Department of Social Work and Psychology

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Adolescent sexuality and reproductive behaviour in Namibia
(2005) Hailonga, Panduleni
Adolescents' adjustment to divorce and living in step-families
(2013) Solomon, Amanda
The step-family is no longer the exception in society. Globally statistics reveal the growth in this type of family structure. Divorce and living in step-families is a life-transforming experience; adolescent‟s life is profoundly altered. They encounter differences in feelings over the two-time periods. There is a need to learn more and gain a better understanding of adolescents‟ adjustment and coping with the changes caused by divorce and remarriage. The key question this research aims at answering: “How does divorce and remarriage influence the adolescent‟s life?” And “Do other factors and structures play a role to influence that outcome?” The main purpose of this thesis was to explore how adolescents adjust to their parents‟ divorce and living in step-families. This research was based on information gathered from the adolescent‟s perspective. Participants all attended the Dawid Bezuidenhoudt Senior Secondary School in Khomasdal, Windhoek. The qualitative approach and phenomenological design was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants; video and audio recordings as well as field notes were taken. This data was analyzed using content analysis and the information was organized into themes, patterns and trends. For the purpose of answering the research questions in a systematic way, eight themes prominent in the literature on adolescents living in a step-family relationship were focused upon. Eight themes emerged from the study: the demise of the family of origin, the adolescents‟ experiences of their parents‟ divorce and remarriage, the complexities of step-families as compared to the family of origin, coping strategies recommended for the adolescent living in step-families, how the adolescents‟ behaviour is being affected by co-occurring stressful life experiences and distressed relationships, the adaptation patterns amongst adolescents in step-families, support systems needed for adolescents to adapt successfully in step-families, and further research. The findings indicated that adolescents have diverse experiences of their parents‟ divorce and remarriage and they are affected by the dynamics in the step-family. The findings confirm that adolescents cope better with the trauma of divorce and remarriage when they have a strong support network. In conclusion, all parties involved in a step-family household have to work on a new form of intimacy, communication skills, and parent-child relationship, as these factors influences the adjustment of adolescents in step-families.
An analysis on the effects of leadership styles and emotional intelligence, on work engagement and job satisfaction at a selected parastatal in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2024) Tibinyane, Charmaine V.
The current work environment is highly complex, multi-dimensional, and ever-changing and thus increasing the call for research on the current leadership style and emotional intelligence in organisations. Leadership style and emotional intelligence are known to be key determinants of work engagement and job satisfaction. The studies sought to explore to collect the variance of leadership style and emotional intelligence on work engagement and job satisfaction among NamPower employees. A quantitative study was conducted to accomplish the objectives of the study. Convenience sampling was used to obtain data. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and gathered data via online questionnaires. The data was analysed using Process Macro and SPSS version 27. There was a total of 135 NamPower employees who responded and gave their feedback for this study. The findings revealed that for the linear relations between leadership style and emotional intelligence. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship between leadership style and emotional intelligence (r=430**; p=<.001). On the other hand, leadership style and job satisfaction (r=-.148; p=.086) had no significant. Leadership style and work engagement (r=-.142; p=.101). Emotional intelligence had a negative and statistically significant relationship to job satisfaction (r= -.242**; p=.005). Emotional intelligence had a low to moderate relationship to work engagement (r=.415**; p=<.001) and lastly Work engagement was negatively related to job satisfaction (r= -.477**; p=<.001)
An exploration of the challenges faced by hospital based social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Omusati region, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2024) Shatiwa, Scholastika Nelago
The purpose of this study was to explore the operational challenges that hospital based social workers faced throughout the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also focused on the effects of the COVID-19 on hospital based social workers, and the coping strategies hospital based social workers employed to reduce the severity of the challenges brought about by the same pandemic. The research utilized an exploratory qualitative design. In-depth interviews were performed with ten (10) individuals who were intentionally selected, and their comments were recorded, transcribed, examined, and reviewed. Participants were hospital-based social workers recruited via non-random, deliberate sampling procedures. Through thematic analysis using open coding, themes and subthemes were developed, and these were examined in detail with supporting literature. The findings of the study were safety concerns and risks, professional dilemmas, decreased capacity to engage in self-care and increased adoption of unhealthy habits, loss of interaction between social workers, and emotional discomfort. The impacts of the pandemic extended as far as having hospital-based social workers (SW) participate in distant operations with diminished engagement; happiness was affected; there was the loss of jobs, early retirement for some, and stress, among other things. To try to reduce the detrimental consequences of the pandemic, several coping strategies were put in place, such as the WFH policy, decontamination of offices, national lockdowns, natural cures, and the provision of tele-behavioral therapy to clients. Building on existing pandemic preparation frameworks, these findings might enable future studies to create both individual and systemic solutions. It will also assist Ministry of Health and Social Services to request training institutions of higher learning to actively enroll men in the social work course. Furthermore it will help in fast-track access to technology for the Omusati Region staff, which consists of hospitals, health centers, and clinics, and to provide devices (e.g. smart phones, laptops) to the focal emergency staff. Clients can become more comfortable with technology-enabled care, such as using existing training curricula, by receiving training on how to use Zoom, Teams, and other platforms of communications
An exploratory study of perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence amongst adolescents in Omuthiya district, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2024) Nefungo, Ester
One of the most counterproductive behaviour in disease control both in clinical trials and clinical practice is non-adherence to medication especially among patients with chronic illnesses. This study sought to explore the perceived barriers to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) adherence amongst adolescents in Omuthiya District, Namibia. Omuthiya was selected because it was where the researcher resides so they identified the problem among the Omuthiya vicinity and therefore this study is a way to solve challenges faced by Omuthiya district inhabitants. To help research this study, the researcher used a qualitative and exploratory implementation design conducted within the theoretical perspective of ecological system. Participants were Ten (10) Adolescents Living with Human Immuno-Deficient Virus (ALHIV) aged 15-19 as well as Six (6) Health Care Workers as key informants. Both were purposively sampled. Data for the study were gathered through in-depth interviews using interview guides as research instrument. The study employed the thematic data analysis method. The study found that perceived barriers to non-adherence were mostly family related with the main reason being poor parental care at home. Other factors also contribute which include side effects, stigma associated with having Human Immuno-Deficient Virus (HIV) drugs and socio-economic challenges such as dietary restrictions. It was further found that health care facilities provide adequate support to all patients including ALHIV in addressing barriers to treatment adherence, however some ALHIV had a negative attitude towards ART adherence. It was also found that Health Care Workers perceive that the barriers to ART adherence amongst ALHIV are due to lack of knowledge and poor parental care at home. It is therefore recommended that the treatment regimen be thoroughly explained to ALHIV upon full disclosure and at every resupply visit to ensure they understand the importance of not defaulting. Multi sectored interventions’ including parental involvement in the adherence promotion initiatives is recommended. It is further recommended that the ALHIV receive support through adherence advocacy programs at local, district and national level
An investigation on the role of secondary school teachers’ psychological capital and perceived supervisor support on job stress, in Windhoek, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2024) Basiamang, Ogone
Secondary School teacher in Namibia have a substantial influence on the progression of both the social and economic aspects of the community. However, in fulfilling this responsibility, teachers in Namibia are confronted with numerous issues that contribute to job stress. In order to identify possible measures to mitigate this issue, the study’s purpose was to investigate the role of secondary school teacher’s psychological capital and perceived supervisor support on job stress, in Windhoek, Namibia. The study implemented the convenience sampling technique with a participant pool of 263 teachers. Furthermore, the investigation utilised a quantitative approach through the implementation of questionnaires. This included the use of the Work Stress Questionnaire to measure job stress, the Compound Psychological Capital Scale to assess psychological capital and the supervisor relations subscale derived from the Antecedents Scale, to measure perceived supervisor support. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 29, wherein measures of internal reliability, Pearson correlation and regression analysis were determined. The study uncovered an insignificant correlation between psychological capital and job stress (r= -.07, p>.05) This reveals that psychological capital is not associated with the changes in the level of job stress. However, subsets of psychological capital, such as hope (r=-.15, p<.05), and resilience were found to have a negative significant correlation (r= -.15, p<.05); thus indicating that an increase in psychological capital is associated with a decrease in job stress. Moreover, self-efficacy was observed to have a negative significant relationship with the subsets of job stress, specifically influence at work (r= -.20, p<.05) and individual demands and commitment (r=-.15, p<.05), therefore, indicating that an increase in self-efficacy was associated with the decrease in job stress dimensions influence at work and individual demands and ii commitment. The study also revealed that the most effective regression model for intervention development is one that encompasses the subsets of psychological capital and perceived supervisor support. Hence, the study provided recommendations that foster psychological capital and perceived supervisor support at individual level, organisational and regional level. It is further recommended that further investigations should be carried out to obtain a comprehensive understanding of other factors that could influence work-related stress, such as coping mechanisms and leadership styles
An analysis of the moderating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between job satisfaction and work-life balance at the University of Namibia's main campus, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2022) Fernandes, Alicia
The world of work has undergone numerous changes. Emotional intelligence, job satisfaction and work-life balance are becoming increasingly important to parties in the employment relationship. The study sought to explore the moderating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between job satisfaction and work-life balance among University employees. 206 academic and administrative staff members at the University of Namibia’s main campus in Windhoek were selected to be part in the study. A cross sectional research design was used with information collected through the means of online questionnaires. SPSS version 27 and process macro were used for the analysis of the data. Study findings revealed that emotional intelligence had a positive relationship with job satisfaction (r = 0.56; p = <0.0001). Emotional intelligence had a positive relationship with work-life balance (r = 0.65; p = <0.0001). Job satisfaction had a positive relationship with work-life balance (r = 0.78; p = <0.0001). Emotional intelligence however, did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between job satisfaction and work-life balance, as results revealed a significance level of 5%. Organisations need to invest in positive psychological variables, as a curb to the low levels of emotional intelligence, as well as develop policies which enhance job satisfaction and work-life balance in the institution. The researcher proposes that the University trains its employees on emotional intelligence. The organisation is also advised to constantly review its policies on job satisfaction and work-life balance
Antecedents and outcomes of work-related psychological well-being of staff members of the University of Namibia
(2013) Marques, Lilita A.
The aim of this study was to investigate the antecedents of work-related psychological well-being and the individual and organisational outcomes thereof for staff members of the University of Namibia. Psychological well-being was conceptualized as an interrelated process between antecedent variables, psychological conditions, burnout, and work engagement. Institutions of Higher Education across the world have experience tremendous changes during the past few decades. Academics have been envied for their tenure, light workloads, flexibility and perks, such as overseas trips for study and conference purposes, and the freedom to pursue their own research interests. However, during the past two decades many of these advantages have been eroded and higher education institutions no longer provide the low stress working environment that it once did, thereby threatening the psychological well-being of staff members of these institutions. The potential costs of poor psychological well-being to organisations include low morale, low quality of services and products, and high absenteeism and turnover rates. A structured questionnaire comprising scales from various measuring instruments (Antecedents Scale, Psychological Conditions Scale, Work Engagement Scale, Organisational Commitment Scale, Turnover Intention Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire) was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Research participants included all the employees (n = 306) of the University of Namibia. Making use of SPSS 20.0, the researcher carried out the following statistical analyses: descriptive analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, hierarchical regression analysis and indirect effects. Results from the quantitative analyses showed that emotional and physical engagement was significantly predicted by work-role fit (β = .30, p < 0.01), co-worker relations (β = .20, p < 0.01) and psychological meaning (β = .39, p < 0.01). Organisational commitment was significantly predicted by psychological meaningfulness (β = .50, p < 0.01) and emotional and physical engagement (β = .50, p < 0.01). The study further confirmed that work role fit (r = -.31, p < 0.01), psychological meaningfulness (r = -.40, p <0.01), emotional and physical engagement (r = -.41, p < 0.01), and organisational commitment (r = -.37, p < 0.01 are negatively related to turnover intention. The results further demonstrated the significant effect of qualifications (p < 0.01; η2 =0.08) on cognitive engagement. Content analysis of the qualitative data indicated that employment resources played a significant role in work engagement and turnover intention, both as contributing and restraining factors. Work overload and management style were identified as significant restraining factors which detracted from emotional and physical engagement. This study provides important knowledge pertaining to the antecedents and outcomes of engagement and turnover intentions which can be used to develop future intervention strategies to prevent burnout, detachment and withdrawal behaviour of staff members of the University of Namibia.
Assessing organisational justice as a predictor of job satisfaction and employee engagement in Windhoek
(AOSIS, 2018) Pieters, Wesley R.
Orientation: Working in the service industry with similar products and services requires organisations to be proactive and efficient. Enhancing employees’ levels of organisational justice is likely to influence job satisfaction and employee engagement. Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the dimensions of organisational justice that best predict job satisfaction and employee engagement among employees in Windhoek, Namibia. Motivation for the study: Poor service delivery is a concern within the service industry and this includes the banks and universities that operate in Windhoek. Having engaged employees is most likely going to improve the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, employing a questionnaire to collect data on the biographical details, organisational justice, job satisfaction and employee engagement of employees at a bank and university in Windhoek. The sample consisted of employees from a bank, Bank A (n = 106), and administrative staff at a university (n = 97). Main findings: Significant predictors of employee engagement (work energy) were interpersonal organisational justice and intrinsic job satisfaction. Regarding employee engagement (work focus), intrinsic job satisfaction and extrinsic job satisfaction were the significant predictors. Practical/managerial implications: Managers and supervisors need to regularly assess, monitor and enhance employees’ perception of organisational justice, job satisfaction and employee engagement. Improving organisational justice within the workplace is likely to result in an increase in job satisfaction and employee engagement, resulting in increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Contribution/value-add: The novelty of this study in Namibia will add to already existing knowledge within industrial and organisational psychology, pave the way for future research and guide the development of interventions aimed at keeping employees satisfied and engaged in their work.
Assessing the impact of floods on food security in the Zambezi region: A case study of the Ikaba area
(University of Namibia, 2022) Mabuku, Kennedy Kaumba
The present empirical study was conducted in the Ikaba area of Kabbe South Constituency (KSC) of the Zambezi Region, an area with a long and known history of persistent floods annually. Studies on flood and food security relations primarily focus on four dimensions of food security and have hardly received any attention from researchers, which is the reason that motivated this study. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of floods on food security by reviewing the lived experiences of those affected by flood in the Ikaba area of KSC. The present study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from a sample of 14 households that consisted of 9 to 23 people and 4 key informants in the Zambezi region who occupy keystrategic positions. A qualitative research approach was used, supported by the phenomenological research design. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to make sense of the participants’ accounts of the impact of the floods on food security. The study’s findings reveal that crop damages have been a recurring and uncontrolled phenomenon in the Ikaba area due to prevalent floods causing premature harvest, consequently affecting food availability. Besides, it has been found that accessing markets during flood time for all kinds of food is an unrealised endeavour, mainly due to a lack of proper road infrastructure in the area. In the end, food accessibility has become one of the food security dimensions that have been affected. The study further discovered that insufficient nutritious food has become a recurring trend within the Ikaba community regarding food utilisation. In addition, food utilisation was found to be affected by poor health status caused by contaminated food and water which comes with high health risks due to the floods. While food supply chain disruption affects food stability, the study also concluded that lack of food retailers and failure to access Agri-loans due to a lack of collateral by community members in the area affects food stability. The study concludes that the Ikaba area inhabitants suffer from acute food insecurity. Not all people in the area have both physical and economic access to readily accessible, sufficient and suitable food to meet their dietary needs for a productive and healthy life. In conclusion, the present study recommends the construction of permanent road infrastructure in the KSC to link the residents of Ikaba to the outside world, especially to markets. Also, the construction of a diversion canal, planting of early maturing varieties, improved access to affordable loans have been noted in the study as prospective coping strategies that may ameliorate the impact of floods on food security.
Assessing the predictors of satisfaction with life of employees in Windhoek, Namibia
(2019) Rodriques, Imelda; Pieters, Wesley R.
Orientation: Service delivering organisations are required to deliver quality services. It is of utmost importance to improve employees’ satisfaction with life which is consistent with an organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency. Research purpose: This study investigated the impact of psychological capital (PsyCap) and general health on the satisfaction with life of employees of a parastatal and police officers in Windhoek, Namibia. Motivation for the study: Poor service delivery and little regard for customer service are a result of unhealthy and dissatisfied employees spiralling into poor service delivery and customer dissatisfaction. Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research approach (questionnaire) was used to collect data on the biographical details, PsyCap, general health and employees’ satisfaction with life. The sample consisted of (n = 129) employees from a parastatal and (n = 152) employees of the Namibian Police Force. Main findings: Psychological capital reported a positive relationship with satisfaction with life. General health reported a negative relationship with satisfaction with life. Hope and social dysfunction were found to be significant predictors of satisfaction with life. Practical and managerial implications: Offering praise and recognition to hardworking employees enhances their self-efficacy, making them want to take on more challenging tasks while getting the needed guidance. Implementing stress management or wellness programmes helps employees cope better with job demands and improves employees’ general health. Contribution or value-add: Based on the literature, this is the first study carried out in Namibia on this topic, and it adds to existing knowledge within the customer service industry and paves the way for future researchers. This study will assist organisations in developing interventions aimed at keeping employees satisfied with life.
Assessing the role of local authorities in mitigating the effects of climate change: A case of the City of Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2022) Amunkete, Aina
The African continent is faced with critical climate change challenges which need immediate attention. Local Authorities are mandated to play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment for areas under their jurisdictions. They are closer to the people; hence they are the immediate implementers of climate change mitigation activities. This study assessed the role of local authorities in mitigating the effects of climate change. Although there are many studies on climate change focusing on mitigation, there is a dearth of literature that addresses the role of local authorities. A qualitative case study was carried out in the City of Windhoek. Person-centred face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection method with an interview guide as the research instrument. Interview questions were structured in a way that captured information for all the objectives formulated. A sample of 22 respondents was purposively selected. Results indicate that the City of Windhoek is doing relatively well in mitigating the effects of climate change. The City of Windhoek is coordinating with other local and international organisations and it has managed to implement various mitigation activities such as water infrastructural development and road improvement amongst others. However, insufficient funds due to budget cuts from the City as well as shortage of experts working at the City, have adversely affected the mitigation efforts relating to climate change. The results also show that the City of Windhoek did not make deliberate budget provision for climate change mitigation due to lack of funds. While this research provides some ground breaking discoveries; a number of limitations exist. These include the use of a purely qualitative methodological approach with a small sample size. In future, research can be conducted using a quantitative research method and a bigger sample size, allowing for more generalisable outcomes and recommendations.
An assessment of social protection and the living conditions of the elderly: A study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena region
(University of Namibia, 2022) Haukena, Kulaumone M.
In Africa, ageing is a phenomenon that is just beginning to reveal its shape. Most governments, including the Government of the Republic of Namibia, acknowledge the increasing number of older persons. Social protection interventions usually include measures to provide adequate housing and nutrition, ensure access to education, health and promote social inclusion and political stability. The lack of access to social protection constitutes a major obstacle to the socio-economic development and wellbeing of the elderly. This was a mixed method descriptive design: a study of Omatunda village, Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The primary objective of the study was to determine the extent to which the Namibian social protection scheme affords to bring a decent living for the rural elderly people in Omatunda village. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample from the population of elderly people above the age of 60 and living in Omatunda village rural Namibia. The results show that about 76% of the respondents were female, while 24% were male. The majority of the respondents 47.6% were between the ages of 70 – 79 years. The majority of the respondents 52.4% were married and 23.8% were a widow. Furthermore, 14.3% were never married, while 9.5% were divorced. About 100% of the elderly people interviewed were receiving Government grant (pension) every month as their main source of income, however, only 43% were satisfied with the amount they are receiving, they perceived the social assistance grant as enabling them to provide the necessities of life and to pay their grandchildren’s school fees. However,about 57% of the elderly were displeased with the grant, which means 48% were neutral and 9.5% were unsatisfied at all. The study revealed that the respondents do use pension funds for a lot of their basic needs, however, noted that all the needs are not covered. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a public health facility in the area where elderly people are receiving medical care free of charge, only 57% were satisfied with the health service to them, 43% were not satisfied due to long waiting time in the queue as well as the frequently stock out of essential medicines. Although the study revealed that the general health condition of the majority of the respondents is reported to be good, this does not mean that they are unrestricted from challenges. Like many other people, elderly people are faced with numerous challenges which are both social and economic. The study concluded that the old-age pension fund is regarded as a most vital source of income for many households and it is used to improve the living condition of the elderly.
Attitudes towards performance appraisal: A case of the Ministry of Basic Education, Sports and Culture and the Ministry of Labour in Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2000) Amunkete, S.L.
The present study presents the results of a survey that determines the current status of the employees’ attitudes towards performance appraisal in the Namibian Public Service, with specific reference to the Ministry of Basic Education, Sports & Culture and the Ministry of Labour. The performance appraisal system in question was implemented in 1997 and suspended in 1998. The study was conducted within the theoretical framework of the “three-component model” on attitudes, which was applied to performance appraisal. Against this background, the variable ‘attitudes towards performance appraisal’ was operationalised and a questionnaire was developed in order to investigate attitudes towards performance appraisal. It was hypothesised that the overall attitude of employees towards performance appraisal will be negative. Survey data collected from 136 employees supported this prediction. No significant differences were found in the employees’ attitudes towards performance appraisal regarding gender, age, income and years of employment. The study could also not find a significant difference in the two ministries. As a surprising result, significant differences in attitudes towards performance appraisal on cognitive level could be found with regard to qualification, quite in contrast to the expectations: the higher the qualification the more negative was the attitude. The results are discussed based on attempts of interpretation and recommendations for the design and implementation of a performance appraisal system.
Authentic leaders needed to enhance organisational commitment of teachers in Namibia
(2022) Pieters, Wesley R.
The education sector in Namibia experiences challenges such as imbalanced learner-teacher ratios, poor working conditions, lack of resources and criticisms from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and parents because of high failure rates. Organisational commitment is the psychological link that employees have in wanting to remain with and exert significant efforts on behalf of an organisation. Relationships have been confirmed between authentic leadership (leaders who are genuine and stand up for their followers), perception of fairness and equity within the workplace, psychological conditions and organisational commitment. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data on authentic leadership, organisational justice, psychological conditions and organisational commitment of teachers from the Omaheke, Oshana and Oshikoto regions in Namibia (n=288). The data were analysed using SPSS (24.0) with Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analyses to assess the impact of these variables on organisational commitment of teachers. The significant predictors of organisational commitment were the openness and transparency of leaders; how they share information freely; their engagement in moral and ethical behaviour; and when teachers experience interactional justice and psychological meaning in their work. This study proposes leadership development to enhance transparency of leaders, development and implementation of policies ensuring just and fair interactions between superiors and subordinates as well as re-evaluation of remuneration and compensation packages to enhance the level of meaningfulness experienced by teachers.
Barriers to the provision of smoking cessation intervention/services: A mixed-methods study among health care workers in Zambezi region, Namibia
(Journal of Public Health in Africa 2023, 2023) Mahoto, Silvia K.; Mitonga, Kabwebwe H.; Oladimeji, O.
Over the past few years, several surveys have been conducted regarding smoking in Namibia; 9,10,15–19 however, there has been lack of information on the barriers towards the provision of SC intervention in Zambezi region, therefore increasing the challenges associated with developing prevention interventions. Knowledge of the barriers towards the provision of SC intervention would be essential in the design and implementation of SC strategies. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to contribute to knowl edge gaps on the identification of barriers which prevent HCWs from delivering SC therapy and treatment to patients in Zambezi region, Namibia. To our knowledge, this is the only study explor ing the barriers that prevent HCWs in Zambezi region from engag ing in SC with patients. The study outcomes presented an understanding of the regular perceived barriers that prevent HCWs in Zambezi from delivering SC intervention to their patients who smoke. The main outcomes of this study were divided into three separate categories namely; structural, healthcare workers and patient-based barriers.
Career choice: A challenge for high school students
(University of Namibia, 2004) Mbwale, Sarah V.
This thesis investigates career choice from an industrial-psychological perspective in Namibia. The research question aimed to investigate whether Namibian youth are aware of the need to make career choice and whether they do make conscious career decisions. To assess career development and choice of students, Super’s Career Development Theory was employed as the theoretical framework for this study. Only students in Grade 12 from two previous disadvantaged schools in Windhoek were selected by means of the convenience sampling method (total sample was N = 101). The study employed a quantitative research approach. Findings revealed that respondents who would like to study further were ready to choose a career. The findings showed a significant correlation (r = 0.40; p 0. 001) between respondents who would like to study further in order to obtain their future goals and the readiness to make a career choice. However, respondents felt that they needed more information about themselves, their abilities and capabilities, weaknesses and strengths, as well as information about who they are in order to make conscious career decisions. Findings also revealed that there is a correlation (r = 0.31; p 0.04) between age and how the respondents carry out their responsibilities at present. The younger respondents felt less sure about their capability in carrying out their responsibilities. The study also found a correlation (r = 0.40; p 0.001) between satisfaction in carrying out responsibilities and having confidence in carrying out future career related tasks. Findings also revealed that there is a correlation (r = 0.30; p = 0.35) between self-awareness and awareness of own strength and weakness. The findings of the study indicated that career guidance should be deemed as a necessity and not as a luxury for the benefit of the youth. Schools, students, parents, government, public and private sectors should recognise the importance of career guidance and education, if change in our working environment is desired, in order to reduce unemployment in the country and promote expectation of high quality of life for every individual and as a nation. Only then will our people’s potential be useful to the development of Namibia.
Causes of attempted suicide in Ohangwena region: A social work exploration
(University of Namibia, 2016) Katota, Tuhafeni R.
Suicide has become a major public concern in Namibia, particularly in Ohangwena region. This study investigated the causes of suicide in the Ohangwena region by exploring the causes of attempted suicide in the region. A qualitative approach was utilized. Data were gathered through semi-structured self-developed interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. The sample of twenty (20) participants who were all suicide attempters, were purposively selected from the three districts of Ohangwena region, namely Eenhana, Engela and Okongo districts. Due to the sensitive nature of the study, pre- and post-counselling was provided to each research participant. As participants are unique individuals, they as well presented the causes of their suicide attempts differently. The results were organized into four categories: reasons given for suicide attempts, impacts of suicide attempts on attempters, experiences and feelings of an attempter, and support system for suicide attempters. Several themes and sub-themes emerged from each category. Themes which emerged from the reasons given for suicide attempts included: interpersonal relationship problems which include relationship problems with family and relationship problems with community as sub-themes, financial problems, mental health related problems (which included two sub-themes namely hallucinations and impulsivity), previous suicide attempts and negative emotions towards the self (which included one sub-theme which is the feeling of hopelessness). It is recommended that the Ministry of Health and Social Services strengthens its technical support and provides special training to the social workers in the regions on how to deal with suicidal clients. Additionally, participants of the present study have emphasized a concern with education - they advocated for the community to be educated on the prevention of suicide and this was based on the reason that many people may attempt suicide because of a lack of information. Furthermore, participants also recommended the Ministry of Health and Social Services to increase the number of social workers in Ohangwena region so that suicide attempts can be reduced and prevented. The study recommends that research with large samples and in other regions can possibly be undertaken.
Challenges and successes of gender focal point persons in the context of gender responsive budgeting initiatives in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2020) Iyambo, Christophine N.
The Namibian government has taken cognisance of the importance of mainstreaming gender at the institutional level. In efforts to promote gender mainstreaming, its cabinet directed all government offices, ministries and agencies (OMAs) to comply with the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) initiative, in 2014. The implementation of the GRB initiative requires all OMAs to have Gender Focal Point Persons (GFPPs) in all government institutions, specifically responsible for ensuring that gender issues are mainstreamed in all relevant activities, programmes, plans and policies. This study investigated the challenges and successes experienced by the GFPPs in Namibia, since they have not yet been documented. It also evaluated the extent to which the GRB initiative is being implemented in selected ministries which are: Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW); Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MEAC); Ministry of Health and Social Services (MHSS); Ministry of Safety and Security (MoSS) -Namibian Police; Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture (MYSC); and Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry (MAWF). Government institutes continue to be a significant interest in that they reproduce and contribute to the shaping of woman lives. Additionally, the government has a great influence in the challenges and success that GFPP are experiencing. The study adopted an epistemological philosophy which concerns with the theory of knowledge in understanding the experiences of GFPP, with a keen interest in interpretative philosophy. Qualitative research design was employed in this study, for which data were gathered through interviews and from 6 selected government ministries. This approach provided an in-depth approach in exploring the challenges and successes of GFPP. analysed using thematic analysis. A set of semi-structured interview guides was administered to the GFPPs. The study applied the concept of governmentality that was introduced by Foucault in the 20th century. The study revealed that the main challenge affecting the implementation of the GRB initiative or any other gender related initiative was lack of financial resources. Although the GRB initiative is being implemented in some ministries such as MGECW and Ministry of Defence (MOD), the extent is limited, particularly due to limited funding and continuous budget cuts. As part of the identified successes, many ministries have been commended for mainstreaming gender issues in their plans, programmes and activities. Thus far, the MOD has established a gender division; other ministries such as MESC and MSSS have developed gender strategies, action plans and policies; while others are supporting important gender activities, sometimes with external support in terms of funding. Of all the ministries, the MOD has been applauded for establishing a gender division, and for that reason it has a special budget vote within the national budget. The study further revealed that there were no standard criteria for selecting GFPPs. Some of them were selected, although they lacked the knowledge and skills related to gender. However, others were selected based on their experience with gender issues. Now, there are no job descriptions in place for the GFPPs, yet whether with experience or no experience those appointed are expected to take up the responsibility of implementing the GRB initiative in their respective institution. As a conclusion, GFPPs are aware of the GRB concept and what it entails, however, they lack knowledge and skills to implement it. The study further concluded that GFPPs can hardly influence gender mainstreaming if they are not being trained, neither being involved in decision-making or in the budgeting process, and when they have limited knowledge. It is therefore recommended that GFPPs should be people in management positions, as managers have influential power compared to juniors. In addition, job descriptions for GFPPs should be developed to guide the implementation of tasks. It is further recommended that the GRB should be placed as a priority, and training should not be optional.
Child suggestibility in the Namibian legal justice system
(2013) Mudzanapabwe, Joab T.
This study explored whether Namibian legal and allied criminal justice professionals involved in child sexual abuse investigations were cognizant of child suggestibility and whether the concept child suggestibility was duly weighted during investigations and court proceedings. The legal practitioners were defined as prosecutors, magistrates and private defense lawyers. It was hypothesized that the Namibian legal and allied criminal justice professionals involved in child sexual abuse investigations were significantly uninformed about child suggestibility and that the concept child suggestibility was not duly weighted during investigations and court proceedings. The study followed a mixed method approach of both quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative approach was done through constructing a semi-structured questionnaire, which assessed the legal and allied criminal justice professionals‟ knowledge/sensitivity levels of suggestibility. The qualitative part of the study reviewed five forensic interviews (cases), and the assessment of six police dockets with two different scoring checklists. The semi-structured questionnaire was administered to fifty eight (N=58) legal and allied criminal justice professionals composed of three social workers, ten police officers, 16 prosecutors, 10 magistrates and 19 defence lawyers. The questionnaire was comprised of 36 items with sub-themes assessing suggestibility, such as source monitoring, theory of mind, and leading questions. The questionnaire was mainly scored as either “sensitive”, “non sensitive”, or “uncertain” to suggestibility. The checklist for assessing suggestibility in dockets was comprised of 81 items with a response format of “sensitive”, “non sensitive” and “unclear”. The checklist for assessing suggestibility in case reviews comprised of items that the researcher endorsed whenever a given suggestive questioning style occurred and when the child “yielded” and “shifted” to suggestive questioning. It transpired that on average the legal and allied criminal justice practitioners had limited knowledge or sensitivity to suggestibility. On a number of themes such as theory of mind, conative effect, and source monitoring, the participants showed less than 50% level of sensitivity. Significant inter-group differences pertaining to sensitivity to child suggestibility were also found. The checklist for assessing the dockets showed well below 50% sensitivity to suggestibility. The checklist for assessing suggestibility for case reviews showed that the forensic interviews were filled with suggestive questions and in more than three court cases the children “yielded” and “shifted” more than once. The study hence supported the hypothesis that legal and allied criminal justice practitioners were significantly uninformed about child suggestibility and that the concept child suggestibility was not duly weighted during investigations and court proceedings.

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