Background: Many infants in developing countries are faced with poverty, poor nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to communicable diseases that place them at risk for negative developmental consequences. Dysphagia is estimated to occur in 25-40% of normally developing, and 80-90% of infants with disabilities. International studies report the common causes of dysphagia to be of gastro-intestinal and neurological origin, yet limited research exists into the profile of paediatric dysphagia within developing contexts. Objective: To describe the profile of paediatric dysphagia in state hospitals, Gauteng. Methods: By means of a retrospective record review, this study investigated paediatric dysphagia (0-18 months) in state hospitals, Johannesburg. Hospital records of 263 infants with feeding impairments were analysed using descriptive statistics, phi correlations and logistical regression. Results: Findings revealed 214 underlying aetiological combinations whereby 65% (n=171) of infants experienced dysphagia secondary to a systemic illness, predominantly communicable diseases. The health professionals, management strategies and procedures employed in the assessment and intervention of paediatric dysphagia were context specific and related to the aetiological and social factors influencing the infants. Conclusion: Results differ significantly to those reflected in studies from developed countries. Of concern is the fact that 65% of infants experienced dysphagia secondary to a systemic illness, since with adequate nutrition, sanitation and health care, these conditions are potentially preventable. By improving social circumstances, the effects of systemic illnesses may be minimised, and may consequently decrease the number of infants affected by dysphagia. This implies that paediatric dysphagia in South Africa is no longer merely a health dilemma, but one which involves basic human rights.

The major theme of this research is the manner in which luxury good companies enter an emerging market economy, such as South Africa. The study thoroughly analyses how the emerging middle class of the country perceive luxury brands in term of being either status-giving or conspicuous. The study used a scale to measure luxury brands’ status and conspicuousness by analysing well-established international luxury brands that have a large footprint in South Africa as a reference point. The dimensions of luxury brand perception were measured when the scale between status and conspicuousness was utilised. This study employed a Factor Analysis as well as Perceptual Mapping in order to determine the relationship between conspicuous- and status consumption in the South African emerging market. The data was collected from 120 consumers who were owners of luxury products, but were deemed to be part of the upper middle class. Status and conspicuousness were revealed as two separate but related constructs, yet the South African emerging consumer does not discern between these two aspects. Strategic marketing implications for marketing managers were identified and discussed within the five brands that were selected, and their relevant product categories. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / bmgibs2015 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / Unrestricted