Browsing by Title
-
Puoane, Thandi; Hughes, Gail; Bradley, Hazel A. (Kamla-Raj Enterprises, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Obesity and associated non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease were previously thought to be diseases of affluent countries, but they are becoming increasingly prevalent in developing nations. Accessibility to cheap unhealthy food, global trade and market development influence nutrition transition towards diets with high fat and sugar contents. A decrease in physical activity due to urbanisation and other environmental factors such as crime and violence are thought to lead to an increased risk of obesity. Positive beliefs about body weight among black African women, together with the idea of association of thinness with HIV/AIDS virus infection are believed to fuel the obesity epidemic amongst this population This paper describes some of the contributory factors which black South African women are faced with in making choices about healthy living. A multisectoral approach will be needed to fight the epidemic of obesity and associated diseases. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/243 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneObesity2005.pdf (29.48Kb) -
Kruger, Salome H; Puoane, Thandi; Senekal, Marjanne; Van Der Merwe, Theresa M (Nutrition Society, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To review data on the prevalence, causes and health consequences of obesity in South Africa and propose interventions to prevent and treat obesity and related outcomes. METHODS: Data from existing literature were reviewed with an emphasis on changing eating and activity patterns, cultural factors, perceptions and beliefs, urbanisation and globalisation. Results of studies on the health consequences of obesity in South Africans are also reviewed. RESULTS: Shifts in dietary intakes and activity patterns to higher fat intakes and lower physical activity are contributing to a higher prevalence of obesity. Few overweight black women view themselves as overweight, and some associate thinness with HIV/AIDS. Glucose and lipid toxicity, associated with insulin resistance, play roles in the pathogenesis of the co-morbid diseases of obesity. Elevated free fatty acids in the black population predispose obese black patients to type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS: Obesity prevention and treatment should be based on education, behaviour change, political support, intersectoral collaboration and community participation, local actions, wide inclusion of the population, adequately resourced programmes, infiltration of existing initiatives, evidence-based planning, and proper monitoring and evaluation. Interventions should have the following components: reasonable weight goals, healthful eating, physical activity and behavioural change. Genes and mutations affecting susceptibility to the development of co-morbidities of obesity and vulnerable periods of life for the development of obesity should be prioritised. Prevention should be managed in community services, identification of high-risk patients in primary healthcare services and treatment of co-morbid diseases in hospital services. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/285 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneObesityChallenges2005.pdf (160.4Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Steyn, Kristela; Bradshaw, Debbie; Laubscher, Ria; Fourie, Jean; Lambert, Vicki; Mbanangwa, Nolwazi (Nature Publishing Group, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: To ascertain the anthropometric profile and determinants of obesity in South Africans who participated in the Demographic and Health Survey in 1998. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A sample of 13,089 men and women (age, _15 years) were randomly selected and then stratified by province and urban and nonurban areas. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and waist and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was used as an indicator of obesity, and the waist/hip ratio (WHR) was used as an indicator of abdominal obesity. Multivariate regression identified sociodemographic predictors of BMI and waist circumference in the data. RESULTS: Mean BMI values for men and women were 22.9 kg/m2 and 27.1 kg/m2, respectively. For men, 29.2% were overweight or obese (_25 kg/m2) and 9.2% had abdominal obesity (WHR _1.0), whereas 56.6% of women were overweight or obese and 42% had abdominal obesity (WHR _0.85). Underweight (BMI _18.5 kg/m2) was found in 12.2% of men and 5.6% of women. For men, 19% of the variation of BMI and 34% of the variation in waist circumference could be explained by age, level of education, population group, and area of residence. For women, these variables explained 16% of the variation of BMI and 24% of the variation in waist circumference. Obesity increased with age, and higher levels of obesity were found in urban African women. DISCUSSION: Overnutrition is prevalent among adult South Africans, particularly women. Determinants of overnutrition include age, level of education, ethnicity, and area of residence. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/291 Files in this item: 1
PuoaneSurvey2002.pdf (63.15Kb) -
Gibbons, Mark J. (NISC (Pty) Ltd and Taylor& Francis, 1995)[more][less]
Abstract: A total of 24 species of euphausiid was collected during a survey along the South African south coast during January 1992. Communities over the Agulhas Bank were of low diversity and abundance and were dominated by Nycliphanes capensis. Those at the shelf-edge were of high diversity and abundance and were dominated by Euphausia recurI'll and Thysalloessa gregaria. Such high diversity may be maintained by vertical scgregation at night. Few species displayed obvious diel vertical migration, although N. capen sis may be able to maintain itself on the shelf by means of this behaviour. E. recurl'Cl appeared to feed on phytoplankton throughout the water column at night, reflecting the distribution of food. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/374 Files in this item: 1
GibbonsEuphausiid1995.pdf (584.2Kb) -
Gibbons, Mark J.; Buecher, Emmanuelle; Thibault-Botha, Delphine (NISC (Pty) Ltd and Taylor& Francis, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: The vertical distribution, abundance and size composition of a population of Pleurobrachia pileus was studied during a six-day drogue study conducted off the west coast of South Africa in February 1995. The population was centred in deep water, possibly because of the presence of a potential predator, Beroe sp., at shallower depths. The population of P. pileus failed to display clear patterns of migration, although nocturnal recruitment from deeper water resulted in a deepening of the depth of occupation then. The population was dominated by individuals <4 mm polar diameter, and large animals were confined to the upper water layers. These results are discussed with reference to possible spawning activities. Using published equations relating size to clearance rates, it was estimated that the population could remove up to 27% of integrated mesozooplankton standing stocks, and in excess of 100% (293%) at some depths. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/373 Files in this item: 1
GibbonsPleurobrachia2003.pdf (270.1Kb) -
Barange, M; Macpherson, E; Gibbons, Mark J. (NISC and Taylor & Francis, 1994)[more][less]
Abstract: Information on vertical and horizontal distribution patterns, abundance and morphology of the decapod Pasiphaea semispinosa in the Benguela upwelling system is presented. P. semispinosa is the dominant pelagic decapod in the system, occurring between 19 and 32°S along the mid and inner shelf in concentrations of 10-100•m-2• Although it is more abundant during abated than during active upwelling in the northern Benguela, it would appear to be equally abundant during both upwelling scenarios in the southern Benguela. In the southern Benguela, reproductive females are present during winter and juveniles dominate during active upwelling, but juveniles appear to be more common during abated upwelling in the northern Benguela. The estimates of abundance of P. semispinosa presented in this study are subject to sampling biases attributable to their vertical migratory behaviour and net avoidance capabilities. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/307 Files in this item: 1
GibbonsPasiphaea1994.pdf (692.3Kb) -
Tucker, William D.; Blake, Edwin H.; Marsden, Gary (Telkom, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: We looked for and found two situations within the South African Digital Divide where constant and severe macro-scale latencies would most likely interfere with the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions. We describe how these systems tend to exhibit both social and technical macro-scale delays. Our experience building bridges for these communities has inspired several innovations with respect to the design, development and measurement of IP communications systems. The main contribution is the Open User Interconnect (OUI) stack, a communications system model that explicitly includes the user in relation to the underlying network. The OUI stack is orthogonal to the Open System Interconnect stack. There are two outcomes from including the user in the model. First, the OUI approach necessitates the adoption of usercentred methods such as Participatory Design and in the case of the South African Digital Divide, the adoption of Action Research principles. The second outcome is a user-centred measurement notion, called Quality of Communication (QoC), that is a macro-scale spin on Quality of Service. QoC explicitly includes the measurement of user behaviour in addition to system metrics. In conclusion, we suggest that these Digital Divide-inspired contributions may be applicable to IP communications system design, development and measurement in general. The paper concludes with a brief dissertation completion plan. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/485 Files in this item: 1
TuckerDigitalDivide2004.pdf (131.4Kb) -
Hudson, Athol; Grobler, Sias; Harris, Angela (Master Publishing Group, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to assess the relative base designs of three different maxillary molar stainless steel brackets with reference to the shear bond strength of three different adhesive resins. The molar brackets used were Victory series (3M Unitek), Upper Molar (GAC) and Optimesh XRT (Ormco). The adhesives used were Transbond XT (3M Unitek), Enlight (Ormco) and Sure Ortho Light Bond (Sure Orthodontics). The human enamel specimens (144) were randomly divided into nine groups and each group (n=16) was allocated to a bracket/adhesive combination. The contact surface of each of the bracket bases was measured three dimensionally using a reflex microscope. The base designs were also subjected to further microscopic investigations. The brackets were bonded to the enamel, temperature cycled and the shear bond strength was measured. The size and design of each of the brackets was different. The base size, surface treatment, mesh strand diameter and aperture size of the bracket base mesh have a significant effect on the shear bond strength at the bracket/adhesive interface. The shear bond strengths of all three Ormco bracket/adhesive resin combinations (5.8-6.8 MPa) were significantly lower (p<0.05; Kruskal-Wallis) than the other six bracket/adhesive combinations (9.4-12.1 MPa). The different adhesive types (3 types) could not be mainly responsible for the low shear bond values found for the Ormco bracket. The 3M Unitek combination of the Victory series bracket and Transbond XT adhesive proved to have a high shear bond strength without enamel damage. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/558 Files in this item: 1
HudsonOrthodonticMolarBrackets2011.pdf (1.831Mb) -
Igumbor, Ehimario U.; Puoane, Thandi; Gansky, Stuart A.; Plesh, Octavia (South Africa Academy of Family Physicians, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: The burden of pain in primary care has not been described for South Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pain in primary care and to characterise pain among adult patients attending a rural and a periurban clinic in the Eastern Cape (EC) Province. Method: cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among adult patients attending a rural and periurban clinic over four days. Consecutive patients were asked whether they were in the clinic because of pain and whether the pain was the major reason for their visit. Pain was characterised using an adaptation of the Brief Pain Inventory and the Pain Disability Index. The prevalence percentage and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of pain were estimated, and the relationship with demographic variables was determined at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Seven hundred and ninety-six adult patients were interviewed, representing a response rate of 97.4%. Almost three-quarters (74.6%; 95% CI: 63.2-81.4%) reported visiting the clinic because of pain. Pain was the primary reason for 393 (49.4%; 95% CI: 32.1-61.0%) visits and was secondary in 201 (25.3%; 95% CI: 12.8-33.7%) visits. The common sites of pain were the head, back and chest. The median pain score was eight on a scale of 0-10 (interquartile range: 6-8). Respondents experienced limitations in a number of activities of daily living as a result of pain. Conclusion: Pain is a central problem in public primary care settings in the EC Province and must therefore be a priority area for primary care research. Strategies are needed to develop to improve pain management at primary care level in the province. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/428 Files in this item: 1
IgumborPeriurbanHealthClinic2012.pdf (197.4Kb) -
Albertus, Chesne (Juta Law, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: ‘We ought to give those who are to leave life … the terminally ill … the same care and attention that we give those who enter life – the new-born.’1 In this article it is contended that terminally ill inmates have a right to palliative care and that the State has a duty to fulfil this right. The number of unsuccessful medical parole applications and recorded natural deaths of inmates is considered as indicative of the problem of terminally ill inmates in South African prisons. It is further contended that the State’s obligation arises from an inmate’s constitutional right to health care and from an increasingly recognised international human right to palliative care. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/410 Files in this item: 1
AlbertusHealthCareInmates2012.pdf (212.2Kb) -
Baker, Gillian; Ah Tow, Lemese; Cowan, Donald A. (Elsevier, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: PCR-based technologies are widely employed for the detection of specific microorganisms, and may be applied to the identification of non-indigenous microorganisms in ‘pristine’ environments. For ‘pristine’ environments such as those found on the Antarctic continent, the application of these methods to the assessment of environmental contamination from human activities must be treated with caution. Issues such as the possibility of non-human dispersal of organisms, stability and survival of non-indigenous organisms in vivo, the sensitivity, reproducibility and specificity of the PCR process (and particularly primer design) and the sampling regime employed must all be considered in detail. We conclude that despite these limitations, PCR and related technologies offer enormous scope for assessment of both natural and non-indigenous microbial distributions. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/149 Files in this item: 1
BakerPCRdetection2003.pdf (391.8Kb) -
Puoane, Thandi; Tsolekile, Lungiswa; Steyn, Nelia (International Society on Hypertension in Blacks, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess beliefs about body size (fatness and thinness) and body image in Black girls aged 10–18 years living in Cape Town. DESIGN: Exploratory using qualitative methods. SETTING: Cape Town, South Africa. METHOD: Participants were Black African girls (n5240), aged 10–18 years, who attended 5 primary and 6 high schools in Black townships in Cape Town. The schools and the girls were randomly selected. This paper presents qualitative data from 6 focus groups among 60 girls regarding their beliefs about thinness and fatness, and the advantages and disadvantages of being overweight or thin. RESULTS: Beliefs regarding body image indicate that two thirds of the girls perceived fatness as a sign of happiness and wealth. Socially, fatness was accepted but one third of the girls had contradictory views about its advantages. Among obese girls who believed that being obese was preferable, the dominant reasons were that being fat allowed one to engage in sport activities that need strength and also makes one look respectable. On the other hand fatness was viewed as associated with diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and with increased difficulty in finding appropriate clothing sizes. Three quarters of the girls associated thinness with ill health particularly HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis. An advantage of thinness was being less prone to develop chronic non-communicable diseases. CONCLUSION: The study shows that opinions and beliefs about body image start in adolescence. It is therefore important to consider these perceptions when designing interventions for preventing obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases during early childhood URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/293 Files in this item: 1
PuoanePerceptionsCapeTown2010.pdf (178.9Kb) -
Matoti-Mvalo, Tandi; Puoane, Thandi (MedPharm Publications, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the perception among black South African women that people who are thin are infected with HIV or have AIDS. SETTING: Khayelitsha, an urban township in Cape Town. SUBJECTS: 513 women aged 18-65 years. METHODS: This was an exploratory study employing both quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Data were collected in two phases. The first phase involved collecting quantitative data among 513 participants. During the second phase, qualitative data were collected in a purposely selected sub-sample of 20 women. For the qualitative data collection, participants were shown eight body figures, ranging from thin to obese, and asked to choose a figure representing the ideal figure, a preferred figure and a figure thought to symbolise health. They were also invited to choose a figure that they thought represented a person infected with HIV or who had AIDS. They had the option of saying that they did not associate any of the figures with people infected with HIV or who had AIDS. Weight and height measurements were also taken. After the quantitative analysis was completed, focus group discussions explored perceptions about body image and the relation to HIV among purposely selected participants. Data were summarised by content based on questions discussed. RESULTS: Sixty-nine per cent of the participants associated a thin figure with a person infected with HIV, or who had AIDS. Only 10.2% thought the thin figure symbolised health. Fifty per cent preferred a normal-weight figure, while 34.2% thought that normal weight symbolised health. Only 2% thought that people in the normal-weight category were infected with HIV or had AIDS.Thirty-four per cent preferred to be overweight and 31% thought that being overweight symbolised health. None of the participants thought the overweight figure represented people infected with HIV or who had AIDS. Only 8% preferred the obese figure. The results of the qualitative data analysis suggested that participants preferred to be overweight and at risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases, rather than being thin and stigmatised as a person infected with HIV or who had AIDS. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS may undermine strategies for prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases among urban black South African women. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/271 Files in this item: 1
PuoanePerceptions2011.pdf (304.5Kb) -
Biraguma, Juvenal; Rhoda, Anthea (Taylor & Francis, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Although the life expectancy of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) has increased in the past years, they could experience secondary illness such as peripheral neuropathy (PN). Therefore, they need to adapt to chronic disablement which could affect their quality of life (QoL). The research that informed this article aimed at determining the prevalence of PN among adults living with HIV/AIDS and attending the outpatients’ clinic at Rutongo Hospital in the Rulindo district of Rwanda. Another aim was to determine these patients’ QoL. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research design was used. A time-constrained method was used to sample 185 adults living with HIV/AIDS and attending the outpatients’ clinic at Rutongo Hospital. The subjective PN screen and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version were used to collect the data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance were performed to determine if significant differences existed between QoL scores in participants with and without PN symptoms. The results indicated that 40.5% of respondents experienced PN. QoL in participants with PN showed significantly lower scores in the physical (p ¼ 0.013) and psychological (p ¼ 0.020) domains when compared with those who did not have PN. These results indicate a high prevalence of neuropathy among PLWH attending the outpatients’ clinic at Rutongo Hospital. In addition, patients with neuropathy had lower QoL scores in the physical and psychological domains than those without neuropathy symptoms. The management of PLWH should therefore include interventions to optimise QoL as well as screening for neuropathy symptoms so that sufferers can liaise with their medical providers to find medical and supportive therapies that could assist them. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/529 Files in this item: 1
BiragumaPeripheralNeuropathy2012.pdf (98.16Kb) -
Grobler, Sias; Chikte, Usuf; Westraat, Jaco (Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the pH levels of 29 different samples of methamphetamine on the street market in Cape Town. The sample was dissolved in water and the pH of each sample determined. The pH levels varied from 3.02 to 7.03 with an average of 5.0. Seventy-two percent (21) of the samples had a pH level below the saliva “critical pH point of 5.6” and therefore should cause significant damage to enamel, especially in hyposalivation subjects without a saliva flow. However, about 26% of the samples had a pH level close to the neutral point and should cause minor damage to enamel. To lessen enamel damage, subjects should exercise good oral hygiene practice, rinse with a fluoride-containing mouth rinse, drink artificially sweetened drinks, and eat cheese. It is concluded that most of the methamphetamine samples have a low enough pH to cause direct damage to enamel especially in hyposalivation subjects. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/560 Files in this item: 1
-
Majeed, Abdul; Grobler, Sias; Moola, Mohamad H. (South African Dental Association, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the pH of 21 commercially available tooth-whitening products. METHODS: Tooth-whitening products were divided into four categories: dentist supervised-home bleaching products (n = 5); in-office bleaching products (n = 5); over-the-counter bleaching products (n = 4) and whitening toothpastes and rinses (n = 7). The pH of three samples of each product was measured using an Orion Expandable Ion Analyzer EA940 with a Sure-Flow, Epoxy-body combination pH electrode. The group data were analysed using one way ANOVA (significant at p < 0.05). RESULTS: The five dentist supervised-home bleaching products had a mean pH of 6.21 +/- 0.76 and ranged from 4.88 to 6.81. The five in-office bleaching products had a mean pH of 6.26 +/- 1.19 and ranged from 5.30 to 7.85. The four over-the-counter whitening products had a mean pH of 5.07 +/- 1.74 and ranged from 3.76 to 8.03 and the seven whitening toothpastes had a mean pH of 7.66 +/- 1.19 and ranged from 6.61 to 9.68. The pH of the over-the-counter category was significantly lower (more acidic) than all other categories (p < 0.05). The whitening gel of Rapid-White had the lowest acidic pH of 3.76 and Colgate Advanced Whitening toothpaste showed the highest alkaline pH of 9.68. CONCLUSIONS: The pH of all tooth-whitening products showed a wide range from 3.76 (highly acidic) to 9.68 (highly alkaline). Over-the-counter whitening products showed the lowest pH levels and in general these can be expected to damage enamel more than the other products. Dentists should be vigilant with regards to products used outside their surgeries and should warn their patients accordingly. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The acidic pH of many of the whitening products other than in-office bleaching products is of concern and the general public should be better informed by the dental professionals of the dangers of these products. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/579 Files in this item: 1
Majeedtoothwhiteningproducts2011.pdf (1.207Mb) -
Matheri, Joseph Mwangi; Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose: To determine the levels of and potential contributing factors to participation in physical activity among young people with physical disabilities attending high school in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a pre-piloted and validated self-administered questionnaire, was carried out in a purposively selected sample of 234 young people with physical disabilities drawn from three inclusive high schools in Kenya. The questionnaire comprising outcome measures for physical activity levels, barriers, and facilitators to physical activity participation was administered to the young people. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Results: Almost half of the children in the sample were inactive. Key barriers to physical activity were found to be: fear avoidance and disability, lack of time and the need to rest. Finding ways to exercise that are enjoyable, and not being in good health were associated significantly to gender (p<0.05). Likewise, age was significantly associated with gaining peer acceptance, as was encouragement from family and having disability (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate there is a need, for activity counselling and provision of local disability-friendly and/or conducive environments to increase physical activity participation in this sample. All stakeholders should be enlisted in making recommendations and designing physical activity programmes for young people with disabilities in their schools. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/120 Files in this item: 1
MatheriActivityLevels2009.pdf (117.5Kb) -
Frantz, Jose M. (Stellenbosch University, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the physical activity levels and existence of risk factors associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle among high school learners. A crosssectional research design was used to obtain information about physical activity levels from 951 learners from two high schools in a local community in the Western Province of South Africa. Physical activity levels were obtained using the KUOPIO Ischaemic Heart Disease 24-hour physical activity record over a seven-day period. Anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements as well as behaviours including cigarette smoking and alcohol use were recorded as risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (2000). Risk factors were identified as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and hypertension. Variance of analysis (ANOVA) was used to statistically determine differences in groups. The results indicated that 32% of the learners were classified as being physically inactive and that 21% engaged in health risk behaviours. In addition, 35% of the learners had more than one risk factor for chronic diseases of lifestyle present. Since cardiovascular risk factors have been shown to persist into adulthood, health professionals should assume some responsibility for the prevention, detection, and intervention relevant to cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/398 Files in this item: 1
FrantzPhysicalInactivity2006.pdf (194.4Kb) -
Rowe, Michael; Frantz, Jose M.; Bozalek, Vivienne (South African Society of Physiotherapy, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The relevance of non-technical skills have long been acknowledged as important components of clinical learning, and there is evidence that integrating technology can facilitate their development by encouraging reflection, and by enhancing communication and reasoning. However, effectively integrating technology into learning practices must take the contextual needs of students into consideration. The aim of this study was to determine what online tools undergraduate physiotherapy students at one South African university are familiar with, and how they use them as part of their learning practices. The case study was conducted in a university physiotherapy department in the Western Cape during 2010. A cross-sectional, descriptive design used a survey to obtain quantitative and qualitative data from participants, and a plot study was conducted to test the reliability of the instrument. All ethical considerations were adhered to. Seventy six percent of participants had access to the internet at home, and 93% of them belonged to a social network, although fewer than half used it for their studying. Few students reported using the internet for more than information retrieval but reported wanting to use it for enhanced communication with lecturers. Almost all respondents believed that lectures were a useful way to learn. However, 61% added that integrating online learning activities with lectures could have value. Integrating technology into healthcare education has the potential to develop non-technical skills that are relevant for clinical practice. However, this group of students currently lack the experience and insight to use technology effectively as part of their learning practices. Educators must take cognisance of the educational and contextual needs of students if they wish to integrate technology into clinical teaching. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/309 Files in this item: 1
RowePhysiotherapyStudents2012.pdf (530.7Kb) -
Hart, Genevieve; Mfazo, Ncumisa (Library and Information Association of South Africa, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The article reports on an investigation of the provision of gay and lesbian literature and of information services to gays and lesbians in Cape Town’s public libraries. Although by definition public libraries serve all members of a community, the international literature suggests that they neglect the reading and information needs and interests of gays and lesbians. The progressive South African Constitution views the rights of gays and lesbians as human rights; yet homophobia is prevalent. Using a questionnaire, the study explored attitudes and practices of 69 senior librarians, responsible for collection development, across all six of Cape Town’s library districts. The situation was found to be “spotty” with only 26 respondents believing that their library service is meeting the needs of gays and lesbians. The survey found contradictions between stated beliefs and behaviours. Thus, although most agree that LGBT rights to information and equal services are human rights, only 55% consider LGBT people in their selection procedures and very little material is acquired. Information services are thin with, for example, only 10% of the libraries in the survey providing LGBT related information in their community information files. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/251 Files in this item: 1
HartPlacesForAll2010.pdf (233.3Kb)