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Factors contributing to non-adherence in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in primary health care facilities, East London, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Petse, Siphokazi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Patient compliance , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9734 , vital:34905
  • Description: Aim: South Africa is faced with the major challenge of ensuring and sustaining the quality of services, including preventing and managing side- effects, and improving drug adherence, which are all critical, for the success of a comprehensive HIV programme. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying contributing factors to antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV positive patients attending primary health care facilities in East London. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 371 HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in xx primary health care facilities in East London, South Africa. The study utilized a self- designed structured questionnaire with both open- ended and closed ended questions, divided into socio-demographic, socio- economic, level of understanding and knowledge on HIV, quality of care and waiting times. Results: About 64 percent of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV, 25 percent had an average knowledge with few participants having poor knowledge of HIV (11 percent). Majority (92.2 percent) were counselled before starting ARVs treatment. Majority of participants (70.7 percent) do have money for transport to come to the clinic, while 53.1 percent experienced side effects. The majority (70 percent) of the participants were non-adherents. Concerning viral load distribution, 52 percent were undetectable, 26 percent unsuppressed and 22 percent suppressed. Marital status (married) (p=0.005), having no formal education (p=0.035), being Christian (p=0.007), alcohol consumption (p= 0.021) and viral load suppression had significant association with non-adherence to ARV treatment among participants. After adjusting for confounders, only non-Christians and unsuppressed viral loads were the independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusion: The main contributing factors to ART non-adherence among participants on ARVs were marital status, level of education, religion, and Christians were more adherent to the treatment than non-Christians. Alcohol consumption also contributed to non-adherence and viral load. Adherence counseling should be done on each and every visit to remind the participants on the importance of taking their treatment. These factors need to be addressed to improve adherence to the treatment, decrease the virus in the blood (viral load) and improve their health in general.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors contributing to taxpayer morale: a multi-country perspective

  • Authors: Kosiorek, Jakub
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Taxpayer compliance -- South Africa , Tax evasion -- South Africa , Taxpayer compliance -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Taxpayer compliance -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Tax morale -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60255 , vital:27759
  • Description: Tax morale is the intrinsic motivation to pay taxes that arises either from a belief that one should contribute towards society by paying taxes or from a moral obligation to pay taxes. The goals of this thesis were to identify the various factors that influence tax morale in a country and use these factors in order to attempt to determine whether tax morale in South Africa has improved or deteriorated over the years. A further goal of this thesis was to identify strategies that could be implemented by a country in order to improve the tax morale of its citizens. The period covered by this thesis is between the years 2000 and 2015. The factors that have an effect on tax morale were identified by a review of the literature. It was found that a number of factors appear to have an impact on tax morale, but certain of these factors are incapable of being directly influenced by tax administrations. With regard to South Africa, it was found that a number of factors affecting tax morale appear to have improved over the years, while others had deteriorated. However, overall it appeared that tax morale in South Africa had deteriorated. With regard to strategies that could be used to improve tax morale, a number were identified by reviewing the literature and include strategies implemented in certain countries, as well as those discussed by scholars. Ii was found that South Africa had implemented a number of the strategies aimed at improving tax morale in its own tax system, but the manner in which some of them were implemented could have been improved. Furthermore, a number of strategies were identified that South Africa has not yet implemented and thus should look to attempting to implement these strategies to improve tax morale.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors contributing to tuberculosis mortality among new tuberculosis patients in Zululand Health District

  • Authors: Dlamini, Khulekani Zakheleni
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Mortality Tuberculosis -- Mortality Tuberculosis -- Patients
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10667 , vital:35657
  • Description: During the period ranging from 2011 to 2013, Zululand Health District reported tuberculosis (TB) related mortality cases above the WHO’s norm of 10 percent. This raised concerns because TB is curable even if the person is HIV positive. The overall performance of TB programme in South Africa concealed the actual problem of TB related mortality in the country and most particularly in Zululand Health District. The aim of the study was to examine factors contributing to TB mortality, and the extent of TB related mortality in Zululand Health District. A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to review records of data on the electronic TB register at the district level in order to ascertain the relationship between TB mortality and the contributory factors associated with TB mortality. The TB data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to test the null hypothesis at the significance level of p< 0.05. The study was limited to only new patients enrolled between the periods from the 1st January 2012 to the 31 December 2013. The study found that TB/HIV comorbidity was a main factor contributing to mortality among new TB patients. Eighty percent (80%) of all patients who died were HIV positive. Poor CD4 monitoring, delays or failure to initiate TB/HIV comorbid patients was one of the factors associated with mortality (p < 0.0001, OR 0.51) among this cohort of patients. Poor DOT support system significantly (p< 0.0008, OR 0.81) contributed to mortality in this district. The study also found significant association between mortality and failure to initiate comorbid patient on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis (Chi-square =9.1; df=1; p=0.0025). Tuberculosis and HIV comorbidity, and delays or failure to providing antiretroviral therapy to HIV positive patients were the main factors responsible for TB mortality in Zululand Health District. The whole phenomenon was attributable to health worker related factors. Good TB/HIV clinical management guidelines and protocols developed by the Department of Health, and distributed to all health facilities did not alleviate the problem. Support and supervision could translate policies and protocols to action.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors enabling and constraining research in a small, research-intensive South African University

  • Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65044 , vital:28659 , http://www.doi: 10.1093/reseval/rvy002
  • Description: preprint , Research is increasingly regarded a core facet of university endeavours globally, and research profiles of universities, institutes, and colleges are commonly used as one measure for ranking them. University administrations and funders would be better able to stimulate research if they had insights into context-specific, institutional constraints, and enablers. Yet, there is surprisingly little research on the determinants of research productivity amongst academics employed in the higher education sector, particularly in the global south. Barriers and enablers of research at the individual level may differ, and experience of such may vary across career stage. The objective of the research reported here was to determine what enables and motivates some academics at Rhodes University (South Africa) to do research, what problems and constraints may be making it difficult for those who may wish to do more, and how do these vary in relation to research career stage. An anonymous online survey, with follow-up focus group discussions was used to collect the data. Results show similarities to studies in developed countries, but also reveal disciplinary and career stage differences, which suggest that institutional policies need to take these factors into account when designing support or incentives.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing a culture of continuous improvement in the pharmaceutical environment

  • Authors: Swartz, Alberto Asiscio
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Continuous improvement process Organizational change , Corporate culture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23448 , vital:30548
  • Description: Organisational change has proven to be a major challenge for many businesses worldwide with the pharmaceutical environment being no exception. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly pressurised by stakeholders who seek reduced cost, higher value and quality. This has resulted in many pharmaceutical businesses attempting to launch various continuous improvement methodologies, which ultimately fail. Whereas failure of continuous improvement undertakings within the pharmaceutical environment is well documented, this study aimed to understand the factors that influence the successful sustainability of such endeavours. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify and create an understanding of the factors that influence a culture of continuous improvement within the pharmaceutical environment. The literature review revealed that factors such as leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set contributed to the successful implementation of a culture that embraces continuous improvement. It was recognised that building a culture of continuous improvement is not instantaneous and that it requires all stakeholders to be committed and to acknowledge that changing culture requires time. An empirical study with a questionnaire as data collecting instrument was conducted to assess respondents’ perceptions of the levels of continuous improvement, leadership, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement capability and a continuous improvement mind-set within a selected pharmaceutical manufacturing business. The study revealed that all these factors were related and influenced a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, leadership and a continuous improvement mind-set proved to have the most significant relationship with a culture of continuous improvement. Recommendations were provided for the creation of a culture of continuous improvement in pharmaceutical businesses.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing adherence to treatment among clients living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Insika Yethu sub-district, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Somkala, Nwabisa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Diabetics Public health Diabetes -- Treatment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13161 , vital:39470
  • Description: BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the problematic non-communicable diseases and is a major global public health challenge which affects more than 300 million individuals globally. It is predicted that by the year 2025, approximately 12.3 million South Africans will be receiving treatment for chronic conditions; included in that number will be those living with HIV and diabetes. An individual’s health behaviour is mainly determined by one’s demographic factors such as social, economic and cultural background. These influence people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and have an impact on their treatment adherence. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the economic, psycho-social and cultural factors influencing adherence to treatment amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to inform public health policy concerning the treatment and management of diabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study involving 300 purposively selected clients attending health facilities in Intsika Yethu sub district of Chris Hani, Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire focuses on demographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, employment status, number of dependents, duration of taking anti-diabetic medication and existence of other chronic conditions) and the knowledge and attitude of diabetic clients regarding anti-diabetic treatment adherence. Other sections of the questionnaire solicit information on economic, psychosocial and cultural factors affecting adherence to diabetic treatment. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study in order to identify unclear questions, so that they can be rectified before the main study was conducted. FINDINGS: Based on the findings from the study, a total of 177 (59.0percnt) of the diabetic clients had hypertension and that showed the relationship between diabetes and hypertension. On the attitude session, respondents have shown a positive attitude towards treatment. Furthermore, other objectives such as those focusing on economic, cultural and psychosocial factors were found not to be associated with poor adherence to anti-diabetic treatment. According to respondents’ responses, economic factors showed no influence on treatment adherence. Socio-cultural factors indicated that respondents never missed social gatherings and never used traditional medication to treat their diabetes. On the knowledge section which had fourteen questions, most clients seemed to be aware of the complications of diabetes and the benefits of adhering to anti-diabetic treatment because the lowest score was 50percnt. DATA ANALYSIS: The data was captured in Microsoft Excel (MSEXCEL) for onward processing. Data was analysed using data analysis and statistical software version 14. (STATA). Frequencies and percentages were used for describing the categorical variables while mean and standard deviation were used for describing age, number of dependents, duration of illness and knowledge. An independent t-test was used to determine the differences between males and females across the variables. A p-value of 0.05 was of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Economic, psychosocial and socio-cultural factors were not found to have impacted on adherence to treatment. These findings should not be generalised as the study was done on a small sample; further research and more studies need to be conducted.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing customer relationship management at an automotive component manufacturer in East London

  • Authors: Makaza, Lufezo
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London -- Management , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- East London -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22585 , vital:30013
  • Description: In the late 1990s, customer relationship management (CRM) was formed as a popular business term, which holds the same roots as relationship marketing and enhances the paradigm with the emerging information technologies (Öztayşi, Sezgin, Özok, 2011:944). For a supply chain to be effective, an organisation must decide on the nature of the relationship appropriate to product and market conditions and adapt management practises to that relationship (Bensaou, 1999:35). Current competitive challenges induced by globalisation, and advances in information technology have forced companies to focus on managing customer relationships. This study offers a modest contribution to evaluating factors influencing customer relationship management at an automotive component manufacturer in East London. The challenge for businesses is changing the current paradigm to a customer-centric approach. A theoretical overview was conducted to evaluate various definitions, CRM models, factors influencing CRM and the impact of competitive advantage on critical success factors. The research highlighted a number of common themes of CRM, which includes keeping the customer happy, customer satisfaction, reciprocal relationship between the organisation and employees, enthusiasm, involvement and motivation. This research identified which factors make positive contributions to key competitive advantage outcomes such as price, quality, delivery and flexibility capability. The study included an evaluation of findings. From the survey responses, the results were used to draw conclusions and develop various recommendations. The conclusions centered on the customer relationship management success factors defined in the survey. The results were then compared to previous studies. Survey findings of the current study and those of past studies were discussed. The recommendations focused on the top items identified in each factor group. Many factors influence CRM success in the organisation. The findings led to the conclusion that top management needs to support, and place focus on key activities that form part of the value proposition, capabilities and mix of resources on the CRM process, as well as the people and the procedures that make effective value creation.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing employee participation in employee health and wellness programmes : the case of Mdantsane Police Station

  • Authors: Kwayiba, Nthabiseng Justinah
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Employee assistance programs Health behavior Motivation (Psychology)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Social Work
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17127 , vital:40858
  • Description: The purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing participation in Employee Health and Wellness programmes rendered by South African Police Service. Qualitative method was used and case study design was chosen. Data was collected from twenty-two participants. Semi structured interviews was used as an instrument to collect data. Interpretivism paradigm was followed for data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that participation in EHW Programmes is indeed low at Mdantsane Accountable Police Station. Most of the participants did not show any interest in the services rendered by SAPS. Their belief systems and perceptions about EHW Programs are a contributing factor to the non-utilisation of the services. One major factor that was identified by this research was the impact police training has on the decisions police members make to participate or not to participate in EHW Programmes. SAPS is a male dominated organisation, with employees that are rooted in cultural beliefs. Some participants, especially men mentioned that it is against their culture to talk about their personal problems to strangers, referring to EHW Professionals, others believed that seeking professional help from a female professional is a sign of losing your manhood an indication that you are weak. With this kind of personal belief, the researcher is of the view that SAPS has to consider adopting a new EHW Model, a model that will be relevant to the objectives of SAPS. Engaging police officers in physical activities will be more effective in promoting participation because Police work requires that police members need more than just task competencies or technical knowledge to do their work (Turner, 2014), they need to be physically fit in order to protect themselves and the community they are serving. Engaging them in counselling and educational programmes will not increase participation since they regard such services to be meant for the weak police officers.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing estuarine and coastal connectivity of an estuarine-dependent fishery species, Pomadasys commersonnii (Haemulidae)

  • Authors: Dames, Michael Henri
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62307 , vital:28153
  • Description: Expected release date-April 2019
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance

  • Authors: Mtimba, Sinaye Akhumzi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Finance, Personal , Financial literacy Financial planners Middle class -- South Africa -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22813 , vital:30099
  • Description: With the rising day to day expenses especially post retirement when income streams are running low, financial planning helps to better manage such events more effectively. Through a proper financial plan individuals do not just deal with wealth creation and wealth protection but are able to start from the basics of budgeting, were individuals are taught how to live within their means. In South Africa, financial planning has been seen to be focusing on the more affluent clients. This has resulted in a distinct lack of academic literature done on middle income black professionals in relation to financial planning. This is despite the increase of the black middle class population which has been accompanied with an increased purchasing power exceeding that of the previously wealthier white middle class. The growth of the black middle class in South Africa has been accompanied with stumbling blocks, ranging from the lack of financial literacy of the black middle class, negative attitude towards the financial services industry that influence financial decision making, and the pre-existing perception that are built on the lack of financial awareness, a legacy left by the history of division that South Africa had. Therefore the main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance. Both secondary and primary data were used to help achieve the primary research objective of the study. An in-depth literature review on the financial planning industry in South Africa that included the nature of financial planning, the role of the financial planner, the six step financial planning process, the importance and benefits of financial planning, current trends in the financial planning industry, financial planning and the middle income black professionals and the factors that influence the middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance was conducted. Selected study of the literature revealed six factors that might influence an individual’s intention to seek financial planning assistance, namely Attitude, Awareness, Family financial norms, Financial self-efficacy, Trust and Perceived rewards. A theoretical framework was proposed illustrating the relationships between the factors influencing middle income black professionals’ intention to seek financial planning assistance that were to be empirically tested. A positivistic research paradigm was followed and a quantitative approach was implemented. Snowball and convenience sampling was used and a total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to middle income black professionals in the Eastern Cape. For the purpose of this study, middle income black professionals refer to qualified working individuals in the middle income bracket, including teachers, nurses, administrative workers, office-based municipal workers and employees in the private sector, such as those working in the banks and retail supervisors. These were distributed to verify their intentional behaviour with regards to seeking financial planning assistance. From the 300 questionnaires distributed, 271 usable questionnaires were yielded. Statistical techniques including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s product moment correlations and multiple regression analysis were performed on the gathered data. Demographic data relating to the gender, age and first language of the respondents was collected. An exploratory factor analysis was undertaken, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. As a result of the factor analysis the operational definitions were rephrased. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients reported were all greater than 0.7, deeming the scales measuring the various dimensions reliable. Descriptive statistics were calculated to summarise the sample data, and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficients were established to investigate the associations between the variables. Significant positive correlations were reported between all of the variables. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that the majority of respondents agreed that Attitude (77.73%), Financial self-efficacy (61.13%) and Perceived rewards (76.98%) were the most influencing factors. The results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that three factors had a significant positive influence on the dependent variable Intention to seek financial planning assistance, namely Attitude, Awareness and Perceived rewards. The factors Family financial norms, Financial self-efficacy and Trust were rejected as there was no significant relationship found between them and the Intention to seek financial planning assistance. Based on the results, it is recommended that financial service providers focus on financial education by engaging with the middle income black professionals through accessible media such as radio and television. Furthermore, financial service providers should shift from a sales orientated philosophy to a lifestyle financial planning advice philosophy that encourage value for the service rendered to the client and sells benefit than product. The Department of Education should put in place basic financial planning curriculum that can be deliverable at schooling level and is examinable in order to improve the basic financial knowledge and awareness amongst the next generation. Lastly the middle income black professionals are encouraged to read their documents when taking out financial products as well as financial related articles to develop their financial knowledge.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing non-completion of final year undergraduate university studies: implications for management

  • Authors: Webb, Theresa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Dropouts -- South Africa , College dropouts -- South Africa Academic achievement -- South Africa Education, Higher -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35874 , vital:33855
  • Description: South Africa has seen remarkable growth in student numbers at universities since reforms were introduced with the advent of democracy in 1994. Enrolments have almost doubled in the past twenty years, yet South African Higher Education (HE) is characterised by high levels of failure and dropout, and an estimated 50 to 55% of each intake will never graduate. This is not only an indictment on HE institutions (HEIs), but also results in rising debt to the students and to society. In South Africa, student debt has increased at an alarming rate since 2012, whilst state funding has decreased. Students have advocated for education to be free. President Zuma announced in December 2017 that education for the poor would be free. It is not clear yet where the funding will come from, but it would not be from universities’ as their budgets are already thinly spread. The main aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to students dropping out of university in their final year of study, with some modules still outstanding. 360 final year students were identified as having less than 60% of their required credits left to complete their studies, but they had not re-registered and they were thus categorised as non-completing students or dropouts. An analysis of their biographical characteristics revealed that non-completing students were more likely studying for a diploma, male, ‘black’, and did not have English as a home language. Trends were also analysed across faculties and qualification types. In addition to the quantitative description of the biographical characteristics of the non-completing students, a further qualitative exploration was undertaken.Telephonic interviews were conducted with 65 of the non-completing students using a semi-structured interview schedule. The schedule consisted of four grand tour questions and various prompts to ascertain the reasons for students not completing their qualifications. The qualitative results revealed that financial, academic, health and personal problems were the main factors in Nelson Mandela University (NMU) final year undergraduate students’ decisions not to complete their studies. Other factors identified included taking up job opportunities and struggling to balance work and studies; along with factors related to the need for more flexible modes of delivery; and a more inclusive, caring, humanising institutional culture. If the 360 students with 60% or less of their required credits outstanding had graduated at NMU, the institution would have received approximately R8.6 million in subsidy income. In addition to the R8.6 million loss in subsidy income, there would also have been a considerable loss in fee income. Of these 360 non-completing students, 27 students had just one module outstanding. Had these 27 students with just one module outstanding been able to complete their outstanding module and graduate, the institution could have earned an approximate subsidy income of R767 667. The cost of the outstanding modules of these 27 students amounted to R111 070. This shows that the university could have reaped a substantial return on investment if these students could have been assisted to graduate. Based on these findings, a number of recommendations and suggestions were made to support students with the aim to assist the university to reduce the number of non-completing students and enable as many students as possible to complete their studies and graduate. These included having procedures in place for students to be able to take up their concerns with academics and faculty administration; implementing a system to track student progress and to institute interventions as soon as possible; greater flexibility in the delivery modes of modules, with increased online and distance learning possibilities for students who had only a few modules to complete; and creating an institutional culture where students develop a sense of belonging and feel included, which enhances the chances that they will persist until they complete their studies. Limitations of the study were noted and a number of recommendations for further studies were made.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors influencing the hygienic quality of milk yield from smallholder dairy herds in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Dube, Hlengani Paul
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Milk hygiene
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10790 , vital:35761
  • Description: The objective of the study was to identify factors influencing the hygienic quality of milk of smallholder dairy herds in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Three smallholder herds participating in the National Animal recording scheme and located in Alexandria and East London District Municipalities were used. 90 dairy animals from 3 farms were used, each farm consisting of 30 animals. Three breeds of ten animals were randomly chosen from each farm, the three breeds include, (Holstein, Jersey and Crosses), and four seasons, (autumn, winter, spring and summer) were used to determine the effects of breed and season on the hygienic quality of milk. Milk components included fat percentage, protein percentage, lactose percentage, milk urea nitrogen, milk yield and somatic cell counts (SCC). A total of 1080 milk samples were collected in the afternoon after milking. Procedure of general linear model of SAS was used to determine the effects of breed, season and farm of the milk quality parameters. Means were separated by PDIFF test (α = 0.05). Fixed effects of season, breed and farm, along with 2 way interactions of season and farm and breed and farm were determined. An evaluation template was used to identify the factors affecting hygienic quality of milk. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used. In order to investigate associations between variables of interest, a Pearson Chi-square test was done. The Chi-square test was also used to determine significantly independent findings at a P < 0.10 level of confidence. Cross tabulations were done to establish a basis for comparison and to find out if there is a relationship between two or more variables. The breeds kept within the smallholder dairy herds include Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Guernsey and their Crosses. All farmers’practised pasture based dairy farming system, which includes exclusive dairy production and dairy with other animals like poultry and pigs. 33.33 percent of the smallholder herds use the machine milking method, while 66.67 percent use both the machine and hand milking methods. Milking time is uniform throughout the farms, with milking being done twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. The hygiene practices of the farms were largely similar from farm to farm. Before milking, the udders and teats of animals are washed with clean running water. After milking, the teats of the animals are dipped in teat dip to prevent mastitis. All the farmers’ dairy milking facilities have a permanent water source with continuous supply throughout the year. The water sources vary according to farms, with 33.33% use boreholes, while 66.67 percent utilise rivers and springs. Farmers face numerous challenges such as ageing and dilapidated equipment and infrastructure, limited capital that reduces the number of employees on farm and the purchase of feed inputs to support the milking procedure. Effect of season on milk quality, were significantly (P <0.001) different in milk yield, lactose, and somatic cell counts, and significant different at (P < 0.05) for milk urea nitrogen. High milk yields are observed in spring, and winter, while low milk yields are observed in autumn. High values for fat and protein content were observed in winter. High somatic cell counts were observed in autumn than in spring summer and winter. Effects of farm, on milk quality were significantly (P < 0.001) different on milk yield, fat, protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen, and significantly different (P < 0.01) for somatic cell counts. Milk yields varied from 14.03kg/day, 15.51kg/day, and 20.12kg/day, fat percentage varied from 4.52 percent, 4.36 percent, and 4.18 percent, protein percentages of 3.55 percent, 3.44 percent, and 3.47 percent, lactose percentage of 4.47 percent, 4.65 percent, and 4.69 percent, somatic cell counts of 588.42cells/ml, 308.90cells/ml, and 437.43cells/ml, and milk urea nitrogen of 9.84mg/100ml, 10.03mg/100ml, and 10.91mg/100ml for High heaven, Soqhayisa and Matshibele farms respectively. Effect of breed on milk quality, were significantly (P < 0.001) different for milk yield, fat and protein percentage. Milk yields amongst breeds varied at 15.57kg/day, 17.92kg/day, and 16.18kg/day, fat percentages of 4.51 percent, 4.18 percent, and 4.37 percent, protein percentages of 3.55 percent, 3.39 percent, and 3.52 percent, for Jersey, Holstein Cross bred breeds respectively. There were no differences in lactose percentage, somatic cell counts, and milk urea nitrogen amongst breeds. The interaction between farm and season had an effect on milk yield (P < 0.0004), lactose (P < 0.0001), somatic cell counts (P < 0.0001), milk urea nitrogen (P < 0.0019). Milk fat and protein had no effect of farm and season. The interaction between farm and breed had an effect on milk yield (P < 0.0018), fat (P < 0.0001), protein (P < 0.0001), lactose (P < 0.0227), milk urea nitrogen (P < 0.0373). Farm and breed had no effect onsomatic cell counts. The effect of the farm had a greater detrimental effect on the variations in milk composition within the season and the breed. Milk quality is mainly affected by the farm management practices which at times are affected by the farmer’s resources to achieve the basic routine activities for clean milk. Improving the hygienic practises such as udder cleaning, removal of feed from the troughs, and environmental sanitation will increase milk quality in smallholder herds. Smallholder dairy herds were able to meet the milk quality standards of low somatic cell counts that are acceptable as grade A milk.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors that impact on the user experience of a mobile school health application

  • Authors: Chetty, Avineshin
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Wireless communication systems in medical care , Medical informatics Application software Technology -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21801 , vital:29780
  • Description: In South Africa, the National Department of Health through its Integrated School Health Policy, use school nurses, to visit schools and perform health screening of learners which focus mainly on nutrition, eyesight and hearing. To date, this was done manually, but with the advance of technology, there is a need to investigate the use of for example, mobile applications to assist with health screening tasks. As part of the TECH4RED project in the Chris Hani district, a mobile school health assessment application was implemented and used over a period three years. As this is a new way of conducting the health screening, there is a need to understand the user experiences of the end users who interact with both the technology and the application. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived factors that impact on the UX of the school health assessment application. The research aimed to understand the uses, advantages and disadvantages of mobile health applications. It also aimed at determining whether there are unique characteristics of the targeted end users and if so, whether such characteristics would affect the overall UX when using the application. Determining the levels of satisfaction and investigating the apparent challenges the users faced while interacting with the application provided some insights into underlying factors. A theoretical framework was constructed using existing literature. Using a case study approach, data was collected by means of end user satisfaction and user experience questionnaires. Additional data collection was done by means of an expert review to obtain feedback on the content and workflow of the school health assessment application. The resulting findings from the research included, a descriptive list of factors that impact the school health assessment application, as well as a subsequent list of recommendations for improvements. These key-findings could lead to possible guidelines, while additionally, providing valuable insight into mobile school health applications on the whole.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors that influence business success in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale township areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay

  • Authors: Fisher, Theo Andre
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21938 , vital:29803
  • Description: Presently, all South African businesses, including South African township small businesses, are required to be agile, innovative and highly adaptive in order to survive in a tough retail-trading environment. The reasons for having to adapt their strategies are due to the poor economic conditions and political uncertainty that South Africans are currently experiencing. Businesses owners are facing various challenges and have to mitigate and even eliminate numerous negative influences that potentially impede the growth and the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose for undertaking this research study was to establish a deeper understanding of township small businesses that operate in the township setting in South Africa. Many residents of the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay are unemployed. Some unemployed residents and those who were retrenched due to the tough South African economic environment started their own businesses, with the expectation of earning a sustainable income. However, the majority of these businesses were not able to establish themselves successfully. The question addressed in this study was therefore: what factors influence the success of small businesses in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships situated of the Nelson Mandela Bay? Thereafter, the researcher recommended strategies that the township small business owners should implement to improve their chances of operating more successful businesses. The selected factors that could negatively impact township small business success are mentioned below. The influencing factors that were discussed are: Competition; The formal and informal education levels of business owners and the township communities; The unemployment rate of township dwellers; Crime; and the disposable income levels of township communities. The research findings indicate that the majority of the township small businesses are influenced by the mentioned factors, especially crime. This conclusion was made after a sample of 50 respondents had completed structured interview questionnaires and after the results of the questionnaires had been analysed. This research study targeted township small business owners who operate in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships of the Nelson Mandela Bay. The researcher’s intention was to assist the township small business owners with strategies to mitigate the influences that competition (from locally owned township small businesses, foreign shopkeepers and township shopping malls), formal and informal education levels, unemployment, crime and disposable income levels of township communities have on their small businesses. In conclusion, the results of the research study show that the small business owners, together with government, should implement the recommendations that were made by the researcher in order to improve the success rate of their township small businesses. More vibrant and successful township small businesses will ultimately lead to better job opportunities and eventually to a flourishing South African economy.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors that influence the throughput of engineering students at Nelson Mandela University

  • Authors: Joubert, Petrus Jacobus
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30496 , vital:30953
  • Description: The current throughput rate of engineering students is an enormous concern, especially in light of the current financial pressure on universities and the goal for the education sector in the National Development Plan 2030, which is to increase annual enrolment levels at universities from 950 000 in 2010 to 1,6 million by 2030 (National Planning Commission, 2011). The low throughput rate of engineering students makes engineering qualifications unsustainable. In a scarce skills list, which highlights the importance of the problem that South Africa is facing, five engineering disciplines are in the top 10 scarce skills in South Africa (Scarce skills, 2016) and, therefore, this study only focuses on engineering students’ throughput rate. Regarding the future enrolment goal for 2030, it is important for universities to understand the factors that influence the throughput rate of engineering students, which the universities have control over. This will put the universities in a position to implement interventions to change negative influences on the throughput rate of engineering students into positive ones. This study consists of a literature review, firstly focusing on the factors influencing the student throughput rate internationally. The literature review then focuses on South African factors and lastly discusses three main categories, namely student engagement, the use of technology and the academic environment. The eight variables that are under study are grouped into these three main categories. The primary data, which were collected through the use of a questionnaire in order to have a good understanding of the factors influencing the throughput rate, were reported and analysed. The results of this study revealed the factors that influenced the throughput rate most positively and negatively.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors that make a visit to selected Eastern Cape national parks a memorable experience

  • Authors: Baldie, Carole Audrey
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tourism -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Customer relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21461 , vital:29524
  • Description: South African National Parks (SANParks) manages 19 functional national parks (NPs) and oversees the conservation of South Africa’s (SA’s) biodiversity, landscapes and heritage assets. The organisation plays a significant role in the promotion of SA’s nature-based tourism business which in turn forms part of the nation’s heritage and identity. Tourism to SA’s NPs is significant and interest in visiting these parks continues to increase annually, from both international and domestic markets. Three of these NPs are located in the Eastern Cape province, namely Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), Camdeboo National Park (CNP) and Mountain Zebra National Park (MZNP) and were the focus of this study. The main reason for conducting the current study was to establish what factors make visits to the three aforementioned NPs memorable. The findings of this research could be useful to all NPs and assist them in making decisions regarding the evaluation and creation of product offerings that will enhance experiences and make them memorable for tourists. Based on the findings, and because each NP is unique (for example, the different biodiversity and landscapes), the product offerings can also be made exclusive to each NP and therefore tourists can have the opportunity for different MTEs in each park. Providing product offerings that afford MTE opportunities are particularly important for NPs, as government funding is decreasing and each NP needs to generate its own funds. Tourism is presently the economic lifeline for the parks. If NPs focus on improving current products where necessary and developing new products that provide for MTEs, NPs could increase their competitive advantage. Having a competitive advantage can ensure an increase in tourism numbers and therefore the financial sustainability of the park. Data was collected on site at each of the three NPs selected for the study, using convenience sampling to select respondents. A web-based survey was also posted on the SANParks’ website. Prior to the posting of the web-based survey, SANParks conducted a simple random sampling procedure utilising a sampling frame of tourists who had previously visited the respective NPs. The selected target population emanating from simple random sampling was e-mailed the link to the SANParks website which guided respondents to the online questionnaire if they wished to take part in the survey, hence the response sample was a convenience sample. In total, 463 usable questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics resulted from the data analysis. A frequency analysis showed the distribution of the results, while an exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was conducted to ascertain any latent factors in the data. The results of the EFA showed the presence of three latent factors which were labelled Pleasure, Social Interaction and Discovery and Enrichment. Firstly, a strong positive correlation was shown between two of the factors, namely Pleasure and Discovery and Enrichment, and secondly, a positive correlation between two other factors, namely Social Interaction and Discovery and Enrichment was indicated. A weak correlation was shown between the factors Pleasure and Social Interaction. This research has contributed to the knowledge base regarding the factors that make a visit to AENP, CNP and MZNP memorable. Future research can make use of these factors for more exhaustive research in a wider range of NPs.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Factors that shape learner achievement in socially disadvantaged and rural contexts: a social realist study in two rural senior secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia

  • Authors: Shilongo, Erica
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Academic achievement Namibia Omusati , High school students Namibia Omusati Social conditions , Rural schools Namibia Omusati , Education, Rural Namibia Omusati , Social realism
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62240 , vital:28146
  • Description: Learners’ performance and the reasons for either achievement or failure in school has lo ng been a topic of debate. In early research on academic achievement, theorists, educators, biologists and psychologists traditionally focused on the learners from socially disadvantaged family backgrounds who underachieve. Much of the debate internationally centred on whether learner academic achievement / underachievement is a product of hereditary traits or the social context. In particular, arguments for and against whether the reasons for the achievement / underachievement of children from socially disadvantaged families are genetic or the social context in which they find themselves continue unabated. Such explanations do not provide insight into why it is that despite familial (genetic) and social circumstances (social disadvantage), some children succeed and/or are able to act outside expectations of failure. Little research has focused on those in the same or similar contexts who are achieving academic success despite their limiting circumstances and the reasons for their success. This study used a social realist lens to investigate the factors that shape the academic achievement of 12 learners in two rural senior secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia. All 12 learners are from low socioeconomic family backgrounds. The data was collected through survey, interviews with learners, parents and teachers, field notes and document analysis. The main finding of the study show that contrary to research that portrayed learners’ achievement as determined either by heredity or social contexts, the 12 learners constantly used their agentic possibilities to navigate constraining structural and cultural conditions at regional, familial and school levels to achieve academic success. Their agency was shaped by the socioeconomic conditions in their lives, namely, socioeconomic deprivation; large extended families in rural households, lack of amenities and utilities in their families, participation in household chores, experience of family tragedies and of changes when they were young.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Family functioning and socioeconomic status in South African families: A test of the social causation hypothesis

  • Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie , Wouters, Edwin
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/433176 , vital:72948 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-017-1600-x"
  • Description: Optimal family relationships are central to individual well-being. The focus of this paper is on family functioning and how socioeconomic status (SES) explains family functioning. Ecological theory states that a family’s socioeconomic context is determined by macro-systemic factors, thereby influencing individuals’ perceptions of family functioning. Within this context, the social causation hypothesis asserts that social conditions influence family functioning. This paper uses the Family Attachment and Changeability Index as measure of family functioning. SES is viewed as multidimensional and individual-, household-, and subjective SES indices are developed using multiple correspondence analysis. Multivariate regression models suggest that household- and subjective SES are associated with higher levels of perceived flexibility in the family. There is no association between SES and family members’ attachment to each other. In general, the findings support the social causation hypothesis.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Family members’ perspectives on strengthening adherence to treatment for adult persons with a bipolar mood disorder

  • Authors: Lambert, Sarah Catherine
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Psychiatric social work , Mental illness -- Treatment Manic-depressive illness -- Treatment Family counseling
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22497 , vital:29980
  • Description: Family members play an important role in supporting and strengthening treatment adherence for persons with a bipolar mood disorder (BMD). Although BMD can be effectively managed on medication and with psychotherapy, treatment non-adherence is widespread; resulting in detrimental consequences for the person and the family. The purpose of this study was to enhance an understanding of how treatment adherence from a family member’s perspective could be strengthened. The theoretical framework was a combination of strengths-perspective and Family Systems Theory. This qualitative study was embedded in an exploratory-descriptive and contextual research design, and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Thirteen resident family members of adults diagnosed with a BMD were recruited as participants. The family members were adult, male or female of any ethnicity, and responsible for co-managing the treatment of the person. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants and a thematic data analysis method was employed. The four themes that emerged from the data analysis include family members’ descriptions and experiences of treatment adherence and non-adherence, family members’ perspectives of general systemic factors that enhance and inhibit adherence to treatment, family members’ roles, strategies and coping mechanisms relating to the person’s treatment adherence, and family members’ suggestions on promoting treatment adherence. Data verification methods were used to ensure trustworthiness of the study. This research informs appropriate practice interventions to families that are active partners in co-managing the treatment of bipolar mood disorder.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Farmers' perceptions of insect pests in the Eastern Cape maize-based cropping systems and the effects of crop residue management on insect pest populations

  • Authors: Kadango, Tendayi Lovemore
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Cropping systems Crop residue management Corn -- Diseases and pests
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6202 , vital:29507
  • Description: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in South Africa that is cultivated for food, feed and as a cash crop. Maize in the Eastern Cape is typically grown for consumption and the Province is one of the least producers owing to small landholdings, poor production conditions and pests. This study investigated: (i) the different maize cropping systems smallholder farmers practice in the Eastern Cape (EC), (ii) the major maize insect pests within the identified cropping systems, (iii) the perceptions of Eastern Cape smallholder maize farmers on the effects of insect pests, and (iv) the effects of crop residues on insect pests’ population dynamics. Four major cropping systems namely: maize sole cropping without rotations by government sponsored farmers (GCP) (94 percent), maize intercropping without rotations by independent farmers (IF) (79 percent), maize sole cropping without rotations by IF (67 percent) and maize intercropping without rotations by GCP (61 percent) were identified. The choice of a cropping system by the smallholder farmers was significantly influenced by source of sponsorship, the difference in their district localities, tenure system, availability of inputs and farming equipment, percentage of farmland farmers allocate to maize, maize varieties, farming experience, fallow operations and access to irrigation facilities. The major constraints faced by the farmers in maize production are the attack by insect pests, weeds competition, drought, the lack of fencing around the fields and destruction by mammals. The major insect pests identified were stalk borers (Busseola fusca, Chilo partellus), cutworms (Agrotis spp.), aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis), bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera) and weevils (Sitophylus spp.). The most popular control measures employed were the use of GM maize and pesticides. Results from the field trial showed that field crickets were the major ground dwelling insect pests observed followed by bollworms and cutworms. However, there were no significant influence of residue retention on the insects’ diversity indices, richness, and evenness. Above ground insects sampling revealed the domination by four major insects namely, cutworms, maize stalk borer, bollworms, and spotted stalk borer. Residue management significantly influenced the infestation by spotted stalk borer only on maize plots. However, the general trend was that there was less infestation by the insects in plots where residues were retained than the ones with residue removed. Results from the study indicate that government sponsorship is significantly influencing the maize cropping systems of the smallholder farmers of the Eastern Cape.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2018
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