Theses and Dissertations

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    Perceptions of the role of initiation schools in dealing with unplanned teenage pregnancies in Thohoyandou
    (2013-12-10) Ramabulana, Alipfali Victoria; Duncan, Norman
    Lack of skills development in the education department has always been the factor hindering productivity and the ability to cope with every time curriculum changes and development. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of skills development on the educators ofVhembe District of Vhumbedzi Circuit. The study was also aimed at identifying challenges facing department of education in developing the educators' existing skills, determining the cause of the lack of skills and amongst others determine the strategies to improve educators' competency. The study was important because the findings of the study will help to improve the standard of educators training. The study used both qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Interviews scheduled and survey questionnaire were used in order to collect data. The study has discovered that negative attitude in educators, inadequate training of educators, lack of funds for skills training and rapid curriculum changes play a role in educators' lack of productivity. The study has made the following recommendation that more funds should be made available for training of educators and those educators who have completed their studies should be remunerated in order to encourage them to further their studies. The study also recommends that educators should be thoroughly trained in the new curriculum, instead of given microwave workshops which are not effective.
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    The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol use : a qualitative study of out-patients in Thulamela hospitals in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province
    (2014-01-10) Manganye, Leslie; Mashamba, T.; Mutwanamba, M.
    Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a risk factor for alcohol use and in turn has been independently associated with increased health problems. PTSD is a serious and disabling disorder that is commonly seen in primary - care setting. Many people experience a traumatic event at some point in in their life, however, not all individuals who experience a trauma event eventually go on to develop PTSD. Being diagnosed with PTSD increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use is known to be a major factor affecting the incidence of traumatic injury. PTSD does not automatically cause problems with alcohol use because there are many people with PTSD who do not have problems with alcohol. However PTSD and alcohol together can cause serious troubles for the trauma survivor and his or her family. PTSD symptoms are often worsened by alcohol use. Although alcohol can provide a temporary feeling of distraction and relief, it also reduces the ability to concentrate, enjoy life, be productive, and is associated with chaotic lifestyle which reduces family emotional closeness; on the other hand it increases family conflicts, and reduces parenting abilities. The main aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between PTSD and alcohol use among PTSD out- patients. This study used a qualitative approach. A phenomenological research design was used for the study because I wanted to understand and interpret the meaning that respondents give to their everyday experiences of a phenomenon. The study was conducted in Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province. The population comprised of out-patients receiving treatment for PTSD from the three hospitals in Thulamela Municipality. A sample size of ten (10) PTSD out-patients, who use alcohol, I were randomly selected through purposive sampling. Data was gathered through a structured face - to - face interview and respondents were encouraged to use their mother tongue in order for them to participate freely. Individual interviews were conducted outside the respondents' respective hospitals. Tshivenda and Xitsonga were used to conduct the interviews and data was transcribed, and was later translated into English. An interview guide was used as an instrument to collect data and this contained nine (9) open-ended questions. Data gathered was analysed through the five stages of content analysis. Ethical consideration was observed to ensure that respondents were well informed and protected against potential harm. The findings of this study show that respondents were exposed to different traumatic events which included motor vehicle accidents, sexual assaults, robbery, rape, seeing someone getting hurt and killed, and fire. Most of these events were found to be individual traumas hence reactions to these exposures were different from one respondent to the other. Respondents reported that they have intrusive, avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms. Finding, of the study have revealed that some of the respondents were sexually abused while they were still young and this has resulted in them feeling weak or even worthless, and a shame-based sense of self has developed in these respondents. Respondents indicated that they were not only exposed to a single event but multiple events that led to the development of PTSD. Respondents on this study 'Aere found to have increased their drinking pattern following trauma exposure and the main intention for this behaviour was to cope with their overwhelming experiences. The study also revealed that respondents' occupation and other areas of functioning were also affected. For example, productivity at work, performance at school, and socially they have become withdrawn. Self-medication through alcohol use was found therefore to be the main defence used to deal with these painful experiences by respondents. Data collected also revealed that respondents have used other ways oi dealing with these experiences. The study had a few limitations that would limit generalization of the findings: one is that respondents were drawn from a single geographical location which is Thulamela Municipality and also that the study included respondents who were suffering from both acute and chronic PTSD. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: establishment of wellness programmes at workplace, educating people about the basic symptoms of PTSD and awareness campaigns on alcohol use, treatment of both psychological and physical health symptoms, need for training of educators, treatment of trauma respondents, and Urine test.
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    Criminal behviour among youth at Muledane Village identification of prevalence, causes and effects
    (2015-01-20) Semise, Khathutshelo Edith; Makatu, M.; Nkoana, S. E.
    Crime is one of the challenges that is facing South Africa as a country. This study focused on the causes, effects and prevalence of youth criminal behaviour at Muledane in the Limpopo Province. The study is relevant since there has never been a study of the ame nature done at this particular village (Muledane). This study focused on the crimes committed mainly by the youth because young people are more involved in criminal activities than adults. This study employed a quantitative approach. A self-administered questionnaire was given to selected participants. simple random sampling was used to select these participants. The descriptive research design was used. The research population included Tshivenda - peaking youth residing at Muledane village under Thulamela Municipality. Data gathered from participants was analysed using descriptive statistics in which response frequencies and percentages were calculated. The following ethics were taken into consideration: Avoidance of harm whether physically, mentally or emotionally. The researcher ensured that the ethic of informed consent was observed. This was done by informing the participants of the procedures, advantages and disadvantages of the study, as well as the possible dangers. The researcher did not deceive the participants in any way during the study. The participants privacy/anonymity/confidentiality was not violated in any way. The researcher was competent, and most importantly, made sure that the participants received feedback after the study.
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    Evaluation of the screening and brief intervention for risky alcohol use in Sibasa Primary Health Care Clinic in Thulamela Municipality
    (2015-02-11) Ramarumo, Mpho; Peltzer, K.; Khoza, L. B.
    The use of alcohol as a drug is common in many societies, and has a history stretching back for millennia (Rodseth, 2012). There is a well-developed culture surrounding the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages, as they form part of celebrations, meals and religious rituals and frequently form the hub of social interaction (Rodseth 2012). In a review of the data from national surveys carried out in South Africa, Peltzer and Ramlagan (2009) found that binge drinking was between 7% and 11% and risky drinking, 6.9%. South Africa appears to have one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption per drinker in the world. Up to a third of drinkers in this country drink at risky levels over weekends, and it is common for them to drink to intoxication (Peltzer & Ramlagan, 2009). Thirty to fifty percent of people, who drank in 2008, experienced at least one alcohol-related problem, such as missing work or having interpersonal problems (Schukit, 2009). Disorders related to alcohol use are responsible for a large proportion of the health-care burden in many countries. Alcohol affects almost every organ in the body (Schukit, 2009). Alcohol-related traumatic injuries as a result of violence and motor vehicle accidents are common in South Africa. The levels of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome are the highest ever recorded (Peltzer & Ramlagan, 2009). Studies show very strong links between drinking and the engagement in risky sexual behaviours, increasing the risk of HIV infections (Peltzer & Ramlagan, 2009). Risky alcohol use is a problem as it creates many negative consequences for both the drinker and the people near to him/her. There is a need for an effective method to help those who are risky drinkers to reduce their drinking. The use of brief intervention can be very effective in helping the patients reduce or discontinue alcohol abuse (Rodseth, 2012). The brief intervention protocol includes four components, namely: ask about alcohol use, assess using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), advise using the brief intervention protocol, and assist. Intervention includes direct feedback about the researched concerns, discussions about the impact on the patients' health, setting goals, behavioural modification strategies, direction to self-help resources and follow-up and reinforcement (Saunders, Aasland, Amundsen & Grant 1993). Objectives • To pre-test the use of alcohol with the aid of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test; • To implement the screening and brief intervention; and • To implement a post-test to ascertain the use of alcohol 6 months after the intervention. Data collection and analysis A sample of 140 participants who consulted the Sibasa clinic was selected using the AUDIT questionnaire, and then randomly sampled to be either part of a control or experimental group. Each group consisted of 70 participants. After selection, the control group was provided with only an information leaflet on how to cut down alcohol. The experimental group was provided with individual counselling. Depending on their drinking behaviour the counselling the experimental group received ranged from simple advice, alcohol education and brief counselling. Six months after the first AUDIT, both groups were reassessed to ascertain if there had been any change in drinking behaviour. Main results The baseline data was compared with the post test data using ANOVA and the results showed a significant reduction of the AUDIT score in both experimental (t=15.47; P<0.001) and control (t=l 1.28; P<0.001) groups. However, the intervention group had a higher reduction in alcohol consumption than the control group. Using ANOVA, showed that there was overall no significant intervention effect between experimental and control conditions at the 6 months follow-up. Author's conclusions Overall brief intervention was effective in reducing the consumption of alcohol. There was improvement on the alcohol consumption of the control group. The sample was small, hence there is a need for future researchers to continue the research using bigger samples.
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    Academic anxiety among students in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Venda, South Africa: associated factors and effect
    (2016-05) Adediran, Olawumi Adedeji; Takalani, J. F.; Sikhwari, T. D.; Mashamba, T.
    See the attached abstract below
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    A phenomenological study of the causes and consequences of teenage pregnancy in schools around Malamulele, Thulamela Municipality in Limpopo Province
    (2016-05) Manyisi, M. K.; Makatu, M.; Takalani, F. J.
    See the attached abstract below
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    Exploring psychological stress, effects and coping resources among orphans in Magona Village of Malamulele Community in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province
    (2016-05) Baloyi, Tsakani Mekie; Mudhovozi, P.; Takalani, J.
    See the attached abstract below
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    Experiences of teenage mothers on social support in Nzhelele Community of Makhado Municipality
    (2017-09-18) Magwabeni, Hulisani Bridget; Mashamba, M. T.; Taka;lani, F. J.
    In South Africa, today, teenage pregnancy is on the increase, resulting in social and public health problems. The Department of Health (2002) indicates that, nationally 16.4% of the teenagers become pregnant every month. The Department also states that 26.4% of Grade 8 learners, 13.4% Grade 9 learners, 12.6% Grade 12 and 13.3% Grade 11 learners, fall pregnant every month. Many of these teenage mothers are confronted with various health problem, for example, HIV/AIDS, psychological (for example, high stress) and social problems (for example, lack of parenting skills, neglect, poverty, and low educational attainment). These problems have far-reaching consequences on the mothers. For example, many teenage mothers drop-out of school, attempt to commit suicide, as well as take part in prostitution and robbery. Many are unemployed and this puts the welfare of their children at risk. This research study was qualitative in nature. The exploratory phenomenological design was used in this study to explore the experiences or challenges of teenage mothers on social support as pregnancy interferes with all aspects of their lives. For example, it jeopardises teenage mothers’ relationships with their parents who are the main source of support for the young mothers. If this relationship is broken, it reduces the chances of the young mother’s success. These factors contribute to an inadequate parent-child interaction and diminish the infant’s development. Support during pregnancy and after birth is vital for a teenage mother. If her future and mental health are to be bright, then she needs to have strong social support. Non- probability sampling methods were used, namely purposive and snowball sampling. Pre-testing was done with four teenage mothers who had the same background as those in the main study. Data were collected from six teenage mothers through semistructured face to face interviews which required teenage mothers to answer a set of predetermined questions. The question asked allowed probing and clarification of answers. A tape recorder was used and the language used was Tshivenda. All ethical issues were adhered to throughout the study. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the collected data. The findings from the interviews were integrated to avoid repetition. From the analysed v data, the following themes emerged: Challenges experienced by teenage mothers; Support system for teenage mothers; and Coping strategies for teenage mothers. Analysis of data revealed that lack of social support for teenage mothers was a major problem and this was collaborated by literature. These findings revealed that teenage mothers experience many challenges compared to the support they get from significant others. In this study, the researcher found that doing field work with teenage mothers with low educational backgrounds is very challenging because they do not understand what research is all about. The researcher realised that there is more that South African needs to do to encourage people to support teenage mothers. Whilst the work done at Tshikuwi is appreciated, the researcher feels it is too little too late considering the number of teenage mothers who continue to lack support. The researcher recommends that teenage mothers who experience challenges should take the initiatives to start projects that will boost their confidence. Teachers who teach life science orientations should, in the meantime, focus on teaching learners about the consequences of not having support either from family or partners and communities.
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    The Impact of Nyaope use among the Youth in the Rural Communities of Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
    (2017-09-18) Nevhutalu, Phathutshedzo Priscilla; Makatu, M.; Koko, B.
    The aim of the study was to explore the impact of nyaope among the youth in the rural communities of Thulamela Municipality. The study adopted qualitative approach and exploratory research design. Population of the study were from Itsani, Maniini and Muledane villages in Thulamela municipality, both males and females, 18-31 and who were involved in the use of nyaope. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling methods were adopted because participants who use nyaope are hard to locate. The total number of participants (8) who formed part of the study was determined by data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were used as a method of data collection. To ensure trustworthiness, pre-testing of the instrument was conducted to identify any potential problems. Credibility, transferability and conformability was well considered. Thematic data analysis was employed since the researcher was more involved in interpretation of collected data, thematic analysis enabled the researcher to capture complex meaning.
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    The psychological effects of recidivism amongst male youth in Musina, South Africa
    (2017-09-18) Mulaudzi, Sympathy Khuthadzo; Makatu, M.; Lambani, M.
    Recidivism refers to re-offending behaviour, and recidivists are usually individuals who were arrested repeatedly for the same or different offences. The aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of recidivism amongst male youth in Musina. This study employed the qualitative research approach because it required elaborated information which this paradigm promotes. This research adopted an exploratory design. The participants were selected through the use of purposive and snowball sampling. Data was gathered using semi-structured face to face interviews. The researcher used a voice recorder and a note pad to record the collected data. The findings of this study indicated that peer pressure, lack of education and unemployment, substance abuse, poverty, child neglect, parenting and supervision were the most common factors contributing to recidivism. The results of this study indicated that recidivists often commit petty crimes. The participants stated that these crimes included pick-pocketing, mugging, shoplifting and house breaking. Serious crimes were not common amongst the recidivists because only few of them committed serious crimes. The participants also reported that recidivism has negative impacts on their own personal lives, their families as well as on their education.
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    The impact of unemployment on university graduates in Ward 13 of Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province
    (2017-09-18) Makhuvele, Meskina; Takalani, F. J.; Mushwana, M.; Mashamba, T.
    See the attached abstract below
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    Experiences of female traditional healers on their practice at Makhado Municipality of the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
    (2017-09-18) Rambau, Musiiwa Ivy; Takalani, F. J.; Mushwana, M. D.; Mashamba, T. M.
    See the attached abstract below
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    A study on societal attitudes towards homosexuals in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District, South Africa
    (2018-05-18) Mushome, Vhahangwele; Mashamba, M. T.; Mushwana, M. D.
    The study aimed to explore societal attitudes towards homosexual individuals in the Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe District Municipality. The objectives of the study were to identify societal attitudes towards homosexuals in Thulamela Municipality, to explore challenges posed by society towards homosexual people in Thulamela Municipality, and to describe societal perceptions of homosexual individuals. The study was qualitative in nature and purposive sampling was used in the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used. A minimum of 12 non-homosexual people were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. Different ethical issues were taken into consideration before the study was conducted. The findings of the study show that society is still conservative when it comes to homosexuality. However, it discourages harsh negative attitudes towards homosexual people. Society needs to develop more accepting and tolerant behaviors towards homosexuality. The study found that age, sex, race, ethnicity, social background, level of education and religious affiliation were consistent factors in determining attitudes towards homosexuality. This study recommends that training workshops on sexual orientation should be intensified for teachers, police officers, nurses and other public service employees as well as school administrators to inform them of current trends of homosexuality in the schools. It is also recommended that student accessibility to appropriate and accurate information regarding students’ sexuality should be increased at early stages through library and Internet resources, as well as workshops and forums.
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    The Psycho-social Experiences of Children Living with Vertically Transmitted HIV/AIDS at Messina Hospital, South Africa
    (2018-09-21) Ramarumo, Takalani; Makatu, M.; Ramathuba, D. U.
    The aim of the study was to explore the psycho-social experiences of children living with vertically transmitted HIV/AIDS in Messina Hospital, South Africa. The study utilised the qualitative approach, in particular the exploratory research design. The population of the study comprised both male and female children between the ages of 12-17 years, who are receiving care and support at Fountain of Hope Clinic in Messina Hospital. Non-probability sampling, in particular its sub-type, purposive sampling, was used to select the children who participated in the study. Eleven participants (11) were interviewed, and the sample size of the study was guided by data saturation during data collection. Semi-structured, open-ended face to face interviews were used to collect data. In order to analyse data, the researcher adopted thematic content analysis, following Tech’s eight steps of qualitative data analysis. Three main themes emerged from the raw data, namely living with HIV/AIDS infection; challenges of living with HIV/AIDS infection; and coping with HIV/AIDS. Sub-themes emerged from the main themes. Ethical considerations were observed and trustworthiness was ensured in the study. The study results were analysed and recommendations based on the results were formulated to enhance the experiences of children living with vertically transmitted HIV/AIDS.