Functional changes of the vasculature in HIV/AIDS patients on Haart and Haart Naïve HIV participants
- Authors: Awotedu, Kofoworola Olajire
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Diseases HIV infections -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Ph D
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/185 , vital:21366
- Description: The present study sought to explore the functional changes that occur in the vasculature of HIV positive participants of African origin in Mthatha district of South africa which might lead to increased risk in their cardiovascular system. Available literature shows that arterial stiffness plays an important role in cardiovascular events such as stroke, vasculitis and myocardial infarction. Measurement of (aortic pulse wave velocity; PWV) provides some of the strongest evidence concerning the prognostic significance of large artery stiffening. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between anthropometry, age, E-Selectin level, cytokine levels, haemodynamic variables, blood counts and blood lipid profile with pulse wave velocity. Some traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as alcohol, and smoking were also taken into account. This was a cross-sectional study comprising of 169 participants (62 males and 107 females). 63 were HIV negative (group A), 54 HIV positive on treatment (group B), and 52 were HIV positive not on treatment (group C). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed using the Sphygmocor Vx. Statistically, ANOVA was used for variables with normal distribution and non parametric tests were used for variables with skewed distribution. Notable significant differences were seen in the means of the following variables across all the 3 groups. Conclusion: This study showed that HIV infected patients with or without antiretroviral therapy have increase arterial stiffness which is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The sphygmocor is an accurate, non invassive and useful tool in the evaluation of arterial stiffness and its use in clinical practice should be encouraged. PWV and the augmentation index (AIx) are the two major non- iv invasive methods of assessing arterial stiffness. Life style modification should be incorporated into the management of HIV patients so as the continuous monitoring of their haematological and lipid profile.
- Full Text:
Functional changes of the vasculature in HIV/AIDS patients on Haart and Haart Naïve HIV participants
- Authors: Awotedu, Kofoworola Olajire
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Diseases HIV infections -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Ph D
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/185 , vital:21366
- Description: The present study sought to explore the functional changes that occur in the vasculature of HIV positive participants of African origin in Mthatha district of South africa which might lead to increased risk in their cardiovascular system. Available literature shows that arterial stiffness plays an important role in cardiovascular events such as stroke, vasculitis and myocardial infarction. Measurement of (aortic pulse wave velocity; PWV) provides some of the strongest evidence concerning the prognostic significance of large artery stiffening. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between anthropometry, age, E-Selectin level, cytokine levels, haemodynamic variables, blood counts and blood lipid profile with pulse wave velocity. Some traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as alcohol, and smoking were also taken into account. This was a cross-sectional study comprising of 169 participants (62 males and 107 females). 63 were HIV negative (group A), 54 HIV positive on treatment (group B), and 52 were HIV positive not on treatment (group C). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was assessed using the Sphygmocor Vx. Statistically, ANOVA was used for variables with normal distribution and non parametric tests were used for variables with skewed distribution. Notable significant differences were seen in the means of the following variables across all the 3 groups. Conclusion: This study showed that HIV infected patients with or without antiretroviral therapy have increase arterial stiffness which is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The sphygmocor is an accurate, non invassive and useful tool in the evaluation of arterial stiffness and its use in clinical practice should be encouraged. PWV and the augmentation index (AIx) are the two major non- iv invasive methods of assessing arterial stiffness. Life style modification should be incorporated into the management of HIV patients so as the continuous monitoring of their haematological and lipid profile.
- Full Text:
An investigation into the challenges faced by children as victims of HIV/AIDS with reference to the Nyandeni area in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kanyemba, Patricia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV -- Positive children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18477 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007756
- Description: The aim of the study was to delineate, discuss and analyze major challenges that affect children between the ages of 13 and 18 in the Nyandeni area due to HIV/AIDS. This exploratory study was also performed to identify the categories of children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. One of the objectives was to provide a descriptive and analytical interpretation of the day to day experiences of children affected by HIV/AIDS. In shaping the sample size, 50 respondents were selected from three wards (2, 3 and 16) of the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Nyandeni area in the Eastern Cape.The researcher made use of the interview technique to collect data from the respondents. In analysing data, the researcher made use of the quantitative and qualitative measures.The outcome of the study points out that HIV/AIDS is the major threat to children and that there is a significant increase in number of child headed families as a result of HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kanyemba, Patricia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV -- Positive children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18477 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007756
- Description: The aim of the study was to delineate, discuss and analyze major challenges that affect children between the ages of 13 and 18 in the Nyandeni area due to HIV/AIDS. This exploratory study was also performed to identify the categories of children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. One of the objectives was to provide a descriptive and analytical interpretation of the day to day experiences of children affected by HIV/AIDS. In shaping the sample size, 50 respondents were selected from three wards (2, 3 and 16) of the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Nyandeni area in the Eastern Cape.The researcher made use of the interview technique to collect data from the respondents. In analysing data, the researcher made use of the quantitative and qualitative measures.The outcome of the study points out that HIV/AIDS is the major threat to children and that there is a significant increase in number of child headed families as a result of HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
Assessment of the implementation of workplace HIV/AIDS programmes in the public and private sectors of Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa
- Ndhlovu-Nomatshila, Zanele Benedict
- Authors: Ndhlovu-Nomatshila, Zanele Benedict
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS awareness South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18480 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011521
- Description: Workplaces are required by law to provide HIV and AIDS workplace programmes to educate and prevent the spread of HIV, and stigmatisation and discrimination against workers infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the public and private sector at Mt Fletcher in the Eastern Cape Province. It aimed at assessing the availability and implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace programmes at Mt Fletcher. The study’s objectives were: to assess knowledge of HIV and AIDS among employees; to determine the availability of HIV and AIDS psychosocial programmes; to assess the employees’ knowledge on HIV and AIDS workplace guidelines that prevent stigma and discrimination. This was a quantitative study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 81 respondents from both public and private sectors participated in the study. Stratified random sampling was used to select participating workplaces. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents. The findings indicated that both public and private sector workplaces have HIV and AIDS programmes. However, all private sector workplaces at Mt Fletcher had no onsite clinic as required, but use the local public HIV and AIDS clinics. However, 24% of public and 23% of private sector employees had no knowledge of the existence of the HIV and AIDS programmes at their workplaces. About 13% of public and 10% of private sector employees indicated that stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS was a problem in the workplace. They also indicated that they would not disclose their HIV status to their employers because they were afraid of losing their jobs. The lack of disclosure further disadvantages workers living with HIV as they do not get the support they deserve from their employers. Furthermore, lack of support, stigma and discrimination have an impact on the performance and productivity of the infected and affected employees and therefore affecting the expected output of their workplaces.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndhlovu-Nomatshila, Zanele Benedict
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS awareness South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18480 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011521
- Description: Workplaces are required by law to provide HIV and AIDS workplace programmes to educate and prevent the spread of HIV, and stigmatisation and discrimination against workers infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the public and private sector at Mt Fletcher in the Eastern Cape Province. It aimed at assessing the availability and implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace programmes at Mt Fletcher. The study’s objectives were: to assess knowledge of HIV and AIDS among employees; to determine the availability of HIV and AIDS psychosocial programmes; to assess the employees’ knowledge on HIV and AIDS workplace guidelines that prevent stigma and discrimination. This was a quantitative study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 81 respondents from both public and private sectors participated in the study. Stratified random sampling was used to select participating workplaces. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents. The findings indicated that both public and private sector workplaces have HIV and AIDS programmes. However, all private sector workplaces at Mt Fletcher had no onsite clinic as required, but use the local public HIV and AIDS clinics. However, 24% of public and 23% of private sector employees had no knowledge of the existence of the HIV and AIDS programmes at their workplaces. About 13% of public and 10% of private sector employees indicated that stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS was a problem in the workplace. They also indicated that they would not disclose their HIV status to their employers because they were afraid of losing their jobs. The lack of disclosure further disadvantages workers living with HIV as they do not get the support they deserve from their employers. Furthermore, lack of support, stigma and discrimination have an impact on the performance and productivity of the infected and affected employees and therefore affecting the expected output of their workplaces.
- Full Text:
Investigating factors that contribute to the disengagement of non-custodial fathers after divorce in the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of Republic of South Africa
- Authors: Nyikana, Kwezi Jerome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Desertion and non-support , Divorce -- Psychological aspects , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18481 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1015519
- Description: This study is premised on the plight of custodial women, who sometimes complain about lack of financial support and the physical absence or disengagement of non-custodial fathers in the lives of their children after divorce. A notable number of non-custodial fathers in the KSD Municipal area have been identified through this study to be disengaging themselves physically from the lives of their children after divorce. The research analysis point to a number of compelling factors for post-divorce paternal disengagement.The research study is an exploratory study in which a mixed method of both qualitative and quantitative research design have been utilised. The researcher was interested in using qualifying words and the use of statistical analysis to describe the father disengagement phenomenon. The hypothesis for this study is: psychological, social and structural factors contribute to the disengagement of non-custodial fathers after divorce. The researcher drew up a sample which Bailey (1982) defines as a subset or portion of the total population. The researcher selected respondents according to the purposive sample which Rubin and Babbie (1993:259) defines as a type of non-probability sampling method in which the researcher uses his own judgement in the selection of respondents. In sampling, 30 respondents who are non-custodial parents were selected to participate in the study. Disengaged non-custodial father was the unit of analysis.The data was collected by means of administering questionnaires and voice recordings. The researcher also utilized in-depth interviews as stated by Boyce and Neale (2006) as being useful when you want detailed information about a person’s thoughts and behaviours, or when the researcher wants to explore new ideas in-depth. The latter approach is most appropriate in qualitative data collection. However, data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.The findings of the study have in many ways answered questions the researcher has been curious about. The ex-wives’ feelings, in-laws, lack of residence, lack of communication between the divorced parents, remarriages, a child or children’s refusal to meet his/her father after divorce have been cited by the respondents as mitigating factors to non-custodial father disengagement. The psychological state of the divorced parties, that of anger, depression, overwhelmed by parenting alone or anxiety or distraught emotional state all form psychological factors. The latter factors were found not to be properly managed well and have often resulted in post-divorce father disengagement. The emotional pain by the non-custodial fathers of not seeing their children for a long time even demonstrates that structural challenges are also contributing factors to post-divorce father disengagement.In the light of the above findings the researcher would recommended mandatory counseling for parenting after divorce, expansion of the family advocate office, provision of a national program for divorced men, creating positive pictures of fatherhood through the media, incorporation of fatherhood or parenthood into the curriculum in our institutions of higher learning and mobilization of men at all levels to take position actions in remedying the experience of divorce.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyikana, Kwezi Jerome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Desertion and non-support , Divorce -- Psychological aspects , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18481 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1015519
- Description: This study is premised on the plight of custodial women, who sometimes complain about lack of financial support and the physical absence or disengagement of non-custodial fathers in the lives of their children after divorce. A notable number of non-custodial fathers in the KSD Municipal area have been identified through this study to be disengaging themselves physically from the lives of their children after divorce. The research analysis point to a number of compelling factors for post-divorce paternal disengagement.The research study is an exploratory study in which a mixed method of both qualitative and quantitative research design have been utilised. The researcher was interested in using qualifying words and the use of statistical analysis to describe the father disengagement phenomenon. The hypothesis for this study is: psychological, social and structural factors contribute to the disengagement of non-custodial fathers after divorce. The researcher drew up a sample which Bailey (1982) defines as a subset or portion of the total population. The researcher selected respondents according to the purposive sample which Rubin and Babbie (1993:259) defines as a type of non-probability sampling method in which the researcher uses his own judgement in the selection of respondents. In sampling, 30 respondents who are non-custodial parents were selected to participate in the study. Disengaged non-custodial father was the unit of analysis.The data was collected by means of administering questionnaires and voice recordings. The researcher also utilized in-depth interviews as stated by Boyce and Neale (2006) as being useful when you want detailed information about a person’s thoughts and behaviours, or when the researcher wants to explore new ideas in-depth. The latter approach is most appropriate in qualitative data collection. However, data was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.The findings of the study have in many ways answered questions the researcher has been curious about. The ex-wives’ feelings, in-laws, lack of residence, lack of communication between the divorced parents, remarriages, a child or children’s refusal to meet his/her father after divorce have been cited by the respondents as mitigating factors to non-custodial father disengagement. The psychological state of the divorced parties, that of anger, depression, overwhelmed by parenting alone or anxiety or distraught emotional state all form psychological factors. The latter factors were found not to be properly managed well and have often resulted in post-divorce father disengagement. The emotional pain by the non-custodial fathers of not seeing their children for a long time even demonstrates that structural challenges are also contributing factors to post-divorce father disengagement.In the light of the above findings the researcher would recommended mandatory counseling for parenting after divorce, expansion of the family advocate office, provision of a national program for divorced men, creating positive pictures of fatherhood through the media, incorporation of fatherhood or parenthood into the curriculum in our institutions of higher learning and mobilization of men at all levels to take position actions in remedying the experience of divorce.
- Full Text:
The integration of mental health care services into primary health care system at King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality Clinics
- Authors: Dlatu, Ntandazo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community mental health services South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18478 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008290
- Description: Introduction: Primary Health care refers to care which is based on the needs of population. Mental health care provided within general primary care services is the first level of care within the formal health system. There is no research in King Sabata Dalindyebo, carried out on issues around integration of mental health with primary health care. The present study is initiated to overcome this gap. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge, implementation and barriers of integrating mental health care services into primary health care system at King Sabata Dalindyebo clinics, in Mthatha region. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at King Sabata Dalindyebo Clinics, between January 2010 and December 2011. A 10% random sample of all health professionals from King Sabata Dalindyebo was interviewed concerning their demographic characteristics, education/ qualifications, general and further training in psychiatry, awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 and mental health care services characteristic related to the integration of mental health care services into primary health care system. For data analysis, the means of continuous variables across 2 groups were compared using Student-t test. The proportions (%) of the categorical variable across 2 groups were compared using Chi-square test. Results: A total of 52 health professionals (40.4% males, 59.6 females, 59.6 married, 3 doctors, 49 nurses, mean age 36.9± 8 years range 23 years-52 years), were surveyed. The participants were characterized by low level of qualification in specialization, further training in psychiatry, and by very low awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002. Furthermore, there was no implication of expects (Regional psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker) and co-ordination of mental health care services. Working in remote and disadvantaged area, health workers with lower education qualification, absence of a coordinator for mental health care services and absence of workshop on Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 were determinants of lower awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002. However, there was a good to excellent framework for potential implementation of mental health care services into primary health care system. The government support in infrastructures, drugs availability, transport and equipment was evident. Patients were helped within abroad based ethical, human rights and psycho-social framework. Conclusion: There is a lack of improving human capacity for mental health in terms of continuous training in mental health issues, policies, organisation and development. Globally, the integration of mental health care service in King Sabata Dalindyebo is non-optimal.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dlatu, Ntandazo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community mental health services South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18478 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008290
- Description: Introduction: Primary Health care refers to care which is based on the needs of population. Mental health care provided within general primary care services is the first level of care within the formal health system. There is no research in King Sabata Dalindyebo, carried out on issues around integration of mental health with primary health care. The present study is initiated to overcome this gap. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge, implementation and barriers of integrating mental health care services into primary health care system at King Sabata Dalindyebo clinics, in Mthatha region. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at King Sabata Dalindyebo Clinics, between January 2010 and December 2011. A 10% random sample of all health professionals from King Sabata Dalindyebo was interviewed concerning their demographic characteristics, education/ qualifications, general and further training in psychiatry, awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 and mental health care services characteristic related to the integration of mental health care services into primary health care system. For data analysis, the means of continuous variables across 2 groups were compared using Student-t test. The proportions (%) of the categorical variable across 2 groups were compared using Chi-square test. Results: A total of 52 health professionals (40.4% males, 59.6 females, 59.6 married, 3 doctors, 49 nurses, mean age 36.9± 8 years range 23 years-52 years), were surveyed. The participants were characterized by low level of qualification in specialization, further training in psychiatry, and by very low awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002. Furthermore, there was no implication of expects (Regional psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker) and co-ordination of mental health care services. Working in remote and disadvantaged area, health workers with lower education qualification, absence of a coordinator for mental health care services and absence of workshop on Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 were determinants of lower awareness about Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002. However, there was a good to excellent framework for potential implementation of mental health care services into primary health care system. The government support in infrastructures, drugs availability, transport and equipment was evident. Patients were helped within abroad based ethical, human rights and psycho-social framework. Conclusion: There is a lack of improving human capacity for mental health in terms of continuous training in mental health issues, policies, organisation and development. Globally, the integration of mental health care service in King Sabata Dalindyebo is non-optimal.
- Full Text:
Assessing communication challenges between clerks and deaf patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha
- Authors: Stemela, Unati
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Clerks and deaf patients -- Communication -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18417 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006597
- Description: A study on assessing communication challenges between clerks and deaf patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital was conducted in 2010. The aim was to assess the existence of communication challenges, possible reasons and solutions to these. The literature reviewed identified a gap in the knowledge of communication between staff and deaf patients. A health systems’ study was conducted using a descriptive, cross sectional survey. The study population was made up of 33 clerks who worked at the registration and records area and deaf patients who stayed at Efata and received health services from the hospital. All clerks were interviewed and a random sample of 106 deaf patients was estimated using Epidat statistical software. Self administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Results confirmed the existence of communication challenges between the two groups. A majority of clerks were not trained in Sign Language. They used a combination of methods to communicate with deaf patients, and few clerks could use Sign Language. The patients also used a combination of methods due to the frustration of not having a common method of communication with clerks. The findings clearly showed that there are communication challenges between the two groups and Sign Language needed to be introduced to clerks in order to accommodate deaf patients. Further research may be done on all healthcare providers and to all deaf patients in the region served by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, and this could have a positive impact on the quality of service offered by the hospital to the deaf community.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stemela, Unati
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Clerks and deaf patients -- Communication -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18417 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006597
- Description: A study on assessing communication challenges between clerks and deaf patients at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital was conducted in 2010. The aim was to assess the existence of communication challenges, possible reasons and solutions to these. The literature reviewed identified a gap in the knowledge of communication between staff and deaf patients. A health systems’ study was conducted using a descriptive, cross sectional survey. The study population was made up of 33 clerks who worked at the registration and records area and deaf patients who stayed at Efata and received health services from the hospital. All clerks were interviewed and a random sample of 106 deaf patients was estimated using Epidat statistical software. Self administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Results confirmed the existence of communication challenges between the two groups. A majority of clerks were not trained in Sign Language. They used a combination of methods to communicate with deaf patients, and few clerks could use Sign Language. The patients also used a combination of methods due to the frustration of not having a common method of communication with clerks. The findings clearly showed that there are communication challenges between the two groups and Sign Language needed to be introduced to clerks in order to accommodate deaf patients. Further research may be done on all healthcare providers and to all deaf patients in the region served by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, and this could have a positive impact on the quality of service offered by the hospital to the deaf community.
- Full Text:
Molecular characterization, antibiograms and antibacterial activities of selected medicinal plants against some enteric pathogens
- Bisi-Johnson, Mary Adejumoke
- Authors: Bisi-Johnson, Mary Adejumoke
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Diarrhea Diarrhea in children -- Complications Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Ph D
- Identifier: vital:18475 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006643
- Description: Diarrhea diseases remain one of the greatest health problems in many parts of the world. In some cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting; however, the symptoms may be very severe in the elderly and young children (Smith and Cheasty, 1998), as well as in immune compromised patients such as HIV/AIDS patients. The disease is one of the hallmarks of HIV/AIDS in developing countries and is also a cardinal clinical manifestation of water borne infections (Obi et al., 2007). According to a World Health Organization report (WHO, 2004), diarrhea was rated second, after respiratory infections out of the eight deadliest diseases worldwide and was responsible for 1.8 million deaths per year. This infectious disease which can cause dehydration is primarily a symptom of gastrointestinal infection, but chemical irritation of the gut or non-infectious bowel disease can also result in diarrhoe. Studies have shown that the predominant causative agents of acute and persistent diarrhoe are Gram-negative rods such as Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas, Campylobacter, Salmonella species, Shigella species, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Yersinia enterocolitica (Obi et al., 1995, 1998, 2003; Lainson and Silva, 1999; Coker et al., 2002; Oyofo et al., 2002). Aside from bacterial agents of diarrhoea, other causative pathogens include protozoa such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum; viruses such as norwalk virus and rota virus. Although fungal agents such as Candida have been shown to be prevalent in children with diarrhoe (Enweani et al. 1994), a more recent study (Forbes et al., 2001), associated higher Candida counts with recent antibiotic use. Faecal concentrations of Candida were higher in patients with diarrhoe, but the study confirmed no association between faecal candida or other yeasts and diarrhoe. Norwalk viruses, calci-like viruses and rota viruses are the major viral agents of diarrhoe. According to Parashar et al., (2006), rota virus is the leading cause of diarrhoe hospitalisation among children worldwide, causing 440,000 annual deaths in children under 5 years of age.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bisi-Johnson, Mary Adejumoke
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Diarrhea Diarrhea in children -- Complications Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Ph D
- Identifier: vital:18475 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006643
- Description: Diarrhea diseases remain one of the greatest health problems in many parts of the world. In some cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting; however, the symptoms may be very severe in the elderly and young children (Smith and Cheasty, 1998), as well as in immune compromised patients such as HIV/AIDS patients. The disease is one of the hallmarks of HIV/AIDS in developing countries and is also a cardinal clinical manifestation of water borne infections (Obi et al., 2007). According to a World Health Organization report (WHO, 2004), diarrhea was rated second, after respiratory infections out of the eight deadliest diseases worldwide and was responsible for 1.8 million deaths per year. This infectious disease which can cause dehydration is primarily a symptom of gastrointestinal infection, but chemical irritation of the gut or non-infectious bowel disease can also result in diarrhoe. Studies have shown that the predominant causative agents of acute and persistent diarrhoe are Gram-negative rods such as Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas, Campylobacter, Salmonella species, Shigella species, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Yersinia enterocolitica (Obi et al., 1995, 1998, 2003; Lainson and Silva, 1999; Coker et al., 2002; Oyofo et al., 2002). Aside from bacterial agents of diarrhoea, other causative pathogens include protozoa such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum; viruses such as norwalk virus and rota virus. Although fungal agents such as Candida have been shown to be prevalent in children with diarrhoe (Enweani et al. 1994), a more recent study (Forbes et al., 2001), associated higher Candida counts with recent antibiotic use. Faecal concentrations of Candida were higher in patients with diarrhoe, but the study confirmed no association between faecal candida or other yeasts and diarrhoe. Norwalk viruses, calci-like viruses and rota viruses are the major viral agents of diarrhoe. According to Parashar et al., (2006), rota virus is the leading cause of diarrhoe hospitalisation among children worldwide, causing 440,000 annual deaths in children under 5 years of age.
- Full Text:
Poor attendance for outpatient physiotherapy by patients discharged from Mthatha General Hospital with a stroke in 2007
- Authors: Ntamo, Precious Nomatende
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Physiotherapy -- Medical care Stroke Mthatha -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18424 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006933
- Description: Background: Stroke is a major cause of disability in the world and its long term effects require good adherence to treatment protocols of physiotherapy. This will ensure optimal rehabilitation and reduce the burden of care in the society and the health service. Superficial analysis of existing data from the Physiotherapy Department of Mthatha General Hospital (MGH) revealed that there was poor attendance of outpatient physiotherapy by patients discharged from MGH with stroke and this had negative effects on outcomes and health care costs. Aim: To identify factors that influence poor attendance for outpatient physiotherapy by patients discharged from MGH with a stroke. Methods: Following approval from the Research Ethics Committee to conduct the study, an observational descriptive study design was used. The study population was 139 patients with stroke who attended for physiotherapy in MGH from January 2007 to December 2007. From a sample size of 103 randomly selected patients, 85 patients participated in the study with a response rate of 82%. Data collection was done using structured interviews and SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: The majority (86%) of patients did not attend physiotherapy until discharge from physiotherapy department. The major factors that influenced poor attendance were movement of patients to other areas (36%) and long distance from MGH (29%). Conclusion: The majority of stroke patients who attended for rehabilitation in MGH Physiotherapy Department lived in rural areas which were distant from Mthatha and could not attend physiotherapy at MGH as required by the physiotherapists. Recommendation: Development of a Provincial Rehabilitation Policy to address the unavailability of physiotherapy services at clinics and health care centers and ensure creation and filling of vacant physiotherapy positions at these levels of care.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntamo, Precious Nomatende
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Physiotherapy -- Medical care Stroke Mthatha -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18424 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006933
- Description: Background: Stroke is a major cause of disability in the world and its long term effects require good adherence to treatment protocols of physiotherapy. This will ensure optimal rehabilitation and reduce the burden of care in the society and the health service. Superficial analysis of existing data from the Physiotherapy Department of Mthatha General Hospital (MGH) revealed that there was poor attendance of outpatient physiotherapy by patients discharged from MGH with stroke and this had negative effects on outcomes and health care costs. Aim: To identify factors that influence poor attendance for outpatient physiotherapy by patients discharged from MGH with a stroke. Methods: Following approval from the Research Ethics Committee to conduct the study, an observational descriptive study design was used. The study population was 139 patients with stroke who attended for physiotherapy in MGH from January 2007 to December 2007. From a sample size of 103 randomly selected patients, 85 patients participated in the study with a response rate of 82%. Data collection was done using structured interviews and SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: The majority (86%) of patients did not attend physiotherapy until discharge from physiotherapy department. The major factors that influenced poor attendance were movement of patients to other areas (36%) and long distance from MGH (29%). Conclusion: The majority of stroke patients who attended for rehabilitation in MGH Physiotherapy Department lived in rural areas which were distant from Mthatha and could not attend physiotherapy at MGH as required by the physiotherapists. Recommendation: Development of a Provincial Rehabilitation Policy to address the unavailability of physiotherapy services at clinics and health care centers and ensure creation and filling of vacant physiotherapy positions at these levels of care.
- Full Text:
Teenage pregnancy among high school girls in Mthatha, South Africa
- Meel, A
- Authors: Meel, A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy -- Prevention , Teenage pregnancy -- Social aspects , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18428 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006969
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is an important health and social problem in South Africa. Despite declining trends of fertility rates in last two decades, the pregnancy among school girls remains steadily high in South Africa. Teenage pregnancy had negative impacts on various aspects of socio-economic well being of school girls. Aim: To determine the proportion of teenage pregnancy among high school girls and to identify the possible factors that influence teenage pregnancy in Mthatha region during the year 2009. Materials and Methods: This is an observational cross sectional, analytic study of teenage pregnancy conducted among high school teenage girls in the Mthatha region of South Africa. Result: A total of 1150 teenage girls from 15 to 19 years of ages responded from seven high schools in the Mthatha region of South Africa. In total 113 (10%) of teenage high school girls were currently mothers or had previously been pregnant. The proportions of those who had ever been pregnant increased significantly with age. The risk of falling pregnant among public high school teenage girls had two times higher compared to private high school teenage girls. Condoms were the most common method of contraception whereas the oral pills were the least common in practice. About half of teenage girls who had ever been pregnant had an abortion and of this one-third had had a backstreet/illegal abortion. The frequency of substance use was significantly higher among teenage girls who had ever been pregnant. A significant correlation was found between low socio-economic status, public schools and teenage pregnancy in this study. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is common among high school girls from 15 to 19 years of age in the Mthatha Region, South Africa. Poor socio-economic family conditions, lack of contraceptive use, early sexual maturation, risky behaviour, lack of knowledge about sexuality and reproductive health, multiple sexual partners and substance use were the common contributing factors of teenage pregnancy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meel, A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teenage pregnancy -- Prevention , Teenage pregnancy -- Social aspects , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: vital:18428 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006969
- Description: Teenage pregnancy is an important health and social problem in South Africa. Despite declining trends of fertility rates in last two decades, the pregnancy among school girls remains steadily high in South Africa. Teenage pregnancy had negative impacts on various aspects of socio-economic well being of school girls. Aim: To determine the proportion of teenage pregnancy among high school girls and to identify the possible factors that influence teenage pregnancy in Mthatha region during the year 2009. Materials and Methods: This is an observational cross sectional, analytic study of teenage pregnancy conducted among high school teenage girls in the Mthatha region of South Africa. Result: A total of 1150 teenage girls from 15 to 19 years of ages responded from seven high schools in the Mthatha region of South Africa. In total 113 (10%) of teenage high school girls were currently mothers or had previously been pregnant. The proportions of those who had ever been pregnant increased significantly with age. The risk of falling pregnant among public high school teenage girls had two times higher compared to private high school teenage girls. Condoms were the most common method of contraception whereas the oral pills were the least common in practice. About half of teenage girls who had ever been pregnant had an abortion and of this one-third had had a backstreet/illegal abortion. The frequency of substance use was significantly higher among teenage girls who had ever been pregnant. A significant correlation was found between low socio-economic status, public schools and teenage pregnancy in this study. Conclusion: Teenage pregnancy is common among high school girls from 15 to 19 years of age in the Mthatha Region, South Africa. Poor socio-economic family conditions, lack of contraceptive use, early sexual maturation, risky behaviour, lack of knowledge about sexuality and reproductive health, multiple sexual partners and substance use were the common contributing factors of teenage pregnancy.
- Full Text:
Exploratory study on empowering rural communities of O.R Tambo District with special reference to Mqanduli
- Authors: Mbelu, Ntandokazi Busisa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development Rural population Social services, Rural South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18479 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1009453
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore development of rural communities in the Mqanduli Administrative Area. The exploratory study was further conducted to examine delivery of service to these rural communities. One of the objectives was to empower rural communities for purposes of improving their daily living standards and also to bring about social change.In determining the sample size, forty (40) respondents were selected from Mqanduli Administrative Area. Out of the forty (40) respondents, thirty (30) respondents were selected from the Mqanduli community members, five (5) were O.R.Tambo District Municipality stakeholders and the other five (5) were Social workers from Mqanduli Administrative Area. The instrument utilized to collect data was a questionnaire. Data was analysed using the quantitative and qualitative measure. The outcome of the study indicates that the majority of rural communities in the Mqanduli Administrative Area were in dire need of empowerment which will enable these disadvantaged communities towards development and social change.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbelu, Ntandokazi Busisa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development Rural population Social services, Rural South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Sw
- Identifier: vital:18479 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1009453
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore development of rural communities in the Mqanduli Administrative Area. The exploratory study was further conducted to examine delivery of service to these rural communities. One of the objectives was to empower rural communities for purposes of improving their daily living standards and also to bring about social change.In determining the sample size, forty (40) respondents were selected from Mqanduli Administrative Area. Out of the forty (40) respondents, thirty (30) respondents were selected from the Mqanduli community members, five (5) were O.R.Tambo District Municipality stakeholders and the other five (5) were Social workers from Mqanduli Administrative Area. The instrument utilized to collect data was a questionnaire. Data was analysed using the quantitative and qualitative measure. The outcome of the study indicates that the majority of rural communities in the Mqanduli Administrative Area were in dire need of empowerment which will enable these disadvantaged communities towards development and social change.
- Full Text: