Whole Plant Extracts for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease

- Elufioye, Taiwo O., Unachukwu, Cynthia C., Oyedeji, Adebola O.

Authors: Elufioye, Taiwo O. , Unachukwu, Cynthia C. , Oyedeji, Adebola O.
Date: 2019
Subjects: Alzheimer’s disease , Cholinesterase inhibitors , Antioxidants , Spilanthes , Flavonoids , Phenolic
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6534 , vital:46450 , xlink:href="https://10.2174/1573408015666190730113405"
Description: Background: Spilanthes filicaulis is a tropical herb implicated as a memory enhancer in ethnomedicine. Objective: The study investigated acetyl/butyryl cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant activities of different extracts of S. filicaulis whole plant and correlated them to its phytochemical constituents. Methods: The powdered whole plant was successively extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and Butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity were evaluated by Ellman colorimetry assay. Antioxidant activity was tested using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power and nitric oxide scavenging assays. Total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin were estimated using standard methods. Correlation was determined using Quest Graph™ Regression Calculator. Results: Various extracts exhibited concentration-dependent AChE and BuChE inhibitory activity with ethyl acetate extract being the highest with IC50 of 0.77 μg/mL and 0.92 μg/mL for AChE and BuChE respectively. The ethyl acetate extract also showed the highest reducing power when compared with the other extracts. The methanol extract had slightly higher phenolic and flavonoid content and showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging effect. DPPH scavenging, AChE and BuChE inhibition had high correlation with the total flavonoid content with R2 values of 1.00, 0.800 and 0.992 respectively while nitric oxide scavenging had high correlation with phenolics and tannins with R2 = 0.942 and 0.806 respectively. Conclusion: These results show that the extracts of the whole plant of S. filicaulis possess significant AChE/BuChE inhibitory and antioxidant properties, mostly due to its flavonoid content, suggesting the possible use of the plant in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
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Antihypertensive effects of the hydroethanol extract of Senecio serratuloides DC in rats

- Tata, Charlotte Mungho, Sewani-Rusike, Constance Rufaro, Oyedeji, Opeoluwa Oyehan, Gwebu, Ephraim Tobela, Mahlakata, Fikile, Nkeh-Chungag, Benedicta Ngwenchi

Authors: Tata, Charlotte Mungho , Sewani-Rusike, Constance Rufaro , Oyedeji, Opeoluwa Oyehan , Gwebu, Ephraim Tobela , Mahlakata, Fikile , Nkeh-Chungag, Benedicta Ngwenchi
Date: 2019
Subjects: South Africa Hypertension Computer File
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5847 , vital:44656 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2463-2
Description: Senecio serratuloides DC is used in folk medicine for treating hypertension, skin disorders, internal and external sores, rashes, burns and wounds. This study aimed at investigating the antihypertensive effects of the hydroethanol extract of S. serratuloides (HESS) in N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. Methods: Acute toxicity of HESS was first determined to provide guidance on doses to be used in this study. Lorke’s method was used to determine safety of the extract in mice. Female Wistar rats were treated orally once daily with L-NAME (40 mg/kg) for 4 weeks and then concomitantly with L-NAME (20 mg/kg) and plant extract (150 and 300 mg/kg), captopril (20 mg/kg) or saline as per assigned group for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week period of assigned treatments only. Blood pressure was monitored weekly. Lipid profile, nitric oxide, renin and angiotensin II concentrations were determined in serum while mineralocorticoid receptor concentration was quantified in the kidney homogenate. Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was determined in serum and cardiac histology performed. Results HESS was found to be non-toxic, having a LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. Blood pressure increased progressively in all animals from the second week of L-NAME treatment. HESS treatment significantly and dose-dependently lowered systolic blood pressure (p less 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p less 0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p less 0.01) and triglycerides (p less 0.01). It significantly prevented L-NAME induced decrease in serum angiotensin II (p less 0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p less 0.001) and serum nitric oxide concentrations (p less 0.001). HESS also significantly (p less 0.01) prevented collagen deposition in cardiac tissue. Conclusion The hydro-ethanol extract of Senecio serratuloides showed antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effects in rats thus confirming its usefulness in traditional antihypertensive therapy and potential for antihypertensive drug development.
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