4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item The influence of children displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the lives of working parents: a case of the Northern Cape Province (NC) South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Botha, Noluthando Daleen Elizabeth; Pretorius, EdmarieRaising children displaying characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) leads to various experiences for the working caregiver. The prevalence of ASD is globally estimated that one in every 160 children has ASD. The prevalence rate for ASD in Africa is not known. Based on qualitative research conducted with nine participants in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, explores the experiences of working caregivers. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory underpins the study. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was used to select the nine participants who participated in the study. Semi-structured interview schedule comprising of open-ended questions was used to collect the data. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The main findings from the study are that caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics are emotionally demanding and affect the quality of life and well-being of the working caregivers. Living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics influences and limits the social context of working caregivers. Living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics affects the work performance and career development of the working caregivers negatively. Working caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics need available, accessible, and affordable services to care for the child with ASD characteristics. Working caregivers living and caring for a child with ASD characteristics need continuous practical support and guidance in dealing with unforeseen and unknown circumstances they are confronted with. The main conclusion drawn from the study was that the working caregiver, as being the primary caregiver to the child displaying autism spectrum disorder can find themselves in distress if their support structure is not well established.Item The experiences of grade 6 children at a mainstream urban primary school in Johannesburg on the effect of COVID-19 on their wellbeing(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Nakaonga, Chitalu Ruth Sokoni; Watermeyer, Jennifer; Pretorius, EdmarieThe COVID-19 pandemic produced a plethora of mental and physical health issues. It was well understood that COVID-19 had affected the world in various ways, but little existed on how children in schools had been affected. With COVID-19 bringing about never seen before issues, this study explored how children were impacted by it. This research study allowed for an exploration of the experiences of grade 6 children in terms of how COVID-19 influenced their wellbeing whilst expected to focus on their schoolwork. As explored within this study, children in the school setting already have other school related stresses to deal with, COVID-19 was an unnecessary addition. A qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design was used in this research study. This research approach allowed for an in depth understanding of the children’s experiences. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling was used to sample seven grade 6 children to participate in the study. Data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The collected data was analysed thematically. The research found that children were affected by COVID-19. Children shared how their learning looked different due to COVID-19 and how their relationships with others looked different due to the pandemic. This study also highlighted the level of understanding children had of what COVID-19 was. Through this study, there was a highlight on the importance of healthy relationships and dynamics within children’s immediate family. Their family played the greatest role in supporting them (the children) as they experienced life and school differently.Item An investigation of the determinants of childhood stunting in Zambia(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Munalula, Kekelwa; Kithatu-Kiwekete, AngelitaBackground Stunting in Zambia is a prevalent public health concern that can be attributed to multiple factors. Understanding the risk factors for stunting in children under the age of five is critical for developing nutritional intervention programs and strategies. As a result, this study aimed to analyze the marginal effects of the underlying determinants of child nutrition on Child stunting levels in Zambia. Method This study employed secondary data sources from Zambian demography and health surveys from six surveys. Relevant data were extracted from Kids Record (KR) and the corresponding Household Record (PR) file for the final analysis; survey rounds between 1992 up to 2018 were included in the study. Binary logistic regression model was used to describe the determinants and their association with childhood stunting. Further Marginal analysis was used to establish the marginal effects associated with the determinants Result Children living in low social economic conditions, children who reside in urban areas, have healthcare access challenges, born in non-medical facility, and whose mothers had lower than secondary education were more likely to be stunted. Further, narrow birth intervals, and low birth weight were associated with an increased occurrence of stunting Conclusion Stunting is the outcome of an intricate interaction of determinants. Wealth index, maternal education, maternal nutrition, birth weight, place of birth, birth interval and source of drinking water were found to have the highest marginal effects on childhood stunting. Therefore, policy makers should consider these determinants in the design of nutrition intervention programs.