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Faculty of Health Sciences

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Author: search.filters.author.Thandar, Yasmeen

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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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    Topical herbal medicines for atopic eczema : a systematic review of randomized controlled trials*
    (British Association of Dermatologists, 2017) Thandar, Yasmeen; Gray, A.; Botha, Julia; Mosam, Anisa
    Despite the availability of medicines with proven efficacy, many patients use complementary or alternative medicines (CAMs) to manage atopic eczema (AE). Due to the lack of objective information on topical CAMs, this systematic review evaluates the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of topical herbal prepa-rations in AE. Using Cochrane systematic review methodology, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL (via EBSCO), MEDLINE (via EBSCO), Proquest Health and Medical Complete, GREAT and CAM-QUEST were searched from inception until June 2014. Bibliographies of retrieved studies were hand searched for further relevant trials. All controlled clinical trials of topical herbal medicines for AE in humans of any age were included regardless of the control intervention or randomization. Only English-language publications were considered. Eight studies met the inclu-sion criteria. Seven investigated extracts of single plants and one an extract from multiple plants. Only two studies that showed a positive effect were considered to have a low risk of bias across all domains (those of liquorice gel and Hypericum perforatum). In these two, the test product was reported to be superior to placebo. Despite variations in diagnostic criteria and lack of validated tools for outcome assessments in one of these, the promising results may warrant continued research in better-designed studies. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in all studies. There is currently insufficient evidence of efficacy for any topical herbal extract in AE. Many studies had methodological flaws and even those showing efficacy were single trials with small patient cohorts.
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    Knowledge, attitude and practices of South African healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine use for atopic eczema – a descriptive survey
    (Medpharm Publications, 2017) Thandar, Yasmeen; Botha, Julia; Sartorius, Benn; Mosam, Anisa
    Background: Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are used widely for treating atopic eczema (AE), commonly in conjunction with conventional medicines prescribed by mainstream healthcare professionals (HCPs). This cross-sectional survey evaluated the knowledge, general attitudes and practices regarding CAM among dermatologists, paediatricians, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists treating patients with AE in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: Questionnaires were sent via email or hand-delivered to HCPs nearby. Results: Of the 330 respondents, 220 (67%) were males and 110 (33%) females. Most (40%) were > 50 years. GPs and pharmacists were significantly more embracing of CAM compared with dermatologists and paediatricians. The majority were not familiar with most CAMs for AE. More GPs (29%) and pharmacists (43%) recommend CAM compared with dermatologists (8%) and paediatricians (5%). GPs and pharmacists were also amenable to referring patients to CAM practitioners. The majority do not initiate discussions with their patients regarding CAM use nor enquire when taking a history. Many dermatologists (65%) and pharmacists (51%) reported that their patients ask about CAM. All dermatologists, 95% of paediatricians, 87% of GPs and 55% of pharmacists reported having no training in CAM but believed it should be included in their curriculum. Most are interested in learning about CAM and agreed that it would better prepare them in managing patients. Conclusion: This study demonstrated poor CAM knowledge and communication between HCPs and patients but a strong interest amongst HCPs to learn more. There is an urgent need for continuing education programmes and inclusion in undergraduate curriculums, which will assist HCPs in influencing better patient outcomes.
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    Complementary therapy in atopic eczema: the latest systematic reviews
    (Taylor and Francis, 2014) Thandar, Yasmeen; Botha, Julia; Mosam, Anisa
    Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are widely used for atopic eczema (AE) with user estimates as high as 63%. Despite the availability of effective conventional therapies, the chronic nature of AE and concerns about long-term steroid use lead many patients to seek alternative treatment. Evidence of the efficacy of these alternative therapies is inconsistent and available published data have shortcomings, making it difficult for clinicians to assess their role, if any, in management. To assess the evidence, systematic reviews of controlled studies have been undertaken for Chinese herbal medicines, homeopathy, evening primrose oil, borage oil, probiotics and certain dietary supplements. This overview summarises the findings from the most recent systematic reviews. Taken together, none of the alternative therapies evaluated demonstrated obvious and indisputable evidence of efficacy. Further studies are warranted with some therapies (Chinese herbal medicines, certain probiotic strains and fish oil), whereas homeopathy failed to show any treatment effect. Further studies on homeopathy, or evening primrose oil and borage oil, are difficult to justify. It must also be remembered that CAM products are currently under-regulated and may not meet the stringent quality standards of conventional medicines.