Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / In collaboration with Lifeline, Durban University of Technology (DUT) established its first satellite homoeopathic community clinic; Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Clinic (UNHC). UNHC provides a free homoeopathic primary healthcare service on the third floor of the LifeLine building in Warwick junction, Durban, an area which is classified as being disadvantaged with high crime rates, prostitution, violence, small, informal business and low cost housing. The clinic is run by 4th and 5th year homoeopathic students under the supervision of a qualified homoeopathic practitioner and funded totally by the Department of Homoeopathy – DUT. The purpose of this retrospective clinical audit of UNHC was to determine a patient demographic and disease prevalence profile, as well as identify and describe the major medicines prescribed. Methodology The study used a retrospective, explanatory, and descriptive design method by means of a clinical audit, to determine a patient demographic and disease prevalence profile, as well as identify and describe the various homoeopathic treatment modalities. All the patient files from June 2004 – June 2008 were included for analysis and the data collection spreadsheet (Appendix D) was compiled respectively. IV The data collection form was divided into patient demographics, information on number of consultations and follow-ups, clinical diagnoses, urine dipstick analysis, patient referral information and medicines prescribed. The researcher captured the data, which was analysed and various means of descriptive statistics applied using Excel from Microsoft Office® 2007. Results UNHC opened in 2004 and initially only operated two afternoons per week; in order to cope with the demand for this service which grew rapidly in 2006 an additional consultation afternoon was added. A total number of 862 patients were seen between June 2004 and June 2008, 497 being new patients and 365 being follow up patients. On average 56% of patients came back for more than one follow up consultation during the study period. The majority of patients who attended UNHC during the study period were African females between 40 and 64 years of age who were unemployed and single. Of the 5 most prevalent systemic disorders encountered at UNHC infectious disorders were the most frequent along with cardiovascular, dermatological, psychological and musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion The significant increase in patient numbers at UNHC and the relatively high percentage of patients who returned for more than one follow up consultation are positive trends and suggestive of UNHC’s success in providing homoeopathic primary healthcare as well as the positive impact it has had on the surrounding community. With additional funding UNHC can improve service provision further; dedicated translators as well as various equipment to facilitate administration will streamline the consultation process significantly and allow for more patients to be seen. Expansion of the scope of diagnostic services provided such as pregnancy and glucose testing will reduce the need for referral for such basic services. V Future studies should formally measure patient benefit in response to treatment in the form of a patient benefit survey; qualitative measures of patient satisfaction with the service provided by UNHC are also warranted.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In collaboration with LifeLine, Durban University of Technology (DUT) established its first satellite homoeopathic clinic; Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Clinic (UNHC). UNHC serves as a teaching clinic which is part of a Bachelors and Masters of Technology: Homoeopathy programme. It provides a free homoeopathic primary healthcare service at the LifeLine building in Warwick junction, Durban, an area which is classified as being disadvantaged. The area in which UNHC is situated consists primarily of small, informal businesses and low cost housing and experiences high crime rates, prostitution and violence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients’ perception of the services provided by UNHC and to determine how patients are responding to treatment at UNHC so as to try formally quantify the percieved effectiveness of homoeopathy as a form of treatment in the primary healthcare sector. Methodology This study was a quantitative, descriptive survey to determine the patients’ perception of the services provided at UNHC and to determine their response to the homoeopathic treatment received. Non-probability, convenience sampling was applied over a 12 month period (August 2012 – August 2013) in which 44 consenting research participants were recruited. To be included in the study the participants had to be follow-up patients (with an existing file at the UNHC), over 18 years of age and at least conversant in isiZulu or English. Results A data collection tool in the form of a questionnaire was designed to obtain data around a variety of variables pertaining to the patients’ satisfaction of the service provided and response to treatment. The administration and general satisfaction was received with very positive results. Ninety-eight percent of the sample group agreed that the staff at the clinic are polite, quick to help patients and informed the patients of the waiting time for an appointment. Eighty-six percent agreed that the waiting time for an appointment was good enough; however thirty-six percent were dissatisfied with the waiting time for the medication. Sixty-one percent of the participants were satisfied with the clinic offering afternoon only appointments but 32 percent disagreed on the suitability of available times. The category “Professionalism” dealt with the perceptions of the front entrance, waiting room, toilets and treatment rooms as well as the comfort and privacy of the doctor’s rooms. Overall there was a positive perception of these. Twenty-five percent of the sample disagreed that there was enough privacy in the consultation rooms which is a large number. The overall impression of the attending homoeopathic student included perceptions of their appearance, skill, friendliness, manners, organisation, care and confidence. Ninety- seven percent of the research participants had a positive perception of these. All participants perceived the attention given to their case as being either ‘Good’ or ‘Very good’. The main diagnostic group of conditions that presented as primary and secondary complaints were Genitourinary based (34%) followed by gastrointestinal (14%), respiratory (14%) and headaches (11%). The results from the data collected suggest that overall the majority of participants experienced improvement (eighty-two percent of the main complaints and ninety-three percent of the secondary complaints respectively) after receiving treatment from UNHC. In addition, those who experienced improvement attributed such improvement to the homoeopathic treatment they received (100% of those with improved primary complaints and 92% of those with improved secondary complaints). Patients also rated their perceived changes to general state of health, sleep, general well-being, energy, mood, appetite and weight as the holistic nature of homoeopathy aims to achieve improvements in not just the main complaint but in the patients other general health variables as well. The results proved to be positive in this regard as the majority of the participants stated that their general health variables had improved, with 93% agreeing that their overall ‘general well-being’ was either ‘significantly better’ or ‘better’ since receiving treatment. Conclusion This survey was able to provide valuable insight into the participants’ perceptions on the clinic and the use of homoeopathy as a form of treatment in the healthcare sector. It is clear from the results that the patients recruited responded well to the treatment received and furthermore it was encouraging to note that they attributed these improvements to their main complaints, secondary complaints and overall health variables to the homoeopathic treatment they received at UNHC. Patients showed a good level of satisfaction with the clinics location and amenities. What needs to be addressed is the professional appearance of the clinics entrance and waiting room so as to create a good first impression and attract new patients. Privacy during consultations were deemed insufficient by twenty-five of the sample and this could be improved by better training of the student interns and by separating the filing cabinets, clinicians room and dispensary from the consultation rooms. The absence of an elevator at UNHC is concerning as this inhibits access to this facility by disabled patients; efforts to obtain a consultation room on the ground floor is a priority. The waiting time for medication can be improved and reduced by having a second clinician with which the student interns can discuss their cases and treatment methods. Since the implementation of this survey, the operation times of UNHC have changed for 2014. The clinic now operates on a Monday from 08h00-16h00 and a Thursday from 13h00-16h00 which allows for a morning time period in which patients can be seen improving access accordingly. The study showed some very positive results in all aspects. Although limited in terms of sample size, the outcomes of this study are encouraging and support the inclusion of homoeopathy within the public healthcare system of South Africa.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology in Homeopathy, Department of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Brief background The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Department of Homoeopathy in collaboration with Lifeline established a clinic in 2004 located in Warwick Junction, Durban, an area classified as being disadvantaged. The Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Clinic (UNHCC) serves as a free primary health care service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Acorn Road, Warwick Junction, less than one kilometer from the main DUT campus. Aim of the study The study aimed to determine the perceptions of patients after their first Homoeopathic consultation and their satisfaction with service delivery at UNHCC and to assess patients’ knowledge about Homoeopathy. Methodology A quantitative, descriptive, cross sectional study design was used to guide the study. The first 50 new consenting patients were selected using convenience sampling, and answered a self-administered survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Excel software and differences between groups were tested using the student t-test. Results The results of the study showed a very high degree of satisfaction with the health care and the service provided. The results also showed that the majority of respondents attended the clinic as a result of the blood pressure drives held by students during the clinic sessions (Monday mornings and afternoons and Thursday afternoons). It is recommended that future studies be of a qualitative nature and with a larger sample size. It is also recommended that the facility be operational on all weekdays which would result in an increase in the patient numbers and would enable further research studies.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In South Africa homoeopathy is relatively unfamiliar, even though it has been in existence with formal qualification from 1989 at the Durban University of Technology, (formerly Durban Institute of Technology and Techikon Natal) as well as the University of Johannesburg formerly Wits Technikon). A large portion of the South African public is unclear with regards to homoeopathic understanding and homoeopathic medicine use. South African studies exploring the perception of homoeopathy have revealed that there is a degree of ignorance or misinterpretation of homeopathy. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the patients’ experiences of homoeopathy, by investigating their experiences of homoeopathic care rendered at a PHC facility in the eThekwini district, namely, the Redhill homoeopathic clinic. This study was guided by the following grand tour question: What are the experiences of patients of homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare clinic in the eThekwini District? Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare facility in the eThekwini district. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences of homoeopathic care. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 potential research participants from patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Redhill homoeopathic clinic, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were patients who were visiting the Redhill homoeopathic clinic for the second time or more and those who had utilized homoeopathic remedies. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results from this study showed that the study group had knowledge of homoeopathy and that there is growth in the knowledge of homoeopathy as compared to previous studies. The researcher observed that Indian participants had a better understanding of homoeopathy than African participants. Participants showed great confidence in homoeopathy and most of them revealed a high level of satisfaction with the homoeopathic treatment and were very happy with the service delivery. Results showed that there had been an improvement of the patients’ ailments since the commencement of homoeopathic treatment.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Introduction The Durban University of Technology (DUT) homoeopathic satellite clinic in Redhill was established in 2005. It was started by private homoeopathic practitioners who wanted to provide healthcare services to members of the community. This satellite clinic is very distinct from other DUT homoeopathic satellite clinics as it occupies space in an eThekwini Municipality public health care clinic. The homoeopathic clinic offers free homoeopathic treatment to the local community, as it is a training facility for 5th year homoeopathy students of the DUT. Students consult at this clinic under the direct supervision of a qualified homoeopathic clinician. This descriptive and retrospective study aimed to determine the patient demographics, the disease prevalence, the forms of homoeopathic treatment modalities utilised and to assess the financial implications of operating the clinic. Data was collected by conducting an audit of new and follow up appointments at the Redhill clinic over a five year period from 2010 to 2014. Methodology This descriptive and investigative clinical audit was conducted retrospectively at the Redhill Clinic. A data collection sheet was completed for each patient file which included demographic data such as race, age and gender, the year of the consultation, the date of each visit, the number of visits, the diagnoses and treatment protocols, materials used, prices of medicines and the cost of the clinician. The researcher captured the relevant data of each patient file at the DUT premises under the direct supervision of the supervisor. Each patient file was examined individually. Any patient file that was found to have missing information was not included on the data collection sheet or entered into the Microsoft Excel® spread sheet. The results were then analysed by using various forms of descriptive statistics such as pivot tables, pivot charts, pie charts and bar-charts. Results The Redhill Clinic was open once a week from 2010 to 2012 thereafter it was open every second week until September 2014 due to unavailability of rooms. A total number of 841 patient files which met the inclusion criteria were investigated. There were a total number of 1573 visits over a five year period. The majority of patients who attended the Redhill clinic during the study period were Africans, females and between the age group 21 – 30 years old. The five most prevalent conditions that were seen at the Redhill clinic were respiratory, musculoskeletal, infections, dermatological and gastro-intestinal conditions. The operational expenditure of a homoeopathic satellite clinic included the cost of medicines and materials used. The total cost was calculated to be less than R130 000 over a five year period. Conclusion The patient numbers decreased from 2010 to 2014. The number of follow up visits increased from 2010 to 2012. The number of patient visits has been consistent with more than 50 new and follow up visits each year. This suggests that there has been patient satisfaction with homoeopathic treatment over the years. The homoeopathic satellite clinic is unique as it is enclosed within the Redhill municipality clinic where allopathic doctors also practice medicine. This setting is advantageous because the nursing sisters at the clinic often refer patients to the homoeopathic satellite clinic on a weekly basis and students are able to refer their patients to the municipal clinic as appropriate. Patients were treated with homoeopathic remedies, herbal tinctures and creams and tissue salts. The low operational expenditure of the homoeopathic satellite clinic shows that it is very cost effective and inexpensive to maintain such a clinic. The results that were obtained from this study imply that the inclusion of homoeopathic satellite clinics in disadvantaged communities such as Redhill is beneficial and viable. The practice of homoeopathy is viable especially because of the current challenges that the health system of South Africa is exposed to. One of the significant concerns is that there is a shortage of health care workers in the public health care system. This study did not aim to investigate the possibility of incorporating homoeopathy into public health care at present but results can serve as a model for the inclusion of homoeopathy into other public health care facilities. The disease profile and treatment protocols that were obtained from this study can be used in planning the establishment of other homoeopathic satellite clinics in the future. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Introduction In South Africa homoeopathy is relatively unfamiliar, even though it has been in existence with formal qualification from 1989 at the Durban University of Technology, (formerly Durban Institute of Technology and Techikon Natal) as well as the University of Johannesburg formerly Wits Technikon). A large portion of the South African public is unclear with regards to homoeopathic understanding and homoeopathic medicine use. South African studies exploring the perception of homoeopathy have revealed that there is a degree of ignorance or misinterpretation of homeopathy. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the patients’ experiences of homoeopathy, by investigating their experiences of homoeopathic care rendered at a PHC facility in the eThekwini district, namely, the Redhill homoeopathic clinic. This study was guided by the following grand tour question: What are the experiences of patients of homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare clinic in the eThekwini District? Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of patients receiving homoeopathic care rendered at a primary healthcare facility in the eThekwini district. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the patients’ experiences of homoeopathic care. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 potential research participants from patients receiving homoeopathic care at the Redhill homoeopathic clinic, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were patients who were visiting the Redhill homoeopathic clinic for the second time or more and those who had utilized homoeopathic remedies. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results from this study showed that the study group had knowledge of homoeopathy and that there is growth in the knowledge of homoeopathy as compared to previous studies. The researcher observed that Indian participants had a better understanding of homoeopathy than African participants. Participants showed great confidence in homoeopathy and most of them revealed a high level of satisfaction with the homoeopathic treatment and were very happy with the service delivery. Results showed that there had been an improvement of the patients’ ailments since the commencement of homoeopathic treatment. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Background: All services should use quality assurance mechanisms to evaluate performance. To this end, studies have been completed in various settings including teaching clinics. Little attention has been placed on rural communities and community clinics with regards to satisfaction. This is an important aspect to investigate as these locations are valuable teaching sites. The aim of this study was to determine patient satisfaction levels at the Durban University of Technology Chiropractic Satellite Clinics (Marburg Haven Centre for the Aged [MHCA] and Narain Jeawon Vedic Centre [NJWC]). Methods: This cross sectional study (ethical approval IREC 35/15) surveyed patients with regards to their service delivery satisfaction via a researcher developed questionnaire dealing with knowledge of the clinic, environmental questions, reception and waiting area, finance, the student doctor, the assessment, treatment, overall care and future care. The study aimed to recruit the majority of patients that presented at the two clinics. The population at the was 123 files, of which 19 were active and 104 were dormant. The population at the MHCA was 237, of which 78 were active and 159 were dormant. A minimum response rate of 70% of active patients for each clinic was set for this study. This resulted in a minimum sample of 55 MHCA patients and 14 NJVC patients. The minimum response rate was achieved for this study. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 23. Results: The majority of patients at both clinics were satisfied although reservations were expressed regarding disabled facilities. Satisfaction was not influenced by age (p = 0.034), ethnicity (p = 0.773), gender (p = 0.169), type of visit (p = 0.355), pain rating (p = 0.058) or venue (p = 0.361). Satisfaction was influenced by the year of the student doctor (p = 0.011) and the anatomical site of injury. The overriding factor of income levels for this study neutralised the satisfaction of these patients, as the majority of patients came from poor backgrounds and were more than likely to be satisfied with the care provided. Conclusion: Patients surveyed at both clinics were satisfied. Repeated evaluations in the future would be good indicators to see if the standard of chiropractic care is upheld, and would also aid in improving facilities at both clinics. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background. Unintended pregnancy is a major global challenge among sexually active women of childbearing age. Non-use of modern contraception and inconsistent use of short term contraceptive methods are the main reasons associated with unintended pregnancy. Long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) have proven to be highly effective with good continuation rates, and are cost-effective compared to other methods, when used more than one year. However, there is low uptake of LARC methods globally and in South Africa. Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to determine factors influencing the uptake of LARC methods among women at the primary health care (PHC) clinics in eThekwini District. Methodology. A quantitative, descriptive survey was used in this study. Purposive sampling of six fixed PHC clinics from the three sub-districts was done. Convenience sampling resulted in 371 participants. A survey questionnaire in English and isiZulu was used to collect data. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Inferential statistics were used to determine the relationship between the variables. Results. The results of this study revealed that the contraceptive injection was most common LARC used, and the least used method was the intrauterine contraceptive device. The side effects were the main reasons for discontinuation with LARCs and all other contraceptive methods. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the main side effect cited by respondents associated with contraceptive implant usage. The respondents had positive attitudes and perceptions towards LARCs; however, the majority of respondents were not interested in using LARC methods. Common myths and misconceptions were not negatively associated with LARCs, since respondents disagreed with them all. / M

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, treatment and prevention programmes have been initiated and implemented, but nearly 19 million of the 35 million people globally who are living with HIV do not know they have it. A new and powerful movement called 90-90-90 has been set in motion where the target is that by the year 2020, 90% of all people should know their HIV status, 90% of those testing HIV positive should be commenced on lifelong antiretroviral treatment and 90% of the people receiving treatment should be virally suppressed. It is argued the new innovative HIV self-testing strategy can increase the uptake of HIV testing among key populations and the general public. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess health care users’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards HIV self-testing at selected Gateway clinics in eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive design was used to determine knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of health care users at three selected Gateway clinics in eThekwini Health District. The researcher requested permission and was granted to conduct the study from all the relevant stakeholders. Human rights were protected and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the research process. The convenience sample was 442 participants with a minimum of 98 and a maximum of 246 participants sampled from each of the three study sites. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Version 23 of SPSS was used to analyse data. Graphs and tables were used to represent frequencies. Inferential statistical were used to test whether any of the response options were selected significantly more or less than others Results Results of the study revealed that health care users had a reasonable knowledge of HIV self-testing and there were indications that they would use it if it was made freely available to the public and was properly regulated. Generally, there were indications that health care users had positive attitudes towards HIV self-testing. It was seen as a good idea as it can be performed in the privacy of one’s home and the person would be first to know about the results. Results also revealed that there could be more people who would know their HIV status and people could test more frequently. There were perceptions that there would be no difficulty in performing an HIV self-test. The lack of pre-test counselling, false negative results, possible coercion and sale of unregulated testing kits seemed to be issues of concern that require addressing if HIV self-testing is to be promulgated. / M

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Epilepsy is one of the world’s most common neurological disorders of the brain. It is a condition that affects individuals in most countries worldwide. However, there is still stigma attached to epilepsy, and the condition is often misunderstood. However, there are people who understand the condition and the care that PWE need. Aim of the study : The aim of the study was to describe the lived experiences of people with epilepsy. Methodology : A descriptive phenomenological methodology was used. This study is guided by Parse’s Theory of Human Becoming. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants. The main research question that was asked in this study was: What are experiences of people living with epilepsy? Results : The findings of this study revealed that people with epilepsy still face challenges unique to their lifestyles. The lack of knowledge among communities has led to negative experiences of people with epilepsy. Family members often provide support to people with epilepsy; especially female partners support their husbands.