Department of Dietetics

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An assessment of the nutritional adequacy and quality of food provided to adult psychiatric patients in public psychiatric hospitals in the Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Gatyeza, Asanda
Introduction: The significant link between mental health and nutrition throughout one’s life cannot be overstated. Yet this strong association is often neglected in the public healthcare sector in South Africa, particularly in the case of people who are being treated for various types of mental illness. It is therefore important to prioritise nutrition care through efficient and effective hospital food services in public psychiatric facilities. Although hospital settings are often perceived to provide efficient clinical care, the food provided to patients by hospital food service units is often criticised for being bland, repetitive and/or unhealthy. At times, too, inadequate food budget allocations by provincial health departments or poor supply chain management practices result in patients receiving inadequate quantities of food at mealtimes, which might lead to their becoming malnourished during their hospital stays. For psychiatric patients in particular, malnutrition can have serious short and longer-term consequences.
Attitudes towards healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle, and physical activity of healthcare professionals: A descriptive cross-sectional study in a public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal.
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Mukhodobwane, Mukondeleli Talelani; Kunneke, E; Wilkenson, J
In South Africa, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at an increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases due to their unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, which mainly consist of excessive alcohol drinking and smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets. Attitudes towards healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle, and physical activity (PA) of individuals contribute towards individuals engaging in these health behaviours.
Attitudes towards Mathematics, Achievement in Mathematics Aptitude Problems and Concomitant Teacher Practices in Ugandan Secondary Schools
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Opolot, Charles; Julie, Cyril
The purpose of this study was to investigate students' attitudes toward Mathematics, achievements in Mathematics problem-solving, and the nature of teacher practices in Ugandan secondary schools. The study was intended to determine if there are any relationships between students attitudes toward Mathematics and achievements in Mathematics problem-solving. And to explore the nature of teacher practices in high-performing and low-performing schools. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Two hundred fifty- four students from nine secondary schools and four mathematics teachers participated in the study. The data examined were from (]) senior three (ninth-grade) students' responses to a student's attitude towards mathematics questionnaire modified from the Fennema-Sherman attitudinal Scales ming, High-Performing schools, Lowitudes towards Mathematics, student attitudes towards mathematics, are achievement g and the nature of teacher practices in Ugandan secondary intended to determine if there are any relationships between student attitudes towards mathematics and achievement in mathematics problem-solving. And to explore the nature of teacher practices in high-performing and low-performing schools. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Two hundred fifty- four students from nine secondary schools and four mathematics teachers participated in the study. The data examined were from (]) senior three (ninth-grade) students' responses to a student's attitude towards mathematics questionnaire modified from the Fennema-Sherman attitudinal Scales and (2) students' solutions to a mathematics problem-solving test that the researcher developed. The reliability of the instrument was examined by computing Cronbach alpha internal reliability coefficient.
A description of the occupational safety of large-scale food service units in the Metropole region under the management of the Provincial Administration Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Ross, Melanie Samatra; Kunneke, E; Van Niekerk, L; Dept. of Dietetics; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
In order to provide a safer work environment for food services staff in large-scale food service units, an investigation into what kind of occupational accidents most commonly occur and to determine the most common resources which is required. In this mini-thesis a description of the occupational safety in kitchens of hospitals located in the Metropole Region of the Western Cape under the management of the Provincial Administration Western Cape is attempted.
The development of a nutrition support protocol for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) : twenty case studies from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Pillay, Looventharee; Kunneke, Ernesta; Solomons, Nasheetah
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer accounting for approximately 25% of cancers diagnosed in children less than 20 years of age. It originates in the bone marrow and prevents the normal manufacture of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. A poor nutritional status is frequently observed in children with ALL at the time of diagnosis and during treatment which may result in protein energy malnutrition if nutrition intervention is delayed. This retrospective study aims to assess the nutritional status of children newly diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) using 20 case studies between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014 from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (Abu Dhabi, UAE), in order to develop an appropriate nutritional support protocol for pediatric ALL patients treated at this institution. Study Design: A retrospective descriptive case study design was used. The study population consisted of 20 electronic medical records of patients aged between 1-14 years who were newly diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and admitted to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City for treatment during the period 1 January 2012 and 31 Dec 2014. Data Collection: Identification of suitable participants began through a review of each potential study participant`s electronic medical record. Data was collected and recorded on a data collection form (Appendix III) from the electronic medical record for each suitable participant for the following at admission and during the full duration of all phases of cancer treatment namely induction, consolidation, interim maintenance, delayed intensification and maintenance. The data collected comprised of the following: age, gender, date of diagnosis, symptoms on diagnosis, the cancer diagnosis (type and subtype), anthropometric measurements (weight, length/ height, head circumference), biochemical values (visceral proteins, blood glucose levels, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocyte count), clinical assessment (stomatitis, anemia, mucositis), diet history (home feeding regimes; consumption of daily requirements; food preferences – types, textures; food allergies, food intolerances; food aversions; use of oral nutritional supplements; treatment-related side-effects; systemic related side-effects (nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; anorexia; appetite changes; taste changes; physical activity level; depression), dietary requirements (age and gender related nutritional requirements for energy, protein, fat and fluids) and indications for nutritional support (oral feeding; enteral feeding; parenteral feeding). Analysis of Results: The weights and length/ heights of participants recorded in the electronic medical records were converted to z-scores on the World Health Organization growth charts. The diet prescription of nutritional intervention was interpreted in comparison to the biochemical indices, anthropometric status and dietary intake of each participant. All the data involving changes in anthropometrics, biochemistry, diet history and nutritional interventions from each case study (from diagnosis and through all stages of treatment) was screened and compared with reference values in the context of the age and sex of the child. Evidence based nutritional guidelines were used to document the outcomes of the medical nutrition treatment provided in order to develop a nutrition support protocol for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Results: The results showed that weight loss expressed as a percentage of body weight provided a more accurate estimate of the true significance of weight loss in subjects undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy) for ALL. A weight loss of greater than 5% of body weight over a period of one month is considered a sign of nutritional deprivation even if the subject is not classified as undernourished by anthropometric parameters. Subjects experienced the highest weight loss during the consolidation phase and interim maintenance phases of treatment. Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that pediatric subjects on cancer treatment for ALL at SKMC and receiving nutritional support underwent changes in nutritional status as manifest by a reduction in more than 5% of their body weight during three phases of treatment namely induction, consolidation and interim maintenance. An appropriate nutrition support protocol was developed based on the results and experience obtained from this study for pediatric ALL patients treated at SKMC.
The effect of n'n-bis(dichloroacetyl)-1,8- octamethylenbdtamtne (wrn 18446) on the testis, epididymis, sperm and fertility of male cba micethe effect of n'n-bis(dichloroacetyl)-1,8- octamethylenbdtamtne (wrn 18446) on the testis, epididymis, sperm and fertility
(University of Western Cape, 1999) Van der Horst, G; Maritz, G.S.; Hattingh, Nicole Lisa
Although the modern era of contraception has focused attention on the female, research into male contraception is continuing on several fronts. Despite the widespread use of premature withdrawal, the condom and vasectomy, there is no acceptable drug for controlling fertility in the male. Research and developments to suppress the sperm production, inhibit the maturation of sperrn, and block sperrn transport are under investigation. Thus, a strong demand exists for a safe, reversible and effective male contraceptive. A compoundN'N-bis(dichloroacetyl)- 1,8-octamethylenediamine, commonly known as WIN 18446 used in the treatment of amebiasis was found to possess antispermatogenic activity. WIN 18446 (WIN), the most potent of the bis(dichloroacetyl)diamines and one of the least active amoebicidal agents was shown to exert a specific effect on the testes while the Leydig cells were unaffected. Full recovery of spermatogenesis is established upon the withdrawal of WIN. One drawback associated with this compound was that the human consumption of alcohol induced an antabuse effect
Enhancing oncologists’ comfort with serious illness conversations: The impact of serious illness conversation guide (sicg) training
(Springer, 2024) Nortje, Nico; Adaji, Enefe; Johnson, Monica
Providers oftentimes need to have difficult conversations with patients facing a poor prognosis. Research indicates that providers generally feel ill prepared for these conversations and that bad conversations may lead to more anxiety for patients. Communication skills development training programs have shown improvement in providers’ skills. Our cancer center embarked on skills development training to help providers improve their skills and comfort in having serious illness conversations. During our phased approach, about 500 physicians and advanced practice providers in the Division of Oncology were trained for over a year. Their level of comfort with serious illness conversations was measured before and after the training by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. We found that mean and median comfort scores increased from pre-training to post-training. The findings suggest that the improved comfort and confidence observed among providers who undergo communications skills training can lead to better provider-patient communication, more patient-centered care, and improved patient satisfaction.
Exploring the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding within the first 14 weeks postpartum with mothers in the Khayelitsha-eastern substructure
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Marais, Megan Candice; Pereira-Kotze, Catherine
Despite evidence-based proof on the benefits of breastfeeding, little progress has been made globally to improve breastfeeding rates (The Lancet, 2016), including in South Africa. Despite many attempts to improve breastfeeding rates worldwide, women are still choosing to stop breastfeeding or avoid it due to various factors (The Lancet, 2016). Aim: To explore the factors influencing the exclusive breastfeeding rate within the first 14 weeks postpartum with mothers in the Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure.
Exploring the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of teachers around obesity and nutrition related non-communicable diseases
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mbangani, Roselyn; Swart, Elizabeth Catherina; Wilkenson, Jill
Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of premature death in South Africa. As is the case with many countries in transition, in South Africa the burden of pre-NCDs such as overweight and obesity is increasing. The aim of this mixed method study was to gain an understanding on the knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceptions and related factors of primary and secondary school teachers in Limpopo Province of South Africa regarding nutrition related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs). Methodology: A mixed method approach, parallel convergent study design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from a group of randomly selected public school teachers in Rakwadu Circuit, Limpopo, with due consideration of the ethical issues involved. For the quantitative inquiry, a previously validated structured questionnaire was adapted to collect data from 114 teachers, while 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted by the researcher to collect the qualitative data. Information collected included teachers‟ dietary practices, physical activity levels and their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards nutrition related non-communicable diseases. Each of these variables had a number of questions which were scored and a mean score for each participant was obtained. Anthropometric measurements collected included Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).
Factors influencing the protection, promotion and support of exclusive breastfeeding among health workers in Lagos state primary health care centres
(University of Western Cape, 2019) Gbabe, Adedolapo Opeyemi; Pereira, Catherine; Kunneke, Ernesta
Globally, health workers play a critical role in the establishment and sustenance of breastfeeding due to their frequent contacts with mothers at the antenatal clinics, maternity/birthing units, Primary Health Care Centres (PHC) and postpartum clinics. Their knowledge and attitude regarding breastfeeding will affect the quality of information about infant and young child feeding practices passed along to mothers who visit their health facilities.
Household consumption of orange - fleshed sweet potato and its associated factors in Chipata district, Eastern province, Zambia
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Sakala, Patricia; Faber, M; Kunneke, E
Orange-fleshed sweet potato consumption promotion is one of the key nutrition sensitive interventions implementedto address high vitamin A deficiency among the rural population of Zambia since 2011. However, to date no study has been completed regarding household consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato and factors related to their consumption. The study detailed here therefore sought to establish the consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato, and to identify factors associated with its household consumption in the Integrating Orange Project areas in Chipata district of Zambia. The study randomly sampled 295 households, and collected information on the household characteristics, production, procurement, consumption and knowledge on orange-fleshed sweet potato. Cross tabulation chi square and one-way analysis of variance were used to identify associated consumption factors. The study found that 86.8% of the households ate orange-fleshed sweet potato; 49.5% ate it 1 to 3 days per week and 30.2% ate it at least 4 or more days per week, and only 13.2% did not consume orange-fleshed sweet potato at all. A relationship was found between having children younger than five years old and consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato (P < 0.001). Results showed that 8.7% of households with children (n=183) never ate orange-fleshed sweet potato, versus 20.5% of households without children (n=112). Production of orange-fleshed sweet potato (n=178) was found to have a relationship with household conusmption of orange-fleshed sweet potato (P < 0.001). Only 1.1% of households that produced orange-fleshed sweet potato did not consume any, versus 31.6% who did not produce orange-fleshed sweet potato. Purchasing of orange-fleshed sweet potato (n=118) was found to have a relationship with its household consumption (P < 0.001); 56.2% of the households that ate orange-fleshed sweet potato 1 to 3 days during the previous week bought it, compared to only 27.0% of households who ate orange-fleshed sweet potato more than 4 days per week among those that bought it. The respondent‘s knowledge of the health benefits of orange-fleshed sweet potato was found to have a relationship with its consumption in the household (P < 0.001). Only 7.8% of the households where respondents knew the benefits of orange-fleshed sweet potato (n=215) never ate orange-fleshed potato, compared to 50.0% of households where the respondents did not know any benefit (n=80). In contrast, 33.5% of the households where the respondents knew the health benefits ate orange-fleshed sweet potato at least 4 days a week compared to only 7.9% of households where the respondents did not know any benefit. Overall, the study showed that most households consumed orange-fleshed sweet potato. The highconsumption might be due to seasonality, as the study was done during the harvesting season of orange-fleshed sweet potato. Also, prodcution of orange-fleshed sweet potato was promoted in the study area through the Integrating Orange Project. These results therefore suggest that projects seeking to promote consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato as an intervention for vitamin A deficiency control should promote production of orange-fleshed sweet potato and sensitization of communities on the health benefits of orange-fleshed sweet potato consumption.
Infant feeding practices, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of mothers with 0-6 month’s babies attending baby friendly accredited health facility and non-baby friendly accredited health facilities in Blantyre, Malawi
(2009) Guta, Janet Naomi; Swart, Rina
The Ministry of Health in Malawi promotes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary feeding up to two years or beyond. This policy applies to all children unless there are medical indications. Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a strategy that contributes to the attainment of this policy. BFHI is a strategy to increase early and exclusive breast feeding rates among mothers. This study is a pilot to evaluate the success of the BFHI initiative in Malawi.Study design. A cross- sectional cohort study of women and their infants, 0-5 months,attending BFHI and non-BFHI accredited health facilities in Blantyre district of Malawi ] between the period from 28th April to 30th September, 2008 was conducted.Data Collection: An in-depth face-to-face interview using an open-ended structured questionnaire was conducted among 202 mothers of infants within the first week of birth.A convenient sample of 102 mothers was selected from prima gravida mothers at a semiurban BFHI accredited facility while the other 100 were from semi-urban non-BFHI accredited facilities. This sample was used for the descriptive component of the study.From the 202 mothers, 30 from the BFHI and 30 from the non-BFHI Accredited health facility(s) were selected randomly as the sample for the longitudinal cohort of the study at 3 and 5 months respectively.Analysis of results: Data was analyzed using SPSS for Windows. Frequencies were tallied for categorical variables and mean standard deviations were computed for continuous variables. Chi-square p-values with health facility type as classification were computed to determine the difference between BFHI and non-BFHI accredited health facility groups for all relevant variables.Results Exclusive breastfeeding rates differed significantly (p- value, 0.0000) within one week after birth (99% for the BFHI versus 68% for the non-BFHI facilities).Thirty percent of the mothers from the BFHI accredited health facility practiced exclusive breastfeeding up to 5 months as compared to none of the mothers in non-BFHI accredited health facilities.All 202 mothers had ever breast feed in both facilities throughout the 5 months study period.Mothers and mothers-in-law were the significant source of complementing breast milk before 6 months of age,[ 25% more influence of mothers and mothers in-law in the non-BFHI accredited facility when compared to BFHI accredited facility].Conclusion:The BFHI strategy has the potential to successfully influence mothers to adhere to global and national recommendations on optimal breastfeeding practices. Special efforts should be made to continue support of and provide information to new mothers during the first week after delivery and unto few months after birth as mothers seem to introduce complementary foods early and prior to the recommended period of 6 months.
Investigating strategies to enhance clinical education in an undergraduate physiotherapy programme: An action research study
(University of the Western Cape, 1997) Faure, Mary; van den Berg, Owen
The traditional approach to physiotherapy education is that of an applied science, in which scientific theory and therapeutic skills are taught in a classroom, and then implemented in a clinical setting. Many difficulties were demonstrated by students during the clinical practice component of the undergraduate course at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). This raised the question of whether current strategies of clinical education were effective in facilitating the development of the clinical skills deemed necessary for professional practice. Furthermore, it appeared to me that the teaching strategies which I employed did little to integrate classroom teaching with clinical practice. During 1993 and 1994 I initiated two cycles of workshops as an action research project, in collaboration with students and colleagues at UWC. The purpose of the workshops was for me to investigate my practice as a clinical educator, whereby I hoped to understand more fully, and therefore enhance, my teaching practice. The study revealed that clinical education is a complex and dynamic process strongly influenced by many factors. Personal perceptions of the educator's role in clinical teaching and learning, as well as the interaction with, and expections of those participating in clinical education, shape teaching practice. The concept of a positive learning environment was explored, and it was found that collaboration_with students and classroom democracy has a significant impact on student motivation. The effect of a variety of reading and writing tasks, co-operative learning and structured group discussion are some of the teaching strategies that were implemented, and positively evaluated by students and colleagues. Ethical considerations relating to the role of the patient during clinical practice and clinical education developed as an important aspect of the workshops. The conflict which can arise between the related roles of clinical educator and clinician, evolved as a professional dilemma. It is suggested that the process of clinical education requires further investigation. Educational change and innovation proved to be a difficult personal, and co-operative, process. Unique responses by different groups of individuals to similar situations or strategies make this issue more complex. In order to practice more competently, it would be appropriate that the clinical education process be thoroughly investigated in order to be more fully understood by physiotherapy educators, rather than be taken for granted. Action research proved to be an effective and flexible vehicle for investigating, and responding to, the dynamic teaching process. The action research study documented in this thesis, being similar in effect to the therapeutic process, would serve the physiotherapy clinician as effectively as it would the physiotherapy lecturer.
Maternity protection for women and the potential implications for breastfeeding on return to work at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Jacobs, Crystal; Swart, Rina
Optimal maternal health and support in the workplace can have a positive impact on the health outcomes of the mother and baby. Therefore, legislation specifies that women be protected during the pregnancy period as well as on return to work. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), maternity protection includes maternity leave, cash and medical benefits, health protection in workplace, non-discrimination, job security, breastfeeding breaks, and access to childcare facilities. Adequate maternity protection in the workplace can result in benefits to the child’s long-term health and positive effects for workplaces. The aim of this research was to determine the availability of maternity protection practices in the workplaces and the potential implications for breastfeeding.
Nutrient adequacy and dietary diversity of women in the Gauteng and Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa – focus on micronutrients from the national food fortification programme
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Fisher, Roxanne; Swart, Rina
Micronutrient deficiencies are of public health concern in South Africa. These deficiencies affect pregnancy outcomes, growth, functional and cognitive development of children and, the health and productivity of women. As an intervention, the South African government implemented the National Food Fortification Programme (NFFP), which was mandated in 2003 and according to which, the staple foods consumed by most of the population e.g. maize meal and wheat flour (and thus bread) are fortified with a premix of thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B6, iron and zinc. There is limited data which looks at the contribution fortified staple food to the dietary intakes and measures of nutrient assessment among South African women of reproductive age (WRA).
The nutritional composition of snack foods available at grocery stores in the Western Cape, South Africa: A cross-sectional observational study
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Solomon, Sharna Lee; Swart, Elizabeth C (Rina)
Snacking has become a popular dietary practice and the increasing frequency of consumption correlates positively with total energy intake. This is a public health concern as it contributes to obesity and NCDs. Obesity rates are as high as 28.3% in South Africa, with 31% of men and 68% of women either overweight or obese. The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional composition and variety of snack items available in supermarkets, and describe the in-store snack placement and marketing.
An observational study of child-directed marketing on prepackaged breakfast cereals in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Khan, Alice; Swart, Rina
Background: Childhood obesity is on the rise in South Africa (SA) and child-directed marketing (CDM) is one of the contributing factors to children’s unhealthy food choices and consumption. This study assessed CDM on pre-packaged breakfast cereals available in South African supermarkets and describe the nutrient composition of these pre-packaged products. Methods: A descriptive observational study of CDM on pre-packaged breakfast cereals was undertaken with quantitative analysis of the nutrient composition of these products. Secondary data from the “Researching obesogenic food environments in South Africa and Ghana” study in 2019 was examined. An independently reviewed codebook of definitions of CDM was developed and breakfast cereals were assessed to identify CDM. The CDM questionnaire was developed in REDCap, an online research database and data captured therein. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for cross tabulations and one-way ANOVAs. All analysis with p value < 0.05 was taken as significant.
Perceptions of patients and dietitians on the quality of nutrition care service delivery in primary health care facilities of the Western Cape Metro
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Engle, Eugene David; Wilkenson, Jill; Kunneke, Ernesta
The provision of quality nutrition care services is needed to address the national burden of diseases, and to reduce under- and overnutrition in South Africa. Globally, there is a lack of information and data about the perceptions, experience of, and satisfaction with the quality of nutrition care services, both from patients and dietitians. Patients and dietitians are in the best position to provide useful information pertaining to their perception and experience of nutrition care service delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of patients and dietitians on the quality of nutrition care service delivery in the Klipfontein/Mitchells Plain Sub-Structure (KMPSS).
Perceptions of patients and dietitians on the quality of nutrition care service delivery in primary health care facilities of the Western Cape Metro
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Engle, Eugene David; Wilkenson, Jill
Introduction: The provision of quality nutrition care services is needed to address the national burden of diseases, and to reduce under- and overnutrition in South Africa. Globally, there is a lack of information and data about the perceptions, experience of, and satisfaction with the quality of nutrition care services, both from patients and dietitians. Patients and dietitians are in the best position to provide useful information pertaining to their perception and experience of nutrition care service delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of patients and dietitians on the quality of nutrition care service delivery in the Klipfontein/Mitchells Plain Sub-Structure (KMPSS). Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study design employed a mixed method approach. All patients consulted by the dietitians on the dates of data collection were conveniently sampled (n=120) across three Primary Health Care facilities in KMPSS (Hanover Park Community Health Centre (CHC), Mitchells Plain CHC and Heideveld Community Day Centre (CDC)) for participation in the quantitative component of the study. An interview-administered survey was used to gather information about patients’ perceptions and experiences of nutrition care services. For the qualitative component, an all-inclusive sample of the four dietitians’ employed in KMPSS participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The FGD included open-endAnalysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to generate descriptive statistics for the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used for the transcriptions of the FGD audio-recordings. The themes and sub-themes was identified through summaries and key findings on the perceptions of the quality of nutrition care service delivery through views and opinions.ed questions developed by the researcher to explore the perceptions of the dietitians on the quality of nutrition care service delivery. Results: The quantitative results found that participants strongly agreed with positive statements regarding the dietitians’ interpersonal skills, manner in which they presented themselves, and communicating health information. Nearly 80% of the participants perceived dietitians as being well presented, courteous, friendly, and polite, created a comfortable environment and were always on time for their appointments. Eighty percent (80%) of the participants were also satisfied with the nutrition care services provided by the dietitians in KMPSS. The qualitative findings revealed that the dietitians’ had both negative and positive perceptions of the nutrition care service delivered within KMPSS. The dietitians’ expressed the need to improve the quality of nutrition care through management making and availability of necessary resources. This would enhance their work performance, communication and leadership skills. Conclusion: The key results and findings of this study concur with other research that has been done within the dietetics profession. There is a need to promote quality nutrition care in dietetics by utilizing perceptions and experiences of patients and dietitians. It is imperative for continuous quality improvement initiatives in nutrition care to improve patient health outcomes in South Africa.
Prospective Zimbabwean "A" Level mathematics teachers' knowledge of the concept of a function
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Nyikahadzoyi, Maroni Runesu; Julie, Cyril
The purpose of the study was to investigate prospective 'A' level mathematics teachers' knowledge of the concept of a function. The study was a case study of six prospective Zimbabwean teachers who were majoring in mathematics with the intention of completing a programme leading to certification as secondary mathematics teachers. At the time of the study the six prospective teachers were in their final year of study. Prospective teachers' knowledge of the concept of a function was assessed through task-based interviews and reflective interviews. These interviews, which were done over a period of three months, were structured to capture the prospective teachers' subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge for teaching the concept of a function. The interviews were also meant to capture the prospective teachers' underlining pedagogical reasons for their choices of the examples, representations and teaching approaches when planning to teach the concept. As part of the study a theoretical framework for understanding prospective teachers' knowledge of the concept of a function was developed. The framework, which was developed, was used as an analytical tool in analyzing prospective teachers knowledge of the concept of a function. The results of the study indicated that the prospective teachers had a process conception of a function although some of them had given a set-theoretic definition of a function in which a function is perceived as a mathematical object. They also confined the notion of a function to sets of real numbers. Functions defined on other mathematical objects (for example, the differential operator and the determinant function) were not considered as functions by five of the six prospective teachers.

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