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Item A Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Black Female Volunteer Lay Counsellors from Marginalised Backgrounds in Gauteng!(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Naidoo, Sherwyn; Patel, RubyWithin the South African context, Volunteer Lay Counsellors (VLCs) play a vital role in providing mental health care. Whilst Black female VLCs from marginalised backgrounds play an essential role in providing these services, there is a paucity of research in understanding their experiences. This study utilised a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of Black female VLCs from marginalised backgrounds in Gauteng. The researcher used non-probability purposive convenience sampling to recruit four participants who volunteered at a non-profit organisation (NPO) in Gauteng. The study collected data through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Insight was provided by this research into participants’ experiences of counselling from a position of their intersectionality to those who embody different intersectional identities. This was done by locating the research within the work of intersectional theorists Crenshaw (1989, 1991), McCall (2005), Tamale (2020), and Petsko and colleagues (2022). In keeping with this, the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method allowed for an in-depth exploration of participants’ unique experiences through double hermeneutic interpretations. The themes illustrated that participants were motivated by the desperate need for access to mental healthcare in their socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. In addition, volunteering satisfied the prospects of fulfilling their career aspirations lost because of their subjection to gendered, racialised, and class oppression. Thirdly, themes highlighted how clients’ race, class, and gender impacted participants’ counselling experiences. Lastly, themes highlighted the psychological impact of counselling on participants and how helpful coping mechanisms developed from the survival of intersectional oppression and organisational training and support helped mitigate these psychological consequences. The provided understanding of participants’ experiences is essential for both praxis and policy within the area of VLC in South Africa.Item African Primary School Teachers’ Perceptions of their Role in Identification, Referral, and Intervention Relating to Mental Health Care for Learners(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) Abrahams, Caylen; Coetzee, Bronwynè; Eagle, GillianUntreated mental health conditions can negatively impact a child’s development and future. Early identification, and management of mental health problems (MHPs) is therefore important for children. This research study aimed to understand and explore teachers’ experiences and perceptions in relation to the identification and provision of mental health aid for primary school learners. The study entailed interviewing 23 primary school teachers from a school in the Western Cape, South Africa located in a low-income community. Semi-structured individual interviews were designed to explore teachers’ experiences and views was recorded and transcribed. The data generated from the interviews was analysed by means of thematic analysis using the computer aided programme, ATLAS.ti v 8. The findings indicated that although teachers struggled to make use of diagnostic terms to describe mental health conditions in their learners, they were able to identify symptoms and behaviours that they associated with poor mental health and to consider possible contributing factors. Acting out and aggressive type behaviours were more easily identified as problematic than behaviours that were less overt. Teachers described frequent experiences of compromised learner mental health, even in the young population with whom they interacted. Teachers saw their role as circumscribed in intervening in relation to MHPs, describing multiple barriers in this regard, including a lack of mental health training, time constraints, large classroom sizes, and academic and pedagogical demands. For this reason, although many teachers were willing to receive additional training and play a more prominent role in mental health aid, their preference was to refer learners and to make use of their school-based mental health services (SBMHS). Teachers noted the efficacy of the SBMHS in aiding their learners but also offered some critical observations about the scale of delivery of services and optimal interfacing between teachers and mental health aid providers.Item An Exploration of Recovery from Nyaope Addiction Amongst Youth in Alexandra Township(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Morare, Matemane Katlego; Ndimande-Khoza, Nomhle; Langa, MaloseThe aim of this study was to explore the journey of recovery from nyaope addiction among youth in Alexandra township, South Africa. The target sample was 8 participants, but the researcher managed to obtain a sample of only 7 participants. These individuals had been through challenging experiences as nyaope addicts, and the researcher conducted interviews with them to find out in detail the factors that had been present in their addiction stages, as well as those had been present in their journey towards overcoming addiction. According to the findings that emerged, the journey towards recovery was filled with challenges that needed to be navigated. Some of these challenges were related to attempts at professional treatment and at self-treatment. In conclusion, it is clear that nyaope addiction is one complex type of addiction, and that recovering is a continuing journey, and that support for those individuals who have come out of treatment should never be ceased.Item An exploration of the Lived Mental Health Experiences of psychologists working in the public sector during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Harvey, Zena; Laher, SumayaThe COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted mental health in South Africa, exacerbating the existing mental healthcare treatment gap. Psychologists working at public institutions have been at the forefront of providing mental health care to the public during the crisis. However, psychologists themselves may be considered a vulnerable group at risk of developing adverse mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, burnout and vicarious traumatisation due to the nature of their profession. This vulnerability may have been further amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The well-being of psychologists is integral to ensuring high quality patient care and to the overall management of pandemic and other disease outbreaks. There remains a significant dearth in the available literature examining the lived mental health experiences of psychologists, especially those working in the public sector. This study aims to address this pertinent gap by investigating the lived mental health experiences of ten psychologists employed in South African public institutions, amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews comprising sixteen questions were conducted with each psychologist. The following five overarching themes emerged from an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): ‘The personal effects of COVID-19 on psychologists’, ‘Changes to therapy During COVID-19’, ‘Experiences of COVID-19 exposure in public hospitals’, ‘Coping Mechanisms’ and ‘Survivor Guilt: Privilege during the pandemic’. A discussion of the abovementioned findings highlighted the importance of addressing, prioritising and monitoring the psychological wellbeing of these public sector-psychologists, during pandemic and other disease outbreaks to increase their support structures.Item An exploratory study to understand the mental health care needs of university students(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Mudau, Tondani; Jithoo, Vinitha; Dietrich, JananBackground: Despite high levels of psychological distress, university students are reluctant to seek counselling on campus. University students have easy access to data and regularly use their phones for academic and personal purposes. A mental health application (app) designed specifically for university students has the potential to address mental health challenges and promote help-seeking amongst university students. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of psychological distress amongst university students, the sources of their distress and common coping strategies. The study then investigated students’ and counsellors’ perceptions of using a mental health app as a coping mechanism for psychological distress. Finally, the study developed, tested, and evaluated a mental health app specifically designed for university students. Methods: A multiphase mixed methods research design comprising three phases was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data through surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were collected, analysed and interpreted within the technology acceptance model (TAM) and cognitive behavioural theoretical frameworks. Phase 1 collected data to determine the prevalence of psychological distress, common coping strategies and mobile phone use amongst university students. Phase 2 integrated quantitative and qualitative data from Phase 1 to determine the feasibility of a mental health app, and thereafter developed the mental health app. Phase 3 tested and evaluated the usability of a mental health app with students and counsellors. All quantitative data were collected using the web-based application, Research Electronic Data Capture, and analysed using Statistical Analytics Software Enterprise Guide 7.1. All qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis and by using NVivo version 12 Pro. Results: Overall, 1 221 students and nine counsellors were enrolled in the study. Phase 1 enrolled 1 100 students in an exploratory survey, 62 in focus group discussions, and six counsellors for in-depth interviews. Socio-demographic data Phase 1: A majority of participants (72.72%) were female, within the 18–20 age group (64.6%), and in their first-year level of study (46.2%). A vast majority (94.1%) were enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand, with many enrolled in the faculty of humanities (36.1%). Most participants were South African citizens (95.6%) and from an urban location (61%), and 20.09% had been previously diagnosed with a mental health challenge. Prevalence of psychological distress: The Kessler-10 and student stress inventory were used to determine the prevalence of psychological distress. The results show that most participants (60.5%) reported very high levels of psychological distress, while 53% reported moderate levels of stress. Male students were more likely than female students to have very high levels of psychological distress (71.4%) and mild stress (63.3%). Third-year students were more likely than first- and second-year students to have high levels of psychological distress (65%) and moderate stress (59%). Coping strategies: The Brief-COPE-28 was used to determine common coping strategies amongst students. The results show that students with moderate or severe stress used emotion-focused (mean: 30.6 [SD = 5.71] vs 28.8 [SD = 6.21]; p < .0001) and avoidance coping styles (mean: 16.3 [SD = 3.82] vs 13.2 [SD = 3.51]; p < .0001) more than those with mild stress. A larger proportion of female than male students used denial (mean: 3.50 [SD = 1.77] vs 1.54 [SD = 3.13]; p = 0.001), emotional support (mean: 5.03 [SD = 1.96] vs 4.50 [SD = 1.82]; p = 0.0001), informational support (mean: 2.00 vs 1.88, p = 0.0001), behavioural disengagement, (mean: 3.63 [SD = 1.63] vs 3.82 [SD = 1.52]; p = 0.001), and religion (mean: 5.53 [2.24] vs 4.63 [2.17]; p = 0.001) as coping strategies. Students within the 18–20 age group had higher scores for religion as a coping strategy (mean: 5.53 [SD =2.2 2] vs 4.93 [SD = 2.23]; p = 0.0003). First-years were more likely to use problem-solving coping styles than postgraduate students (mean: 22.5 [SD = 5.86] vs 22.5 [SD = 5.29] p = 0.0165). Mobile phone use: Results from a sociodemographic questionnaire show that a majority of participants (98.7%) owned a smartphone and 66.9% owned a phone with Android software. Most (81%) reported having easy access to data and only a few (26.6%) had used an online health app for their health needs. Students’ and counsellors’ perceptions of psychological distress and using a mental health app to address mental health challenges: A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data. Thematic analysis based on the TAM and cognitive behavioural theory frameworks categorised qualitative data under six main themes: (1) students’ conceptualisation of distress, (2) common mental health challenges, (3) perceptions of factors leading to distress, (4) facilitators of using a mental health app intervention, (5) barriers to using a mental health app intervention, and (6) perceived usefulness of the app. Sociodemographic data Phase 3: Three counsellors and 59 students were enrolled in the survey. Most students (64%) were female, within the 21–24 age group (63%), and in their third year of study (37%). More than half the student participants were enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand (54%) and 29% within the humanities faculty. App testing: The app had eight categories for participants to test (information, coping strategies, take a test, seek help, journal, podcasts, videos, and settings). A majority of participants assessed coping strategies (73%) and information (69%), followed by the seek help (47%) and take a test (45%) category. Podcasts (23%) and settings (15%) were the least assessed categories. Perceived ease of use: The belief that users will require minimal effort using the technology was assessed using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). The overall MARS score showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.93) and was highly correlated to the app’s overall star rating (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001). The overall mean for the total MARS scale was 88.1. The MARS subscales were high quality and exceeded the (3.0) mean threshold: engagement (3.84), functionality (3.52), aesthetics (4.25), information (4.36), and subjective quality (3.45). Conclusion: The findings reveal that psychological distress is prevalent amongst university students, suggesting a need for student-friendly mental health interventions. A mental health app has the potential to address this need. This study found that most students own smart mobile phones and have easy access to data, indicating that a mental health app is a viable intervention. The qualitative findings demonstrate students’ willingness to use a mental health app for psychological distress. Barriers to using the app included a lack of face-to-face therapy, over-reliance on the app, fear of misdiagnosis, and lack of accessibility and affordability. Facilitators to using the app included previous experience with apps, convenience, accessibility, and confidentiality. These aspects were considered when designing the app, for it to be student friendly. Students and counsellors suggested that, for the app to be useful, it should provide information and coping strategies, offer support, engagement, and security. Therefore, the mental health app intervention in this study was developed based on these characteristics. The designed mental health app was evaluated by students and counsellors, who rated the app to be of high quality and easy to use. This outcome is positive and should be explored further. Future studies can longitudinally test for the app’s effectiveness with students experiencing psychological distress.Item Automatic Racial Assumptions: Investigating the Relationship Between Implicit Racial Bias and Experiences of Affective Reactions to Racialized Others in a South African Population(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) Gomes, Stash Briano; Besharati, SahbaBackground: There is evidence to suggest that one’s social context is critical in shaping the automatic affective responses that one has to their own and other racial groups. However, to date, research into explicit and implicit racial biases has largely investigated this phenomenon in predominantly White populations within the global North. Furthermore, while there is evidence to suggest that people possess a tacit awareness of their implicit racial biases, a study is yet to demonstrate a direct link between self-reported experiences of one’s own biases and implicit measures of bias. This may be due problems inherit with existing self-report measures of bias, which focus on beliefs and attitudes regarding race, rather than asking individuals to reflect on their own affective experiences regarding their interactions with people of their own and other races. Aims and Methods: Using an ex post facto correlational design, this study investigated the relationship between implicit racial bias, explicit affective responses to racial groups and consciously held beliefs and attitudes about racial groups, and whether there were any between-group differences across any of these variables within a sample of self-identified Black (N = 25) and White (N = 20) South African adults. Data was collected using an adapted version of the Racial Implicit Association Test (IAT) for use in the South African context and a novel self-report scale that measures both explicit Attitudinal and Affective Racial Bias (AARB), with both measures investigating White- and Black-directed racial biases. Results and Discussion: This study demonstrates significant between-group differences in explicit, but not implicit, measures of racial bias based on self-identified race in this sample. Providing evidence for the distinction between attitudinal and affective forms of explicit racial bias and suggesting that the direct comparison between biases directed towards Black and White racial groups may not be appropriate in diverse settings, given that there is only a relationship between these two forms of racial bias with the White identified participants, but no direct relationship between these biases were found within the sample of Black identified participants. Finally, the results of this study suggest that self-report measures of affective racial bias may demonstrate a stronger correlation with implicit biases as measure by the IAT than traditional measures of attitudinal bias.Item Balancing the roles of Employee Aad Primary Child Caregiver: Experiences of Single Mothers formally Employed in Otjiwarongo, Namibia(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Markus, Julia NdeyapewaThe number of single mothers entering the workforce is an ever-increasing trend throughout the world, including countries in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Namibia. Usually, single mothers face many challenges fulfilling the roles of employee and primary caregiver simultaneously. Although the challenges experienced by employed, single mothers have been well researched in developed Western and European countries, there is a gap of knowledge regarding how formally employed, single mothers in sub-Saharan Africa, including Namibia, experience trying to balance the responsibilities of employee and primary caregiver of their children. Occupational social workers can play a meaningful role in supporting employees in the workplace, including employed, single mothers who are facing caregiving challenges that are negatively impacting on their work responsibilities. The main aim of this research was thus to explore how employed single mothers in Namibia experience trying to balance the roles of primary caregiver and employee, so that key role players within the workplace, especially occupational social workers, can gain more insight into how these challenges can best be addressed. To realise this aim, a qualitative research approach was adopted using the phenomenological research design. Fifteen employed mothers in Otjiwarongo, a small town of about 28 000 inhabitants in the Otjozondjupa region, were purposively selected as the research sample. Data were gathered by conducting individual interviews with the participants. The research tool was pre-tested with an employed single mother who met the sample selection criteria. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse data. The main findings based on data analysis were that fulfilling the role of mother is difficult when facing work pressure and working long hours. Stress experienced in the work environment is often carried over to the home environment, and vice versa. Focus on work activities can also be undermined when experiencing concerns about the well-being of their children, especially if they are young. Women try to balance their simultaneous roles by employing reliable caregivers to take on the responsibility of caregiving when they are at work. Based on research findings, it is recommended that occupational social workers work towards implementing policy and practice within the work environment that facilitates personal contact between mother and child.Item Caregivers’ Perceptions of the Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Well-Being of Secondary School Learners in the Vosloorus Area, Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mqadi, Slindile Alicia; Pretorius, EdmarieThe COVID-19 pandemic did not only impact the education system in South Africa but as affected the lives of learners when remote learning was introduced to the education system. This new way of learning affected the well-being of learners in different ways. The purpose of the study was to explore the caregivers' perception of how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the well-being of secondary school learners in Vosloorus, Gauteng, and South Africa. The ecological perspective was the theoretical framework underpinning the research study. A qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design was used to focus on the social meaning that individuals attach to their circumstances, experiences, and situations. The design allowed exploring the caregivers’ perceptions on how COVID -19 pandemic affected the well-being of their grade 10-12 school going children. The population of the study was caregivers of grades 10 to 12 learners, at a secondary school in Vosloorus Gauteng. Purposive sampling was used to sample eight caregivers of grades 10-12 learners. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview guide and the method of data collection was face-to-face interviews with caregivers. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. The main findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic left most homes in devastating condition, it left many mourning for their loved ones. Many learners were left orphaned or with one parent. Very few families did not experience the death of a loved one during this time, if it wasn’t a death of a family member, it was the passing on of a schoolteacher, a friend, or just someone you knew. This resulted in learners being bereaved, developing anxiety, and living in fear. Following the death of loved ones, the high rate of job losses was catastrophic. For caregivers and learners, the loss of employment or receiving a decrease in income added to their already poor socioeconomic status and it had other consequences for families and learners. Another major finding was that learners experienced overwhelming emotions, like fear, anxiety, and loneliness. There was also a high rate of grades dropping and learners being pushed to the next grade. Lastly caregivers perceived that COVID-19 contributed to the use of substances among learners.Item Does it matter where I work? Examining the effect of Remote Work on employees’ Work Engagement and Burnout(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-08) Tau, Lebogang Tlotlo; Pitman, MichaelThe global COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in how and where work is conducted. Governments around the world initiated national lockdowns to enforce certain restrictions to curb the spread of infection and keep society functioning as normal. Businesses and institutions had to adopt flexible, remote working arrangements to achieve their ends during the pandemic. This study examined if remote work had any effect on employees’ work engagement and burnout, and if this relationship would be moderated or mediated by work overload and organisational support in South African organisations. A cross-sectional questionnaire design was utilized to obtain data from the sample. A sample of 103 employees from different organisations in South Africa participated in the study. Work overload and organisational support was measured using their respect subscales on the Job Demands-Resource scale. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory were used to measure the work engagement and burnout respectively. The results indicate that remote work does not predict both work engagement and burnout, nor was this relationship moderated by work overload and organisational support.Item Experiences of loveLife Trust telephone counsellors about the EWP employed within Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mpekana, RebeccaGlobally, most Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) do not prioritise employee wellness programmes (EWPs). NPOs’ funding is often allocated for rendering their primary programmes rather than improving their employees’ wellness. Employees in NPOs are left to devise their own means to best cope with work-related stress and challenges. Some employees rely on support from community-based organisations or their colleagues. loveLife Trust is a South African NPO that operates nation-wide. loveLife Trust recently introduced EWP to be utilised by its employees who are telephone counsellors. As of year 2022, loveLife Trust employs about 12 telephone counsellors. The loveLife Trust counsellors render psychological support to youth country-wide. Dealing with the youth’s presenting problems exposes the telephone counsellors to burnout and anxiety. This study aimed to explore how telephone counsellors experience the loveLife Trust EWP service. This was a qualitative study that allowed the participants to openly share their views. The total participants for this study were 12 telephone counsellors who were working on the toll-free line which is based in Gauteng. In addition, two key informants; the team supervisor and an EWP account manager, were interviewed. All participants were interviewed through ZOOM Cloud Meetings. A qualitative interview schedule that was guided by open-ended one-on-one interview questions was used for data collection. Thematic data analysis was used to derive different themes for the study. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of telephone counsellors on EWP at loveLife Trust. The telephone counsellors are based in the call centre in Gauteng. The study revealed that telephone counsellors have not utilised the EWP as a way of support. The telephone counsellors prefer collegial support for taking care of their wellness. To spark interest amongst telephone counsellors to utilise the service, loveLife management should prioritise EWP awareness.Item Experiences of probation officers working at Department of Social Development, Gauteng, JHB Metro Region on occupational stress and their coping mechanisms(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Monnye, OlebogengThe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states that the majority of children in conflict with the law have committed petty crimes such as alcohol abuse, begging, absenteeism from school and vagrancy. Probation officers have an important role to play in the lives of people in conflict with the law. Some of their responsibilities include conducting thorough investigations to assess the offenders who have committed crimes. It can be understood that the nature of their job can at times cause occupational stress. The aim of the study was to explore the occupational stressors and coping mechanisms adopted by probation officers working at the Department of Social Development (DSD), Johannesburg (Jhb) Metro Region in the Gauteng province of South Africa. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the study. Fifteen participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Face to face in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the data. The interviews were audio recorded and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. It was anticipated that insights into the occupational stressors and coping strategies adopted by probation officers would be revealed. This study revealed that probation officers have high caseloads, but have good coping mechanisms to curb occupational stress in that they confide in their supervisors and their colleagues. The significance of the study for social work was that it may help probation officers to determine how they can better deal with occupational stress. Little research has been conducted in South Africa regarding probation officers’ occupational stressors. Therefore, this study contributed to literature on the matter.Item Experiences of stroke survivors with aphasia and their significant others during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ekurhuleni, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Kathrada, Nabeelah Ebrahim; Kater, Kelly-Ann; Neille, JoanneBackground and Aim: Stroke, a neurological condition, can lead to communication impairments, including aphasia, and has been associated with increased burden of care for significant others. With changes in stroke care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered essential to explore the perspectives of stroke survivors and their significant others. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with stroke and aphasia during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their significant others, within the South African context. Methodology: Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, this study utilised homogenous purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven stroke survivors with aphasia and their significant others. Interviews were conducted individually or as a unit, depending on participant preference. Data analysis followed an inductive thematic approach, with interpretation guided by the biopsychosocialtech model. Findings: The study's findings reveal challenges faced by participants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges encompass difficulties related to facility admission, interactions with healthcare workers, loss of autonomy, limited communicative abilities, reduced social networks and engagement in pre-stroke activities, struggles with re-entering the work environment, changes within family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, as well as evidence of burden of care for significant others. While technology was acknowledged as a potential valuable resource and telerehabilitation a possible successful intervention approach, their effective use posed challenges and limitations. Although rehabilitation was deemed beneficial, the need for potential transformation within the field of aphasia rehabilitation is outlined, particularly with respect to the active involvement of persons with aphasia and their significant others as well as the use of technology in a South African context. Implications and Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of the lived experiences of persons with aphasia and their significant others within the South African context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings have the potential to inform policy and practice by emphasising the importance of addressing client needs based on their lived experiences. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of active family involvement in treatment and highlights the need to investigate barriers to implementation in this regard. The findings further emphasise the necessity of developing policies that outline the use of technology in rehabilitation and call for improved considerations in healthcare workers' interactions with individuals with aphasia.Item Experiences, Challenges and Coping Strategies of Educators in a Special School in a Township in Gauteng Province, During Covid-19(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Sibyeng, Puseletso Lydia; Watermeyer, Jennifer; Pretorius, EdmarieThe COVID-19 pandemic created fear and frustration, it introduced uncertainty into major aspects of society including schools. Within a short period, the pandemic brought major changes within the school's context. Face-to-face teaching was discontinued, and online teaching was introduced. This restriction was put in place to manage the spread of the virus. Educators found themselves working on a rotational schedule or providing services online as the pandemic instilled fear and anxiety among them. The study aims to explore educators' experiences in a special school in a township in Gauteng Province during COVID-19. The study adopted a qualitative approach and a phenomenological research design. A sample of 15 educators from the Special School in Soshanguve Block R township in Gauteng Province, South Africa was purposively sampled. An interview guide with open-ended questions was developed by the researcher and guided the collection of data during semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The study intended to gain an in-depth understanding of how educators managed to cope with the pandemic regardless of the impact and frustrations experienced, and how their well-being was affected by the pandemic. Findings revealed that COVID-19 affected educators personally and professionally. They were compelled to adjust and adopt new ways of teaching during COVID-19 so that they complied with the national lockdown restriction rules and regulations during the pandemic. Most of the educators shared similar experiences of teaching during those times. They had to resort to new ways of teaching which worked for them and their school so that learners continued learning, and they adopted healthy distractions, as a way of distracting themselves from all the news about the pandemic that spread on the television and on social media which mostly lead them to be depressed and instilled fear amongst them. Recommendations made were that an establishment of a post-pandemic support committee can be put in place, as educators needed to be supported and advised on how to move forward and recover from the pandemic, and necessary engagements with other stakeholders in offering intense therapy to educators who taught during the time of COVID-19 as the impact of the pandemic will be felt for years to come.Item Explicit Regulation of Positive and Negative Emotion in Pre-Adolescents in a Kenya County(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021-10) Mwangi, Ruth Waitherero; Kasese-Hara, MambweThis study addresses a gap in research on how pre-adolescent boys and girls of age 10-12 explicitly regulate their positive and negative emotion as influenced by social-economic environments of peri-urban Kenya. This study took an explanatory sequential approach, employing quantitative and qualitative tools to respond to two research questions. It investigated pre-adolescents’ application of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression strategies, based on their awareness and expression of positive and negative emotion. The quantitative results showed that pre-adolescent boys and girls are aware of, express and apply explicit emotion regulation strategies to both positive and negative emotion experiences similarly. Important socio-economic factors were also identified for further qualitative consideration. The qualitative findings revealed that pre-adolescent boys and girls outwardly express positive and negative emotion. This was shown to be variably influenced by pre-adolescents’ school and family contexts, as well as their interaction with teachers, parents and peers.Item Exploring attitudes, aetiology and help-seeking behaviours for Mental illness in the community of Diepsloot(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Mkhize, Sandile Dionne; Laher, SumayaMental illness is a serious nation-wide health concern, with many individuals suffering from mental disorders. This study explored the attitudes of Diepsloot community members towards mental illness, their beliefs about the aetiology of mental illness and their help-seeking behaviours. Further the study explored whether attitudes and aetiology beliefs predict help-seeking behaviours in Diepsloot community members. Furthermore, issues of stigma and poverty were explored as factors contributing to understanding of and help-seeking behaviours for mental illnesses. A convenience sample of 154 community members in Diepsloot completed a questionnaire consisting of a demographics section, the Living Standards Measure, the Public Perceptions of Mental Illness questionnaire and two open ended questions asking about the factors that contribute to mental illness and the kind of advice the participants would give to a person who has mental illness. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. The open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The results indicated that the participants had more neutral attitudes towards mental illness overall but an item-by-item analysis of the attitudes scale indicated negative attitudes. The participants perceived mental illness to be caused by biological and stress related causes but did identify other causes in their responses to the open ended question. In particular, psychological factors, substance use, social components/aspects in their community, financial challenges, biological influences and cultural influences were all identified. Among the participants, there was an endorsement of help-seeking behaviours that were aligned with western medicine, hospitalization, consulting with family and friends, and religion in both the quantitative and qualitative analyses. Seeking help from traditional healers was less dominant in the responses to the open ended question. The multiple regression results, with regard to predicting attitudes towards mental illness, suggested that the participants had positive attitudes towards mental illness if their level of knowledge was higher. A variety of predictors were revealed regarding the various help-seeking behaviours. An overlap was observed among the stress aetiology and the cultural beliefs aetiology as predictors. These results are discussed within the broader context of access to mental healthcare in South Africa as well as the need for more collaborative interventions.Item Exploring the mental health and well-being experiences of high school learners during covid-19 in Sebokeng, Vanderbijlpark(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Nkomo, Andile Prudence; Pretorius, Edmarie; Watermeyer, JenniferThe coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is an acute infection that affects people. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and an international public health emergency on January 30, 2020. Residents of Sebokeng in South Africa suffered throughout the lockdown stages brought by COVID-19, finding it difficult to maintain a regular way of life in the face of the unique circumstances due to a shortage of money and business closures. The pandemic caused unimaginable disruptions in many aspects of society, including interruptions for learners in the classroom. It presented high school learners with challenges that increased their likelihood of developing mental health issues. Thus, the study aimed to explore high school learners' experiences of mental health and well-being during COVID-19 in Sebokeng, Vanderbijlpark. Against this background, the objective of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of high school learners in Sebokeng, Vanderbijlpark during COVID-19 and, explore the perceived influence of the pandemic on learners' mental health and well-being. The study used semi-structured one-on-one interviews to gather data. The framework for analysing and comprehending the results of my research was provided by the social context perspective, a subset of the ecological systems theory method. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The key themes and subthemes that emerged from the data are presented in this study, along with the research findings. The impact of COVID-19 on the learner's mental health will be investigated initially. The impact of COVID-19 on participants' academic progress, financial losses as a result of COVID-19, and overall COVID-19 experiences are then explored. Therefore, there has never been a more ideal time to investigate how learners' COVID-19 experiences may have affected their mental health. This study provides some insight into the use of support treatments for mental health issues.Item Exploring the pandemic: COVID-19 lockdown response levels as predictor of working memory performance and associated emotional responses(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Oyejide, Aderemi Oyewunmi; Brooks, Samantha; Besharati, SahbaThe unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the course of many lives, resulting in multiple health and social challenges. Due to the speed with which this andemic spread, various public health ‘lockdown’ measures were introduced to mitigate its spread. The outcome of adherence to these measures has revealed the possible influence on ndividuals varying cognitive abilities. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the predicting relationship between lockdown responses to COVID-19 restrictions and working memory performance and associated emotional responses, while looking at the socio-demographic influences of age, gender, and level of education. Participants were drawn from a secondary dataset of an international online survey study of 1634 individuals between 18 – 75 years across 49 countries. Participants’ demographic questionnaires, working memory measures (free memory recall and digit span forward tasks), and hospital anxiety and depression scale were employed to collect data for analysis. A 4-way MANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression were utilised to explore the mean differences and predicting relationships between the study variables respectively. Significant differences were found in general memory performance, anxiety and depression scores across lockdown groups, but with no significant difference in working memory. The regression analysis indicated socio-demographic variables as non-predictive markers between lockdown responses and memory performance, while age and gender were significant predictors between lockdown responses and anxiety. The current study provides valuable information for interventions that may improve peoples’ psychological appraisals in preparation for any new potential waves or future pandemics.Item First-year psychology students' understanding of traditional healing and treatment of mental illness(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-07) Mkansi, Akani Patience; Human, LeonieMental illness has shown high prevalence in local South African communities, however, the lack of knowledge and understanding of mental illness has an impact on the treatments that patients choose. Research shows that most individuals understand mental illness and define mental illness somatically and as resulting from biological causes (Memon et al., 2016), whereas there are other reasons for developing mental illness. Although patients consult psychologists and psychiatrists there is still a high number of individuals that consult traditional healers for the treatment of mental disorders (Zingela, 2019). Culture, beliefs, and the value placed on traditional healers results in continued consultation with traditional healers. A shared understanding of culture can help address barriers related to resistance due help-seeking behaviour (Zhou et al., 2021). The objective of the study is to explore first-year psychology students' understanding of mental illness and treatments. The data was collected using phenomenological interviews with ten first year psychology students registered with the University of the Witwatersrand, aged 18 and above. Semi-structured and open-ended interviews were conducted virtually using the Zoom meeting platform and lasted about 45 minutes to one hour. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The following themes were identified from the collected data: (1) understanding of mental illness (2) Healing of mental illness (3) role of traditional healers (4) reasons for consulting with traditional healer (5) The role of indigenous South African Cultural Understanding of mental illness (6) African cosmology and mental illness (7) challenges to understanding mental illness. The results presented various understandings of mental illness and treatments. Participants have identified culture, beliefs and several challenges as having an impact on access to mental healthcare services, therefore, it is noteworthy to have future interventions that consider a culturally accommodative and comprehensive framework for understanding mental illness.Item How Undergraduate Students at the University of Witwatersrand Make Meaning of Non -Disclosure of Suicidal Ideation(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-07) Mboweni, Ntwanano Harnelly Charmain; Jithoo, VinithaThe self-concealment of suicidality poses a significant threat to the well-being of university students around the globe. Suicidal concealment greatly exacerbates emotional and psychological distress within this cohort and unabated leads to a suicide death. Suicidality concealment within the university student population presents a perplexing and unique problem to university stakeholders, clinicians, and researchers. University students are in proximity to psychological care that is freely offered on university campuses, and yet more than half of students who contemplate and eventually die by suicide do not take up these services. Even more vexing is that students choose to deny and conceal suicidal distress from intimate support networks. There is an undeniable need to explore the factors that influence students’ decision to conceal suicidal ideation as well as the factors that facilitate disclosure of suicidality within this population. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach the present study explored understanding of concealment concerning suicidal ideation among university students. It focussed on understanding the personal narratives and lived experiences that motivate students to conceal their suicidal thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Focus groups were used to make sense of students’ understanding and meaning making of suicidal thoughts and why talking about suicidal desires is so challenging. The study concluded that suicide and concealment among university students are multifaceted. The reasons for concealing suicidal thoughts reflect both internal motivations, such as feelings of shame, helplessness, feeling isolated, and mental health concerns, and external motivations, such as fear of consequences that may result from telling others. Attitudinal factors, such as being a burden to others, stigma and its consequences, lack of perceived need for help, mistrust, and desire to be self-reliant, emerged more frequently than structural factors, such as lack of access to help. Additionally, several reasons unique to university life, such as academic competence, performance-related anxiety, financial difficulties, and a sense of belonging, emerged. Student voices echoed the need for mental health and suicide literacy programs and greater cohesiveness and a sense of belonging within the university community could encourage greater engagement with emotional distress.Item Investigation of Middle Ear Function Through Wideband Absorbance Measure in Adults Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Gauteng Province, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-06) Sebothoma, Ben; Khoza-Shangase, KatjahBackground: The association between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and auditory pathologies, including middle ear pathologies, has been extensively researched. However, most of this research has documented the middle ear pathologies of people living with HIV using conventional tympanometry with single probe tone, which has been shown to have poor sensitivity and specificity. Consequently, middle ear function and pathologies of people living with HIV may not have been accurately represented. While wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) such as wideband reflectance or/and absorbance measures emerged as a potential measure that can accurately identify early signs of middle ear pathologies and provide an accurate picture of the middle ear function, little is known about middle ear function and pathologies of adults living with HIV using wideband acoustic immittance. The value of preventive audiology in this population that comprises a big component of South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease cannot be overemphasized. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate middle ear function through WAI in adults living with HIV. Specific objectives included to: review evidence on trends of middle ear pathologies in adults living with HIV; determine current practices employed by South African audiologists in identifying middle ear pathologies; determine the usefulness of using tele-practice to identify middle ear pathologies in adults living with HIV; determine the usefulness of wideband absorbance measures in identifying middle ear pathologies in adults living with HIV; determine the sensitivity, specificity, and characteristics of wideband absorbance measures in adults with and without HIV; determine the combined effects of HIV and comorbidities on hearing function; and explore risk factors that influence the development of middle ear pathologies in adults living with HIV. Participants: A non-probability purposive sampling was used to recruit and select participants. South African adults aged 18 years and above who were diagnosed and living with HIV in the Gauteng Province and attending an HIV clinic, as well as adults who are HIV negative as a control group were recruited and included in the study. Design: While the general methodology for this research comprised of a quantitative, cross-sectional design, each research article that forms part of this study has its own specific research design and methodology, and this is presented in each article. Data analysis: Data were analysed using the STATA version 1.5. For each paper (presented as chapters in this thesis), specific statistical analysis procedures were adopted, and are reflected in each of the chapters. Results: Findings in this study revealed that middle ear pathologies are common and highly prevalent in adults living with HIV, reaching approximately 60% in the current sample. These pathologies vary according to type and severity, and this is influenced by the middle ear measure used for assessment. The common middle ear pathologies in this study were otitis media with effusion, chronic suppurative otitis media, with conductive hearing loss. Despite the existence and occurrence of middle ear pathologies, some audiologists do not regularly incorporate tympanometry into their clinical practice. Asynchronous tele practice, through video-otoscopy, was found to be useful and feasible in the identification of middle ear pathologies in adults living with HIV, with substantial agreement (K=0.5801 to 0.6047) between otorhinolaryngologists. The wideband absorbance measure was found to be more accurate in identifying middle ear pathologies than the tympanometry with 226Hz probe tone and pure tone audiometry using air/bone gap. The sensitivity of wideband absorbance reached 88%, while that for tympanometry with 226Hz probe and pure tone audiometry was below 20%. In addition, the wideband absorbance patterns, measured at ambient pressure and tympanometric peak pressure, were also established for participants with normal middle ear function and middle ear pathology. While there was a difference between the wideband absorbance pattern of participants with normal middle ear function and middle ear pathologies, with middle ear pathologies being lower in the low to mid frequencies (226Hz to approximately 3000) for both ambient pressure and tympanometry peak pressure, this difference was not statistically significant between and within groups. Finally, findings of this study indicated that adults living with HIV, with comorbidities such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, and risk factors such as advancing age and an extended use of ART, have an increased the risk of developing various types of hearing loss. Conclusion: Current findings highlight the importance of preventive tailored care for adults living with HIV. The study indicated that middle ear pathologies and hearing loss are high in adults living with HIV. The development of these pathologies is associated with comorbidities and other risk factors. Wideband absorbance measures appear to offer promise as a diagnostic measure for middle ear pathologies in this population. However, wideband absorbance must be used in conjunction with other middle ear measures such as video otoscopy to improve early identification and intervention of middle ear pathologies. While this study indicates that middle ear pathologies are common in adults living with HIV, the patterns of wideband absorbance suggest that middle ear function in this population may not be different to HIV negative control group. Findings of this study also highlighted the importance of training facilitators to capture quality video otoscopic images that can be used for tele practice in a South African context where demand versus capacity challenges exist in as far as ear and hearing care healthcare practitioners are concerned. Finally, this study raises implication for resource distribution, ensuring that accurate measures such as wideband absorbance measures are available in clinical setting, which will improve early identification and intervention in adults living with HIV.