Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
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Item The efficacy of a homoeopathic simillimum in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness(2019-09-05) Mbatha, Ntombizethu Annie; Naude, D. F.Background Sleepiness is a multifactorial phenomenon as it may possess ‘trait’ and ‘state’ features (Shahid, Shen and Shapiro, 2010). Trait features are influenced by individual personality and are long term while state features are short term (Shahid, Shen and Shapiro, 2010). Previous research reveals that excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) affects approximately 10%-25% of the general population (Morrison and Riha, 2012) and can therefore have a negative impact on daily functions (Shahid, Shen and Shapiro, 2010). Moreover, Johns (1991) states that 50% of healthy medical students usually fall asleep during the day at least once in an average week, which could negatively affect academic performance. This research focuses on the management of EDS through utilising a homoeopathic simillimum approach to provide an important reference for practitioners regarding this troubling condition. Aim The aim of this randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum in the management of EDS in terms of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (Johns, 1991) and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) (Hoddes et al., 1973). Methodology By means of non-probability convenience sampling, the first 31 respondents to the published advertisement who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups; the active group (group 1) comprising 20 participants and the placebo group (group 2) comprising 11 participants. Participants attended three consultations with the researcher and received their individually determined homoeopathic simillimum or a placebo at their first follow up appointment which was then administered over a treatment period of two weeks. Response to treatment was determined using two existing, validated, data collection tools namely, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Johns, 1991) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (Hoddes et al., 1973). Quantitative data were subjected to general linear model (GLM) repeated measures statistical techniques which were used to measure the effect of treatment at various time points both within subjects and between them. Results According to ESS both groups experienced an overall improvement in EDS symptoms. The active group experienced a higher reduction in mean ESS scores compared to the placebo (40% and 31% respectively) but this did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05) despite the perceived improvement in the participants’ sleepiness. With respect SSS data, a repeated measures ANOVA method failed to show significant difference between placebo and active groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Both the ESS and SSS data collection tools proved to be valuable in measuring the severity of EDS in tertiary students. Although EDS symptoms improved to a greater degree in those who received homoeopathic simillimum according to ESS data, this improvement was not statistically superior to placebo. SSS data however was comparable between groups throughout the study. Natrum muriaticum was the most prescribed remedy and thus, it can be a remedy to consider for EDS. A flexible potency selection as well as extended time frame for the study could provide a better evaluation of the efficacy of the homoeopathic simillimum treatment on EDSItem The efficacy of a herbal complex (Gingko biloba, Panax ginseng, Bacopa monerii and Rhodiola rosea) in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness(2018) Mazibuko, Sindisiwe Sthembile; Naude, D.F.BACKGROUND Good sleep is essential to health, yet university students are sleep deprived due to later bedtime and experience sleepiness during the day (Patte et al., 2017), Sleepiness is referred to an increase propensity to fall asleep and excessive sleepiness and sleep disorders are common in our society today (Bittencourt et al., 2005). Previous research suggested that sleep can affect academic performance (Halik et al.2016), this is because students were observed falling asleep in university rooms (Eden, 2006). Brand et al., (2009) also mentioned that students feel sleepy during certain periods of the day especially during classes, during low stimulation and during car or bus rides. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of a herbal complex (Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Bacopa monerii & Rhodiola rosea) in the management of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in terms of Epworth sleepiness scale (John, 1991) and Stanford sleepiness scale (Hoddes et al, 1973). METHODOLOGY The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology and 31 participants were chosen according to a specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was then randomly divided into an active group (herbal treatment) consisting of 21 participants and a placebo group of 10 participants. The measuring tools that were used were Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) (Appendix C) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) (Appendix D). The initial consultation with the researcher consisted of signing the informed consent forms, case taking, physical examinations and filling in the ESS. Thereafter there were two follow up consultations; a week after the first consultation (the second consultation) at which point the treatment/placebo was dispensed and again two weeks from the second consultation which was the last day of the study and at which point medication containers were returned and final case taking and physical examinations were performed. The ESS was completed at recruitment, at the second consultation (both pre-treatment) and at close out and the SSS was completed for a period of three weeks (one week pre-treatment) and two weeks post treatment. RESULTS The data analysis methods that were used in the study were; Cronbach alpha score, One sample Kolmogorov-Simrnov test, Fisher‟s exact test, Pearson‟s correlation test, Independent sample test and ANOVA for ESS and mixed factorial ANOVA was used to evaluate the SSS. In conclusion in terms of the ESS both groups improved significantly over time; degrees of improvement however were not statistically dissimilar although a review of mean scores indicates the active group as having lower scores suggesting a clinically significant trend. SSS data however confirmed statistically significant differences between groups in favour of the active group confirming the herbal complex superior effect over placebo in the treatment of EDS.