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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11

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Physiotherapists’ perceptions of spirituality in patient care
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Roman, Olivia
Healthcare delivery has evolved significantly over the past decades, with increasing recognition that effective patient care extends beyond the treatment of physical symptoms to encompass the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified spirituality as a dimension of health. However, limited research has been conducted regarding the incorporation of spirituality in physiotherapy practice. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists' perceptions, beliefs, and practices regarding spirituality in patient care within the Western Cape context. The research objectives were: to explore the perceptions and beliefs of physiotherapists with regards to spirituality as a component of patient care; to explore practices of physiotherapists in using spirituality as part of patient care; to explore the advantage or facilitators perceived by physiotherapists when addressing spirituality in patient care; to explore the challenges or barriers perceived by physiotherapists regarding addressing spirituality in patient care; and to examine the perceived impact of incorporating spirituality on patient outcomes and holistic patient care.
Deprescribing proton pump inhibitors: Addressing prolonged and unnecessary use in paediatric hospitalised children
(Medpharm Publications, 2026) Oosthuizen, Mieke; Viljoen, Michelle; Keuler, Nicole
Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are approved for shorth-term (≤ 12 weeks) use in children older than one month. Long-term PPI therapy has been associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, fractures and micronutrient deficiencies. This study will be the first to describe paediatric PPI use in hospitalised paediatric patients in South Africa in relation to Hospital Level Paediatric Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG)-recommendations of PPI therapy. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across two tertiary public hospitals in South Africa (01 February 2023–31 January 2024). Data from medical records of paediatric hospitalised patients (< 18 years) who received a PPI prescription within the study period were evaluated. Data analysed included demographic data, in-hospital and discharge PPI prescription particulars. Descriptive statistics were used to present the analysed data. Results: Among 400 patients, only 28% of prescriptions aligned with STG-recommended indications, while 48% of prescriptions were prescribed for non-recommended indications. The median duration of PPI therapy was 31 days and only 7% of prescriptions complied with STG-recommended durations. Long-term use (> 12 weeks) occurred in 17.5% of patients. Deprescribing strategies of PPI prescriptions was employed in 23.8% of cases, predominantly intravenous (IV)-to-oral de-escalation. Conclusion: The findings highlight STG prescribing deviations and infrequent attempts of PPI deprescribing. Structured PPI prescription review processes, clear STG recommendations and proactive deprescribing strategies are required to promote rational PPI use.
Covariant cosmography in the presence of local structures: comparing exact solutions and perturbation theory
(Institute of Physics, 2026) Sarma, Maharshi; Marinoni, Christia; Kalbouneh, Bashee; Clarkson, Chris; Maartens, Roy
Recent observational evidence of axially symmetric anisotropies in the local cosmic expansion rate motivates an investigation of whether they can be accounted for within the Lemaître– Tolman-Bondi (LTB) framework with an off-center observer. Within this setting, we compute the exact relativistic luminosity distance via the Sachs equation and compare it with the approximate expression obtained from the covariant cosmographic approach (including Hubble, deceleration, jerk and curvature parameters). This comparison allows us to identify the regimes in which the covariant cosmographic method remains reliable. In addition, we compare the LTB relativistic distance for small inhomogeneities with the corresponding result derived from linear perturbation theory (LPT) in the standard cosmological model. This analysis establishes a precise correspondence between the LTB and LPT approaches, offering a consistent dictionary for the interpretation of the observed anisotropies of the large-scale gravitational field. We test luminosity distance reconstructions in a spherically symmetric overdensity with an off-center observer. For moderate central density contrasts (δc ≲ 1), LPT reproduces the exact distance within 10% for observers inside the typical size of the structure. However, Covariant Cosmography (CC) extends this regime of validity upto δc ≲ 2.5. At larger radii, the situation reverses: for observers at three times the characteristic size, LPT remains accurate up to δc ≲ 3, while CC already exceeds 10% error for δc ≳ 1.5. At sufficiently large distances from the structure, both methods converge to the exact solution. Thus, CC is essential for accurate distance estimates near dense regions, while LPT remains reliable at larger separations. This analysis will be instrumental in interpreting expansion-rate anisotropies, facilitating investigations of the local Universe beyond the FLRW framework with a fully non-perturbative metric approach.
Pre-service teachers’ preparedness, adoption, and integration of ICTS for technological pedagogical practice at a higher education institution in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Ebimomi, Oluwafemi Ebiseni
Integration of information communication technologies (ICTs) and other digital innovations in teaching-learning has gained global popularity and thus become one of the most promising prospects, particularly in teacher training institutions. This research aimed to explore pre-service teachers’ level of preparation, adoption, and integration of ICT in their pedagogical skills during classroom presentations, and in their professional development. The study is underpinned by three prominent technological theories: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Technology Integration Planning Model (TIP) to provide a theoretical explanation for the potential implementation of technology in classrooms. Additionally, this study introduces the Pedagogy, Technology and Content (PTC) model, to illustrate how the interconnectedness between pedagogy, technology and content could facilitate effectiveness in teaching and learning in the modern classroom. This study employs a mixed method explanatory research design using a descriptive survey and interviews as sources of primary data collection. The quantitative research part adopt the use of a structured questionnaire with a five-level Likert-scale rating of Undecided (U), Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Strongly Disagree (SD), and Disagree (D) which were administered to the participants. Relevant items in the questionnaire include statements developed from the seven dimensions of the TPACK, TAM, and TIP models on the extent to which students were prepared to integrate ICTs, and the challenges faced by the pre-service teachers in their use of ICTs in the classroom. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) v25 was used to get the aggregated descriptive statistical mean values and regression analysis value of the dimensions of the administered questionnaire items. The population of this study comprised 300 third and fourth year Bachelor of Education (BEd) students in the Faculty of Education at a higher education institution in the Western Cape Province.
The relationship between relative age effect, biological maturation and physical performance in 12 and 13-year-old male soccer players
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Siljeur Ricardo
Soccer clubs and coaches are trying to identify players at an early age who will potentially succeed in soccer. Early talent identification will help ensure that such players receive specialised coaching and training in order to accelerate their development. However, factors such as birth month, biological maturation and socioeconomic status can influence the development and physical performance of soccer players. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between relative age effect, biological maturity, and physical performance in12 and 13-year-old male soccer players. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used in this study. A total of 176 amateur male soccer players aged 10-16 years were recruited from the South African Football Association (SAFA) to perform the assessments which included anthropometric measurements, counter movement jump, 10m sprint, 30m sprint, 505 agility and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1. Biological maturation status was calculated and classed as early, on-time and late. Data was analyzed for normal distribution using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were generated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences between birth quarters and physical performance, birth quarters and anthropometric characteristics, biological maturation and physical performance and, finally, between biological maturation and anthropometric characteristics. The Chi-squared was used to determine the association between birth quarters and biological maturation, and biological maturation and physical performance. Eta-squared values were conducted to assess the relationship between birth quarters and physical performance. A p value below 0.05 indicated statistical significance.