Factors Underlying Teacher Absenteeism in Selected Schools Located in Tshwane West District, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Khalabai Mashaba ◽  
Simeon Maile
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Teacher Absenteeism ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Disadvantaged Community ◽  
Teacher Absence ◽  
Leave Policy ◽  
The Individual

Teacher absenteeism is widely recognised as a serious problem, particularly in disadvantaged areas, yet there is little systematic research and data on teacher absence in developing nations. Generally, literature discusses the phenomenon of teacher absenteeism on the basis of high-income countries and low-income countries. The current research argues that the reasons for teacher absenteeism in developed nations are largely personal matters related to the individual and the rate of absence is relatively low. In this study we argue that while teachers’ absence is a matter that concerns the individual, there are institutional (school), structural (social environment) and economic factors that impact on the extent of teacher absenteeism in low-income countries. The purpose of the study is to investigate factors underlying teacher absence in disadvantaged communities. We investigated the phenomenon of teacher absenteeism in three (n–3) selected schools in the District of Tshwane West (D15) located in Soshanguve, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Soshanguve is a township with a predominantly disadvantaged community which depends on the public schooling system and probably has limited access to private education. The study used qualitative methods and data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that the schools are ineffective in curbing and reducing teacher absenteeism due to insufficient policy measures. The problem of teacher absenteeism is rampant and manifests in many forms. The leave policy seems to be effective in curbing the wage bill for substitute teachers, but at the same time it appears to grossly contribute to the damaging effects of absenteeism on educational outcomes. We recommend that costs in implementing the policy need to be balanced against the effectiveness of the policy. Reducing teacher absenteeism implies reducing the monetary cost of teacher absence and improving the education outcomes of learners. This ensures that the relationship between inputs (education investment) and outputs (learner performance) is optimal. We conclude that improving teacher attendance will thus increase productivity in schools.

scholarly journals Drivers of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Overuse across Diverse Hospital Contexts—A Qualitative Study of Prescribers in the UK, Sri Lanka and South Africa

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Carolyn Tarrant ◽  
Andrew M. Colman ◽  
David R. Jenkins ◽  
Edmund Chattoe-Brown ◽  
Nelun Perera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Low Income ◽  
System Level ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
The Uk

Antimicrobial stewardship programs focus on reducing overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSAs), primarily through interventions to change prescribing behavior. This study aims to identify multi-level influences on BSA overuse across diverse high and low income, and public and private, healthcare contexts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 prescribers from hospitals in the UK, Sri Lanka, and South Africa, including public and private providers. Interviews explored decision making about prescribing BSAs, drivers of the use of BSAs, and benefits of BSAs to various stakeholders, and were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Analysis identified drivers of BSA overuse at the individual, social and structural levels. Structural drivers of overuse varied significantly across contexts and included: system-level factors generating tensions with stewardship goals; limited material resources within hospitals; and patient poverty, lack of infrastructure and resources in local communities. Antimicrobial stewardship needs to encompass efforts to reduce the reliance on BSAs as a solution to context-specific structural conditions.

scholarly journals Birth companionship in a government health system: a pilot study in Kigoma, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Chaote ◽  
Nguke Mwakatundu ◽  
Sunday Dominico ◽  
Alex Mputa ◽  
Agnes Mbanza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Respectful Maternity Care ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Government Health ◽  
Project Data ◽  
Birth Companion

Abstract Background Having a companion of choice throughout childbirth is an important component of good quality and respectful maternity care for women and has become standard in many countries. However, there are only a few examples of birth companionship being implemented in government health systems in low-income countries. To learn if birth companionship was feasible, acceptable and led to improved quality of care in these settings, we implemented a pilot project using 9 intervention and 6 comparison sites (all government health facilities) in a rural region of Tanzania. Methods The pilot was developed and implemented in Kigoma, Tanzania between July 2016 and December 2018. Women delivering at intervention sites were given the choice of having a birth companion with them during childbirth. We evaluated the pilot with: (a) project data; (b) focus group discussions; (c) structured and semi-structured interviews; and (d) service statistics. Results More than 80% of women delivering at intervention sites had a birth companion who provided support during childbirth, including comforting women and staying by their side. Most women interviewed at intervention sites were very satisfied with having a companion during childbirth (96–99%). Most women at the intervention sites also reported that the presence of a companion improved their labor, delivery and postpartum experience (82–97%). Health providers also found companions very helpful because they assisted with their workload, alerted the provider about changes in the woman’s status, and provided emotional support to the woman. When comparing intervention and comparison sites, providers at intervention sites were significantly more likely to: respond to women who called for help (p = 0.003), interact in a friendly way (p < 0.001), greet women respectfully (p < 0.001), and try to make them more comfortable (p = 0.003). Higher proportions of women who gave birth at intervention sites reported being “very satisfied” with the care they received (p < 0.001), and that the staff were “very kind” (p < 0.001) and “very encouraging” (p < 0.001). Conclusion Birth companionship was feasible and well accepted by health providers, government officials and most importantly, women who delivered at intervention facilities. The introduction of birth companionship improved women’s experience of birth and the maternity ward environment overall.

scholarly journals Pooled Sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF Testing: A Cost Effectiveness Diagnostic Tool in Mwanza, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shimba Henerico ◽  
Richard V. Makapa ◽  
Bernard C. Okamo ◽  
Benson R. Kidenya ◽  
Geoffrey Japhet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Positive Sample ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Testing Strategy ◽  
Pooled Testing ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Pooled Samples

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem, with the highest burden occurring in low-income countries, wherein the use of more sensitive diagnostics, such as Xpert MTB/RIF (GeneXpert), is still limited by costs. Testing of pooled samples from various individuals has been thought and thus investigated as a cost saving strategy to diagnose some diseases including TB. Then in cases where a pool is positive, retesting of the individual samples in that pool is done to identify the positive sample. We assessed the utility of a pooled testing strategy to optimize the affordability of GeneXpert for the diagnosis of TB Mwanza Tanzania. Methods: Remainder of samples from presumptive TB patients submitted for routine TB diagnosis were used for pooled samples (5 per pool) testing. The agreement of the results between individual sample testing against pooled samples testing and cost-effectiveness were assessed.Results: A total of 250 individual routinely submitted samples for TB diagnosis were tested using the established protocols. The median age of study participants was 35 [IQR 27 – 40] years and 143 (57.2%) were males. Of the 250 samples, 28 (11.2%) were detected to have MTB whereas 222 (88.8%) samples, were negative. Of the 50 sputum pools made, MTB were detected in 17 (34.0%) pools. Following retesting of these 17 positive pools, all 28 (100%) individual MTB samples were detected with the overall agreement being 100% (With the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%). The number of individual MTB positive ranged from 1 to 3 per pool. Using pooling of sputum samples, the technique saved 115 (46.0%) of the cartridges in running 250 samples. This is equivalent to saving US$ 1147.7. Conclusion: The pooled sputum testing strategy reduced cartridge costs by 46.0%. The use of the pooled testing strategy reduces costs and has the potential to increase the affordability of GeneXpert testing in countries with limited resources. Pooled sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF can be used as an affordable diagnostic and/or screening tool in resource limited settings, such as Tanzania.

scholarly journals Global Nursing - A Qualitative Case Study of Tanzanian Nursing Students' Experiences of Student Exchange in Sweden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Alden-Joyce ◽  
Elina Scheers-Andersson ◽  
Jane Rogathi ◽  
Paulo Kidayi ◽  
Jenny Cadstedt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Global Perspectives ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Student Exchange

Abstract Background: Due to globalization and a shift in population demographics, needs within healthcare are changing and nurses require new skills and knowledge. Nursing education needs to facilitate these new demands and student exchange programmes provide an opportunity to develop necessary skills.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore Tanzanian nursing students' experiences of student exchange in Sweden. Method: A qualitative design was used for this empirical study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Tanzanian nursing students who had participated in student exchange in Sweden. The participants were recruited by purposeful sampling. Inductive reasoning and qualitative content analysis were applied.Results: The findings revealed that the students experienced new approaches in Sweden, allowing them to develop skills and competences. Furthermore, they increased their global perspectives on nursing and interest in working with global health issues. However, they also experienced challenges in the new environment.Conclusion: The present study showed that the Tanzanian nursing students benefitted from their student exchange, both personally, as well as for their future careers as nurses. More research is needed examining nursing students from low-income countries participating in student exchange in high-income countries.

scholarly journals Fe0/H2O Filtration Systems for Decentralized Safe Drinking Water: Where to from Here?

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Nanseu-Njiki ◽  
Willis Gwenzi ◽  
Martin Pengou ◽  
Mohammad Rahman ◽  
Chicgoua Noubactep
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Iron Corrosion ◽  
Small Communities

Inadequate access to safe drinking water is one of the most pervasive problems currently afflicting the developing world. Scientists and engineers are called to present affordable but efficient solutions, particularly applicable to small communities. Filtration systems based on metallic iron (Fe0) are discussed in the literature as one such viable solution, whether as a stand-alone system or as a complement to slow sand filters (SSFs). Fe0 filters can also be improved by incorporating biochar to form Fe0-biochar filtration systems with potentially higher contaminant removal efficiencies than those based on Fe0 or biochar alone. These three low-cost and chemical-free systems (Fe0, biochar, SSFs) have the potential to provide universal access to safe drinking water. However, a well-structured systematic research is needed to design robust and efficient water treatment systems based on these affordable filter materials. This communication highlights the technology being developed to use Fe0-based systems for decentralized safe drinking water provision. Future research directions for the design of the next generation Fe0-based systems are highlighted. It is shown that Fe0 enhances the efficiency of SSFs, while biochar has the potential to alleviate the loss of porosity and uncertainties arising from the non-linear kinetics of iron corrosion. Fe0-based systems are an affordable and applicable technology for small communities in low-income countries, which could contribute to attaining self-reliance in clean water supply and universal public health.

scholarly journals Access to Controlled Medicines in Low-Income Countries: Listening to Stakeholders in the Field

2020 ◽  
pp. 002073142090674
Author(s):  
Agnes Vitry ◽  
Gilles Forte ◽  
Jason White
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Written Information ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Psychotropic Medicines ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
International Conventions

Little is known on current practices and challenges associated with the legal trade of medicines controlled under international conventions in low-income countries. This qualitative survey involved semi-structured interviews of stakeholders engaged in the trade of controlled medicines at a global level or at a country level in 3 African countries (Uganda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo). Nine interviews were conducted, including 3 international wholesalers, 2 relief organizations, 2 procurement officers, and 2 regulatory officers. Additionally, 4 other participants provided written information. All participants consistently reported that the current process of procuring controlled medicines in compliance with international conventions was long and complex given the number of administrative steps required for obtaining export and import authorizations, which are mandatory for both narcotic and psychotropic medicines. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain import authorizations from some health authorities in low-income countries because of long delays, mistakes in forms, absence or shortage of staff, or when annual national estimates are exceeded. The complexities of the trade of controlled medicines directly contribute to the lack of access to essential controlled medicines, both narcotics and psychotropics, in low-income countries.

scholarly journals How Do Hours Worked Vary with Income? Cross-Country Evidence and Implications

2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 170-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Bick ◽  
Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln ◽  
David Lagakos
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
High Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Aggregate Productivity ◽  
Intensive Margin ◽  
Hours Worked ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Individual

This paper builds a new internationally comparable database of hours worked to measure how hours vary with income across and within countries. We document that average hours worked per adult are substantially higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries. The pattern of decreasing hours with aggregate income holds for both men and women, for adults of all ages and education levels, and along both the extensive and intensive margin. Within countries, hours worked per worker are also decreasing in the individual wage for most countries, though in the richest countries, hours worked are flat or increasing in the wage. One implication of our findings is that aggregate productivity and welfare differences across countries are larger than currently thought. (JEL E23, E24, J22, J31, O11, O15)

scholarly journals Tanzanian primary healthcare workers’ experiences of antibiotic prescription and understanding of antibiotic resistance in common childhood infections: A qualitative phenomenographic study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilda Emgård ◽  
Rose Mwangi ◽  
Celina Mayo ◽  
Ester Mshana ◽  
Gertrud Nkini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
The Individual

Abstract BackgroundAntibiotic resistance is a threat to global child health. Primary healthcare workers play a key role in antibiotic stewardship in the community, but few studies in low-income countries have described their experiences of initiating antibiotic treatment in children. Thus, the present study aimed to describe primary healthcare workers’ experiences of antibiotic prescription for children under five years of age and their conceptions of antibiotic resistance in Northern Tanzania.MethodsA qualitative study involving individual in-depth interviews with 20 prescribing primary healthcare workers in Moshi urban and rural districts, Northern Tanzania, was performed in 2019. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, translated from Kiswahili into English and analysed according to the phenomenographic approach.FindingsFour conceptual themes emerged during the analysis; conceptions in relation to the prescriber, the mother and child, other healthcare actors and in relation to outcome. The healthcare workers relied mainly on clinical examination and medical history provided by the mother to determine the need for antibiotics. Confidence in giving advice concerning non-antibiotic treatment varied among the participants and expectations of antibiotic treatment were perceived to be common among the mothers. Antibiotic resistance was mainly perceived as a problem for the individual patient who was misusing the antibiotics.ConclusionsTo increase rational antibiotic prescription, an awareness needs to be raised among Tanzanian primary healthcare workers of the threat of antibiotic resistance, not only to a few individuals, but to public health. Guidelines on childhood illnesses should be updated with advice concerning symptomatic treatment when antibiotics are not necessary, to support rational prescribing practices and promote trust in the clinician and mother relationship.

scholarly journals Strategic positioning of a motorcycle manufacturer within the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoé J. Bosch ◽  
Dirk Rossouw
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Customer Engagement ◽  
Initial Contact ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Head Office ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Individual

Orientation: Whilst the South African motorcycle industry faces a declining market, an additional challenge remains – the movement of the market into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), calling for strategic amendments.Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate and analyse the current strategies of a specific manufacturer, with the aim of establishing a strategic positioning suitable for the 4IR to gain a competitive advantage.Motivation for the study: Acquired knowledge resulted in the establishment of various suggestions and recommendations, benefitting the manufacturer to gain a competitive advantage in the 4IR and thus strengthening its strategic positioning.Research design, approach and method: Following an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach was used, allowing for in-depth analysis of 29 semi-structured interviews at five different dealerships and the regional head office in South Africa. Interviewees were selected using purposive and convenience sampling for the initial contact with the individual dealerships and regional head office of the motorcycle manufacturer. Thereafter, further interviewees were acquired based on the study requirements. Content analysis was applied to analyse the data.Main findings: Some interviewees were less acquainted with the strategy and positioning of the manufacturer. Strong customer engagement strategies are necessary whilst targeting new markets.Practical/managerial implications: Additional training is required, ensuring the equal acquisition of knowledge amongst employees. The introduction of technologies and the 4IR to customers is required to grow the market. New markets need to be identified and analysed to ensure efficient targeting.Contribution/value-add: Whilst South Africa addresses the 4IR differently to Europe; this study’s focus provides insights for the specific manufacturer to accurately conquer the changing environment.

scholarly journals Strengthening public financial management in the health sector: a qualitative case study from South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. e006911
Author(s):  
Jodi Wishnia ◽  
Jane Goudge
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Boundary Crossing ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Financial Management

IntroductionEffective public financial management (PFM) ensures public health funds are used to deliver services in the best way possible. Given the global call for universal health coverage, and concerns about the management of public funds in many low-income and middle-income countries, PFM has become an important area of research. South Africa has a robust PFM framework, that is generally adhered to, and yet financial outcomes have remained poor. In this paper, we describe how a South African provincial department of health tried to strengthen its PFM processes by deploying finance managers into service delivery units, involving service delivery managers in the monthly finance meeting, using a weekly committee to review expenditure requests and starting a weekly managers’ ‘touch-base’ meeting. We assess whether these strategies strengthened collaboration and trust and how this impacted on PFM.MethodThis research used a case study design with ethnographic methods. Semi-structured interviews (n=30) were conducted with participant observations. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes and collaborative public management theory was then used to frame the findings. The authors used reflexive methods, and member checking was conducted.ResultsThe deployment of staff and touch-base meeting illustrated the potential of multidisciplinary teams when members share power, and the importance of impartial leadership when trying to achieve consensus on how to prioritise resource use. However, the service delivery and finance managers did not manage to collaborate in the monthly finance meeting to develop realistic budgets, or to reprioritise expenditure when required. The resulting mistrust threatened to derail the other strategies, highlighting how critical trust is for collaboration.ConclusionEffective PFM requires authentic collaboration between service delivery and finance managers; formal processes alone will not achieve this. We recommend more opportunities for ‘boundary crossing’, embedding finance managers in service delivery units and impartial effective leadership.

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