4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37773

For queries relating to content and technical issues, please contact IR specialists via this email address : openscholarship.library@wits.ac.za, Tel: 011 717 4652 or 011 717 1954

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.Qualitative research

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A Qualitative Exploration of People Living with Chronic Pain in Rural South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ramoshai, Tebatso; Wadley, Antonia; Mulaudzi, Mamakiri
    Chronic pain is a highly prevalent global health concern. While much research has been conducted on the prevalence, treatment, and management of chronic pain, few studies have explored the experiences of people living with chronic pain, particularly in the South African context. This study aimed to explore and interpret how HIV-negative people living with chronic pain perceive their personal experiences with chronic pain and the impact it has on their lives. Part of a larger study that investigated the factors that influence the experience, daily activity, and disclosure of pain in people living with and without HIV in rural South Africa, this study conducted a qualitative exploration and interpretation of pre-collected interview data on a purposively selected sample of 16 HIV-negative individuals living with chronic pain from the Limpopo province of South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Seven main themes emerged from the data: The nature of pain, participants’ typical physical activity, pain interference, disclosure of chronic pain, reactions to pain disclosure, benefits of disclosing pain, and social support. The findings suggest that for HIV-negative people living with chronic pain, the impact of pain is multidimensional. All participants experienced pain interferences; however, there was little to no difference in participants' physical activity levels regardless of interferences. The findings suggest that economic stressors may be an influential factor in how pain is experienced between any two pain cohorts, determining whether there will be a change in physical activity levels or not. Furthermore, contrary to previous concerns in a South African cohort with chronic pain, pain disclosure was high in this cohort; therefore, participants were able to recruit different types of social support from close others. This research, therefore, contributes to the qualitative knowledge of the relationships between pain, physical activity, and the seeking of social support by people living with chronic pain in a South African context
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Utilisation of liquefied natural gas as energy by heavy-duty vehicles in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tlalang, Kgosietsile
    The transport sector in South Africa significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with over fourteen percent of the total emissions attributed to it. The reliance on fossil fuels, particularly diesel, for vehicular road transportation exacerbates this issue. High operating costs per kilometre of diesel negatively affect the sustainability of heavy-duty vehicle operations. To address these challenges, a conceptual framework was employed to investigate various factors influencing the decision-making process to adopt LNG as an alternative fuel. Qualitative research methods were utilised to gain insights into the owners’ environmental awareness, economic considerations, and long-term sustainability goals regarding LNG adoption. The findings reveal a growing interest among heavy-duty vehicle operators in transitioning to LNG because of its environmental benefits, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability prospects. Key stakeholders such as vehicle manufacturers, fuel providers, and logistics services are actively exploring LNG solutions to enhance fuel diversity, reduce emissions, and achieve cost efficiencies. Volvo Southern Africa, a major heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer, is leading efforts to provide environmentally friendly solutions to the industry. Similarly, some logistics services providers are undertaking pilot programmes to explore alternative energy technologies as part of their commitment to environmental sustainability. The research underscores the potential of LNG to transform the heavy-duty vehicle sector by offering a cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternative. Analysis of the estimated payback period and net present value demonstrates the economic viability of LNG heavy-duty vehicles compared to diesel counterparts. However, to realise the full potential of LNG adoption in South Africa, investment in infrastructure for importation and distribution is crucial. Additionally, concerns about potential government levies and taxes on LNG need to be addressed to encourage its utilisation
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Child and Adolescent Mental Health in South Africa: Experiences of Black Psychologists
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Seboka, Kanelo; Amod, Zaytoon
    This study explored the experiences of Black psychologists working with children and adolescents within the South African context. The purpose of this investigation was to shed light on these experiences, whose insights could contribute to teaching and training as well as to policy developments in relation to child and adolescent mental health in this country. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed for this study. Individual, semi-structured interviews with ten Black psychologists who are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) was the primary data collection method, analysed using thematic data analysis. Eight themes were identified: Perceptions of Psychology and Mental Health; Systemic Influence and Understanding; Parent/Caregiver Psychoeducation; Inter-Professional Collaboration; Professional Competence; The ‘Black Culture’ and Context; Indigenous Knowledge and Practices and Mental Health Resources and Policies in South Africa. Findings indicated the need for promotion of the following aspects: mental health psychoeducation to eliminate negative health-seeking behaviours, professional inter collaboration and overall child and adolescent mental health. Findings further indicated the need for more cultural diversity in psychology training programmes as well as the prioritisation of child and adolescent mental health in government policies. Based on this, it is recommended that schools/clinics be reliable sources of mental health information; inter-professional training that has cultural relevance be offered at tertiary level; and for promotive and intervention programmes to be implemented in schools as a form of psychosocial support for the learners, teachers and the broader community.