3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/45
Browse
9 results
Search Results
Item Stress levels and sources of stress among bridging course nursing students at a private nursing education institution in Gauteng(2019) Jonhson, Janis JaeBackground: Stress experienced for many nursing students is considered as a necessary and integral part of their nursing journey however not all students are able to adequately identify, manage and deal with this stress. Existing literature also reveals that nursing students do indeed experience high levels of stress. Purpose/Aim: The main aim of this study was to describe the stress levels, sources of stress and required support to reduce the stress of the bridging course nursing students at a private nursing education institution in Gauteng Method: This study adopted a cross-sectional design. Data were collected using the Expanded Nurses Stress Scale medium version tool. Data analysis: The data was captured on Microsoft excel, support was sought from a statistician for the design of the data capture sheet. The data were analysed by the researcher. Comparative statistics support was sought from a statistician. Setting: Data was collected at a purposively selected Private Nursing Education Institution in Gauteng. Main Findings: The setting and population sample used in this study was unique and the findings of the data analysis differ greatly from other studies conducted on nursing students outside of South Africa. The bridging course nursing students (n=136) at this private nursing education institution are highly stressed. The highest sources of their stress according to the ENSS medium version tool were Discrimination, death and dying, patients and their families, workload, conflict with physicians, and conflict with supervisors. The Bridging course nursing students would like to be supported in managing their stress through Professional Stress Management, Adequate Staffing when on duty, Emotional Support and Academic Staff Support. The findings of this study have answered the research question, by providing the current stress levels, sources of stress and what support is required to support the Bridging Course nursing students at the selected Private Nursing Education Institution in Gauteng.Item Occupational stress in an information and communication technology company in South Africa(2018-11-06) Setlhakgoe, Moyagabo ReginaldBackground Occupational stress is a major concern globally as it results in significant negative economic and health effects. This study is aimed to measure the prevalence of occupational stress and identify workplace risk factors that are related to occupational stress among junior and middle management employees in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company in South Africa. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study. Primary data were collected using the medium size version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II) between August 2016 and December 2016. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire was used for this study because it had been validated for the South African context and also comes with reference values which can be used to interpret the study findings relative to the normative values. The intended sample size for the study was 230, stratified into men (n=154) and women (n=76). Prevalence of occupational stress was measured for both men and women, and regression models were applied to estimate associations between exposure variables namely stress, burnout, sleeping troubles and self-rated health and outcome variables. Results The overall study response rate was 64.8%. The response rate for men was 52.5% and for women was 89.5%. The study sample had a mean value of 45.29 (SD25.03) for stress, 50 (SD30.1) for burnout and 37.5 (SD32.4) for sleeping troubles. These study sample means were higher than the respective reference mean values of 26.7 (SD17.7), 34.1 (SD 18.2) and 21.3 (SD 19.0). Self-rated health had a study sample mean of 59.53 (SD 26.99), which was lower than the reference value of 66.0 (SD 20.9). These differences between the study sample’s mean values for stress, burnout, sleeping troubles and self-rated health and reference means were statistically significant with p- values of < 0.001 for stress and sleeping troubles, p=0.001 for burnout, and p=0.003 for self-rated health. There were no statistically significant differences (p >0.05) found between the mean values for stress, burnout, sleeping troubles and self-rated health for men and women. Work- family conflict was the most common significant (p<0.05) harmful risk factor for stress (men: OR 15.06, 95% CI: 4.64 - 48.81; women: OR 6.59, 95% CI: 1.73 - 25.09), burnout (men: OR 11.86, 95%CI: 3.50-40.22; women: OR 11.90, 95%CI: 2.80-50.62), sleeping troubles (men OR 23.11,95%CI: 4.66-114.66) and self-rated health (men OR 16.00, 95%CI: 1.49-171.48; women OR 10.47, 95%CI: 2.12-51.69) among both men and women. Conclusion The study sample results demonstrated a higher prevalence of occupational stress among study participants. This was reflected by higher levels of stress, burnout and sleeping troubles, and lower levels of self-rated health. These factors are regarded by COPSOQ as indicators of health and wellbeing and it can therefore be inferred that occupational stress existed amongst the study participants. There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of occupational stress between men and women. Family-work conflict was the main risk factor associated with occupational stress for both men and women, while the presence of interpersonal relations and leadership factors (e.g. social community at work and social support from supervisors) were found to be negatively associated with occupational stress, especially among women. Based on the response rate, the findings of this study must be generalised to the whole workforce with caution particularly for men as this stratum had a lower response rate. Further research into the factors of work-family conflict is recommended, and occupational stress interventions should be implemented to address the identified risk factors in order to manage the level of occupational stress for this study group.Item Early and subsequent life stress: physiological responses, moderating events and outcome(2015-03-27) Muller, Denise Margaret54 225: crimes against children reported in 2010/2011 28 128: sexual offences 30% of the sexual offences occurred in children younger than ten years. These figures are a stark reminder of the growing number of children who experience deprivation, abuse and maltreatment in South Africa (Unicef, 2013). Although controversy exists with the reporting methods and the accuracy of recall in adult patients, it remains evident that a significant number of female children are sexually abused. Associations between early life stress and later life dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormone, cortisol, and the immune system cytokine, interleukin 6, have been found in adult patients and in animal studies. Importantly, although there is also evidence that early life stress results in later life neurobiological changes, we have to date, no identifiable biological markers to assist with diagnosis or to inform treatment strategies in young children who present with early life stress such as sexual abuse or maternal neglect. Thus, there is a growing imperative to establish whether the potential precursor biomarkers are evident in early in development following adverse life conditions. Therefore the research focus of the thesis was to investigate (1) whether dysregulation of the HPA axis is evident in young children who are exposed to the traumatic stress of abuse, (2) whether there is evidence that inadequate maternal care, during the neonatal stage of development, has an impact of HPA and immune function and consequently onItem Stress and healthcare workers caring for people living with HIV/AIDS in Polokwane municipality clinics(2011-11-23) Malatji, Tumiso Amanda PhildahAim Stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) working with HIV/AIDS patients is an important deterrent to provision of services to HIV patients. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress levels among HCWs in Polokwane Municipality HIV clinics. Method Forty-four HCWs in four different clinics completed a self administered questionnaire. Questionnaire consisted of demographic info, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the AIDS Stress scale and the stressors and rewards of HIV/AIDS work. Results The majority of the healthcare workers (HCWs) in this study were female (77%) and married (64%). The biggest professional group were nurses (46%) followed by lay counsellors (25%). The mean age of the HCWs was 39. The results of this study revealed that half of the respondents (52%) had high level of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. A total of 27% of HCWs had moderate to severe AIDS stress as measured by AIDS Stress Scale. An overwhelming majority (95%) of HCWs reported that they enjoy their work with HIV/AIDS patients. Conclusion Despite the high levels of burnout, the majority of HCWs in the HIV clinics find HIV/AIDS work rewarding. Workplace related stressors rather than the actual work with HIV/AIDS patients is a major source of stress.Item Three dimensional analysis of stress and strain distributions around Bord and Pillar geometries(2007-04-10T08:07:15Z) Ndlovu, XolisaniUnderground observations at a coal mine indicated failure of the immediate roof above the bords while pillars were observed to be intact. To determine the underlying causes of roof failures, careful observations and photographic recording of occurrences of roof failures have been made. Rock samples of the immediate shale roof were collected for laboratory testing to determine the rock strength and deformation properties. Numerical simulations were carried out to analyse stress and strain distributions and also to attempt to explain the guttering process. Mapping of roof failures showed that these took place mainly towards the centre of the roadways. The roof failures, termed “roof guttering”, were observed to occur violently and with little warning. Occurrence of roof guttering had a negative impact on production. Some panels are abandoned, production times have increased and safety of workers is compromised. The mine authorities initially thought that roof guttering was caused by shear failure of the rock mass. Roof bolts are therefore used as a means of primary support. No improvements have been observed. Increasing the size of pillars has not solved the problem either. It has only increased the amount of coal left in the pillars without any improvements in reducing roof failures. Stress measurement results carried out in 2001 showed that high horizontal stresses exist at the mine. The immediate shale roof was observed to be weak. Laboratory testing showed that the shale rock is transversely isotropic. Numerical modelling results indicated that there are insignificant stress concentrations towards the centre of the roadway using the elastic and transversely isotropic elastic models. Stress concentrations were predicted at the roof-pillar contact area. It is therefore expected that failure should initiate and occur at the roof-pillar contact area. The Mohr-Coulomb and Mohr-Coulomb strain softening models predicted shear failure at the roof-pillar contact area. The two models over predicted the depth and under predicted the width of failures. The extension strain criterion predicted correctly the depth and width of failures although the failures were predicted at the roof-pillar contact area while the observations indicated failure mainly towards the centre of the roads. Initiation of failure was predicted ahead of the coal face at the centre of the road position using the extension strain criterion. Although none of the constitutive behaviours predicted correctly the observed underground failures the extension strain criterion has shown the best agreement. Guttering that occurred at the roof-pillar contact was modelled successfully using the extension strain criterion. The extension strain criterion predicted initiation of failure ahead of the coal face at the road centre position. It is possible that fracture initiation could be taking place in this location ahead of the coal face, and, on blasting the rock that has been fractured falls forming a gutter at the centre of the road.Item The effects of competing commitments on the relationship between organisational stress and well-being(2006-11-16T11:01:40Z) Chazen, Michelle Ann.;This study aimed to investigate the nature of the relationship between organisational stress, in terms of individual’s emotional reactions to their jobs, and physical and psychological well-being. It then aimed to expand upon previous research in this area, by considering the effects of potential mediators such as job and family involvement on this relationship. In addition to this it aimed to explore the possible differences in the emotions at work, well-being and job and family involvement as experienced by individuals of different demographic groups. Questionnaires containing a biographical information sheet and four well-established measures, including the Job-Related Affective Well-Being Scale, the Well- Being Scale, as well as the Job Involvement Questionnaire and Family Involvement Scale, were distributed to the male and female employees at a large organisation in Johannesburg. This sampling method yielded a final sample of 249 respondents, consisting of 120 men and 129 women. The results of this study illustrated significant differences in the physical well-being of the men and women in the sample, with men reporting experiencing greater levels of positive physical well-being than their female counterparts. A significant difference was also demonstrated in the emotions at work experienced by the Black and White respondents of the study, with the Black individuals reporting more positive emotions at work than their White counterparts. In addition, the findings of this study indicated that there was a positive relationship between the constructs of emotions at work and physical and psychological well-being and that emotions at work mediated the relationships between job and family involvement and well-being.Item A COMPARISON OF TEACHER STRESS, COMMITMENT AND SCHOOL CLIMATE IN SCHOOLS WITH DIFFERENT SUCCESS RATES(2006-11-16T10:25:11Z) Khoza, Harriet RivalaniIt has been established that South African schools often experience vastly different matric success rates, even in schools from the same areas, with similar resources (Snyman, 1998). This study was conducted to compare teacher stress, professional commitment and school climate in schools with different matric success rates, in an attempt to uncover some of the reasons behind differing pass rates. The sample consisted of teachers from four high schools with different matric pass rates. The schools were selected from twelve high schools in the same rural area, same education district and circuit. The two high schools which performed very badly were matched with two high schools which produced a hundred percent pass rate in their recent matric results. A questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The questionnaires consisted of the Job Stress Survey, Professional Commitment Scale, as well as the Organisational Climate Index. The research questions for the study were: (i) Do teachers from schools with different matric success rates perceive the same sources of stress? (ii) Are teachers in schools with different matric pass rates experiencing the same levels of stress? (iii) Is there any difference between teachers’ perceptions of school 6 climate in schools with different matric pass rates? (iv) Do teachers in schools with different matric success rates differ in terms of their levels of professional commitment? The results indicated similarities in terms of the levels and sources of stress among the teachers from the two school types, as no significant differences between the schools were found. However, the teachers in schools with excellent matric pass rates have higher levels of commitment, and perceive their schools more favourably than the teachers in schools with poor matric pass rates. Significant correlations were also found to exist between teachers’ professional commitment and organisational climate. These findings indicate that there is a need in South Africa to seek out ways of improving the climate of the schools as well as teachers’ professional commitment in order to produce quality education.Item The energy expenditure of dressing in patients with stroke(2006-11-16T08:16:03Z) Maharaj, AnupaThis study aimed to understand the physical demands of upper and lower body dressing in 23 stroke survivors and 23 control subjects. Measurement of the energy expenditure and time take was done by means of a triaxial accelerometer. The amount of active movement present in the limbs was also documented. Activities health was measured in the experimental group. Results indicated that significantly more energy was expended in dressing the upper body in the experimental group (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the energy expenditure in dressing the lower limbs. There were significant differences found in the perception of difficulty of the tasks. Patients with stroke took four times longer to dress than controls. Despite having motor ability, stroke survivors were not able to use this in activities of daily living (ADL). Patients with stroke were unsatisfied and spent excessive amounts of time in their day in sedentary, unconstructive activity. Recommendations include increased endurance training in patients with neurological disorder in order to reengage them into ADL.Item Investigating stress in security guards on the University of Witwatersrand campus(2006-10-27T07:06:55Z) Carter-Brown, Siobhan Anne.;This report describes an investigation into the levels and symptoms of stress in a sample of security guards on the University of the Witwatersrand Campus. Stress is an integral facet of life that has deep reaching implications for an individual’s functioning in the world. Although the presence of stress can assist an individual in performing, stress can unbalance a person’s equilibrium and lead to physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that burden them. Data from 11 security guards on the University of Witwatersrand campus was collected by means of a semi-structured interview and an orally administered, structured checklist (the SSCL). Results from both data sets are provided and discussed. The data collected from each method was compared to determine which is more appropriate for tapping into the construct of stress in this population.