Proefschrift Universiteit Maastricht. / Met lit. opg. - Met samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Proefschrift Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, Maastricht. / Met samenvatting in het Engels. - Met lit. opg.

Regular breakfast consumption among adolescents has been linked to decreased risk of obesity and chronic diseases, improved cognition and improved nutrient intake in adolescents. Despite this, research has indicated that adolescent breakfast consumption is declining globally. Adolescents are at particularly high-risk for health compromising behaviours such as increased fast food consumption, increased sedentary levels and frequent breakfast skipping. Research shows that lifestyle and behaviour habits which are entrenched during adolescence are likely to remain throughout adulthood. The reported prevalence of breakfast skipping among different adolescent population groups in South Africa ranges from 13 to 36%. However, little is known about breakfast behaviour among adolescents in the South African context. Studying breakfast behaviour and the mechanism by which breakfast influences positive health outcomes creates an understanding of the magnitude of the problem to be addressed and guides effective recommendations for public health guidelines. The aim of the present study was to determine the proportion and quality of breakfast intake among adolescents attending public secondary schools in Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas in the Northwest Province, and to determine the effect of breakfast intake and quality on overall diet quality and other lifestyle behaviours. A cross sectional quantitative study design was used. Adolescents in grades nine to eleven (n = 254) were randomly selected from seven public secondary schools across quintiles in Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas in the Northwest Province of South Africa. A basic self-administered demographic questionnaire was used. A single 24-hour recall using the four-stage multiple pass method was conducted to obtain information on breakfast and dietary intake for the day. A self-administered questionnaire was used to select the type of breakfast usually consumed by the adolescents. Height and weight were measured by a level one anthropomotrist. Dietary data was analysed using the Medical Research Council Food Composition Tables. Breakfast quality was measured through the allocation of a breakfast quality score and the Diet Quality Index Revised (DQI-R) was used to assess the quality of the overall diet. Associations between breakfast intake and categorical characteristics were assessed by either the Chi-squared Test or Fisher’s Exact Test. Spearman correlations were used to assess the associations between breakfast quality score and continuous variables. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05. The Goldberg cut-off was applied to exclude over- and under-reporters. Information was collected for 244 adolescents with a mean age of 17.5 years (± 2.3). The proportion of breakfast intake and skipping was 81% and 19% respectively. The mean breakfast quality score was 3.1 out of a possible score of 5, indicating moderate breakfast quality which incorporates one of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) food groups. Breakfast intake was influenced by race, and breakfast quality was influenced by participation in physical activity. Breakfast eaters and skippers showed no significant difference in diet quality score. Breakfast quality score was marginally associated with calcium intake (p<0.0001; r=0.418), phosphorous intake (p<0.0001; r=0.378) and total diversity score (p<0.0001; r=0.369). The foods most frequently consumed at breakfast were bread, milk, ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) and maize porridge. In conclusion, breakfast skipping proportion was consistent with published South African data. The quality of the breakfast consumed among adolescents in the present study was moderate. Cultural and socio-environmental factors may influence breakfast intake and breakfast quality among adolescents. Breakfast intake did not influence diet quality, but the intake of certain foods at breakfast improved the mean scores for components of the DQI-R and improved the intake of key nutrients. It is recommended that the governmental departments responsible for the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) incorporate breakfast messaging into the nutrition education component of the ISHP. Facilitators involved in implementing the ISHP, such as School-based support teams, teachers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to continue the promotion of breakfast intake among adolescents. / MSc (Nutrition), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Regular breakfast consumption among adolescents has been linked to decreased risk of obesity and chronic diseases, improved cognition and improved nutrient intake in adolescents. Despite this, research has indicated that adolescent breakfast consumption is declining globally. Adolescents are at particularly high-risk for health compromising behaviours such as increased fast food consumption, increased sedentary levels and frequent breakfast skipping. Research shows that lifestyle and behaviour habits which are entrenched during adolescence are likely to remain throughout adulthood. The reported prevalence of breakfast skipping among different adolescent population groups in South Africa ranges from 13 to 36%. However, little is known about breakfast behaviour among adolescents in the South African context. Studying breakfast behaviour and the mechanism by which breakfast influences positive health outcomes creates an understanding of the magnitude of the problem to be addressed and guides effective recommendations for public health guidelines. The aim of the present study was to determine the proportion and quality of breakfast intake among adolescents attending public secondary schools in Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas in the Northwest Province, and to determine the effect of breakfast intake and quality on overall diet quality and other lifestyle behaviours. A cross sectional quantitative study design was used. Adolescents in grades nine to eleven (n = 254) were randomly selected from seven public secondary schools across quintiles in Potchefstroom and its surrounding areas in the Northwest Province of South Africa. A basic self-administered demographic questionnaire was used. A single 24-hour recall using the four-stage multiple pass method was conducted to obtain information on breakfast and dietary intake for the day. A self-administered questionnaire was used to select the type of breakfast usually consumed by the adolescents. Height and weight were measured by a level one anthropomotrist. Dietary data was analysed using the Medical Research Council Food Composition Tables. Breakfast quality was measured through the allocation of a breakfast quality score and the Diet Quality Index Revised (DQI-R) was used to assess the quality of the overall diet. Associations between breakfast intake and categorical characteristics were assessed by either the Chi-squared Test or Fisher’s Exact Test. Spearman correlations were used to assess the associations between breakfast quality score and continuous variables. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05. The Goldberg cut-off was applied to exclude over- and under-reporters. Information was collected for 244 adolescents with a mean age of 17.5 years (± 2.3). The proportion of breakfast intake and skipping was 81% and 19% respectively. The mean breakfast quality score was 3.1 out of a possible score of 5, indicating moderate breakfast quality which incorporates one of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) food groups. Breakfast intake was influenced by race, and breakfast quality was influenced by participation in physical activity. Breakfast eaters and skippers showed no significant difference in diet quality score. Breakfast quality score was marginally associated with calcium intake (p<0.0001; r=0.418), phosphorous intake (p<0.0001; r=0.378) and total diversity score (p<0.0001; r=0.369). The foods most frequently consumed at breakfast were bread, milk, ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) and maize porridge. In conclusion, breakfast skipping proportion was consistent with published South African data. The quality of the breakfast consumed among adolescents in the present study was moderate. Cultural and socio-environmental factors may influence breakfast intake and breakfast quality among adolescents. Breakfast intake did not influence diet quality, but the intake of certain foods at breakfast improved the mean scores for components of the DQI-R and improved the intake of key nutrients. It is recommended that the governmental departments responsible for the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) incorporate breakfast messaging into the nutrition education component of the ISHP. Facilitators involved in implementing the ISHP, such as School-based support teams, teachers and healthcare professionals are encouraged to continue the promotion of breakfast intake among adolescents. / MSc (Nutrition), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Research recognises the clear links between nurses’ experience of professional burnout and the quality of the work environment. To that end it is extremely important for nurse managers to create an organisational climate that promotes the emotional stability of nurses. This could help to improve global patient safety by reducing the frequency of adverse events. Many of the factors commonly associated with burnout, also causes unsafe patient care, and poor quality of care. Effectively managing patient safety must be a priority in units where nurses face high pressure. Staff in critical care units (CCUs) spends a tremendous amount of time with people, including the patient, family members, physicians, and other members of the multidisciplinary team that might lead to emotional and physical exhaustion and burnout. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurse burnout and the safety and quality of patient care in private critical care units in Gauteng. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: A quantitative correlational design was selected to address the research question at hand. A previously developed checklist was used to describe the demographic characteristics of the critical care units that participated in the study (n=31). A total of 298 critical care nurses participated in the study (n=298). Burnout among registered nurses working in these units was explored by means of the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale (MBI). The registered nurses’ perceptions of the safety and quality of patient care in their units were explored by means of the RN4CAST questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. FINDINGS: The mean scores for emotional exhaustion measured 2.69, for depersonalisation 1.55 and for personal accomplishment 4.43. From the mean scores of each of the sub–scales of the MBI it was evident that registered nurses working in private critical care units in Gauteng province did not experience burnout. The relationship between burnout and the safety and quality of patient care was investigated by means of a Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The results indicated that emotional exhaustion demonstrated a negative relationship with the quality of nursing care in the unit (r = –0.275; p=0.00), and patient safety in the unit (r = –0.245; p=0.00). Depersonalisation demostrated a negative relationship with the quality of care in the nursing unit (r = –0.249; p=0.00 and patient safety in the unit (r = –0.205; p=0.00). Personal accomplishment demonstrated a weak positive relationship with the quality of nursing care in the unit (r = 0.197; p=0.003) and a moderate positive relationship with patient safety in the unit (r = 0.204; p=0.00). The results demonstrated a relationship between burnout and the safety and quality of patient care in private critical care units in Gauteng. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Research recognises the clear links between nurses’ experience of professional burnout and the quality of the work environment. To that end it is extremely important for nurse managers to create an organisational climate that promotes the emotional stability of nurses. This could help to improve global patient safety by reducing the frequency of adverse events. Many of the factors commonly associated with burnout, also causes unsafe patient care, and poor quality of care. Effectively managing patient safety must be a priority in units where nurses face high pressure. Staff in critical care units (CCUs) spends a tremendous amount of time with people, including the patient, family members, physicians, and other members of the multidisciplinary team that might lead to emotional and physical exhaustion and burnout. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between nurse burnout and the safety and quality of patient care in private critical care units in Gauteng. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: A quantitative correlational design was selected to address the research question at hand. A previously developed checklist was used to describe the demographic characteristics of the critical care units that participated in the study (n=31). A total of 298 critical care nurses participated in the study (n=298). Burnout among registered nurses working in these units was explored by means of the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale (MBI). The registered nurses’ perceptions of the safety and quality of patient care in their units were explored by means of the RN4CAST questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. FINDINGS: The mean scores for emotional exhaustion measured 2.69, for depersonalisation 1.55 and for personal accomplishment 4.43. From the mean scores of each of the sub–scales of the MBI it was evident that registered nurses working in private critical care units in Gauteng province did not experience burnout. The relationship between burnout and the safety and quality of patient care was investigated by means of a Spearman rank correlation coefficient. The results indicated that emotional exhaustion demonstrated a negative relationship with the quality of nursing care in the unit (r = –0.275; p=0.00), and patient safety in the unit (r = –0.245; p=0.00). Depersonalisation demostrated a negative relationship with the quality of care in the nursing unit (r = –0.249; p=0.00 and patient safety in the unit (r = –0.205; p=0.00). Personal accomplishment demonstrated a weak positive relationship with the quality of nursing care in the unit (r = 0.197; p=0.003) and a moderate positive relationship with patient safety in the unit (r = 0.204; p=0.00). The results demonstrated a relationship between burnout and the safety and quality of patient care in private critical care units in Gauteng. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Proefschrift Universiteit van Amsterdam. / Met samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Proefschrift Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, Maastricht. / Met lit. opg. - Met een samenvatting in het Nederlands.

Participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is vital to ensure adequate physical work capacity for the demands of daily living and job performance. Due to work demand, most top and middle (executive) managerial employees become physically inactive and experience psychological and other health problems which may lead to hypokinetic diseases and even premature death. The purpose of this study was twofold: to determine leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees; and to determine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being status of executive employees in selected African countries. A cross-sectional study design was carried out on a group of 156 (mean age 41.22±10.17) available executive employees from selected African countries. Participants were grouped according to age (≤35 years; 36–46 years and ≥ 46 years). Standardised questionnaires were used to collect the data. Subsequently, total scores were calculated for all variables. Out of 156 participants in the study, 42.9% occupied top level management and 57.1% middle level management positions. When data was analysed according to age groups, 31.4% and 68.6% in the less than 35 years age group were in the top and the middle level management positions respectively. In the age group 36 to 46 years, 47.2% occupied the top level management position and 52.8% occupied the middle level management position. With regard to LTPA, top level managers (71.6%) scored low LTPA compared to the middle level managers (62.9%). In addition, both the top and middle level managers reported bad emotional index (49.3%; 56.2%) and happiness index (41.8%; 37.1%) respectively. Though not significant, LTPA was positively associated with psychological well-being parameters amongst top level managers. The study concluded that both top and middle level managers exhibited low LTPA, and with no participation in high physical activity among top level managers. In addition, more middle level managers reported bad emotional stage than the top level managers, while the top level managers were less happy than the middle level managers. The study therefore recommends urgent strategic intervention programmes for leisure-time physical activity and psychological well-being. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a semi-airtight (the building only utilises mechanical means to ventilate the occupied spaces however an airtight seal is not established as a result of infiltration due to building design) office building that is situated in central Johannesburg that exclusively uses a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for ventilation. This implies a system that only utilises mechanical ventilation to heat, cool, humidify and clean the air for comfort, safety and health of employees. This includes the control of odour levels, and also the maintenance of carbon dioxide (CO2) below stipulated levels. Methods: The building is divided into two sections; west and east. Each section has its own ventilation supply. A randomisation process was used to ascertain which offices needed to be sampled, in which section as well as on which floor. For this study, five offices per section were measured. Thus, ten offices per floor were measured and measurements were taken on every second floor. All measurements were done in accordance with the specific requirements of the manufacturer of any specific instrument used and measurements were taken over an eight hour period (full work shift). Results were compared to the available standard, as well as compared to the ambient concentrations. Results: None of the monitored contaminants’ concentration were above the provided standards (ASHRAE or ACGIH). Where standards were unavailable, the HVAC system maintained an indoor contaminant concentration that is substantially lower when compared to the outdoor air concentrations. Conclusion: The buildings’ HVAC system maintains indoor air quality at a healthy level it is unlikely that any one of these contaminants may lead to SBS amongst the employees. / MSc (Occupational Hygiene), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014