4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item nowledge and perceptions of add- on electrical geyser efficiency technologies held by contractors in Durban(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mzobe, Snothando Nosipho; Finchilescu, GillianGlobally, energy losses take away as much as 40% of the primary energy during distribution. Recovering this lost energy by employing more energy efficient practices can make a significant difference to the available energy. In South Africa, the residential sector makes up approximately 17% - 35% of electricity demand during peak demand periods, primarily due to the large usage of household electric water heaters commonly known as geysers. Plumbing and electrical contractors who install and maintain electrical geysers are at a strategic position to act as intermediaries to influence households towards the adoption of more energy efficient practices. This paper, therefore, investigates the extent of knowledge and perceptions held by these contractors regarding the various add-on technologies that can be used to make geysers more energy efficient. A non-experimental, quantitative research approach using questionnaires was used to, firstly, evaluate the factors that would influence the intention of contractors working in the Durban area to take up the aforementioned intermediary role. Secondly, this research sought to assess the extent of the knowledge held by contractors in the formal versus the informal sectors. Lastly, the research sought to evaluate the relationship between the contractors’ knowledge of the various add-on technologies that can be used to make geysers more energy efficient and intention to take up an intermediary role to influence households towards the adoption of more energy efficient practices. The results showed a positive correlation between social norms as well as perceived behavioural control with intention, while a correlation between personal norms as well as attitude with intention was not observed. It was also found that there is no difference in the levels of knowledge held by contractors in the formal and informal sectors, while knowledge was found to have a positive influence on intention. It was recommended that in order to improve energy efficiency knowledge among contractors, the government ought to consider regulatory mechanisms iii to encourage formal training and improve the quality of vocational education. To aid in this endeavour, government should also partner with businesses and industry-specific professional bodies. Lastly, government should implement quality feedback mechanisms to monitor the quality of work performed by contractorsItem A survey of the perceptions and knowledge of anaesthesia and anaesthetists possessed by Grade 12 learners in four Johannesburg districts(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Talane, Pulane AdeliceBackground William J.G Morton (1816-1868) introduced the world to modern anaesthesia when he successfully anaesthetised a patient using Ether at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in October 1846. (1) Since then, advances in pharmacology have resulted in the safer use of anaesthetic drugs and technological advances have improved monitoring of patients under anaesthesia. Anaesthetists around the world are now involved in the fields of critical care, trauma and pain management. (2)This has brought a sense professional esprit de corps to the anaesthetic fraternity. Despite this radical growth and development of the speciality, there is still a lack of public knowledge regarding the discipline of anaesthesia, anaesthetists’ expertise, or the role played by the anaesthetist in the chain of health care delivery. (3) Methods A cross sectional study was carried out between June and September 2021 on Grade 12 learners in four Johannesburg districts. A questionnaire consisting of three sections and 26 questions was handed out at pre-selected schools. The first part of the questionnaire acquired demographic data, the second contained questions pertaining to anaesthetists and anaesthesia as a speciality, and the third part pertained to interest in the field of anaesthesia. Results Of the 595 learners that participated in this study, 335 (56.3%) were aware that an anaesthetist administers anaesthesia in the operating room. A considerable number of learners n=344 (57,8%) believed that a nurse monitored and recorded the patient’s vital signs during surgery. Only 95 learners (16%) correctly identified all the duties of the anaesthetist outside of the theatre environment. Overall, learners fared poorly, achieving an average score of 14% for the questionnaire. However, there was a statistically significant correlation between being from a high socioeconomic background and awareness that the anaesthetist administers anaesthesia. A high socioeconomic background was defined as having a suburban residence, a household income comprising a salary instead of social grants and care givers that possessed a university degree. Knowledge regarding the intraoperative duties of the anaesthetist was still poor, regardless of the socioeconomic background of the learner. Previous exposure to anaesthesia did not improve awareness about anaesthesia among the learners. Conclusion This study has shown that awareness regarding anaesthesia and anaesthetists is still lacking despite the radical growth in the field. This lack of awareness cannot be ignored; education of the general public should be intensified in order to empower people to ask the right questions as well as make informed decisions about their perioperative care in the future. More than half of the learners in the study (58.5%) believed that good medical education can reduce the burden of health care costs and medicolegal consequences; and 70% of them would request an anaesthetist to provide them with detailed information about their anaesthetic before the start of surgery. Therefore, despite lack of awareness, the majority of the learners displayed interest and willingness to know more about anaesthesia, and grade 12 learners would be a formidable target group to direct anaesthetic education campaignsItem Anaesthetic nurses’ knowledge and skills in perioperative airway management at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dold, MatthewBackground: Airway management in the peri-operative period carries specific inherent risks, and the benefit of assistance by a skilled anaesthetic nurse cannot be over-stated. The aim of this study was to assess the theoretical and clinical knowledge regarding perioperative airway management in anaesthetic nurses at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). Method: A quantitative, contextual, cross-sectional and descriptive survey was performed by means of a self-administered anonymous questionnaire using convenience sampling. The questionnaire assessed identification of airway equipment, knowledge of the cleaning, maintenance and use of equipment and clinically applicable insight into perioperative airway procedures and emergencies. It’s adequacy and validity were ensured by means of the Angoff standard setting method. Data was analysed in consultation with a biostatistician. Results: A total of 68 nurses took part in the study. By distribution of rank, 78% (n=53) enrolled nurses, 19% (n=13) professional nurses and 3% (n=2) nursing assistants. The incidence of prior airway training was 41% (n=28). The overall mean questionnaire score was 69,8% (SD: 9.6%) with a range of 45% - 97%. Only 19% (n=13) of nurses achieved adequate overall scores. Years of experience was positively associated with overall mean scores (p=0.0009) and adequacy of knowledge (OR 1.28, p=0.004). Airway training showed a small increase mean scores (mean difference=4.63%, p=0.049). There were no statistically significant associations between adequate knowledge and age, prior airway training and nurse qualification. Conclusion: This study found that the theoretical and clinical knowledge of perioperative airway management of many anaesthetic nurses at CHBAH is inadequate. Knowledge adequacy improved with increasing experience but not with current forms of formal training. This may be attributed to the low frequency of training as well as the type of training methods currently employed; both of which should be addressed to improve anaesthetic nurse competence and ultimately patient perioperative safetyItem Knowledge, attitudes and practices of clinician management of adults presenting with acetylcholinesterase inhibitor poisoning(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Redant, Dean PatrickBackground: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChE-I) poisoning is a common cause of deliberate self-harm in South Africa (SA). Whilst there is existing literature on the epidemiology and management of AChE-I poisoning, there is a lack of research on the South African clinician’s knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice when managing these patients. Objectives: To describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of clinicians when managing adult patients with AChE-I poisoning in academic emergency departments (ED) in Southern Johannesburg, Gauteng. To describe the correlation between the clinician’s demographics and experience to their knowledge, attitudes and practices in this setting. Methods: One hundred and forty-five clinicians completed a structured questionnaire used to gather data on clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) with regards to their management of patients with AChE-I poisoning. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and to infer correlation between clinician’s KAP vs clinician’s demographics and experience. Results: One hundred and forty-five questionnaires from 5 EDs were completed and analysed. Of which 86 (59%) of participants were female and 59 (41%) were male. The majority of participants were under the age of 40 (84%) and employed as Grade 1 Medical Officers (39%). Years of experience were divided into <2 years, 2 – 5 years and ≥5 years with each group representing a third of the sampled population. Clinician average knowledge scores on AChE-I poisoning were good (77.9% n= 12.46/16) with scores improving predictably with years of experience (72.5% in <2 years to 83% in ≥5 years). Attitudes towards managing patients with AChE-I poisoning were overall neutral. Clinician practices varied greatly, particularly with adjustment of atropine infusions and adjunctive treatments used. Conclusion: Clinicians had an overall good knowledge of AChE-I poisoning which improved predictably with greater experience managing these patients. Practices were highly varied across all demographic groups despite access to protocols in most departments studied. Attitudes were generally neutral with no clear impacting factors. Clinicians agreed unequivocally that the public health system did not provide sufficient primary preventative care in order to address the underlying factors driving patients to self-harm. This research revealed that the medical and psychosocial management of adult patients with AChE-I poisoning can be improved upon through specific clinician training.Item Consumer perceptions of the transition from coal to renewable energy in South Africa: Consumer perception toward the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy technology for electricity generation in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sebothoma, Captain; Hildebrandt, Diane; Bruce, YoungThe South African government has announced investments in renewable energy technology initiatives to address the electricity supply gap created by loadshedding and inefficiencies at Eskom, the country's power utility. However, a few studies on public acceptance on renewable energy technology have been undertaken in many countries, including one conducted in Nigeria by Rosemary Nike Wojuola, which found that the public always has some opposing thoughts on the deployment of such technologies. The purpose of the study was to understand the consumer's perceptions on the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy technology for electricity generation in South Africa, and it will assist to improve policies that encourage consumers to embrace and learn about electricity generated by renewable energy sources. The “technology acceptance model’ and ‘theory of reasoned action” are used to evaluate the beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions concerning renewable energy technology in relation to sustainable behaviour. A quantitative approach (survey) was employed in this study to investigate South African electricity consumers' awareness of sustainable development (including knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes). Statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics version 28) was used to conduct inferential and descriptive statistical analysis on the collected data, allowing the researcher to derive predictions (or "inferences") from the data. The majority of participants, according to the data, had high levels of education (at least a graduate degree), which means that the sample does not represent the South African population as a whole. Based on the study findings, participant’s generally have an average level of knowledge regarding renewable energy technology, with females scoring lower than males. The results of a regression study between attitude calculated and behavioural intention of the consumers to adopt renewable energy technology were F=15.378 and p=0.001. This means that the research model fit the data and there was a positive association between the two variables (attitude calculated and behavioural intention). Lack of information, affordability, and unknown benefits of renewable energy technologies were the main barriers to participants' willingness to install renewables in their homes. Additionally, the study revealed that consumers depend on the government to speed up the development of renewable vi energy technologies for the production of electricity; however, there is evidence that the current administration is failing to maintain the existing fossil fuel infrastructure to ensure that the public has access to reliable electricity. The findings also show that the consumer's perception or attitude toward renewable energy technology is influenced by the perceived usefulness and ease of use, as well as the participants knowledge and beliefs about the technology. Thus, there is a need for renewable energy technology education that is sufficient to foster a favourable impression of renewable energy technologies among the general public. To foster a sustainable culture driven by the adoption of renewable energy technology for electricity generation across the country, sustainability should also be covered in education programs at all educational levelsItem Evaluating the impact of outsourcing ICT operations at Road Accident Fund(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chonco, Siphephelo Francis; Munkuli, BonganiThe Road Accident Fund (RAF) receives a high number of claims as a result of major road accidents. This required RAF to change its business model to meet consumer demand (claimants) and to enhance the internal processes. This is done through outsourcing services from highly specialized entities. According to Hati̇Poğlu (2015), outsourcing has evolved as a strategic option for attaining organizational goals through cost management and to sustain and maintain competitive advantage. The organization is forced to outsource various service to acquired insufficient skills and knowledge within the company. However, at the end of outsourced services contract, RAF usually remain without the knowledge and skills required to continue with service maintenance. This study aims to evaluate the impact of outsourcing ICT operations and to evaluate skills sharing between employees during outsourcing. Based on a review of the literature in the benefits of skills transfer during outsourcing, structured interviews were conducted to ICT specialist and junior managers. Participant were selected based on experience of outsourcingand ICT qualification. The analysis of the responses demonstrated that consultants were not willing to share information and, service providers dispatched unskilled consultant. The analysis further indicated that there was lack of management support, inadequate infrastructure to store knowledge and lack of policy enforcement from the management. The results indicate that management does not enforce or develop policies for knowledge sharing during outsourcing. On this basis, it is recommended that the organization must improve good relationship with the service provider and must ensure that there are policies in place which will easily enable knowledge sharing. Further research is needed to develop a model that will monitor a successful knowledge sharing processes. The study is limited to one organisation, and it followed a single case study research strategy. Thus, the findings might have been influenced by the unique characteristics of the organisation, even though the study was based on solid theories. Caution must be taken not to generalise the findings to other organisations with different characteristicsItem Participation in Professional Learning Communities by female principals in Bojanala, Northwest Province(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Rabotapi, Tinti Enoch; Pillay, PundyThe study sought to determine the perceptions of female principals in secondary schools in the Bojanala district of the Northwest Province about the level of support they receive from each other through their networks and how this support impacts their confidence and motivation. The current study adopted a single case study to assess the PLC programme's implementation in the Northwest Bojanala District. The study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to draw rich data. The study found that female principals used the PLC to exchange ideas and share best practices in a conducive and non-threatening environment. This enabled them to gain a lot of knowledge and improve the extent of their leadership and management skills. Improved knowledge and skills have had a ripple effect that has improved their confidence and motivation, resulting in the overall improvement of their schools and their learners' performance. The study concludes by recommending the model as an instrument that can address the under-representation of females at the managerial level. The recommendations also include how the model can be strengthened by providing additional support to participants. The study also recommends allocating time within the school timetable to create an opportunity for teachers to participate in the PLCsItem A cross-sectional study investigating knowledge, attitudes and health choices in relation to diabetes mellitus among nondiabetic patients attending Chiawelo community practice, Soweto, Republic of South Africa(2024) Tshibeya, M. R.Background: The knowledge, attitudes and health choices of non-diabetic patients in resourcelimited settings to prevent the onset of diabetes mellitus (DM) are poorly understood. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the knowledge, attitudes and health choices of non-diabetic patients in relation to DM at the Chiawelo Community Practice (CCP), Soweto, South Africa. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to 165 adult participants attending the CCP from 2nd March to 17th April 2020. Descriptive analysis, Chi square and univariate logistic regression were included in the analysis. Multivariate analysis was done for variables with a p-value <0.25 Results: In total, the study had 165 participants, of whom 112 (68%) were women, 35% were older than 45 years and 16% were younger than 25 years of age. Almost half (49%) of participants had good knowledge of DM, with 60% indicating good attitudes and 52% making good health choices to prevent DM. Participants who received education from clinicians were 4.31 times more likely to develop better attitudes (p=0,003) and 3.34 times more likely to adopt better health choices (p=0.004) towards DM compared to those who obtained information from media or other sources. Conclusion: The study found that poor knowledge of DM does not necessarily translate into poor attitude towards the disease, which is noteworthy. The study also highlighted the important role of healthcare workers in influencing behaviour change