4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item The Experiences of Black Female Postgraduate Students With Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic, 2019-2021, The Case of Witwatersrand University(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashiane, Sphiwe; Bala, SamkeloThe COVID-19 global pandemic has compelled institutions of higher education to transition to emergency remote learning, leading many postgraduate students, both nationally and internationally, to begin their studies online. Research has shown the need for universities to support the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate as this is a major transition into academia. Research has also revealed that the struggle with mental health has increased with this transition and additionally with the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there is a lack of research investigating the experiences of Black females in the academic space and their experiences with mental health. Thus, this study aims to understand the experiences of Black female postgraduate students with mental health during the spread of COVID-19, 2019-2021. The research approach used for this study was the qualitative approach as it was the most appropriate in seeking to understand the experiences of a unique group such as a Black female postgraduate. A case study design was employed, and the experiences shared were explored through the lens of the intersectionality theory and the research was grounded by the interpretivist paradigm. The sample was drawn from the population of students from Witwatersrand University and the sample consisted of eight (8) participants. The method of data collection was computer-mediated interviews which were interpreted using a five-phase thematic analysis. The participants' responses revealed that although all eight participants experienced challenges with their mental health sharing symptoms associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness, only two participants used the psychosocial services offered by the university. The reasons for not seeking help from the university psychosocial services included fear of the unknown, services feeling unreachable, stigma and fear of not being assisted immediately. The most shared reason for not seeking help however was participants not perceiving the need to seek help. Participants, therefore, opted for coping mechanisms such as sleeping, partying, and using substances and most participants turned to their spirituality. The study, therefore, made recommendations for campus psychosocial services to employ more mental health practitioners such that there is education about mental health and the services offered.Item The Psychosocial Impacts of COVID-19 on Children: A Parents’ Perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Macingwane, Nontokozo; Mathebula, MphoThe societal and psychological repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on children have become a crucial focus, necessitating thorough examination. Given the pandemic's disruptions in various aspects of children's lives, ranging from education to social interactions, a comprehensive investigation is vital to unravel the intricate impacts on their well-being and development. This Qualitative research delves into the psychological and social consequences of COVID-19 on children aged 6-17 in Gauteng, South Africa. Through semi-structured interviews with seven participants, including parents and guardians, the study aimed to discern the psychological and social effects of the pandemic on their children. Employing thematic analysis, six major themes were identified: Psychological and Emotional Impact, Fear and Anxiety, Adjustment to Changes in Routine and Social Contact, Changes in Everyday Functioning, Impact on Learning and Education, and Changes in Behaviour and Emotions Post-Lockdown. The thematic analysis uncovered a range of emotional responses among children during the COVID-19 pandemic, including loneliness due to extended indoor confinement and diverse expressions of fear and anxiety. Furthermore, the findings emphasized the challenges in adapting to changes in social contact and routine, disruptions in everyday functioning, and notable consequences on children's learning and education. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the psychological well-being and social functioning of children, underscoring the need for focused support to enhance their resilience and overall well- being. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing social connections, adaptive coping mechanisms, effective reintegration into educational settings, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to support children's psychological resilience and overall well-being during and after the crisisItem Primary caregivers’ perceptions of the effect of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of learners at a secondary school in Soweto(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maseko, Nokuthula; Watermeyer, JenniferDuring the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 lockdown restrictions were introduced in South Africa and around world. This led to school closures as well. During this period learners around the world experienced mental-health challenges due to the restrictions on gatherings, school attendance as well as social distancing. Some of the mental-health challenges that affected the learners include depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders as well as weight gain. This study explored the perceptions of the primary caregivers of secondary school learners in Soweto on the mental well-being of learners during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study was conducted using an ecological theoretical framework which looked at the relationship of the learner in relation to different systems that they interact with. The researcher used a qualitative research approach and a phenomenographic research design. Purposive sampling was utilised to select the sample of 8 primary caregivers of grade 11 learners at a Secondary School in Soweto. Semi-structured interviews were the method of data collection and a semi-structured interview schedule was used as the research instrument. Data collected was coded, themed, and analysed using reflective thematic analysis. The results from this study showed how COVID-19 had a negative effect on the academic performance of learners. The learners still could not achieve pre-COVID-19 results even after efforts were made for after-school programs and catch-up sessions. The learners' attitudes towards the virus included fear of death or losing loved ones due to COVID-19 as well as confusion and fear of contracting the virus. The learners shared that coughing, sneezing, or the mere sight of a tissue triggers them to date as they associate such symptoms with COVID-19. The learners in this study experienced psycho-social effects such as anxiety and stress as well as physical challenges such as weight gain, migraines, sleeping challenges as well as communication issues with the family members. Social media and technology acted as a buffer for learners as it offered them information, knowledge as well as social connections with teachers, peers, friends, and extended family members. The importance of working in a multi-disciplinary team to support and foster resiliency for the learners is highlighted. The learners in Soweto had their own experiences, but they were similar to those from around the world and therefore one can conclude that pandemic experiences were generic to some extent.Item The requirements of ethical journalism: An analysis of COVID-19 related news coverage by South African print and online media(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Goba, Lindi Mpumelelo; Sithole, EnockThe media provides people with medical scienYfic informaYon during a health crisis. This funcYon of the media is even more crucial when there are lockdown restricYons as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies of media coverage of pandemics show that reporYng was generally negaYve in that the stories were of an alarmist nature and there were high levels of sensaYonalism. The compromised standards of reporYng could be a`ributed to the need for print and online news media outlets to a`ract audiences and increase profits given the bad state of the economy, parYcularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyse the extent to which the South African print and online media met the requirements of ethical journalism, as set out in the South African Press Code, in their reporYng on COVID-19. The researcher uYlised a mixed methods approach as the study includes both qualitaYve and quanYtaYve aspects. The data was collected through the Press Council’s website and was sampled using the keyword COVID-19. In total, there were 105 complaints submi`ed to the Press Council of South Africa during March 2020 and March 2022. Out of the 105, the researcher analysed 13 complaints that were related to COVID-19 reportage made during the same period. This period includes the outbreak of the pandemic, the second wave, and concludes with the third wave which is when the pandemic began to wind down. The results and findings of this study show that the number of complaints submi`ed during the pandemic was significantly low and that the publicaYons that breached the Press Code were mainly sancYoned for serious breaches. This suggests that print and online publicaYons that subscribe to the Press Council pracYced ethical journalism and adhered to the requirements of the Press Code to a moderate extent.Item Social workers’ experiences of providing psychosocial support to learners in foster care in Merafong city, Gauteng during the covid-19 pandemic(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Balopedi, Karabo MphoThe South African government attempted to curb a second wave of COVID-19 by banning activities individuals used as their coping mechanisms during the peak of the pandemic. This created a period of heightened stress which resulted in the increase in need for psychosocial services. Social workers within the Department of Social Development, were part of the individuals tasked with rendering psychosocial services. The aim of the study was to explore social workers’ experiences of providing psychosocial support to learners in foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Merafong City, Gauteng. It was a qualitative study, that was exploratory in nature following an instrumental case study design. The ecological perspective guided the study. The method of data collection was semi-structured interviews using a semi- structured interview guide as the research tool. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the 10 social workers who meet the inclusion criteria. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that there was lack of resources and no preparation or training to deal with the pandemic. There was also a fear of the virus being spread by social workers amongst themselves and to clients. The study also revealed that social workers needed to find alternative ways to provide services by being flexible, creative and adaptable to the new normal. The findings contribute to the South African knowledge base about the psychosocial support needs of social workers who render psychosocial services within traumatic circumstances like a pandemic. The identified gaps provide research opportunities for government and academics.Item COVID-19 and health care worker exposure at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021-12-05) Glatt, Sara Chaya; Menezes, Colin; Winchow, Lai ling; Tsitsi, MerikaBackground: Health care workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Appropriate risk assessments and testing are essential to reduce transmission and avoid workforce depletion. Objective: Investigate the risk of COVID-19 infection among HCWs at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital who fulfil the Person Under Investigation (PUI) case definition or had exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 contact. Methods: A retrospective review of HCW records was conducted over a two month period. Data collected included demographics, exposure type, risk level, and COVID-19 test result. Frequency distribution tables, bivariate analyses and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results: Among the 1111 HCWs reviewed, 643 were tested with 35.6% positive results. PUI’s accounted for 62.4% of positive cases. Symptomatic HCWs with no known contact were at a greater risk of infection than those with a patient exposure (p=0.000). Risk of testing positive was higher after a patient exposure (p=0.000) compared to a co-worker contact. Conclusion: There is a higher positivity rate among HCWs than the general population. The presence of symptoms warrants testing. Nosocomial transmission was derived from patient more than co-worker contacts.Item Epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized cases in a tertiary hospital, Gauteng Province, South Africa, 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021-12) Sikhosana, Mpho Lerato; Makatini, ZinhleGauteng Province (GP) was the most affected province in South Africa during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases admitted in one of the largest quaternary hospitals in the province during the two pandemic waves. We used data from the national hospital surveillance system, DATCOV, that recorded COVID-19 admissions at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in (GP) from 5 March 2020 to 27 March 2021. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine a) factors associated with hospitalization in the second compared to the first pandemic wave, and b) factors associated with in-hospital mortality. There were 1861 cases admitted during the study period. The mean age of the cases was 50 (IQR 37-61), 51.80% were females, and 58.68% were black. Of the total number of admissions, 2.10% were healthcare worker, 53.85% of whom were nurses. On admission, 91.99% of cases were admitted at a general ward while 5.86% were admitted at an intensive care unit. Overall, 10.59% of the cases required intensive care during their hospital stay. The case fatality ratio was the highest (28.54%) during wave 2 and lowest during pre-wave (11.49%). Compared to the first wave, factors associated with hospitalization during the second wave included age >80 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.43, 95% CI 1.07-10.98) compared to ages 0-19 years, as well as being of other race (aOR 5.63, 95%CI 1.84-17.20) compared with White race. Regarding in-hospital mortality, associated factors included age groups 60-79 (aOR 4.53, 95%CI 1.03-19.86) and >80 (aOR 9.63, 95%CI 1.93-48.01) compared to ages 0-19 years; male sex (aOR 1.55, 95%CI 1.16-2.08); presence of an underlying comorbidity (aOR 1.99, 95%CI 1.45-2.71) 106 as well as being admitted during the second wave (aOR 1.54, 95%CI 1.12-2.10). Our study found that there was a higher risk of mortality during the second compared to the first wave, and other factors associated with mortality included older age, being male as well as having an existing comorbidity. These findings will help inform prevention strategies required to prevent high mortality rates during future waves of infection.Item Consumer behavior: an investigation into how motivational factors influence online consumers’ impulse purchases of fashion items(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mahomed, AsiyaThe global growth of online retail in the last decade has played a major role in altering consumer behavior. A key behavioral trend has been the rise of ‘impulsive buying’, a phenomenon that continues to grow significantly in South Africa in particular. However, in part due to its novelty and rapid emergence during and after COVID-19, the nature of and the decision-making processes behind online impulsive buying have been largely unexplored. Both retailers and marketers alike have therefore sought to understand its role in order to maximize market potential. As such, this study aims to provide new insight by building on existing literature about online consumer behavior. It determines the motivations that influence impulsive buying in online retail fashion consumers, as well as how their level of involvement or interest in fashion influences their decision-making. Using a deductive, quantitative approach and collecting data sets through survey questionnaires of 510 millennial South African consumers, the study focuses on two types of motivational factors; Utilitarian and Hedonic, in order to understand the phenomenon. Applying a moderation model, the study uses statistical analysis to demonstrate that fashion involvement can act as a moderating variable that could influence the relationship between the two factors and impulsive buying behavior. It finds that fashion involvement has a negative relationship with the utilitarian effects of price, and the hedonic effects of sensory and stimulation elements. As the regression co-efficient for these interactions is closer to zero (p<.05 or lower) with a 3-4 % variance in impulse product purchase in the macro model used, the study indicates that the impact of these elements on impulsive buying decreases as a consumer’s level of interest in fashion increases. The research ultimately contributes to the literature by explaining these relationships through the moderation model and its theoretical underpinnings. Despite its focus on a small data set drawn from the South African context, it is hoped that the study’s findings may encourage further research on a wider scale, and help marketers and online retailers develop and improve the practical efficiency of their online marketing strategies to harness impulsive buying behavior.Item Diversification benefits of SA REITs in a mixed asset portfolio: one decade and a pandemic later(2023) Mphaho, Masilo; Kodongo, OdongoVolatility spillover between financial markets causes inefficiency of diversification. Therefore, other investment alternatives are required to build an optimal portfolio, one of them being Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The low correlation between REITs and stocks implies an advantage of diversification in an investment portfolio containing both assets. An important implication of this finding is that if stocks and REITs are incorporated into an investment portfolio, the investor will have better diversification benefits. This paper looks at the diversification benefits of having REITs in a mixed asset portfolio by conducting an empirical study from when the REIT regime came into effect in South Africa 10 years ago, particularly focusing on the period between 2013 and 2023. The econometric tools used in this regard include cointegration and, time series models (VAR and VECM) for forecasting. The paper also considers how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected this relationship by conducting a mean-variance spanning test to see if the inclusion of REITs in an existing portfolio dominates it. Other measures such as Sharpe ratios and Efficient Frontiers are included for analysing portfolio performance. Therefore, providing a mature analysis of REITs continuing from current literature and assisting Fund Managers in understanding the impact of including the asset class in a portfolio with a long-term investment horizon. This study affirms the low correlation between REITs and other stocks and further shows that they are not affected by shocks in the bond and stock markets respectively while also having the potential to improve the risk-adjusted returns of a Portfolio. Therefore, Fund Managers can consider REITs for their portfolio diversification strategies.Item Validation of Roche immunoassay for severe acute respiratory virus 2/SARS-COV-2 in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-01) Grove, Jurette Simone; George, Jaya; Mayne, ElizabethBackground: Serology testing is an important ancillary diagnostic to the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to evaluate the performance of the Roche Elecsys™ chemiluminescent immunoassay (Rotkreuz, Switzerland), that detects antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen, at an academic laboratory in South Africa. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 312 donors with confirmed positive SARS CoV-2 RT-PCR tests, with approval from a large university’s human research ethics committee. Negative controls included samples stored prior to December 2019 and from patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR and were confirmed negative using multiple serology methods (n = 124). Samples were stored at –80 °C and analysed on a Roche cobas™ 602 autoanalyser. Results: Compared with RT-PCR, our evaluation revealed a specificity of 100% and overall sensitivity of 65.1%. The sensitivity in individuals > 14 days’ post-diagnosis was 72.6%, with the highest sensitivity 31–50 days’ post-diagnosis at 88.6%. Results were also compared with in-house serology tests that showed high agreement in majority of categories. Conclusions: The sensitivity at all-time points post-diagnosis was lower than reported in other studies, but sensitivity in appropriate cohorts approached 90% with a high specificity. The lower sensitivity at earlier time points or in individuals without symptomatology may indicate failure to produce antibodies, which was further supported by the comparison against in-house serology tests.