MPH / Department of Public Health / Cerebral palsy is a condition which affects the normal functioning of children. Most children with this condition rely on other people for the execution of basic skills on a daily basis. The study aim was to explore the experiences of caregivers for children with cerebral palsy in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was used for this study. Simple random sampling was used to sample eight caregivers. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth individual interviews which were pre-tested in Vhembe District, using two caregivers who did not form part of the study. Data was analysed using thematic analysis approach. Credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability were upheld to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. Two main themes emerged during data analysis, namely: positive experiences of caregivers and challenges faced by caregivers. The study recommends: development of a model to support caregivers in caring for children with cerebral palsy; and the investigation of the prevalence of back-pain amongst caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Vhembe District. / NRF

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / Malnutrition is globally considered the key risk factors of illness and death which affect over 90 million children under the age of five. The study aim was to determine the perception of caregivers regarding factors contributing to malnutrition in children under 5 years in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo province. A qualitative approach, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used in the study. Nine participants were sampled through simple random sampling. Data was collected through in- depth individual interview and was analysed through Tesch‘s analytical approach. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical consideration were adhered to throughout the study. Three themes emerged from study, namely: caregivers perceived contributory factors to malnutrition, financial difficulties and help that were sought from various available resources. In conclusion, feeding practices to most of the participants was a challenge, they had financial difficulties since they were not working and depended on social and child grants for living, and the study recommends the development of strategies to assist caregivers in preventing malnutrition in children. / NRF

MSc (Microbiology) / Department of Microbiology / BACKGROUND: Human norovirus (NoV) is the etiological agent associated with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in both children and adults worldwide. Children of <5 years of age, the elderly and individuals suffering from chronic diseases are potentially at high risk of NoV-associated illness. High morbidity and mortality rate associated with NoV have been reported worldwide. In children under the age of 5 years about 1.8 million death cases have been reported in developing countries alone. Despite the fact that the virus is affecting people of all age groups, there is lack of data to elucidate the importance and the role of NoV in children of the age above 5 years and adults. OBJECTIVE: To characterize human norovirus in patients with diarrhoea in rural communities of Vhembe district, Limpopo province. MATERIALS AND METHODS : From August 2017 to October 2018, outpatient between 5 and 68 years of age from rural communities of Vhembe district, Limpopo province were recruited for this study. A total of n=80 stool samples were collected from patients with diarrhoea and were kept at 4˚C throughout the transportation to the laboratory and refrigerated at - 20˚C prior to RNA extraction. Stool samples were tested for norovirus using the RIDA©GENE NOROVIRUS I & II real-time RT-PCR. The RNA extracts tested positive for norovirus were subjected to RT-PCR amplification. The RT-PCR products of the amplified fragments were sequenced, and phylogenetic trees were constructed by the neighbor-joining method using MEGA 7 software. RESULTS: NoV was detected in 13(16%) out of 80 stool samples collected, of which 6 (46%) strains belonged to norovirus GII and 7 (54%) strains to norovirus GI. A total of 5 genotypes were detected (GII.Pg, GII.1, GII.2, GII.4 Sydney 2012). The phylogenetic analysis revealed circulation of NoV genotypes with considerable diversity. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates NoV prevalence and substantial genetic diversity in patients above 5 years of age living in rural communities of Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Continued systematic surveillance to evaluate norovirus association with diarrhoea is needed to have a full picture on the epidemiology and disease burden in people of all the age groups. / NRF

Thesis (M.Med. (Paediatrics and Child Health)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Nosocomial infection constitutes a major health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study is aimed at investigating the prevalence of nosocomial infections in paediatric intensive care unit of Pietersburg hospital, Limpopo, South Africa and identify the pathogens responsible for such infections and determine their anti-microbial activity. The study applied a retrospective quantitative descriptive study design to execute the objectives of the study. Convenience sampling was applied to select 98 participants that met the selection criteria to collect the data set from the hospital files between 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017 in a self-designed template. Results shows that the prevalence of nosocomial infections in children admitted from 1st January 2017–31st December 2017 at Pietersburg hospital was 13.27% where majority were females at 61,5% with the remaining 38,5% being male. Majority of participants that developed HAI were below 24 months of age (69%). Hospital stay was a mean of 23 days. The underlying conditions in participants who developed HAI were mostly HIV in 4 of 13 (31%) and had association with hospital stay (Chi-square = 140,14; pvalue=0,0034). Majority of patients that acquired HAI were admitted for a respiratory condition n=12; (92%) mainly Pneumonia and Bronchiolitis. Potential risks factors for developing HAI were endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation; central venous catheter (Chi- square =21,195; p value= 0,0035); Peripheral vascular catheter (Chisquare = 17,106; p-value= 0,0167); urethral catheter (Chi-square = 20,013; p-value= 0,0055) and surgery since admission (Chi-square = 27,649; p-value= 0,0003). There was a strong correlation between hospital stay and mortality rate (r=36%; p- value<0.0001). Klebsiella pneumonia was the most identified pathogen from the respiratory site (50%). Coagulase-negative staph aureus was the most identified organism in the bloodstream. The study found that the development of HAI was associated with increased length of hospital stay and an increased rate of mortality.

Department of Public Health / MPH

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / The currents study investigated the relationship between attachment and behavioural problems in children in residential group homes (alternative care) in Polokwane, Limpopo. The sample consisted of children (n = 52) and their caregivers (n= 7) from the Samaritan Children’s Home. Both males (n = 30) and females (n = 22) were represented. All caregivers were female. A quantitative, cross-sectional design and simple random sampling were employed. Data was collected using the Relationship in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR-RC) and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Methods of analysing were correlational (Pearson’s r) to establish relationships and t-test and ANOVA to establish between- and within-group differences. Results revealed that there was a statistically significant positive correlation between poor attachment and behavioural problems. Male children were found to exhibit more internalising behaviour than externalising behaviour when compared to females on the CBCL. Older children, both male and female (aged 12-14 years) were found to exhibit more behavioural problems than their younger counterparts aged 9-11.

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / Background: Globally, malnutrition among children is one of the most challenging and critical public health problem, and it remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among children under the age of 5 years. There is no exception for the Vhembe District. Purpose: The study determined the perceptions of young mothers regarding causes of malnutrition in children under the age of 5 years in the Vhembe District, of the Limpopo Province. Methodology: This study used qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design to collect data among young mothers regarding causes of malnutrition in children under 5 years. Twelve young mothers were sampled using probability, simple random sampling at selected hospitals population. In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data and analysed using Tesch’s steps. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical consideration were adhered to throughout the study. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysed data, namely: Young mothers’ perceived causes of malnutrition, young mother’s beliefs about malnutrition, and health care seeking actions for a malnourished child. Recommendations: This study recommend a strategies to integrate young mothers into the health promotion regarding their understanding and experiences about malnutrition. Policies on child nutrition should be reviewed regularly in the Vhembe District for prevention and management of malnutrition in children under 5. / NRF

MPH / Department of Public Health / Cerebral palsy (CP) is the common cause of physical disability in children. The nature and severity of impairments vary, but the demands placed upon mothers are significant. It is one of the prolonged conditions which have become a serious health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children at Thulamela Municipality, in the Vhembe District, South Africa. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1). To explore the challenges by mothers of cerebral palsy children in relation to physical, psychological and social care, (2) To explore their challenges in relation to available resources for proper referral of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children. The study used a qualitative approach using explorative and descriptive design in exploring the challenges of mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy. The study population comprised mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy living in the Vhembe District who attends the rehabilitation therapy services at Tshilidzini Hospital. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used to select the mothers. Five focus groups, each consisting of eight mothers were composed. Semi-structured group guide consisting of open-ended questions were used. Data was transcribed, verbatim and coded into themes and subthemes using context thematic analysis method. Themes that emerged include: a theoretical framework for the study, effects of caring on the family’s socio-economic life, challenges experienced by mothers caring for cerebral palsy children, challenges in relation to education and training and challenges experienced by mothers caring for cerebral palsy. The findings of the study might benefit the society about the challenges experienced by mothers when caring for their disabled children. The study might help government to develop and implement policies which will empower parents and the community as a whole / NRF

Summary in Afrikaans and English / Although the rights of children in South Africa are being regulated by legislation, statistics prove that statutory services on behalf of children annually increase. Scientific accountable information regarding the child can be obtained by the assessment of the child. The purpose of this investigation was to identify the gaps in the existing assessment guidelines, as well as the needs of social workers regarding assessments. The sequential exploratory strategy was utilized, as quantitative data supported qualitative findings. The investigation showed that minimal assessment literature is available in South Africa and internationally, although assessment is the basis evidence of the social worker. The biggest gap in assessment guidelines is that assessment does not carry weight in the court. There is a need for social workers to be trained in relevant assessment skills based on a specific frame of reference. Gestalt therapy can provide a suitable theoretical frame of reference for assessment, and can serve as scientific foundation for social workers during the statutory process. A framework for an assessment guideline was thus proposed. / Ten spyte daarvan dat die regte van kinders in Suid-Afrika deur wette gereguleer word, bewys statistiek dat statutere dienste aan kinders jaarliks toeneem. Wetenskaplik verantwoordbare inligting ten opsigte van die kind kan bekom word deur die kind te assesseer. Die doel van hierdie ondersoek was om leemtes wat in bestaande assesseringsriglyne is vas te stel, asook die behoeftes wat by maatskaplike werkers ten opsigte van assessering bestaan. Die opeenvolgende verkennende strategie is tydens hierdie ondersoek gevolg, aangesien kwantitatiewe data gebruik is om die kwalitatiewe bevindings te ondersteun. Die ondersoek het getoon dat min literatuur ten opsigte van assessering in Suid-Afrika en internasionaal beskikbaar is, ten spyte daarvan dat assessering die basis van die getuienis van die maatskaplike werker vorm. Die grootste leemte wat in assesseringsriglyne ge'identifiseer is, is die feit dat assessering nie gewig in die hof dra nie. 'n Behoefte ten opsigte van opleiding in toepaslike assesseringsvaardighede vanuit 'n spesifieke teoretiese verwysingsraamwerk bestaan. Gestaltterapie kan 'n teoretiese verwysingsraamwerk vir assessering bied en kan dien as wetenskaplike fundering vir optrede van maatskaplike werkers tydens die statutere proses. 'n Raamwerk vir 'n assesseringsriglyn is voorgestel. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Play Therapy)

Thesis (M.Sc. (Statistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / The health and survival of children are important measures of the social wellbeing and health status of the community. The World Community made a commitment to reduce under-five mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that have influence on child survival. The Dikgale Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) data for children born between 01 January 1996 and 31 December 2010 were analysed using cross-tabulation, logistic regression and survival analysis to determine factors that have influence on child survival. The findings revealed that mother’s survival status and child birth weight are significantly associated with child survival. The results showed that the odds that children born to mothers who are alive survive beyond five years are almost four times the odds that children born to mothers who are not alive survive beyond five years. The study also found that the odds that children born with birth weight 2.5kg or more survive beyond five years are almost two times that of children born with birth weight less than 2.5kg. The results of this study may help in formulating strategies and interventions that improve the lifespan of children and assist in the reduction of child mortality. KEY CONCEPTS Child survival, Health Demographic Surveillance System, Cross-tabulation, Logistic regression, Survival analysis, Mother’s survival status, Birth weight.