Magister Philosophiae - MPhil (Statistics and Population Studies)

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Placing the dead: the spatial distribution and spread of HIV in a major South African city
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Rama, Parbavati; Shell, Robert C.H.; Dept. of Mathematics; Faculty of Science
The aim of this study was to establish a new understanding of the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS at the municipal level, but at the same time upholding the anonymity of the HIV infected and AIDS sufferers. Innovative research techniques such as the use of GIS (geographic information systems) as a research tool contributed to disclosing the patterns of the HIV pandemic in the Nelson Mandela Metropole that were not obvious or visible before. GIS involved geographic maps that detect the spatial relationship between HIV prevalence rates and vectors that drive the pandemic.
Investigating domestic violence against women in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Njezula, Aurelia Babalwa; Stiegler, Nancy; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
Domestic violence or intimate partner violence is increasingly being recognized as a problem that seems to be spiralling out of control. The causes of domestic violence have preoccupied scientists for several decades. The hypothesis that domestic violence might be biologically determined was significantly undermined by observations that its occurrence varies considerably between, as well as within, societies. The aim of this study was to add to the growing, but still rather fragmented, body of knowledge in South Africa on violence against women. This study seeks to analyze domestic violence from an angle whereby the data can be explored to find factors contributing to women experiencing domestic violence in South Africa. The objectives of this research are to measure the prevalence of physical, sexual and financial abuse and to identify a profile of women who have experienced domestic violence.
Some Distributive Patterns in the Housing Programme and Subsidies: A situational analysis with special reference to Khayelitsha and other informal settlement in the city of Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Njokweni, Xoliswa; Tati, Gabriel
The study provides a situational analysis of some distributive patterns in the housing programme and subsidies. The overall research question revolved around the extent to which the post-apartheid housing policy responds to issues of establishing integrated sustainable human settlement. The methodology of the study outlined different instruments, public records, and reports at the local level, survey of housing applicants in the concerned communities. Basic indicators were developed to perform the assessment of the policy, outcomes achieved so far, structures to identify institutional problem affecting the process of policy implementation, and in final analysis, to collect the view points of effective and potential beneficiaries of housing programmes subsidies. The case of Khayelitsha examined in the study is a strong illustration of the magnitude of problems associated with housing delivery in disadvantaged areas. These problems are multidimensional and reflect in the overall, poverty context in which people live. Some indications from the policy implementation suggest substantial progress and significant outcomes in regard to the provision of housing subsidies in the poor communities. Although the housing subsidies programme, is part of the growing effort deployed by the governments of South Africa in new dispensation have produced positive outcomes. The survey collected from the applicant and beneficiaries, however, indicated that there are different views in regard to the process of housing delivery. Some beneficiaries praised the government for the houses allocated to them and which gives them some kind of dignity. Whereas those on the waiting list expressed their discontentment regarding the process. Overall, the survey reveals that people benefited from the policy, despite the structural deficiencies (lack of communication sometimes), and political collisions affecting the policy implementation process. Appropriately in line with this study, suggestions were propose regarding ways of improving the housing policy delivery.
Participation of African immigrants in the labour force of South Africa: Insights from the 2001 population census
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Mohammed, Isam Yasin Adb Elgadir; Tati, Gabriel; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
The study examines the participation of African immigrants in the South African labour force with the central question revolving around whether the immigrants create jobs through the establishment of their own businesses or take jobs from the locals. Analytical frame work used in this study includes descriptive statistics, chi-square test for association and standardized residuals, two-way analysis of variance and logistic regression. Demographic, locational and socio-economic characteristics were studied using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to examine the differences on average in the African immigrants; participation in the labour force, while logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of some demographic characteristics on employment and work status.
Differentials in school attendance in South Africa: A household situational analysis across the Provinces
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Koledade, Odesoji Adebanji; Tati, G.
The thesis examines the patterns of school attendance across the nine Provinces of South Africa. With reference to individuals of eligible age, school attendance is conceived of three statuses: effective attendance (those who are presently attending an educational institution), definitive non-attendance (those with no intentions of going back to school), and temporary non-attendance (possibility of going back to the educational system within a specified time frame). The focus of the study is on the primary and secondary levels of schooling. A household based approach is pursued to profile the extent to which young people aged 20 years and below either who attend/do not attend schooling institutions in each of the nine Provinces. Differentials in school attendance are examined along the lines of some socio-demographic and spatial variables drawn from the 2004 general household survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. The core hypothesis is that school attendance is subjected to the influence of both individual attributes and household characteristics. The study also attempts to profile the causes of non-attendance (definitive and temporary) through a set of instrumental variables. To complement this subjective profiling, appropriate statistical methods are used to assess the significance of contributing factors to non-school attendance at the household level.
Determinants of contraceptive use among currently married women in Amhara and Oromiya Regions of Ethiopia
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Teferi, Zeleka; Appunni, Sathiya Susuman; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
The purpose of this research is to study the effect of different demographic and socio economic factors on the contraceptive use among currently married women of age 15-49 in the two regions of Ethiopia, Amhara (17,214,056) and Oromiya (27,158,471). Data are obtained from the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Information on contraceptive use was provided by current use 1334 (14.7), future use 4017 (52.0), unmet need for spacing 1817 (20.0) and limiting 1249 (13.3) currently married women aged 15-49 interviewed in the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS).
Female genital mutilation in Africa :what will encourage its discontinuation
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Marinus, Chanel; Stiegler, Nancy; Dept. of Political Studies; Faculty of Arts
Between one hundred and one hundred and forty million young girls around the world have reportedly been subjected to some form of genital excision during 2005. Approximately three million young girls are at risk every year of undergoing this harmful procedure (WHO, 2008). Female genital mutilation is reported to occur, and is expected to continue occurring in twenty-eight African countries (London Safeguarding Children Board, 2007). This paper aims to firstly observe the levels of excision in Africa, and then highlight the underlying factors that encourage certain women to continue this dangerous ritual by analysing national datasets, such as the child info database, obtained form the United Nations Children's Fund. By calculating and comparing common indicators, the prevailing ones that dominate FGM appreciation can be further analysed. The final objective will be to suggest strategies that can be put in place to encourage the discontinuation of female genital cutting universally.
Differentials in school attendance in South Africa: a household situational analysis across the provinces
(2009) Koledade, Odesoji Adebanji; Tati, Gabriel
The thesis examines the patterns of school attendance across the nine Provinces of South Africa. With reference to individuals of eligible age, school attendance is conceived of three statuses: effective attendance (those who are presently attending an educational institution), definitive non-attendance (those with no intentions of going back to school), and temporary non-attendance (possibility of going back to the educational system within a specified time frame). The focus of the study is on the primary and secondary levels of schooling. A household based approach is pursued to profile the extent to which young people aged 20 years and below either who attend/do not attend schooling institutions in each of the nine Provinces. Differentials in school attendance are examined along the lines of some socio-demographic and spatial variables drawn from the 2004 general household survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. The core hypothesis is that school attendance is subjected to the influence of both individual attributes and household characteristics. The study also attempts to profile the causes of non-attendance (definitive and temporary) through a set of instrumental variables. To complement this subjective profiling,appropriate statistical methods are used to assess the significance of contributing factors to non-school attendance at the household level.
Some demographic aspects of women's access to land for farming in South Africa: a comparison from 2004 to 2007
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Nyirasafari, Philomene; Tati, Gabriel; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
The issue of women's access to land is a developmental issue. From a fundamental research view point, this study aims to explore the circumstances in which women access land in South Africa. The study examines the inequalities that may arise in the context of land access, land acquisition; land use, activities taking place on land and closely related issues focusing specifically on women in general, and women headed households in particular. The study is based on demographic characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, occupational groups, education, province of residence and ethnic groups. Bringing together the demographic variables and land related variables, the study captures the structural changes between 2004 and 2007. Using 2004 and 2007 GHS secondary data requested from Statistics South Africa, cross tabulation and bivariate statistical analysis by means of SPSS software was performed. The results obtained indicate that the inequality against women's access to land still persists. Some women have access to land for agricultural purpose but few own it. The findings suggest that a number of factors including age, place of residence, marital status, ethnic group, literacy, educational level, of women are associated with the ability of women to access and acquire land. The sustainable livelihood framework is a theory that guided this study. Diversification is commonly used to prevent time of risks and shocks. In general, the study shows that the proportion of women who had access to land was 16% in 2004. This figure dropped to 14% in 2007.
The utilisation of HIV services on campus by the students of the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Edmund, Ampeire; Susuman, Sathiya A.; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Arts
This qualitative study was conducted from June to November 2009, using designed questionnaires for sixty three (63) registered students and five (5) HIV program staff .The main reason for this study was to understand the underlying factors for why students may utilize or may not utilize the available HIV services on campus. The willingness of students to express their views was a positive finding in this study. Majority students who answered the questionnaires were quite aware of these HIV services. They also agreed that services provided are good. The study also found out that females utilized these services more than males and majority of students learnt of the HIV services from the HIV programs pamphlets and website thus indicating that the HIV program at UWC is function. However the research study also found out that the though students are aware of these services few utilize them and majority are females thus leaves a question why males do not utilize.
Some structural changes in educational enrolment and attainment levels within the female population of South Africa (2004-2007)
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Ramaipato, Nkutloeleng Mary Corda; Tati, Gabriel; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate patterns in educational enrollment and attainment in educational levels among women in South Africa. Some evidence from the literature suggest a slow increase in women's education and employment opportunities in South Africa. However, little is known about the way in which this slow pattern reflects at all levels and fields of education with special reference to the female population in South Africa. The thesis aims at examining changes of attainment in women's education from a sociodemographic perspective between 2004 and 2007. Factors affecting women's education in South Africa are also considered as they play major roles in women's enrollment and completion at school. The study focuses on women through different social and demographic attributes, by taking account of variables such as age, education attainment, geographic areas, population group to name but a few. All educational institutions are covered and two female groups are considered, women at school and women who left school. The study makes use of already existing data from General Household Survey conducted in 2004 and 2007 respectively, to bring some comparative perspective. The scope of the study is national in that, all the nine provinces are covered making distinction of rural and urban areas.
Health seeking behaviours in South Africa: a household perspective using the general households survey of 2007
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Jim, Abongile; Tati, Gabriel; Dept. of Statistics; Faculty of Science
This study is aimed at empirically examining health seeking behaviours in terms of illness response on household level at South Africa using 2007 General Household Survey and other relevant secondary sources. It provides an assessment of health seeking behaviours at the household level using individuals as unit of analysis by exploring the type of health care provider sought, the reason for delay in health seeking and the cause for not consulting. This study also assesses the extent of dissatisfaction among households using medical centres and this factor in health care utilisation is considered as the main reason for not consulting health care services. All the demographic and health seeking variables utilised in this study are controlled for medical aid cover because it is a critical variable in health care seeking. Therefore this study makes distinction on illness reporting and they type of health care consulted by medical aid holders and non medical aid holders. Statistical analyses are conducted to explore and predict the way in which demographic variables and socio economic variables affect health care seeking behaviours.
Household access to water and willingness to pay in South Africa: evidence from the 2007 General Household Survey
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Ngum, Kimbung Julious; Tati, Gabriel; Dept. of Statistics
This study assesses the present level of household water access and the willingness to pay in South Africa. Although the general literature informs that progress has been made in positing South Africa above the levels found in most African countries, there are some marked inequalities among the population groups and across the provinces, with some performing well and others poorly in this regard. The study looks at the extent to which households differ in terms of water access and willingness to pay according to the province of residence. The study focuses on household heads; male and female, through different social and demographic attributes, by taking account of variables such as age, education attainment, geographic areas, and population group to name but a few. The data used in this study comes from the 2007 General Household Survey (GHS) conducted by Statistics South Africa. The scope is national and employs cross tabulation and logistic regression to establish relationships and the likelihood of living in a household with access to safe drinking water in South Africa. Results presented in this study suggest that the difference is determined by socio- demographic characteristics of each household such as age, gender, population group, level of education, employment status income, dwelling unit, dwelling ownership, living quarters, household size and income. It throws more light as to what needs to be taken into account when considering demand and supply of and priorities for water intervention from the household perspective.
The correlation between the serious diseases affecting child mortality in Sierra Leone
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Davids, Saarah Fatoma Gadija; Susuman, Sathiya A.
Child mortality in Sierra Leone is the highest ranked in the world. Government officials and researchers have tried to understand how and why this has become such a big phenomenon in Sierra Leone. Researchers have come up with three main causes for child mortality in Sierra Leone: maternal factors, environmental factors and health factors. The majority of research has been carried out on maternal, as well as environmental factors. However, minimal research has been carried out on health factors in Sierra Leone. Therefore, the objective of this study is to see how maternal and environmental factors have an effect on health factors, which in turn causes child mortality. The data used was from the 2008 Sierra Leone Demographic and Household Survey (SLDHS). The child dataset was used as it contained the information required from both the mother and the child. Of the three categories that were used, the first was maternal factors, which included the mother’s age, the mother's occupation, the mother's education, the sex of the child, the birth number and religion. The second category was environmental factors, which included the source of water, type of toilet, place of residence, source of energy and the dwelling material used for the household. The final category was health factors, which included whether the child had a fever in the last 2 weeks, short rapid breaths, a cough or fever, a problem in the chest or runny nose and whether the child had Diarrhoea recently and still has Diarrhoea. The study showed that child mortality had four statistically significant factors associated with it: place of residence, birth number, religion and type of toilet facility. Furthermore, when it came to diseases affecting children, the SLDHS had not given much information, so we looked only at the effects it had on children. From our results, we concluded that ARI, Diarrhoea and Measles each had one variable that was statistically significant to it. As for Pneumonia, there were no variables associated with children contracting the disease.
Assessing the quality of demographic data on age and sex collected from census 2001, General Household surveys (2004-2007), Labour Force surveys (2005-2007) and Community survey 2007 in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Kamleu, Germaine; Tati, Gabriel
In many countries, an enumeration of all household members remains the most important source of population statistics. According to Statistics South Africa, two population censuses and quite a few household surveys have taken place across the country. The quality of data recorded varies according to the operation. Despite great improvement in data collection and analysis capacities,some of the demographic data provided have not been assessed in terms of quality. The aim of this study was to ascertain the accuracy of demographic data on age and sex collected and the coverage during the population census 2001, General Household Surveys (2004 and 2007), Labour Force Surveys (2005 and 2007) and Community survey 2007 in South Africa. Two methods were applied to assess the quality of data. First, the direct method consists of checking the content and coverage (errors during enumeration, errors of exploitation, concordance in questionnaire). Second, the indirect method lies in the calculation of some indexes, age ratios,sex ratios, graphing of population pyramids and sex ratios curves. The indexes are Whipple’s index, Myer’s index and the Combined index of United Nations. Therefore, the main variables of interest are age, sex, place of residence and ethnic groups. Differentials in the quality according to declaration on age by gender, by ethnic group, by place of residence have been explored. This study has identified some variations in different indexes between 2001 and 2007 and has also evaluated the ethnic, gender and regional differentials. Comparison between indexes of each instrument has been done to measure some variations over years. Also, time-space comparisons were conducted across indexes of different instruments. The quality of data on age was better at national level compared to provincial level. Therefore, based on the measurements and patterns observed in the census and surveys data, the study has made some recommendations on the need for an integrated approach to reduce the gap and improve the quality of declarations on age and sex.
Socio-demographic analysis of domestic violence against women: evidences from DHS
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Ngondiop, Judith D’or Donang; Stiegler, Nancy
The right for every woman to live free of violence is one of the basic human rights. Nevertheless, this right is still subject to violation on a massive and systematic scale around the world. At least one of three women around the world has reported been physical, sexual and emotional abuse by an intimate partner in her lifetime. Although, gender inequalities and discrimination are considered as the underlying factors of domestic violence, little is known about the contributions of the presence of sons and daughters at home, age, gender, education, marital status, working status, place of residence. Despite the fact that recommendations have been made both at the international and national levels to reduce intimate female abuse, the issue is still rampant in developing countries. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the impact of women’s socio-economic and demographic characteristics on domestic violence across seven countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Haiti, Liberia, Moldova, Nepal and Philippines). Frequencies and bivariate analyses were performed using the latest Demographic Health Surveys from 2005 to 2011. The findings established that on average 33.37 percent of women across the seven countries are abused. Domestic violence is a high concern in Cameroon. The educational level still remains a predicting factor of domestic violence across the countries under investigation except in Liberia. The number of living children was also identified as a predicting factor across the studied countries. Finally, a woman having a son or a daughter at home is more likely to expose the woman to intimate violence in Cameroon, Haiti, Moldova, Nepal and Philippines. All the countries are entrenched in a culture of male domination whereby women lack the freedom to decide on marital issues. As a recommendation, the government of each of the studied countries should be more proactive in reinforcing judicial system, policies and education that will help to curb the scourge of domestic violence. Furthermore, improving the level of literacy for women and educating men as the perpetrators of domestic violence will go a long way in abating this social ill.
Utilization of health care services and maternal education in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Tsawe, Mluleki; Susuman, Sathiya A.
The importance of maternal health care services cannot be stressed enough. Maternal health services are important in reducing pregnancy-related complications as well as maternal and infant deaths. This study was concerned with investigating the relationship between maternal education and maternal health care utilization. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the rates of maternal health care use, the reasons for non-use of maternal health services, as well as the determinants of maternal health care use. Primary data was used from selected areas (Tsolo, Qumbu and Mqanduli), which fall within the O.R. Tambo district in the Eastern Cape Province. Simple random sampling was used (with a structured questionnaire) to study maternal health care use among the sampled women. To analyse this data, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate techniques were employed. The results indicated that maternal education was not statistically significant with antenatal and postnatal services, but the percentages were important in explaining the use of maternal health care services in relation to maternal education. Women with higher levels of education reported higher rates of antenatal and delivery care utilization, while those with lower levels of education reported higher rates of postnatal care use. Access factors, such as transport, payment and distance to health facilities, also played an important role in the use of maternal health care services. It was recommended that the Department of Health implement mobile clinics and centralize health care facilities as this will bring essential health services closer to the communities. Women in the study area also need to be educated about the importance of these services, more particularly pertaining to postnatal care.
Female-male differentials in earning in South Africa: a comparative socio-demographic approach using data from Labour Force of 2007 and 2011
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Ntlapo, Noluthando; Tati, Gabriel
The study examines female-male differentials in earnings and factors associated with them within the labour market of South Africa. Dating back from the end of apartheid in 1994, a few labour policies have been implemented to reduce poverty especially in the area of gender equity and wage discrimination. However, little evidence has been produced to inform on the magnitude of changes in reducing differences and progress achieved so far. Therefore the study attempts to assess and explain the structural changes in female-male differentials in earnings within the labour market. Sparsely conducted studies during the early years of post-apartheid South Africa showed strong racial divide in terms of wage gaps. This proposed study extends this analysis to socio-demographic attributes and also considers a more encompassing notion of earnings. Thus controlling for individual attributes, the overarching issue in this study stems from the following questions: do male workers earn more than their female counterparts within the Labour market? And if it is the case, what are some of the underlying social and demographic variables contributing to this difference? To assess the structural changes in earnings, data utilized for this study are derived from the Labour Force Survey of 2007 and 2011 carried out respectively under Statistics South Africa. Other public records are used to supplement these two sources. In the first step bivariate analysis are carried out to establish patterns and statistical relationships amongst variables selected. Drawing from that, the study makes use of a predictive model to analyse the combined effect of these variables taken together onto the dependent variable. It is expected to observe varying differences in the magnitude of earnings across the selected variables. Differences could be specific to occupation or industrial sector. Temporal variation provides insights about the dynamics of female-male differentials in earnings. From this the study draws some recommendations to guide policy interventions in the labour market.
Factors affecting the enrolment rate of students in higher education institutions in the Gauteng province, South Africa : based on General Household Survey 2012
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Matsolo, Tlou Mpho Joyce; Sathiya Susuman, A
Background: In South Africa, many students are not able to register at higher education institutions after receiving their high school diploma. The majority of those who do register do not even complete their tertiary studies. The purpose of this research project is to investigate and analyse higher education institutions’ enrolment and dropout within the Gauteng province, South Africa. Data and Methods: Large-scale secondary data from the General Household Survey (GHS, 2012), obtained from Statistics South Africa were used. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and the Statistical Analyst System (SAS) software package were utilised for quantitative analysis. The numerous local and international pedagogical studies synthesised in this research show that finance, unplanned pregnancies, orphanhood and transport to the higher education institutions are some of the main concerns that affect the enrolment rate of students. Further variables such as gender, race, ethnicities and the type of institution have also negatively affected the enrolment rate of students, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: According to the ICEF Monitor 2015, current higher education enrolment in Sub-Saharan Africa is 8%. The UIS Fact Sheet 2010 revealed that the enrolment ratio is 4.8% for women compared to 7.3% for men. The present study focuses on the Gauteng province's students who have completed their high school education, as well as those who are either registered or not registered within the province’s higher education institutions, and are between the ages of 17 and 35 years. Conclusion: This study hopes to be useful to policy-makers, research managers and other decision makers within education.
Reproductive health situation among youth in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Mpilambo, Jacques Elengemoke; Sathiya Susuman, A
Background: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 22.2% of the total population is in the age group of 15 to 24 years. In this country, this population group faces a large number of reproductive health problems. Even though the concerned health officials have implemented several health care programs, the youth particularly girls still have many problems particularly lack of sexual health information, poor health care, inability to avoid early and unprotected sexual relationships, early marriage, early pregnancies, early childbearing, etc. Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine reproductive health issues among young women and to understand how they utilise the health care systems in their respective socio-economic and demographic characteristic. Data and Methods: Descriptive and multivariate analyses were used. Cross tabulation, Chi-square, Phi coefficient and Cramer‘s V were applied to test for association between independents and outcome variables. At multivariate level of analysis, binary logistic regression was performed. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: The study found that young women who faced early sexual intercourse (OR=73.5) and those who experienced it at 16-17 (OR= 42.3) are more at risk of early marriage than those who initiated at the age 18-24. Meanwhile, young women with no education (OR=14.1), primary and secondary education (OR=10.7 and OR=8.6 respectively) have a higher risk of early union than their higher educated counterparts. Furthermore, respondents who married in their early adolescence (OR=38.3) and middle (OR=20.0) adolescence are more at risk of early childbearing than those who married in their emerging adulthood. Moreover, young women from Maniema, Equateur and Bas Congo provinces are 95%, 62% and 58% (respectively) less likely to have had at least four ANC visits than those from Kinshasa. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for formal sex education before first sexual initiation to give better options than early marriage to adolescent girls. Also, the disparities in the antenatal care services utilization between provinces should be addressed. The concerned authorities should balance the distribution of health facilities and qualified personal among provinces.

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