Browsing by Author "Malema, Makhaya"

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    Exploring the quality of life and academic success of students at a university in the Western Cape
    (Bentham Science Publishers, 2025) Matlapeng, Tshiamo; Miya, Faeez Aref; Mfundisi, Tandolwethu; Malema, Makhaya; Moeketse, Kelello
    Background: This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of first-year students adapting to university life. University life encompasses various dimensions impacting individuals' health and wellness. Wellness comprises seven components, namely, physical, mental, spiritual, occupational, emotional, social, and environmental wellness. The present study rests on the premise that students may struggle, which will not only affect their quality of life but rather have knock-on effects and implications on their academic performance. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore and describe students' perceived quality of life and its influence on their academic success at a university in the Western Cape. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted at the University of the Western Cape. The study involved twelve participants who were first-year students in the Community and Health Science faculty. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed manually and through the use of AI software. Themes were analyzed using the Braun and Clarke framework. Results: The findings of the study revealed that students use various coping mechanisms, which can be categorized into sports participation, social support, and academic planning. These strategies help manage the transition from high school to university and promote a better quality of life. Coping strategies are adopted to manage the challenges during their academic journey. These challenges may be increased workload, how students manage their schedules, and their ability to be independent. These factors play a critical role in academic success, which is further determined by the academic process needs, the institutional support provided through available programs, and the access of students to basic needs or lack thereof.
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    Perceptions of Physical Activity among Students Living on and off Campus in a University in the Western Cape
    (The Open Public Health Journal, 2020) Nyangiwe, Simamkele; Mgwambane, Tshegofatso; Malema, Makhaya
    Background: Universities are said to have a responsibility to offer holistic education and should, therefore, include ways to prevent risky behaviour such as sedentary living. University students are expected to make informed decisions about their future endeavours. About 23% of adults and 8% of adolescents globally do not meet the global recommendations on minimum Physical Activity (PA) for general health promotion of the World Health Organisation. Objective: The objectives of the current study were to explore factors that lead to participation and non-participation in PA among university students, as well as their preferred PA participation activities. Methods: The study used a qualitative ethnographic design to purposefully collect data from nine (9) participants by means of semi-structured one-on-one interviews. Open coding was applied when analysing the transcribed data through the ATLAS.ti software programme. Results: The findings reveal six themes: Factors that lead to Physical Activity (PA) participation; factors that lead to non-participation in PA; environmental convenience for PA participation; a definition of PA; PA participation preference and benefits of PA. Despite the known benefits of regular physical activity, research shows a significant decline in physical activity participation and an increase in sedentary behaviour in university students. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to interrogate PA and its related concepts to raise awareness of each concept. In conclusion, the study recognises that since lifestyle changes during the university period are sustained into adulthood, students tend to engage in risky behaviour such as alcohol and tobacco use, and physical inactivity, which may have long-term negative implications for their health and lead to poor perceptions about their body structure.