Department of Public Health

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Open Access
The prevalence of work related respiratory signs and symptoms among maintenance and transport section employees at Mapulaneng Hospital
(2009-09) Radebe, Philemon Lovers Ngowakhe; Pengpid, Supa
Open Access
Sexual behaviour survey of resident students at the University of Venda, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2010-05) Miti, Mavuto Andrew Michael; Akinsola, H. A.; Gerritsen, A. M.
Open Access
Educational programme to improve perceptions of young adults regarding VCT use in Limpopo Province
(2010-09) Risenga, Patrone Rebecca; Davhana-Maselelsele, Mashudu; Obi, C. L.
See the attached abstract below
Metadata only
Prevalence of parental disclosure in the legal termination of pregnancy among adolescents in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2010-09-18) Ramuhaheli, Litshani Fredah; Gerritsen, A. A. M.; Akinsola, H. A.
Open Access
An evaluation of the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among workers at University of Venda
(2012) Nkuna, Thokho; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli. A. K.
Occupational hazards cause or contribute to the premature death of millions of people worldwide and results in the ill health or disablement of hundreds of millions more each year. World Health Organisation reports, indicated that occupational risk factors account globally for a number of morbidity conditions, including 37% of back pains, 16% of hearing loss, 13% of chronic obstructive lungs disease, 11% of asthma, 10% of injuries and 9% of lung cancer. According to the report, mortality is also due to work related injuries causing nearly 310,000 deaths each year and nearly 146,000 deaths are attributable to work related carcinogens (WHO, 2005). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among University of Venda workers. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive design. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population was all the workers who were more at risk of occupational health hazards on daily basis than others from the following departments: Ground I horticulture, Technical services, Protection and cleaning services. The questionnaire was self - administered and the data was analysed descriptively using the SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Sciences). The results of the study revealed that the level of awareness about occupational health and safety was poor based on the following findings: 46 (3.7%) never heard about Occupational Health and Safety Act before, while 37 (30.3%) heard about OHS Act from their previous jobs. Forty nine percent revealed that there is no OHS in the premises, while 65 (53.3%) revealed that there have no representatives in the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Furthermore, 57 (46.72%) knew nothing about the role of safety representatives. It was recommended that the University should create awareness among the workers by establishing health and safety education programmes.
Open Access
An evaluation of the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among workers at University of Venda
(2013-02-26) Nkuna, Thoko; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A. K.
Occupational hazards cause or contribute to the premature death of millions of people worldwide and results in the ill health or disablement of hundreds of millions more each year. World Health Organisation reports, indicated that occupational risk factors account globally for a number of morbidity conditions, including 37% of back pains, 16% of hearing loss, 13% of chronic obstructive lungs disease, 11% of asthma, 10% of injuries and 9% of lung cancer. According to the report, mortality is also due to work related injuries causing nearly 310,000 deaths each year and nearly 146,000 deaths are attributable to work related carcinogens (WHO, 2005). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among University of Venda workers. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive design. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population was all the workers who were more at risk of occupational health hazards on daily basis than others from the following departments: Ground I horticulture, Technical services, Protection and cleaning services. The questionnaire was self - administered and the data was analysed descriptively using the SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Sciences). The results of the study revealed that the level of awareness about occupational health and safety was poor based on the following findings: 46 (3.7%) never heard about Occupational Health and Safety Act before, while 37 (30.3%) heard about OHS Act from their previous jobs. Forty nine percent revealed that there is no OHS in the premises, while 65 (53.3%) revealed that there have no representatives in the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Furthermore, 57 (46.72%) knew nothing about the role of safety representatives. It was recommended that the University should create awareness among the workers by establishing health and safety education programmes.
Open Access
Learner performance in accounting grade 12 in the Vhembe District
(2013-10-01) Tshiovhe, Elizabeth Takalani; Monobe, R.J.; Mulaudzi, N. O.
Open Access
The impact of HIV/AIDS on elderly people in the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2013-10-01) Singo, Vhudivhusi Julia; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Maluleke, Thelma Xabela
HIV/AIDS causes serious burdens on the lives of elderly people, and more particularly so because they are often expected to take care of their terminally ill children and assume the responsibility of looking after children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, in most cases with very little resources. The overall aim of this study was to explore and describe the impact of HIV/AIDS on elderly people infected with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS (EPLWHA) in the Thulamela municipality. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: describing the views of elderly people regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives, determining the challenges that EPLWHA face in their daily lives, and gaining a sense of the coping strategies they use to overcome the obstacles they face in relation to HIV/AIDS. Ethical issues such as permission to conduct the study, informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, withdrawal of participation and measure to ensure trustworthiness were taken into consideration. A qualitative explorative descriptive study was conducted in two phases. During the first phase, key participants were interviewed using an interview guide.. In the second phase, general participants were interviewed, also using an interview guide. Information provided by the participants was captured on a tape recorder. Data collected during interviews over a period of three weeks, with key participants and general participants, were collated into themes, categories and subcategories. The data were analyzed using an open coding method. The study findings revealed that HIV/AIDS has serious negative impacts on the lives of elderly people, particularly those living in poverty. The following key areas in relation to EPLWHA were established: psychological or emotional health, household and socioeconomic burdens. Considering the role that elderly people plays in the community insofar as HIV/AIDS is concerned, primary health promotion and social welfare programmes should be directed at educating all elderly people and their service providers how to cope with the health and social problems related to HIV/AIDS.
Open Access
Factors contributing to low tuberculosis cure rate in primary health care facilities within the Greater Giyani Municipalities of Limpopo Province
(2013-10-01) Maswanganyi, Nandzumuni Velaphi; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Mashau, Ntsieni Stella
Tuberculosis is a disease that is curable when a person takes full course of treatment within a prescribed period. However, as the prevalence of TB is increasing worldwide, many countries still experience low TB cure rates. Globally, there are targets for TB cure rates so that it is possible to monitor its progress. This study explored and described the factors that contributed to the low TB cure rates in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities of the Greater Giyani Municipality in the Mopani District of the Limpopo Province. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: determine the factors that contributed to the low TB cure rates in the Greater Giyani Municipality; explore how TB patients are managed after discharge from hospital; identify the challenges faced by TB patients when taking treatment at home; and determine the strategies that can be used to improve the low TB cure rate within Greater Giyani Municipality. The research design in this study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual in nature. The study population consisted of professional nurses working in PHC facilities which have a cure rate below the national target of 85%. The study population also consisted of TB patients collecting treatment at these facilities. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the facilities, professional nurses and patients. The objectives of the study were met during data collection which was conducted through the use of individual face-to-face interviews followed by data analysis. Data collection was done up to 12 patients because no new information was forthcoming from the patients. Patients were 3 males and 9 females, the professional nurses were 18 and all were females. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 57 and those of professional nurses ranged between 31 and 48. Tech's open coding methodology was used to analyze data in this study. Data from both participant groups were collated into themes and sub-themes. The following themes emerged from raw data: themes from professional nurses: poor management of TB patients on discharge from the hospital and the impact of stigma on the management of TB patients. One theme emerged from TB patients: the experience of TB patients on barriers to treatment adherence. Complications such as the poor referral system of TB patients from the hospital to PHC facilities, and the latter frequently running out of stock for food supplements and TB treatment, together with cultural beliefs and the stigma attached to TB resulted in TB patients seeking assistance from traditional health practitioners and faith-based healers, also impacted negatively on treatment adherence and TB cure rate. It is recommended that TB patients and their family members be counseled on diagnosis so that they understand their condition and comply with treatment. The inclusion of TB patients in community projects for food security and financial support was proposed as was the involvement of community stakeholders in the management of TB to remove stigma of TB in the community. The study suggested that policy about the referral of TB patients need to be developed in order to improve the poor referral system. It wa concluded that most of the TB patients have poor family support structures which made it difficult for them to secure financial and food security, and hence to comply with the demands imposed between TB treatment schedules.
Open Access
Factors contributing to high blood pressure among adults at Folovhodwe Village in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Ramaano, Ntovholeni Sylvia; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A.
The aim of the study was to identify factors contributing to high blood pressure among adults at Folovhodwe village Mutale municipality, Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. From the clinic register, 91 patients who were hypertensive in the year 2010 were identified. Of those 76 were females and 15 were males. All patients were included since the number was not big. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect data. All were followed from their place and complete the questionnaires. They were requested to give consent before participating in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Data were entered into SPSS. Frequency tables were used. The findings indicate that majority of participants do not have enough knowledge on factors contributing to high blood pressure. The results show that the followings contribute to high blood pressure: smoking cigarette, alcohol drinking, social problems, and family history, snoring and overweight. The researcher recommends that awareness campaign and researches on high blood pressure should be conducted on a regular basis including factors contributing to high blood pressure to add knowledge that can help in prevention and good management of high blood pressure. Females should be encouraged to empower themselves in order to live better lives and not depend on their partner for daily living as low socioeconomic contribute to high blood pressure. Community health involvement programmes should be encouraged with regards to how to live good lives including physical fitness.
Open Access
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of University of Venda resident students regarding substance abuse, Thohoyandou, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Ajao, Babajide; Akinsola, H. A.; Tshitangano, T. G.;
Open Access
Evaluation of the implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV interventions in Mafikeng sub-district clinics, North West Province, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Mangale, Ndivhuho; Amusa, L. O.; Mashau, N. S.
Open Access
Challenges faced by HIV positive parents regarding disclosure to their children in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in South Africa
(2015-01-30) Ramakulukusha, Tshilidzi Olga; Akinsola, H. A; Mashau, N. S.; HIV positive women -- South Africa -- Limpopo
Open Access
Perceptions regarding occupational injuries by employees at Letaba Hospital in Mopani District, Limpopo Province
(2015-02-02) Malatjie, S. K.; Makatu, M.
The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of employees regarding Occupational injuries at Letaba Hospital, Mopani District in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study followed the qualitative-explorative design. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants·to partake in focus group Interviews. The discussions were tape recorded with the permission from the respondents. Tesch's eight steps of data analysis were utilized to analyse the data. The findings revealed that even though the participants know about occupational injuries, some still blame other people and witchcraft as causes of injuries. The participants experienced occupational injuries like burns, falling from ladders and needle pricks due to negligence in the use of Personal Protective Equipments. It emerged in the findings that occupational injuries can cause death at times. The study also revealed that negative perceptions and experiences of the employees towards the use of Personal Protective Equipment are still a challenge to some participants. The institution and the provincial office were perceived to be responsible for provision of Personal Protective Equipments that should be done twice or thrice a year and that in-service training and awareness campaigns should be organized for the employees in the Mopani district. The study concluded that if employees have negative perceptions and experiences regarding occupational injuries their preventive effort becomes low and become exposed to injuries as a result of not using personal protective equipment. The study recommends that employees get workshops regarding the value of occupational injuries and be supported by both the local institution and the provincial Occupational Health and Safety office.
Open Access
Experiences of HIV postitive patients on antiretroviral treatement at Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2015-02-06) Ndou, Tshifhiwa Violet; Risenga, P. R.; Maputle, M. S.
Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has improved the quality of people who are (human immune virus) HIV positive. They have been document to decrease the morbidity and mortality of people its introduction in the late 1990's. The study addressed the experiences of HIV positive patients in the Vhembe District of Limpopo South Africa. The aim and purpose of the study is to identify, explore, and describe the experiences of HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART). A qualitative research method was used where experiences of HIV positive patients was explored and described in detail. A non-probability purposive sampling was used and the target population was those HIV positive patients on ART treatment who are eighteen and above. The researcher used an in depth interview as a means for data collection. The open coding method was used for data analysis. Six themes emanated from the study as presented underneath; each theme consists of sub-themes: Dominant tales of perceived family support for HIV positive relative on ART resulting in feelings of despair and those of being accepted; Stigma and discrimination related to taking ART; Participants' experiences while on ART; Knowledge related to ART process; Disclosure of HIV positive status; and Experiences on healthcare providers' practices in the ART clinic. The study revealed that the role of family support is of utmost important to HIV positive patients and the government should carry out intensive support, education making awareness campaigns to affected families and patients in order to reduce stigma and discrimination and improve care and support.
Open Access
Challenges faced by community caregivers rendering services to children in drop-in-centres in Musina Municipality, South Africa
(2015-02-18) Mbedzi, Azwinndini; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A.
Open Access
Assessement of client satisfaction with services offered at Dr C. N. Phathudi Hospital in Limpopo Province l
(2015-03-04) Masango, Sylvia Tshimangadzo; Maluleke, T .X.; Maluleke, F. R. S.
Open Access
Student's level of awareness and views about the implementation of sexual harassment policy in the University of Venda
(2015-05) Oni, Helen Tosin; Tshitangano, T. G.; Akinsola, H. A.
Open Access
Perceived health benefits of participating in physical activity amongst elderly people in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province South Africa
(2015-05) Ndadza, M; Tshitangano, T. G.; Goon, D. T.
Open Access
Factors influencing access to primary healthcare services in Berejena Village, Guruve South District, Zimbabwe
(2015-05) Mubaiwa, Loice; Mashau, N. S.; Tshitangano, T. G.
Background: Accessibility to healthcare services at any healthcare facility is a vital and developmental issue and it as a very crucial aim of many governments globally. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing access to primary healthcare services in Berejena village, Guruve South District, Zimbabwe. Methods: A quantitative approach using a descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed. A self-reporting questionnaire with closed-ended questions was administered to both males and females respondents between the ages of 18-65 who suited the inclusion criteria. The targeted population was ordinary Zimbabweans. Four hundred and twenty five households were systematically selected and a sample size of 220 respondents randomly selected was used. Permission to conduct the research was sought from the Ethics Committee of the University of Venda and the Office of the District Administrator of Guruve South District. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 was used to analyze data. Results: The results were presented on frequency tables and graphs. The findings showed that socio-economic and some socio-cultural factors had a negative impact and influence Primary HealthCare Services access (PHCS) in Berejena Village. It was found that sample (96%) regarded travel time, shortage of healthcare professionals (92%) and shortage of essential medication (93%) as factors influencing their access to PHCS. However, respondents showed that decision making (72%) and ethnicity (66%) did not influence their access to PHCS. Conclusion: Lack of medical aid, unreliability of transport and shortage of essential drugs were recognized as some of the socio-economic factors influencing access to PHCS. Religious beliefs, level of education and age are socio-cultural factors influencing access to PHCS and factors like decision making, ethnicity and marital status do not influence PHCS access in Berejena village. Recommendations: Introducing mobile clinics, health village workers, implementation and monitoring are some of the strategies that could help address the challenges raised in this study and better access to PHCS in Berejena village.