Browsing by Subject "Awareness"

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An audit of children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus presenting to a tertiary institution in Johannesburg, South Africa
(2024) Gray, Meghann
At initial diagnosis, the rate of diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) varies between countries (15- 67%) and may be associated with a lack of awareness of early signs and symptoms. Objectives: To describe the demographic, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical characteristics of children presenting with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: A retrospective review of Type 1 DM children's medical records admitted to CHBAH from 01 January 2009 to 31 December 2018 was conducted. This ten-year period was further subdivided into two groups (Group 1: 2009-2013 (n = 75); Group 2: 2014-2018 (n=78)) to assess annual follow-up visit data in Group 1 for five years per patient and to compare data between the Group 1 and 2 time periods. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test or Student t-tests, and for between the years of follow-up (Group 1), the paired student t-test was used. Results: The total number of newly diagnosed Type 1 DM children was 153. The median age at presentation was 10.5 years (IQR 7.4-12.3), 56% females and 88% black. The mean WAZ and HAZ were -0.8 (SD ± 1.5) and -0.4 (SD ± 1.6) respectively. Sixty-five percent (n = 100) presented in DKA, 56% of those being severe with a higher prevalence of DKA in group 2 compared to group 1 (72% vs 59%; p=0.08). At presentation, the median HbA1c was 12.5% (IQR 11.1-14.3) and C-peptide was 0.2ug/L (IQR 0.1-0.4) (normal range 1.1-1.4). Anti-GAD antibodies were positive in 82% (n=82/101) of the results available. In Group 1, HbA1c increased at year 3 follow up with advancing pubertal status. Despite changing to more intensive insulin therapy, mean HbA1c remained unchanged over the 5 years of follow-up. Conclusion: The majority of newly diagnosed children presented in severe DKA, similar to Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (2005-2009), with an increasing prevalence over the ten vii years, which could be attributed to the lack of awareness of Type 1 DM in our population. An education campaign is needed to improve community knowledge about diabetes.
Construction Professionals’ Awareness of Automation and Robotics in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mbhalati, Kurisani Luther; Jenika, Gobind
In South Africa, the construction sector, which accounts for approximately 3% of the GDP, is essential for economic growth but struggles with issues such as falling productivity, quality concerns, and safety risks. The adoption of robotics and automation could address these challenges, offering more reliable and precise quality, boosting productivity, cutting costs, and increasing safety by automating dangerous tasks. This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the awareness of automation and robotics among South African construction professionals through a quantitative survey. Additionally, the research sought to capture the professionals' opinions on the benefits these technologies could offer to construction projects and identify the barriers to their wider adoption as perceived by these professionals. Findings indicated a varied level of awareness among construction professionals, with high familiarity in technologies like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and lower awareness in emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR). Moreover, the professionals acknowledged the benefits of adopting these technologies, notably highlighting increased productivity and safety as key benefits. They also identified significant barriers to adoption, citing high acquisition costs and socio-economic concerns over job displacement as major obstacles, particularly in a context of high unemployment rates. Considering the construction industry's role in economic growth and recognizing the dip in productivity, alongside the industry's reluctance towards innovation, the study recommends focused educational initiatives and promotional activities for robotics and automation. It further stresses the need for policy changes to ensure the safe and efficient implementation of these technologies. Moreover, from a governmental standpoint, the study suggests providing incentives to businesses to encourage the adoption of robotics and automation in the construction industry
Consumer perceptions of the transition from coal to renewable energy in South Africa: Consumer perception toward the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy technology for electricity generation in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sebothoma, Captain; Hildebrandt, Diane; Bruce, Young
The South African government has announced investments in renewable energy technology initiatives to address the electricity supply gap created by loadshedding and inefficiencies at Eskom, the country's power utility. However, a few studies on public acceptance on renewable energy technology have been undertaken in many countries, including one conducted in Nigeria by Rosemary Nike Wojuola, which found that the public always has some opposing thoughts on the deployment of such technologies. The purpose of the study was to understand the consumer's perceptions on the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy technology for electricity generation in South Africa, and it will assist to improve policies that encourage consumers to embrace and learn about electricity generated by renewable energy sources. The “technology acceptance model’ and ‘theory of reasoned action” are used to evaluate the beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions concerning renewable energy technology in relation to sustainable behaviour. A quantitative approach (survey) was employed in this study to investigate South African electricity consumers' awareness of sustainable development (including knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes). Statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics version 28) was used to conduct inferential and descriptive statistical analysis on the collected data, allowing the researcher to derive predictions (or "inferences") from the data. The majority of participants, according to the data, had high levels of education (at least a graduate degree), which means that the sample does not represent the South African population as a whole. Based on the study findings, participant’s generally have an average level of knowledge regarding renewable energy technology, with females scoring lower than males. The results of a regression study between attitude calculated and behavioural intention of the consumers to adopt renewable energy technology were F=15.378 and p=0.001. This means that the research model fit the data and there was a positive association between the two variables (attitude calculated and behavioural intention). Lack of information, affordability, and unknown benefits of renewable energy technologies were the main barriers to participants' willingness to install renewables in their homes. Additionally, the study revealed that consumers depend on the government to speed up the development of renewable vi energy technologies for the production of electricity; however, there is evidence that the current administration is failing to maintain the existing fossil fuel infrastructure to ensure that the public has access to reliable electricity. The findings also show that the consumer's perception or attitude toward renewable energy technology is influenced by the perceived usefulness and ease of use, as well as the participants knowledge and beliefs about the technology. Thus, there is a need for renewable energy technology education that is sufficient to foster a favourable impression of renewable energy technologies among the general public. To foster a sustainable culture driven by the adoption of renewable energy technology for electricity generation across the country, sustainability should also be covered in education programs at all educational levels
Gamifying cyber security training for improved employee engagement in the South African banking industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Bava, Aashika
Based on the South African banking cyber threat landscape, cybercriminals have exploited the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out malicious activities and fulfil their nefarious intentions. Contrary to popular belief, cyber criminals primarily target humans because humans are the weakest targets and the first barrier to breakthrough to extract confidential data or bypass systems. Consequently, human error emerges as the primary cause of cyber-attacks, underscoring the critical role of cyber security training in mitigating such risks. Therefore, cyber security training becomes the foremost line of defence in safeguarding employees and organisations against the loss of personal information, financial loss, and reputational damage. For cyber security training to be effective, employee engagement with the training content is of utmost importance. Equipping employees with recommended cyber security tools to protect themselves and their organisations assumes a crucial role within the training framework. In the South African banking industry, organisations must prioritise creating cyber security awareness by identifying the most interactive training methodology to enhance employee engagement. This study focuses on investigating the level of training engagement among South African bank employees concerning critical cyber threats, considering both traditional and modern cyber security training programmes. Additionally, the research explores modern cyber security training tools and techniques, with a specific emphasis on gamification, to empower employees. Adopting a quantitative research methodology, the study employs a questionnaire to analyse employee training engagement in critical cyber threat scenario games, encompassing threats such as phishing and malware. The findings of this research highlight that modern training methods, compared to traditional methodologies, incorporate positive reinforcement techniques that significantly improve cyber security training engagement across the South African banking industry
Rehabilitation outcomes measurement instruments usage in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng healthcare
(2022-11) Buthelezi, Mnqobi Basil
There is a lack of rehabilitation outcome data collection and use in South Africa. Important to note in this study discussion are Rehabilitation Outcome Measures which are tools (FIM, BI, MRS, FAI, NEADL) used to collect data and measure the extent of change during and post rehabilitation period. This research purpose aims to evaluate the awareness, and use of rehabilitation outcome data measuring instruments, the available capacity, opportunities of learning and constraints that exist across different settings in public and private rehabilitation healthcare in KZN and GP. A quantitative research strategy was utilised. A cross-sectional, survey design plan of data collection framework was used. Face-to-face primary data collection was conducted in the proposed research sites. Purposive sampling targeting 13 rehabilitation public-private healthcare facilities in KZN, and GP was used. Stratified sampling together with 100% sampling in a small population was conducted. Community of Rehabilitation Multidisciplinary Teams (RMTs) of seven (7) members in public and private hospitals, composed of medical officer(s), nurse(s), clinical psychologist(s), physiotherapist(s), occupational therapist(s), speech/audio therapist(s) and social worker(s) took part in the study. SPSS assisted in results analysis; frequencies and non-parametric Chi-square of independence statistics were utilised to sort any significant associations. Results indicated that 253 subjects participated in the study. Analysed results suggested that n=153 (60.5%) participants were not provided with rehabilitation outcome measuring tools by the facility they were working for. Results suggested a significant negative association in Public Rural Settings (FIM=49.7%, BI=43.8%, MRS=41.9%, p=0.001, FAI=17.6%, p=0.037) and Public Urban Settings (FIM=43.2%, BI=36.5%, MRS=40.5%, p=0.001 and FAI=35.3%, p=0.037) of public healthcare facilities as they were not using rehabilitation OMs. A significant association in use of rehabilitation OMs was found in Private Urban Rehabilitation Healthcare facilities (FIM=56.0%, BI=35.6%, MRS=64.5%, p=0.001 and FAI=47.1%, p=0.037). Public healthcare facilities in KZN and GP were not using rehabilitation outcome measures, while GP Private rehabilitation healthcare facilities were using them. In conclusion, it is recommended that National Rehabilitation Policy (NRP) is subjected to reviews to incorporate standardisation of rehabilitation OMs. A diagnostic evaluation exercise is necessary for Theory Of Change development focusing on rehabilitation healthcare services.
Rehabilitation outcomes measurement instruments usage in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng healthcare
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Buthelezi, Mnqobi Basil
There is a lack of rehabilitation outcome data collection and use in South Africa. Important to note in this study discussion are Rehabilitation Outcome Measures which are tools (FIM, BI, MRS, FAI, NEADL) used to collect data and measure the extent of change during and post-rehabilitation period. This research purpose aims to evaluate the awareness, and use of rehabilitation outcome data measuring instruments, the available capacity, opportunities of learning and constraints that exist across different settings in public and private rehabilitation healthcare in KZN and GP. A quantitative research strategy was utilised. A cross-sectional, survey design plan of data collection framework was used. Face-to-face primary data collection was conducted in the proposed research sites. Purposive sampling targeting 13 rehabilitation public-private healthcare facilities in KZN, and GP was used. Stratified sampling together with 100% sampling in a small population was conducted. Community of Rehabilitation Multidisciplinary Teams (RMTs) of seven (7) members in public and private hospitals, composed of medical officer(s), nurse(s), clinical psychologist(s), physiotherapist(s), occupational therapist(s), speech/audio therapist(s) and social worker(s) took part in the study. SPSS assisted in results analysis; frequencies and non-parametric Chi-square of independence statistics were utilised to sort any significant associations. Results indicated that 253 subjects participated in the study. Analysed results suggested that n=153 (60.5%) participants were not provided with rehabilitation outcome measuring tools by the facility they were working for. Results suggested a significant negative association in Public Rural Settings (FIM=49.7%, BI=43.8%, MRS=41.9%, p=0.001, FAI=17.6%, p=0.037) and Public Urban Settings (FIM=43.2%, BI=36.5%, MRS=40.5%, p=0.001 and FAI=35.3%, p=0.037) of public healthcare facilities as they were not using rehabilitation OMs. A significant association in use of rehabilitation OMs was found in Private Urban Rehabilitation Healthcare facilities (FIM=56.0%, BI=35.6%, MRS=64.5%, p=0.001 and FAI=47.1%, p=0.037). Public healthcare facilities in KZN and GP were not using rehabilitation outcome measures, while GP Private rehabilitation healthcare facilities were using them. In conclusion, it is recommended that National Rehabilitation Policy (NRP) is subjected to reviews to incorporate standardisation of rehabilitation OMs. A diagnostic evaluation exercise is necessary for Theory Of Change development focusing on rehabilitation healthcare services
The perceived impact of security and privacy risks on social commerce amongst social media users in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramjith, Samresh
This research investigated the influence of social media attitude, social media trust, and risk awareness (cybersecurity and privacy) on social commerce intention. Five hypotheses were proposed, which were then tested with a sample of social media users via an online survey. Survey results were cleaned and then analysed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS software. The study did not find a significant direct effect of social media attitude on social commerce intention, but did find that social media attitude was found to significantly influence social media trust. The moderation effects of cybersecurity risk awareness and privacy risk awareness on the relationship between social media trust and social commerce intention were not supported. The study supports and reinforces the importance of trust in social commerce and the need for businesses and social media platforms to continuously work to enhance trust amongst users. A research outcome is the necessity for deeper investigation into the role of user attitudes and risk awareness in social commerce. The study contributes to the social commerce literature by providing empirical evidence about the complex interplay between trust, attitude, and risk awareness, contributing to enhancing understanding of these relationships and their impact on business strategies
The Utilisation of Genetic Counselling Services Amongst Prenatal Healthcare Providers in Gauteng, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Duvenhage, Megan
Congenital anomalies and disorders, many being genetic, continue to have high prevalence and mortality rates globally. Prenatal healthcare providers possess the necessary skills to identify these cases before birth and refer patients for genetic counselling. This study aimed to establish the utilisation of genetic counselling services and insights into the perceptions of genetic counselling amongst prenatal healthcare providers in Gauteng, South Africa. By assessing the utilisation of genetic counselling, barriers and facilitators to referrals were highlighted, and recommendations to improve service provisions in the prenatal sector were made. An electronic survey adapted from Thom and Haw (2021) was sent to prenatal healthcare providers in both the public and private healthcare sectors. A total of 54 participants were included in this study. Results show that roughly 74% of participants are able to refer to genetic counselling services, but only 57% had made use of the service. None of the participants were able to identify all appropriate reasons for referral to genetic counselling correctly, and only 24% of participants understood the responsibilities of a genetic counsellor. Misconceptions regarding the scope of practice of genetic counsellors and uncertainties surrounding the referral process were the most significant barriers to referrals. The study revealed that although prenatal healthcare providers in Gauteng are using genetic counselling services, they are not fully utilising the service due to a lack of knowledge surrounding the profession's services. Therefore, there is a need for educational resources to bridge the knowledge gap and improve prenatal healthcare in Gauteng, South Africa