The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is currently a challenge due to multi- and extensively drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium bovis and M. tuberculosis cause clinically indistinguishable tuberculosis in humans. Both M. bovis and M. tuberculosis have been isolated from humans and animals. Plant species contain antimicrobial compounds that may lead to new anti-TB drugs. To conduct in vitro antimycobacterial assays, it is important to include current clinical isolates as new strains of bacteria might be circulating under the ongoing climate change environment. The overall goal and objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize mycobacteria species from South Africa, to test some selected plant species of the Anacardiaceae family for antimycobacterial activity using some of the newly isolated and reference strains of mycobacteria followed by cytotoxicity evaluation of the most active plant species, and finally the isolation and characterization of at least one compound from the most active and least toxic plant. This study led to the discovery of a new isolate of Mycobacterium Avium Complex species from black wildebeest. Other non-tuberculous mycobacteria and M. bovis isolates were identified from other animal species. Five out of 15 plant species screened showed good activity against Mycobacterium species. Five antimycobacterial compounds were isolated from Searsia undulata, the most active plant species. Two out of the five compounds were identified, and one compound appears to be novel, but both compounds have been isolated for the first time from Searsia undulata. An incidental finding was the potential anticancer property of extracts of Searsia undulata. Recommended future activities include isolation and identification of more active compounds from Searsia undulata which were visible in bioautography analysis, as well as synergy evaluation of antimycobacterial activities of the different compounds with current anti-tubercular drugs. / Environmental Sciences / Ph. D. (Environmental Science)

The collection and utilisation of statistical data is an integral component of rendering primary health care services. This study aimed to assess the utilisation of statistics on certain statistical forms submitted regularly to the Department of Health, by professional nurses at local authority primary health care clinics. Results revealed the following important shortcomings: • Statistics on different forms are viewed in isolation, resulting in a lack of necessary comparisons being made to determine trends. • Several targeted issues in the Reconstruction and Development Programme received insufficient attention, for example, immunisations, teenage pregnancies, tuberculosis treatment, sexually transmitted diseases. • A general managerial inability to analyse, display and utilise collected data by professional nurses. Recommendations centred around increasing the knowledge regarding maternal health care, more focus on prioritised areas of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, appropriate training regarding analysis and utilisation of collected statistics at local primary health care level. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing)

Introduction: Despite being one of the most preventable diseases, TB still remains a serious and largely neglected disease. Nurses as compared to the general population are at greater risk of acquiring nosocomial TB. This study was conducted to describe the perceptions of nurses on the underlying contributory factors that may lead to the spread of TB in the clinics treating TB patients. Methods: Quantitative, non – experimental, descriptive, exploratory and cross sectional design was used. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used. Findings: The key contributory factors identified were insufficient TB training for staff and lack of knowledge on the TB legislative framework and TB policy directives. Conclusion: The findings indicate the need for a comprehensive TB infection prevention and control policy, with associated standards for provision and practice. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The collection and utilisation of statistical data is an integral component of rendering primary health care services. This study aimed to assess the utilisation of statistics on certain statistical forms submitted regularly to the Department of Health, by professional nurses at local authority primary health care clinics. Results revealed the following important shortcomings: • Statistics on different forms are viewed in isolation, resulting in a lack of necessary comparisons being made to determine trends. • Several targeted issues in the Reconstruction and Development Programme received insufficient attention, for example, immunisations, teenage pregnancies, tuberculosis treatment, sexually transmitted diseases. • A general managerial inability to analyse, display and utilise collected data by professional nurses. Recommendations centred around increasing the knowledge regarding maternal health care, more focus on prioritised areas of the Reconstruction and Development Programme, appropriate training regarding analysis and utilisation of collected statistics at local primary health care level. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing)

Introduction: Despite being one of the most preventable diseases, TB still remains a serious and largely neglected disease. Nurses as compared to the general population are at greater risk of acquiring nosocomial TB. This study was conducted to describe the perceptions of nurses on the underlying contributory factors that may lead to the spread of TB in the clinics treating TB patients. Methods: Quantitative, non – experimental, descriptive, exploratory and cross sectional design was used. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used. Findings: The key contributory factors identified were insufficient TB training for staff and lack of knowledge on the TB legislative framework and TB policy directives. Conclusion: The findings indicate the need for a comprehensive TB infection prevention and control policy, with associated standards for provision and practice. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)