Masters of Science - Msc (Physiotherapy)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/11172

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 191

The effect of a vibration intervention on the somatosensory Cortex of the brain in patients with sensory peripheral Neuropathy secondary to type ii diabetes mellitus
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Smit, Merisa
Background: Sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) is one of the most common complications of type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM II) and is the most significant risk factor for ulcerations and subsequent lower limb amputations. The vibration perception threshold (VPT) in patients with sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) reflects the severity of secondary sensation loss. This study explores the mechanisms that may have contributed to an improvement in VPT after using a vibration intervention for one month. Preliminary research conducted by the study supervisor has confirmed the effect of vibration on VPT. However, this study seeks to investigate the underlying mechanisms, including potential changes in activity within the somatosensory cortex of the brain. Study aim: This study aims to determine the effect of a vibration intervention, applied to the plantar surface of the foot of patients with SPN secondary to DM II on the somatosensory cortex of the brain. The revised aim was to explore possible physiological mechanisms for improved VPT in patients with Diabetes, following vibration therapy. Methods: A multi-method study design was employed, including a case series and a scoping review. The case series was conducted in Phase 1, followed by the scoping review in Phase 2. In Phase 1, the effect of vibrating insole therapy on somatosensory cortex function was assessed through pre- and post-intervention measurements using a quasi-experimental approach. This case series was conducted at two sites in Cape Town, South Africa: Wound Net clinic and the Cape universities Body Imaging Centre (CUBIC) at Groote Schuur Hospital. Data collection commenced in the second semester of 2019 and was discontinued in March 2020 due to COVID- 19 pandemic restrictions. After a sabbatical pause due to the pandemic, the researcher amended he original objectives before launching Phase 2.
Perceptions of physiotherapy students regarding the management of patients with underlying mental illness in clinical practice at a university in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Salo, Maylene
Mental illness (MI) has become one of the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide, as nearly half of the population will experience a MI at some stage in their life. It is therefore inevitable that most healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, will encounter patients with MI in clinical practice. As physiotherapists occupy an essential role in the management of patients with MI, they need to be equipped with the knowledge, skill, as well as favourable attitudes and behaviours towards patients with MI. Physiotherapy students also require these competencies when managing patients with underlying mental illness they may encounter during their clinical training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore physiotherapy students’ perceptions regarding the management of patients with underlying MI in clinical practice. A qualitative approach, with an exploratory descriptive design was used. Data was collected through individual, audio-recorded face to face interviews, and video-recorded online interviews, using a semi structured interview guide. The study population included all final year undergraduate physiotherapy students registered at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), with 16 students agreeing to participate. Participants were purposively selected due to their clinical exposure and experience gained in clinical practice. Data was analysed by employing Braun and Clarke’s six phase thematic analysis, whereby codes were identified, themes were generated and results presented textually with supporting quotes. Trustworthiness of the study was ensured by employing credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. This study was conducted according to the ethical practices pertaining to the study of human subjects as specified by the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences’ Research Ethics Committee of UWC. Sixteen fourth year, male and female physiotherapy students with a mean age of (22.8 ±1.32 years) consented to participate in this study.
Impostor syndrome and job satisfaction: perceptions of community service physiotherapists within the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) America, Erin
BACKGROUND: Impostor syndrome, marked by persistent self-doubt despite evident success, is common among high-achievers and can negatively affect wellbeing and performance. Newly qualified physiotherapists, transitioning from academic to clinical settings during their community service year, may be particularly vulnerable. Exploring their experiences is crucial for early identification and support, which in turn contributes to targeted interventions, professional development, and the creation of more supportive work environments. AIM/PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore how community service physiotherapists in the Western Cape understand, experience, and manage Impostor Syndrome while completing their community service year. METHOD: A qualitative approach, using an exploratory study design, was employed to gather in-depth insights through one-on-one, semi-structured interviews. The study population comprised of 20 physiotherapy graduates from South African universities who completed their community service year in either 2023 or 2024 at one of the twenty-four health care facilities (including hospitals and community health care centers) within the public sector of the Western Cape. Only 10 participants were able to be recruited and participated in the study. Purposive sampling was employed, and snowball sampling supplemented recruitment. Interviews were conducted via Google Meet for accessibility. Data saturation was reached after 10 interviews. Verbatim transcripts were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti software. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and the Western Cape Department of Health. Informed consent was secured, and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained in line with Protection of Personal Information Act. Participation was voluntary, and minimal risk was anticipated. Emotional responses during interviews were addressed with support options.
An analysis of physiotherapy classroom-based teaching and hospital practical skills in Zambia
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Moyo, Geoffrey
The last decade 1990 to 2000 brought many changes to the global health care delivery systems. The changes have rendered the clinical-set up to be complex, ambiguous and unstable. Some physiotherapy training programmes have not kept the pace of change as that recorded in the health care delivery systems during the last ten years. The uneven changes between the health care delivery systems and physiotherapy education in the last decade have made the physiotherapy traditional techniques to be seemly unable to respond to the complex, and ambiguous situations in the clinical setting. Some recent research studies have identified gaps in the curricula of health science training programmes as a result of the rapid changes in the health care systems. Employers of health science professionals are in agreement that new graduates in health sciences possess a body of knowledge in their respective field of study. However, the employers' agreement is below 50% in relation to the graduates' capacity for applying theory to practice in unfamiliar situations, being able to exercise critical judgement and rigorous independent thinking. The researcher was driven to carry out this study because of the persistent complaints about students' inability to translate their theory into practice in the clinical area by clinical educators. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the physiotherapy theory at the Evelyn Hone College (EHC) matched the hospital clinical curriculum. A descriptive quantitative design was employed in the study, using retrospective data from the EHC physiotherapy curriculum, physiotherapy records from Chipata General (rural) and Ndola Central Hospitals (urban) from 1995 to 1999. The Physiotherapy curriculum data and patient records from the two hospitals were compared to establish whether there was any congruence between the two.
The period prevalence and awareness of predisposing risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among office workers at a university in the Northern District of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Elnour, Maysa Adam Agabna
Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are defined as pain, discomfort and loss of function in the back, neck and extremities and are common among working role. With the increasing development of science and technology, the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is on the increase as a result of inactivity, fatigue and poor biomechanics in work environments. Physiotherapists are vital in the management of musculoskeletal disorders of employees, especially office workers. Social ecological models have proven to be an effective framework for understanding and guiding population-based health behaviour change interventions at an individual, community and environmental level. Study aim: To determine the period prevalence, and to explore the awareness of the predisposing risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among office workers at a university in the northern district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A mixed methods approach, which involves a qualitative and a quantitative component in the same study and a sequential explanatory design was used. The study was conducted amongst the staff of the University of Business and Technology (UBT) in the northern district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The total number of office workers employed at UBT was 600 in 2021/2022 academic year. A calculated sample size of 264 participants were recruited through convenience sampling to participate in the quantitative study. The Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to gather information from the participants and it has been shown to have good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.80) and validity.
Physical activity behaviour of community dwelling persons with traumatic spinal cord injuries in Cape Town, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Gabriels, Aeysha
Background: A spinal cord injury is a devastating condition, associated with permanent disability and decreased life expectancy. Persons with spinal cord injuries (PwSCIs) often lead sedentary lifestyles, which set in motion a cascade of comorbidities linked to lifestyle behaviours. There is growing evidence indicating that decreasing sedentary behaviour and improving physical activity (PA) are connected to favourable rehabilitation outcomes namely health status and physical functioning. There is paucity of evidence to support this postulation in our setting. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess PA behaviour of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) patients in Cape Town/Western Cape. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed in this study. The population consisted of community- dwelling adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCIs). Only individuals who have lived in the community for at least one year following injury were recruited. Participants were sourced from the database (2016-2020) of Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town using a sample of convenience. A total of 403 adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) was retrieved from the database (2016-2020). From the 297 people who met the inclusion criteria, 76 participants were included in the study. A large proportion (n=214) could not be reached, 10 relocated to other areas and provinces in South Africa, and 2 declined to participate in the study. The study took place in 42 communities of the Cape Metropole.
The role of physiotherapy in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries at a teaching and referral hospital in Kenya
(Univeversity of the Western Cape, 2014) Kiplagat, Sharon Jemutai; Steyl, Tania
Motorcycle-related head injuries are the leading cause of death, severe injury and disability among motorcycle users globally. In order to define and implement appropriate management of motorcycle-related head injuries, reliable data is required. Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) receive many patients with motorcycle-related head injuries but an in depth study on the role played by health professionals such as physiotherapists in their management is not available. Thus the purpose of the study was to investigate the role of physiotherapists in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya. A sequential explanatory mixed method design was utilized. A quantitative approach was used to determine the prevalence of motorcycle-related head injuries and to examine the referral tendency of these patients for physiotherapy management. A qualitative approach was employed to explore the physiotherapists’ perceptions regarding their role in the management of motorcycle-related head injuries and the challenges encountered when managing such patients.
Clinical reasoning of clinicians and undergraduate physiotherapy students during the intensive care unit rotation
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kariem, Hudaa; Hess, Danelle
Clinical reasoning (CR) is an important element of clinical practice and is considered essential for decision making. Physiotherapists need to make decisions daily, irrespective of their area of physiotherapy practice. Due to the complexity and intensity of the decision-making process, when it comes to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the reasoning process in this particular setting may be different. The aim of the study was to explore the process of CR in both Clinicians working in ICU and undergraduate student physiotherapists training in the ICU. The objectives of the study were to explore the understanding of CR in undergraduate physiotherapy students and clinicians, to explore the process of CR and clinical decision-making (CDM) in clinicians working in the acute ICU setting and to explore the process of CR and CDM in undergraduate physiotherapy students following their rotation on the ICU placement. This study employed a qualitative approach with an exploratory research design. The population for the study included final year physiotherapy students on their ICU clinical rotation and clinicians working in the ICU. A purposive sampling method was employed to identify the participants. Data for the study was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis approach where various themes and sub-themes emerged from the data.
Surveillance strategies used to monitor injuries in amateur and professional cricket players: An integrative review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Jacob, Umar-Farouk; Boggenpoel, Blake
Background: Sports injuries have been reported to place pressure on global health systems. To lessen this pressure, sports medical staff play an important role in injury prevention. Injury surveillance is the starting point for injury prevention. To date, there are two consensus statements on injury surveillance in cricket. There are no studies that have reviewed the strategies used to monitor injury among amateur and professional cricketers. Reviewing the current strategies may provide guidance to future researchers and role players on the status of injury surveillance among amateur and professional cricketers. Aims: The overall aim of the present study was to review the existing literature regarding injury surveillance strategies used to monitor injury among amateur and professional cricketers, as well as to assess the reporting of these findings according to both of the cricket injury surveillance consensus statements. In addition to this, this study set out to achieve the following objectives: to describe the surveillance strategies currently used to monitor injuries in amateur and professional cricket players; to assess the methodological quality of the included studies; to assess the reporting of injury surveillance data for amateur and professional cricket players according to the 2005 and 2016 injury surveillance consensus statements; and to make recommendations for future surveillance studies based on the findings of the present study.
Incidence and common causes of major lower limb amputation at a hospital in a sub-district of the City Cape Town municipality.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Kaylor, Timothy; Ennion, Liezel
Background: Major lower limb amputation (LLA) is a life-changing event described as the loss of a limb at or proximal to the ankle upwards. The amputation itself is a change in body structure but has a significant influence on many activities, participation in activities and quality of life. Optimal functional outcomes for persons with a major LLA require intensive long-term rehabilitation and costly assistive devices such as prostheses. Due to the high costs associated with it, the increasing number of persons with major LLA places a burden on the resource-limited public health system. In order for the provincial department of health to plan to provide sufficient human and financial resources and procure enough assistive devices such as prostheses, the need for these devices and the incidence of major LLAs should be established. The study aims to determine the incidence and common causes of major LLAs in adults and children who underwent major lower limb amputations at Tygerberg Hospital over one year from 19 December 2019 to 20 December 2020.
Medical doctors physical activity patterns and their advice about chronic diseases of lifestyle risk reduction in Tanzania
(2010) Wallace, K; Phillips, J
Chronic diseases of lifestyle (COL) are on a raising trend in the world regardless of age, economic class or geographical location of a population. The mortality rate associated with COL is alarmingly among the highest globally. Tanzania is not exempted from this development. Literature indicates that physical activity is a health practice that can prevent COL. It is recommended that medical practitioners should hold the responsibility of counselling patients on physical activity. Some studies outside Africa found an association between doctors' physical activity patterns and their counselling practices on the same. This study therefore sought to establish whether physical inactivity among medical doctors in Tanzania significantly influenced their counselling practices on physical activity. A cross sectional quantitative survey at the Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute was conducted to derive the required information. A self administered structured questionnaire was voluntarily answered by 144 medical doctors.
Lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular control for the prevention of recurrent hamstring injuries in sprinting
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Kerspuy, Wade; Ennion, Liezel
Introduction: Hamstring injuries are the most prevalent injuries that occur in sport that require sprinting and acceleration (Small et al., 2009). A bigger concern is the high rate of recurrent hamstring strains (Comfort, 2009). The concern is that conventional hamstring rehabilitation may be inadequate, to reduce the prevalence of a recurrent hamstring injury. This study will explore if lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular rehabilitation is currently included in the rehabilitation programmes aimed at the prevention of recurring hamstring injuries in athletes involved in sprinting sports, and secondly, if consensus can be reached amongst experts on the inclusion of lumbo-pelvic control in the prevention of recurrent hamstring injuries. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase a Scoping review was used to determine if lumbopelvic neuromuscular rehabilitation was used in the rehabilitation of hamstring injuries to prevent recurrent injury in sports that involve sprinting, and which types of exercises are commonly used. The second phase consisted of a Delphi study, which was conducted in three rounds of online surveys. Experts were asked if they thought lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular control was important in the rehabilitation of hamstring strains to prevent recurrent injuries, as well their views on specific lumbo-pelvic neuromuscular exercises.
A descriptive of the factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Nairobi, Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Lamech, Francis Bogonko; Phillips, Julie; Pharaoh, Hamilton
Background: Rugby is one of the most popular sports in the world second to football. Many researchers have recommended different rugby injury prevention strategies that can drastically reduce injury incidences in rugby if practiced regularly. However rugby injuries still exist and there is minimal intervention being done in Africa and specifically in Kenya to implement these injury prevention strategies. Aim: To identify factors influencing the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Objectives: (i) To determine prevalence of rugby injuries in the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) league 2011-2012 season. (ii) To identify and describe various injury prevention strategies and sports safety practices in place among rugby clubs in Kenya. (iii) To determine the factors hindering the implementation of rugby injury prevention strategies in Kenya. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study design was used. Research Setting: The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants: Seven male rugby teams participated in KRFU League 20lll20l2 season; 210 rugby players, 7 team coaches, 7 team managers and 7 team medical practitioners. Instruments: Four self-administered questionnaires for rugby players, team coaches, team managers and team medical practitioners were used to collect data. A two week test-retest reliability pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability for team coaches and rugby players' questionnaires. Team medical practitioners and managers' instruments were adapted from previously validated Sports Safety Analysis Tool (SSAT). To ensure the content and face validity of the adapted instruments it was reviewed by experienced sports safety experts, experienced coaches, referees and sports development officers working as technical advisors in KRFU, in conjunction with qualified and experienced sports Physiotherapists, and the Researcher. Ethical clearance: was granted by the University of the Western Cape and from the relevant authorities in Kenya. Participation was voluntary and participants had the right to withdraw from the study at any time. Written informed consent was sought from all participants and they were assured of anonymity and confidentiality of their information, and that it was intended for research purposes only. Data analysis: Data was analysed using the SPSS version (20.0). Descriptive statistics was conducted to obtain a profile of the study sample and prevalence of rugby injuries, injury prevention strategies, sports safety practices and factors influencing the implementation of injury prevention strategies. These were presented in terms of frequencies and percentages in tables and figures Results: 162 (77%) rugby players, 7 (100%) coaches, 7 (100%) managers and 6 (85 .7%) team medical practitioners participated in this study. A sum of 520 injuries was reported giving a prevalence rate of 94.4%. Out of these injuries the sprains accounted for 17.5%o and strains (15%) and with more than half (52.5%) were mild. Fifty-five percent (55.4%) of the injuries were sustained during matches with the majority (55.6%\ of players sustaining an injury during the second half of play. The lower extremity recorded high prevalence of 48.7%o while tackling and being tackled were the common cause of injury. Majority of rugby players never used headgear, mouth guard and ankle protection at both training and matches. There were deficiencies in conducting cool down, stretching, flexibility and strength training. Lack of time, lack of proper equipments, advice, fatigue, financial constraints, poor facilities and lack of qualified personnel were given as the main reasons for coaches and players not implementing the injury prevention strategies. Moreover safety practices were followed more during competitions than at training. Conclusion: the lower limb injuries are of great concern and training specifically targeted on injury prevention should be encouraged among coaches as it can reduce the injury incidences. Moreover a sports safety committee should be elected among rugby clubs to develop and ensure that sports safety practices and policies are implemented regularly at both training and matches. Finally the coaches and medical personnel should educate players on the importance of injury preventative measures and always encourage them to participate in warmup, cool-down, stretching and, strength and conditioning.
Cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries among student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Magida; Phillips, Julie
Dance movements requires explosive power, sustained effort and both local and general endurance. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) are the most frequent medical problems among dancers in ballet, which is partly owing to inadequate training and dancers not being properly prepared for the dernands of the dance performance. The study involved a prospective, cohort design. A population of 49 student dancers at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) were studied over 16 weeks academic year in 2007.The purpose of the present study was to determine the cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal injuries amongst student dancers at TUT. The student dancers filled on a questionnaire about previous injuries, their study schedules and factors they believed increased the risk of injuries. Of the 49 student dancers, 4l (83 o/o) consent to participate. There were 10 cumulative injuries incurred by 41 student dancers over 16 weeks period i.e.7.l yo,0.06 injuries incurred per student month at risk. The main limitations to this study were small sample size and misclassification, recall, and reporting biases. Further research should aim to standardize injury definitions and classifications.
Factors associated with physical activity levels among older adults in selected institutions in Southern Province of Rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Kanyoni, Maurice; Phillips, Julie
The size of the elderly population both in numbers and proportions of the whole world is increasing rapidly. The increase in the number of elderly people in the world will exert a big impact on health and social services. Population aging is also likely to cause serious societal challenges due to its associated increase in the number of individuals at risk for chronic diseases and injury. Participation in regular physical activity elicits a number of favorable responses that contribute to healthy aging, it is therefore established that physical activity is one way of limiting age related disabilities. Several studies have investigated factors that may be associated with physical activity participation and levels of physical activity in Rwanda among different age groups. However little has been done to investigate physical activity levels among older adults in Rwanda. This study aims to asses the levels of physical activity and the factors associated with it among older adults in Rwanda. A cross-sectional and descriptive study with a quantitative design was conducted. Sixty-three (63) participants from two institutions for the elderly located in the Southern Province of Rwanda were purposively selected. An interview questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential data were analysed statistically with SPSS version 15.0. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for demographic data. Mean score values and standard deviations for each variable were calculated. Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between selected variables and physical activity participation. The mean age of the participants was 7l years (SD = 9.82; range : 55-l0l years) and more than half (58,7%) of the participants were females. Furthermore the majority of participants were widowed (58'7 %) andreported alcohol consumption (60.3 %). Females were significantly more likely to be physically active than males. Younger participants were more likely to be physically active than the older participants, although not statistically significant. No statistically significant association was found for physical activity participation, marital status, location of residence and education level. Fear of falling and alcohol consumption were significantly related to physical activity participation. Conclusively the study recommends that there is need to promote physical activity among older adults so that this part of the population do not loose on the benefits of physical activity.
Implementation of health education programme relating to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners in the Amajuba district, Kwa-Zulu Natal
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Chutergon, Serena; Frantz, Jose
Currently, chronic diseases are a growing cause of death and disability in South Africa. This study was an experimental study using a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population was made up of two conveniently selected high schools located in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The total population for the intervention school was 1050 learners and for the control school were 945 learners. Chronic diseases of lifestyle are a group of diseases that share similar risk factors as a result of exposure, over many decades, to unhealthy diets, smoking, lack of exercise and stress. The major risk factors include high blood pressure, tobacco addiction, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a health care education programme on the knowledge of high school learners as it relates to risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal, through the implementation of a health education programme in the intervention school and a 45 min talk on chronic diseases of lifestyle in the control school. ln addition, the study also determined the prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyles among high school learners in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal. The survey tool used in this study was two self-administered questionnaires. The first being the Youth risk behavioural survey which assessed the learners' diet information, tobacco use, alcohol use and physical activity of which was used to collect information on the health risk behaviours of the learners. This was a validated and reliable questionnaire (chronbachs alpha of 0,897). The second, a knowledge questionnaire for risk factors which assessed the knowledge of learners, regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle. Demographic data and data regarding diabetes, hypertension, stroke, diet information, tobacco use information, alcohol use information and physical activity were initially coded and entered into the Excel program, where upon the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13 was used to analyse the data. The pre-test scores collected from the knowledge questionnaire showed that the mean for the intervention school was 12.8 (SD=4.3) and for the control school was 14.2 (SD=4.5). The post-test score for the intervention school (24.65) was significantly higher (p<0.005) than the post-test score for control group (18.40)' Thus, the implementation of the health education programme at the intervention school made much more significant difference to the knowledge of the pupils regarding chronic diseases of lifestyle than the 45-minute talk at the control school. Based on the Youth risk behavioural survey, it was found that 60% of the total number of participants smoked,67 % drank alcohol, 33% were physically inactive. In addition, 35% were classified as overweight and 60% hypertensive. The outcome of this study thus suggests that the high prevalence of risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle in the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal should be of great concern as it places learners at a high risk for developing chronic diseases of lifestyle, as they grow older. Therefore preventive, promotive strategies and programs like the health education programme must be put in place and implemented in the communities within the Amajuba District, Northern Kwa Zulu Natal.
The utilization of chest physiotherapy services at the University teaching hospital of Butare in Rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Sylvain, Gasaraba Rudakenga; Marais, M
Worldwide respiratory problems are one of the common causes of acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory system that result in activity limitation and participation restriction. It hypothesized that more patients suffering from respiratory problems could benefit from chest physiotherapy (CPT) at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare in Rwanda than during the past situation. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of, and the need for chest physiotherapy at the UTH of Butare, in Rwanda. The objectives were: (i) To determine the prevalence of respiratory problems from a selected sample of patients at UTH of Butare in 2006; (ii) To determine the monthly referral rate of patients with respiratory problems for chest physiotherapy during 2006; (iii) To determine the trends in patient referrals for CPT by physicians at UTH; and (iv) To determine factors associated with patient referral to, and utilization of CPT. A retrospective study design, using a quantitative and descriptive research method was chosen. Medical files of patients and the register of patients treated in the physiotherapy department during 2006 were analysed. Systematic random sampling was used to select 716 files. A self -administered questionnaire (with closed-ended questions) was used to determine patient referral trends for chest physiotherapy among physicians at the UTH. Most of the physicians (75%) referred between I and 5 patients per week and most (95%) of physicians indicated their need to know more about CPT. Ethical issues relating to confidentiality of information were respected by the researcher. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the nominal data collected from a sample of 700 patients which found that44.6Yo (n:312) had positive respiratory signs with only 8.3% (n= 58) being referred for CPT during 2006. Only 56 patients had received CPT during 2006.The results could lead to more patients with respiratory problems being referred for chest physiotherapy by the medical staff. It could also motivate physiotherapists to market this area of service among the different health professions at the UTH of Butare.
Persoonlikheids eienskappe en skoolprestasie as voorspellers van uitkoms in die kursus b.sc. in fisioterapie aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch
(University of the Western Cape, 1992) Bester, Maria M; Steyn, D. M; Versfeld, P. A
Keuring van fisioterapie studente vind wereldwyd hoofsaaklik op grond van skolastiese prestasie plaas. Sommige opleidingsinstansies sluit biografiese veranderlikes en sommige persoonlikheidsveranderlikes wat deur middel van onderhoude indentifiseer word, in" Hierdie studie poog daarin om'n korrelasie te vind tussen skolastiese prestasie enpsigomotoriese veranderlikes aan die een kant en akademiese-, praktiese- en kliniese veranderlikes aan die ander kant. Vanuit die resultate van die studie word voorstelle gemaak vir die samestelling van 'n keuringsprosedure of battery vir fisioterapie studente. Die steekproef bestaan uit 'n groep van7l(x studente wat met die B.Sc. kursus in Fisioterapie begin het vanaf L979 tot 1985. Die resultate van die psigometriese toetse deur die studente in hul eerstejaar afgel6, word in die studie gebruik. Hierdie toetse word met die oog op beroepsvoorligting gedoen. Die studie slaag daarin om die tekortkominge iq beide die huidige metodes van keuring sowel as die psigometriese toetse in hierdie studie gebruik, te identifiseer. Skolastiese prestasie toon steeds die hoogste beduidende korrelasie tydens die prekliniese studiejare. Nie-kognitiewe veranderlikes skp egter van belang te wees by die voorspetling van kliniese prestasie. Verskeie belowende alternatiewe om as keuringskriteria of -prosedures te dien, word identifiseer en hoort in toekornstige ondersoeke in hierdie rigting'n rol te speel.
The effect of occupational related low back pain on functional activities among male manual workers in a construction company in cape town, South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Himalowa, S; Frantz, J
Construction manual workers are at a high risk of suffering from occupational related low back pain because of high-risk activities involved and the nomadic nature of the workforce. Low back pain and its associated disability continue to plague the construction industry. The prevalence of occupational related low back pain among manual workers in construction companies is believed to be due to high exposure to awkward postures for long hours, heavy manual work and exposure to whole-body vibration in the work environment. As a result of these risky exposures, low back pain has consistently been the leading cause of both occupational disability and absenteeism in the construction industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of occupational- related low back pain on the functional activities of the manual workers in a construction company in Cape Town. The prevalence and the predisposing factors of low back pain among construction manual workers were established as well as the effect of occupational-related low back pain on the functional activities of the manual workers was also determined. A cross- sectional descriptive study using quantitative method was utilized. A convenient sampling method was employed and all the 212 avarlable participants at two construction settings were recruited for the study. The population was categorised into four main occupational groups; masons, handymen, labourers and foremen. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire as a closed ended interview guide. The questionnaire comprised of four parts. Part one was used to determine the demographic data while parts two, three and four utilised three standardized close-ended validated questionnaires. These are; the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire, the Profile Fitness Mapping questionnaire and the Pain and Disability Questionnaire. Data was captured and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 spreadsheet for statistical analysis. The study was conducted under the adherence of the ethical considerations. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses describe the association between the investigated independent variables with the occulrence of occupational related low back pain in the study. Results are presented using tables, charts and graphs. The results revealed a 25Yo prevalence of low back pain while the one month and one week prevalence rates were 69Yo and 54Yo respectively. Masons recorded the highest low back pain prevalence rate (58%). Initial onset of low back pain was mainly attributed to bending (48%) and load lifting (28%). The chi-square test at p< 0.05 was done. The results revealed a lack of association between low back pain and the socio-demographic characteristics. Participants confirmed suffering physical, emotional, financial and functional problems with 415% reporting sickness absence and a mean of 4 days being lost during the past year. Further chi-square test for proportion revealed an association between low back pain and participants' ability to; lift (p:0.006), bend back forwards (p:0.001) and ability to bend back backwards (p=0.014). To prevent impairment, activity limitation and participation restriction among construction manual workers, a number of factors must be addressed at epidemiological level as highlighted in the recommendations of this study.
Factors affecting length of hospital stay for people with Spinal cord injuries at kanombe military hospital, rwanda
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Bwanjugu, P.B; Rhoda, A.
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition, and its consequences impact on many facets of an individual's life. Activities of daily living such as personal care and housework might be difficult to perform post injury. The majority of spinal cord injury patients receive hospital-based rehabilitation to address these consequences. The normal length of hospital stay among spinal cord injury patients ranges from three to twelve months, and an increased length of stay are caused by development of secondary complications such as pressure sores, urinary tract infection and respiratory infection. The pu{pose of this study was to determine factors affecting length of hospital stay for individuals with spinal cord injuries at Kanombe Military Hospital in Rwanda. To achieve this, a retrospective sfudy, utilising a quantitative approach was used. The records of individuals with spinal cord injuries discharged from the hospital between l't Januaryl996 and 3l't December 2007 were reviewed to collect data. A data gathering instrument was developed by the researcher and there after used to capture the relevant information from the patients' folders. Information collected included demographic data, information relating to the injury, occulrence of medical complications and length of hospital stay. One hundred and twenty four medical folders of patients discharged from I't January I 996 to 3 l't December 2OO7 at Kanombe Military Hospital were reviewed for data extraction. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 for windows was used to analyse the data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were determined in SPSS. Associations were made between demographic factors and occlurence of secondary medical complications with length of hospital stay. These were computed by means of chi-square tests. One level of significance, alpha set at 502 was used throughout. The linear regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting the length of stay.

Browse

Recent Submissions