ETD Collection

Permanent URI for this collection

https://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/104

Please note: Digitised content is made available at the best possible quality range, taking into consideration file size and the condition of the original item. These restrictions may sometimes affect the quality of the final published item. For queries regarding content of ETD collection please contact IR specialists by email : IR specialists or Tel : 011 717 4652 / 1954

Follow the link below for important information about Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Library Guide about ETD

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 40

A description of feeding practices with critically ill patients in the adult intensive care unit in the South African public healthcare sector
(2023) Eckmann, Kirsten
Introduction: Feeding critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a complex process which requires a high level of clinical decision-making. Dysphagia in critically ill patients has become a recent topic of interest as research has found that dysphagia assessment and management within the speech therapy profession varies greatly. Aims: This study aimed to research the feeding practices in the public healthcare ICU in Johannesburg, Gauteng with a special interest in the clinical decision-making process that takes place by the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Method: A qualitative design with a nonprobability purposive sampling strategy was used. There were 15 participants across two sites. Data was derived from observations, focus groups and individual interviews in June 2022 and analysed using a deductive latent approach to thematic analysis. Results: Six themes emerged namely, decision-making in the ICU, non-patient related factors, feeding the ill patient, tolerance, the MDT in the ICU and, the role of the speech therapist (ST) in the ICU. The findings revealed that decisions regarding feeding are made by the doctor, however the ST was involved when they were referred to see the patient. Nonpatient related factors impact on the decisions and collaboration positively influenced the clinical decision-making process. Conclusion: Results confirmed the lack of a protocol to inform the choice of mode of feeding. Clinical factors of the patient were however the main deciding factor, while environmental factors are also taken into consideration. Occasionally, the MDT would discuss their findings and come to a decision while the medical doctors, were more likely to make unilateral decisions.
A systematic literature review on socio-emotional experiences of those living with a disability in South Africa
(2023) Netshifhire, Rofhiwa
The aim of this systematic review was to review existing and available literature on the socio-emotional experiences of disabled South African people regarding their disability. Relevant peer reviewed journal articles over a twenty-year period (2000-2020) were reviewed. Data collection was conducted by searching the following databases: EBSCO Host (CINAHL, MEDLIN, Psychology and Behavioural sciences collection), Sabinet and Sabinet African journals, PsychInfo, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse data. Findings of this research revealed nineteen studies that fully met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen descriptive themes emerged including: positive experiences, need to motivate others, need to belong, the paradox of dependence and independence, negative emotions, constant fear of discrimination, shutting up, vulnerable, and the use of humour as a security to secure relationships. Furthermore, analytical themes that were further analysed from the descriptive themes produced four themes: experiences of various emotions, emotional needs in people with disabilities, disabled people finding themselves in unsafe environments, and taking back control.
Ageism in Gauteng Public Service: the experiences of the older professional employees
(2022) Ramphomane, Catherine Nompumelelo
Ageism, like racism and sexism, is a form of discrimination prevalent in the workplace. Ageism manifests in attitudes, behaviour, institutional practices, and policies. This study focused on age discrimination of older professional employees in the South African public service. The aim of this qualitative research study, using thematic analysis methods, was to determine if there are age-differentiated practices and policies in the workplace, from the older professional employee’s perspective. A total of ten participants between the ages of 50 and 65 years were selected from the workforce population of 2000 employees using purposive sampling. As part of the study, the expert sampling method was employed to recruit social workers to participate in a focus group session. The study was framed using Erikson’s Development Theory with specific reference to the seventh stage of Generativity and Stagnation, and a systemic understanding of ageing by applying the Person-in-Environment contextual perspective. The main findings of the study indicated that the participant’s self-regard was influenced by their perceived self-worth, level of integration in the workplace, and the value they place on their accumulated professional knowledge and experiences. The research results will contribute to social work knowledge about the older skilled professional person’s experiences in the workplace and the support required to ensure appropriate accommodation.
An exploration into the pathways of care and support followed by persons with post-acute traumatic brain injuries living in Soweto, Johannesburg
(2023) Maleka, Lethabo Agnes
Background: Persons with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) require care and support from various sources during the post-acute phase. Seeking care and support is crucial for persons with TBI to cope with their new realities and deal with the consequences of their injuries. However, little attention has been paid to the care-seeking behaviours of persons with TBI in the African context, and how these behaviours are impacted by cultural and belief structures. Methodology: To guide the narrative interviews of eleven adults with post-acute traumatic brain injuries living in Soweto, Johannesburg, an exploratory qualitative research design was utilized, underpinned by the biopsychosocial model (Engel, 1977). The sample included both male (N=9) and female (N=2) participants who were fluent in isiZulu, English, or Sepedi, and were selected through purposive and convenience sampling. Participants had sustained TBIs from motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian vehicle accidents, assaults, or falls. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2017) six-phase framework in an inductive manner. Findings: The pathways of care and sources of support for persons with TBI are influenced by various biological, psychological, and social factors, including impairments resulting from the TBI, personal values, beliefs and preferences, financial issues, interpersonal relationships, family culture and religion, and education. The study revealed that post-hospitalisation, persons with TBI primarily seek care from family members, as well as from other sources such as friends, the community/neighbours, support groups, therapists, the church, and traditional healers, based on the roles these sources play in their healing process. However, the COVID19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions prevented participants from accessing the support they needed. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the importance of decolonizing research methods when studying TBI. It advocates for a holistic approach to the management of persons with TBI, by considering their spiritual, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs when providing support. Through exploring the impact of various factors on care-seeking behaviours, the study provides insight that can help foster ideal health outcomes and improve the health status of persons with TBI.
An exploratory study on time perspective as a possible indicator of audiological help-seeking behaviours and intervention outcomes, in Gauteng South Africa
(2023) Araujo, Monica L.
Time perspective is a basic psychological construct that is vital in indicating several health-related behaviours. Whilst numerous indicators of audiological help-seeking behaviours and intervention outcomes such as age, perceived severity of hearing loss, gender, and stigma, have been studied, there is a large paucity of research on time perspective within the audiological field. Therefore, time perspective, which is frequently depicted as one of the most powerful influencers on human behaviour, has guided this study by researching whether it may indeed indicate audiological help-seeking behaviours and intervention outcomes. The study set out to explore patient perceptions of the theme of time and the possible impact of time perspective on audiological help seeking behaviours and intervention outcomes. The researcher also explored audiological experiences that may relate to different aspects of time perspective. Finally, participants were asked to provide advice on how audiologists could consider the aspect of time and time perspective within the audiological journey of patients. To address the research aims and objectives, a cross-sectional, qualitative, exploratory research design using inductive and narrative approaches, was implemented at a private practice in the South of Johannesburg. The participants included adults who are hearing aid users and attend the private practice for audiological services. These participants were recruited through purposive, convenience, and maximum variation sampling. Data were obtained through conducting semi-structured interviews and two focus groups. The data was then analysed using the Framework Method. Several important themes and sub-themes emerged, which mainly indicated the perception that different time perspectives, namely, future orientated, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, past-negative, or past-positive, influence the audiological help-seeking behaviours and intervention outcomes of individuals in different ways. Due to this, and the perceived important influence of time perspective on audiological behaviours, participants advised the use of a time perspective tool as well as distinct approaches to be used by audiologists, based on the different time perspectives of patients, to ensure the best audiological journey for all. Findings therefore suggested that time perspective may indeed indicate audiological help-seeking behaviours and intervention outcomes. As this study was exploratory in nature, it would be beneficial to study it on a larger scale using quantitative methods. In the interim, it was advised that time perspective should be a psychological construct with which audiologists ought to familiarise themselves.
Black parents’ experiences and perceptions of race(ism) in highfee-paying independent schools in Johannesburg
(2023) Picas, Rosemary
South Africa has a long history of racial segregation and discrimination. Transformation and diversification have been central to the national agenda in all spheres of life post-1994, including schools which have been integrated for many years. However, the recent spate of public complaints against independent and Model C schools, as well as calls for the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to investigate state schools, suggests that many schools are still struggling with systemic racism. High-fee-paying independent schools have been slower to transform and remain predominantly white spaces and pockets of privilege in society. This hermeneutical phenomenological study explored black parents’ experiences and perceptions around race, racism and discrimination within their children’s high-fee-paying independent schools. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to explore common threads in their lived experiences from an interpretive stance. The themes identified elucidate parents’ subtle, and difficult-to-articulate, racialised experiences, as well as their psychological and behavioural responses. Parents’ perceptions of their children’s experiences are also discussed. Their perceptions of the school’s management of race-related matters are explored and appeared to be strongly related to proactive communication from the school. The racial dynamics that emerged during the interviews are explored to understand parents’ experiences at school. Finally, other social identities, such as gender, class, and nationality, which act as proxies for race or intersect with race, are discussed. The parents’ experience of racism in these white liberal spaces was found to be extremely subtle and yet pervasive. Black parents were found to occupy a precarious position in white schools where they may be compelled to tolerate, assimilate, or reproduce racist narratives to maintain their privileged position. While race was difficult for them to confront on an individual or interpersonal level, parents were active in challenging racism at a structural and systemic level. These findings aim to contribute towards the goal of dismantling systemic racism within schools and in South Africa.
Construction of masculinity by hairdressers in Braamfontein
(2023) Kamhuka, Ngoni Junior
There is a general understanding of the concept of masculinity, as it has been spoken about and is still spoken about today. Fundamentally, masculinity is an integral aspect of the experience known as manhood. Due to its constructed nature, masculinity has many facets, such as not being singular but plural (Connell, 1987; Morrell, 2001). This is of great significance in general but, more specifically, to men who work as hairdressers in hair salons. This is because hair salons are seen as traditionally feminine spaces, and thus, there is an expected impact that working in these spaces can have on one’s sense of masculinity. This study, therefore, explores how men who work as hairdressers navigate their masculine identities in these traditionally feminine spaces. This is important as this version of masculinity may prove to be healthier and more progressive to all whom it affects – the men and those around them. This qualitative study aims to explore male hairdressers’ lived experiences and the resultant construction of masculinity in Braamfontein. In order to achieve this, 10 male hairdressers that work in hair salons in Braamfontein were interviewed using semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the findings. The findings suggest that these men aspire towards hegemonic standards of masculinity; however, they are placed in a marginalised position by others due to their occupations. This results in them developing a model of masculinity befitting them. Moreover, their aspirations towards hegemonic masculinity help legitimise it as the standard, but also, their model of masculinity suggests that there are progressive ways in which men can change that.
Correlations between self-reported ethnicity and language with genetic clustering in Kenya
(2024) Wolberg, Yonatan Ariel
Kenya is a highly diverse country, where a combination of recent local migrations and admixture have contributed to a complex population structure. This structure creates a dilemma when trying to assess the allele frequencies of disease-associated variants within the country as different groups will show different frequencies. Additionally, ethnic groups in genetic studies are often defined on the basis of self-reported identity but certain individuals may align genetically to another ethnic group. It is necessary to properly characterize Kenyan diversity for population level risk estimation and the implementation of public health approaches. This study aimed to determine how self-reported ethnicity correlates to genetic clustering in a Kenyan cohort. The effect of the discordance between the two on the frequencies of key malaria- and trypanosomiasis-associated variants was then determined. This study leveraged Kenya AWIGen dataset, comprising 1,703 individuals (of the Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, Luo, Kisii and Somali ethnic groups) recruited in Nairobi. Combining a bootstrap approach for allele frequency estimation and centroid-based filtering, this study was able to show that small discordances are able to significantly impact allele frequencies of disease-associated variants. More robust approaches to compare genetic- and ethnicity-based clustering might reveal further differences. Overall, the results indicate that while self-reported identity can provide reasonably reliable categorization for the Kenyan dataset, inclusion of additional variables, such as language, geographic origin, and both parental and grandparental identity, might be necessary for more accurate estimates.
Experiences of South African audiologists providing services to a culturally and linguistically diverse population
(2020) Du Venage, Annice
Background: As a result of the country’s significant cultural and linguistic diversity, South African audiologists are faced with several barriers to establishing effective communication during healthcare consultations. Effective communication is fundamental to the quality of all healthcare interactions and has been shown to provide benefits to clients, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and institutions. In general, HCPs and students display feelings of decreased confidence and competence when consulting culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients in the absence of effective communication, negatively affecting service delivery and ultimately client outcomes. However, there is a dearth of information when specifically considering the experience of South African audiologists. Objectives: To describe South African audiologists’ experiences of providing services to a CALD population. The sub-aims focused on South African audiologists’ use of translators and interpreters, as well as their perceived competence and confidence when providing audiological services to CALD clients. Method: A mixed-method, sequential explanatory research design was employed. A sample of 67 audiologists completed an online survey. Their mean age was 30.18 years and they had an average working experience of 7.67 years. Most participants (61.2%) worked in urban settings, with only 13.4% working in a rural setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five audiologists who completed the online survey. Results: Findings revealed that as trained interpreters were an absent resource, participants mostly made use of untrained interpreters such as family members of the client. Participants displayed the lowest perceived confidence and competence when providing services to linguistically diverse clients. Decreased competence and confidence were also reported when working with culturally diverse clients but to a lesser extent. Interpreter utilisation was found to materially improve the perceived competence and confidence levels of participants when providing services to CALD clients. Increased linguistic ability (being bilingual or multi-lingual) had a statistically significant effect on the competence and confidence levels of participants when providing audiological services. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of effective communication between clients and providers in CALD settings. Training institutions, audiologists, and employers all have a significant role to play in ensuring that hearing healthcare services are acceptable and meet the needs of all clients, regardless of their culture and language
Experiences of stigma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other mental health problems among paramedics in South Africa: a qualitative study
(2023) Touche Du Poujol, Sarah
Understanding the experiences of South African paramedics is a necessary, yet under researched area of mental health research. According to recent research, paramedics are at a higher risk of mental health issues in comparison to general norms (Awais et al., 2021). The following study of the lived experiences of South African paramedics made use of a qualitative, exploratory research design which aimed at capturing emergency medical personnel’s experiences of stigma relating to mental health help-seeking behaviours. The Mental Illness Stigma Framework (MISF) and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model formed the theoretical framework of the study through which the results were analysed and discussed. The study made use of purposive and snowball sampling techniques to obtain a cohort of seven paramedics (n=7), registered as Advanced Life Support (ALS) category. Participants were required to be over the age of 18 years old, and currently operational within the paramedical profession in order to meet the inclusion criteria. In-depth interviews were utilised to collect data from participants using a semi-structured interview schedule. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Thematic Analysis was used to code and analyse transcriptions of the interviews. Analysis of the results indicated three major themes which emerged from the data: 1) Paramedical Subculture and Discourse; 2) Paramedic Perceptions of Mental Health and Stigma; and 3) Recommended Intervention Strategies. The study found that mental health stigma, and confidentiality concerns to be the most frequently reported obstacles to help-seeking. The paramedic organisational culture was found to be an influential factor in the proliferation of mental health stigma and stereotypical belief systems. Furthermore, recommendations for future mental health interventions included: education and awareness, support from management, addressing confidentiality concerns, and increasing accessibility to mental health care.
Exploring homophobic practices and acceptance of gay players among male basketball players in Johannesburg
(2023) Ramatsoga, Nompumelelo
In post-apartheid South Africa, sport has been positioned as a vehicle for social cohesion. This study investigated if this theory extends to issues of sexuality. It examines the experiences of players within the Johannesburg basketball environment to investigate the acceptance of gay players and the current attitudes towards homophobia. Bourdieu’s theory of habitus is used as a theoretical framework and semi-structured individual interviews were used as the method of data collection. The study involved 10 active players of various ages above 18 years and a range of racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed that the Johannesburg basketball environment is one that subscribes to the principles of hegemonic masculinity and that forms of alternative masculinities are associated with gayness.
Exploring the contributions of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) on poverty reduction in Nigeria: a focus on the n-power beneficiaries’ perspectives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
(2023) Ukpoju, Freda Ene
This study explores the contributions of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) on sustainable youth empowerment and poverty Reduction in Nigeria, focusing on the perspectives of the N-Power beneficiaries residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. There is not enough data to determine whether beneficiaries of the NSIP, particularly, the N-power empowerment programme are sustainably exiting poverty or falling back into poverty, if at all the intervention had previously lifted them out of poverty. Thus, this study was conducted through the lens of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach. Employing the qualitative approach, by means of the multiple case study design, the study recruited ten participants using the purposive sampling technique. Two of the participants withdrew from the study, and eight were engaged on a one-onone- interview to gain deeper insight into their experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify, record, and analyse emanating themes and subthemes from the qualitative data. Participants’ responses indicated that Participants had expected an exit package, in form of a financial settlement, or permanent employment before being exited from the programme; N-Power encouraged participants to diversify their income in Agriculture; and the lack of leadership and poor management of N-Power impedes N-Powers capability to improve livelihood sustainably. The study therefore recommended an improvement in the leadership and management of N-Power, to enable improved training and welfare for beneficiaries, and enhance its potential for sustainable livelihood improvement. Private sector partnership should also be encouraged to expand opportunities and make N-power transformative by linking beneficiaries to economic opportunities.
Exploring the perceptions of employees within the national department of social development regarding retirement readiness
(2023) Tsatsi, Mmakwata Evelyn
Retirement as a life event may be perceived and handled differently by employees due to a lack of or inadequate preparation because some employees have a negative view or experience difficulties concerning their transition from work life to retirement. Employees often procrastinate the preparation, especially the financial part, which exacerbates the difficulties. Some wait until a certain age before they can start saving for this life event. The delay in financial planning or retirement preparation translates into little savings and the onset of psychological distress. This study intended to influence the development and designing of preparation programmes within the National Department of Social Development to close the gap in policy regarding the unavailability of such programmes. The study is quantitative using a survey research design. The instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire. The study sample was respondents between the ages of 55 and 65 years of age within the National Department of Social Development. This number is inclusive of both genders, professionals and non-professionals and all racial groups. Saturation or census sampling was utilised. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as graphs, pie charts and tabulations to present the findings. The main findings drawn from the study was that 64.3% of respondents consider themselves ready for retirement and are considering retiring at the mandatory age of 65 within the public sector. Furthermore, the all the respondents i.e., 100% indicated they did not attend any pre-retirement programmes within the department and indicated the need for pre-retirement programmes including counselling prior to retirement.
Exploring the perceptions of female academics regarding cyber-sexual harassment at the School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand
(2023) Hlungwani, Matimba
The internet and the digital technologies have drastically transformed the world of work. An enormous rise in the use of the internet has provided unavoidable grounds for abuse and exposure to cyber-sexual harassment. Cyber-sexual harassment can be understood as the use of digital platforms and tools for unwanted sexual advances, comments, and sexual coercion. This phenomenon is affecting women profoundly as studies have demonstrated that cyber-sexual harassment has the same effects on victims as physical sexual harassment, nonetheless this is often overlooked in workplace sexual harassment policies. This study attempted to explore the perceptions of female academics on cyber-sexual harassment at the School of Law in the University of the Witwatersrand. The study used a qualitative approach, and purposive sampling was employed in the selection of twelve participants. The study population comprised of female academic employees of University of the Witwatersrand. The researcher used a semi-structured interview schedule to conduct face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis was carried out to code the data, and transcriptions were done verbatim. The findings of this study demonstrate that institutional culture and the intrinsic nature of our societal norms fuelled by patriarchy and masculinity play a significant role in aggravating cyber-sexual harassment in South African institutions of higher learning. The study suggests that Occupational Social Work should always be part of the institutions’ strategic interventions into cyber-sexual harassment, adding value to the institutions’ readiness to create a sexual harassment free environment in the 21st century and beyond
Exploring young adults’ views of the #AmINext movement in South Africa
(2023) Smith, Nicole
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive problem in South Africa and has significant impacts on a person’s physical, psychological, and sexual health. Moreover, as technology advances in the world, social media becomes increasingly available and ‘hashtag activism’ has become an increasingly important tool in challenging social injustices such as GBV. A notable example of online movements is the #AmINext movement. Thus, this study aimed to develop an understanding of how young adults in South Africa experienced the #AmINext movement and how it served to conscientise and shape their ideas about GBV. Semistructured interviews were conducted with five male and five female participants and thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview material. The findings of the study revealed a unified understanding of the #AmINext movement to exist as a result of the murder and rape of Uyinene Mrwetyana. The movement was understood to raise consciousness on GBV, encourage action against GBV, challenge rape culture and create a sense of community among victims and those engaging in the movement. The movement was experienced not only as unifying but the online space was also experienced as negative and exclusionary and where harmful narratives were perpetuated. The movement resulted in a deeper understanding of GBV and an increased willingness to engage against GBV further highlighting how the movement shaped ideas around GBV. Therefore, the #AmINext movement reflected many of the advantages and disadvantages of hashtag activism but was perceived to result in conscientisation around GBV.
Generational differences and importance of workplace flexibility
(2023) Tshabalala, Tshidi
The aim of the study was to investigate generational differences and the importance of workplace flexibility, and the extent to which these differences vary across countries and cultures. The notion of generational differences in the workplace has emerged as an area of interest that has been widely studied by modern researchers, mainly because generational differences are thought to influence the behaviour and attitudes of employees in the workplace (Smola and Sutton, 2002). The largest diversity of generations is represented in today’s workplace than any other time in history (Glass, 2007). At present, four generations are working together in organisations across the world. These include Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Traditionalist (Codrington and Grant-Marshall, 2006). These generations grew up in a different time period, as a result, may have different worldviews, and work expectations. I conducted a study using open access multinational data with a sample consisting of employees from 7 multinational companies across 11 different countries in Asia, Africa, South America, North and Europe. The final sample consisted of 11,298 respondents, ranging from 17 to 65 years of age and consisted of both full time and part time employees. The initial study administered and distributed a questionnaire to the participants to identify the demographic features of the study (See Appendix A) and the workplace A flexibility questionnaire was used to assess the flexibility perceptions of four generational cohorts (See Appendix B). Data was analysed by means of Kruskal-Wallis test to determine differences between the four generational cohorts. Spearman rankorder correlations were performed to determine the relationships between workplace flexibility, age and culture. The results of the current study revealed a non-significant relationship between workplace flexibility, age, culture and generations in a multinational sample. Overall, these results suggest that the importance of workplace flexibility may not significantly differ across the generational cohorts and across different country cultures. This may mean that people across different generational group and countries may have similar desires for flexible work practices, however age may make a small difference in this relationship which may indicate that as people get older, they may tend to prefer workplace flexibility for variety of reasons related to health and work-life balance.
Investigating the prevalence of burnout and turnover Intention in South African Healthcare Workers, a quantitative study
(2023) Sounes, Daniela
While facing critical shortages of South African healthcare workers, concerns of burnout and turnover intention are particularly concerning in the South African healthcare sector. Healthcare workers face many challenges in South African which impacts their mental health as well as the level of patient care they provide. Although studies have been conducted on the prevalence of burnout in South African healthcare workers, it is unclear what becomes of the healthcare workers suffering from burnout. The quantitative study investigated the prevalence of burnout and turnover intention in South African healthcare workers using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and Turnover Intention Scale respectively. The study investigated the relationship between burnout and turnover intention in the sample as well as the relationship between demographic factors of the sample with burnout, and turnover intention. Through a self-administered online survey distributed through online healthcare workers platforms and networks, 189 responses from healthcare workers across South Africa were analysed. Results showed that 82% of the sample experienced moderate to high burnout and 67% of the sample indicate an intention to leave their role. An expected significantly strong positive correlation between burnout and turnover intention was found. A significant association between burnout and turnover intention was found with demographic factors of sector, setting, and age, and a significant association was found with burnout and qualification status. These results are concerning not only for the mental health of South African healthcare workers but for the healthcare system of South Africa. Without attention directed to the effects of burnout, South Africa will continue to lose healthcare workers, resulting in a further decrease in the standard of medical care provided due to the increased strain and workload placed on the healthcare workers who remain.
Lived experiences of adults with deafness when accessing healthcare services in Johannesburg, South Africa
(2023) Reichenberg, Alexa
Background and rationale: Access to healthcare is an acknowledged basic right for all. The harsh reality is that access to healthcare is not equal across all populations. In South Africa, the majority of the population accesses healthcare through the public healthcare system, including adults with deafness. Persons with deafness have the additional elements of possible barriers in communicating when accessing healthcare service, that are likely to impact how any healthcare service is utilised. More research is needed in the South African healthcare context, especially for adults with deafness. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adults with deafness when accessing healthcare services in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methodology: This cross-sectional study made use of an exploratory qualitative research design to explore which facilitators and inhibitors impact on adults with deafness accessing health care services. Sampling included a combination of non-probability, purposive and convenience sampling. The sample included only thirteen adults with diagnosed deafness, who attend the Speech Therapy and Audiology clinic at a specialized tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews, and transcriptions then underwent thematic analysis. Results: Results were presented under the pre-defined dimensions of the Theory of Accessibility (1981), and also applied to the Biopsychosocialtech model and International Classification of Functioning (ICF). It was found that participants are either dissatisfied or resigned to their access experience within the public healthcare system. Participants expressed that with aging, they access more hearing and non-hearing related healthcare services. Additional co-morbidities that come with aging also require support from family to ensure that access to healthcare is successful, such as handing over listening and hearing needs. Hospital infrastructure and acceptance of deafness from healthcare practitioners and support staff do not support the needs of adults with deafness. Implications: The findings of this study emphasize the need for improved access to healthcare for adults with deafness, and more education for medical and non-medical clinical staff on how deafness can impact a healthcare service experience. The findings of this study may contribute to audiological service provision and advocacy for patients and the profession, through clinical training.
Managing cases of child sexual abuse: the challenges experienced by social workers in child protection organisations located in Nkangala District, Mpumalanga
(2023) Nxumalo, Hlobisile Bongekile
The main purpose of the study was to explore the challenges faced by social workers when managing cases of child sexual abuse and who are employed by child protection organisations in the Nkangala district, Mpuumalanga. A qualitative approach was adopted and a single case study research design. The sample consisted of 18 purposively selected social workers responsible for managing cases of child sexual abuse and employed by one of five non-government welfare organisations Data were gathered by conducting in-depth, faceto-face interviews with participants. The research tool that was used in this regard was the semi-structured interview guide and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Research findings provide a clear understanding of the challenges social workers face and the major recommendation made was that all social workers managing cases of child sexual abuse become familiar with the standardised procedures to be followed that are in the best interests of the child
Masculinities in relation to male-on-male violence: exploring male perceptions of safety and vulnerability in public spaces
(2023) Mveng, Angeline Amombo
This research is concerned with men’s vulnerability to violence victimization. Through viewing their talk as ‘small stories’, discourse analysis was deployed to discover the men’s construction’s regarding safety & threat in public space. Most research concerned with violence and masculinity tends to frame masculinity in terms of being indicative of perpetrating violence. There is scant research which considers male vulnerability to violence inflicted by other males. This has influenced dominating social discourse which fails to acknowledge the vulnerability which men experience in relation to violence. This study interviewed seven black men who reside in South Africa, aged between 23 and 30 years old, querying them on their experience of vulnerability when navigating public space. Affective experiences of anxiety emerged in the men’s constructions of vulnerability and safety in space. The study found that all the men experienced themselves as vulnerable to violent victimization, even though they tended to make invisible their experience of this in their daily lives

Browse

Browsing ETD Collection by School "Human and Community Development"

Results Per Page

Sort Options