Faculty of Health Sciences
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Item 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 ChhaganlalSouth 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.Item Utilisation of maternal health services and its impact on maternal mortality rate : a case for KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(UNISA Press, 2023-01-01) Naranjee, Nellie; Naidoo, Vasanthrie; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Jinabhai, Champaklal C.; Sibiya, Maureen N.Despite several strategies in place in South Africa and globally to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity, maternal deaths remain high, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and lower to middle-income countries. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges that lead to pregnant women’s delays in seeking antenatal care (ANC) early and to find strategies to prevent such delays, contributing to a reduction of maternal deaths in South Africa. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one analysed data on maternal deaths collected by the District Health Information System (DHIS) of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health from all 11 districts over a 10-year period (2009–2019). The data on maternal deaths revealed that there was a very high maternal mortality rate; between 800 and 1 780 per 100 000 live births. This correlated with very low antenatal visits; between 695–895 per 100 000 live births. In phase two, a literature review was conducted using several computer-assisted databases, bibliographies and websites to identify and source current policies. The literature review presents causes of delay in seeking ANC and strategies to prevent maternal deaths. Recommendations were made to consider strengthening education and awareness related to family planning; women empowerment through community health programmes and change in healthcare providers’ behaviours and attitudes; ensuring availability of maternal health resources; and developing strategies to ensure that the ANC services delivered are in line with the South African Department of Health Guidelines.Item 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 Promotion of global health economy : supporting the generation of developmental opportunities through collaborative research and education(2023-01-24) Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Naidoo, VasanthrienIt is crucial to realize that transformational policy and practice within respective institutional contexts can improve the connection between teaching and research, which are commonly recognised as the two major activities of academics, and so boost global sustainability. Through this writing, the authors seek to identify examples across the research discipline and scholarly literature that supports the generation of developmental opportunities through collaborative research and education to enhance the institution’s good practice of teaching research.Item Exploring the perspectives and parental roles in the academic performance of university students with disabilities(Durban University of Technology, 2021-12-12) Mntambo, Sithabile Joy; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi; Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Krishna, Suresh Babu NaiduThe present study focusses on exploring the impact of parental support on the academic performance of students with disabilities. A qualitative study approach was used to explore students with disabilities' perspectives of parental support and the impact it has on their academic performance. This qualitative study purposively selected eight participants. They were subjected to semi-structured, open-ended, one on-one interviews, and these interviews were recorded using an audio recorder with their permission. The collected data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Parental support may take numerous forms, including emotional, physical, and financial assistance. As a result, parental support influences academic success and the adjustment of students living with disabilities to their new environment. However, parental knowledge, attitudes, and tolerance of a student's disability have been shown to be obstacles to meaningful parental support. This study concludes that for students with disabilities to perform to their maximum potential, parents must be trained and empowered to provide necessary support including motivating their childrenItem The vaginal microbiota in women health and disease : current understanding and future perspectives : a review(Association of Biotechnology and pharmacy, 2017-04) Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Wilson, Stacey L.; Adam, Jamila KhatoonVaginal Microbiota varies within individuals and between human populations. Colonization by Lactobacillus in the female genital tract is thought to be critical for maintaining genital health. Nevertheless, little is known about how genital microbiota influence host immune function and modulate disease susceptibility. This article discusses the advancement of new strategies for disease diagnosis and personalized treatments to promote health and improve the quality of women’s lives. Previous research on the use of vaginal products for sexual intercourse available over the counter used by women has primarily focused on gels, creams and ointments composed by natural origin drugs/excipients and applied by means of an applicator. General concerns and misconceptions related to use of vaginal products were rare. More research is needed from the medical community to guide women clarifying therapeutic outcomes of vaginal products.Item African leafy vegetables as bio-factories for silver nanoparticles : a case study on Amaranthus dubius C Mart. Ex Thell(Elsevier, 2016) Sigamoney, M.; Shaik, S.; Govender, P.; Krishna, Suresh Babu NaiduNanoparticles are used across many scientific and pharmaceutical fields and are found in products that come into close contact with the human body. There is a growing need for ‘green synthesis’ of silver (Ag) nanoparticles and plant-mediated synthesis is becoming increasingly popular. The current study aimed to firstly synthesise Ag nanoparticles using fresh and freeze-dried leaves, stems and roots of the African leafy vegetable, Amaranthus dubius. The synthesised Ag nanoparticles were subsequently characterised using UV–visible spectroscopy, scan-ning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) anal-ysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis. The bioactivity (antibacterial and antifungal) of the synthesised Ag nanoparticles was also assessed using the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) method. The results suggest that A. dubius plant extracts can serve as environmentally benign bio-factories for the synthe-sis of bioactive Ag nanoparticles. However, the characteristics of these nanoparticles differed based on the organ used to prepare the extract and whether the plant material was fresh or freeze-dried. Silver nanoparticle yield was greatest in the freeze-dried and fresh leaf extracts of A. dubius. However, EDX analysis revealed nanoparticles produced using freeze-dried and fresh stem extracts to contain the most elemental Ag. Silver nanoparticles syn-thesised from the different plant organs all displayed a spherical shape; however, Ag nanoparticles synthesised from the stem extracts (30–35 nm) were significantly larger than those synthesised from leaf and root extracts (18–21 nm). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of carbonyl groups, proteins and aldehydes on nanoparticles produced using all extract types. The Ag nanoparticles synthesised from fresh stem extracts displayed the highest antimicrobial activity compared with those synthesised from the other plant organs. Fresh stem extracts of A. dubius appear to be most suitable for biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticles, yielding the largest nanoparticles, with the highest elemental Ag content, and greatest inhibition of microbial growth.Item Enhancing antidiabetic and antimicrobial performance of Ocimum basilicum, and Ocimum sanctum (L.) using silver nanoparticles(Saudi Biological Society, 2015-06-28) Malapermal, Veshara; Botha, Izel; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Mbatha, Joyce NonhlanhlaThe role of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) is an attractive proposition for advancing mod-ern diabetes therapies and applied science. Stable AgNps with a size range of 3–25 nm were synthe-sized using aqueous leaf extracts from Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum sanctum, and in combination. The concentration of the extracts facilitated the reduction of silver nitrate that led to the rapid for-mation of AgNps at room temperature, indicating a higher reaction rate as opposed to harsh chem-ical methods, and high conversion energy usually involved in the synthesis. The size, shape and elemental analysis were carried out using UV–Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron micro-scopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential whilst, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) supported by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) was used to identify the type of capping agents. Inhibition of a-amylase and a-glucosidase enzymes retards the rate of car-bohydrate digestion, thereby provides an alternative and a less evasive strategy of reducing post-prandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. The AgNps derived from O. sanctum and O. basilicum, respectively displayed an inhibitory effect at 89.31 ± 5.32%, and 79.74 ± 9.51%, respec-tively, against Bacillus stearothermophilus a-glucosidase enzyme model, indicating an enhanced bio-catalytic potential compared to their respective crude extracts and the control. Furthermore, the emerging rate of infections in diabetic patients validates the need for the discovery of dual diabetes therapies. As a result, the bioderived AgNps displayed antimicrobial activity against bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella species.Item Nano silver particles in biomedical and clinical applications : review(Oriental Scientific Pub Co, 2015-11) Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu; Govender, Patrick; Adam, Jamila KhatoonNanotechnology is most promising arena for generating new applications in medicine and advancing rapidly due to the great progress achieved in various fileds including electronics, machanics, cosmetics, food, etc. In order to successfully bifunctionalise nanoparticles for a given biomedical application, a wide range of chemical, physical and biological factors are to be taken into account. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at nanoscale exhibits strong antibacterial activity vowing to their large surface to volume ratios and crystallographic surface structure. Nanosilver particles have been widely used in a range of biomedical applications including diagnosis, treatment, medical device coating, drug delivery and personal health care products. With the growing application of nanosilver particles in medical contexts, it is becoming necessary for a better understanding the mechanisms of action, biological interactions and their potential toxicity on exposure. This review aims to provide critical assessment of the current understanding of antibacterial activity, biomedical and clinical applications of silver nanoparticles.Item Qualitative evaluation of selected social factors that impact sexual risk-taking behaviour among African students in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa(Taylor and Francis, 2016) Ngidi, Ndumiso Daluxolo; Moyo, Sibusiso; Zulu, Thobile; Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Krishna, Suresh Babu NaiduThe incidence of HIV and AIDS continues to be a source of great concern within universities in South Africa. Furthermore, university students constitute an important community in the intervention against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Students in the age group of 15–24 years are at a greater risk of HIV infection than any other group in the country; yet, little is known about why they continue to engage in risky sexual practices. Objectives: This study was designed to explore the sexual behaviour of students in a metropolitan Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal to understand the social factors underlying their risk of HIV infection. Methods: This is a qualitative study that used cluster sampling where the population was stratified by campus and faculty. The study population was selected using a standard randomization technique. This was a part of a multi-phased research project aimed at providing a sero-prevalence baseline and an analysis of risk-taking behaviour at a Durban University of Technology in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality area. Results: The study highlights peer pressure among students as an influence in promoting high-risk sexual behaviour. Within this context, the findings revealed that university students lack the ability to negotiate risk-aware decisions especially regarding sexual relationships. Conclusion: This study draws attention to the perspectives of African university students regarding their risk-taking sexual practices and selected factors which influence such behaviour. The findings are not exhaustive in exploring contextual antecedents that shape students’ sexual practices. However, they provide an important basis in understanding key factors which expose students to HIV infections. The study provides insights into opportunities for further studies as well as preventative implications.