Research Publications (Health Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/216
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Item Exploring the lived experiences of vulnerable females from a low-resource setting during the COVID-19 pandemic(MDPI AG, 2023-11-09) Haffejee, Firoza; Maharajh, Rivesh; Sibiya, Maureen NokuthulaThe onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the mental health and well-being of women in vulnerable settings. Currently, there is limited evidence that explores the wellness of elderly women under the associated restrictions. This study explores the lived experiences of elderly women in a vulnerable community in Durban, South Africa. A face-to-face, in-depth qualitative approach was implemented to interview 12 women aged 50 years and over. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that social interactions, the effect of a high death rate, and financial strain predominantly affect stress and anxiety levels. Despite the women being in receipt of pensions and/or other grants, their supplementary income was reduced. This, together with the additional expenses incurred during the lockdown, resulted in anxiety over finances. The lack of social interaction, with limits on visiting family and other loved ones when they were ill, along with the limit on the number of people attending the funerals of loved ones were also stressful. This study also reports on the resulting coping mechanisms, which included using hobbies such as baking and sewing as a means of self-care. Religious beliefs also relieved stress while home remedies were used as preventative measures during the lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19.Item Spiritual wellness as a tool against the effects of a pandemic : experiences of some Australian families in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic(Otjivanda Presse.Essen, 2023-10-18) Dorasamy, Jirushlan; Bhagwan, RaisuyahBased on the mixed feelings as to whether spirituality offers wellness during trouble times, this study explored how families used spiritual wellness as a tool against the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to understand the participant’sspiritual wellness in order to find out the impact of the pandemic on their specific aspects of spiritual wellness and then to determine the spiritual pathways they used to manage their challenges during COVID-19, as well as further recommendations made by participants toward enhancing spiritual wellness in the future especially during crisis situations, such as the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The aftermath effect of the pandemic still lingers among many lives today. Therefore, knowing how some used spiritual wellness as a dimension of wellness to overcome the chaos will be a lesson for many to consider. The study followed a qualitative approach (interviews), involving 12 families based in Melbourne, Australia, to examine how the pandemic impacted their spiritual wellness, the pathways of wellness they used as they transitioned through the pandemic, as well as recommendations made by families going forward.. The findings revealed that spiritual wellness was maintained through engaging in virtual spiritual activities, keeping a positive spirit, and being motivation, while practicing yoga and meditation offered optimism, hope, and confidence as well as positive feelings about the future. This attests to the fact that, spirituality can serve as a great source of power that can transcend beyond all situations to generate wellnessItem Skin disease prevalence amongst rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa(2023-09-08) Naidoo, Kuben; Coopoosamy, Roger; Singh, Karishma; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Adam, JamilaLittle information is known of skin diseases within rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. There is an urgent need to identify plants with antimicrobial activity as there is an increase in the incidence of new and re emerging infectious diseases. The present study compares species from two different localities used to treat common skin diseases, the parts used, and the method used to prepare traditional cures. The prevalence of skin disease compared to other ailments were also compared. Traditional healers from northern (seven main districts) and mid-KwaZulu-Natal (three main districts) muthi markets were randomly selected and interviewed after obtaining consent. Data collected included the specific plants used to treat skin diseases, common names, parts of the plant used, the collection locality, and the conditions treated by the traditional healers. Fourteen plant species were collected and traded in northern KwaZulu-Natal based on their curative properties and their use to treat wounds, skin lesions, rashes, burns, and scratches compared to only six in mid-KwaZulu-Natal. Approximately 43 percent of species were common to all districts, possibly due to their wide distribution. People with skin diseases formed the majority of traditional healer consults. Most conditions were very similar, possibly due to rural communities following a similar lifestyle. Skin infections and eczema were commonly treated conditions, followed by acne, hair disorders, and bruises. Skin diseases are common amongst rural community dwellers in KwaZulu Natal regardless of location, possibly due to their association with HIV infection. The plants used by traditional healers to treat various conditions are related to geographical distribution and abundance patterns.Item Occupational wellness approaches among families who transitioned through the COVID-19 pandemic(2023-08-14) Dorasamy, Jirushlan; Bhagwan, RaisuyahThe worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected various dimensions of human wellness. More so, the various protocols implemented to mitigate the spread of the pandemic had significant effects on the occupational wellness dimension. This study explored the occupational wellness challenges experienced by some families in Melbourne, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies they used as they transitioned through the pandemic. The study framed three possible inductive themes aligned to the impact of COVID-19 on specific aspects of occupational wellness, pathways to the management of occupational wellness during COVID-19, and recommended future changes to occupational wellness by the sampled families in Melbourne, Australia. The study findings indicated that COVID-19 had both positive and negative effects on the occupational wellness of the families. The strategies of the families are worthy for consideration, for future approaches to deal with any pandemic. It is expected that the proper adoption of the proposed strategies to cope with occupational wellness will significantly contribute toward occupational wellness for individuals and families facing occupational wellness challenges, especially during pandemicsItem COVID-19 Pandemic : physical wellness approaches used by Australian families in Melbourne(2023-03-21) Bhagwan, Raisuyah; Dorasamy, JirushlanThe global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all dimensions of human well-being. Protocols established to mitigate the spread of the epidemic have had significant results on levels of well-being related to physical fitness. This study discusses the disposal practices of several households in Melbourne, Australia, during the Covid-19 pandemic and the transition through the pandemic. The study addressed five potential factors including pre-Covid-19 physical fitness, the overall impact of Covid-19 on physical fitness, the incidence and use pathways of Covid-19 on specific aspects of physical fitness. . A critical analysis of the COVID-19 physical fitness and suggested changes in households for physical fitness in research. According to the results of the study, the epidemic had both positive and negative effects on the physical well-being of the family. They outline the household's strategy for future possibilities to deal with any epidemic. It is expected that appropriate implementation of the suggested strategies will significantly contribute to the physical well-being of individuals and families facing physical well-being challenge