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Item A formative evaluation of a child abuse prevention programme in KwaZulu-Natal.(2022) Makhathini, Sinothile Andile Sinegugu.; Frizelle, Kerry Lyn.Background Abuse against children has been a concerning social phenomena in South Africa for many years, yet there are only a few child abuse prevention programmes that have been developed and designed to try and address this issue. Such prevention programmes aim to create awareness, educate children and families, assist with reporting cases, and provide trauma counselling and safe houses. Formative evaluations are important an important part of tracking the success in offering and managing prevention interventions. Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct a formative evaluation of a child abuse prevention programme at the Open Door Crisis Care Centre (ODCCC). To do so this study explored, from the perspective of social workers responsible for running the programme, the roles the social workers play in the organisation, the design of the child abuse prevention programme, the facilitators’ experiences in facilitating the child abuse prevention programme, the challenges faced in the implementation of the child abuse prevention programme, how those challenges can be overcome, and the areas that the child abuse prevention programme can be improved on. high workload, (3) political interference, (4) lack of funding, and (5) the lack of volunteers. These challenges are further exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Conclusion: The ODCCC child abuse prevention programme has been instrumental in helping the victims of child abuse by offering a range of services including counselling, shelter, support groups and awareness campaigns in the surrounding communities and schools. Recommendation: The social workers in the current study recommend the Department of Social Development to prioritise child abuse prevention programmes in South Africa and avail funding to these programmes across the country. As demonstrated in the current study, the child abuse prevention programme faces huge challenges, and a lack of funding is a major obstacle in the implementation of this programme. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative design. The researcher conducted semi -structured interviews with four social workers to collect data and used thematic analysis to interpret and analyse the data collected. Findings: The findings show the ODCCC child abuse preventive programme, from the social workers perspective, provides essential services such as counselling, safe shelter, support groups and awareness campaigns for those affected by child abuse in the surrounding community. The social workers employed at ODCCC view their roles as improving the general well-being of abused children and their families by assisting them in meeting their fundamental needs which include reporting of abuse to the police, referral to a doctor to gather evidence, and preparation for court. The creating awareness has been a powerful tool because children are more cautious and aware of grooming. The findings further highlight that the ODCCC child abuse prevention programme is facing many challenges, these challenges are; (1) shortage of social workers, (2)Item A qualitative exploration of lecturers’ experiences in teaching and assessment of students with disabilities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.(2023) Leahy, Kelly Louise.; Makhaba, Vukani Luvuyo.Since the advent of democracy in South Africa, an inclusive education policy was implemented in the education system to address barriers to learning. Although this has increased the enrolment percentage of students with disabilities in higher education institutions (HEIs), a disjunction between policy and practice remains in HEIs in South Africa. Challenges in implementing inclusive education may stem from teaching practices and assessment methods which have not been adjusted appropriately in response to the inclusion of a diverse student body. While the experiences of students with disabilities in HEIs have received considerable research interest, the experiences of lecturers appear to be an understudied research area, particularly within the South African context. This research study drew on the theoretical framework of Differentiated Instruction and qualitatively explored the lived experiences of lecturers in teaching and assessing students with physical disabilities within a South African HEI. Data for the study was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with eight lecturers within the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Howard College campus, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. The findings suggested an emphasis on deficit thinking among lecturers in higher education. In addition, the study revealed that both challenging and positive experiences with these students emerged during teaching and assessment which may hinder or promote the inclusion of students with physical disabilities, respectively. Conclusively, the findings suggested that further progress is required in the institution to support lecturers and their students. Recommendations to enhance inclusivity in the institution may include the incorporation of, and access to inclusive pedagogy, greater awareness and sensitisation, a reduction in attitudinal and physical accessibility barriers, and the promotion of shared responsibility and collaborative effort among relevant stakeholders.Item A scoping review of gender-based violence interventions and programmes targeted at South African men.(2022) Mavasa, Themba Fotrick.; Mntambo, Ntokozo.Background: The phenomenon of gender-based violence is a global concern (Tappis, Freeman, Glass & Doocy, 2016). Neither women nor men are immune to gender-based violence (GBV); however, the findings from different studies have found that women are more susceptible to GBV perpetrated against them by men (Peate, 2019; Radzilani-Makatu & Chauke, 2019). South African men play a vital role in perpetuating gender-based violence. Therefore, due to their role as perpetrators or potential perpetrators of gender-based violence, intervention measures targeting them should be prioritized (Navindhra & Nadvi, 2013). Aim: The focus of this study review was on interventions and programmes targeting South African men as a key means for addressing gender-based violence (GBV) against women in South Africa. The aim was to address the following question: “What was the available evidence of interventions and programmes targeting men as a key strategy for the prevention of gender-based violence against women in the South African context?” South Africa has been grappling with GBV for many years. New laws and programmes have been developed since 1994 – yet the scourge seems to worsen (Department of Higher Education and Training, 2019). Despite multiple interventions and research papers conducted on gender-based violence, it was unclear or at least unknown how men were included in these interventions (Tappis et al., 2016). Methods: To 'unlock' these interventions and programmes targeting men, the researcher utilised a scoping review approach. This study looked at 25 studies that included a total of 7 084 participants. Results: Men's participation in gender-based violence interventions had been reviewed extensively and it appeared to have significantly reduced gender-based violence (Gibbs, Dunkle,Mhlongo, Chirwa, Hatcher, Christofides & Jewkes, 2020). The findings indicate that interventions had many positive impacts on participants (Graaff & Heinecken, 2017). Conclusion: Even though the interventions produced positive impact, however, the impact of interventions appeared to be more behavioural than attitudinal, affecting specific 'problematic' behaviours rather than changing men's attitudes regarding gender inequality in general (Graaff & Heinecken, 2017). Some studies argued that this was because men had not rejected their patriarchal power, had difficulty adopting gender-equitable behaviour, as well as sustaining positive change, especially when their emotions were high (Treves-Kagan, Maman, Khoza, MacPhail, Peacock, Twine, Kahn, Lippman & Pettifor, 2020; Graaff & Heinecken, 2017).Item A social science perspective on literature relating to medically prescribed stimulants: a systematic review.(2022) Rode, Bo Staci.; Collings, Steven John.Introduction: Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall are well-known medical drugs used to treat and manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Over the past couple of decades, there has been an increase in the medical prescriptions, consumption, and research of medically prescribed stimulants (MPS). A review of the literature indicated that common areas of enquiry were the use and wrongful use of MPS and suggested a great emphasis on academics and educational settings. The research indicated an ever increasing presence of MPS and reinforced the need for a consolidated overview of the available literature so that there is a deeper understanding and a guide for future research. Method: A systematic review was conducted; this was guided by the Cochrane Framework. A predetermined inclusion and exclusion were utilised, and various journal databases were searched using the JBI Reviewers Manual three-phase search strategy. The articles were analysed for eligibility for the study and then underwent coding. SPSS was used to analyse the data and measures of frequency and measures of central tendency were used. Results: This review included 167 research articles. Of that, 67.1% of them were from the USA and 89.8% of them emerged from first-world countries. Questionnaires and surveys were the most common data collection method, with 59.9% of the reviewed articles using them, and statistical analysis was the most common data analysis method, recording 46.1% of articles with this analysis method. Adults (over 18s) were the most common sample group, recording 67.1% of articles and 66.5% of the articles focused and investigated student populations. The top emerging themes associated with MPS use were academics (46.1%), prescriptions (13.8%), socioeconomic/demographic factors (12%) and attitudes and perceptions (7.2%). The top emerging themes associated with MPS wrongful use were academics (46.7%), attitudes and perceptions (12%), socioeconomic/demographic factors (8.4%) and prescriptions (6%). The majority of the data collection took place in a tertiary education setting (57.5%). Conclusion: This review recorded an abundance of MPS literature focusing on academics or an academic setting, suggesting these are frequently linked in the literature. There is an uneven representation in the literature, with minimal amounts of research emerging from developing/third-world countries. It also indicated the high concern over the wrongful use of MPS and the need for further investigations into different settings to form a comprehensive understanding of MPS.Item A socio-ecological analysis of postgraduate students lived experiences while at university.(2022) Khoza, Sisanda Natalie.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.The study explored the experiences of postgraduate students at a South African tertiary institution. The intention was to understand the challenges that entwined postgraduate studies and the coping mechanisms employed by students during their postgraduate studies. In this qualitative study, the participants were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview schedule: with the consent of the participants the interviews were recorded using an audio-recorder. The data obtained was thematically analyzed, which gave rise to various themes. The following themes emerged: students’ motivation to enroll in postgraduate studies: the graduate unemployment problem, implications of lack of funding at postgraduate level, non-monetary challenges at postgraduate level: mental health issues, postgraduate workload, online learning challenges, coping mechanisms, social relationships, and support during postgraduate studies. The findings of this research study indicated that financial, academic, and psycho-social support positively impact postgraduate students’ experiences at university. Nonetheless, that lack of financial aid, mental health issues, postgraduate workload and online learning challenges negatively impact postgraduate student experiences.Item An analysis of nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon=Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngezimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe kwezinye zezibhedlela ezikhethiwe zaseCameroon.(2023) Wanko Keutchafo, Esther Lydie.; Kerr, Jane.Background: Nurse-patient communication has been recognised as one of the most important aspects of successful patient outcomes. In relation to older adults, whose numbers are growing worldwide, nurses’ communication with older adults is essential because older adults will seek medical assistance more than before. Since most rely on nonverbal communication because of hearing deficits, and changes in attention and coding of information – all restrictions in interaction and effective verbal communication – nurses’ nonverbal communication will be a vital skill to develop good nurse-older patient relationships. In a context where there are no long-term care settings, nurses will be required to achieve effective nonverbal communication when older adults are admitted to the wards. Aim: This study aimed at analysing nonverbal communication between nurses and hospitalised older adults in selected hospitals in Cameroon, to develop a model for effective nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. A total of 372 participants were included through overt, theoretical, and convenience sampling. To collect the qualitative data through participant observations and individual interviews, twenty-seven (27) nurses were observed, of which 13 nurses were interviewed, and 29 older adults were observed, of which eight (8) were interviewed. In addition, 316 nursing students participated in the survey. Qualitative data analysis was composed of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, which were intertwined as the researcher moved back and forth between data collection and data analysis. Additionally, comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, and memos were used during the process of analysing the qualitative data. Quantitative data were analysed using SPPS version 25, where descriptive and inferential analyses were run. Additionally, an explanatory factor analysis based on the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation was conducted, to determine the common factors that explain the order and structure among measured variables. Results: Firstly, the results showed that there was limited evidence of studies on nonverbal communication between nurses and cognitively intact hospitalised older adults in clinical settings. Secondly, the results showed that hospitalised older adults made both positive and negative interpretations of nurses’ nonverbal communication. They also had specific nonverbal communication needs. Thirdly, the results showed that nurses mainly used haptics, kinesics, and proxemics to communicate nonverbally with hospitalised older adults to build relationships with them, convey affection, reassure them, and support verbal communication. Further, the results showed that nursing students held slightly positive attitudes towards older adults; yet, the tool used to assess their attitudes showed moderate psychometric properties and two factor loadings. Finally, the results showed that the proposed model for effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults, which emerged from the data, encompassed all six categories of Strauss and Corbin’s framework, which are: causal conditions, contextual conditions, core phenomenon, action/interaction strategies, intervening conditions and expected outcomes. Conclusions: This study revealed that nurses mainly use few nonverbal communication techniques to communicate with hospitalised older adults, which cannot achieve effective communication, vital in nurse-patient relationships. The proposed model provides a guide for effective nonverbal communication with older adults and acknowledges that older adults’ interpretations and needs of nonverbal communication, as well as attitudes towards them, all influence effective nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults. It is hoped that nurses will consider these to improve their nonverbal communication with hospitalised older adults for better patient outcomes such as: patient satisfaction, shorter lengths of stay in hospitals and improved quality of care. Iqoqa Isendlalelo: Ukukhulumisana phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli kubalulekile ukuze isiguli silulame kahle. Ngokuphathelene nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka, indlela umhlengikazi akwazi ngayo ukuxhumana nabo ibalulekile ngoba abantu abaningi asebekhulile bathembele ekusebenziseni izimpawu lapho bekhuluma, okuyikhono okusemqoka ukuba umhlengikazi abe nalo ukuze kuthuthukiswe ubudlelwane obuhle phakathi kwabahlengikazi neziguli esezikhulile ezimweni lapho kungekho khona uhlelo lokunakekelwa isikhathi eside. Inhloso: Ukuhlaziya ukuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe ezibhedlela ezithile zaseCameroon, ukuze kusungulwe inqubo esebenza kahle yokuxhumana ngezimpawu. Izindlela zokwenza: Kulolu cwaningo kusetshenziswe izindlela ezixubile lapho kwabandakanywa khona ababambiqhaza abangama-372 kusetshenziswa uhlelo lokukhetha ngokusobala, ngokulandela indlela yezinjulalwazi nalolo oluvumelana nesimo. Kwabukwa abahlengikazi abangama-27, kwathi abayi-13 kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Kwabukwa abantu asebekhulile abangama-29, kwase kuthi abayisishiyagalombili kubo kwaxoxwa nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kunabahlengikazi abangamathwasa abangama-316 ababamba iqhaza kule nhlolovo. Ukuhlaziywa kwemininingo eyikhwalithethivu kwakunalezi zinyathelo ezintathu; ukuhluza ulwazi oluqoqiwe ukwenza ucwaningo lube yizingxenye ezincane bese zinikezwa amakhodi, ukuhlela amakhodi olwazi oluhluziwe bese ebekwa ngemikhakha kuye ngokuhlobana kwawo nokuhlobanisa yonke imikhakha ibe umkhakha owodwa owumgogodla kanye nokuhlaziya ngokuqhathanisa, kanye nerekhodi lomcwaningi eliqukethe umbono wakhe, neziphetho afinyelele kuzo nokuphawula. Imininingo eyikhwantithethivu yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa uhlelo lwekhompuyutha i-SPPS version 25, lapho kwenziwa khona ukuhlola okuchazayo nokucabangelayo. Imiphumela: Okokuqala, bube buncane ubufakazi bokuthi lukhona ucwaningo olwenziwe odabeni lokuxhumana ngokusebenzisa izimpawu phakathi kwabahlengikazi nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela abanengqondo esebenza ngokugcwele endaweni yokwelapha. Okwesibili, abantu asebekhulile ngeminyaka abalaliswe esibhedlela, ababenezidingo ezithile zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, bakuqonda ngokunembile okwakushiwo abahlengikazi lapho bekhuluma nabo ngezimpawu, kanti kwezinye izimo abazange bakuqonde ngokunembile okwakushiwo. Okwesithathu, abahlengikazi basebenzisa ikakhulukazi ukuthinta, izimpawu zomzimba, nezinga lokuqhelelana noma ukusondelana nomuntu ukuze bakhe ubudlelwano nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, bababonise uthando, babanikeze ithemba futhi baxoxe nabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho, abahlengikazi abasengamathwasa babonisa isimo sengqondo esihle kakhudlwana kubantu asebekhulile; nokho, ithuluzi elisetshenzisiwe ukuze kuhlaziywe isimo sabo sengqondo libonise izimpawu zokusebenza kahle. Okokugcina, isibonelo sendlela ephumelelayo yokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela satholakala emininingweni futhi sididiyela yonke imikhakha eyisithupha yohlaka lukaStrauss noCorbin. Isiphetho: Ngokuvamile abahlengikazi basebenzisa izindlela zokuxhumana ngezimpawu ezimbalwa ukuze baxhumane nabantu asebekhulile abalaliswe esibhedlela, ezazingasizi ekudluliseleni umyalezo ngempumelelo. Indlela ehlongozwayo inikeza isiqondiso sokuxhumana ngezimpawu nabantu asebekhulile ngendlela ephumelelayo futhi iyavuma ukuthi indlela abantu asebekhulile abaqonda ngayo izinto nezidingo zabo zokuxhumana ngezimpawu, kuhlanganise nendlela umuntu ababheka ngayo, kunomthelela ekuxhumaneni nabo ngezimpawu ngempumelelo. Kuthenjwa ukuthi abahlengikazi bazokuhlola lokhu ukuze bathuthukise indlela abakhulumisana ngayo ngezimpawu neziguli esezikhulile ezilaliswe esibhedlela ukuze kuthuthukiswe izinga lokwaneliseka kweziguli, kuncishiswe ubude besikhathi ezisihlala esibhedlela futhi kuthuthukiswe izinga lokunakekelwa kwabantu abadala.Item An examination of how Sowetan Live and Daily Sun reported on Operation Dudula and foreign nationals: January to June 2022.(2023) Xulu, Luyanda Randy.; Dyll, Lauren Eva.Abstract available in PDF.Item An exploration of graduate trainee’s perceptions of their psychological contract in a South African organisation.(2022) Makhoba, Celukuthula.While research on the Psychological Contract has received much attention in aiding a better understanding of employment arrangements, few empirical studies have sought to understand how Graduate employees in their first year of employment create their psychological contract using Schema Theory as the Theoretical Framework particularly in the context of South Africa. To address this, the aim of the present study sought to understand the pre-entry expectations that Graduate Trainees held about employer-employee obligations and the extent to which these expectations informed how they experienced their psychological contract within the first year of joining the Nestlé Future Talent (NFT) Graduate Development Programme in a South African-based organisation (Nestlé South Africa). In doing so, the study adopted a qualitative research approach, rooted within an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) paradigm. Six Graduate Trainees were purposively sampled from the company’s Graduate Development Programme and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. These interviews were individually audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the six stages of IPA. From the research findings the following five themes emerged: (1) Graduate Trainee’s pre-entry expectation of employers, (2) Graduate Trainees’ perceptions of anticipated Employer’s expectations of them, (3) Graduate Trainees’ post-entry experiences in Nestlé South Africa, (4) Graduate Trainees’ socialisation processes and sources of information and (5) Graduate Trainee’s perceptions of unmet expectations. Findings revealed that Graduates Trainees held a rudimentary anticipatory psychological contract shaped by social and professional norms before being hired into the company’s graduate development programme. The findings also suggest that pre-entry encounters with the organisation in the form of campus recruitment initiatives seem to shape organisation-specific expectations in which some graduates note how information gleaned from these initiatives seemed to be inconsistent when compared with their experiences of employment since joining the organisation. Another finding, spoke to Graduate Trainees early encounters with Senior Graduates in the business and revealed the complex cognitive process of sense-making in which they sought information to better understand themselves as novice employees hired in the same graduate development programme.Item An exploration of mental health in post-colonial times: perspectives from a selected sample of community members within iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal.(2023) Basdeo, Abhishta.; Bomoyi, Zininzi Anele.No abstract available.Item An exploration of the experiences of social workers and nurses treating HIV/TB patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban.(2023) Thabethe, Thandiwe Bonisiwe.; Seepamore, Boitumelo Khothatso.The outbreak of COVID-19, a global health pandemic, created a tsunami of problems resulting in lockdowns as the world grappled to understand and contain its spread and save lives. For King Dinuzulu Hospital, a specialised healthcare centre for the treatment of TB, its designation as a COVID-19 health facility in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, turned it into a facility managing three epidemics, COVID-19, TB and HIV. The main aim of this study was to explore the experiences of public social workers and nurses caring for and treating TB/HIV patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at King Dinuzulu Hospital. This study utilised a qualitative research methodology. Data were collected from 15 HCWs (seven public social workers and eight nurses) selected using a purposive sampling methodology. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted. These were guided by an interview guide with open-ended questions, and the collected data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected the delivery of social work and nursing services at King Dinuzulu Hospital, and HCWs experienced psychological distress due to fear of being infected, infecting their family members and seeing some of their colleagues and patients at KDH die from COVID-19 pandemic. The mitigation measures that were put in place to blunt the full impact of COVID-19 on HCWs providing services to TB/HIV patients, went some way in preventing a total disaster from happening. KDH needs to resolve the shortage of HCWs, provide sufficient PPEs, repair and provide access to telephones/ mobile phones, and provide adequate and conducive offices.Item An exploratory study on the partnership between private security industry and the South African Police Services to combat crime in South Africa, Durban.(2022) Phakathi, Sinethemba.; Mbhele, Nkosingiphile Modeccai.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.Abstract available in PDF.Item Cohabitation among young people in Durban, South Africa: exploring perspectives and experiences.(2022) Mazibuko, Nondumiso.; Maharaj, Pranitha.Cohabitation has recently become a norm among young people. While it has been done even in the past, it was not as common as it is nowadays. The study explores the attitudes of young people towards cohabitation. The study draws on in-depth interviews conducted amongst young people residing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. In total, there were 20 interviews that were conducted with both males and females. The findings indicate that cohabitation relationship among youth is becoming more prevalent and normal especially in the cities. Most cohabiting couples have different experiences as well as challenges. Both men and women have different attitudes when it comes to cohabitation. There are positive and negative impacts associated with being in a cohabiting relationship. Some couples get a chance to raise their children in an environment where there is a father and a mother as well. Other reasons for cohabitation include the high costs of lobola. The study suggested that people from rural areas should be educated about cohabitation in different ways, as the study has shown that in rural areas cohabitation is regarded as a taboo or disrespectful. There are some recommendations which were proposed such as there should be some facilities in rural areas where people will be taught more about cohabitation. There should also be some support groups that will accommodate people or couples who are facing challenges while cohabiting.Item Darker shades of brown: managing race relations culture among military police in South Africa.(2024-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Steyn, Jéan.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Sihlobo, Mfuneko Merriman.This study investigates the intricate connections between race and police culture, exploring how solidarity, isolation, and cynicism vary among military police officers in South Africa: Blacks and Whites. Adopting a quantitative approach, the research examines how racial identity shapes officers' experiences within the force, potentially influencing their sense of belonging, professional detachment, and disillusionment. Using a survey format, the researcher employed a non-experimental ex post facto (cross-sectional) design. This study employs descriptive analysis to describe characteristics that exist within different variables. The study established in general that SANDF MPOs have attitudes in support of police culture themes of solidarity and isolation but do not have a police culture of cynicism according to race variables. However, the study also finds that, in more than half of the SANDF MPOs, the respondents evinced attitudes in support of the police culture theme of cynicism. Statistically significant differences, differences of kind, and differences of degree were found in relation to all race categorical dependent variables (Blacks and Whites). The study provides an empirical peek into military police culture, allows for comparisons between public police culture and military police culture, and contributes novel knowledge to broader police culture in general.Item Dominant notions of masculinity fuelling violence among young male students Durban South Africa.(2022) Mndebele, Kwanele Mduduzi.; Maharaj, Pranitha.Universities are increasingly becoming hotspots for violent crimes such as murder, suicide, intimate partner violence, collective violence, and many other violent acts that have made headlines across the country. The prevalence of highly violent acts influenced the need to look at the socialization of young men into manhood as boys face challenges when they transition into manhood. This study aims to shed insights into notions of masculinity influencing violent behaviours among young male students in Durban. This research analyses the intersection of masculinity perceptions relative to violent behaviours to aid in expanding knowledge of intervention strategies. The sampling technique was purposive sampling to ensure that the information gathered from fifteen participants reflected the research objectives. The study used the thematic analysis method as a data collection tool to ensure meaningful, trustworthy, and insightful qualitative results. Social constructivism theory was used to provide further insights and understanding of how young men learn and model that masculinity can influence violent behaviours. The interviews indicate that the behaviour of young men at the university is primarily influenced by masculinity ideas that society has already expected them to conform to. The interviews suggest that young men at tertiary institutions strive to continuously achieve and maintain their social status by engaging in behaviours that align with social values perceived to be masculine. Furthermore, the findings indicate that some young men in tertiary institutions adhere to patriarchal ideals to strengthen their masculinity, earn respect, and maintain their social position, which may influence how frequently they use violence. Among higher education institutions, there is a gap in implementing more programs aimed at addressing gender norms and transforming modern masculinities to aid in combatting violence. The study identifies a great need for universities to provide professional services such as psychosocial support, online education programs, and organized forums and dialogues relating to violence among young males at universities.Item Epistemic trust and its utility in the psychotherapeutic context: a scoping review.(2022) Amar, Francesca Katja Ray.; Cartwright, Duncan James.Epistemic Trust (ET) refers to one’s willingness to acquire new social knowledge from another human as trustworthy, generalizable, and relevant to one’s self. As an emergent term commonly related to mentalization and the work of Fonagy and colleagues, ET has largely been foregrounded as a developmental concept with less focus on its application to treatment and psychotherapeutic concepts. A scoping review was conducted to identify and synthesize emerging evidence from the literature pertaining to the constituent elements of ET, its conceptual understanding, use, validation, and contemporary application within the psychotherapeutic context. Arksey and O'Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework informed the protocol and Rayyan AI software was used to assist with data management and analysis. The initial search yielded 591 sources. After steps of screening and additional searches, a total of 73 sources were included for analysis. Results clarify the conceptual uses of ET relating to the creation of valid measurement tools, as well as theories of psychotherapy and psychopathology. The application of ET in the psychotherapeutic context is reported and discussed in terms of the therapeutic alliance, and as a possible psycho-marker for treatment outcomes. Structural, environmental, theoretical, and therapist-related challenges to the implementation of ET in the psychotherapeutic context are explored in conjunction with gaps in the literature that may serve as springboard for future studies, given that research regarding the use of ET in applied settings is still in its infancy.Item Examining religio-cultural beliefs among women towards induced abortions in Noodsberg and Esidumbini communities of faith: a case study.(2023) Khoza, Mduduzi Godhelp.; Siwila, Lilian Cheelo.South Africa is among the countries that have legalised the termination of pregnancy. This means women are free to decide whether to keep their pregnancy without being penalised by the legal system. Even though healthcare systems provide low cost or even free services, the country continues to witness an increase in illegal abortions carried out by untrained personnel in health compromised conditions. These illegal abortions have contributed to serious health complications that in some cases, lead to the death of young women, who are the main risk population in this exercise. This is despite South Africa having one of the world’s most progressive legal framework for abortion. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate factors leading to unsafe abortions especially among young women. The paper uses a qualitative approach to assess factors leading to these young women opting for illegal abortion. Using reproductive justice framework and intersectional feminism as a theoretical framework, the dissertation assessed the extent to which religion and culture play a role in the use of illegal abortions. The study will be conducted in the Noodsberg and Esidumbini rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal province. The choice of this community is in line with the previous research on termination of pregnancy which showed that opposition towards the Termination of Pregnancy Act was strong in this part of the country. Findings from this study indicated that opposition to this act was partly based on religious and cultural norms of the people within this community. It is from this background that this dissertation sought to examine these religio-cultural beliefs towards termination of pregnancy among women in South Africa.Item Exploring the authenticity and adaptation of instructional materials in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms.(Journal of African Languages and Literary Studies (JoALLS), 2024-04) Adeyiga, Abisoye Adedoyin.; Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Daramola, Iyanunioluwa Oluwatobi.This paper explored the concepts of authenticity and adaptation of instructional materials in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. The authenticity of instructional materials is a major and often overlooked factor in foreign language teaching. However, the adaptation of instructional materials is the process of adapting existing materials to a particular language learning context. The aim of this paper was to examine the benefits and limitations of both approaches. From an analysis of various theoretical approaches, it was found that there is an advantage to using both approaches when teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Materials should be authentic to the language and culture of the language in question, while at the same time taking into account certain considerations such as the students’ language proficiency level and the specific context of the class. The adaptation of materials should not lead to over-simplification, and both approaches should be used to ensure that the materials are appropriate for the learning context. In conclusion, the paper argued that both authentic and adapted materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and that an optimal solution is to strike a balance between the two approaches. It is important for language teachers to be mindful of the need to use materials that are both authentic to the language and culture, while at the same time taking into account the specific needs of the class. This paper has provided a brief overview of how authenticity and adaptation of instructional materials in EFL classrooms can be effectively managed.Item Exploring the experiences of men living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome at Okhahlamba Local Municipality.(2023) Nxumalo, Vuyisiwe.; Mazibuko, Ntombifikile Margaret.Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has been a part of the world since 1981 when first its discovery was made. It can be argued that the virus has become a normal part of human life; however, is this argument valid in this day and age? This research study explored the experiences of men living with HIV/AIDS, paying particular attention to reasons that led to their HIV testing, disclosure of HIV status, the possible stigmatisation and marginalisation or positive response encountered; the social, emotional, or economic challenges met, and the coping mechanisms adopted post HIVpositive diagnosis. This study aimed to explore the experiences of men in Okhahlamba Local Municipality living with HIV/AIDS. Social constructionism and the ecosystems theory were adopted as theoretical frameworks to help understand and to reach the intended aim of the study. A nonprobability sample of fifteen men living with HIV/AIDS was selected by using purposive sampling for data collection. This study was a qualitative study − it employed the interpretive paradigm and an exploratory design. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. The most apposite themes were identified and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that the reaction of males to their seropositive status is similar to that of females; furthermore, the study noted that rejection and fear of stigmatisation results in delayed disclosure of HIV-positive status. Additionally, the study supported studies that alluded to a relationship between trust and disclosure. Conclusions and recommendations were drawn based on data collected from the study which show that there is still a need for increased HIV/AIDS education, consistent development of the skills of counsellors, and implementation of a multisectoral response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.Item Exploring the reception of global health campaigns at a local level: a study of the WHO #SafeHands handwashing social media campaign for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Twitter.(2024) Haffenden, Sarah.; Gibson, Sarah Elizabeth.This study explores the efficacy of the universal WHO #Safehands Handwashing campaign at a localised level, specifically for students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. It is essential to develop a greater understanding of the reception and effectiveness of global health campaigns in the context where they are received to improve future campaigns' success. This study also explores participatory platforms for health communication, such as social media platforms, to determine if they have a more significant impact on behaviour change. This study is helpful in assessing whether these platforms should be used more often in the future to achieve a greater impact on health communication campaigns. A further objective of this study is to better understand the affordances and limitations of health communication campaigns on Twitter (now X), as Twitter was the main platform utilised to distribute the WHO #SafeHands Handwashing campaign. This study is beneficial in guiding future campaigns that plan to utilise Twitter as an example of social media to disseminate health communication campaigns, particularly pandemic campaigns, as more effective campaigns can save lives. Within the study, a qualitative research approach was performed in the form of online focus groups conducted via Zoom. The sample included registered UKZN students based in KwaZulu-Natal who were either in a rural or urban area during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period. The data analysis technique performed was the six-phase reflexive thematic analysis process to identify emerging themes and differentiate the three potential readings of the campaign from Stuart Hall’s Reception Analysis. Reception Analysis and Participatory Culture were the theoretical guides for this study. The reception of the campaign was positive overall, and participants felt better equipped to wash their hands effectively after seeing the campaign. The challenge of recreating videos within the campaign, which encouraged participants to actively participate in the campaign, however, was not received as positively. This is largely due to inadequate living conditions, whereby some participants did not have the same facilities or basic amenities,such asrunning water. The study discovered that vast contrasts in the living conditions of some of the local 4 participants had impacted the effectiveness of the WHO #Safehands Handwashing campaign for these participants. The impact of this research highlights the need for global health authorities to work closely with local health authorities to ensure that unique regional circumstances and cultural differences are considered when designing campaigns. For global health campaigns to be more impactful and relatable, they may need to be adapted within different regions. By taking this into consideration, global campaigns may be more successful and ultimately save lives.Item Exploring young people’s constructions of domestic violence as portrayed in the media.(2022) Mtshali, Zandile Penelope.; Collings, Steven John.Domestic violence (DV) is a severe problem experienced mostly by women and girls locally and on other continents. Existing literature on DV has predominantly focused on quantitative analysis and the adult population. There is a paucity of research concerning young people’s views, understandings, and experiences of DV. Therefore, this study aimed to map and comprehensively analyze studies that examined how young people view, understand, and construct domestic violence to uncover existing evidence in the field and establish areas for future research. This study was exploratory and expanded knowledge of existing literature about young people’s narratives about DV. The theoretical framework navigating this study was the ecological systems theory to achieve an interdisciplinary perspective. The present study was a qualitative research study that utilized Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review method. The search strategy for this scoping review entailed three electronic databases, PubMed, Google scholar, and dissertations from SABINET online. The search period was from 2011 to 2021. Eligible studies were screened independently by the researcher. Extracts of young people’s narratives from primary qualitative studies were employed. Data were extracted and then analyzed using descriptive statistics in table form and thematic content analysis to categorize research results into themes. The data charting included tables from articles that met the inclusion criteria. Charting involved synthesizing and interpreting data according to key issues in a table form. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Three prominent themes were developed: (1) Constructions of violence, (2) Normalization of violence, and (3) Young people’s agency, coping, and resistance strategies. Broadly, the findings of the present study illustrated that a deficit of understanding DV in young people is related to numerous issues, namely: low age, inadequate knowledge, growing up in a low-socioeconomic environment, normalization of violence by family and society, socially constructed gender norms and inaccurate media depictions. As a result, young people reported being scared to disclose the abuse to family and society and perceive it as a private matter. The findings of this study suggested an essential narrative behind the difficulties of intervening for young women who are victims of DV. However, numerous constructive implications may be helpful for young people, their families, and the health professionals working with them.