scholarly journals From malaria control to elimination in South Africa: The researchers’ perspectives

Author(s):  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana ◽  
Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni

Background: Global decline in malaria episodes over the past decade gave rise to a debate to target malaria elimination in eligible countries. However, investigation regarding researchers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to effective implementation of a malaria elimination policy in South Africa (SA) is lacking.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the malaria researchers’ knowledge, understandings, perceived roles, and their perspectives on the factors influencing implementation of a malaria elimination policy in SA.Setting: Participants were drawn from the researchers who fulfilled the eligibility criteria as per the protocol, and the criteria were not setting-specific.Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted through an emailed self-administered semi-structured questionnaire amongst malaria researchers who met the set selection criteria and signed informed consent.Results: Most (92.3%) participants knew about SA’s malaria elimination policy, but only 45.8% had fully read it. The majority held a strong view that SA’s 2018 elimination target was not realistic, citing that the policy had neither been properly adapted to the country’s operational setting nor sufficiently disseminated to all relevant healthcare workers. Key concerns raised were lack of new tools, resources, and capacity to fight malaria; poor cross-border collaborations; overreliance on partners to implement; poor community involvement; and poor surveillance.Conclusion: Malaria elimination is a noble idea, with sharp divisions. However, there is a general agreement that elimination requires: (a) strong cross-border initiatives; (b) deployment of adequate resources; (c) sustainable multistakeholder support and collaboration; (d) good surveillance systems; and (e) availability and use of all effective intervention tools.

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47
Author(s):  
Zahoor Ahmad ◽  
Zohra Shah

Introduction: Physical therapists works in a number of environments including hospitals, private practitioners, outpatient clinics, health care agencies, colleges, sports and recreation centres, workplaces and nursing homes. In Pakistan, the referral of patients to the physical therapy is mainly by physicians or doctors. It is it is important for the doctors to have awareness about the role of physical therapists. Material & Methods: This was a cross sectional survey conducted from Jan 2020 to August 2020. The research was based on a self-structured questionnaire which was provided to medical doctors at a hospital in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The total number of participants in this survey was 145 doctors. The sampling techniques used for this survey was convenient sampling. Inclusion criteria of the study was medical doctors holding MBBS or equivalent degree. Data collected was analysed through SPSS version 22. Results: Out of 145 participants, 112 (77.2%) were males and 33 (22.8%) were females. Questionnaire was filled by 11.7% orthopaedic specialists, 11.0% neurologists, 13.1% paediatricians, 20.7% gynaecologists and 43.4% by doctor of other specialties. From the total participants, only 98 (67.4%) were aware about the eligibility criteria of entering in the field of physiotherapy, 77.9 % were aware about the specialization in physiotherapy and 90.3% were aware about the treatment of physiotherapy. Those who agreed that physiotherapy helps in reducing pain were 132 with percentage 91.0%.120(82.8%) doctors agreed that physical therapy is crucial in community-based recovery. According to 125 doctors, early intervention through physical therapy leads to an effective rehabilitation. A total of 61(42.1%) doctors agreed that physiotherapy was an excellent field. Conclusion: It was found out that nearly 60% of the medical doctors in District Swabi were familiar with physiotherapy care and with the field of physiotherapy. A big number of these doctors (80 percent of doctors) were aware that physiotherapy helps in reducing pain, provide appropriate care and plays an important role in the community.


Mousaion ◽  
10.25159/2054 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-67
Author(s):  
Mahlaga Johannes Molepo ◽  
Linda M. Cloete

The way in which an institution treats its records is crucial for its survival in a rapidly changing society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the records management practices and challenges faced by traditional institutions of leadership and governance in Ga Molepo, Limpopo, South Africa. The researcher employed a cross-sectional survey in order to quantitatively examine the challenges faced by members of traditional councils. A researcher administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to study a stratified sample of 35 members from an estimated population of 350. The findings revealed patterns and trends of non-compliance with records management standards and guidelines. Although there were sporadic cases of record keeping, a greater number of respondents revealed that traditional institutions lack the facilities, equipment, education and trained/skilled personnel to apply correct records management procedures in their daily administration of their traditional communities. The main value of the study is to create awareness of records management as one of the neglected areas in traditional institutions – which are by current legislative arrangement, the closest form of leadership and governance for rural communities in light of their relationship with local municipalities and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
B.B. Subba ◽  
N. Rimal ◽  
B.M. Shrestha

Introduction: TB is considered one of the opportunistic infection among PLHIV. The increasing burden of HIV/TB co-infection among key population cause problem to maintain adherence to ART and DOTS services. The emergence of MDR-TB is one of the greatest challenge to control and management of both diseases. However, having knowledge and information of both diseases are important role to access the available HIV/TB services. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among key population who had HIV/TB co-infection in two-epidemic zone of Nepal. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. ANOVA test was done to analyze the collected data by using SPSS version 20.0. Results: A total of 343 HIV/TB co-infected individuals were enrolled to the study. Most of participants were from ART and DOTS clients. Therefore, the study found that there was significance difference found between knowledge about TB (F=4.400, p= 0.005), causative agent of TB (F=3.160, p=0.025), risk of TB illness among PLHIV (F=8.491, p=0.001) and among key affected population. Moreover, there was significance difference found between access to OI treatment (F=5.113, p=0.002) and access to viral load (F=4.642, p=0.003) among key study population. In gender perspective, there was no significance difference to use and access to available HIV/TB services. Conclusion: The general knowledge on HIV/TB co-infection was significant association with key population. The knowledge on HIV/TB and access to NGOs’ help can significant effect to access the available HIV and TB services.


2021 ◽  
pp. 084456212110144
Author(s):  
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia ◽  
Mary T. Fox ◽  
Souraya Sidani ◽  
Sherry Dahlke ◽  
Deborah Tregunno

Objectives The study aimed to describe and compare nurses’ perceptions of role conflict by professional designation [registered nurse (RN) vs registered practical nurse (RPN)] in three primary areas of practice (emergency department, medical unit, and surgical unit). Methods This analysis used data (n = 1,981) from a large cross-sectional survey of a random sample of RNs and RPNs working as staff nurses in acute care hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Role conflict was measured by the Role Conflict Scale. Results A total of 1,981 participants (RN = 1,427, RPN = 554) met this study’s eligibility criteria and provided complete data. In general, RN and RPN mean total scale scores on role conflict hovered around the scale’s mid-point (2.72 to 3.22); however, RNs reported a higher mean score than RPNs in the emergency department (3.22 vs. 2.81), medical unit (2.95 vs 2.81) and surgical unit (2.90 vs 2.72). Where statistically significant differences were found, the effect sizes were negligible to medium in magnitude with the largest differences noted between RNs and RPNs working in the emergency department. Conclusions The results suggest the need to implement strategies that diminish role conflict for both RNs and RPNs.


2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. E. Udonwa ◽  
E. K. Uko ◽  
B. M. Ikpeme ◽  
I. A. Ibanga ◽  
B. O. Okon

A population-based-cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the potential risk of exposure to premium motor spirit (PMS) fumes in Calabar, Nigeria, among Automobile Mechanics (AM), Petrol Station Attendants (PSA) and the general population. Structured questionnaire was administered on the randomly chosen subjects to elicit information on their exposure to PMS. Duration of exposure was taken as the length of work in their various occupations. Venous blood was taken for methaemoglobin (MetHb) and packed cells volume (PCV). Mean MetHb value was higher in AM (7.3%) and PSA (5.8%) than in the subjects from the general population (2.7%). PCV was lower in PSA (30.8%), than AM (33.3%) and the subjects from the general population (40.8%). MetHb level was directly proportional, and PCV inversely related, to the duration of exposure. The study suggested increased exposure to petrol fumes among AM, PSA, and MetHb as a useful biomarker in determining the level of exposure to benzene in petrol vapour.


2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1752-1758 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zulfa Abrahams ◽  
Anniza de Villiers ◽  
Nelia P Steyn ◽  
Jean Fourie ◽  
Lucinda Dalais ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and describe factors associated with food shop (known as tuck shop in South Africa) and lunchbox behaviours of primary-school learners in South Africa.DesignAnalysis of data collected in 2008 from a cross-sectional survey.SettingSixteen primary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa.SubjectsA total of 717 grade 4 learners aged 10–12 years.ResultsA 24 h recall established that 69 % of learners carried a lunchbox to school and 49 % had consumed at least one item purchased from the school food shop/vendor. Most lunchboxes contained white bread with processed meat, whereas the most frequent food shop/vendor purchase comprised chips/crisps. Learners who carried a lunchbox to school had significantly lower BMI percentiles (P = 0·002) and BMI-for-age (P = 0·034), compared with their counterparts. Moreover, they were younger, had higher standard-of-living and dietary diversity scores, consumed more meals per day, had greater self-efficacy and came from predominantly urban schools, compared with those who did not carry a lunchbox to school. Learners who ate food shop/vendor purchases had a lower standard-of-living score and higher dietary diversity and meal scores. Only 2 % of learners were underweight, whereas 19 % were stunted and 21 % were overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2).ConclusionsChildren who carried a lunchbox to school appeared to have greater dietary diversity, consumed more regular meals, had a higher standard of living and greater nutritional self-efficacy compared with those who did not carry a lunchbox to school.


2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Bagraim

The emigration of skilled nurses from South Africa exacerbates the crisis in the provision of public health services. A descriptive, quantitative design was applied to investigate the relationship between intention to emigrate and employee commitment. Over 400 registered nurses (N = 419), working within public sector tertiary hospitals in the Western Cape, responded to a cross-sectional survey questionnaire. Three foci of employee commitment (organisational, professional and national) were examined but only national commitment significantly helped predict intention to emigrate from South Africa in the regression model (beta = -0.0525, p < 0.0001). The implications of the results obtained in this study are discussed.Die emigrasie van verpleegkundiges uit Suid-Afrika vererger die krisis in die verskaffing van gesondheidsorgdienste in die land. ’n Beskrywende, kwantitatiewe ontwerp is gebruik om die verwantskap tussen werknemertoewyding en die voorneme om te emigreer te ondersoek. Meer as 400 verpleegsters (N = 419) wat in openbare tersiêre hospitale in die Wes-Kaap werk, het op die vraelys gereageer. Drie fokusareas van toewyding (organisatories, professioneel en nasionaal) is gemeet, maar net nasionale toewyding het daartoe bygedra om emigrasievoorneme te voorspel (beta = -0.0525, p < 0.0001). Die implikasies van hierdie resultate word bespreek.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dag V. Haristad ◽  
Eivind A. Skille ◽  
Miranda Thurston

SummaryThis paper reports on the perspectives of elite athletes on anti-doping work in general and on the whereabouts system in particular, and uses a figurational perspective to explore the unintended consequences of the planned introduction of the whereabouts system. A cross-sectional survey of all the athletes in the Norwegian registered testing pool (n = 236, response rate = 80.8%) was carried out in 2006, using a structured questionnaire. Overall, 70.6% of the athletes agreed that doping was a problem in elite sport in general, but paradoxically only 17.5% agreed that doping was a problem in their own sport. However, more than four in ten (43%) of the athletes agreed that the whereabouts information system made a contribution to a “cleaner” sport. Some athletes thought the system was unfair. The whereabouts information system had, despite all good intentions, outcomes other than those planned and intended by the WADA. Thus, athletes’ views might fruitfully be integrated with other perspectives when anti-doping work is developed further.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-94
Author(s):  
Abdulkabir Ayansiji Ayanniyi ◽  
Fatai Olasunkanmi Olatunji ◽  
Ramatu Yahaya Hassan ◽  
Bola Josephine Adekoya ◽  
Kehinde Fasasi Monsudi ◽  
...  

Aim: It has been observed that potential beneficiaries rarely request for alternatives to corrective eyeglasses in our setting. The objective of this study was to determine awareness and attitude towards alternatives to spectacle correction, specifically; contact lens and refractive eye surgery among spectacle wearers in a resource-limited setting.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 214 spectacle wearers in seven Nigerian hospitals using semi-structured questionnaire. Information sought included demographic characteristics, awareness, and attitudes to contact lens and refractive eye surgery as well as reasons for the poor interest in alternatives to eyeglasses.Results: There were 93 males and 121 females, with a mean age of 40.2 years (SD 15.8.). Most, 198 (92.6%) had at least secondary education. Ninety-eight (45.8%) and 113 (52.8%) patients were aware of the options of contact lens and refractive eye surgery respectively, but 171 (80%) were averse to wearing contact lenses or having refractive eye surgery. Reasons given included lack of information, high cost, and possible complications that may arise. Higher education was significantly associated with participants’ awareness of alternatives to eyeglasses (contact lens [P = 0.016], refractive eye surgery [P=0.009]) but not with willingness to use contact lens (P = 0.96) or refractive eye surgery (P = 0.425).Conclusion: There was relatively high awareness but low willingness to use alternatives to corrective eyeglasses among users. Education on alternatives to corrective eyeglasses, allaying fears on their complications, and making them more affordable could enhance awareness and create a more positive attitude towards them.


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