Theses and Dissertations

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Experiences of intimate partner violence amongst women in a non-profit organisation in Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2023-10-05) Muofhe, Mantshi Florance; Mushwana, D. R.; Koko, B.
Intimate partner violence is a problem that affects women worldwide. It is a form of gender-based violence usually where women / victims are violated and abused by their male intimate partners. The issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) has become a public health concern, in addition, it violates women’s human rights. South African studies indicate that intimate partner violence prevalence’s rates are high despite the intervention programmes that have been designed to address IPV. This study aimed at exploring the experiences of women who had been victims of intimate partner violence in a non-profit organization in Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo Province. The study employed a qualitative research approach, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Eight participants were selected based on purposive sampling and data was gathered from them using semi-structured interviews. The ecological model and feminist theory as the conceptual frameworks were used to interpret the women’s lived experiences. The findings of the study indicate that women suffer from immense psychological and social effects of their experiences. These effects include - isolation, depression and suicidal ideations. Among some of the recommendations, are that the government should hire more qualified social practitioners, especially, in the rural communities and for stakeholders to address, more diligently, IPV in rural areas to promote gender equality
Lecturers and students’ perceptions of decolonisation at a selected rural university in Limpopo
(2023-10-05) Hlungwani, Tlangelani Sydwel; Maphula, A.; Takalani, F. J.; Peters, F.
The prospect of decolonisation has gained importance and emphasis worldwide. Decolonisation aims to give voice and respect to people of non-European decent. In higher education institutions the concern is that identities and the lived world experiences of the majority of people in South Africa is less acknowledged within curriculum, teaching and learning. This study explored lecturers and students’ perceptions about decolonisation at a selected higher education institution in Limpopo, South Africa. The researcher was guided by critical social theory, qualitative method was applied and a case study design was used. Sampling for psychology lecturers and students was done purposively. Twelve participants (two lecturers and ten students) formed the sample from the Department of Psychology at the selected rural based university. An interview guide was utilised to collect data through telephone semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was used. Results from this study indicate that lecturers and students understand decolonisation, confrontation of colonial practices in higher institutions of education was emphasized as a way of contributing towards the process of decolonisation. The conducted study concluded that decolonisation is understood and there is a need for its relevance in areas like teaching, learning, research, and community engagement to produce independent knowledge rooted in the African worldview.
Psychosocial distress associated with lived experiences of teenage mothers in a selected rural hospital in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo province
(2023-05-19) Baloyi, Gezani Morris; Takalani, F. J.; Koko, B.
Various studies conducted show that teenage mothers experience adversities such as depression and stigmatization. The main aim of the study was to explore psychosocial distress associated with lived experiences of teenage mothers in Malamulele rural hospital in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo province. The study adopted a qualitative phenomenological research strategy as well as a descriptive phenomenological research design. The population of the study were teenage mothers aged between 15 and 19 years. The researcher used non-probability sampling method to select participants purposively. A total of 15 participants were selected, and, the sample size was determined by data saturation. An interview guide was designed for data collection using semi-structured, face to face interviews. The simplified five step version of Hycner’s explicitation process guided the data analysis process. Ethical considerations were employed throughout the study. Four themes emerged from analysing the participants’ interview data. These themes include psychosocial and emotional distress, causes of distress, effects of distress and coping resources used by teenage mothers. Recommendations of the study were based on the findings of the study. The study concludes that psychosocial distress among teenage mothers is associated with ill-treatment by healthcare providers.
Challenges related to implementation of Employee Health and Wellness Programme in the selected Limpopo Provincial Government Departments within the Vhembe District
(2023-05-19) Mudau, Nkhangweleni
Employees are considered the primary and important resources of any organization or workplace. However, employees are not immune to personal and work-related problems that unfortunately have an impact on their work productivity and performance. To address these problems, organizations have introduced workplace programmes in the form of Employee Assistance Programme / Employee Health and Wellness Programme. Against this background, the aim of this study is to explore the challenges related to the implementation of the Employee Assistance Programme / Employee Health and Wellness Programme experienced by the Employee Health and Wellness Practitioners in the selected government departments in the Vhembe District Municipality of the Limpopo Province. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach and explorative descriptive research design. Theoretically, the study adopted the ecological systems theory to unpack and understand the challenges experienced by the Employee Health and Wellness Practitioners in the implementation of the Employee Assistance Programme / Employee Health and Wellness Programme. Purposive sampling was used to select five (05) Employee Health and Wellness Practitioners from the nine (09) Limpopo provincial government departments implementing the Employee Health and Wellness Programme within the Vhembe District Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents to collect data. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were adopted. Ethical issues were considered to guide the study and to protect the participants and their information. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. This study identified four key findings regarding challenges related to the implementation of the Employee Health and Wellness programme in Limpopo provincial government departments, within Vhembe district. The study found that most departments experience challenges of shortage of Employee Health and Wellness practitioners to render effective services to the employees of their respective departments. Departments are also unable to provide adequate working resources for Employee Health and Wellness practitioners to optimally execute their duties within their departments. The study further found that, centralization of budget at head office, sharing of budget with other sub directorates, and limited allocation of budget to the programme for most departments adversely impact in the implementation of the Employee Health and Wellness programme. Lastly the study found that lack of managers’ support towards the implementation of the programme also impact in the proper utilization of the programme by employees.
Experiences of people living with epilepsy in selected villages of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces
(2022-11-10) Luvhengo, Masane; Maphula, A.; Makhado, L.
Epilepsy is a burdensome disease that affects a large number of people worldwide. In most developing countries such as South Africa. Epilepsy remains a public health issue. In some African countries, epilepsy causes are attributed to either indigenous or spiritual beliefs. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of People Living with Epilepsy (PLWE) in selected villages of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. A qualitative approach was employed guided by the phenomenological design, which enabled the researcher to understand the experiences of people living with epilepsy. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants with the most relevant characteristics to the population. The characteristics included PLWE and residing at the selected villages. The population consisted of people living with epilepsy who were eleven in number and living in the selected villages of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were used to collect data. The researcher used one central question to ascertain the experiences of people living with epilepsy. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse data. Ethical issues were considered throughout the study as well as measures to ensure trustworthiness. Drawing from the results, the researcher concluded that epilepsy is a burdensome disease that affects people of different ages. The experiences of PLWE are influenced by many factors that need considerable attention. These factors include psychological, physiological and social experiences of PLWE. The results further revealed that epilepsy is a painful, burdensome disease. Two manuscripts have resulted from the study and the first manuscript is due for submission to the South African Journal of Psychology. The second manuscript is under peer review in the Health SA Gesondheid journal.
Challenges of learners from Child-Headed families that affect their educational goals: A case study of three schools in Johannesburg East District, Gauteng Province, South Africa
(2022-07-15) Makuya, Rudzani Vanrijn; Runhare, T.; Muthambi, S. K.
A child-headed household is a form of family that is growing around the world, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. These are families without adults, hence, are headed by children or adolescents, less than 18 years of age. The study investigated challenges faced by learners from child-headed families that affect their educational goals. This was done through an analysis and description of the experiences of learners from child-headed households through an ecological systems model that included stakeholders like, community, school, government departments and officials as well as non-governmental organisations. This study was based in the Johannesburg East District of Education, in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. A purposive sampling method was used to select three learners from child-headed families, six educators in the School Based Support Teams, three school managers and one social worker from Johannesburg East District schools in Kaalfontein, Ebony Park and Ivory Park in Gauteng Province of South Africa. A Phenomenological qualitative research design was used where face-to-face interviews were conducted, and documents (SBST, school reports and attendance registers) were reviewed. The face-to-face interview were conducted between the researcher and the sample in a one –on –one situation for privacy. The data collected from audio tapes was transcribed. Research quality control measures that are centered on trustworthiness which included aspects such as credibility, transferability, consistency and conformability were observed. To test and implement research ethics, measures such as - informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, privacy, and empowerment, caring and fairness were employed. The study identified challenges such poor socio-economic background, child abuse, stigmatisation, exclusion, psychological and emotional abuses that were faced by children in child-headed families which and observed that they affected learners academically, socially, emotionally, physically and psychologically. Recommendations were provided to different stakeholders involved in addressing challenges faced by children living in child-headed households.
The significance of psychological services on public secondary school learners in Luvuvhu Circuit, Thulamela Municipality
(2021-06-13) Negota, Tshilidzi Diana; Mashamba, T.; Takalani, F. J.; Sikhwari, T. D.
This research report is aimed at exploring the significance of psychological services on public high school learners at Luvhuvhu Circuit. The main objective of this study was to identify the psychological services offered in public secondary schools and their significance, to identify the interventions in place in the Department of Education in South Africa and to explore the coping strategies used by the learners. This study was motivated by reports of the increase in the failure rate at public secondary schools due to social and psychological problems faced by secondary school learners in public schools. Public universities seem to have the appropriate psychological services in place for students to utilise (Lawrence, 2009), however, this does not seem to be the case for public secondary school learners who are faced with extreme developmental crisis. Therefore, the study seeks to involve stakeholders from the Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Health to assist in providing adequate psychological services to high school learners. The research is qualitative in nature. It made use of Focus Group Discussions and semi-unstructured interviews. A purposive sampling was applied and a sample of nine focus groups was ideal for the researcher because of the need to gather detailed information on the impact of psychological services offered to public secondary school learners at Luvuvhu Circuit. The sample was drawn from Grade 10 to 12 learners attending nine public secondary schools in the Luvuvhu Cicuit. The collected data were analysed using Thematic Content Analysis. The four themes of the study that emerged were problems experienced by learners at public secondary schools, experiences of learners when seeking for psychological services at their public secondary schools and their effectiveness, experiences of learners regarding interventions from the government aiming or attempting to assist them with their problems and self-applied coping strategies used by learners. The study findings revealed that learners face problems daily and these problems do not only affect their school performance, but also their social relationships. Without the assistance of the DOE in dealing with these problems, learners tend to deal with the problems on their own, employing less effective coping mechanisms to achieve some form of relief from the problems that they experience. Therefore, the involvement of stakeholders from the Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) is essential to assist in providing adequate psychological services to secondary school learners if problems faced by learners are to be curbed before further damage to their psychological functioning. Schools need a collaboration of professionals that are ready to assist learners with any form of problem for the success of the country.
The comorbidity of internalising disorders on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in primary schools in Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2020) Takalani, Morongwa Caroline; Mulaudzi, M. T.; Sodi, T.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common diagnosed neurocognitive behavioural developmental disorder among school going–age children. ADHD in most instances is found to comorbid with internalising disorders such as anxiety and depression, therefore causing impairment on behaviour, emotions, academic, social and many areas of functioning. The existence of comorbid internalising disorders complicates the presentation of ADHD symptoms than if it was pure ADHD. The aim of the study was to explore the comorbidity of internalising disorders and ADHD symptoms. The study investigated whether children with ADHD have more symptoms of anxiety and depression than children without ADHD. The study went further to investigate whether children with ADHD have low self-esteem than children without ADHD. Also, that internalising comorbidities (anxiety and depression) are more prevalent in girls than in boys who have more externalising comorbidities which are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) and anger issues. The null hypotheses further showed that, children with ADHD do not have more symptoms of anxiety and depression than children without ADHD. Moreover, children with ADHD have no lower self-esteem than children without ADHD. Also, internalising disorders (anxiety and depression) are not prevalent in girls than in boys who do not exhibit more externalising disorders which are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorder (CD) and anger issues. The study was conducted in Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality in Lebowakgomo sub circuit. A total of 250 children (94 boys and 156 girls, aged 6 – 12) who were purposively selected participated in the study. A total of 125 clinically diagnosed ADHD were matched to 125 control group for age and gender. Participants were assessed on a battery consisting of Parent/Teacher Disruptive Behavioural Rating Scale (DBD), which was used to assess the presence and degree of ADHD- related symptoms (inattention and hyperactive/ impulsive); Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder and Beck Youth Inventory Second Edition (BYI II), which was used to assess emotional and psychological issues that children experience. ADHD scores obtained on the DBD scale were correlated with scores obtained on BYI II scale. The study only focused on learners from primary schools in Lepelle-Nkumpi in Lebowakgomo sub circuit. In this research study, children who were reported to have a history of neurological problems such as head injurie, epilepsy, cerebral palsy or severe psychiatric disorders were excluded from the study. The results were analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc benferoni analysis to determine the significant difference within ADHD subtypes. Results of the study showed that children with ADHD had comorbid internalising disorders (anxiety and depression) when compared to their neurotypical group. Both boys and girls with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD showed symptoms of anxiety and depression. More symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed within the ADHD-HI, ADHD-PI and ADHD-C subtypes. Comorbid internalising disorders (anxiety and depression) were also associated with impairments with ADHD symptom, in particular inattention. Children with ADHD also showed more symptoms of low self-esteem when compared to their neurotypical group. Both boys and girls showed significant difference level of low self-esteem in all ADHD subtypes (ADHD-HI, ADHD-PI and ADHD-PI). The results further revealed that both boys and girls equally showed symptoms of comorbid internalising disorders (anxiety and depression), whereas girls showed significantly more symptoms of externalising comorbidities such as ODD, CD and anger issues. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the comorbidity of internalising disorders in a clinically diagnosed child with ADHD worsens or complicates the child’s expected normal functioning unlike when the child was presenting with only ADHD. The results further suggest that a child with clinical diagnosis has double impairment as a result of many impairments which are occurring at the same time. Moreover, the existence of externalising comorbidities which are salient in girls with ADHD may require proper screening and assessment.
Adherence of antiretroviral therapy and mental health of HIV-diagnosed patients in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2019-09-20) Manenzhe, Tovhowani; Maphula, A.; Bessong, P. O.
Background: Given that there is 57.7 million HIV-diagnosed people living in South Africa and the government has established the largest public antiretroviral programme in the whole world but only 53% are adhering. Adherence remains a challenge, due to presence of mental health issues among HIV diagnosed. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to antiretroviral therapy and mental health of HIV-diagnosed patients in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods: This was a mixed method study using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. In the quantitative approach, triangulation was utilised in the form of a questionnaire and patients records. Simple random sampling was used to select 134, descriptive analysis using SPSS version 25. For the qualitative approach, a phenomenological research designs was considered and convenience sampling was used to select fifteen participants (15). Data was collected using semi-structured interview; responses were analysed using a computer-aided program called, ATLAS ti. Results: The self-report of adherence was 94.8 %, objectively 39.6% of CD4 count <200c/mm3 at baseline and 34.3% CD4 count after six months was found. 16.5% of females and 2% of males defaulted treatment and 14.9% of missed medical appointments 1-6 times. This study also revealed the mental health issues that HIV-diagnosed patients are struggling with after the diagnosis include the stages of grief, stress, depression, anxiety, mistrust, shame, stigma and discrimination. Recommendation: Effective strategies need to be enhanced and tailor made in effort to encourage patients to take ART diligently. The healthcare providers, community members and the government should be made aware of mental health issues.
Adherence: Perceptions and behaviour of patients on Antiretroviral in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2019-09-20) Takalani, Tanganedzani; Maphula, A.; Mashamba, T.; Bessong, Pascal O.
Background: An estimated 70% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa out of 25 million are living with HIV. HIV is a debilitating disease, however, antiretroviral treatment helps promote effective viral suppression, reduces the risk of transmission and prevents death (WHO, 2013). To ensure positive treatment outcomes, high levels of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) adherence, 95%, is necessary, however, research indicates that 23% of Africans are achieving less than 80% adherence, potentially impacting negatively on prognosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine adherence, explore perceptions and behaviour of patients on Antiretroviral Therapy attending Thohoyandou Health Centre, in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa. Methodology: This was a mixed method which employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. In quantitative, triangulation was utilised through a questionnaire and patients’ file, simple random sampling was used to select 105 male and female patients aged 18-60 who are on ART at Thohoyandou Health Centre; data were collected and SPSSversion 25 was used to analyse the data through descriptive, cross tabulation and inferential statistics using Chi-square.Qualitative phase – phenomelogical research design was utilised, twenty participants were purposively sampled and individually interviewed, ATLAS. ti program was used to analyse the data collected. Results: 67% of respondents were females, 34% of the respondents’ age range was 50-60 years, 44.8% were single, 48.6% had tertiary education and 69.5% were unemployed. The self-report of ART adherence of 87.6% among patients was indicated, with 19.6% who reported defaulting ART, 14.3% admitted to missing medical appointments. The reasons for missing medical appointments were: forgetfulness, not a convenient time, patient feeling better, transportation challenges and being too sick to attend. The objective evaluation of patients’ CD4 count at baseline revealed that 40.9% of patients had a CD4 count of <200c/mm3, out of 40.9% respondents (15.2%) were those aged between 41-50 years, 31.4% of respondents did not know their CD4 count for various reasons (defaulted on treatment, missed appointments). CD4 count follow-up data after six months revealed that 33% of patients had a CD4 count <200c/mm3 and 39% accounted for unknown CD4 count. vi Three themes emerged from the data, namely: Knowledge of HIV were respondents presented a negaitive and positive perception of ths diagnosis; barriers to ART adherence where sub-themes included discrimination, strigma, rejection, inadequate knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment, side effects; coping strategies where acceptance, religion and social support serve as corner stones for patients. Association was examined and findings did not reveal any significant association between gender, marital status, education, occupation; however, age was significantly associated with non-adherence to ART with X2 = 3.69, df = 1, p = < .002. Recommendations: The study recommends intensification of health education campaign against stigma, discrimination, rejection and other barriers to enhance positive attitude towards HIV patients that wil consequently stimulate adherence and alleviate the burden associated with taking treatment unswervingly. Given the high percentage of infected older respondents, government must also focus its resources to educate illiterate and older people about HIV, adherence and management in order to achieve the golden standardrate of 95% adherence. Strategies to facilitate and normalise adherence among males is indicated.
Exploring the effectiveness of rehabilitation: A phenomenological study of parole recidivists in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province.
(2019-09-20) Musekwa, Ofhani Prudance; Mulaudzi, M. J.; Takalani F. J.
Correctional Service inmate rehabilitation and rising issues of recidivism have been of interest within the Justice System with the mind to improve and ensure not only functionality but the effectiveness of every effort put toward rehabilitating inmates. Individuals are not convicted with the intention of closing them off from society completely, but to have their abnormal behavior corrected (this speaks to effective rehabilitation programmes and successful re-entry). Inevitably, this makes the parole period pivotal for assessing these programmes and why rehabilitation is not directly resulting in successful re-entry since parolees are more at risk to reoffend, making up the rising margin of recidivism of over 70% in South Africa. It then becomes significant to look into whether rehabilitative programmes are effective according to individuals who have practically been on the receiving end. This study investigated the lived experiences that recidivist parolees had of rehabilitation by taking a closer look at their lived experiences. This was qualitatively realized by employing to the study: interpretive phenomenological design. From a population of recidivist parolees residing in Vhembe District, after agreeing to participate in the study, a sample of 10 participants was interviewed (in accordance to data saturation) which were attained through the snowball sampling technique. From this sample, data was collected through the use of semi-structured open-ended interviews and analyzed through interpretive phenomenological analysis. This process yielded the following results. Generally, participants felt that rehabilitation programmes are not effective and play a very small role in influencing change. This is a similar case with re-entry into society. In light of this, participants reported that they have difficulty fitting into society as normal members because of social stigma, chronic trauma, not getting enough support after release and not being eligible for employment. Participants also reported irregular administration and accessibility of the programmes for all inmates. In light of these results, rehabilitation should be compulsory for all inmates and should also include post arrest programmes.
A model to facilitate language acquisition/development in children between 0 to 3 years in rural communities of Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2019-09-20) Madzhie, Mpho; Mulaudzi, M. T.; Takalani, F. T.
The aim of the study was to develop a conceptualized model that will enhance language acquisition of children between 0 and 3 years. Language is a use of words and symbol to convey message, or communication. Generally, from birth to the age of four months children express their needs through crying and are soothed by the sound of voices or by low rhythmic sounds. When adults talk to children, children later imitate adult’s tongue movements and start to make sounds, coos and gurgles. Providing children with developmental stimulation and exposing them to learning opportunities increases their cognitive and social-emotional skills/abilities. Strategies to enhance language development are fundamental in children and can reduce many literacy related problems in later childhood. The objectives of the study are: to describe activities done by caregivers to influence language development; to identify factors that influence language development; to describe the importance of language development and to explain the disorders that are associated with language development. This study was qualitative in nature and it utilised an explorative design. This research design enabled the researcher to investigate the nature of acquisition comprehensively as well as the development of language and other factors that are related to it. The study was conducted at Vhembe District Municipality. Three villages were selected, namely Tshikuwi, Tshirolwe and HaMatsa villages, which are found in Makhado Municipality under Limpopo Province, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to sample participants for the study. The individuals selected were those judged to have certain special characteristics as well as the ability to provide in-depth information for the purpose of the study. Thirty participants were selected to participate in the study. The semi-structured face to face interview and the interview guide with open-ended questions were used for data collection. Pre-testing of the interview guide was done to check if the guide would produce the expected results, three women from three different villages were selected for pretesting. All questions in the interview guide were addressed during data collection. Collected data were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis. The study adhered to the following research ethics: informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, voluntary participation, no harm to the participants and dissemination of results. The study revealed that language is an important tool which is used to convey information from one person to the other. The findings indicate that language helps children to communicate and relate with other people. Language was also explained as a tool which is used to educate children, either at school or at home. The study shows that when children are learning language, they will also be stimulating their reasoning, thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, it was also indicated that cognitive development reduces problems such as poor language development, a low self-esteem and isolation. The findings of this study show that there are a number of activities that can be used by caregivers and parents to foster the development of language in children. Those activities include, communicating with a child, reading of books, watching TV, naming of objects and explaining meaning of words. The study also identified several environmental factors that can be used to foster the development of language in children. The following environmental factors were identified in the study: communication, parental level of education, home socioeconomic status, caregiver’s personality and the availability of other children in the family. Lastly, the findings show that there are many disorders that may affect the development of language in children. The language disorders that the study identified include expressive language disorder, dyslexia, and inability to understand spoken. However, the study also reveals that these disorders may be treated. The findings of this study lead to the development of a conceptualized model to facilitate language acquisition in children between 0 and 3 years was developed. The meaning of one concept, namely reinforcement was explained in detail, in order for users of the model to understand its operational definition in the model. Reinforcement was explained because it has a diversity of meanings. The model enabled the researcher to create a link between research and what is happening in a society. Model validation was done to verify if the developed model relates to practical life, research and language development. The model for this study was validated for its applicability and usability. The drafted model was given to psychologists, speech therapists and parent to determine its usability and applicability. Keywords: language, language acquisition, language development model, language disorders.
Factors contributing to poor academic performance faced by students, at a selected department rural university, Limpopo Province
(2019-05-18) Vuyiseka, Luke; Takalani, F. T.; Masehela, L. M.
Students enter university with the hope to graduate and become successful one day but those hopes are shattered when their academic results decrease. Despite poor performance and poor results of students’ academics, there has been a need to investigate why students’ performance differs significantly. Students achieve low academic performance due to psychological, social and behavioral problems which arise during academic life. The aim of this study is to explore factors contributing to poor academic performance faced by students at a selected department rural university, Limpopo province. The study was conducted at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), situated in the scenic Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach using phenomenological design was used for this study. A sample of 15 students was selected from the target population using non-probability purposive, convenient random sampling method. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview. An interpretative phenomenological approach was used to analyse data. The study findings indicate that revealed that low levels of social support from parents, friends and family contribute to anxiety experienced by students at the university. In addition, Students developed low self-esteem, low self-confidence as a result of poor academic literacy, low marks and lack of social support. The study recommends that Head of the Department to have an open session for students to discuss matters concerning the teaching and learning style offered to them and ways to improve.
Patient and nurse perspectives on loss to follow-up in HIV care
(2020-05-16) Modipane, Mahlatse Bridgette; Khoza, L. B.; Ingersoll, K.
Background: South Africa has world’s highest prevalence of HIV-positive people with approximately 7.06 million HIV-positive people with 110 000 HIV- related deaths reported by Statistics South Africa in 2017. South Africa has expanded access to anti-retroviral therapy services, from urban centers to resource-constrained rural communities. The rate of loss, however, to follow-up for patients on anti-retroviral treatment continues to increase. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to determine patient and nurse perspectives on loss to follow up among HIV-positive patients in Sekhukhune District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The findings of the study guided the development of a proposed strategy to decrease loss to follow up among HIV-positive patients. Method: A qualitative research design was used with non-probability purposive sampling and with probability systematic sampling. The sample of patients comprised 30 HIV-positive people classified as lost to follow-up from clinics with high prevalence rates of lost to follow-up patients. Eight nurses, four from clinics with high rates and four from clinics with low lost to follow-up rates comprised the sample of nurses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the study research questions as a guide. Eight interviews were conducted with nurse clinic managers and 30 with the patients. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The key themes that emerged from the study included patients’ and nurses` perspectives on factors contributing to loss to follow up among HIV- positive patients; and Patients’ and nurses’ perspectives on strategies that would address barriers to loss to follow up among HIV- positive patients. Sub-themes on patients’ and nurses’ perspectives on factors contributing to loss to follow up among HIV- positive patients included: Lack of understanding of anti-retroviral treatment; fearful to disclose HIV status; lack of confidentiality; negative side effects; use of traditional medicine; self-transfer from one clinic to another. Patients’ and nurses’ elicited the strategies that would assist patients to remain in care and to take antiretroviral treatment consistently. The strategies included: providing patients with health education; working as a team; implementing social support group programme; providing nurses with in-service education on ethics and ethos. Informed by various intervention models in HIV care: Information Motivational Behavioural model; Health Belief Model; Social Action Theory and Social Cognitive Theory; I proposed a strategy that may reduce the rate of non-adherence and loss to follow up among patients with HIV in Limpopo Province.
Development of a model to facilitate effective psychological services for offenders in long-term incarceration in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2018-09-21) Mushwana, Mercy Dotty; Mashamba, T. M.; Lebese, R. T.
The rate of incarceration is historically high. Increasingly, research points to the negative effects of incarceration among offenders, particularly in adult facilities. Literature published since 2000 suggests that incarceration fails to meet the developmental and criminogenic needs of offenders and is limited in its ability to provide appropriate rehabilitation. Incarceration often results in negative behavioural and mental health consequences such as suicidal thoughts and attempts. Suicide is often the single most common cause of death in correctional settings. The psychological impact of incarceration and its implications for post-prison, free world adjustments are substantial. The severe behavioural problems of offenders are a result of complex and interactive individual and environmental factors which elicit and maintain offending behaviour. The study sought to develop a model to facilitate effective psychological services among offenders in long-term incarceration correctional services. The study consisted of two phases, namely the empirical phase and conceptualisation phase. In phase one, which was the empirical phase, a qualitative approach was employed. The study utilised phenomenological, explorative, and contextual designs. The study population comprised of male offenders who were serving their long-term incarceration in the Vhembe District at Limpopo Province. Thirty offenders and one clinical psychologist were purposively selected. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured interviews. In-depth information about their experiences physical and mental risks of being incarcerated, as well as the coping mechanisms they used during incarceration was collected. Unstructured interviews were used to collect information about psychological services that are being rendered at correctional centres and their effectives from the only psychologist who participated in the study. Field notes as well as observations were also used methods of data collection. Data analysis was done using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Thematic data analysis. Relevant ethical principles were adhered to. Informed consent was sought from participants prior to the commencement of the study. The study further maintained the aspect of confidentiality and privacy since it was dealing with human subjects and sensitive issues. Issues of trustworthiness; credibility, dependability, transferability and conformability were ensured. The study findings revealed that most of the offenders were not very happy with the kind of mental health services they received from the correctional centres. They reported that correctional centres had a potential to make one totally insane. However, for one to make sense of what is happening at the correctional centres, one would need to receive mental vi health services. Furthermore, the study also discovered that one of the correctional centres is not providing offenders with mental health services and this makes it difficult for offenders to cope with their long-term incarceration since rehabilitation is not taking place. Findings also showed that offenders in one of the two centres were at a greater risk of contracting communicable diseases at the correctional centre due to overcrowding, poor health care system and poor hygiene. Concept analysis was done using Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach, (1968) guidelines. The framework adopted six guidelines that were used in theory development. A model was developed using the Walker and Avant (1995) framework to enhance the effectiveness of facilitation of psychological services at Thohoyandou correctional services and Kutama-Sinthumule Maximum correctional centre. The researcher recommends that mental health policies should be implemented to enhance and scale up mental health services in both correctional centres.
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.
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.
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
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
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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