UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Steyl, Tania"

Browsing by Author "Steyl, Tania"

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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.
An analysis of health promoting and risky behaviours of health science students of the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Steyl, Tania; Phillips, J.S.; Dept. of Physiotherapy; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Assessing and understanding the health needs and abilities of university and college students is vital in creating healthy campus communities. Student learning is a central part of the higher education academic mission, and health promotion serves this mission by supporting students and creating healthy learning environments. Findings from various studies suggest that students entering the university setting put themselves at risk through unhealthy behaviours. Health science students are the future health professionals who will teach health promotion and disease prevention. The aim of this study was to determine and analyse health risk behaviours and health promoting behaviours among health science students at the University of the Western Cape. The study further aimed to identify the factors influencing these students' engagement in these risk behaviours.
Designing and determining the effectiveness of a health promotion programme for clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from an urban South African community
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Steyl, Tania; Phillips, J.S.
Diabetes mellitus, an international pandemic, is one of the greatest threats to global public health. It is estimated that 70% of patients with diabetes are living in developing countries. Since the inception of the Primary Health Care approach in South Africa in 2004, the number of patients with diabetes has doubled to an estimated 1.5 million South Africans. The overall aim of the study was to develop, implement and determine the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention for adult clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from a South African urban community. The overarching design of the study was that of mixed methods, specifically the parallel mixed design. The first phase of the study was to determine the current practices regarding the management of diabetes mellitus and the study sample comprised of three hundred and thirty five adult clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and eighteen health care professionals of randomly-selected community health centres (CHCs) in the four sub-structures of the Cape Metropolitan District. Data was collected from the adult clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with structured, self-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions while semi-structured interviews were done with the health care professionals. The second phase of the study aimed to design a health promotion programme and both a review of the literature and a Delphi study were done to develop the proposed programme.
Diabetes self-management: A post-intervention evaluation of challenges experienced in a low socio-economic community
(AFAHPER-SD, 2017) Steyl, Tania
The global diabetes epidemic continues to grow and countries are struggling to keep pace with the health care demands that the disease creates. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in South Africa has increased drastically over the last two decades and ranks third in terms of mortality and morbidity for the general population; with an estimated 2.28 million people in South Africa living with diabetes in 2014. The effectiveness of diabetes management ultimately depends on people’s compliance with recommendations and treatment. Clients with diabetes may experience several challenges in their daily self-management practices. This study explored the challenges individuals with diabetes mellitus from a low socio-economic community experienced with selfmanagement after they participated in an intervention. Focus group discussions were conducted with 15 individuals with diabetes mellitus from one randomly selected community health care centre in the Cape Metropolitan Region, Western Cape. The discussions yielded six main themes: challenges with a healthy eating plan; challenges with physical activity; financial constraints; other people’s understanding of the disease; service received at the Community Health Centre and lack of appropriate expertise/information. Diabetics in a low socio-economic urban community experience several personal and health care system-related challenges that could negatively impact on the self-management practices of the disease. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team should provide person-centred care and implement community-based health promotion programmes to enhance self-management skills of diabetic patients.
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.
Health promotion for hypertension: Knowledge, attitude, practise and perceptions of physiotherapists from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Kalegele, Mwengengwa; Steyl, Tania
Background: Hypertension is a risk factor for both cerebrovascular accidents and cardiovascular diseases, holistic and cost effective measure are called upon to reduce its impact on society. One of the methods advocated for achieving this is health promotion. Therefore, health professionals, including physiotherapists, are called upon to redirect their health care management approaches towards preventative care. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice as well as to explore the perceptions of physiotherapists regarding their role in the management of hypertension in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Health promotion for non-communicable diseases: Perceptions of physiotherapy and general practitioners in the southern province of Zambia
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Kapapa, Musambo Mutinta; Steyl, Tania
The increasing spread of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially in the lowand middle-income countries calls for a more holistic and cost-effective measure to reduce its impact on society. One of the methods advocated for achieving this is health promotion. The Zambian government has called for a shift from curative to preventive management of diseases, including NCDs. Therefore, health professionals are being called upon to redirect their health care management approaches towards preventative care, incorporating health promotion. The study aimed at examining the knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceptions of physiotherapy practitioners and general medical practitioners in Zambia regarding their role in health promotion for NCDs in the hospitals of the Southern Province, Zambia. A sequential explanatory mixed method approach was employed. The quantitative results revealed 98% knowledge of general medical practitioners compared to the 90.6% of the physiotherapists. For attitude, physiotherapists possessed a more positive attitude with 86% while general medical practitioners possessed 80%. Lastly, the study revealed that physiotherapists practise health promotion more than the general medical practitioners, with a 96.2% and 67.7% respectively. The logistic regression showed no significance between the knowledge and attitude scores of the two groups of health practitioners. However, the practice scores revealed that physiotherapists are four times more like to incorporate health promotion compared to the general medical doctors. Both types of health practitioners were of the view that health promotion is the way forward towards the fight against NCDs. However, a number of challenges were echoed that prevent the implementation of a holistic approach management in their practice. Most of the challenges prevalent in these hospitals are policy-based, hence the need for policy makers to intervene for the fight against NCDs.
High school girls' perceptions of environmental and social support for physical activity
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Liliane, Kirenga Bamurange; Phillips, Julie; Steyl, Tania
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity or sedentary life is one of the leading causes of the major non-communicable diseases, which contributes to the global burden of diseases, death and disability. Regular physical activity has significant benefits for health, and everyone should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Girls are reported to be less active than boys. The amount of physical activity declines with the increasing age and this decline is greater in girls than boys. The aim of study was to determine Rwandese high school girls' perceptions regarding environmental and social support for physical activity. A descriptive study using a cross sectional survey was used. Six high schools in Kigali, Rwanda, registered for the academic year 2008-2009, were selected. Three hundred and fifty (350) high school female leamers were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The participants were selected by class or grade. A self-administered questionnaire, including questions from the Physical Education Program Improvement and Self-study as well as the Modifiable Adolescent Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Chi square and student t-tests were used to determine the association between perceived support and socio demographic characteristics. Alpha level was set at 0.05. The mean age was 16.06 years (SD=1.4). The majority of leamers in both categories reported not to meet the average of days required for moderate days of physical activity (66%) as well as for vigorous days of physical activity (709%). Almost one third (34%) of the participants were classified as physically inactive while 66%o were as physically active when WHO's guidelines for classification of physical activity was used. The overall study sample responded positively when asked about support for physical activity in the school environment. Furthermore, the overall study sample responded positively to friends' support but negatively when asked about the family support. Significant differences were observed between support from family, social support and moderate physical activity. The findings of the present study highlight the need for the planning and implementation of a physical activity intervention program for high school girls in Rwanda.
The impact of low back pain on adult women attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Kipruto, Chumba Nahor; Steyl, Tania
Low back pain is one of the most frequent health problems and also one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders. It’s the leading reason for activity limitation and job absenteeism which leads to huge economic burden on persons, society, industry and governments. Women are more susceptible to low back pain due to hormonal effects, differences in reporting of somatic symptoms and greater sensitization of pain. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of low back pain on activities of daily living and quality of life of adult women attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya. The following objectives were addressed, namely to determine pain intensity, functional disability and quality of life of adult women as well as to explore the activities of daily living that may contribute to low back pain. A sequential explanatory mixed method approach, comprising of a cross-sectional descriptive and explorative design for the quantitative and qualitative phases respectively, was employed in the study. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of four sections (socio-demographic information, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Oswestry Disability Index Questionnaire and World Health Organization Quality of Life Tool) was completed by two hundred and thirty-four adult women with a mean age of 38.54 years (SD=9.40). Twenty-six women participated in the focus group discussions. Results of the study indicate that 94.6% of the women had experienced low back pain in the past year while 90.1% had low back pain in the past seven days. In addition, more than half of the women (52.3%) experienced moderate pain intensity. Almost three quarters (68.1%) of the participants who experienced pain in the past year reported that low back pain prevented them from carrying out their activities of daily living. Half of the participants (50.2%) had moderate disability. A significant positive correlation was found between pain and disability (r = 0.426; p = 0.000) while a non-significant negative correlation was found between low back pain and quality of life (r = -0.058; p = 0.390). The qualitative results showed that women have difficulty in performing certain activities of daily living i.e. personal hygiene, sitting, standing and housework due to low back pain. A significant correlation was found between pain intensity, disability and quality of life. Such correlations advocate towards the bio-psychosocial model in management of low back pain. There is a need to invest in primary-based health care to include low back pain and its related risk factors, in order to advise the affected population on appropriate and essential prevention strategies. Future interventions should focus on enhancing physical health and psychosocial stress in women with low back pain.
Knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease risks of female university students
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Steyl, Tania
INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), traditionally thought of as a "man's disease", is the leading cause of death and disability amongst women world-wide. Research demonstrates a lack of knowledge and perceived susceptibility amongst women, especially in the younger age group. AIM: To evaluate knowledge and perception of CVD risks of female university students. METHODS: Four hundred and thirty eight students completed a structured, self-administered questionnaire including items regarding knowledge, risk perception and risky behaviour regarding CVD. RESULTS: Overall, 56.8 % of the participants were knowledgeable (;~70% correct answers) of CVD risks, with a mere 6.6% indicating heart disease as the greatest health risk for women. The White population (40.2%) was identified as the race most susceptible to CVD. A significant relationship between risk perception and being informed of the risk of developing CVD (p=.OOO) and having a family history of CVD (p=.OOO) was found. CONCLUSION: It is vital to our nation's health that young female individuals are educated regarding the identification and modification of risk factors for CVD. As CVD risk factors may be managed through lifestyle modification, genderand ethnic-specific lifestyle modification programmes should be directed at altering personal behaviours.
The management of Bell’s palsy at selected community health centres in the Cape Metropolitan District of the Western Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Ellsahli, Lutfia Ali; Steyl, Tania
Bell’s palsy (BP), a fairly common disorder predominantly prevalent in the adult age group, affects nerves and muscles in the face causing paralysis or dropping of one side of the face. Clients with Bell’s palsy face many challenges, including psychological, physical and emotional. A long recovery period and/or delayed complete healing could lead to a negative effect on many aspects of an individual's life. How society perceives the person could negatively influence the client’s self-confidence. The management of Bell’s palsy depends on the individual case and may include medication, physiotherapy and as a last option, surgery. The aim of the study was to investigate the management of Bell’s palsy at primary health care level in the Cape Metropolitan District of the Western Cape. The study specific objectives was to investigate the management or treatment protocol of clients with Bell’s palsy, to determine the tendency for referral for physiotherapy, to determine whether an association exists between the type of management or treatment received and the recovery of clients with Bell’s palsy and to explore the impact Bell's Palsy has on the clients. The over-arching design of the study was the sequential explanatory mixed methods design where qualitative data was used to assist in explaining and interpreting the findings of a primarily quantitative study. Stratified random sampling was done proportionately to ensure equal representation. A self-administered questionnaire, comprising of four sections, was used to collect quantitative data that was analysed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics was employed to summarise the data on the socio-demographic information of the clients. Inferential statistics was used to determine the distributions of cases in the various groups. Significant differences tested for using the Chisquare test and effect size through Cramer’s V tests. A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on the results of the analysis of the quantitative data. Focus group discussions were employed to a sub-sample of the clients with Bell’s palsy. Permission an ethical clearance will be obtained from Senate Higher Degrees Committee at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), the Western Cape Department of Health and the facility managers of the participating CHCs.
Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Adherence challenges in environments of low socio-economic status
(AOSIS Publishing, 2014) Steyl, Tania; Phillips, Julie
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of treatment for clients with diabetes is highly dependent on the individual’s ability to manage the disease. Several constraints, such as poverty, illiteracy and insufficient resources (finances and specialised healthcare professionals), especially communities of low socio-economic status, could influence clients’ ability to manage their disease. AIM: The main aim of this study was to outline the obstacles encountered by individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus from an urban community with regard to management of their disease. Setting: The study was conducted at a primary health care facility in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from all relevant authorities. Eight (8) conveniently selected clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus per participating community healthcare centre (six approved centres in total) were invited to take part in focus group discussions. Twenty six clients, 15 females and 11 males, with a mean age of 58.92 years (SD = 7.33), agreed to participate. Audiotaped data were transcribed verbatim followed by content analysis and identification of themes. RESULTS: Themes that emerged were challenges with: a healthy eating plan, physical activity, financial constraints, other people’s understanding of the disease, and service received at the community healthcare centre. Verbatim quotes were used to exemplify the themes. CONCLUSION: Clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus experienced several challenges in the management of their disease. These challenges should be addressed to assist with better glycaemic control and to curb the emergence of diabetic complications and their attendant cost implications.
Mentoring and coaching in promoting publications in the Department of Physiotherapy at a local university in South Africa
(AOSIS, 2010) Frantz, Jose M.; Rhoda, Anthea; Rowe, Michael; Phillips, Julie; Karachi, Farhana; Mlenzana, Nondwe; Pharaoh, Hamilton; Steyl, Tania; Struthers, Patricia
A growing shift towards research and evidence based practice in academia is associated with requirements to disseminate research results in the form of publication in peer reviewed journals. Mentoring has been identified as an important component of developing young authors, as it increases confidence and competence, and facilitates professional development. This led to the formation of a support group to stimulate peer-review publication in the physiotherapy department at the University of the Western Cape. The Kirkpatrick Framework of Evaluation was used to evaluate the success of the mentoring process which made use of a participatory action research methodology. The writing group consisted of nine academic members of staff and took place over ten weeks. The programme included writing, giving feedback, discussion and peer review on a weekly basis. Focus group discussions were taped and transcribed in order to evaluate the mentoring process by identifying relationships within the data and categorising key concepts, which were shaped into a thematic framework. The findings indicated that participants experienced a variety of emotions throughout the programme, with an overall feeling of personal growth by the end. In addition, participants also reported improved writing, reviewing and communication skills. Six months following the programme, six participants had submitted at least one article to a peer reviewed journal. It is clear from this study that some academics still find the task of writing and reviewing articles daunting, and that guidance and support in the form of a writing programme can be useful.
Perceived support for physical activity in the school environment
(AFAHPER-SD, 2015) Phillips, Julie; Kirenga, L.; Steyl, Tania; Kagwiza, J.
Physical activity for an individual is a strong means for prevention of diseases and for nations, a cost-effective method to improve public health across the population. A decline in physical activity of youth has however been noted in various world regions. Schools present unique opportunities to provide time, facilities and guidance for young people to participate in physical activity. The aim of this study is to determine the patterns of physical activity participation among high school girls and their perceived social support for physical activity in the school environment in Kigali, Rwanda. Three hundred and fifty (350) learners from six schools participated in the study. The mean age of the study sample was 16.06. The majority of learners did not meet the number of days required for moderate days of physical activity (66%) and for vigorous days of physical activity (70.9%). Overall the study sample responded negatively when asked about support for physical activity from Physical Education (PE) teachers, other teachers and boys at school. Teachers in general and PE teachers specifically thus need to be more aware of learners perceptions of their support for physical activity. It could be argued that if learners perceive teachers to be more supportive of physical activity, their participation in physical activity could increase. Continuous education including the benefits of and the required levels of physical activity is suggested for both PE and other teachers.
Perceptions and experiences of health professionals Regarding conservative management of osteoarthritis at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Obinwakeze, Chidimma Oluchukwu; Steyl, Tania
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the major cause of pain and disability in the elderly, as well as people younger than the age of 45. Research reported the importance of conservative management of OA in the early stages, as it has proved to be effective in slowing down the progression of the disease, as well as reducing the secondary effects of decreased functional ability and disability. Early referral could assist with effective pain management, decrease in disease progression and increase in functional ability and quality of life. Therefore, the overall aim of the study was to establish a profile of patients with OA, as well as to explore the perceptions and experiences of health professionals regarding the conservative management of OA at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed method approach, using a retrospective and exploratory study design for the quantitative and qualitative phases respectively. Data was collected from one hundred and thirty-five medical records of patients with OA, meeting the inclusion criteria of the study, and admitted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016. The patient sample was predominantly female (n=80; 93%), with a mean age of 51.85 years old (SD=13.73). Thirteen (13) health professionals, eight (8) physiotherapists and five (5) orthopedic surgeons participated in the interviews. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse quantitative data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to describe the results in terms of frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Alpha level was set at 5%. Audio-taped qualitative data was transcribed verbatim, and analysed using categories and themes. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC).
Perceptions and experiences of health professionals regarding conservative management of Osteoarthritis at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Oluchukwu, Obinwakeze Chidimma; Steyl, Tania
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the major cause of pain and disability in the elderly, as well as people younger than the age of 45. Research reported the importance of conservative management of OA in the early stages, as it has proved to be effective in slowing down the progression of the disease, as well as reducing the secondary effects of decreased functional ability and disability. Early referral could assist with effective pain management, decrease in disease progression and increase in functional ability and quality of life. Therefore, the overall aim of the study was to establish a profile of patients with OA, as well as to explore the perceptions and experiences of health professionals regarding the conservative management of OA at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. The study employed a sequential exploratory mixed method approach, using a retrospective and exploratory study design for the quantitative and qualitative phases respectively. Data was collected from one hundred and thirty-five medical records of patients with OA, meeting the inclusion criteria of the study, and admitted at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016. The patient sample was predominantly female (n=80; 93%), with a mean age of 51.85 years old (SD=13.73). Thirteen (13) health professionals, eight (8) physiotherapists and five (5) orthopedic surgeons participated in the interviews. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse quantitative data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to describe the results in terms of frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Alpha level was set at 5%. Audio-taped qualitative data was transcribed verbatim, and analysed using categories and themes.
Physical activity among urban community dwelling individuals with diabetes mellitus: an exploration of experiences
(AFAHPER-SD, 2014) Phillips, Julie; Steyl, Tania
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in South Africa has increased drastically over the last two decades and ranks third in terms of mortality and morbidity for the general population. Urbanisation plays an important role in the emergence and high prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is associated with more availability of food, eating of unhealthy fast foods and a less physically active lifestyle. Physical activity has gained much attention for its role in preventing premature disease and disability and has become widely recognised as a key health behaviour, associated with reduced morbidity and mortality of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. This study explored urban community dwellers with diabetes mellitus experiences and or challenges with regards to the inclusion of physical activity in their management of their disease. Focus group discussions were conducted with 26 individuals with diabetes mellitus from 6 randomly selected community health care centres in the Cape Metropolitan Region, Western Cape. The discussions yielded five (5) main themes: safety/fear; lack of time/conflicting responsibilities; co-morbidities; lack of motivation/enjoyment and involvement of others. It is clear that individuals with diabetes mellitus in urban communities experience several environmental and social facilitators and/or barriers to incorporating physical activity in their daily routines. Therefore when designing or promoting physical activity interventions for individuals with diabetes mellitus in urban communities it is important to create safe and supportive environments to enhance participation.
The relationship between pain attitudes and beliefs, absenteeism and health-related quality of life of workers with musculoskeletal disorders: A mixed-methods study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Petersen, Brent; Steyl, Tania
Absenteeism from work due to sick leave is a global phenomenon and has cost economies billions of dollars. In South Africa alone, the economy loses between 12-16 billion Rands annually because of productivity loss due to absenteeism. The national absenteeism rate on any given day can be as high as 15%, with 40% having no diagnosis. Pain is a common experience and results in impairments in meaningful life roles such as family, leisure and work. Workers are the essence of human capital, and reduced work participation due to painful conditions directly affects the economy. Pain is debilitating to any individual who does not understand it or how to control it.
Satisfaction with quality of healthcare at primary healthcare settings: Perspectives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
(OpenJournals Publishing AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2020) Steyl, Tania
Measuring client satisfaction is part of the quality assurance process and has become an integral part of healthcare management strategies globally. It is essential for improvement of amenities in healthcare facilities
Text neck syndrome in undergraduate health science students from a university in the Western Cape: A crosssectional study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Irudayaraj, Jeeva Immaculate; Steyl, Tania
Cell phones are indispensable tools for the student population. Excessive exposure to these devices could lead to postural deformities that cause pain and decrease students’ quality of life. Secondary musculoskeletal pain due to text neck, a repeated stress injury sustained from excessive texting on handheld devices for long periods of time, could negatively impact the academic performance of university students. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of text neck syndrome and its relationship with pain and functional impairment, the degree of cellphone addiction as well as to explore the perceptions regarding the prevention and management of text neck syndrome in undergraduate health science students from a university in the Western Cape.

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