Research Publications (Health Sciences)

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Leveraging ethnobiological animal grouping for database normalisation
(Research Institute for Knowledge Content Development & Technology, 2025-4-9) Mbangata, Lubabalo; Singh, Upasana Gitanjali
Purpose: This research paper explores the intersection of ethnobiology and database normalisation by examining how the traditional categorisation of animals in indigenous knowledge systems aligns with database design principles. Ethnobiology often documents how communities classify animals based on cultural, ecological, and functional attributes. This paper demonstrates how such classifications can illustrate the stages of database normalisation, a process used to organise data efficiently in relational databases. These classifications are based on how South African people understand these groupings. Methodology: The study begins with unnormalised data, where animal categories are recorded as they exist in their raw, unstructured form, and these animals are selected in no particular order or merit as long as they are living animals and can be categorised. Progressing to the first normal form (1NF), the data is organised into a tabular structure with unique rows and atomic values. In the second normal form (2NF), redundancies are reduced by ensuring that all non-primary attributes depend on the entire primary key. Finally, in the third normal form (3NF), transitive dependencies are eliminated, creating a fully normalised, efficient data model. Findings: The findings highlight how ethnobiological data naturally follows hierarchical and relational patterns, making it an effective analogy for understanding database normalisation. This approach not only enhances the understanding of database concepts but also underscores the value of indigenous knowledge in illustrating complex technical processes. This study also notes that using this concept might be irrelated to other contexts, hence the advocation for further interdisciplinary exploration between ethnobiology and information science.
The effects of COVID-19 on the rehabilitation of persons with aphasia: A scoping review.
(AOSIS, 2022-8) Masuku, Khetsiwe P.; Khumalo, Gift; Shabangu, Nontokozo
The impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was more pronounced on the well-being of persons with disabilities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. There is documented evidence of the rippling effects of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities. However, not much is known about the impact of COVID-19 on the rehabilitation of persons with aphasia.
Objective
The scoping review explores how COVID-19 affected the rehabilitation of persons living with aphasia.
Method
A scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. A search was conducted on Science Direct, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar, to identify relevant studies published between 2019 and 2022. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Most studies regarding the effects of COVID-19 on persons living with aphasia were conducted in the United Kingdom. Five themes emerged from the data, namely, (1) negative impact on rehabilitative care, (2) telehealth and its limitations, (3) impact on social participation, (4) compromised caregiver involvement and (5) mental health challenges.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the need for healthcare professionals to pursue innovative ways in which aphasia rehabilitation and conversational support programmes can be made accessible to persons with aphasia, despite the limitations brought about by a pandemic. Telerehabilitation programmes need to be tailored to the needs of persons with aphasia if they are to be successful. This study highlights the importance and need for the prioritisation of mental health services for persons with aphasia and their caregivers during a pandemic.
Exploring the role of healthcare personnel in designing tuberculosis infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings : a scoping review
(MDPI AG, 2024-4) Masuku, Sikhethiwe; Mooa, Ramadimetja Shirley; Peu, Mmapheko Doriccah
Background: Healthcare personnel (HCP) in high TB-burdened countries continue to be at high risk of occupational TB due to inadequate implementation of Tuberculosis Infection Prevention and Control (TB-IPC) measures and a lack of understanding of the context and relevance to local settings. Such transmission in the healthcare workplace has prompted the development and dissemination of numerous guidelines for strengthening TB-IPC for use in settings globally. However, a lack of involvement of healthcare personnel in the conceptualisation and development of guidelines and programmes seeking to improve TB-IPC in high-burden countries generally has been observed. Objectives: The aim of this review was to explore the inclusion of HCP in decision-making when designing the TB-IPC guidelines, in healthcare settings. Methods: A scoping review methodology was selected for this study to gain insight into the relevant research evidence, identifying and mapping key elements in the TB-IPC measures in relation to HCP as implementors. Results: Studies in this review refer to factors related to HCP's knowledge of TB-IPC, perception regarding occupational risks and behaviours, their role against a background of structural resource constraints, and guidelines' adherence. They report several challenges in TB-IPC implementation and adherence, particularly eliciting recommendations from HCP for improved TB-IPC practices. Conclusions: This review highlights a lack of participation in decision-making by the implementers of the policies and guidelines, yet adherence to TB-IPC measures is anticipated. Future research needs to focus more on consultations with users to understand the preferences from both within individual healthcare facilities and the communities. There is an urgent need for research on the participation of the implementers in the decision-making when developing TB-IPC policies and guidelines.
Preparing future environmental health practitioners through problem-based and community-based approaches : experiences of environmental health students
(National Environmental Health Association, 2025-5-8) Ruthanam, Melishnee
Students learn better when they are engaged with real-world problems. This approach is especially e ective for topics of environmental health, where students have limited exposure to fieldwork during their period of study. Hence, it is important to shift from conventional instruction-based methods to innovative pedagogical approaches. Problem based and community-based learning o er academia the tools to prepare students via the development of essential problem-solving and analytical skills. Problem-based learning enables students to identify environmental health issues and develop feasible, realistic solutions to community problems. Furthermore, community-based learning allows students to learn through community engagement and generate solutions to real environmental health issues that communities face. This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the experience of two cohorts of environmental health students regarding problem-based and community-based approaches. This study found that the students benefited from the respective approaches and gained valuable communication, leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are crucial in the environmental health field.
If I was more informed about what exactly they do: perceptions of Botswana district hospital healthcare providers about World Spine Care
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2019-7-3) Chihambakwe, Mufudzi; O'Connor, Laura; Orton, Penelope M.; Hondras, Maria A.
Background
In 2011, World Spine Care (WSC) opened their pilot clinic at the Botswana Mahalapye District Hospital (MDH) aiming to develop a low-cost model of evidence-based spine care for underserved communities. Providing sustainable, integrated, evidence-based care will require buy-in from local healthcare providers (HCPs) and the communities served. The purpose of this project was to understand how MDH HCPs perceive WSC.
Methods
We used a qualitative descriptive methodology to conduct individual, semi-structured interviews with MDH HCPs who had some familiarity about WSC services. Interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. We used an iterative coding process for thematic content analysis and interpretations were regularly reviewed by all co-authors.
Results
In March 2017, interviews with 20 HCPs, from diverse disciplines with a range in years' experience at MDH, revealed three overlapping themes: knowledge about WSC and spinal related disorders, perceived role of WSC, and challenges for WSC integration. Participants who attended WSC conferences or self-referred for care were more informed and, generally, held positive perceptions. Participants lacked knowledge about managing spinal-related disorders, asserted hospital protocols did not meet patient needs, and perceived WSC is 'filling a gap' to manage these conditions. There were mixed perceptions about care received as WSC patients; some ultimately obtained relief, while others reported the treatment painful and unfamiliar, discharging themselves from care. Challenges to integrate WSC into the healthcare system were: lack of knowledge about scope of practice and unclear referral pathways; reversing the isolated care WSC provides by increasing collaboration between WSC and hospital staff; and, high turnover of WSC clinicians that undermines program sustainability.
Conclusions
MDH healthcare providers had adequate general knowledge about World Spine Care and spinal-related disorders, but did not understand the WSC scope of practice nor referral pathways to and from providers. Participants advocated for greater collaboration between WSC and hospital staff to increase acceptance and integration to deliver spine care services and foster wider adoption of the WSC model, particularly if WSC expands services across Botswana. Future efforts that incorporate interviews with patients and government officials also can provide valuable perspectives to achieve sustainable, integrated, evidence-based spine care.
Social media use as a predictor of higher body mass index in persons living with HIV
(Informa UK Limited, 2021-4-3) Schnall, Rebecca; Porras, Tiffany; Musanti, Rita; Adams Tufts, Kimberly; Sefcik, Elizabeth; Hamilton, Mary Jane; Dawson-Rose, Carol; Portillo, Carmen; Philips, J. Craig; Chaiphibalsarisdi, Puangtip; Orton, Penelope; Perazzo, Joseph; Webel, Allison R.
Social media tools have been touted as an approach to bring more democratic communication to health care. We conducted a multi-site cross-sectional study among persons living with HIV (PLWH) to desrcibe technology use among PLWH in the US and the association between social media use and body-mass index (BMI). Our primary predictor variable was social media use. Our primary outcome was BMI measured through height and weight. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic profiles of the study participants and linear regression models were used to analyze associations between the outcome and predictor variables controlling for demographic characteristics. Study participants (N = 606) across 6 study sites in the United States were predominately 50-74 years old (67%). Thirty-three percent of study participants had a normal weight (BMI 18.5-25), 33% were overweight (BMI 25-30), and 32% were obese (BMI > 30). Participants used several social media sites with Facebook (45.6%) predominating. Social media use was associated with higher BMI in study participants (p < .001) and this effect persisted, although not as strongly, when limiting the analysis to those who only those who used Facebook (p = .03). Further consideration of social factors that can be ameliorated to improve health outcomes is timely and needed.
Experiences of nurses studying towards post-basic qualifications during COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal
(AOSIS, 2024-10-24) Sokhela, Dudu G.; Nokes, Kathleen; Orton, Penelope M.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic caused abrupt closure of schools including higher education institutions. The transition from in-person to virtual teaching platforms caused challenges for frontline nurses in post-basic programmes. Nurses were forced to divide their efforts between responding to the pandemic and their studies.
Aim
The study aims to describe the experiences of nurses studying post-basic qualifications during COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal.
Setting
The setting comprised virtual platforms such as closed social media groups (nursing colleagues and South African Society of Occupational Health Nurses Facebook) and Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp calls.
Methods
A qualitative descriptive design using individual virtual interviews with eight nurses working in healthcare settings while studying post-basic qualifications. The framework was Fullan's Change Theory in educational settings. Data were analysed using applied thematic analysis.
Results
Four themes were identified; transitioning from in-person to online teaching and learning, challenges in clinical placements, support to achieve educational goals, and unique aspects of studying and caring for infected patients and 10 sub-themes emerged.
Conclusion
Participants found benefits of online learning despite challenges with the Internet network. There was a shortage of mentors, and personal protective equipment in clinical settings; however, participants were cognisant of the duty to care for infected patients notwithstanding personal risk of infection.
Contribution
Nurses were at the frontline of the pandemic yet facing challenges in clinical facilities and their studies. The study could contribute to understanding participants' experiences, which might help with response planning in future pandemics.
In situ synthesis and AC conductivity studies of polypyrrole–cobalt nanocomposites
(2025-02-26) Moolemane, Revanasiddappa; Honnalagere Mahadevaswamy, Rashmi; Mavalangi, Surekha; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Campilho, Prof Raul D.S.G.
Through in situ pyrrole chemical polymerization with various concentrations of CoCl2, conducting polypyrrole-cobalt composites were synthesized using ammonium persulfate as the oxidizing agent. These composites were synthesized using different molarities (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05 M) of CoCl2 in polypyrrole. The PPy-Co nanocomposites and their AC conductivity studies were evaluated in this study. The formation of anocomposites and the structural properties of PPy/PVA/Co were confirmed using FTIR analysis and X-ray crystallography. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the composites, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate their thermal behavior. The room-temperature AC conductivity and dielectric response of the composites were investigated, and frequency-dependent AC conductivity investigations were conducted in the frequency range of 100 Hz–1 MHz.
Primary headaches among students in a South African university
(Durban University of Technology, 2024) Pillay, Julian; Prangley, Johan; Korporaal, Charmaine; Lateef, Adepeju
Headaches are recognised as a common health-related complaint, impacting student attendance and overall productivity. This study determined the prevalence of headaches within a selected group of students and its effects on their health. A questionnaire was administered to undergraduate allied health science students in three selected departments at a university in South Africa. A total of 420 students were invited to participate in the study, of which 314 participated (75% response rate) – 311 students completed the questionnaire. Of these, 27.0% (n=84) did not experience headaches over the previous three months; the remaining 73.0% (n=227) were classified as having had migraine-type headaches (31.2%; n=97), tension-type headache (30.2%; n=94) or cluster-type headache (1.3%; n=04). Students suffering with migraine-type headaches indicated a decrease in capacity and missed classes more frequently compared to students who experienced tension-type headaches and cluster-type headaches respectively. Some of the respondents with migraine-type headaches (53.4%; n=31) did not continue with classes in order to rest. Migraine-type headache sufferers were more likely to take medication than those with other types of headaches (p=0.014). The findings of the study highlight the influence of headaches on students. Health knowledge and access to treatment is highlighted as a simple contributor to reducing headache prevalence and attaining overall health and well-being.
Strengthening teamwork and respect (STAR) in maternity units : developing a health system intervention in South Africa
(Informa UK Limited, 2025) Doherty, Tanya; Petrus, Ruwayda; Land, Sandra; Horwood, Christiane; Filippi, Veronique; Haskins, Lyn; Phewa, Cleo; Mapumulo, Sphindile; Luthuli, Silondile; John, Vaughn M.
Disrespect and abuse in maternity services in South Africa has been described over several decades and are rooted in the country's complex socio-political landscape and unequal health system which places strain on public sector health professionals. Strategies to improve the quality of health care typically involve once-off didactic teaching or outside technical consultants focused on improving specific health programmes. These approaches fail to encourage self-reflection or to establish learning cultures. Participatory learning processes, embedded in routine service delivery, are a potentially powerful way to improve ownership and accountability for health system performance. We describe the process followed to develop the Strengthening Teamwork and Respect (STAR) intervention which is being implemented in nine district hospitals in two rural districts of KwaZulu-Natal. The intervention approach draws on a conceptual framework for learning health systems, with intervention strategies informed by participatory learning and action theory. The intervention design was an iterative process informed by literature reviews, formative data collection, consultation with provincial, district and hospital management stakeholders, expert reviewer inputs and piloting of proposed activities. This process produced the STAR intervention approach and toolkit, consisting of: identification and training of champions, creation of STAR teams, convening of learning sessions to work through STAR toolkit activities, identification, implementation and monitoring of change projects, and onsite and virtual mentorship from the STAR development team. Endline cross-sectional surveys and a parallel process evaluation will advance the evidence base for interventions to improve respectful care and cultures of teamwork and learning within maternity units in rural low- and middle-income settings.
In situ synthesis and AC conductivity studies of polypyrrole–cobalt nanocomposites
(Academia.edu Journals, 2025) Moolemane, Revanasiddappa; Rashmi, Honnalagere Mahadevaswamy; Surekha, Mavalangi; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu
Through in situ pyrrole chemical polymerization with various concentrations of CoCl2, conducting polypyrrole-cobalt composites were synthesized using ammonium persulfate as the oxidizing agent. These composites were synthesized using different molarities (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05 M) of CoCl2 in polypyrrole. The PPy-Co nanocomposites and their AC conductivity studies were evaluated in this study. The formation of nanocomposites and the structural properties of PPy/PVA/Co were confirmed using FTIR analysis and X-ray crystallography. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the composites, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate their thermal behavior. The room-temperature AC conductivity and dielectric response of the composites were investigated, and frequency-dependent AC conductivity investigations were conducted in the frequency range of 100 Hz–1 MHz.
Exploring COIL as an authentic learning pedagogy
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2024-12-15) Prakaschandra, Rosaley; Memela, Mduduzi; Orton, Penelope
BackgroundCollaborative online international learning (COIL) has become popular within universities to internationalise the curriculum and enable students’ development as global citizens. It facilitates the coconstruction of disciplinary knowledge across cultures. This authentic learning experience is characterised by an authentic context, authentic tasks, access to experts and the incorporation of multiple roles and perspectives. By emphasising collaborative knowledge construction, reflection, articulation, coaching and scaffolding, COIL can potentially enhance engagement and improve educational outcomes, especially when designed to reflect the complex tasks performed by professionals in the field. ObjectiveTo explore the learning experiences of undergraduate clinical technology students participating in a COIL project and to determine whether COIL could provide an authentic learning environment. MethodsA qualitative approach, sampling 2nd-year clinical technology students (n=16) registered for a Research Methodology I module at a university of technology, was employed. After ethics approval was obtained, we conducted focus group discussions, lasting approximately 45 - 60 minutes, using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were examined using thematic analysis. ResultsFive themes emerged: Participant experiences, communication, cultural perceptions, the development of graduate attributes and translating theory to practice. Despite the challenges, such as time zones, delays in peer responses and poor connectivity, students reported a positive experience. Language was a challenge, but they overcame this by adopting innovative digital tools. Students were exposed to the lifestyles of their Mexican peers, and work-balance strategies were shared. Being exposed to peers from a different lingua-culture, having the same demands and a common purpose was a catalyst for the exchange of cultural knowledge. This also created a platform for intercultural sensitivities. Students were able to work as a team, were motivated by their peers and adapted to the challenges. The theme translation of theory into practice enabled students to conceptualise theoretical content in a practical manner, which ultimately enhanced their learning. ConclusionCOIL is a useful pedagogy to offer an authentic learning experience for research methods; it satisfies all nine constructs of authentic learning.
Low back pain as an occupational risk among supermarket cashiers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(2022-02-23) Govender, P.; Pillay, Julian David; Singh, D.; Ghuman, Shanaz
Background: Work-related low back pain (LBP) has received growing attention, especially regarding the effect it has on work productivity and activities of daily living (ADL). Super market cashiers are at high risk of LBP due to maintaining awkward postures for prolonged periods. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and intensity of LBP among supermarket cashiers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and to identify occupational and non-occupational risk factors for LBP. Methods: Supermarket cashiers from 12 conveniently selected stores of a major South African supermarket franchise were included in this cross-sectional study. Questionnaires were administered in October and November 2018. Mean LBP disability scores were used as a measure of pain intensity experienced during various activities. Univariate analysis of vari ance (ANOVA) was used to measure the effect size of different variables on the LBP intensity score. The associations between LBP and both occupational and non-occupational factors were assessed using Fischer’s exact test and forward stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: One hundred and forty-six cashiers participated in the study. Most of the partici pants reported having minimal LBP (n = 132, 90.4%), indicating that they could cope with most living activities. Based on the mean disability scores, only the effect size of age was large. The odds of having LBP were associated with age 30 years and older (p = 0.001), race other than black African (p = 0.037), and working for more than 10 hours a day (p = 0.039). Conclusion: Reporting of LBP was common among the supermarket cashiers in this study. Older workers are at a higher risk of having LBP, which may be exacerbated by long working hours. Workplace interventions such as ergonomic programmes, structured and defined working hours, and home-based interventions such as exercise therapy, should be imple mented.
Echocardiography nomograms in black South African neonates
(Stellenbosch University, 2024) Hadebe, Nondumiso Memory; Prakaschandra, Rosaley; Beckerling, Bongiwe J.; Cilliers, Antoinette M.; Ntsinjana, Hopewell N.
Background: Quantitative estimation of cardiac cham bers, valve annulus and great vessel dimensions in pae diatric echocardiography is necessary in clinical man agement. Various studies have already provided normal values in the paediatric population that represent most populations of the world but there is paucity of data originating from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in neonates. We sought to establish reliable echocardio graphy nomograms for cardiac chambers, valve annulus, great vessels, and thymus dimensions in the Black South African neonatal population. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study evaluating cardiac chamber, valve annuli, thymus, and great vessel dimensions in Black South African neonates with normal hearts using echocardiography. Results: This study recruited 386 neonates (51% females, 49% males; Weight range: 2.50 - 4.43kg [mean, 3.180; SD, 0.38]; BSA range: 0.17 - 0.24m2 [mean, 0.20; SD, 0.01]). After controlling for the effects of confounders, good correlation for most cardiac dimensions were observed. Inter-observer variability revealed a strong correlation (ICC=0.50-0.82) with most measurements. All cardiac dimensions correlated well with body weight and were within ±2 standard deviation with few exceptions. Conclusion: This study presents nomograms from data acquired from healthy neonates which contributes to the current body of knowledge on cardiac dimensions in the African neonatal age group.
Managing diabetes : the need for support
(2024-07) Ramraj, Udhavana; Govender, Nalini; Reddy, Poovendhree; Bhagwan, Raisuyah
Background: This study aimed to determine the psychosocial aspects of diabe tes management and treatment. Methods: A qualitative research method was used to guide this study. The study population was diabetic patients over the age of 50 years. A semi-structured interview was used to obtain data, which was transcribed and coded and later developed into themes. Results: Five broad themes emerged from the analyses, viz., patient understand ing of diabetes, psychological effects, the impact of diabetes on life, experiences of support and treatment and management of diabetes. Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the personal health and social strain of diabetes, as well as the challenges experienced in terms of the stress and anxieties associated with the disease.
Strengthening primary care for diabetes and hypertension in Eswatini : study protocol for a nationwide cluster-randomized controlled trial
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2023-03) Theilmann, Michaela; Ginindza, Ntombifuthi; Myeni, John; Dlamini, Sijabulile; Cindzi, Bongekile Thobekile; Dlamini, Dumezweni; Dlamini, Thobile L.; Greve, Maike; Harkare, Harsh Vivek; Hleta, Mbuso; Khumalo, Philile; Kolbe, Lutz M.; Lewin, Simon; Marowa, Lisa-Rufaro; Masuku, Sakhile; Mavuso, Dumsile; Molemans, Marjan; Ntshalintshali, Nyasatu; Nxumalo, Nomathemba; Osetinsky, Brianna; Pell, Christopher; Reis, Ria; Shabalala, Fortunate; Simelane, Bongumusa R.; Stehr, Lisa; Tediosi, Fabrizio; van Leth, Frank; De Neve, Jan-Walter; Bärnighausen, Till; Geldsetzer, Pascal
Background Diabetes and hypertension are increasingly important population health challenges in Eswatini. Prior to this project, healthcare for these conditions was primarily provided through physician-led teams at tertiary care facilities and accessed by only a small fraction of people living with diabetes or hypertension. This trial tests and evaluates two community-based healthcare service models implemented at the national level, which involve health care personnel at primary care facilities and utilize the country's public sector community health worker cadre (the rural health motivators [RHMs]) to help generate demand for care.
Methods
This study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms and one control arm. The unit of randomization is a primary healthcare facility along with all RHMs (and their corresponding service areas) assigned to the facility. A total of 84 primary healthcare facilities were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to the three study arms. The first treatment arm implements differentiated service delivery (DSD) models at the clinic and community levels with the objective of improving treatment uptake and adherence among clients with diabetes or hypertension. In the second treatment arm, community distribution points (CDPs), which previously targeted clients living with human immunodeficiency virus, extend their services to clients with diabetes or hypertension by allowing them to pick up medications and obtain routine nurse-led follow-up visits in their community rather than at the healthcare facility. In both treatment arms, RHMs visit households regularly, screen clients at risk, provide personalized counseling, and refer clients to either primary care clinics or the nearest CDP. In the control arm, primary care clinics provide diabetes and hypertension care services but without the involvement of RHMs and the implementation of DSD models or CDPs. The primary endpoints are mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure among adults aged 40 years and older living with diabetes or hypertension, respectively. These endpoints will be assessed through a household survey in the RHM service areas. In addition to the health impact evaluation, we will conduct studies on cost-effectiveness, syndemics, and the intervention's implementation processes.
Discussion
This study has the ambition to assist the Eswatini government in selecting the most effective delivery model for diabetes and hypertension care. The evidence generated with this national-level cluster-randomized controlled trial may also prove useful to policy makers in the wider Sub-Saharan African region.
Trial registration
NCT04183413. Trial registration date: December 3, 2019.
Association between sexual violence and depression is mediated by perceived social support among female university students in the kingdom of Eswatini
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-09) Fielding-Miller, Rebecca; McDougal, Lotus; Frost, Elizabeth; Masuku, Sakhile; Shabalala, Fortunate
Gender-based violence is a tool that primarily functions to maintain gendered power hierarchies. Manifestations of gender-based violence, sexual assault and street harassment have been shown to have significant effects on mental wellbeing in the global North, however there is little research centering the experiences and consequences of gendered harassment in the Africa region.
Methods
We analyzed a cross-sectional random sample of 372 women attending a major university in Eswatini in 2017 to measure the prevalence of street harassment among female university students and assess the relationship between experiences of sexual assault, sexualized street harassment, and mental health outcomes in this population.
Results
We found that in the previous 12 months, women reported experiencing high levels of sexual assault (20%), street harassment (90%), and depression (38%). Lifetime sexual assault, past 12 months sexual assault, and street harassment were all significantly associated with symptoms of depression. We created a structural model to test hypothesized causal pathways between street harassment, previous experiences of sexual assault, and symptoms of depression, with social support as a potential mediator. We found that a history of sexual violence significantly mediated the association between street harassment and depression, and that social support mediated a large proportion of the association between both forms of gender-based violence and depression.
Conclusion
Sexualized street harassment is associated with increased depressive symptomology for nearly all women, however the effects are especially pronounced for women who have previous experiences of sexual violence. Sexualized street harassment functions as a tool to maintain gendered power hierarchies by reminding women of ongoing threat of sexual violence even in public spaces. Social support and solidarity among women is a potentially important source of resiliency against the physical and mental harms of all forms of gender based violence.
Epidemiology of campus sexual assault among university women in Eswatini
(SAGE Publications, 2021-11) Fielding-Miller, Rebecca; Shabalala, Fortunate; Masuku, Sakhile; Raj, Anita
Sexual assault on university campuses has attracted growing attention, but there is little data available on the scope of the problem in Southern Africa. We sought to measure the prevalence of campus sexual assault among female university students at the University of Eswatini and describe the experience of survivors using a mixed-methods study design. Women were randomly sampled from a list of all full-time female university students provided by the office of the registrar, and participants completed a brief behavioral survey in a private study office using a tablet with computer-assisted self-interview software. Women who indicated experiences of sexual violence during the survey were invited to self-identify themselves to study staff to participate in a follow-up qualitative interview. We measured sexual assault using the Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Version (SES-SFV). We found that women in University were over 6 times more likely to report forced or coerced sex in the previous 12 months than has been previously reported in the general population. Sixty percent of participants reported experiencing an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime, and a total of 38% reported an assault in the past 12 months. The vast majority (93%) of assailants were known to their victim, and the majority (56%) of perpetrators were romantic partners. The majority of participants had never disclosed their assault, and victim blaming and stigma emerged as highly salient themes during in-depth qualitative interviews. Food insecurity, losing a parent before age 21, and hazardous drinking were all significantly associated with experiencing sexual assault in the previous 12 months, as was experiencing a previous assault before the age of 18. To our knowledge, this is the first generalizable study of campus sexual assault prevalence conducted in the Southern African region.
Enhancing antidiabetic and antimicrobial performance of Ocimum basilicum, and Ocimum sanctum (L.) using silver nanoparticles
(Elsevier BV, 2017-09) Malapermal, Veshara; Botha, Izel; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Mbatha, Joyce Nonhlanhla
The role of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) is an attractive proposition for advancing modern diabetes therapies and applied science. Stable AgNps with a size range of 3-25 nm were synthesized using aqueous leaf extracts from Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum sanctum, and in combination. The concentration of the extracts facilitated the reduction of silver nitrate that led to the rapid formation of AgNps at room temperature, indicating a higher reaction rate as opposed to harsh chemical methods, and high conversion energy usually involved in the synthesis. The size, shape and elemental analysis were carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential whilst, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) supported by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to identify the type of capping agents. Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes retards the rate of carbohydrate digestion, thereby provides an alternative and a less evasive strategy of reducing postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. The AgNps derived from O. sanctum and O. basilicum, respectively displayed an inhibitory effect at 89.31 ± 5.32%, and 79.74 ± 9.51%, respectively, against Bacillus stearothermophilus α-glucosidase enzyme model, indicating an enhanced biocatalytic potential compared to their respective crude extracts and the control. Furthermore, the emerging rate of infections in diabetic patients validates the need for the discovery of dual diabetes therapies. As a result, the bioderived AgNps displayed antimicrobial activity against bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella species.
Challenges associated with supervision of undergraduate research projects by nurse educators in South Africa
(Elsevier BV, 2024) Mhlongo, Xolani L.; Zuma, Sibusiso M.
Successful nursing research is determined by the quality of research supervision by nurse educators. This study aimed to explore challenges encountered by educators when implementing research supervision for under graduate nursing students. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive research design was employed through semi- structured interviews. Data were collected from twenty-seven participants who were selected purposefully from four nursing campuses located in two provinces. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data in the study. The study found that inadequate nurse educators’ research supervision skills, lack of students’ commitment to research activities, inadequate infrastructure, staff shortage and time constraints were identified as challenges. It is recommended that novice nursing research supervisors should be guided on how to supervise research students and be taught the importance of research.

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