scholarly journals Health and wellbeing needs and priorities in mining host communities in South Africa: a mixed-methods approach for identifying key SDG3 targets

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J. Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Health and Wellbeing Needs and Priorities in Mining Host Communities in South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Approach For Identifying Key SDG3 Targets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Paths of Discovery: Comparing the Search Effectiveness of EBSCO Discovery Service, Summon, Google Scholar, and Conventional Library Resources

2013 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 464-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Asher ◽  
Lynda M. Duke ◽  
Suzanne Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Search System ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Discovery Service ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Search Effectiveness

In 2011, researchers at Bucknell University and Illinois Wesleyan University compared the search efficacy of Serial Solutions Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Google Scholar, and conventional library databases. Using a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered on students’ usage of these tools. Regardless of the search system, students exhibited a marked inability to effectively evaluate sources and a heavy reliance on default search settings. This article describes these results and makes recommendations for libraries considering these tools.

Medicine Knowledge and Purchasing Behaviour in a South African Township: Lessons Learnt From a Pilot Study on Awareness of Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Liu ◽  
Susanne Lundin ◽  
Thumakele Gosa ◽  
Elmi Muller ◽  
Paul Roviss Khambule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Medical Products ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Purchasing Behaviour

Abstract Background: Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are available in informal as well as formal markets globally. South Africa has a large formal, regulated pharmaceutical sector but there has been limited attention to the existence of SF medical products and the risks posed to people in need of medication. Little is known about individuals’ medicine consumption behaviour, especially from a social sciences perspective. This study presents findings on knowledge and awareness of medicine risks amongst residents in a lower-income community in Khayamnandi in the Western Cape province of South Africa. We also reflect on challenges and lessons learnt from the data collection process.Results:Quantitative and qualitative data, using a mixed-methods approach, were collected from 41 adult (≥18 years) respondents through a survey and audio-recorded discussions around the survey questions. Comparison of the two types of data through bricolage and mixed-methods revealed inconsistencies in responses. We argue that multi-disciplinary research using a mixed-methods approach, including reflexivity regarding empirical observations, not only provides a broader knowledge, but that it also brings insights into the complex processes and ambivalent statements collected from research participants. In addition, research participants were not always open about their health-seeking behaviour and provider choices due to concerns about potential conflict of interests among different types of medical care providers in the local community. Conclusions:This is one of the few studies focusing on demand-side attitudes with regards to medicine purchasing behaviour and the potential risks this behaviour holds for the use of SF medical products in South Africa. Multi-disciplinary research using a mixed-methods approach can bring insights into the complex processes and ambivalent statements collected from research participants.

Surviving the Streets of Makeevka

2016 ◽  
pp. 238-260
Author(s):  
Andrej Naterer
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Street Children ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Code Of The Street ◽  
Group Violence

The chapter explores the subculture of street children in Makeevka, Ukraine. Drawing upon qualitative and quantitative data gathered during longitudinal anthropological field research their surviving strategies along with social structures, economic activities and substance abuse are presented. In addition, extra-, intra- and inter-group violence is analyzed with an emphasis on the child's situational interpretation and adoption of the code of the street through subsequent code/identity switching and subcultural reactions.

scholarly journals Exploring physiotherapists’ clinical definition and diagnosis of inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast in Australia: a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Heron ◽  
Tanya Maselli ◽  
Adelle McArdle ◽  
Beatriz I. R. de Oliveira ◽  
Leanda McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Australian State ◽  
Lactating Breast ◽  
Systemic Symptoms

Abstract Background Differences in physiotherapy intervention practices for mastitis have been shown across Australian regions and facilities and it is unknown if this is associated with physiotherapists’ definition and diagnosis of Inflammatory Conditions of the Lactating Breast (ICLB). The aims were to determine how Australian physiotherapists’ define and diagnose ICLB and if there are regional or facility differences in their ICLB definition and diagnosis. Method A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used to investigate how physiotherapists construct a definition and diagnosis of ICLB, via online qualitative and quantitative questions. Participants included 63 Australian physiotherapists who treated at least one woman with ICLB per month, over the last year. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse qualitative and quantitative responses, respectively. Results ICLB definition varied among physiotherapists (n = 63) with generated themes including definitions based on pathophysiology (57%), combination of local and systemic symptoms (38%), conditions (32%), local symptoms (25%) and breast function (16%). Overall, quantitative data supported these findings, as some physiotherapists considered blocked ducts an ICLB (83%), but some did not (17%), and some considered abscess and engorgement an ICLB (65%) and some did not (35%). For ICLB diagnosis, the main theme generated was lack of consensus between physiotherapists (n = 39) on the number or combination of local or systemic symptoms required. Quantitative data confirmed these themes, as 63% of physiotherapists (n = 63) indicated that more than one symptom was necessary to clinically diagnose ICLB, but 27% required only one symptom. For region and type of facility, consistency across the themes for region and facility was evident. Overall, quantitative data confirmed these findings, with no regional or facility differences, except physiotherapists from the Australian state of Victoria (96%) were more likely to consider blocked ducts as an ICLB, compared to those from the states of NSW (71%) or WA (71%) (n = 58; χ2 = 6.49, p = 0.04). Conclusion Australian physiotherapists have varied definitions of ICLB and the required ICLB symptoms for clinical diagnosis. These results may prompt physiotherapists, who treat ICLB, to engage in explicit communication when discussing an ICLB in patient care, when delivering information in training courses and in developing treatment guidelines.

scholarly journals Ethical misconduct by registered physiotherapists in South Africa (2007–2013): A mixed methods approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem A. Hoffmann ◽  
Nico Nortjé
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Unethical Conduct ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Ethical Misconduct ◽  
Patient Consent

Background: The role of ethics in a medical context is to protect the interests of patients. Thus,it is critically important to understand the guilty verdicts related to professional standard breaches and ethics misconduct of physiotherapists.Aim: To analyse the case content and penalties of all guilty verdicts related to ethics misconduct against registered physiotherapists in South Africa.Methods: A mixed methods approach was followed consisting of epidemiological data analysis and qualitative content analysis. The data documents were formal annual lists (2007–2013) of guilty verdicts related to ethical misconduct. Quantitative data analysis focused on annual frequencies of guilty verdicts, transgression categories and the imposed penalties. Qualitative data analysis focused on content analysis of the case content for each guilty verdict.Results: Relatively few physiotherapists (0.05%) are annually found guilty of ethical misconduct. The two most frequent penalties were fines of R5000.00 and fines of R8000.00–R10 000.00. The majority of transgressions involved fraudulent conduct (70.3%), followed by performance of procedures without patient consent (10.8%). Fraudulent conduct involved issuing misleading, inaccurate or false medical statements, and false or inaccurate medical aid scheme claims.Conclusion: Unethical conduct by physiotherapists in South Africa occurs rarely. The majority of penalties imposed on sanctioned physiotherapists were monetary penalties.

The Economics of Non-Cognitive Skills

2014 ◽  
pp. 350-369
Author(s):  
Laura Camfield
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Labor Market Outcomes ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Context Specificity ◽  
Market Outcomes ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Sub Saharan

Non-cognitive skills, defined as individual differences that are independent of cognitive ability, are used within economics and policy to understand and improve labor market outcomes and reduce anti-social behavior. These measures are now being used in sub-Saharan Africa to capture “softer” outcomes of interventions with young people in particular. Having first defined non-cognitive skills and described how they are measured, this chapter then presents critiques relating to their relative insensitivity to culture and class. This argument as to the context specificity of non-cognitive skills is supported with qualitative and quantitative data generated with young entrepreneurs from Uganda and South Africa.

scholarly journals Learning from doing the EquitAble project: Content, context, process, and impact of a multi-country research project on vulnerable populations in Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mac MacLachlan ◽  
Mutamad Amin ◽  
Gubela Mji ◽  
Hasheem Mannan ◽  
Joanne McVeigh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Process Learning ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Content Analyses ◽  
Successes And Challenges ◽  
Learning Points

Background: The ‘EquitAble’ project carried out content analyses of policies and collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data concerning access to health services in Sudan, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa. Our particular concern was to address the situation of people with disabilities, although not in isolation from other marginalised or vulnerable groups.Objectives: This article reports on the content, context, process and impact of project EquitAble, funded by the European Commission Seventh Research Framework Programme, which brought together researchers from Ireland, Norway, South Africa, Namibia, Sudan and Malawi.Method: After the 4-year project ended in February 2013, all members of the consortium were asked to anonymously complete a bespoke questionnaire designed by the coordinating team. The purpose of the questionnaire was to capture the views of those who collaborated on the research project in relation to issues of content, context, process and impact of the EquitAble project.Results: Our results indicated some of the successes and challenges encountered by our consortium.Conclusion: We identified contextual and process learning points, factors often not discussed in papers, which typically focus on the reporting of the ‘content’ of results.

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