UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Phillips, Julie"

Browsing by Author "Phillips, Julie"

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Actual and perceived substance use of health science students at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa
(Makerere Medical School, Uganda, 2011) Steyl, Tania; Phillips, Julie
Background: Substance use among youth is a worldwide epidemic that impacts negatively on the health sector as well as the family and society. Early student life is a time of tremendously high motivation to conform to the behaviours, values, and attitudes that are valued by the youth culture. They observe their peers’ behavior and alter their own behaviour with their peers’ norms and expectations. This compliance with perceived peer norms can however lead to increased smoking, alcohol and drug use. Objectives: To determine and analyze risky and health promoting behaviour of health science students at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. In this paper the association between actual risk and perceived risk for substance is discussed. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire containing items from both the NCHRBS and the ACHA-NCHA were administered to 201 health science students at a South African university. Results: When perceptions of typical student behaviour were compared to actual reported behaviour, overestimated consumption patterns for the typical student was found for smoking, alcohol and drug use. Conclusion: The misperceptions of peer norms have important educational or prevention program implications. These findings clearly indicate that educational and awareness programs regarding alcohol and drug use should take perceptions of peer alcohol and drug use into consideration.
Alcohol use among black female adolescents in a South African community: A mixed methods investigation
(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2008) Phillips, Julie
Background: According to the World Health Organization global alcohol consumption has increased in recent decades, with most of this increase occurring in developing countries. Added to this is the concern of the increased social acceptability of alcohol use and the widespread experimentation with alcohol during adolescence. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to better understand health risk behaviours, specifically alcohol use, among black female high school learners in a designated research locale of a local community in the Western Cape, South Africa. Study design: The method of inquiry in this study was a mixed methods sequential explanatory strategy. Results: A lifetime prevalence of alcohol use was reported by 57.8% of the study sample. All the participants agreed that drinking has a negative influence on adolescent health. Conclusion: Alcohol use in South Africa is an ever-increasing health problem and the current study provides evidence that the prevalence of this behaviour remains a public health concern.
Awareness of physiotherapy interventions among pregnant females in antenatal clinics, Buffalo city municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(2013) Sajan, Merly; Phillips, Julie
Aim: The aim of the study was to to explore women’s awareness and use of antenatal services at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. Objectives: The specific objectives were to determine the awareness of physiotherapy interventions among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic as well as the health professional’s knowledge about physiotherapy in the antenatal clinic.
Behavioural and protective factors contributing to the risk and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among individuals with spinal cord injuries in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Lloyd, Jacobus; Phillips, Julie
HIV/AIDS has made a huge impact on human development and sexual reproductive habits in this century in the world and especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It has only recently been acknowledged that HIV/AIDS has an equal if not greater effect on or threat to people with disabilities. Survivors of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) with resultant disability are incorrectly believed to be sexually inactive, unlikely to use drugs or alcohol and at less risk of violence or rape than their non-disabled peers. This group can thus be described as economically, educationally and socially disadvantaged, which in itself, suggest that they are a high-risk group for HIV infection. The overall aim of this study is to examine the factors that could contribute to the risk and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among individuals with spinal cord injuries in South Africa. The specific objectives of the study are to assess the behavioral and protective factors that could contribute to risk and vulnerability to HIV infection among individuals and spinal cord injuries; and to explore the socio-cultural issues that might increase individuals with spinal cord injuries’ vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The design of this study was a mixed methods design, particularly the sequential explanatory strategy was used will used in this study. The study was conducted in four (4) conveniently selected provinces (highest prevalence of SCI). The Quad-Para Association of South Africa’s (QASA) provincial databases was used to invite individuals with SCI to participate in the study. Data for quantitative part of the study was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of various sections requesting for information on: Demographics; HIV-Knowledge (HIV- KQ-18); Sexual behaviours; Sexual communication and negotiation skills; Self-efficacy to refuse sex. Separate binary logistics analysis was done to assess which of the selected factors are associated with risky sexual behaviour. The forced entry method approach was used to determine which of these factors have the greatest productive power to predict sexual risk behaviour. No “a priori” sample size was developed for the qualitative part, but participants were recruited until saturation has been reached of all the categories. Consenting participants were visited by the researcher for data collection in the environment indicated by the participant. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The study was conducted according to ethical practices pertaining to the study of human subjects as specified by the UWC and Faculty of Community and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the UWC.
Client perspectives on reclaiming participation after a traumatic spinal cord injury in South Africa
(Oxford University Press, 2016) Joseph, Conran; Wahman, Kerstin; Phillips, Julie; Wikmar, Lena Nilsson
BACKGROUND. The development of rehabilitation services promoting participation in people living with a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is of major concern for physical therapists. What the client sees as effective participation, barriers, and facilitators might be different due to their particular context. This study was conducted to gain insight into the experiences of attaining an important outcome in a developing context. OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of reclaiming participation in community-dwelling people with TSCI in South Africa. DESIGN. This was an explorative, qualitative study with inductive content analysis. METHODS. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 adults living with a TSCI in order to explore their experience of participation. The verbatim transcripts were analyzed, and the end result was an overall theme that included 4 emerging categories. RESULTS. The theme “participation possibility” denotes the eventual involvement in life situations. Within this theme, there were 4 categories that emerged as a representation of essential aspects along the continuum of reclaiming participation: (1) dealing with the new self, (2) a journey dominated by obstacles, (3) the catalyst of participation, and (4) becoming an agent. Dealing with and recognizing these intervening conditions seem critical for clients to reconstruct the meaning that is necessary for a broader conception of participation. Limitations. The transferability of these findings to dissimilar contexts may be limited. CONCLUSION. Client perspectives on reclaiming participation after injury affirm the notion of eventual participation, with each person finding strategies to succeed. In order to help clients reclaim participation, health professionals should develop contextually sensitive programs that include peer mentoring and reduce the influence of hindering factors.
Coaching for publication in higher education: views of the coach
(Nova Southeastern University, 2011) Frantz, Jose M.; Phillips, Julie; Rhoda, Anthea
Purpose: Mentoring is a professional development approach that can be effectively used in improving publication outputs among academics. The challenge to develop academics in the area of publication is essential. This study highlights the role of the mentor in the process of encouraging academics to improve their skill in publishing. Method: Participatory action research was used in this study. Nine academics, with the authors as mentors, participated in a support group over a 10-week period and monthly follow ups for 12-months. Results: Key aspects identified by the mentors were information sharing, providing and receiving feedback, and continuous support and motivation. Support in developing novice authors does not end when the manuscript is submitted but has to be maintained throughout the process until publication. Conclusion: Mentoring can assist in the development of academics regarding the skills for writing for publication
A combination of a physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of non-specific chronic lower back pain: A systematic review
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Pretorius, Tammy-Lee; Phillips, Julie
Evidence indicates that the current physiotherapy management of patients with chronic non-specific LBP only offers moderate benefit. Combined treatment programmes, addressing body as well as the mind, shows promising results in developed countries with adequate resources but low evidence in poorly-resourced countries and contexts. This is another gap in the existing knowledge. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy treatment, compared to physiotherapy alone, in reducing pain, disability, mental health and fear-avoidance behavior, in adults with non-specific low back pain. The systematic review included articles published, in English only, between 1985-2018 (July) in the following databases available at the University of The Western Cape: EbscoHost, BioMedCentral, Cambridge Journals Online, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Medline (EbscoHost), Medline (Pubmed), Sabinet Reference, SAGE Journals Online, ScienceDirect,SciFinder Scholar, SCOPUS, Wiley Online Library, Springerlink and PubMed.Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of full text articles, using a critical appraisal tool. Fourteen (14) articles were included based on methodological rigour. Five (5) articles were included in the narrative synthesis and nine (9) articles were included in the meta-analyses. Statistically significant improvements in pain, disability and mental health, in favour of combination therapy for patients with chronic lower back pain were found. A small but statistically significant cumulative effect size for mental health (g = -0.26, Z = -4.49, p <.01) , physical disability (g = -0.27, Z = -5.09, p <.01) and pain (g = -.27, Z = -5.05, p <.01) , in favour of a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and physiotherapy in patients with chronic lower back pain was found. In addition, a medium but statistically significant cumulative effect size (g = -0.50, Z = -6.95, p <.01), in terms of fear avoidance, was found in favour of the combination therapy. In conclusion, physiotherapy in combination with cognitivebehavioral therapy was more effective than physiotherapy alone, in reducing pain, disability, mental health and fear-avoidance behaviour, in adults with non-specific low back pain. Ethics: Permission for the study was obtained from the university’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee.
A conceptual and organisational framework for internationalisation at a selected South African university
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Arowoiya, Ayorinde Ibukun; Phillips, Julie
Internationalisation is an important worldwide phenomenon, and amongst others, presents as a major trend in higher education and continues to be on the agenda of higher education providers worldwide. It is significant for the sustainability of higher education at a national level, and subsequently, the contribution that higher education makes to the development of a nation, its people and its ability to compete in the global market. Internationalisation within universities continues to develop apace as institutions move from equating international strategies with international student recruitment to developing mature internationalisation agendas that incorporate recruitment, research collaborations and capacity-building.
Concerns about physical inactivity among adolescents in the Strand, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Phillips, Julie
INTRODUCTION: Strong evidence exist to support the assumption that regular physical activity is one of the most cost effective interventions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases of lifestyle, and should therefore be widely promoted. However, concerns about physical inactivity among adolescents have been raised in various countries. The levels of habitual physical activity among urbanized South Africans seems no better than what obtains in similarly urbanized populations in other countries. Objective: The aim of the study was to highlight the type of recreational physical activities, as well as the frequency and duration in which learners from the four high schools (n=1042) in the Strand, Western Cape participated in. Objective: The aim of the study was to highlight the type of recreational physical activities, as well as the frequency and duration in which learners from the four high schools (n=1042) in the Strand, Western Cape participated in. METHODOLOGY: The instrument utilized was a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the one developed by the South Australian Branch of Sports Medicine to determine recreational activities in school children. RESULTS: A high proportion of learners were found to be involved in different recreational physical activities, which included rugby, soccer, netball and walking. However, learners were not participating at a level at which the health benefits of participation could be maximized. DISCUSSION: The outcome of the current study suggests that it is unlikely that the learners maximized the health benefits of participation in physical activities. They may thus be prone to the possibilities of developing chronic diseases of lifestyle. CONCLUSION: High school learners should routinely be informed about the importance of incorporating physical activity into their lives.
Conquering the publishing silences of black academic women
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Rhoda, Anthea; Maurtin-Cairncross, Anita; Phillips, Julie; Witbooi, Sally
Although women fulfil and play meaningful roles in the academic life of universities, their contributions have seldom been acknowledged. The voices of women outside of the dominant western context of knowledge production such as women in South African historically black universities(HBUs), remains largely maginalized. Women at these HUBs have indicated a need for mentoring and support to assist with their scholarly endeavours
Cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Magida; Phillips, Julie
Dance movements requires explosive power, sustained effort and both local and general endurance. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are the most frequent medical problems among dancers in ballet, which is partly owing to inadequate training and dancers not being properly prepared for the dernands of the dance performance. The study involved a prospective, cohort design. A population of 49 student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were studied over 16 weeks academic year in 2007.The purpose of the present study was to determine the cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries amongst student dancers at TUT. The student dancers filled on a questionnaire about previous injuries, their study schedules and factors they believed increased the risk of injuries. Of the 49 student dancers, 4l (83 o/o) consent to participate. There were 10 cumulative injuries incurred by 41 student dancers over 16 weeks period i.e.7.l yo,0.06 injuries incurred per student month at risk. The main limitations to this study were small sample size and misclassification, recall, and reporting biases. Further research should aim to standardize injury definitions and classifications.
A descriptive of the factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Nairobi, Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Lamech, Francis Bogonko; Phillips, Julie; Pharaoh, Hamilton
Background: Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world second to football. Many researchers have recommended different rugby injury prevention strategies that can drastically reduce injury incidences in rugby if practiced regularly. However rugby injuries still exist and there is minimal intervention being done in Africa and specifically in Kenya to implement these injury prevention strategies. Aim: To identify factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Objectives: (i) To determine prevalence of rugby injuries in the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) league 2011-2012 season. (ii) To identify and describe various injury prevention strategies and sports safety practices in place among rugby clubs in Kenya. (iii) To determine the factors hindering the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study design was used. Research Setting: The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants: Seven male rugby teams participated in KRFU League 20lll20l2 season; 210 rugby players, 7 team coaches, 7 team managers and 7 team medical practitioners. Instruments: Four self-administered questionnaires for rugby players, team coaches, team managers and team medical practitioners were used to collect data. A two week test-retest reliability pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability for team coaches and rugby players' questionnaires. Team medical practitioners and managers' instruments were adapted from previously validated Sports Safety Analysis Tool (SSAT). To ensure the content and face validity of the adapted instruments it was reviewed by experienced sports safety experts, experienced coaches, referees and sports development officers working as technical advisors in KRFU, in conjunction with qualified and experienced sports Physiotherapists, and the Researcher. Ethical clearance: was granted by the University of the Western Cape and from the relevant authorities in Kenya. Participation was voluntary and participants had the right to withdraw from the study at any time. Written informed consent was sought from all participants and they were assured of anonymity and confidentiality of their information, and that it was intended for research purposes only. Data analysis: Data was analysed using the SPSS version (20.0). Descriptive statistics was conducted to obtain a profile of the study sample and prevalence of rugby injuries, injury prevention strategies, sports safety practices and factors influencing the implementation of injury prevention strategies. These were presented in terms of frequencies and percentages in tables and figures Results: 162 (77%) rugby players, 7 (100%) coaches, 7 (100%) managers and 6 (85 .7%) team medical practitioners participated in this study. A sum of 520 injuries was reported giving a prevalence rate of 94.4%. Out of these injuries the sprains accounted for 17.5%o and strains (15%) and with more than half (52.5%) were mild. Fifty-five percent (55.4%) of the injuries were sustained during matches with the majority (55.6%\ of players sustaining an injury during the second half of play. The lower extremity recorded high prevalence of 48.7%o while tackling and being tackled were the common cause of injury. Majority of rugby players never used headgear, mouth guard and ankle protection at both training and matches. There were deficiencies in conducting cool down, stretching, flexibility and strength training. Lack of time, lack of proper equipments, advice, fatigue, financial constraints, poor facilities and lack of qualified personnel were given as the main reasons for coaches and players not implementing the injury prevention strategies. Moreover safety practices were followed more during competitions than at training. Conclusion: the lower limb injuries are of great concern and training specifically targeted on injury prevention should be encouraged among coaches as it can reduce the injury incidences. Moreover a sports safety committee should be elected among rugby clubs to develop and ensure that sports safety practices and policies are implemented regularly at both training and matches. Finally the coaches and medical personnel should educate players on the importance of injury preventative measures and always encourage them to participate in warmup, cool-down, stretching and, strength and conditioning.
Designing a community reintegration programme for individuals with a traumatic spinal cord injury in the Cape Metropolitan area
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Nizeyimana, Eugene; Phillips, Julie
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition often affecting young and healthy individuals around the world. This debilitating condition not only creates enormous physical and emotional suffering to individuals but also is a significant financial burden to families and society at large and it affects quality of life. Successful community reintegration following spinal cord injury is considered an important goal of rehabilitation as this has been positively associated with self-esteem, life satisfaction and quality of life. The overall aim of the study was to design a community reintegration programme for individuals who sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the Cape Metropolitan Area. The design of this study was a mixed method design including four phases. The first phase of the study was to determine the base line information regarding reintegration into communities after sustaining a TSCI and included 108 participants. Data was collected by use of self-administered/interview administered questionnaire. The results of this phase demonstrated that community reintegration of individuals who sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury was relatively low and employment was found to be a statistically significant variable influencing community reintegration following the injury. The second phase of the study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how employment and other factors influence reintegration into communities after the injury.
Drinking, binge drinking, and substance use among health professional students
(LAM Publications Limited, 2008) Phillips, Julie; Steyl, Tania
Alcohol abuse is a major concern on college and university campuses. Heavy episodic drinking or binge drinking has also become a major health hazard. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between binge drinking and substance use among 2nd year health profession students at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. Two hundred-and-one (201) health profession students were selected to participate in a cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire adopted from the National College Health Risk Behaviour Survey and the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment was used to collect the data. Overall, 34.3% of the study sample reported binge drinking, i.e. having had five or more alcoholic drinks at a sitting. The prevalence of binge drinking varied significantly by gender and race. A strong relationship between binge drinking and other substance use was found(p<0.05). Binge drinking has become a key health hazard and the current study provides evidence that the prevalence of binge drinking among university students remain a public health concern.
Employees' modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease: the case of an African university
(AFAHPER-SD, 2015) Phillips, Julie; Banyangiriki, J.
The importance of determining the prevalence of modifiable health risk behaviours among specific populations for effective preventive and therapeutic measures has been emphasized in literature. Worksites have been identified as strategic locations for the delivery of interventions to decrease the prevalence of chronic diseases of lifestyle among adult populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of modifiable risks factors for cardiovascular diseases of employees at an urban university in Kigali, Rwanda. Physical activity levels were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Body mass index was computed from weight and height measurements. Blood pressure readings were taken and hypertension for the study was defined as >140/90 for systolic and diastolic respectively. A total of 36 participants were classified as being hypertensive. Both systolic blood pressure (r=0.627; p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.598; p<0.05) significantly correlates with age. A total of 41% of the participants were classified as either overweight or obese and 28% as physically inactive. Factors found to be significantly associated with hypertension was current smoking, current alcohol use, self-reported diabetes mellitus, physical inactivity and overweight and obesity. This study confirms the high prevalence of modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among adults employed at an urban university in Kigaili, Rwanda. These findings further highlight the need for health promoting initiatives at the work place and specifically the benefits of such initiatives at institutions of higher education.
Epidemiology of and challenges experienced by individuals surviving a traumatic spinal cord injury with community reintegration in Tanzania
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Swai, Joseph; Phillips, Julie; Joseph, Conran
A traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) often occurs unexpectedly and causes considerable disability. This condition requires specialized care that is delivered in a time sensitive manner. Data on the incidence, causes, mortality and injury characteristics of TSCI are important for gauging demand for health care and social support services. Unfortunately data on the incidence and causes, as well as functioning such as participation and integration into society, of TSCI are sparse in developing countries such as Tanzania. The overall aim of this study is to determine the incidence, causes, mortality and injury characteristics of TSCI, and to explore the challenges experienced with community reintegration after injury in Tanzania. Both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were used. The quantitative phase of the study was conducted at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), a referral and teaching hospital in northern Tanzania. The study population was all patients admitted to KCMC with a TSCI from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015 (five year period). Quantitative data were collected retrospectively using a data extraction sheet designed by the International Spinal Cord Society which consisted of the following sections: participants’ characteristics (for example age, gender, duration of hospital stay, causes of injury and vertebral injuries) and injury characteristics (location of injury and completeness of injury). Differences between groups (stratified by year) was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The population for the qualitative phase was based on those included in the quantitative phase. Purposive sampling was used to select adults (over the age of 18 years) with TSCI who were managed at KCMC. Qualitative data were collected by means of individual, semi-structured interviews, and lasted until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was used to derive themes (categories) explaining the latent perceptions of community reintegration and its influences.
The epidemiology of soccer injuries sustained in a season of a professional soccer team in South Africa
(2007) Naidoo, Marc Anton; Phillips, Julie
Literature has described soccer as the most popular sporting code in the world. South Africa heralds a registry of 1.8 million players. The purpose of the study was to conduct a detailed analysis of soccer injuries sustained in South African professional soccer team over one competitive season. The study utilized a questionnaire to collect quantitative data assessing age of players injures, playing position, site of injury, mechanism of injury, injury management, physiotherapy access and prevention measures which was administered by a physiotherapist at competitive matches. The study defined injury as any injury sustained during competitive matches where a player received medical attention. The study sample consisted of 26 male soccer players ranging from 17-39 years with a mean age of 23.77 years (SD=5.233). Injury prevalence was reported as 58% with a significance (p<0.05) in the ages of players injured compared to the non-injured. The majority of injuries were sustained by the 20-24 year old players coupled with midfielders being the most predominant position encountering injury (40%). The lower limbs were the most affected (67.1%) with the knee being reported as the most affected joint (21.4%). Defenders and midfielders were significantly more likely to sustain a lower limb injury compared to goalkeepers and forwards who were seen to incur more trunk injuries. The majority of injuries were the result of being tackled (27.2%). A significance was reported with mechanism of injury and playing position (Fisher’s Exact=41.118, p<0.05). Injurymanagement was predominantly self treatment followed by physiotherapy treatment (30%). The main contributor to the decrease in physiotherapy treatment received by players the absence of the service at the club (65.7%) and financial reasons (54.3%). The results of the study confirm that many SouthAfrican professional soccer players are prey to sustaining injury during one competitive soccer season. The study highlighted the need to start prevention efforts at club level in order to curtail the high injury prevalence at professional levels.
Experiences of stakeholders of a handball club on club development in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Saunders, Noluthando Ruth; Phillips, Julie
Sport participation, especially team sports such as Handball, can be extremely beneficial. Continuous sport growth relies on club development, and club development strengthens the club's social responsibility. Sports codes are reducing their club development programmes, and Handball is one of the sports that are hardest hit due to limited government funding and development programmes. The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of stakeholders of a Handball club in the Western Cape. An in-depth qualitative case study of a selected Handball club was conducted, with participants. These included club officials (chairperson, secretary, and treasurer), provincial federation official, and government official responsible for club development.
Exploration of needs, problems and living experiences of older persons in Uganda: implications for policy and decision making
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Nankwanga, Annet; Phillips, Julie
The purpose of the study was to explore the needs, problems and living experiences of the older persons in Uganda and their implications for decision making and policy. The study was an exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study that involved triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It was guided by five objectives, which included: exploring the living experiences of Uganda' s older persons living in both rural and urban settings; identifying the barriers to these people's effective participation in society; establishing the mechanisms that they use to cope with the barriers; evaluating the extent to which their needs are addressed by policy; and proposing policy strategies needed to address their plight. The study sample consisted of two purposively selected sub samples of 165 older persons for qualitative data and 50 key informants for quantitative data. The key informants were selected from Ministries of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Urban, Housing and Physical Planning; Agriculture; Health; Education and Sports, Public service, and nongovernmental organizations dealing with the older persons in Uganda. Data were collected using in depth interviews with older persons, self administered questionnaire to key informants and documentary review. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis including documentary review, while the quantitative data was analysed using the frequency option of the descriptive method of SPSS, and graphical method of the Excel programme. Results show that the living experiences of most of Uganda's older persons are characterised by pathetic economic, health, social, housing and accommodation, water supply, and sanitation conditions. The barriers to the effective participation of these people in society take the form of age-related prejudices, problems, and limitations faced at personal, household and community levels. They basically include constraints to the physical fitness, healthcare, economic status, food security and nutrition, and realization of accommodation and housing conditions desired by these people to live a life by which they can effectively participate in society. Other barriers include: large numbers of grandchildren most of whom are orphans left behind by the older person's children claimed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and community members ignoring them as helpless people who have outlived their usefulness. Accordingly, the coping mechanisms used by these people were established as the psychological, physical, healthcare, and economic ways by which they deal with each of the aforementioned barriers. A review of development policies such as PEAP, PMA, NAADS, HIV/AIDS policies among others revealed that a number of policies and programs in Uganda exclude the older persons from active participation. Findings show further that though the extent to which the Constitution of Uganda government recognizes the plight of the older persons is appreciable, it is largely insufficiently translated into policy action by which the plight can be effectively addressed. A number of strategies were therefore proposed to help address this insufficiency, thereby solving the needs and attending to the barriers facing these people in an effective policy manner. The strategies focused on improving older persons' physical fitness, access to healthcare, economic capacity, food security and nutrition, and housing and accommodation. Other strategies focused on dealing with the impacts of HIV/AIDS and community prejudices held against older persons. The study was concluded by observing that although the quality of the living experiences of Uganda's older persons can be improved by dealing with the barriers faced by these people, the mechanisms that they use to do so are not adequate. It was also noted that there was need to translate the constitutionally recognised plight of the older persons into effective policy action. Consequently, it was recommended that the proposed policy strategies should be adopted and translated into the needed policy action. Further research was also recommended into the legal implications and funding implications of the proposed policy strategies.
Exploring and curbing the effects of HIV/AIDS on elderly people in Uganda
(Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009) Nankwanga, Annet; Phillips, Julie; Neema, Stella
Introduction: This paper presents HIV/AIDS experiences of elderly persons in Uganda as revealed by an ongoing descriptive cross-sectional study covering eight districts, namely: Pallisa, Kampala, Jinja, Lira, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Luwero and Mbarara. These districts represent both the rural and urban areas of the four regions of Uganda, including: Western, Northern, Eastern and Central region. Methods: The study employed a mixed method approach using a sequential exploratory strategy. Data was collected using not only focus group discussions and in-depth interviews held with 165 elderly persons but also a validated interview schedule administered to 50 key informants. Elderly persons participated in the study by providing data on their HIV/AIDS-related experiences. Key respondents were selected to provide data on strategies that could be adopted to curb the effects of the epidemic. This paper is based on one of the study's objectives, which focussed on exploring the effects of HIV/AIDS on Uganda's elderly people; coping mechanisms used to deal with HIV/AIDS; and strategies for curbing its effects. Data was analysed using content analysis and the descriptive method of SPSS. Results: Results show that HIV/AIDS affected most of the elderly people in Uganda by killing their children and spouses, and leaving them with a big burden of taking care of AIDS orphans; yet majority of these people were financially too incapacitated to shoulder it amply. HIV/AIDS also infected the elderly people. The epidemic introduced the need for ARVs and other health services that elderly people found too difficult to access due to poor health service delivery systems in Uganda. Most elderly people used food cultivation as a mechanism for coping with the burden of orphans. These results lead to recommending that government should economically empower elderly people through formulation and effective implementation of welfare policies regarding pension and special fund for these people. Conclusion: There is a need for the government to provide adequate and free HIV/AIDS-related health services and also increase educational support for HIV/AIDS orphans.

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