Browsing by Author "Frantz, Jose"
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Item Blended learning in physiotherapy education: designing and evaluating a technology-integrated approach(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose; Bozalek, Vivienne; Dept. of PhysiotherapyBackground: Practice knowledge exists as a complex relationship between questions and answers in a context of meaning that is often intuitive and hidden from the novice practitioner. Physiotherapy education, which aims to develop patterns of thinking, reflection and reasoning as part of practice knowledge, is often based on didactic teaching methods that emphasise the learning of facts without highlighting the relationships between them. In order to improve health outcomes for patients, clinical educators must consider redesigning the curriculum to take into account the changing and complex nature of physiotherapy education. There is some evidence that a blended approach to teaching and learning may facilitate the development of graduates who are more capable of reflection, reasoning and critical thinking, and who can adapt and respond to the complex clinical environment. The purpose of this study was to develop principles that could be used to guide the design of blended learning environments that aim to develop capability in undergraduate physiotherapy students. Method: The study took place in a university physiotherapy department in the Western Cape in South Africa, among undergraduate students. Design research was used as a framework to guide the study, and included a range of research methods as part of that process. The problem was identified using a systematic review of the literature and a survey of students. The design of the blended intervention that aimed to address the problem was informed by a narrative review of theoretical frameworks, two pilot studies that evaluated different aspects of blended learning, and a Delphi study. This process led to the development of a set of design principles which were used to inform the blended intervention, which was implemented and evaluated during 2012. Results: The final results showed that students had undergone a transformation in how they thought about the process and practice of learning as part of physiotherapy education, demonstrating critical approaches towards knowledge, the profession and authority. These changes were brought about by changing teaching and learning practices that were informed by the design principles in the preliminary phases of the project. These principles emphasised the use of technology to interact, articulate understanding, build relationships, embrace complexity, encourage creativity, stimulate reflection, acknowledge emotion, enhance flexibility and immerse students in the learning space. Discussion: While clinical education is a complex undertaking with many challenges, evidence presented in this study demonstrates that the development of clinical reasoning, critical thinking and reflection can be enhanced through the intentional use of technology as part of a blended approach to teaching and learning. The design principles offer clinical educators a framework upon which to construct learning environments where the affordances of technology can be mapped to the principles, which are based on a sound pedagogical foundation. In this way, the use of technology in the learning environment is constructed around principles that are informed by theory. However, clinical educators who are considering the integration of innovative strategies in the curriculum should be aware that students may initially be reluctant to engage in self-directed learning activities, and that resistance from colleagues may obstruct the process. Conclusion: The development of clinical reasoning, critical thinking and reflection in undergraduate physiotherapy students may be enhanced through the intentional use of appropriate technology that aims to fundamentally change teaching and learning practices. Design research offers a practical approach to conducting research in clinical education, leading to the development of principles of learning that are based on theory.Item Defining and clarifying the role of clinical supervision according to physiotherapists at a higher education institution(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Voges, Taryn-Lee Warner; Frantz, JoseThe roles of doctors and nurses in clinical supervision and clinical education are well defined in literature. However, the role of the physiotherapist in clinical education has not been clearly defined. This could be because the understanding of a clinical supervisor varies from discipline to discipline.Item Determining the feasibility of a prehabilitative injury prevention programme for netball players in South Africa(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Pillay, Tanushree; Frantz, Jose; De Clercq, DirkBackground: The South African government has taken a stance to prioritise sporting codes within South Africa that report high participation and is inclusive of the population demographic of South Africa. Netball has been highlighted as one of these sixteen named sporting codes. Linked to the high participation of netball players in the sport is a high prevalence of injuries, which is well documented throughout the literature. Injury management within a South African context presents a number of challenges due to the current environment of health care in the country as well as an array of barriers that directly impact the netball players themselves as well as netball as a federation. Injury prevalence results in a need to both manage and prevent sporting injuries. The purpose of this study was to develop an injury prevention programme for netball players in South Africa and to establish the feasibility of such a programme for implementation. Method: The study took place under the auspices of Netball South Africa and the injury prevalence data was collected at a national netball tournament at the University of Pretoria. Sequential mixed methods was used as a framework to guide the study, and included a range of research methods as part of that process. The problem was identified in two phases using a cross sectional self-administered questionnaire and a qualitative aspect using semi-structured interviews. The design of the injury prevention programme that aimed to address the problem was informed by a systematic review of literature. The process that guided the development of the injury prevention programme was intervention mapping. This process led to the development of an injury prevention programme that included a coach’s educational booklet, an injury prevention exercise protocol and an administrative structure of a National Physiotherapy Association. The evaluation for feasibility for the implementation of the injury prevention programme was evaluated via a Delphi study.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 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 Do physiotherapy students employ evidence-based practice in the management of musculoskeletal disorders and sports injuries(2013) Hess, Danelle; Frantz, JoseBackground: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) and sports injuries are commonly sustained throughout the world daily. They are dominant in many countries, with considerable cost involvement and impact on quality of life. For this reason they need to be recognised as a necessary part of general practice. MSD’s refer to a wide variety of diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, such as degenerative and inflammatory conditions (arthritis), spinal and soft tissue disorders, osteoporosis and musculoskeletal injury. Managing these musculoskeletal conditions are a challenge and using the best available evidence should be the first the choice. All health professionals should have the ability to determine the best available evidence and thus strive to give their patients the best health care known to them. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an important key in making this happen as it uses the best current evidence in the decision-making process regarding the care of patients. Literature highlights that health care professionals are expected to implement evidence-based practice (EBP); this means that newly graduated students and health care professionals alike are required to be confident in exercising this skill of EBP. When expecting EBP from students, educators need to realize that students have limited clinical experience. Therefore, they need the skills to acquire the best research evidence when applying the best treatment for patients. In introducing evidence-based practice, various research is aimed at evaluating the health professional’s attitude and behaviour towards evidence-based practice (EBP). There is limited research regarding the actual implementation of EBP in everyday practice. Aim: Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine if undergraduate physiotherapy students implement evidence-based practice in the management of musculoskeletal disorders and sports injuries. Objectives: The study had four objectives: i) To determine the most common treatment techniques used by students in the management of the conditions treated at the UWC clinic through data extraction of patient records in the clinic using a self-designed data extraction sheet, ii) To determine the knowledge and beliefs about EBP among undergraduate physiotherapy students through a survey, iii) To determine an evidence-based intervention strategy of one of the most common conditions seen through a systematic review and iv) To map the links between current practice, student beliefs and evidence-based information. vii Methodology: The study used a predominantly quantitative approach with a few open ended questions and took place at a student training Physiotherapy clinic. The first phase was a retrospective document analysis study which consisted of data extraction of patient records for the period January 2009 to December 2011. The second phase used a mixed methods approached and consisted of a questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions. It was completed by the 2012 registered fourth year students regarding attitudes and knowledge of EBP. The third phase consisted of a systematic review to identify the evidence for interventions used to manage one of the most common conditions identified. In the final phase and discussion of this thesis triangulation of the data was used by the researcher in order to formulate a picture of whether students apply evidence-based practice by using the data extracted from the patient folders in combination with the questionnaire survey of the participants and the systematic review. Data analysis for phases one and two was done using SPSS Statistical package software to determine frequencies and descriptive statistics. Phase two also had two open ended questions and this was analysed thematically and data was coded, themes allocated and responses counted. The systematic review focused on systematic reviews of treatments for low back pain and this was narratively described. The research project received ethical clearance from the University of the Western Cape Research Grants and Study Leave Committee (project registration number: 12/3/12), and permission to conduct the survey was obtained from the Head of Department. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, they were informed of the research process at the outset of the project, and kept up-to-date at every major stage. Questionnaires for surveys were accompanied by an information sheet explaining the background and reason for conducting the survey, and students gave written, informed consent following an opportunity to clarify the study details. Results: The results showed that males were predominantly seen at the physiotherapy clinic, and that the most common complaint was pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back area. The students most common treatment choice was soft tissue mobilisation and the use of heat for all three these areas of pain. The questionnaire responses were also captured using SPSS and frequencies and descriptive statistics employed. These results showed that although students knew what EBP was it was not clear that they knew how to implement it. The systematic review assessed and established the most common treatments used in literature for the treatment of lower back pain; and pain, function and disability were viii the only outcomes considered. The only intervention that had a positive effect on the included outcomes was the use of manual therapy (spinal manipulation and mobilisation). In triangulating the data, it was shown that the students do not seem to use the same treatment choices as the literature indicates. Conclusion: The results show that there is very little link between the students choices of treatment for one of the common conditions highlighted and the current literature. It is therefore possible that although students understand the term EBP they do not show that they know how to use or implement the concept. Implications for practice: Institutions may need to be more vigilant about making provision for EBP in the curriculum as well as how it is implemented so that students can be comfortable with this practice. More randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews are necessary on physiotherapy interventions so that practice can be better informed. Finally, EBP is perhaps one way to promote a culture of life-long learning within the physiotherapy profession.Item The effect of a knowledge-based ergonomic intervention amongst administrators at AGA Khan University Hospital, Nairobi(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Wanyonyi, Nancy Eileen Nekoye; Frantz, Jose; Hassan, SaidiLack of adherence to the correct working conditions exposes workers to ergonomics-related hazards and eventually work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) which are estimated at 160 million per year globally. Literature shows that with modernization by use of computers, administrators are exposed to prolonged sitting and long working hours which predisposes them to ergonomic hazards. Low back pain and neck pain are the leading work-related musculoskeletal disorders with a lifetime prevalence of 70 - 80% and 50 - 60% respectively.Both low back pain and neck pain have a multifactorial aetiology that includes work-related and individual related factors. Lack of reporting of work-related injuries has led to paucity of statistical literature with regards to work-related low back pain and neck pain, especially in the developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ergonomics related low back pain and neck pain, and describe the effect of a knowledge-based ergonomic intervention among administrators in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N). A mixed method design was used in this study using a survey and two focus group discussions(FGD). A self-administered questionnaire that is in four sections was administered to 208 participants. The questionnaire sought the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, the knowledge of participants with regards to low back pain and neck pain as well as the work-related and individual risk factors related to the same. The dissemination of the study results involved a one hour knowledge-based ergonomic session given to all interested participants, based on the information from the survey. Two FGD with purposive selection of eight participants were held to explore their experience on the value of the information provided.The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to capture and analyze the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the study findings in the form of means, frequencies, standard deviations and percentages. Inferential statistics (chi-square) was used to test the associations between different categorical variables (p<0.05). For the qualitative data, the tape recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, field notes typed, sorting and arranging data was done and themes were generated. Thematic content analysis was used to generate the themes. The aim of the study, confidentiality and the participants‘ freedom to withdraw from the study were explained. Informed consent was also obtained before the survey and FGD and referral was made where necessary. The findings of the current study revealed that the study participants were knowledgeable about ergonomics-related low back pain and neck pain however this knowledge was not directly translated into behaviour. Low back pain (LBP) had the highest twelve month prevalence at 75.5% followed by neck pain at 67.8%, and LBP showed significant associations at p< 0.05 with some work-related and individual risk factors. The results of the FGDs showed that most participants had positive behavioural and attitudinal change post the knowledge-based ergonomic intervention despite the challenges they met in implementing the behavioural change. These results therefore show the need for continual education about ergonomics to create awareness on the predisposing factors to work-related LBP and neck pain, hence promoting a healthier quality of life amongst employees through adherence to healthy work behavioural practice.Item Health policy brief: Towards prevention of risk factors for non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV infection in Rwanda(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Biraguma, Juvenal; Frantz, JosePeople living with the HIV infection (PLWHI) can now live longer due to the availability and effective use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Eastern and Southern Africa remains the region affected by HIV. Rwanda is one the Eastern Africa that has achieved high rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, accounting 164,262 (78%) of all PLWHI in 2016. However, both HIV infection and continued use of life-long cART medications have been associated with a constellation of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Additionally, HIVinfected (HIV+) persons are at increased risk of NCDs, especially cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), compared to HIV-uninfected (HIV-) counterparts. People living with HIV infection are at an increased risk for NCDs due to their HIV status and their resultant reduced immunity, the use of some cART, and contextual and sociodemographic factors. Fortunately, lifestyle factors including regular physical activity participation, diet modification, and smoking cessation could play a major role in preventing CMD, and in improving life expectancy for HIV+ individuals. However, these interventions are not always integrated in routine African clinical settings, particularly in Rwanda. Currently, health-related benefits of people living with HIV infection on established ART, has shifted from survival to a health-related quality of life outcome (HRQOL).Item Implementation of health education programme relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners in the Amajuba district, Kwa-Zulu Natal(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Chutergon, Serena; Frantz, JoseCurrently, chronic diseases are a growing cause of death and disability in South Africa. This study was an experimental study using a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population was made up of two conveniently selected high schools located in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The total population for the intervention school was 1050 learners and for the control school were 945 learners. Chronic diseases of lifestyle are a group of diseases that share similar risk factors as a result of exposure, over many decades, to unhealthy diets, smoking, lack of exercise and stress. The major risk factors include high blood pressure, tobacco addiction, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health care education programme on the knowledge of high school learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal, through the implementation of a health education programme in the intervention school and a 45 min talk on chronic diseases of lifestyle in the control school. ln addition, the study also determined the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyles among high school learners in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The survey tool used in this study was two self-administered questionnaires. The first being the Youth risk behavioural survey which assessed the learners' diet information, tobacco use, alcohol use and physical activity of which was used to collect information on the health risk behaviours of the learners. This was a validated and reliable questionnaire (chronbachs alpha of 0,897). The second, a knowledge questionnaire for risk factors which assessed the knowledge of learners, regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle. Demographic data and data regarding diabetes, hypertension, stroke, diet information, tobacco use information, alcohol use information and physical activity were initially coded and entered into the Excel program, where upon the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13 was used to analyse the data. The pre-test scores collected from the knowledge questionnaire showed that the mean for the intervention school was 12.8 (SD=4.3) and for the control school was 14.2 (SD=4.5). The post-test score for the intervention school (24.65) was significantly higher (p<0.005) than the post-test score for control group (18.40)' Thus, the implementation of the health education programme at the intervention school made much more significant difference to the knowledge of the pupils regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle than the 45-minute talk at the control school. Based on the Youth risk behavioural survey, it was found that 60% of the total number of participants smoked,67 % drank alcohol, 33% were physically inactive. In addition, 35% were classified as overweight and 60% hypertensive. The outcome of this study thus suggests that the high prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal should be of great concern as it places learners at a high risk for developing chronic diseases of lifestyle, as they grow older. Therefore preventive, promotive strategies and programs like the health education programme must be put in place and implemented in the communities within the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal.Item Physical activity levels and health promotion strategies among physiotherapists in Rwanda(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Ngarambe, Robert; Frantz, Jose; Dept. of PhysiotherapyPhysical inactivity has become a global health concern and is among the 10 leading causes of death and disability. This has led to increased concern for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL). Studies have revealed that regular physical activity is effective in combating several CDL such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and obesity. Physiotherapists are in a position to combat inactivity and effectively promote physical activity to their clients. Studies however have shown that participation in physical activity among physiotherapists could have an impact on the promotion of physical activity and their health practices. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity levels of physiotherapists and their physical activity promotion strategies and barriers to promoting physical activity. Sequential Mixed Method Design was used in this study. Data was collected by means of a self administered questionnaire and a total of 92 physiotherapists voluntarily answered the questionnaire. A focus group discussion comprising of 10 purposively selected physiotherapists was conducted. The questionnaire assessed physical activity levels and physical activity promoting strategies of the participants while the focus groupdiscussion looked at the barriers to promoting physical activity. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 was used for data capturing and analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize demographic information as means, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics (chi-square) was used to test the associations between different categorical variables (p<0.05). For the qualitative data, focus group discussions were used to collect data. Tape recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, field notes typed, sorting and arranging data was done and themes were generated. Thematic analysis was then done under the generated themes. Ethical issues pertaining to informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality and the right to withdraw from the study were respected in this current study. The findings in the current study revealed that a big number of the participants were physical active both at work and recreation domains. However, there was no statistically significant association between physical activity and the demographicvariables. The results in this study revealed that the majority of participants were good physical activity promoting practices, although there was no significant association between physical activity levels and the physical activity promoting practices. The finding in this study revealed that discussing physical activity and giving out information regarding physical activity to their clients were the most common methods used in promoting physical activity. However, participants also highlighted barriers they ace in promotion of physical activity such as policies on physical activity, cultural influence, nature of work, time management as well as environmental barriers. The study demonstrates the need for all stakeholders to come up with solutions to break the barriers to promotion of physical activity. In return it will bring about enormous health benefits to the general population.Item The relationship between physical activity and low back pain among nurses in Kanombe Military Hospital(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Lela, Mukaruzima; Frantz, Jose; Faculty of Community and Health SciencesThe aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between low back pain and physical activity levels among nurses in Kanombe Military Hospital (KMH), as well as other confounding factors leading to low back pain. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design was used to conduct the study. The study population and sample included all clinical nurses in all the departments/wards at KMH (excluding three nurses doing administrative work only and the four who participated in the pilot study). A total of 133 nurses participated in the study and data was collected using three self administered questionnaires. The first one requested socio-demographic data, followed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) which examined the physical activity levels of nurses, and lastly the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire which examined low back pain prevalence. A response rate of 122 (92%) was obtained.