Researchers in Community & Health Sciences

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Adaptation to the worker role: The vocational experience of South African male ex offenders
(OMICS International, 2014) Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed
Objectives: The study is aimed at exploring, describing and understanding the experiences and perceptions of male ex-offenders with regard to adapting to their worker roles after they have been released from prison. Methods: The research methodology utilised was positioned in the qualitative research paradigm, specifically using the tradition of interpretivism. To gather data from the participants, focus groups and face to face interviews were conducted, consisting of broad questions followed by probes to gain an in-depth description of participants’ experiences and perceptions. Participants: Five males who were classified as being ex-offenders participated in the focus groups and one female (key informant) participated in two semi structured interviews. Results: Four themes emerged that reflected the vocational experience of male ex- offenders: 1) A sense of distrust, 2) A sense of support: Giving back to the community through learning and doing, 3) A change in lifestyle and 4) Working towards change through capacity building. For the purpose of this article, Theme 3- A change in lifestyle, will be discussed in depth as it explored the adaptive process that male ex- offenders experienced when adapting to their worker roles post release from prison. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that occupational therapy practitioners as well as correctional service personnel should utilise context specific vocational rehabilitation programmes that enhance the exoffender’s ability to find employment once they have been released from prison. Practitioners should be aware of both the internal and external adaptation strategies when planning vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration strategies.
Admission rates as an indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community
(Wiley, 1998) Jalaludin, Bin; Chey, Tien; Holmwood, Marvin; Chipps, Jennifer; Hanson, Ralph; Corbett, Stephen; Leeder, Stephen
BACKGROUND: A reliable indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community is needed to monitor population-based asthma control strategies. We examined the potential use of asthma admissions to hospital as such an indicator. METHODS: We recruited subjects from the Emergency Department (ED) of a children's hospital. The attending doctor completed the 'physician questionnaire' which included questions on the patient's asthma severity and interval severity/chronicity of asthma. The parent/guardian completed the 'parent questionnaire'. It included questions on demography, asthma knowledge and attitudes, asthma history and social support. We performed univariate and multiple logistic regression to determine predictors for hospital admission. RESULTS: Interval severity of asthma, pre-treatment severity of wheeze and low post-treatment pulse oximetry best predicted whether children presenting with asthma were admitted. Demographic variables, factors associated with access to health services and factors related to the asthma history and management were not significant predictors of admission. DISCUSSION: At the population level, it may be possible to utilise routine hospital admission rates as an indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community, especially within the context of monitoring trends in asthma prevalence. Our study was conducted in a metropolitan tertiary paediatric hospital. The reliability of hospital admission rates as indicators of the prevalence of severe asthma in other hospital settings, in different population groups and over time remains to be established.
An application of intervention mapping as a phased approach in developing a family-centred programme to reduce violence in the family
(Bentham Open, 2017) Ryan, Jill; Roman, Nicolette V.
AIM: To describe the application of intervention mapping in the development of a family-centred approach to reduce violence in the family. METHODS: Development towards a family-centred approach is described, in which only the first three steps of the five intervention mapping steps have been detailed. These three steps unpacked as phases. Phase I, a family violence needs assessment which includes a policy analysis. Phase II determines appropriate theoretical and practical approaches through systematic reviews and lastly, Phase III as a Delphi study. RESULTS: Intervention mapping as a form of programme development is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and allows diverse engagement with family-centred information through its structured development process. CONCLUSION: Family violence should be seen as a holistic phenomenon which affects all members of the family and future interventions must be mindful of this to address family violence effectively.
Assessing and improving care for patients with TB/HIV/STIs in a rural district in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
(Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 2011) Loveday, Marion; Scott, Vera; McLaughlin, Jennifer; Amien, Feroza; Virgina, Zweigenthal
Setting: Despite the prioritisation of TB, HIV and STI programmes in South Africa, service targets are not achieved, have had little effect, and the magnitude of the epidemics continues to escalate. Objective. To report on a participatory quality improvement intervention designed to evaluate these priority programmes in primary health care (PHC) clinics in a rural district in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: A participatory quality improvement intervention with district health managers, PHC supervisors and researchers was used to modify a TB/HIV/STI audit tool for use in a rural area, conduct a district-wide clinic audit, assess performance, set targets and develop plans to address the problems identified. Results: We highlight weaknesses in training and support of staff at PHC clinics, pharmaceutical and laboratory failures, and inadequate monitoring of patients as contributing to poor TB, HIV and STI service implementation. In the 25 facilities audited, 71% of the clinical staff had received no training in TB diagnosis and management, and 46% of the facilities were visited monthly by a PHC supervisor. Eighty per cent of the facilities experienced non-availability of essential drugs and supplies; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were not documented for 54% of specimens assessed, and the mean length of time between eligibility for ART and starting treatment was 47 days. Conclusion: Through a participatory approach, a TB/HIV/STI audit tool was successfully adapted and implemented in a rural district. It yielded information enabling managers to identify obstacles to TB, HIV and STI service implementation and develop plans to address these. The audit can be used by the district to monitor priority services at a primary level.
Association between knowledge of child development and parenting: a systematic review
(Bentham Open, 2016) September, Shiron; Rich, Edna; Roman, Nicolette V.
BACKGROUND: Parents who understand early child development are better informed on how to respond to children’s needs. They are also in a better position to identify developmental delays as opposed to a parent with less knowledge of child development. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review was to systematically appraise quantitative studies to establish the association between knowledge of child development and parenting styles. METHODS: A comprehensive search, through databases namely: Ebscohost (Academic search complete, Africa-Wide information, PsychArticles, SocIndex, Cinahl), JStor, Sciencedirect, Springerlink, Pubmed and Sage was conducted in August 2014 for the previous 12 years. The methodological quality of the studies were independently evaluated and reviewed by two reviewers. RESULTS: The findings indicate that there is an association between knowledge of child development and parenting styles. While there is an association it may be more of a moderating factor. CONCLUSION: Future studies may benefit from using other forms of assessment in con-junction with self report assessments.
Between HIV diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy: Assessing the effectiveness of care for people living with HIV in the public primary care service in Cape Town, South Africa
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2011) Scott, Vera; Zweigenthal, Virginia; Jennings, Karen
BACKGROUND: While much is written about the scale up of HIV counselling and testing (HCT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART), little research has been done on the expansion of routine preART HIV care. OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of preART care in Cape Town and its continuity with HCT and ART. METHODS: The scale up of the HCT, preART and ART service platform and programmatic support in Cape Town is described. Data from the August 2010 routine annual HIV/TB/STI evaluation, from interviews with 133 facility managers and a folder review of 634 HCT s who tested positive and 1115 clients receiving preART HIV care are analysed. RESULTS: Historically the implementation and management of preART care has been relatively neglected compared with the scale-up of HCT and ART. The CD4 count was done on 77.5% positive HCT clients and 46.6% were clinically staged - crucial steps that determine the care path. There were: gaps in quality of care - 32.2% of women had a PAP smear; missed opportunities for integrated care - 67% were symptomatically screened for tuberculosis; and positive prevention - 48.3% had contraceptive needs assessed. Breaks in the continuity of care of preART clients occurred with only 47.2% of eligible clients referred appropriately to the ARV service. CONCLUSION: While a package of preART care has been clearly defined in Cape Town, it has not been fully implemented. There are weaknesses in the continuity and quality service delivered that undermine the programme objectives of provision of positive prevention and timeous access to ART.
Beyond knowledge and skills: the use of a Delphi study to develop a technology-mediated teaching strategy
(BioMed Central, 2013) Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose M.; Bozalek, Vivienne
Background: While there is evidence to suggest that teaching practices in clinical education should include activities that more accurately reflect the real world, many educators base their teaching on transmission models that encourage the rote learning of knowledge and technical skills. Technology-mediated instruction may facilitate the development of professional attributes that go beyond “having” knowledge and skills, but there is limited evidence for how to integrate technology into these innovative teaching approaches. Methods: This study used a modified Delphi method to help identify the professional attributes of capable practitioners, the approaches to teaching that may facilitate the development of these attributes, and finally, how technology could be integrated with those teaching strategies in order to develop capable practitioners. Open-ended questions were used to gather data from three different expert panels, and results were thematically analysed. Results: Clinical educators should not view knowledge, skills and attitudes as a set of products of learning, but rather as a set of attributes that are developed during a learning process. Participants highlighted the importance of continuing personal and professional development that emphasised the role of values and emotional response to the clinical context. To develop these attributes, clinical educators should use teaching activities that are learner-centred, interactive, integrated, reflective and that promote engagement. When technology-mediated teaching activities are considered, they should promote the discussion of clinical encounters, facilitate the sharing of resources and experiences, encourage reflection on the learning process and be used to access content outside the classroom. In addition, educational outcomes must drive the integration of technology into teaching practice, rather than the features of the technology. Conclusions: There is a need for a cultural change in clinical education, in which those involved with the professional training of healthcare professionals perceive teaching as more than the transmission of knowledge and technical skills. Process-oriented teaching practices that integrate technology as part of a carefully designed curriculum may have the potential to facilitate the development of capable healthcare graduates who are able to navigate the complexity of health systems and patient management in ways that go beyond the application of knowledge and skills.
Body image satisfaction among a sample of black female South African students
(Society for Personality Research (Inc.), 2009) Mwaba, Kelvin; Roman, Nicolette V.
Numerous research studies have established a strong relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. As more and more young people in South Africa embrace Western values, the aspiration to attain the Western body ideal of beauty may be putting some women at risk of developing eating disorders. This study focused on body image satisfaction among a sample of 150 black South African female university students. Data were collected using a revised Body Shape Questionnaire (Cooper, Taylor, Cooper, & Fairburn, 1987). The results showed the majority of the women were satisfied with their body image. However, there was a minority who engaged in unhealthy eating behaviors. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Challenges and opportunities related to postgraduate evidence-based practice module using blended learning
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2011) Frantz, Jose M.; Himalowa, S.; Karuguti, W.; Kumurenzi, A.; Mulenga, D.; Sakala, M.
The use of information and communications technology (ICT) has become integral to health professions education worldwide. The incorporation of online facilities and maintaining of the face-to-face element make blended learning the ‘best of both worlds’. Blogs can be used to create a relatively learner-centred environment that allows students to learn at their own pace. Though blended learning has been proved to be appropriate in higher learning institutions, it comes with challenges and opportunities. Our study intended to highlight the challenges and identify opportunities encountered by an evidencebased practice (EBP) postgraduate class who used the blended learning model of learning. An action-based research methodology was utilised in this study. This involved data gathering, action planning, action taking and action evaluation. Data were gathered through the use of a blog that was accessed by all participants. They made comments which were reflecting their perceptions on the model that was used for the course. The students gave consent to participate while permission from the physiotherapy head of department was also acquired. Deductive analysis was used for data analysis. The information from the blog was extracted and converted into text files. Coding and analysis into opportunities and challenges as expressed by the participants was performed. Theoretical saturation through every reviewer’s agreement and satisfaction about the information was included. The data consisted of 94 postings made of primary postings (22) and responses (72). All the authors acted as reviewers. Certainty was achieved by discussing any ambiguity in coding. Any necessary amendments were made. The participants reported to have experienced some challenges pertaining to blended learning. The blog that was used as a media between students and the facilitator was inefficient in some way. Some students could not access it when required and some resources in the blog were inaccessible. The wireless internet connection mainly used in this model was not reliable. However, there were opportunities experienced by the learners. These included easy interaction between the learners and the facilitator at any time. The model also reduced instructor dependence and made the learners more responsible of their work. The blog appeared as a resource base for skills development. Timely feedback involving solving the problems students encountered during the course improved the communication skills between the students and the facilitator. However, technology constraints involving the blog and the internet connection were overwhelming among the students while writing up the tasks allocated to them. Despite the fact that students faced some challenges, facilitators of blended learning such as the interaction between the students and the facilitator of the course were motivating to keep the course interesting. While students experienced some opportunities about blended learning, its future rests on averting the challenges associated with it more, especially in developing countries. If the challenges reported would be addressed in developing countries, blended learning can be effective in building students’ engagement and relieving of overcrowded classrooms in higher learning institutions.
Challenges faced by unaccompanied minor-refugees in South Africa
(Stellenbosch University, 2016) Magqibelo, Lungile; September, Shiron; Roman, Nicolette V.; Londt, Marcel P.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of unaccompanied minor-refugees from Zimbabwe to South Africa. Ten (10) participants, from a shelter in Limpopo Province, were selected using Purposive sampling. Five childcare workers also participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the minors and a focus group with the childcare workers to collect the data. Thematic analysis was applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that services by statutory social workers were limited, compared to services by social workers employed in non-governmental organisations. The results highlighted the vulnerability to exploitation and a sense of hopelessness that refugee children experience in South Africa
Challenges facing physiotherapy education in Africa
(Nova Southeastern University, 2007) Frantz, Jose M.
Health care is changing and the demands put on health professionals are increasing. Physiotherapy education should reflect the health and social priorities of the nation. The World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) is committed to assisting physiotherapy associations in developing educational standards. Physiotherapy education in Africa however, seems to have a real need for assistance from the WCPT. The aim of this paper is to highlight the challenges facing physiotherapy education in Africa. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain information from key informants involved in the area of physiotherapy education from a variety of African countries. The majority of the participants were people who have experienced physiotherapy education in Africa either as graduates or current teachers. Data were analyzed into themes and sent back to respondents for confirmation. The most important challenges highlighted were: lack of undergraduate training opportunities, limited number of therapists, upgrading of physiotherapy educators, research as a major component of physiotherapy education, and recognition of physiotherapy as an essential service. It is concluded that assistance is needed for physiotherapists from Africa to take their rightful place in the health team and higher education institutions should look at improving diploma qualifications of physiotherapists in African countries.
Coaching for publication in higher education: views of the coach
(Nova Southeastern University, 2011) Frantz, Jose M.; Phillips, Julie; Rhoda, Anthea
Purpose: Mentoring is a professional development approach that can be effectively used in improving publication outputs among academics. The challenge to develop academics in the area of publication is essential. This study highlights the role of the mentor in the process of encouraging academics to improve their skill in publishing. Method: Participatory action research was used in this study. Nine academics, with the authors as mentors, participated in a support group over a 10-week period and monthly follow ups for 12-months. Results: Key aspects identified by the mentors were information sharing, providing and receiving feedback, and continuous support and motivation. Support in developing novice authors does not end when the manuscript is submitted but has to be maintained throughout the process until publication. Conclusion: Mentoring can assist in the development of academics regarding the skills for writing for publication
Concept mapping: Stakeholders perceptions of what should be included in interventions programmes aimed at reducing engagement in health risk behaviour amongst youth
(African Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance (AFAHPER-SD), 2014) Pharaoh, Hamilton; Frantz, Jose M.; Smith, Mario
Engagement in health risk behaviours (HRBs) amongst young people is increasing despite numerous programmes to address such behaviours. The active engagement of multiple stakeholder groups, including youth, in articulating the content of youth development programmes, is thought to significantly increase buy-in, participation and success of intervention programmes. This article reports on a modified concept mapping study that used seven interviews with five teachers and two community leaders, as well as three focus groups with 32 learners with three stakeholder groups (youth, youth community programme leaders, and teachers). The stakeholders were asked to identify the content that they believe should be included in youth development programmes in order to succeed in reducing, delaying or preventing engagement in HRBs in the South African context. The findings of a thematic content analysis indicated that programmes aimed at effectively combating HRBs amongst youth should include content on four major aspects or themes: 1) HRBs that the learners engage in; 2) perceived reasons why youth engage in HRBs; 3) places of exposure to health risk behaviour; and 4) specific content or focuses. A concept map with four subsidiary quadrants was distilled and illustrated in a visual-special network representative of concepts and relations between the concepts that create propositions of stakeholders’ perceptions of what should be included in the content of proposed programmes.
Constraints to implementing an equity-promoting staff allocation policy: understanding key actors perspectives affecting implementation in South Africa
(Oxford University Press, 2012) Scott, Vera; Mathews, Verona; Gilson, Lucy
Much of current research on issues of equity in low- and middle-income countries focuses on uncovering and describing the extent of inequities in health status and health service provision. In terms of policy responses to inequity, there is a growing body of work on resource reallocation strategies. However, little published work exists on the challenges of implementing new policies intended to improve equity in health status or health service delivery. While the appropriateness of the technical content of policies clearly influences whether or not they promote equity, policy analysis theory suggests that it is important to consider how the processes of policy development and implementation influence policy achievements. Drawing on actor analysis and implementation theory, we seek to understand some of the dynamics surrounding the proposed implementation of one set of South African staff allocation strategies responding to broader equity-oriented policy mandates. These proposals were developed by a team of researchers and mid-level managers in 2003 and called for the reallocation of staff between better- and lesser-resourced districts in the Cape Town Metropolitan region to reduce broader resource allocation inequities. This was felt necessary because up to 70% of public health expenditure was on staff, and new financing for health care was unavailable. We focus on the views and reactions of the two sets of implementing actors most directly influenced by the proposed staff reallocation strategies: district health managers and clinic nurses. One strength of this analysis is that it gives voice to the experience of the district level—the key but much neglected implementation arena in a decentralized health system. The paper’s findings unpack differences in these actors’ positions on the proposed strategies, and explore the factors influencing their positions. Ultimately, we show how a lack of trust in the relationships between mid-level managers and nurse service providers influenced the potential to implement a specific set of equity-oriented strategies
Critiquing the response to the Ebola epidemic through a primary health care approach
(BMC Public Health, 2016) Scott, Vera; Sarah, Crawford-Browne; David, Sanders
BACKGROUND: The 2014/2015 West Africa Ebola epidemic has caused the global public health community to engage in difficult self-reflection. First, it must consider the part it played in relation to an important public health question: why did this epidemic take hold and spread in this unprecedented manner? Second, it must use the lessons learnt to answer the subsequent question: what can be done now to prevent further such outbreaks in the future? These questions remain relevant, even as scientists announce that the Guinea Phase III efficacy vaccine trial shows that rVSV-EBOV (Merck, Sharp & Dohme) is highly efficacious in individuals. This is a major breakthrough in the fight against Ebola virus disease (EVD). It does not replace but may be a powerful adjunct to current strategies of EVD management and control. DISCUSSION: We contribute to the current self-reflection by presenting an analysis using a Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. This approach is appropriate as African countries in the region affected by EVD have recommitted themselves to PHC as a framework for organising health systems and the delivery of health services. The approach suggests that, in an epidemic made complex by weak pre-existing health systems, lack of trust in authorities and mobile populations, a broader approach is required to engage affected communities. In the medium-term health system development with attention to primary level services and community-based programmes to address the major disease burden of malaria, diarrhoeal disease, meningitis, tuberculosis and malnutrition is needed. This requires the development of local management and an investment in human resources for health. Crucially this has to be developed ahead of, and not in parallel with, future outbreaks. In the longer-term a commitment is required to address the underlying social determinants which make these countries so vulnerable, and limit their capacity to respond effectively to, epidemics such as EVD. CONCLUSION: The PHC approach offers an insightful critique of the global and regional factors which have compromised the response of health systems in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone as well as suggesting what a strengthened EVD response might involve in the short, medium and long-term.
Depression in older adults: prevalence and risk factors in a primary health care sample
(MedPharm Publications, NISC (Pty) Ltd and Informa UK Limited, 2017) Padayachey, U.; Ramlall, Suvira; Chipps, Jennifer
BACKGROUND: Depression in the geriatric population has been identified as a significant problem in view of the associated negative outcomes regarding poor functioning, increased perception of poor health and increased utilisation of medical services. Significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, depression has been found to be an independent cause of disability as well as adding to disability due to primary physical illnesses. Early identification and treatment of depression reduces medical costs and lessens caregiver burden. Epidemiological data and prevalence rates of geriatric depression in Africa are limited, although such data are vital to mobilise and plan government mental health initiatives aimed at screening and early intervention. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of depression and associated clinical and socio-demographic factors amongst older adult patients attending a primary health care clinic in the Ethekwini District in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. METHODS: The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and a socio-demographic questionnaire were administered in English to 255 geriatric outpatients, randomly selected, at a local community clinic in Durban. DATA ANALYSIS: Data were analysed using SPSS version 23®. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the sample demographics and response rate and non-parametric statistics were used to test for associations and differences. RESULTS: A Cronbach’s alpha for the GDS was calculated (p = 0.793). Some 40% of participants screened positive for depression. Female gender, widowhood and a negative subjective health status rating were significantly associated with depression and marriage appeared to be protective (p < 0.001). Participants with a poor subjective health rating were 21 times more likely to be depressed and widowhood conferred an almost fourfold increased risk of being depressed, with widows at greater risk than widowers. No association between depression and specific medical conditions was identified. CONCLUSION: There is a high rate of undetected depression among the elderly attending a local primary health care clinic with widowhood and poor subjective health being strong predictors of mood disorders. The findings warrant replication in bigger samples.
A descriptive study of the perceptions and behaviours of waterpipe use by university students in the Western Cape, South Africa
(BioMed Central, 2013) Daniels, Karin E.; Roman, Nicolette V.
Background: Waterpipe smoking started as a cultural phenomenon but has become a social phenomenon. Hookah cafes are an increasingly popular venue for socializing. Studies suggest that waterpipe users perceive smoking the waterpipe as less addictive and harmful than cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs, and associated behaviours, regarding the health-risk of smoking the waterpipe. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a sample of first year students at a historically black university in the Western Cape, South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was constructed from the College Health Behaviour Survey. The final sample was 389 university students, 64% (250) females and 36% (139) males. The sample had a mean age of 22.2 years (SD = 5.04). Results: Waterpipe users perceived the health risks of smoking the waterpipe to be exaggerated (48%) and less addictive (58%) than non-users (13% and 17%, p<.001). Additionally, the findings confirm that waterpipe smoking is conducted in a social setting (61%). This social setting included smoking on campus (28%), in the family home (11%), at a party (9%), at a friend’s place (6%) and in a restaurant (1%). Of concern was the majority of users smoked the waterpipe on a daily basis (70%) and that the tobacco mix was easily available (90%). The most common self-reported reason for smoking the waterpipe was for relaxation. Conclusion: As with previous studies, the results of this study confirm the false perception that smoking the waterpipe is not a health risk and is socially acceptable. Additionally, the findings of the study raise concerns and an awareness of smoking the waterpipe in the family home and implications for children. The results of this study provide important information for tobacco control and substance abuse policies in South Africa. These findings highlight the need for further research to determine the extent of waterpipe smoking at other universities in South Africa.
Developing telepsychiatry services in KwaZulu-Natal - an action research study
(OMICS Publishing Group, 2012) Chipps, Jennifer; Ramlall, Suvira; Madigoe, Thebe; King, Howard; Mars, Maurice
OBJECTIVE: In 2009, the Departments of Psychiatry and Telehealth of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) initiated a three year project to develop telepsychiatry services in KwaZulu-Natal. This paper describes the challenges and opportunities of this project. METHOD:This was a collaborative, in situ health service project and an action research framework was adopted. Over the three years, following a needs assessment and an e-health Readiness Assessment, two action research cycles were completed. Cycle 1: The preparation, implementation and evaluation of educational material, technical requirements and clinical guidelines and clinical support materials. Cycle 2: Preparation and evaluation of educational and clinical outreach sessions. RESULTS: Videoconference education sessions were beneficial to health staff without post-qualification psychiatry training. A flexible format for education improved knowledge outcomes. Clinical sessions are feasible, but require administration and technical support for facilitation. With facilitator training, 128Kbps is a suitable bandwidth for education but 384Kbps is preferred for clinical consultation. CONCLUSION: Telepsychiatry offers tremendous potential to facilitate the three strategies suggested by the World Psychiatric Association to address the treatment gap, save time and costs and improve access to the small pool of specialist psychiatrists in resource constrained environments.
Development of a Life Orientation health education programme for high school learners
(African Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance (AFAHPER-SD), 2014) Jacobs, Hayley; Frantz, Jose M.
This cross-sectional descritive study aimed to develop a health education programme that could serve as a teaching aid for high school Life Orientation educators. A sequential approach was used to collect data that would inform the health education programme. The study population comprised high school Life Orientation teachers, as well as subject advisors who were considered experts in the field of Life Orientation. A total of 31 educators participated in the initial quantitative survey and this was followed by semi-structured interviews with five (5) experts in the area of Life Orienation. The content of the health education programme was based on the information obtained from semi-structured interviews. This study identified barriers to the teaching of Life Orientation, which included large classroom numbers, a lack of interest in the subject, and educators who were inadequately trained to teach the subject. The value of Life Orientation as a subject and the importance of a continually evolving education system with the aim of improving education for all learners, was identified. The health education programme designed based on the results of the study can function as an adjunct for Life Orientation teachers, to enhance the implementation of the subject by guiding educators in terms of the knowledge that should be transferred to learners. Educators are also provided with methods of transmitting knowledge to learners.
Does family structure matter? comparing the life goals and aspirations of learners in secondary schools
(Education Association of South Africa, 2013) Davids, Eugene Lee; Roman, Nicolette V.
The aim of this study was to compare the goals and aspirations of learners from single- and two-parent families. The study used a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional comparative group design. The sample consisted of 853 Grade 11 learners from secondary schools in the Northern, Southern and Metro Central education districts in the Western Cape. The data were collected using the Aspirations Index and a short biographical questionnaire. The results suggest that there was a significant main effect of family structure on certain goals and aspirations of learners in secondary schools. These goals and aspirations included wealth, image, personal growth, relationships, and health. Furthermore, learners in single-parent families placed more emphasis on intrinsic goals.

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