La existencia de desigualdades socio-económicas en el estado de salud dentalde los ancianos no institucionalizados de la ciudad de Barcelona, sumado a labaja utilización de servicios odontológicos, indican un problema de acceso aeste tipo de servicios. Este tipo de hallazgos son especialmente relevantespara países como España, que aunque cuentan con un Sistema Nacional deSalud para toda la población, poseen una limitada cobertura de tratamientosodontológicos para adultos, que sólo incluye las extracciones dentales.Si bien durante la década de los años 90 se ha registrado un aumento en elporcentaje de utilización de servicios de salud odontológicos en Cataluña, esteindicador aún es bajo si se compara con el resto de países de Europa. Por otrolado, a pesar de que se han producido reducciones de las desigualdades en lautilización de servicios de salud odontológicos según ciertas característicasestudiadas como el tipo cobertura sanitaria y el grupo de ancianos, lasdesigualdades en la utilización persisten para las clases sociales másdesaventajadas y para las personas con bajo nivel de educación. Por todo ello,son necesarios futuros estudios que ayuden a conocer la evolución futura deesta tendencia

INTRODUCTION. Quality of life (QOL) – and individual’s perception of his or her own health – has become the subject of great interest in Lithuania. THE AIM OF THE STUDY. The aim of the study was to assess the determinants of the quality of life and self-rated health and to clarify the importance of perceived health in determining the risk of death among middle-aged Kaunas population. MAIN RESULTS. Quality of life in middle-aged Kaunas women was found to be lower than in men, except for the spirituality domain. Older age showed worse quality of life. Low income and lower educational level, manual work, living alone, unemployment, disability and retirement were associated with worse QOL in middle-aged Kaunas population. Overweight and obese men had lower probability of rating their overall QOL worse as compared to men with normal body mass. Diabetes, coronary heart disease and smoking were associated with worse QOL in men. Moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption was associated with lower risk of having worse QOL as compared to light alcohol consumption group among men. Obesity for women increased the odds of having worse QOL as compared to women with normal body mass. Moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption was associated with better QOL in the physical and independence domains and with worse QOL in the social relationships domain among women. Smoking and inadequate physical activity were associated with worse QOL among women. CHD increased women’s probability of scoring lower in... [to full text]

The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the risk factors for malnutrition among children under the age of 5 years in Kweneng West District of Botswana. A case control study was conducted. The cases consisted of 37 underweight children under the age of 5 (n=37), and the controls consisted of 76 children less than 5 years of age (n=76) recruited concurrently among the under-five children attending Letlhakeng Child Welfare Clinic on a monthly basis. The controls were of good nutritional status. Data collection was done using a combination of a review of records (child welfare clinic registers, and child welfare clinic cards) and structured questionnaires. Following placement of the data in regression models, the factors that were found to be significantly associated with child malnutrition were small number of daily meals taken by the child (Adjusted OR=19.04, 95% CI 3.24-112.13), lack of knowledge of methods of prevention of child malnutrition by the parent (Adjusted OR=4.71, 95% CI 1.41-15.82), parent’s unemployment (Adjusted OR=50.3, 95% CI 4.86-52.1), low birth weight (Adjusted OR=12.34, 95% CI 2.76-55.02), inadequate Vitamin A supplementation (Adjusted OR=13.27, 95% CI 1.94-90.46), child illness (OR=20.95, 95% CI 7.55-58.10), and child raised by a guardian (Adjusted OR=5.67, 95% CI 1.30-24.73). The findings from this study suggest that Socio-economic factors such as unemployment, a lack of knowledge about recommended infant and child feeding practices, the child raised by a guardian, and health-related factors such as low birth weight, inadequate Vitamin A supplementation, and child illness are predictors of malnutrition in under five. Therefore, increasing household food security and reinforcing educational interventions could contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of child malnutrition in the district / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Detta är en fördjupande studie baserat på en kvantitativ folkhälsoundersökning som visade samband i särskilt utsatthet bland förekomst av vilka som allvarligt övervägt självmord och demografiska faktorer hos folkbokförda i Umeå. Byggt på premissen av det pågående suicidpreventiva arbetet i Umeå tar denna studie i anspråk att utforska vilka livsomständigheter som skiljer sig åt mellan den generella populationen i Umeå jämfört med de som allvarligt övervägt självmord, samt föreslå suicidpreventiva åtgärdsförslag utifrån resultaten.    Data som omsattes i denna studie var ursprungligen insamlat av Övergripande planering Umeå kommun genom ett stratifierat urval som svarade mot olika demografiska områden av Umeå som resulterade i 2588 svaranden, med en svarsfrekvens av 37% som deltog i en folkhälsoundersökning som omfattade 102 frågor vilka var kvalitetskontrollerade av SCB.  Studieförfattarna utformade en metod för att skala ner urvalet av livsomständigheter till 15 variabler som skulle överensstämma med studiens teman: demografi, ekonomiska förutsättningar, vanor, mående och stöd som alla ställdes mot frågan: “Har du allvarligt övervägt självmord?”, där 10,7% av de tillfrågade svarade affirmativt. Slutsatser av denna studie är att undersökta livsomständigheter såsom socioekonomiska faktorer, vanor, demografiska faktorer, mående och stöd indikeras vara relaterade till en högre förekomst av att ha allvarligt övervägt självmord för folkbokförda i Umeå. Bland annat visas fulltidsanställda vara 22,9% mindre sannolika- där studerande är mer än dubbelt så sannolika- där personer som har sjuk- eller aktivitetsersättning var 444,9% mer sannolika att allvarligt ha övervägt självmord. Svaranden anger oftare sämre sömn (42,9% jämfört med 70,7%) hos de som allvarligt övervägt självmord. 77,4% av svaranden med ångestrelaterade svårigheter- 43,0% av svaranden med behov av psykisk vård som inte sökt- och 56,4% av svaranden med psykiska funktionshinder uppger att de allvarligt övervägt självmord jämfört med 10,7% hos generella svaranden. Utifrån studiens resultat föreslår studieförfattarna kompletterande lokala suicidpreventiva åtgärder, men finner behov av åtgärder med nationellt omfång för att svara mot de bredare socioekonomiska- och sociala problem som premissen och resultatet av denna studie belyser. / This is an in-depth study based on a quantitative public health survey which raised cause for concern about sociodemographic differences in occurrence of who has seriously considered suicide in the municipality of Umeå. Following the premise built on the current suicide prevention work in Umeå this study aims to give insight on which living circumstances differ regarding those with suicidal ideation in Umeå compared to the general population and what proposed actions might be indicated from the results.   The data used in this study was originally sampled by Övergripande planering, Umeå municipality using a stratified selection of different demographics in Umeå resulting in 2588 participants, an answer rate of 37% who answered a public health survey consisting of 102 questions, which was quality checked by SCB.   By process of elimination finding relevant living circumstances the authors designed a method of selection resulting in 15 variables consistent with the subtypes: demographics, economical circumstances, habits, health and support, all of which to correlate with the question translated to: “Have you seriously considered suicide?” where 10,7% of respondents answered positively.   Conclusions from this study are that certain life circumstances such as socioeconomic factors, habits, demographic factors, well-being and support is indicated being related to a higher prevalence of having seriously considered suicide amongst habitants of Umeå. Key findings include full-time employed was 22,9% less likely-, where students were more than two times more likely- and people on welfare or sick leave were 444,9% more likely to have seriously considered suicide. Respondents are less likely to have a good nights sleep (42,9% compared to 70,7%) if they have seriously considered suicide. 77,4% of those with anxiety-related issues, 43,0% of those in need of medical care for psychological health and 56,4% of respondents with psychological disability responds to have seriously considered suicide compared to the average of 10,7%. The authors provide examples of local implementations based on the findings but arrive at the need for a national scope to come to terms with the wider socio-economic and social issues that is suggested by the premise and result of this study.

Thesis (M.A. (Language (Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The impact of the switch in LoLT between Grade 3 and 4 has been the subject of much research in South Africa which results in grade 4 low pass rate. What constitutes a problem is that during this transition from Sepedi to English as LOLT, most learners are linguistically not ready to make this leap (Heugh, 2006; Maswanganye, 2010). The change of the language of learning and teaching from Sepedi to English in Grade 4 is problematical because of the challenges in adjusting to the use of English as LOLT (Macdonald, 1990; Alexander, 2005; Heugh, 2006; Maswanganye, 2010). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of English First Additional Language on learners‟ academic performance in Grade 4 at a primary school. A qualitative research approach was adopted in this study due to the fact that this study was explanatory and descriptive in nature. This study used a qualitative case study research design and qualitative interpretive paradigm which allowed the researcher to gather information through observations and interviews. This study was guided by sociocultural theory developed by Vygotsky (1978) because it emphasizes that teachers can use strategies to create classroom conditions that foster learning by modeling, scaffolding and the development of the learners‟ zone of proximal development (ZPD). The study used inductive thematic data analysis method to analyse data collected from observation schedule and interviews. The findings showed that learners‟ hindrance concerning reading and writing in the English language is home based factors because of socioeconomic factors. This study shows that less teacher training also poses challenges to English reading development as they do not have sufficient knowledge on reading strategies to deal with the transition of grade 4 learners from Sepedi to English First Additional Language as a language of learning and teaching. The study recommends training of teachers on how to teach reading and implementation of additive or bilingualism for the subsequent language policy development in South African education system should be considered.

An investigation into the prevalence and causative factors of adolescent depression in the greater Johannesburg area was undertaken. Present-day South African socio-economic pressures together with the normal demands and difficulties of adolescence, led to an investigation into which factors were having a bearing on adolescent depression and whether more male than female adolescents were depressed. A literature study was done and major factors, which could potentially influence the development of depression, were identified. The results of the empirical investigation indicated that negative family relations and negative peer relations play a significant role in the development of adolescent depression. Other identified factors did not appear to have a statistically significant bearing on adolescent depression. No significant statistical difference was found between the prevalence or severity of male and female adolescent depression. Educational implications of the findings are discussed and guidelines are given to teachers and parents. / Teacher Education / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The aim was to establish factors related to learning motivation and learning attitude of learners in historically coloured schools. An eclectic approach was followed because theoretical views on motivation could not furnish a comprehensive theory. The definition emerging from this approach states that motivation is a process started within a person to create a state of need for satisfaction and happiness that can be reached by instigating and sustaining goal-directed activity. The link between learning and motivation, as well as related factors, was ascertained. Determinants of high and low levels of learning motivation were established. Programmes aimed at higher motivation levels were explored. Empirically it was proven that grade 9 learners in historically coloured schools leaned more towards an extrinsic orientation; grade 12's more intrinsic. An intervention programme is suggested. / Die doel was om vas te stel watter faktore hou verband met die leermotivering en leerhouding van leerders in histories bruin sekondere skole spesifiek. 'n Eklektiese benadering is gevolg omdat die teoretiese beskouings oor leerrnotivering nie 'n bevredigende allesomvattende teorie kon verskaf nie. Die werksdefinisie van motivering is 'n gevolg daarvan en lui as volg: motivering is die proses wat in die persoon aan die gang gesit word om 'n staat van behoefte na tevredenheid en geluk te skep wat bereik kan word deur doelgerigte aktiwiteit aan te stig en aan die gang te hou. Die verband tussen leer en motivering is bepaal asook die faktore wat verband hou met leermotivering. Bepalers van hoe en lae leermotiveringsvlakke is vasgestel en ingrypingsprogramme gemik op verhoogde motivering is ondersoek. Empiries is bewys dat die graad 9-leerders meer geneig is tot ekstrinsieke orienterings rakende leermotivering; graad 12-leerders meer intrinsiek. 'n lngrypingsprogram word voorgestel. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (met spesialisering in Voorligting)

The study was conducted across the four district municipalities in the Free State province of South Africa. The objective of the study was to determine socio-economic factors that affected livestock numbers among smallholder cattle and sheep farmers in the Free State province of South Africa. The research was qualitative and quantitative in nature. Proportionate random sampling method was used to collect data. The population comprised of smallholder cattle and sheep farmers that kept at least 30 livestock. Data between the 2008 and 2012 farming seasons were collected by administering well-structured questionnaires to 250 smallholder cattle and sheep farmers. Data collected were captured and analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 22 of 2013) to obtain frequency, cross-tabulation, descriptive statistics and ordinary least square (OLS) regression. Descriptive statistics results indicated that lack of camp systems, drought prevalence, increased feed costs, poor veterinary interventions, insufficient breeding stock, high cost of fuel and transportation, lack of equipment, diseases, stock theft and pilfering, and insufficient grazing land were the prevalent factors that affected cattle and sheep farming in the province.The OLS regression results indicated that the variables that significantly affected livestock numbers were district, household size, livestock numbers in 2008, planted pastures, grazing land condition, grazing land acquisition, service, advice / training, veterinary services, purchase of dosing products and sales per year. The results also indicated that the majority (96.8%) of the smallholder cattle and sheep farmers would like to increase their livestock numbers. It was therefore recommended that extension and veterinary services should be strengthened in the study area. In addition, it was recommended that smallholder livestock farmers should be encouraged to plant pastures to reduce pressure on the natural veld and make forage available throughout the year. Lastly, as a recommendation, government should provide subsidies with distribution policies that will ensure that all smallholder livestock farmers can benefit. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

The changing of the education system holistically in South Africa as a prerequisite has impacted negatively on the child‘s ability to read and write, which also degraded the country‘s standard as compared to other countries in Africa. This is confirmed by the annual national assessment results where South African children‘s performance is far below the expected level. This investigation aims to serve as a guideline to all interested stakeholders who are willing to improve and develop our poor performing education system. Firstly, to identify a child‘s social factors that interfere with their ability to read and write; to find out how reading influences writing in the child and to develop intervention strategies on solving children‘s problems with reading and writing. The study revealed through the participants that, unavailability of social factors that are a need or prerequisite to the child‘s excellent academic performance hampered their ability to read and write. Furthermore, educator participants indicated that the child‘s inability to read influenced their writing ability. Data collected is based on individual interviews and documents analysis. The researcher chose Kedibone Primary School (pseudonym) as the sample. The participants were ten (10) learners from grade 3 to grade 7 and their five (5) educators, one from each grade, in the above mentioned school. That is each grade provided two participants, one boy and one girl. The main aim of the interviews was to identify how social factors interfere with the child‘s ability to read and write. In conclusion, this research had been a success through the participation of the Department of Education and all its related structures and to provide strategies that were stated in the research as solutions that would address and overcome the child‘s inability to read and write. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The changing of the education system holistically in South Africa as a prerequisite has impacted negatively on the child‘s ability to read and write, which also degraded the country‘s standard as compared to other countries in Africa. This is confirmed by the annual national assessment results where South African children‘s performance is far below the expected level. This investigation aims to serve as a guideline to all interested stakeholders who are willing to improve and develop our poor performing education system. Firstly, to identify a child‘s social factors that interfere with their ability to read and write; to find out how reading influences writing in the child and to develop intervention strategies on solving children‘s problems with reading and writing. The study revealed through the participants that, unavailability of social factors that are a need or prerequisite to the child‘s excellent academic performance hampered their ability to read and write. Furthermore, educator participants indicated that the child‘s inability to read influenced their writing ability. Data collected is based on individual interviews and documents analysis. The researcher chose Kedibone Primary School (pseudonym) as the sample. The participants were ten (10) learners from grade 3 to grade 7 and their five (5) educators, one from each grade, in the above mentioned school. That is each grade provided two participants, one boy and one girl. The main aim of the interviews was to identify how social factors interfere with the child‘s ability to read and write. In conclusion, this research had been a success through the participation of the Department of Education and all its related structures and to provide strategies that were stated in the research as solutions that would address and overcome the child‘s inability to read and write. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)