Repository logo
 

Faculty of Health Sciences

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

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Health

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An exploration into the utilisation of the biopsychosocial model by chiropractors in the eThekwini Municipality
    (2022-09-29) Williamson, Rosanne Louise; O’Connor, Laura
    Background: The biopsychosocial (BPS) model is one of the many models of healthcare and its utilisation has been encouraged when treating and managing musculoskeletal conditions, especially neck and low back pain. Chiropractors are viewed as primary care providers, focused on the treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, most of which are spine related. This study aims to explore the utilisation of the biopsychosocial model by chiropractors in the eThekwini Municipality. Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted, in which twelve chiropractors within the eThekwini Municipality were interviewed to explore their understanding, attitudes, utilisation and challenges when utilising the BPS model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, and later transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using Tesch’s method to form codes, themes and subthemes. Results: Female and male chiropractors were interviewed. They displayed knowledge of and a positive attitude towards the BPS model and its constituents. The chiropractors’ felt that chiropractic institutions should implement further practical training in the model to adequately prepare students for practice as many of the interviewees felt that addressing psychosocial factors was beyond their scope of practice and that they did not have the required skills. The most mentioned challenge was time, and how it resulted in constraints when utilising the model. This impacted them being able to implement the model effectively. Few used screening tools citing a lack of training or that they added to the time constraints. Conclusion: Chiropractors had positive attitudes towards and knew about the BPS model. They used the model in their practices to varying degrees with time and skills being the biggest challenges to effective implementation. It is recommended that chiropractic associations and training institutions provide additional practical training to teach students and practitioners how to implement the model in a clinical setting.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A comprehensive healthcare managerial framework that explicates the manner in which workload factors influence the nurses’ well-being : a case study of a Saudi Arabian hospital
    (2021-05-27) Chetty, Krishnavellie; Sibiya, M. N.; Naidoo, V.
    The shortage of specialized intensive care unit (ICU) nurses is a workload factor that negatively influences the provision of quality nursing care by compromising workplace productivity and job satisfaction. Work pressures are evident in health systems throughout the world, where there is growing concern over a nursing shortage in relation to the country's disease profile, population increases, chronic disease growth and increased life expectancies. Although workload plays a fundamental role in staff and patient well-being, minimal research has been conducted on the evaluation of workload effects and its impact on nurses' wellbeing among Saudi Arabian ICU nurses. Aim The aim of the study were to determine the various workload factors that influence the well-being of ICU nurses working in a Saudi Arabian Hospital and to develop a comprehensive healthcare managerial framework that explicates the way workload factors influence nurses’ well-being. Methodology Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, data were collected by means of semi structured interviews, with 20 participants in the qualitative phase. A survey questionnaire, that was developed and adapted from the Job Demand Resource (JDR) Model, was used to collect to data from 200 participants. The quantitative data were analysed using the latest version 25 of SPSS and qualitative data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Findings The findings from the study were aligned to the JDR Model and provided evidence that ICU nurses experienced various workload factors that influenced their well-being and productivity. It was found that the high job demands cause strain and health impairment, which are associated with decreased job satisfaction of staff working in the ICUs of Saudi Arabian hospitals. On the basis of these findings, the researcher proposed and developed guidelines for the implementation of a comprehensive managerial framework that explicated workload factors that influence the well-being of the ICU nurses. The proposed framework can be utilized as an interactive tool that will set out clear actionable steps, providing ongoing guidelines on how healthcare organisations should plan and implement suitable workloads, efficiently and effectively, to ensure staff health and well-being.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    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 Khatoon
    Vaginal 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A desktop evaluation of the potential impact of nanotechnology applications in the field of environmental health in a developing country
    (Science and Education Publishing, 2015) Naidoo, Levani; Kistnasamy, Emilie Joy
    Nanotechnology is the latest addition to enhancing lifestyles of the human population. It also has an impact on the core parts that are vital to the well-being of humanity and its’ sustainability. Nanotechnology has been researched and is implemented in a number of countries at a commercialized level. However, in South Africa, nanotechnology is still being explored at grassroots with a few private industries implementing it. Based on research, the public health sector is expected to benefit the most from the application of nanotechnology. An environmental health practitioner plays a key role in ensuring the health and sustainability of the human population. The purpose of this desktop study is to generally explore the uses of nanotechnology in the Public Health sector with specificity to food, health and water remediation in the context of environmental health in South Africa and evaluate the possible impacts nanotechnology will have in the South African society. Proposed recommendations to be considered on how to address the use of nanotechnology in the current state of South Africa are made along with identifying the gaps in research in nanotechnology pertaining to South Africa.