Browsing by Author "Erasmus, Charlene"
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Item Challenges experienced while providing home based care: A community organisation's experience(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Erasmus, Charlene; Ramuhaheli, R. M.Introduction: Methods: Results: Conclusion: Keywords: The large and ever-growing number of people being infected with HIV/AIDS, led to health professionals being unable to cope with these increasing numbers. To combat this challenge, an alternative strategy such as home based care needed to be implemented. When attempting to attend to this need, a deeper understanding of the challenges facing community organizations when providing home based care is necessary in order to formulate these effective and relevant care services. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges faced by Umtha Welanga Community Organization in the provision of HIV/AIDS home based care. Acase study using a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews as the data collectionmethod was used. The Umtha Welanga Community Organization constituted the total population therefore no sampling was applied. All themembers of the management team and all the home-based caregivers were interviewed. Informed consent as well as consent for recording interview was obtained prior to data collection. Respondents were informed that participation is voluntary and that they can withdrew at any time. Data analysis began immediately after completion of all the interviews by transcribing and translating the audio-taped data. Thematic analysis was used in which data was coded and categorized. The main areas of concern were gender inequality, insufficient funding, lack of disclosure and trust, risk faced by caregivers and lack of recognition Finances appear to be, both for the organization and the home based carers, a specifically influential obstacle in the implementation and maintenance of the services. Lack of recognition by the government and lack of trust and disclosure towards care workers; create difficult conditions for them to perform their tasks and duties. Care services also present risks and dangers to caregivers such as being susceptible to criminal activity, feeling unsafe and vulnerable.Item The development of a model that examines parental HIV-related stigma and psychosocial well being of children orphaned by AIDS(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Yassin, Zeenat; Erasmus, Charlene; Frantz, JoseThe growing interest in the well-being of children who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS is widely reflected in the emerging body of research. Children orphaned by AIDS-related causes are identified as a vulnerable population of youth who display lower levels of psychosocial well-being and experience increased psychosocial distress. While HIV-related stigma remains a salient risk factor hindering the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS, the concept remains elusive and poorly understood. Hence, the call for a comprehensive understanding to support an effective response to stigma reduction, and for the systematic identification and response to the psychosocial needs and challenges of children in the context of HIV/AIDS. The overall aim of this study was therefore to develop a model to understand the manner in which HIV-related stigma affects the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS. A mixed method, exploratory, sequential design situated within a theory generative research approach was implemented in four sequential phases geared towards model development. The specific objectives of this study were to: (1) review existing literature focusing on the relationship between HIV-related stigma and the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS (systematic review); (2) explore children orphaned by AIDS perceptions and experiences of HIV-related stigma (qualitative exploratory design); (3) develop a model that offers an understanding of the manner in which HIV-related stigma affects the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS (a theory generative design); and (4) determine the functionality of the developed model through the use of the Delphi technique (a modified Delphi technique). The systematic review conducted in Phase I indicated the presence of HIV-related stigma, which inhibited the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS. The findings further highlighted the mediating role of maladaptive coping strategies and social support likely to reduce healthy psychosocial well-being and cause psychosocial distress among children orphaned by AIDS. Similarly, the findings arising from the qualitative exploration in Phase II indicated that children orphaned by AIDS were highly perceptive and experienced HIV-related stigma as a result of parental illness and death. These experiences negatively affected the psychological, emotional, and social well-being, self-concept and self-esteem, and future orientation of children orphaned by AIDS. The theory generative design in Phase III identified, classified, and defined six focal concepts upon which the model is based, namely, (1) enacted stigma, (2) perceived stigma, (3) internalized stigma, (4) coping strategies, (5) psychosocial well-being, and (6) interpersonal relations. The developed relationship statements of the model indicated: (1) the bidirectional relationship between enacted, perceived, and internalized stigma; (2) the mediating role of coping strategies; (3) the direct and indirect influences of HIV-related stigma on the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS; and (4) the contextual role of interpersonal relationships in which the process of stigmatization may unfold. The modified Delphi technique conducted in Phase IV indicated that the developed model was simplistic, clear, generalizable, accessible, and important for use in research and practice. The developed model will aid future studies by providing a theoretical lens through which HIV-related stigma and its influence on the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS may be viewed. HIV-related stigma should be considered strongly when addressing the well-being of orphaned children, so that tailored programs, interventions, and services may be set in place to effectively bring about the reduction of stigma and ensure the psychosocial well-being of children. The recommendations set out serves to further inform practice and programs and form a baseline for future empirical research focusing on HIV-related stigma and the psychosocial well-being of children orphaned by AIDS.Item Effect of physical activity on coronary heart disease risk factors among firefighters: a scoping review protocol(BMJ open, 2023) Achmat, Ghaleelullah; Erasmus, Charlene; Leach, Lloyd; Kanaley, JillIntroduction: Physical activity interventions have been used for various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease. However, the literature is still limited regarding the effect of physical activity on coronary heart disease among firefighters. Methods and analysis The review will be conducted according to recommendations from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and PRISMA Protocol guidelines. This scoping review will provide a synthesis of current evidence on the effects of physical activity on coronary heart disease among firefighters. Search strategies will be performed in the following databases: Cochrane database, PubMed, Medline, (EbscoHost), Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL (EBSCO), SAGE journals, ScienceDirect and Scopus. We will include literature in the English language that are full-text peer-reviewed articles from inception to November 2021. Screening of (titles, abstracts and full text of potential articles) will be done by two independent authors using EndNote V.9 software toolItem The effect of religion on parenting in order to guide parents in the way they parent: a systematic review(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Petro, Mervyn Ronald; Rich, Edna; Erasmus, Charlene; Roman, Nicolette V.Religion has a growing influence on parenting, and there remains a need to understand the influence of religious values in order to inform parents, and other professional bodies, on how religious beliefs can influence child-rearing practices. A systematic review was conducted to explore relevant articles during the time period 2004–2014. The aim of the review was to explore the effect of religion on parenting, and to establish effective ways in which religious parents can be guided in parenting. The findings show that religion does influence parenting, and that with intervention aimed at increasing specific skills, parenting practices may improve.Item Experiences and challenges faced by families dealing with delinquent children in Botswana(Stellenbosch University, 2018) Matlakele, Kenneth M.; Erasmus, CharleneSexual abuse is not being reported adequately. Teachers are in an ideal position to deal with and report sexual abuse, but they are not sufficiently trained in this regard. Therefore it was necessary to evaluate whether training programmes could be effective. The research that informed this article focused on presenting a specific training programme to twenty primary school teachers after which two focus group interviews were conducted. The aim was to explore the participants’ perceptions regarding the programme. The teachers benefitted from the relevant information, they valued the group consolidation, they felt confident about sharing experiences and they were more prepared to act in sexual abuse cases.Item Experiences of adolescents who lost a parent to aids in the Western Cape, South Africa: a qualitative study(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Somsetsu,; Erasmus, Charlene; Lukelelo, Nomvuyo; Roman, Nicolette V.BACKGROUND: AIDS related deaths of parents have resulted in large numbers of children being orphaned. Adolescence, a particularly vulnerable period in a child's developmental life is characterised by uncertainties, role confusion and identity crises. This stage becomes even more complex when adolescents lose their parents through AIDS. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of adolescents who have lost their parents through AIDS. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 8 adolescents between 14-17 years old who had lost a parent to AIDS. A thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed. RESULTS: Some of these adolescents had to grow up quickly, so as to engage in parental roles before they were of appropriate age. The participants had to endure multiple stresses. The maternal grandparents were seen as the most suitable support compared to the paternal grandparents. CONCLUSIONS: When placing these children into foster care it is important to consider close relatives or members of the community that these children are familiar with. Trauma counselling should be afforded to adolescents who lost their parents due to AIDS. Interventions are urgently needed that are suitable to the local context and that address bereavement as well as other issues that affect the day-to-day lives of these adolescents. Additional studies are needed to identify factors that promote resilience among these adolescents and the role of paternal family in caring for adolescent orphans.Item Experiences of secondary trauma amongst spouses of emergency service personnel(Stellenbosch University, 2017) Wheater, Kerry; Erasmus, CharleneSouth African emergency service personnel (ESP) regularly face traumatic, stressful and life-threatening situations which influences them physically, emotionally and psychologically. They are exposed to an unpredictable work environment and traumatic situations such as witnessing on a regular basis the human pain and suffering of individuals who have been seriously injured or dying. Because of the unpredictability of calls, ESP are required to make quick decisions and administer effective aid, often without support or reassurance (Fjeldheim, Nöthling, Pretorius, Basson, Ganasen, Heneke, Cloete & Seedat, 2014). As a result of stressful work circumstances EMS personnel often experience sleep disturbances, trauma, organisational stress, stressed reaction to alarm bells, as well as the overall mental demands of the job, which are all significant determinants of stress levels among EMS personnel (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006). “Given all of these factors, the inherent occupational stress of this type of work can take a significant toll on the physical and emotional health of paramedics themselves” (Porter, 2008:1). The images and feelings that are associated with being exposed to continuous traumatic situations are not limited to the paramedics who are primarily exposed to the event, but these events can also have an effect on the significant others in their environment, such as their spouses.Item Exploring male practitioners’ perceptions, experiences and challenges in early childhood development(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Ntsukumbini, Vuyiseka; Erasmus, CharleneGender balance is a major area of interest within the field of social work studies. Many males who are interested in venturing into careers that are associated with early childhood development have been not offered enough support by society. This study aimed at exploring male practitioners’ perceptions, experiences and challenges in early childhood development (ECD). A qualitative approach with an exploratory – descriptive research design was utilised. Three themes were identified and the findings show that the male practitioners are self-motivated to take jobs in ECDs. It was also discovered that there is a perception about male practitioner’s roles and also debunked stereotypes.Item Exploring male practitioners’ perceptions, experiences and challenges in early childhood development(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Ntsukumbini, Vuyiseka; Erasmus, CharleneGender balance is a major area of interest within the field of social work studies. Many males who are interested in venturing into careers that are associated with early childhood development have been not offered enough support by society. This study aimed at exploring male practitioners’ perceptions, experiences and challenges in early childhood development (ECD). A qualitative approach with an exploratory – descriptive research design was utilised. Three themes were identified and the findings show that the male practitioners are self-motivated to take jobs in ECDs. It was also discovered that there is a perception about male practitioner’s roles and also debunked stereotypes.Item Exploring the experiences of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type ii, and their significant others’ caring for them(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Koegelenberg, Elnéri; Erasmus, CharleneDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable disease (NCD) with an increase in prevalence. The debilitating consequences of this disease include mortality, morbidity, a decrease in quality of life, with an enormous financial and social burden on the diagnosed person and their significant others. The global prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus type II (DMII) is escalating with similar consequences on individuals and families. Individuals find the acceptance of the disease and necessary lifestyle changes challenging which result in poor health decisions with non-adherence to treatment, financial limitations, emotional, physiological, and psychosocial discomfort. The aim of this research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of those living with DMII and their significant others caring for them.Item Exploring the experiences of individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type ii, and their significant others’ caring for them(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Koegelenberg, Elnéri; Erasmus, CharleneDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable disease (NCD) with an increase in prevalence. The debilitating consequences of this disease include mortality, morbidity, a decrease in quality of life, with an enormous financial and social burden on the diagnosed person and their significant others. The global prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus type II (DMII) is escalating with similar consequences on individuals and families. Individuals find the acceptance of the disease and necessary lifestyle changes challenging which result in poor health decisions with non-adherence to treatment, financial limitations, emotional, physiological, and psychosocial discomfort. The aim of this research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of those living with DMII and their significant others caring for them.Item Familial needs: Comparing traditional and non-traditional families of public officials(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Hendricks, Marie; Erasmus, Charlene; Roman, Nicolette V.BACKGROUND: Recognising traditional and non-traditional families in social policy is not sufficient if the policy implementation choices continue to accord more status to traditional families in comparison to non-traditional families. If unattended, this can create discriminatory practices, and human rights on an equal basis can be threatened between traditional and non-traditional families. This descriptive study compared traditional and non-traditional families of public officials with a focus on (1) form and income, (2) familial needs as per key propositions, (3) families perceptions/experiences at community and broader societal levels and (4) familial needs government must assist them with. METHODS: A quantitative research paradigm, a cross-sectional survey design was electronically administered to 600 public officials and culminated in a final sample of 70 respondents, was implemented. The study was contextualized within a contemporary family discourse, primarily influenced by a feminist perspective as well as a critique of the nuclear or traditional family grounded in functionalist theory. RESULTS: The study showed that traditional and non-traditional families of public officials are more the same than different. Public officials’ families, both traditional and non-traditional families, are affected by their inter-connectivity with communities and broader society in terms of how they experience negative treatment/ discrimination on the basis of a variety of equality issues as well as fulfillment of their socio-economic rights as stipulated in the Bill of Rights as enshrined in the South African Constitution. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that public officials, as members of families, live in both traditional and non-traditional families. Public officials have familial needs similar to any other family and are also influenced by similar factors in broader society. As both rights holders and duty bearers they can improve their own family lives and also better serve families in broader society. However they too need to be supported with their own family needs.Item Family connectedness in families dealing with adolescents in conflict with the law(Stellenbosch University, 2020) Erasmus, Charlene; Danhouse, Merle HeatherThis article explored family connectedness and the way that families are dealing with adolescents in conflict with the law. Ten adolescents, ten family members, and five social workers constituted the sample for the study. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews. Three themes were identified through thematic analysis. The results of this study clearly show that the level of connectedness amongst families influences how they deal with adolescents in conflict with the law. Family structure and parental engagement were key factors affecting the relationship with the adolescent. A low level of connectedness was evident in all the families interviewed.Item A formative implementation evaluation of a Social Auxiliary Worker training programme(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Matanda, Richard; Erasmus, Charlene; Hart, CornelA theory-based evaluation has been conducted with an improvement-orientated purpose on the Social Auxiliary Worker (SAW) Training Programme for an accredited provider to improve and continue to implement their own SAW Training Programmes. Theory-driven evaluations are essential for distinguishing between the validity of programme implementation and the validity of programme theory. Addressing the social needs of communities through social development and transformation is a top priority for the South African Government. South Africa faces a shortage of Social Work Practitioners (SWPs) due to emigration, as well as insufficient numbers of university graduates. This shortage has left the current SWPs with severe workload pressures. The South African Department of Social Development (DSD) initiated, in 2004, the training of Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs) to serve as assistants to the SWPs. The SAW qualification initiative has been developed as a course accredited with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) at the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 4. Providers of SAW training courses are accredited by the Health and Welfare Sectoral Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) and by the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP). The empirical part of the study was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of a clarificatory evaluation, wherein a step-by-step logical participatory process was followed for the clarification and development of the programme theory. This process resulted in logic models and a theory-of-change model against which the evaluation questions for the study were developed. These questions assessed the need for the SAW training programme - and for the SAW training programme planning and design. It was found that there was a need for SAW training programmes and that the SAW training programme had been designed to address this need. The second stage consisted of an implementation evaluation. This was done by means of a data matrix using the evaluation aspects for each of the objectives developed during the clarificatory evaluation. Data gathering was done by means of content analysis, focus group workshops and questionnaires. Data interpretations, conclusions and judgements were made with regard to each of the objectives and consolidated in a table format which indicated the outputs and outcomes, implementation results- and a judgement and recommendation for each objective. It was found that a standardised and structured process was followed most of the time, but that the knowledge and skills training elements, particularly in their practical application, left room for improvement. The study illustrates the advantages of a theory-based evaluation that assists with programme planning and modification, knowledge development and the planning of evaluation studies.Item Gender masculinities of present fathers: Perceptions, experiences and challenges of fathers living with children(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Nanima, Barbara Rachel; Erasmus, CharleneFathers play a key role in the life of a child in a family. In South Africa, statistics indicate that 71% of children who have a male adult living in the family, only 36% live with their biological parents. This predicament is exacerbated by the fact that culture presents gender masculinities as a key aspect that informs how fathers treat their children. Gender masculinities refer to socially constructed stereotypes that inform attributes, behaviours, and roles that are generally associated with boys and men. This study explored the perceptions, experiences and challenges of present fathers with regard to gender masculinities.Item Gender masculinities of present fathers: Perceptions, experiences and challenges of fathers living with children(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Nanima, Barbara Rachel; Erasmus, CharleneFathers play a key role in the life of a child in a family. In South Africa, statistics indicate that 71% of children who have a male adult living in the family, only 36% live with their biological parents. This predicament is exacerbated by the fact that culture presents gender masculinities as a key aspect that informs how fathers treat their children. Gender masculinities refer to socially constructed stereotypes that inform attributes, behaviours, and roles that are generally associated with boys and men. This study explored the perceptions, experiences and challenges of present fathers with regard to gender masculinities.Item High school learners experiences of gangsterism in Hanover Park(UNISA Press, 2016) Magidi, Mufaro; Schenck, Rinie; Erasmus, CharleneThe culture of gang violence has become deeply entrenched in South Africa. The present study explored the experiences of non-gang school-going adolescents regarding gangs and gangsterism in Hanover Park in the Western Cape. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Data collection instruments were focus group discussions supported by qualitative semi-structured interviews involving 18 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 from two secondary schools in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The data were thematically analysed. The results have shown that the presence of gangs affects the learners’ school attendance, restricts their mobility, increases bullying at school and seriously disrupts family and community life.Item Homeless in Observatory, Cape Town through the lens of Max-Neef's Fundamental Human Needs taxonomy(SUN, 2017) Schenck, Rinie; Roman, Nicolette V.; Erasmus, Charlene; Blaauw, Phillip (Derick); Ryan, JillThe suburb of Observatory, also affectionately known as ''Obs'', is one of the older suburbs of the City of Cape Town, home to multiple cultures, a student population from the University of Cape Town, a variety of churches, the Provincial Government Groote Schuur Hospital, the Government Psychiatric Hospital Valkenburg, and the home of the South African Astronomical Observatory built in 1897 - hence the name of the suburb. It is one of the oldest areas of Cape Town. Unfortunately Observatory also has a high crime rate and many homeless people. In the beginning of 2014 concerned community members of Observatory approached the authors of this article to conduct a research study to profile the homeless in Observatory. The aim of this article is therefore to describe the profile of the homeless in Observatory, Cape Town and to develop some understanding of the lives of the homeless.Item Impact of maternal methamphetamine (“tik”) use on the cognitive development and school readiness of children in early childhood development: a systematic review(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Willemse, Abigail; Erasmus, CharleneMethamphetamine (MA) is one of the most used synthetic simulants globally and is reportedly the second most prevalent illicit drug. The abuse of methamphetamine among pregnant women is a growing problem worldwide. Exposure to this drug affects children's prenatal and postnatal development, which manifests in the growing child during early childhood development (ECD). Therefore, the current study examined the impact of maternal methamphetamine (‘tik’) use on children’s cognitive development and readiness for school. A systematic review study design was utilised in order to obtain the findings of the study. A systematic review is the reviewing of diverse and inter-related studies in order to provide an interpretive understanding of an issue and present a balanced and impartial summary. The present systematic review critically filtered and evaluated peer-reviewed, full-text studies in the English medium between the years 2010 to 2020 of available research relevant to this particular research question: “What is the impact of maternal methamphetamine use on the cognitive development and school readiness of children in early childhood development?”.Item Impact of maternal methamphetamine (“tik”) use on the cognitive development and school readiness of children in early childhood development: a systematic review(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Willemse, Abigail; Erasmus, CharleneMethamphetamine (MA) is one of the most used synthetic simulants globally and is reportedly the second most prevalent illicit drug. The abuse of methamphetamine among pregnant women is a growing problem worldwide. Exposure to this drug affects children's prenatal and postnatal development, which manifests in the growing child during early childhood development (ECD). Therefore, the current study examined the impact of maternal methamphetamine (‘tik’) use on children’s cognitive development and readiness for school. A systematic review study design was utilised in order to obtain the findings of the study. A systematic review is the reviewing of diverse and inter-related studies in order to provide an interpretive understanding of an issue and present a balanced and impartial summary. The present systematic review critically filtered and evaluated peer-reviewed, full-text studies in the English medium between the years 2010 to 2020 of available research relevant to this particular research question: “What is the impact of maternal methamphetamine use on the cognitive development and school readiness of children in early childhood development?”.