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Recent Submissions

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    Exploring the Development of Self-Efficacy to Impact Discharge Preparedness in Major Depressive Disorder After Engaging in an Occupational Therapy Interactive Group Model Intervention
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Stols, Charis Frances
    Introduction: This study explored the development of self-efficacy and discharge preparedness in Mental Health Care Users (MHCUs) diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) after participating in a closed Occupational Therapy Interactive Group Model (OTIGM) group intervention over four days at a private, acute psychiatric hospital in South Africa. Given the limited post-discharge support, enhancing self-efficacy is vital for transitioning home to promote long-term recovery and potentially reducing readmissions. Method: A convergent mixed methods design was used to explore change in self-efficacy and discharge preparedness following participation in OTIGM intervention. The quantitative strand (n=78) employed a longitudinal approach, to identify change in pre- and post-test scores from the Mental Health Self-Efficacy Scale (MHSES) and discharge preparedness ratings. The qualitative strand (n=10) utilised semi-structured interviews, analysed using directed content analysis, exploring the perception of the influence of OTIGM intervention on self-efficacy to impact discharge preparedness, how the OTIGM intervention fostered self-efficacy and influenced perceptions of discharge readiness. Results: The findings revealed a positive correlation between improved MHSES scores and increased discharge preparedness. Qualitative findings highlighted the development of all four sources of self-efficacy (mastery, affective states, vicarious experience and verbal persuasion). Additionally, evidence of self-agency and the positive impact of the hospital environment was found. The research identified ambivalence towards discharge, reflecting both hope and hesitancy about transitioning to the home environment. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that OTIGM enhances self- efficacy and discharge preparedness in MHCUs with MDD. Underscoring the value of closed-group occupational therapy in fostering self-agency, promoting mental health self- management, and supporting community reintegration after acute psychiatric admission.
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    Implications of Temporary Incapacity Leave on Specific Mental Functions Among Individuals Diagnosed with a Common Mental Disorder
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Meyer, Annemiek
    Introduction: Common mental disorders (mood, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder) are prevalent within the South African population and have a significant burden on the labour market. Symptoms of common mental disorders may lead to temporary psychosocial disability, and employees may need temporary incapacity leave. Prolonged temporary incapacity leave prevents the employee from experiencing the beneficial aspects of work, and early return to work is known to promote mental health and recovery from common mental disorders. Research Aim: This research aimed to explore the effects of temporary incapacity leave (3-24 months) on specific mental functions among those persons diagnosed with common mental disorders, as well as the severity of symptoms that influenced return or non-return to work in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative retrospective ten-year record review analysed the data obtained, which included non-identifiable demographical information as well as scores from the Zung Self-Report Anxiety or Depression Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Repeatable Battery. Data was analysed using descriptive and correlation statistics. Results: Scores indicated below-average cognitive functioning and high levels of anxiety and depression at baseline. Correlation statistics indicated that visuospatial/ constructional skills and attention declined with clinical relevance. A negative weak correlation was found, indicating that anxiety and depression symptoms were unrelated to the times of the assessment. However, a moderate positive correlation indicated that the change in depression was associated with the length of time on incapacity leave between the first and the second review assessment. Conclusion: Recommending incapacity leave requires a holistic approach considering personal, job and environmental factors. Factors to consider when recommending temporary incapacity leave are age, nature of the disorder, profession, stress, decline in attention as well as visio-spatial skills, and lastly, the adverse effects of a loss of work identity on mood and anxiety symptoms.
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    Exploring Descriptions of Occupational Experiences among People Living with Borderline Personality Disorder: An Interpretive Enquiry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Van der Linde, Anika; Van der Merwe, Tania Rauch
    Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a diagnosis characterised by a pervasive pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, affective functioning, and marked impulsivity. Engagement in occupations and behavioural patterns considered undesirable and/or harmful is a key characteristic associated with people diagnosed with BPD, often resulting in stigmatisation. However, engagement in these occupations and behaviours is motivated by attempts to mitigate the impact of symptomology and cope with everyday life. This study explored how people diagnosed with BPD experience meaning and purpose in their everyday occupational engagement. Methods This study used a descriptive qualitative design consisting of a semi-structured interview with thirteen participants diagnosed with BPD in an inpatient private psychiatric hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. Data was analysed and inductively coded using the ATLAS.ti 24 software. Findings Findings from this study indicate that participants' occupational experiences, especially concerning meaning and purpose, are largely influenced by the impact of their symptomology. The purpose of engagement in occupations was motivated by the mitigation of the challenging and harmful impact of BPD symptomology. Participants identified creativity as an important tool for creating and experiencing meaning in their lives. Implications Findings from this study raise important questions regarding the understanding and categorisation of occupations. Occupational therapists are encouraged to collaborate with patients and clients diagnosed with BPD through the compassionate understanding of why and how they engage in chosen occupations to find ways in which occupational engagement can positively contribute to creating meaningful lives xiii for this population. Findings from this study reflect on the role of occupational therapists in fighting the stigma associated with BPD through increased understanding of their occupational experiences
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    Exploring the Satisfaction of Patients with Breast Cancer Regarding a Nurse-Led Navigation Program
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Mguli, Zamokuhle
    Navigation programs for breast cancer care have evolved to improve access to healthcare, particularly for underinsured or uninsured patients. Nurse navigators play a critical role in providing holistic care that spans from diagnosis to end-of-life, focusing on the physical, social, and emotional well-being of patients. Effective patient navigation requires identifying and addressing barriers that could hinder clinical outcomes. This study explores patient satisfaction with a nurse-led navigation program to evaluate the appropriateness of the service provided. The role of the Nurse navigator includes the clinical outcome, but failure by the navigator to identify these barriers during care will result in poor clinical outcomes. An exploratory qualitative research design was used. It involved conducting interviews with 25 breast cancer patients who attended a private hospital's breast care centre in Gauteng. Participants were asked to comment on their satisfaction with the navigation services provided. Data from the interviews were analysed using conventional content analysis, and categories were identified to inform program improvements. This study highlights the importance of addressing informational barriers in addition to clinical factors to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes in breast cancer care.
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    The Experiences of Mothers and Nurses in Care-by-Parent Interventions in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Regional Hospital in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Kgosana, Ntombikayise Gontse
    Due to the age and vulnerability of neonates, family involvement in their care is strongly encouraged. Family-centred care (FCC) is a widely endorsed model in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as it reduces parental stress associated with neonatal admission and separation. However, in resource-limited settings, optimal FCC is often compromised due to financial, physical, and human resource constraints. Furthermore, when poorly implemented, FCC may have unintended negative consequences for both mothers and nurses. This study explores the experiences of mothers and nurses in care-by-parent interventions at a regional NICU in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, with data collected in two phases. In Phase One, purposive sampling was used to recruit thirty-three (n=33) mothers of admitted neonates, and data were gathered through focus group discussions. In Phase Two, total sampling was used to select seventeen (n=17) professional nurses, who participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Creswell’s Method of Data Analysis, with strict adherence to ethical principles and measures to ensure trustworthiness. Findings revealed significant barriers to effective FCC implementation in resource constrained NICUs, leading to suboptimal adherence and adverse effects on both maternal and professional nurse wellbeing. Additionally, these challenges may extend to impact paternal involvement and neonatal outcomes. Based on these findings, the study provides recommendations for nursing education, policy development, and further research to enhance FCC implementation in regional NICUs.