Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

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Record review of patients with brain abscess and empyema.
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2010-01-22T10:28:25Z) Schwenke, Katherine Linda
Studies of patients presenting with brain abscess (BA) and Empyema are not routinely focused on occupational therapy (OT). There is a paucity of literature on deficits other than hemiplegia. Aims of this study were to determine the relationship between BA, Empyema, motor and other deficits and whether an OT intervention protocol is needed. Record review was used to establish clinical presentation trends. Hemiplegia was the most common motor deficit and the majority scored below the norm on the Beery- Buktenika Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI). Patients with Brain Abscess generally had more significant deficits than those with Empyema for both motor and process deficits. Part B followed up a small sample (n=8) which indicated clinical improvement on the VMI test with the score on the supplemental test of motor coordination remaining a concern. Occupational Therapy is recommended to address these issues based on the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework-II.
The impact of lower limb amputation on quality of life: a study done in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2010-01-29T07:15:06Z) Godlwana, Lonwabo L.
Background: The impact of non-traumatic lower limb amputation on participant’s quality of life (QOL) is unknown. In an effort to provide better care for people with lower limb amputation, there is a need to first know the impact of this body changing operation on people’s quality of life. Aim of the study: To determine the impact of lower limb amputation on QOL in people in the Johannesburg metropolitan area during their reintegration to their society/community of origin. Objectives: 1. To establish the pre-operative and post-operative:  QOL of participants (including the feelings, experiences and impact of lower limb amputation during the time when they have returned home and to the community).  The functional status of participants.  Household economic and social status of these participants. 2. To establish factors influencing QOL. Methods: A longitudinal pre (amputation) test –post (amputation) test study utilized a combination of interviews to collect quantitative data and in-depth semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data. Consecutive sampling was used to draw participants (n=73) for the interviews at the study sites pre-operatively. The three study sites were Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg General Hospital and Helen Joseph Hospital. Participants were then followed up three months later for post-operative interviews and key informants were selected for in-depth interviews (n=12). Inclusion criteria: Participants were included if they were scheduled for first time unilateral (or bilateral amputation done at the same time) lower limb amputation. The participants were between the ages of 36-71 years. Exclusion criteria: Participants who had an amputation as a result of traumatic or congenital birth defects were excluded from the study. Participants with comorbidities that interfered with function pre-operatively were not included. Procedures: Ethics: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Committee for Research on Human Subjects at the University of the Witwatersrand and permission was obtained from the above hospitals. Participants gave consent before taking part in the study. Instrumentation: A demographic questionnaire, the EQ-5D, the Modified Household Economic and Social Status Index (HESSI), the Barthel Index (BI) and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used. Data collection: Participants were approached before the operation for their preoperative interviews using the above questionnaires and then followed up postoperatively using the same questionnaires and some were selected to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews three months later. Pilot study: The demographics questionnaire and the modified HESSI were piloted to ensure validity and reliability. iii Data analysis: Data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 17.0 and STATA 10.0. The significance of the study was set at p=0.05. All continuous data are presented as means, medians, standard deviations and confidence intervals (CI 95%). Categorical data are presented as frequencies. Pre and post operative differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed-rank test. A median regression analysis (both the univariate and multivariate regression) was done to establish factors influencing QOL. Pre and post operative differences in the EQ-5D items and the BI items were analyzed using Chi square/Fischer’s exact depending on the data. Data were pooled for presentation as statistical figures in tables. Both an intension to treat analysis and per protocol analysis were used. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the concepts, categories and themes that emerged in the qualitative data. Results: Twenty-four participants (33%) had died by the time of follow up. At three months, n=9 (12%) had been lost to follow up and 40(55%) was successfully followed up. The preoperative median VAS was 60 (n=40). The postoperative median VAS was 70. The EQ-5D items on mobility and usual activities were reported as having deteriorated significantly postoperatively (p=0.04, p=0.001respectively) while pain/discomfort had improved (p=0.003). There was no improvement in QOL median VAS from the preoperative status to three months postoperatively The preoperative median total BI score was (n=40). The postoperative median total BI score was 19. There was a reduction in function (median BI) from the preoperative status to three months postoperatively (p<0.001). The ability to transfer was improved three months postoperatively (p=0.04). Participants were also found to have a decreased ability to negotiate stairs (p<0.001). Mobility was significantly reduced three months postoperatively (p=0.04). During the postoperative stage (n=40), 38% of the participants were married. Most (53%) of the participants had no form of income. The highest percentage of participants in all instances (35%) had secondary education (grade10-11), while 25% had less than grade 5. Only one participant was homeless, 18% lived in shacks, 55% lived in homes that were not shared with other families. People with LLA in the Johannesburg metropolitan area who had no problem with mobility preoperatively (EQ-5D mobility item), who were independent with mobility (BI mobility item) preoperatively, who were independent with transfer preoperatively (BI transfer item) had a higher postoperative quality of life (postoperative median EQ-5D- VAS) compared to people who were dependent or had problems with these functions preoperatively. Being females was a predictor of higher reported quality of life compared to being male. Emerging themes from the qualitative data were psychological, social and religious themes. Suicidal thoughts, dependence, poor acceptance, public perception about body image, phantom limb related falls and hoping to get a prosthesis were reported. Some reported poor social involvement due to mobility problems, employment concerns, while families and friends were found to be supportive. Participants had faith in God. Conclusion: Participants’ QOL and function were generally scored high both preoperatively and postoperatively but there was a significant improvement in QOL and a significant reduction in function after three months although participants were generally still functionally independent. Good mobility preoperatively is a predictor of good QOL postoperatively compared to people with a poor preoperative mobility status. Generally, most participants had come to terms with the amputation and were managing well while some expressed that they were struggling with reintegration to their community of origin three months postoperatively with both functional and psychosocial challenges.
Experiences of professional nurses in providing support to student nurses in the clinical practice environment of a private hospital in Gauteng
(2021) Jones, Jennifer
Quality in nursing education is a global focus due to the many challenges facing healthcare the world over. Clinical learning is an important component in nursing training and nursing experiences during clinical placement are crucial to prepare the student to become safe, competent Professional Nurses. However recent studies have shown that the students’ clinical training is not always effective in preparing them for their future role. Support in the clinical environment by the Professional Nurse is crucial to assist the student to develop confidence and competence to transition into the Professional Nurse role. The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of Professional Nurses in providing support to student nurses in the clinical practice environment of a private hospital. An exploratory qualitative study using in depth interviews of fifteen Professional Nurses was done. The data collected was then analysed using thematic analysis. The identified themes and categories were discussed to offer meaning and insight. The study provided an understanding of how support of the student nurse is currently experienced and perceived by the Professional Nurse in the clinical practice environment with a view to identifying ways of improving support to the student nurse in the future. It was found that the clinical environment is unpredictable and whilst the Professional Nurses acknowledged they needed to support the student, it was often challenging to do this effectively leaving them feeling frustrated and disappointed. The study took place during the COVID -19 pandemic which caused major disruptions to the everyday functioning and operations of hospitals globally, and the study site was no exception. Recommendations to improve support to the student nurse were made in the areas of Clinical Practice, Nursing Education and Research.
Identification of third year midwifery skills that could benefit from simulated practice prior to clinical midwifery placements
(2021) Singaram, Kerry-Ann
Neophyte midwifery students often feel anxious and inadequate during their clinical placements, as they are expected to perform midwifery skills as early as their first day in the clinical environment. Midwifery educators are seeking out creative ways to create practice opportunities for their students with regards to skills practice, and simulation as a teaching strategy offers a learning environment for safe practice of skills. The use of simulation in midwifery is a fairly new concept, and its future growth is dependent upon research to provide a sound base from which it may grow and develop to meet the needs of the students. The purpose of the study was to identify key midwifery skills that could be taught and practiced using simulation prior to student midwives’ clinical placements that would better equip student midwives to manage their midwifery clinical placements. Findings from the study could serve as a foundational basis for future midwifery simulated programs. The research design and method was qualitative in nature and data was collected from focus group discussions with fourth-year student nurses and their respective midwifery lecturers. Clinical facilitators who are based in the clinical environment and responsible for the training of third year midwifery students were invited to participate in the study, however, were unable to attend. The researcher felt that, this created a limitation to the study as they might have added additional information or a different perspective about novice midwifery skills training. Findings identified specific midwifery skills that could benefit from simulated practice as well as how best skills could be practiced within facilitation of simulation in third year midwifery practice. Summary of findings included the identification of the following midwifery skills that participants identified as being important with regards to simulated practice: completion of documentation; vaginal examinations; management of second stage of labour and offering of psychological support. IV, Participants together with the researcher gives suggestions on how best simulation can be facilitated for developing confidence in neophyte student midwives before their first clinical placement. Based on the findings of this research, recommendations were made to guide midwifery lecturers when planning simulation activities.
Investigating the attitudes of physiotherapists about telerehabilitation and their opinions on its feasibility in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Thomas, Tylla
Background: Telerehabilitation has not been a permitted nor been a focus in healthcare in South Africa. There is little awareness, knowledge, and skill amongst physiotherapists on how to conduct effective telerehabilitation. However, this is not the case globally, where telerehabilitation has been proven effective in the treatment of patients with various conditions. Advances in telerehabilitation worldwide are occurring daily but there is scarce literature on telerehabilitation in South Africa. Due to Covid-19, the HPCSA has granted permission to conduct telehealth, however, numerous barriers first need to be overcome for telerehabilitation to become a common therapeutic practice. The attitudes of physiotherapists on telerehabilitation and its feasibility have not been investigated and hence the current use, or willingness to use, is unknown amongst the South African population. Aim: To investigate the attitudes of physiotherapists and their opinions on the feasibility of telerehabilitation in daily practice in South Africa. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study included 356 physiotherapists belonging to the SASP, recruited through convenience sampling. An electronic self-reported questionnaire was developed from existing literature and other exiting questionnaires e.g. the Physiotherapy Mobile Acceptance Questionnaire (PTMAQ) (Blumenthal, Wilkinson, and Chignell, 2018). The questionnaire was emailed to all physiotherapists belonging to the SASP and they could voluntarily answer it. Descriptive data analysis was conducted to describe the demographic profile of physiotherapists and to determine their attitudes on telerehabilitation as well as the feasibility thereof in South Africa. One-Way ANOVA (analyses of variance) was used to establish a relationship between participants’ demographics and their attitudes and feasibility 2 regarding the use of technology for rehabilitation in South Africa. The study obtained ethical clearance from the Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical), clearance number M200946. Results: Most participants were between the ages of 25-35 (170, 47.8%), working more than 20 years (101, 28.4%), mostly in orthopaedic manipulative therapy (137, 38%) and in outpatient practice (199, 55.9%). Most participants had positive attitudes regarding the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness (Valdez et al., 2009). Only 18.3% of participants used telerehabilitation in their clinical settings and less than half of the participants state that they would be willing to use telerehabilitation in their clinical setting. Only 37.3% of participants thought that the South African population would be receptive to telerehabilitation. Most participants thought that there is not enough knowledge (308, 86.5%) and awareness (262, 73.6%) about telerehabilitation but do have the capacity and resources to conduct telerehabilitation sessions in their clinical settings (227, 63.8%). Participants in OMT and outpatient practice had a more favourable attitude toward telerehabilitation. No significant effects of age were found. Conclusion: Physiotherapists show positive attitudes on the use of telerehabilitation but are not willing to do it in their clinical settings due to numerous barriers that affect the feasibility thereof. This study is one of the first to investigate the attitudes of physiotherapists on the use of telerehabilitation, however, further studies need to be conducted to examine the effectiveness of telerehabilitation amongst physiotherapists in South Africa. It is the hope that the awareness, knowledge, and skill to conduct telerehabilitation increases among physiotherapists in South Africa so that use of telerehabilitation can become common practice.
Brain concentrations and the neurochemical effects of passively administered fluoxetine in Flinders sensitive line rat offspring
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Steyn, Stephanus Frederik
Background: Globally, 36 % of women who have recently given birth, experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Effective antidepressant treatments are limited, with fluoxetine being a popular treatment option. Fluoxetine is expressed in the breast milk, yet it is unclear to what extent fluoxetine, or its active metabolite, norfluoxetine, reaches the brain of the developing child and what the effects of such exposure on the related neurobiological processes would be. Due to ethical considerations and practical restrictions, clinical investigations into the neurodevelopmental effects of passively administered antidepressants (via the breast milk) are problematic. Therefore, pre-clinical investigations into this topic are not only important but clinically relevant. Aims & objectives: We aimed to quantify the concentration of passively administered, i.e., via the breast milk during nursing, fluoxetine, and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine in the whole brains of exposed Flinders sensitive line (FSL) rats (an established rodent model of depression). We further aimed to establish if said exposure would associate with changes in whole-brain serotonergic function and redox status. Methods: Adult FSL dams received fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day), or placebo for fourteen days, beginning on postpartum day 04. Offspring (n = 16 per exposure group; 1:1 male: female) were passively exposed to fluoxetine until postnatal day 18 and euthanized on postnatal day 22. Whole brain fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Fluoxetine, was undetectable in the brain of FSL offspring, while norfluoxetine concentrations, averaged 41.28 ± 6.47 ng/g. Neither serotonin, nor its metabolite (5-HIAA), was affected by passively administered fluoxetine in the juvenile brain. In terms of redox status, pups exposed to fluoxetine presented with a compromised antioxidant defence, as evinced by a lower GSH/GSSG ratio. Discussion and conclusion: Although fluoxetine and norfluoxetine concentrations have been measured in breast milk and infant plasma, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been quantified in the juvenile brain until now. Our results are in line with clinical findings, suggesting the infant norfluoxetine/fluoxetine ratio to be elevated, probably because of the prolonged half-life of norfluoxetine. Although only norfluoxetine was detected, this did not influence the central serotonin concentrations of offspring. However, it associated with increased oxidative stress, of which the pathophysiological significance remains to be established. Taken together, our findings confirm that passively administered fluoxetine does reach the infant brain in the form of norfluoxetine and may manipulate processes of oxidative stress regulation. Further studies into the long-term bio-behavioural effects are however needed to effectively inform breast feeding mothers on the safety of antidepressant-use during the postpartum period
The emergency management of patients who have experienced sexual violence: an integrative literature review
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Quiroga, Neil Dylan
Background: Sexual violence is endemic in many countries, and particularly in South Africa.. Over the past few years there have been several advancements in the care for patients who have experienced sexual violence. However, the care available in resource limited settings and in South Africa, remains inconsistent and often inadequate. Purpose of the Study: To synthesize the current evidence based practice in the emergency management of patients who have experienced sexual violence; and to review which advancements could be feasible in a resource limited setting, and in the South African context. Methods: This study conducted an integrative literature review on the emergency management of patients who experience sexual assault, in order to synthesise the current literature. The research is structured on Whittemore and Knafl’s framework, and utilizes their five stages of an integrative review: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis, and presentation. The following databases were searched: Cochrane library, EBSCOhost (CINAHL; ERIC and MEDLINE), PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley online library and Psycinfo. 2142 articles were assessed fully for eligibility, and a total of 47 articles were included in the integrative review. The literature search was conducted over a period of 4 months. Thematic analysis of the 47 articles was then conducted using MaxQDA (Qualitative Coding Software). A conductive coding approach was used, based on grounded theory. Results: Eight main themes, and thirty four subthemes, emerged from the data that spoke directly to the research question and objectives. The eight major themes were: Screening patients for sexual violence; emergency medical care for survivors; forensic care; mental health care; follow up care and services; technological aids to augment care; structural or organization aspects affecting care; and health care worker factors that affect care for survivors. Conclusion: The study strongly recommends integrating trauma informed care into every aspect of care for survivors of sexual violence in South Africa. The study also recommends implementing: screening of patients for various forms of sexual violence; quality improvement drivers such as order sets and clinical pathways; and nurse driven innovations in pro-active follow up services and new mental health care interventions
Novel Design and Analysis of an Oral Cannabidiol (Cbd) Therapeutic Delivery System for Pain Management
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-11) Khan-Flear, Faryal; Adeyemi, Samson A.; Kondiah, Pierre P. D.; Choonara, Yahya E.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid used for its antinociceptive, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in chronic pain. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) influences CBD: receptor binding to generate or regulate antinociceptive responses, producing centrally acting analgesia predominantly through Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) abundant in the brain and spinal cord. In contrast, Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) modulates inflammatory responses in immune system cells and tissues. Most oral medications can have inefficient absorption ability and insufficient therapeutic bioavailability due to the solubility of active ingredients and dosage form dissolution. Although the high lipophilicity of CBD enables it to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents the entry of most systematically administered drugs, the oil-soluble CBD is poorly soluble in water, resulting in erratic, incomplete absorption and poor drug bioavailability, preventing therapeutic doses from reaching specific receptors and regions in the brain. Directly ingested CBD also undergoes hepatic and intestinal metabolism, further contributing to therapeutic insufficiencies. Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems (LBDDS) can circumvent the drug's hysicochemical properties and the body's protective biological barriers to enhance drug-receptor interaction and elicit a biological response. Lipid combinations in self-emulsifying lipid formulations (SELF) create liposome nanocarriers that entrap and release CBD, providing a non-invasive, transitory, regionally selective delivery method. Nanoliposomes restrict therapeutic delivery to targeted areas, minimizing systemic toxicity and improving drug bioavailability. Manipulating the physical, chemical, and mechanical aspects of nano-liposomes and the material properties of their constituents concerning human anatomy and physiology can help or hinder therapeutic efficiency, drug safety, and delivery. Most therapeutic nanoliposome designs fall within 50–100 nm, facilitating passive transport across the BBB enabling drug receptor binding at brain and spinal cord receptor sites. Modulator uptake and interactions with host cells, enhanced uptake by target cells, and limits accumulation in specific tissues. Nanoliposomes smaller than 100 nm also extend blood circulation by evading renal, hepatic, and immunogenic sequestration and clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), the reticuloendothelial system (RES), opsonization, modulator uptake and interactions with host cells, limited accumulation in specific tissues, low uptake by target cells. This experiment used established system predictors such as HLB and LogP values, Poulton's Lipid Classification System (LCS), Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), Lipinski's Rule of 5 (Ro5), FBDD Rule of 3 (Ro3), Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System (BDDCS) to evaluate the critical quality attributes of two optimized formulations able to deliver CBD to the brain and spinal cord. Both formulations consisted of a phospholipid (soy lecithin), unmodified vegetable oils (coconut, olive/castor oil), surfactants (Span 80 and Tween 20), and a cosolvent (ethyl acetate) in the same ratios with the same ingredients, except that the olive oil in one formulation replaced castor oil in the other. These formulations molecularly dispersed CBD in the polymeric matrix of an unstable amorphous solid dispersion (ASD), improving drug solubility and bioavailability compared to crystalline forms. Thermodynamically unstable ASD must be assessed for quality, stability, and resilience to design helpful dosage forms. Both optimized validation batches successfully encapsulated CBD in liposomes in the eutectic ASD mixtures, as reflected in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrograms and the Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The olive oil-containing formulation produced self-micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). At the same time, the castor oil preparation formed a self-nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), accounting for the differences in particle size, size distribution, zeta potential, rheology, morphology, drug release and cell culture analysis. The differences arose due to the oils' unique fatty acid composition and chemistry. Drug release test results of each formulation loaded in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules showed good timing for capsule dissolution and a burst release preceding sustained release over 48 hours. Drug release test results established cell viability in culture studies. The positive cell proliferation indicated that the CBD concentrations released by both formulations were non-toxic to mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH/3T3) and human embryonic kidney epithelial cell (HEK 293) cultures. Although both formulations yielded favourable results, the analysis indicated that the castor oil formulation was more robust and, therefore, suitable as a nanocarrier for CBD.
The development of a questionnaire to assess training and match demand in adolescent cricketers
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Grobler, Nico; Olivier, Benita
Background: Recording training and match demand in adolescent sports is essential in preventing overtraining and injuries while ensuring optimal performance and well-being. The study aimed to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire that would measure the training and match the demands of adolescent cricketers. Methods: In Study 1, the content validity of the training and match demand questionnaire was measured using the content validity index, while the reliability was measured using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (Kendall’ W). In Study 2, a pilot study was performed using the questionnaire developed in Study 1. Daily training and match demand for all activities done in cricket (i.e., bowling, batting, fielding, strength and conditioning) and any other sport or activities were recorded in 17 adolescent cricketers. Acute:Chronic workload ratios (ACWR) were determined for all activities. Results: The developed questionnaire was deemed valid (I-CVI score of 0.83) and reliable (Kendall’s W score of 0.63). Over the 7-week period, some spikes in the acute training and match demand were observed. However, the overall ACWR was within the norms (0.8-1.3). Bowling reported an average ACWR of 0.91; other sports reported the highest average of 1.08, while the average for all activities combined was 0.92. Conclusion: The questionnaire measured the training and match demand of the cricketer over time and can be used as a valuable tool in future research and practice in adolescent cricket
Running-related injuries and risk factors among runners in Soweto township clubs, Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Masilana, Masocha Vusi; Kunene, Siyabonga
The surge in running's popularity globally has brought about an increase in running-related injuries (RRIs), particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa's urban township of Soweto, where physical inactivity and non-communicable diseases pose significant public health challenges. This necessitates targeted research on RRIs in the region to understand the specific external and internal risk factors. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for RRIs among recreational and professional runners in Soweto, Johannesburg. The study utilised a cross-sectional design to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with RRIs, allowing for an efficient one-time data collection from a large sample. Runners from Soweto township was included in the study. A data collection tool in the form of a self-administered questionnaire was employed, utilising the RedCap online platform for administration. A structured analysis plan was implemented using STATA software, with an additional data processing phase in Excel to enhance the clarity and readability of results, including the customisation of charts and graphs to communicate the findings effectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were obtained. Demographic analysis revealed a higher prevalence of female runners at the beginner level (55%, n=17), with a significant association between advancing age and injury risk. Among professional runners, the distance covered emerged as a significant risk factor, particularly for medium and long-distance runners (odds=2.07, p=0.05 and odd = 3.01, p =0.03, respectively). The frequency of training sessions demonstrated varying degrees of risk for both novice and professional runners. Additionally, terrain-specific analysis highlighted the elevated risk of injuries for beginners on varied terrain relative to professional runners. Statistical findings included significant odds ratios for female runners (odds = 0.75, p =0.05), age over 25 among beginners (odds = 1.56, p = 0.031), medium distance running among professionals (odds = 2.07, p = 0.050), and varied terrain among beginners (odds = 1.76, p = 0.006). This study provides critical insights for tailoring injury prevention and management techniques, particularly for runners of various levels. It emphasises the importance of individualised treatments by stressing nuanced damage patterns between beginners and professionals. The heightened risk on varied terrain for beginners and the unique implications of sports engagement on injury risk for professionals are noteworthy findings. These findings guide tailored prevention strategies, recognising the varied character of RRIs and addressing unique needs at various career stages, with possible policy and future research implications.
Essential oil compounds in combination with conventional antibiotics for dermatology
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Simbu, Shivar Bram; Van Vuuren, Sandy
Skin and soft tissue infections represent a heterogeneous array of clinical entities with varying severity, causative pathogens, and rates of progression. The slow development and overuse of antimicrobial agents have perpetuated the spread and severity of antimicrobial resistance. Natural products such as essential oils and their compounds are often investigated for their pharmacological properties, with particular interest in their antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining six essential oil compounds (α-pinene, γ-terpinene, ±linalool, eugenol, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde) with eight conventional antimicrobials (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, meropenem, tetracycline, miconazole, and nystatin) against six commonly encountered skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606, Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 11827, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231) to elucidate the interactive profiles, toxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties. The antimicrobial analysis involved determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the conventional antimicrobials and essential oil compounds, singularly and in combination, using the broth microdilution assay. The sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (ΣFICs) was calculated to investigate the interactive profile of the combinations. Synergistic interactions were further analysed at varying ratios and depicted on isobolograms. Eight synergistic interactions were identified, with seven against Gram-positive bacteria (ΣFIC 0.07– 0.42) and one against P. aeruginosa (ΣFIC 0.32). In addition, it was demonstrated that when in combination, the selected combinations resulted in reduced toxicity (Brine-shrimp lethality assay). The combination of amoxicillin and eugenol demonstrated the lowest toxicity (LC50 = 1081 μg/mL) and the highest selectivity index (14.41) when in a (70:30) ratio with the antibiotic in the higher ratio. Based on the synergistic results from the antimicrobial analysis, a selection of essential oil compounds with conventional antimicrobials were assessed for cytotoxicity and anti- inflammatory properties. The cytotoxicity properties were determined using the MTT assay on HaCAT keratinocytes. The anti-inflammatory properties were determined using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the reduction in nitrate (NO) production was measured. Cinnamaldehyde demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 28.63 μg/mL, p < 0.05) and the greatest reduction (77.44%) in nitrite production, which was also concentration dependent. The combination of ciprofloxacin and cinnamaldehyde demonstrated the lowest cytotoxicity (88.42% ± 3.72 cell viability; combination index of 0.12) and the highest reduction in nitrite production (77.42%; ΣFa = 0.44). Further investigations on the interactive properties of ibuprofen were undertaken. The antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen were analysed singularly and in combination with all essential oil compounds and conventional antimicrobials against reference and clinical skin pathogens. For the MIC results, four synergistic interactions were identified between ibuprofen and conventional antimicrobials (ΣFIC 0.33 - 0.50). For the cytotoxicity (MTT assay), none of the combinations demonstrated a cytotoxic effect (cell viability of 93.6-100%) and significant reduction on nitric oxide production. Additionally, higher order combinations involving the synergistic combinations were investigated with the inclusion of the essential oil compounds. Three synergistic interactions were identified (One against C. acnes and two against A. baumannii). The triple combinations were slightly cytotoxic (cell viability of 77.59 - 90.44%; combination index of 0.95 -1.10) on the HaCAT cell line and did not reduce nitric oxide production. Based on the overall results from this study, combinations of essential oil compounds and some conventional antimicrobials demonstrate promising therapeutic approaches to attenuate antimicrobial resistance. These results demonstrated that combinations that comprise cinnamaldehyde have noteworthy antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which may warrant further investigation. Combining ibuprofen with conventional antimicrobials and essential oil compounds may also offer potential advantages in managing resistant infections through direct and indirect antimicrobial mechanisms.
Targeted nanosystems for tuberculosis pericarditis interventions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ayodele, Simisola Ayobami; Kumar, Pradeep; Choonara, Yahya Essop
Tuberculosis (TB) maintains its infamous status regarding its detrimental effect on global health, causing the highest mortality by a single infectious agent. It presents as the second most lethal infectious disease after HIV/AIDS. The presence of resistance and immune-compromising disease favors the disease in maintaining its footing in the health care burden despite various anti-TB drugs. The main factors contributing to resistance and difficulty in treating disease include prolonged treatment duration (at least 6 months) and severe toxicity, which further leads to patient non-compliance, and thus a ripple effect leading to therapeutic non-efficacy. The efficacy of new regimens demonstrates that targeting host factors concomitantly with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) strain is urgently required. Due to the huge expenses and time required of up to 20 years for new drug research and development, drug repurposing may be the most economical, circumspective, and conveniently faster journey to embark on. Host-directed therapy (HDT) will dampen the burden of the disease by acting as an immunomodulator, allowing it to defend the body against antibiotic-resistant pathogens whilst minimizing the possibility of developing new resistance to susceptible drugs. Repurposed drugs in TB act as host-directed therapies, acclimatizing the host immune cell to the presence of TB, improving its antimicrobial activity and time taken to get rid of the disease, whilst minimizing inflammation and tissue damage. Anti-TB drugs incorporated in nanosystems may reduce side effects by delivering the drug selectively into infection reservoirs such as macrophages, which may assist in clearing the TB bacilli faster and reducing the duration of therapy. Tuberculosis pericarditis (TBP) is a type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis caused by the retrograde lymphatic spread of the bacilli from lymph nodes. TBP is known to have a high burden in southern Africa due to the high prevalence of HIV and its contribution to TBP. Traditional anti-TB drugs have poor permeation across the pericardium, making TBP a difficult disease to treat with high mortality. Rapid HPLC methods were initially established for the detection and quantification of isoniazid and pyrazinamide at a physiological pH (pH 7.4). These methods were subsequently used for the detection and quantification of both compounds in the ex vivo pericardium studies. Although both drugs diffused across the pericardium, only isoniazid has anti-tubercular effects at physiological pH. Both drugs permeated across the pericardium at pH 7.4, but only isoniazid has anti-tubercular effects at this pH. Bedaquiline is known to shorten the duration of therapy but has limitations e.g., poor solubility and adverse effects such as prolongation of QT interval, causing careful use and close monitoring of its adverse effects and possible drug interactions. In this study, bedaquiline was incorporated into an inherently targeted nanosystem made of mannan (host-directed therapy) for improved permeation of the drug across the pericardium. The bedaquiline-loaded mannan-chitosan oligosaccharide lactate nanoparticles were prepared by a one-step ionic gelation probe sonication method. A PermeGear 7-in-line flow-through system was used for the ex vivo diffusion studies across porcine and human pericardium. The nano gel was loaded into the donor compartment. Phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4 with 0.2% sodium lauryl sulphate) was pumped through the receptor compartments at 1.5 ml.h-1 (37 °C). Samples were collected every 2 h for 24 h and analyzed via HPLC. Bedaquiline loaded nanoparticles with particle size and potential of 192.4 nm and 40.5 mV, respectively, were synthesised. The chitosan-mannan bedaquiline loaded nanoparticles had an encapsulation efficacy of 98.7% and drug loading of 0.6%. Diffusion data of bedaquiline in the nanosystem indicated a flux of 2.889 and 2.346 μg.cm - 2. min -1 for porcine and human pericardium, respectively, as compared to 0.991 μg.cm-2.min-1 and 1.1578 μg.cm-2.min-1 for isoniazid and pyrazinamide, respectively. The permeation of the nanosystem indicated a consistent and linear diffusion pattern across both porcine and human pericardium, additionally approving the porcine pericardium as a great comparable tissue to human tissue for pericardial studies. The nanosystem, therefore, presents an exceptional direction for the treatment of tuberculosis pericarditis with prospectively minimized systemic side effects and host-directed therapy
The Effectiveness of a Multidisciplinary, Protocol-based Approach to Patients of Different Age Groups with Lower Back Pain in Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, Polokwane, and Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bennett, Matthew Terence; Neophytou, Natalia
Introduction: Lower back pain is a chronic worldwide condition experienced by many individuals. In Africa specifically, it has been reported that the average lifetime prevalence of lower back pain is 36% within adolescence, and 62% within adults. Although exercise interventions exist there are many gaps in terms of efficacy across age groups; a lack of multidisciplinary approach; as well as, a lack of a reproducible standardised protocol. Furthermore, there is a lack of interventions focusing on pain scale improvements and ROM simultaneously. In the early 90’s, a Documentation Based Care (DBC) multidisciplinary protocol was developed in Finland which aimed to bridge this gap by reducing low back pain, Subsequently it was adapted, and implemented in South Africa, however no information exists as to whether it has been effective in the South African context in terms of improving back pain, as well as improving ROM in individuals. Objectives: To determine whether the current South African adaptation of the Finnish DBC lower back protocol is effective in reducing pain levels and improving range of motion over multiple age groups. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1499 data sets, of individuals who participated in a standardised 6-week lower back intervention, using the adapted version of the Finnish DBC lower back programme was conducted. Data was extracted from a collated database from 5 Biokinetics practices using the adapted DBC protocol. Data included: age, pre-post intervention visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scale data and lumbar thoracic ROM including flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. Descriptive statistics were used for the demographic data, student T- tests were used for pre-post ROM and pain scale data. The use of Statistical version 14.0 was used for the analysis and p value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Results: Pain: This study found that for 91.9% of individuals participating in the intervention (n=1377), there was a reduction in lower back pain measured on the VAS pain scale, while for 5.2% (n=78) there was no change in pain, and for only 2.9% there was an increase in pain (n=44). ROM: All age groups were found to have increase range of motion in all movements from pre- intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: The South African adaptation of the DBC protocol over the last 3 years has been successful in reducing pain and increasing ROM in all age group categories pre-intervention to post-intervention
Private Sector Health Care Users’ Criteria for Choosing Maternity Services In A District In Mpumalanga
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Clay, Nadia Susan; Armstrong, Sue
Currently, maternity care in the public sector in South Africa is differentiated according to the level of care required. There is also a substantial difference in resource availability between the public and private healthcare sectors. Urban area healthcare users with medical insurance have a choice of private or public sector facilities and even a choice between midwifery-led care and obstetrician led care. This will no longer be the case once the National Health Insurance (NHI) is introduced. Currently, private healthcare users in rural areas have fewer choices due to the lack of facilities. This group of healthcare users therefore has a unique understanding and experience of the quality and types of service offered in the public and private sector. Their perspective will be useful in determining the priorities for establishing equitable maternity services as envisaged by the NHI. By comparing their perspectives to those of healthcare users of the public sector maternity services, it will be possible to establish whether differences occur and, at a later stage, to start planning services that meet the needs of both the public and the private sector healthcare users. This study sought to answer the research question, “Do private sector healthcare user’s criteria for choosing a maternity service differ from those of public sector users?” A multi-method qualitative study was used. Phase 1 included a scoping review which determined the criteria used to measure patient satisfaction in the public maternity services in sub-Saharan Africa. Phase 2 of the study included semi-structured interviews of nineteen (19) women of childbearing age to determine the criteria that private sector users use when choosing a maternity service to meet their needs and aspirations. The scoping review provided the a priori codes for phase 2 of the study. Using the a priori codes from the scoping review, a template analysis was conducted in phase 2. The findings of this study indicated that all women, irrespective of social class, culture or socio-economic status have similar needs and preferences and would use those similar criteria for choosing a birthing facility, should they be given that choice. The study emphasised that women need caring, responsive midwives to be present at their birth together with a birth companion of their choice in an accessible, clean and comfortable environment
Exercise dosages for the management of generalized anxiety disorder: A scoping review
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Leander, Natalie; Olivier, Benita
Objective: This review was conducted to map the extent of evidence relating to the dosage of exercise for anxiolytic effect, in youth and adolescents with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Introduction: Exercise is known for its benefit to people living with depression and anxiety in adult populations. Less is known about the differences in exercise prescriptions used for the management of anxiety subtypes in younger populations. The rationale for this topic in adolescents and youths, living with GAD was to ascertain the extent to which this cohort has been studied regarding the use of exercise in the treatment of anxiety and which dosages were used. Inclusion criteria: All studies with participants aged 10-24 years of age with a GAD diagnosis, were considered, where exercise was used as part of the management of their anxiety. No restrictions were placed on study types. A scoping review was performed using the JBI methodology. Databases searched included Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane database of systematic reviews and Cinahl Ultimate along with grey literature databases. No time restrictions were applied, and all types of research articles were considered. The charted data was tabulated using a modified JBI data extraction instrument. The initial result of 728 results was reduced to four studies that met with inclusion criteria. The final four studies had populations in the upper range of between 18 to 24 only. No applicable data was found in the 10 to 17-year age range. The exercise types used in these four studies were treadmill running, Pilates, lower limb strengthening and dynamic cycling. Two studies incorporated a single bout of vigorous treadmill running for 30 minutes. One study did a single bout of beginner Pilates for 30 minutes and the last study used lower limb strengthening and dynamic cycling biweekly for six weeks. The literature on exercise dosage for the management of GAD in adolescents and youth is severely limited. Data on exercise for specific subtypes of anxiety in adolescents and youth seems to be limited in general as well. This is an important area for research as anxiety starts in early childhood and GAD in particular has a peak age of onset of 15 years. It seems feasible to try and approach anxiety in youth and adolescents with non-invasive therapies such as exercise but there is a definite gap in the literature regarding its use in managing GAD
Impact of a rural context in Kwazulu Natal on primary caregiver's management of pain innon-communicating children with severe neurological impairment
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Pretorius, Jeanette; Franzsen, Denise
Untreated pain is known to have negative consequences on the development and wellbeing of “non-verbal” children with severe neurological impairment (SNI). Healthcare workers and caregivers must ensure that pain is managed in this population, even though pain may be difficult to assess. Occupational therapists need to understand how context affects the management of pain experienced by a child with SNI, as well as its impact on the care of the child. This study determined how a rural KwaZulu Natal context impacted how primary caregivers recognized and manage pain and the care of their child with SNI. Methods: A multiple descriptive, embedded case study design using a demographic and pain questionnaire, with cross sectional design. There were nine respondents’ qualitative and quantitative information content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to report. Results: Financial, environmental, emotional and physical strain factors associated with the rural context were identified may be adding to the burden of care and affecting the occupational performance of the child with SNI and their caregiver. Specific difficulties included limits in access to clean running water, the practice of bed sharing and poor infrastructure affecting access to healthcare facilities. Primary care givers also mentioned their other responsibilities in the house and the physical strain of caring for a child with SNI affected them and their child. Despite this, all primary care givers were able to recognise and act when their child was in pain and relied on crying duration and intensity as a reliable sign of pain in their child. All primary care givers were confident in their ability and method of recognising and addressing pain in their child with SNI. More experienced primary caregivers used fewer signs to recognise when their child with SNI was in pain. Conclusions: A rural African context is associated with barriers and opportunities for the care, the recognition- and management of pain in children with SNI. More research related to supporting participation and occupational performance by addressing the effects of pain in children with SNI on the child and the primary caregiver living in rural contexts is required
Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of healthcare workers on adverse drug reaction reporting in a government hospital in Botswana
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lipholo, Lineo; Padayachee, Neelaveni; Vagiri, Rajesh
INTRODUCTION Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are an inherent part of using medication to treat diseases. They impact negatively on the health of an individual, potentially leading to hospitalization and increase in the cost of caring for hospitalized patients. Healthcare professionals (HCP) need to assume an active surveillance role of reporting suspected ADRs. Spontaneous reporting (SR) becomes the practice to adopt to ensure safe use of medicines. Education and training are thus necessary to equip HCPs with the necessary skills to identify and report ADRs. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of healthcare professionals in a government hospital in Botswana when it comes to reporting ADRs. METHOD A questionnaire composed of both open and closed ended questions was used to collect data on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HCPs to establish their disposition towards reporting of ADRs. The research tool was checked for its face and content validity as well as internal consistency. The data collected was captured in Microsoft Excel version 16.43 and then imported to SPSS version 27.0 for data analysis. RESULTS Based on the findings of this study 26.3% of the participants indicated that they had attended training pertaining to ADR reporting, whilst 39.8% indicated that they had seen and reported an ADR before. There was no statistical significance in reporting of ADRs between profession and gender (p=0.075). When assessing for a statistical association between the participants’ profession and having used an ADR reporting form before, there was no statistically significant association (p=0.28). The association between the average number of ADRs reported and having attended seminar/training was statistically significant (p<0.05). HCPs felt that reporting ADR was of high importance with a Mean Score of 4.67 and Standard Deviation of 0.63 on Likert items measuring attitude towards reporting ADR. HCPs showed positive perception towards reporting ADRs with a Mean Score of 3.07 and Standard Deviation of 1.17 on Likert items measuring perceptions. 40% of the HCPs indicated that they would report ADRs requiring hospitalization.21.8% of HCPs felt that workload could not allow for reporting of ADRs and 5.3% said lack of feedback discouraged from authorities reporting of ADRs. CONCLUSION There is a lack of knowledge of ADR reporting among HCPs. The lack of ADR reporting results in unsafe practices with the use of medications. This is despite strategies suggested to curb the challenge of underreporting. Some of the discouraging reasons to report include lack of feedback and communication from the authorities, and workload. These factors affect the overall reporting behaviour among the HCPs even when there is a positive attitude and perception of the importance of reporting ADRs. Education in the form of training and seminars should be a continuous practice, to equip HCPs with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to strengthen the practice of Pharmacovigilance in ensuring medication safety
Mode of delivery, analgesic, and neuromusculoskeletal profile of women developing new onset lower back pain postpartum
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Steyn, Joretha
The aim of this cohort study, a longitudinal study that follows participants over a period, was to establish the profile of women developing lower back pain (LBP) postpartum by investigating the association between LBP and the mode of delivery, analgesia used and the neuromusculoskeletal structures involved. A baseline assessment was done on 16 participants, four were excluded as per the exclusion criteria, with outcome measures such as the Oswestry LBP disability questionnaire and the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 24 weeks gestation and a follow up assessment at six- and 12-weeks postpartum. Irrespective of the analgesia used during labour (epidural, combined spinal and epidural (CSE), general anaesthesia or no analgesia) or the mode of delivery, be it natural, an elective caesarean section or an emergency caesarean section, 50% (n=6) had pain at six weeks postpartum and 14% (n=7) at 12 weeks postpartum. The VAS and Oswestry LBP disability questionnaire averaging 4/10 and 12.6% respectively. It should be noted that the 14% (n=7) that had pain at 12 weeks had a scheduled caesarean section done under general anaesthesia which leads us to agree with Eisenach, et al., (2013) that labour itself does have a protective physiological mechanism against developing pain postpartum. It is recommended that a future study should extend the time frame of data collection to two to three years to ensure a larger sample size to get a more significant and clearer picture of the development of LBP postpartum and the factors or structures involved. This in turn can ensure a more comprehensive preventative strategy to be researched to decrease the development of LBP postpartum.
The psychosocial work environment of primary health care nurses in the Northern Sub-DistrictCity of Ekurhuleni
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Motsumi, Theodora
Background: Studies have shown that nurses in general are exposed to higher psychosocial work environment challenges primarily manifested as work-related stress, burnout, depression, and fatigue. Hence, the need to investigate how PHC nurses experience their psychosocial work environments in the northern sub-district of the City of Ekurhuleni. Objectives: To describe the psychosocial work environment as well as determine the association between the socio-demographic data and domains that score as negatively and positively indicative of the perceived psychosocial work environment. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used for this study, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II). Data analysis: Firstly, STATA 18 (Standard Edition) was used for demographic and COPSOQ II scale analysis. Secondly, the open-ended question was analyzed through the sentiment analysis process using Microsoft Excel 2021, Office 365 add-on package Azure Machine Learning to identify the themes and determine the emotional tone of the responses which were classified as positive, negative or neutral. Lastly, Bivariable analysis was conducted using a Pearson Chi-square test (χ² test) and a Fisher’s Exact test for the purpose of establishing associations. Results: A total number of (n=80) PHC nurses participated in the study. Most were females (87.5%) and (60%) have more than ten years of professional nursing experience. Quantitative work demands, Work pace, Emotional work demands, Work/ life conflict as well as Burnout and stress are the dimensions that were Red coded, rated as needing immediate care and are indicative of poor care. Age was associated with Job demands and Work/individual interface. Years of experience was associated with interpersonal relationships and Leadership, and Health and wellbeing. Three themes emerged from the sentiment analysis of the open-ended question namely; professional recognition and job satisfaction, workload and staffing issues, and workplace environment and support. The results further showed that (76%) of the respondents expressed negative sentiment regarding the psychosocial environment and the average sentimental score was 0.26 indicating highly negative perception about the psychosocial environment. Conclusion: The results serve as a baseline for a study on psychosocial environment and can be used to inform the development of a more comprehensive in-depth psychosocial research study, to develop and implement sustainable and effective healthy workplace programs to meet the psychosocial needs of PHC nurses and other health care workers
Use of probiotics in community pharmacy in South Africa: a survey of pharmacist attitudes, perceptions and knowledge
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kim, Yedam; Orchard, Ané
There has been a substantial increase in the consumption of probiotics in the last decade in South Africa. Pharmacists, as experts in the field of medicine, play a crucial role in educating both patients and other healthcare professionals on the appropriate use of probiotics in the healthcare setting. While there are several studies related to the use of probiotics, such as the study conducted among community pharmacists to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding complementary and alternative medicines in South Africa, there is a gap in the literature regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of qualified practicing pharmacists in South Africa regarding probiotic use. The findings of this study provide information for evaluating the current state of awareness and understanding regarding probiotics within the pharmacist community, offering a foundation for potential interventions and educational initiatives. A cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted in community pharmacies across South Africa. Of the 476 study respondents, 237 were included in the final analysis, as 239 surveys were incomplete. Among the respondents, 18.5% demonstrated a good level of knowledge about probiotics, while 11.3% demonstrated a poor level of knowledge (Mean ± SD =13.81 ± 2.8). This finding demonstrated a lower knowledge level compared with similar studies conducted in other regions, such as Asia and the United States of America. These findings highlight a potential gap in knowledge among the respondents regarding the use of probiotics. Half of the respondents (49.9%) displayed positive attitudes toward probiotics (Mean ± SD = 43.33 ± 8.9) and 47.6% of the respondents displayed positive perceptions of probiotics (Mean ± SD = 32.14 ± 3.7). A significant association of knowledge of probiotics with biological sexes (X2 = 39.2132, p < 0.05) was found. There was a statistically significant difference in the demographics of respondents and their attitudes towards probiotics, including geographical region (X2 = 300.629, P<0.05), biological sex (X2 = 95.164, p < 0.05), age (X2 = 248.008, p < 0.05), highest degree obtained (X2 =191.428, p < 0.05), and the university from which they graduated (X2 = 417.775, p < 0.05). Statistically significant difference in the demographics of respondents and the perceptions of probiotics was found, including geographical region (X2 = 170.161, p < 0.05), age (X2 =52.378, p < 0.05), and the university from which they graduated (X2 = 238.514, p < 0.05. In this study, a significant but weak correlation between knowledge and attitude was identified (r = 0.1537, p = 0.0179). Correlation between attitudes and perception was also significant but weak (r = 0.3214, p = 0.000) and there was no statistically significant correlation between knowledge-perceptions variables (r = 0.0092, p = 0.8879). The study has identified limited knowledge regarding the use of probiotics among respondents, despite their positive attitudes and perceptions towards the use of probiotics. The study also has emphasized the complexity of factors influencing individuals' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding probiotics. This study recommends further educational initiatives to investigate relationship between knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of pharmacists on the use of probiotics in South Africa