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Start date: 2000End date: 2010

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    Understanding intimate femicide in South Africa
    (2010-09-22) Mathews, Shanaaz
    When a woman is killed she is most likely to be murdered by an intimate partner. This form of homicide known as intimate femicide is conceptualised to be the most extreme consequence of intimate partner violence. Not much is known about such killings in South Africa or in other developing settings. This thesis studied intimate femicide using two complimentary studies from two methodological perspectives. The first study was quantitative with the aim of describing the incidence and pattern of intimate femicide in South Africa. The second study used qualitative methods and explored the social construction of the early formation of violent masculinities. Five papers written from these two studies are presented in this thesis. Study one was a retrospective national mortuary-based study and collected data on all female homicides, 14 years and older, who died in 1999 from a stratified, multi-stage sample of 25 mortuaries. Data was collected from the mortuary file, autopsy report, and a police interview. The second study used a cluster of qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 incarcerated men in prison who have been convicted for the murder of an intimate partner, as well as interviews with family and friends of both the perpetrator and the victim. Overall it was found that 50.3% of women murdered in South Africa are killed by an intimate partner, with an intimate femicide rate of 8.8/100 000 and an intimate-femicide suicide rate of 1.7/100 000 females 14 years and older. Blunt force injuries were shown to be associated with intimate killings, while gun ownership was associated with intimate femicide-suicides. vi elevated Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) combined with unemployed status was also found to be associated with intimate killings. The qualitative study showed that traumatic childhood experiences such as violent and neglectful parenting practises particularly by mothers made these men feel unloved, inferior and powerless with this found to be a pathway to violent models of masculinity used as a means to attain power and respect. This study shows that such traumatic experiences can lead to a suppression of emotions. It is argued that cognitive dissonance act as a protective mechanism which allows these men to perpetrate acts of violence without consideration of its impact. These findings suggests that intimate femicide is a complex phenomenon with a “web” of associated and mediating factors which all contribute to it excessive levels in South Africa. It shows that intimate femicide is an extension of intimate partner violence and as such has to take into account the unequal gender relations in society. Building gender equity and shifting patterns of femininity and masculinity is a key strategy in reducing this form of violence.
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    Analysis and interpretation of Iron studies and Vitamin C levels in paediatric patients with chronic renal failure
    (2010-08-24) Lutz, Tracey Leigh
    This prospective observational study analysed iron studies and vitamin C levels in patients with chronic kidney disease attending Johannesburg Hospital Paediatric Nephrology Clinic. The rationale behind this study was to determine the extent of iron deficiency among patients in chronic renal failure. Vitamin C deficiency is common among dialysis patients, it is easy to test for and easy to prevent. This study may assist in guiding future management with regards to vitamin C supplementation in patients with chronic renal insufficiency on dialysis. The study contained 45 patients of which 27 (60 %) were male and 18 (40 %) were female. The ages of the children varied from 2 years 1 month to 19 years and 7 months. The study included patients from all ethnic groups; 9 were Caucasian, 33 African, 2 Indian and 1 Coloured. Two male patients did not have Vitamin C levels analyzed. The patients were divided into 3 distinct groups; firstly those patients on haemodialysis (12 patients), those on peritoneal dialysis (22 patients) and those not yet dialysed (11 patients). In all patients who were not yet on dialysis the GFR ranged between 18.1 and 45 ml/min/1.73m2. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups when the results of the iron studies were analysed. However, despite iron treatment 26.6 % of patients were iron deficient as indicated by their transferrin saturation which was less than 20 %. Vitamin C levels were also analysed in this study. Forty one percent of children in chronic renal failure were vitamin C deficient. There was no statistically significant variability among the three groups. Two patients (4.6%) were noted to be Vitamin C toxic. One of these patients was haemodialysed; the other was not yet on dialysis. Vitamin C deficiency in chronic renal insufficient patients on dialysis is easily correctable when identified. Vitamin C in specific well documented doses is safe to administer to this group of patients. It will also enhance the absorption of iron and thereby have an indirect effect on anaemia.
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    Enhancing the doctor-patient relationship: living, dying and use of the living will
    (2009-10-21T10:58:09Z) Etheredge, Harriet
    The research aims to establish whether processes around the consideration and execution of the living will help enhance the doctor-patient relationship. Studies have shown that the living will is not used frequently, and that the doctor-patient relationship is often deficient. The research explores the two primary topics – the living will, and the doctor-patient relationship – separately. Each primary topic is approached via a consideration of the relevant literature, and each is then analyzed from a theoretical–ethical point of view. A synthesis of these separate investigations is presented. This synthesis concludes that the living will can help enhance the doctor-patient relationship.
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    Barriers to protection: gender-related persecution and asylum in South Africa
    (2009-10-12T12:24:42Z) Middleton, Julie
    In 1998, South Africa became the first country to explicitly state within its refugee law that gender related persecution is a binding basis for asylum, further distinguishing South Africa as a state with outstanding legal commitments to gender equality. Creating further visibility within the law, however, is only one step in the process. How the law is implemented determines its real worth and effectiveness. This study assesses the manner in which asylum decisions are made, particularly in cases of gendered harm, questioning readily accepted and essentialised notions of women and gender. It looks at how the South African asylum system defines legitimate refugees, and the interplay of fluid interpretations of gender, culture, violence and the political within these constructions. Through interviews with officials and asylum seekers, the study identifies trends in the refugee system, and interrogates the reliance on narrow understandings of the political and personal, as well as the nature of conflict and culture.
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    An analysis of reasons for exclusion of potential live kidney donors
    (2009-03-23T07:34:50Z) Levy, Cecil Steven
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    New onset diabetes post renal transplantation
    (2009-02-12T11:43:48Z) Harrichund, Pretissha
    ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. New onset diabetes post renal transplantation is associated with reduced graft function, decreased patient survival and increased risk of graft loss. The immunosuppressive regimes used and dosage of corticosteroid therapy appear to impact on the incidence of new onset diabetes post renal transplantation. The objectives of this study were: to ascertain the prevalence of new onset diabetes post transplantation; to determine the association between new onset diabetes with immunosuppressive regimens and ethnicity; and to assess outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality. The study design consisted of a retrospective analysis of 398 patient files transplanted between 01/07/1994 and 30/06/2004. Information retrieved from the files consisted of patient demographics ( age, race, gender ), weight, date of onset of diabetes, immunosuppressive regimens used, infections, cardiovascular and overall morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of diabetes was based on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria or the requirement for anti-diabetic agents. Results obtained showed that 15.58% (62/398) of patients became diabetic. The mean time to onset of diabetes was 22.9 months ( range 1 week to 100 months ). 20.21% Black patients (p=0.100), 9.42% White, 12.5% Coloured and 12% Indian patients became diabetic. Treatment with Cyclosporine( CyA) had an incidence of diabetes of 14.44%, Tacrolimus 20.25% p = 0.228, Rapamune 11.36% and Mycophenolate Mofetil 11.97%. Infections occurred in 96.77% of diabetic patients, p = <0.0001. Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality was 11.29%, p = 0.82. Overall mortality was 79.3% in the diabetic group p = 0.237, HR 1.45. In conclusion, the incidence of new onset diabetes is significant as it confers a higher risk of infections and overall mortality. Black patients are more affected, with an increased risk for those treated with Tacrolimus.