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Faculty of Health Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/11

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Author: search.filters.author.Haffejee, FirozaHas files: Yes

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    Academic integrity in the information age : insights from health sciences students at a South African University
    (Emerald, 2024-01-01) Kell, Colette Melissa; Thandar, Yasmeen; Bhundoo, Adelle Kemlall; Haffejee, Firoza; Mbhele, Bongiwe; Ducray, Jennifer
    Purpose Academic integrity is vital to the success and sustainability of the academic project and particularly critical in the training of ethical and informed health professionals. Yet studies have found that cheating in online exams was commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increased use of online and blended learning post-COVID-19, an understanding of student cheating dynamics is essential for developing effective strategies to combat academic dishonesty in the rapidly changing educational landscape.Design/methodology/approachThis study explored academic integrity and reasons for dishonesty from the perspective of health sciences students at a South African University of Technology (UOT) via the Fraud Diamond. To gain an in-depth understanding of the topic, a qualitative method was employed, and data were collected via focus group discussions with nine student class representatives. These data were analysed thematically using the Clarke and Braun approach.FindingsCheating during online assessment was common and innovative, with students manipulating others and exploiting friendships to facilitate dishonest practices. Student motivations for dishonesty included a lack of consequences and pressure due to a lack of time management, engagement and preparation.Practical implicationsThis study underscores the need for institutions to adopt an adaptable, multi-faceted approach that addresses student cheating opportunity, motivation and normalisation of dishonest practices whilst strengthening academic integrity policies and enforcement thereof.Originality/valueThe findings contribute valuable insights into the ongoing academic integrity crisis in higher education in the South African context.
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    Provision of HIV testing services and its impact on the HIV positivity rate in the public health sector in KwaZulu-Natal : a ten-year review
    (Informa UK Limited, 2024-12) Desai, Rizwana; Onwubu, Stanley; Lutge, Elizabeth; Buthelezi, Nondumiso Patience; Moodley, Nirvasha; Haffejee, Firoza; Segobe, Bontle; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Jinabhai, Champaklal Chhaganlal
    South Africa has been rated as having the most severe HIV epidemic in the world since it has one of the largest populations of people living with HIV (PLHIV). KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is the epicentre of the HIV epidemic. The HIV test and treat services in the public health sector are critical to managing the epidemic and responding to the increase in HIV infections. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (DOH) commissioned a review of the provision of HIV testing services in the province and aimed to investigate its impact on the HIV positivity rate over a ten-year period. The study was an ecological study design using data extracted from the Department's District Health Information System (DHIS). Descriptive analysis was conducted in addition to ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. The results of this study have shown that the total number of HIV tests conducted over the ten-year period in the province has increased with the highest number of HIV tests being conducted in the 2018/2019 MTEF year. ANOVA analysis indicates that there was a statistically significant difference in the total number of HIV tests conducted and the number of HIV tests per 100 000 population across the province's 11 districts (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in the HIV testing rate and in the HIV positivity rate over the period (p < 0.001). Results from multiple regression analysis showed that the HIV testing rate per 100 000 population was the strongest predictor of the HIV positivity rate. HIV positivity among clients correlated negatively with the number of HIV tests conducted per 100 000 population (r = -0.823; p < 0.001) and the HIV testing rate (r = -0.324; p < 0.01). This study has found that HIV testing could have an impact on reducing the positivity rate of HIV in the province and is therefore an effective strategy in curbing the HIV epidemic. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health should ensure that strategies for implementing and maintaining HIV testing and treating services should continue at an accelerated rate in order to achieve the first 95 of the UNAIDS 2025 SDG target.
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    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 Nokuthula
    The 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.
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    Enhancing education through community engagement : perspectives of student volunteers
    (2023) Kell, C. M.; Haffejee, Firoza; Ducray, J. F.
    Background. Engagement between higher education institutions and underprivileged communities holds valuable potential for mutual benefit. In a country of vast inequalities such as South Africa (SA), community engagement also has the potential, via health promotion of local communities, to alleviate some of the burden placed on the public healthcare system, while simultaneously strengthening the personal and professional development of student participants. Objective. To explore the experiences, perceptions and insights of student volunteers (SVs) who assisted with a collaborative health-promotion project. Methods. This qualitative study used thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of six SVs in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, SA, who assisted in educating local vulnerable women on various aspects of female reproductive health at a wellness day for such women. Results. The SVs described the experience as positive and humbling, enhancing their professional and personal development. They reported that the community engagement helped them to define themselves and to grow skills they will need as future practitioners. The exposure to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups helped them to develop a sense of empathy and compassion, while igniting an eagerness to empower these groups through improved health literacy. Conclusion. The insights provided by this qualitative exploration strongly support the use of community engagement to develop culturally sensitive, empathetic healthcare practitioners.
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    The dysregulation of adipokines in the synergy of diabetes and HIV infection
    (2022) Sydney, Clive; Moodley, M.; Haffejee, Firoza; Adam, J.
    Background: Dysregulated production or secretion of adipokines from adipose tissue may contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-linked complications such as diabetes mellitus. Although adipokines have anti-inflammatory activity it is also capable of causing inflammation. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection predisposes an individual to the development of diabetes. Notwithstanding the side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART), these may also exacerbate adipokine release and thereby promoting metabolic abnormalities. Aim: This study reviews adipokines in the synergy of diabetes comorbid with HIV infection. It also examines the ameliorative action of ART on adipokines in diabetes. Method: Multiple databases were used to search for each of the adipokines listed in the study. The role and expression of these adipokines were highlighted in its relationship to diabetes mellitus and HIV. Relevant articles were identified, selected and used to write this review article. Results: This narrative review compares adipokine levels among HIV-infected and uninfected patients who are diabetic and have insulin resistance (IR). It also addresses the side effect of ART and its contribution to diabetes mellitus in HIV-infected patients. Adipokines are dysregulated in diabetes and insulin resistance, as well as in patients receiving ART. Conclusion: Antiretroviral therapy, particularly protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, promotes IR and metabolic abnormalities. Nonetheless, obesity, physical inactivity, immune dysregulation and inflammation are also contributing factors to IR and diabetes mellitus in HIV-infected patients. Finally, circulating levels of adipokines are dysregulated in diabetes mellitus and further investigations are necessary