Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine

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A 13-year retrospective study of the beef and dairy cattle losses at Neudamm farm in the Khomas region of Namibia
(2017) Kandiwa, Erick; Madzingira, Oscar; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Nyoni, Nellia Felicity
This study was carried out to get an appraisal of the losses occasioned by apparently high levels of stock mortality at Neudamm farm, University of Namibia. Losses of beef cattle (Afrikaner, Simmental and Sanga/Nguni) and dairy cattle (Friesian) were studied from July 2003 to December 2015. A total of 106 animals worth US$55 263.12 and representing 3.5% (SD=0.8%) of the animals at risk were lost during this period. In the years 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 the cattle losses were more than 1.5% whereas in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2015 the losses were 1.0-1.5%. The lowest losses (<1.0%) occurred in 2003 and 2009. Since 2005, overall cattle losses rapidly increased until 2010 followed by a gradual decrease till 2015. Though there was no significant difference in the overall losses between male {3.4% (SD=0.7%)} and female animals {3.8% (SD=0.9%)} during the study period (P>0.05), the female losses were significantly higher than the male losses (P<0.05) in all the years except 2011 during which there was no significant difference between male and female losses (P>0.05). There were significantly more mature animals lost from 2003 to 2009 and from 2013 to 2014 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mature and immature losses in 2012 (P>0.05). The losses in immature cattle were higher than those of mature cattle in 2010, 2011 and 2015 (P<0.05). The proportions of animals lost due to predation, unknown causes, dystocia, infections, trauma, old age, plant intoxication and traumatic reticulo-peritonitis were 29.2%, 29.2%, 14.2%, 11.3%, 9.4%, 4.7%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively. For the duration under study, the proportional losses in January, February, April, November and December were significantly higher than those of the rest of the months (P<0.05). Neudamm farm lost 3.5% of their beef and dairy stock, worth US$55 263.12, over a 13 year period as a result of infectious and non-infectious causes. The dynamics of the losses were such that the losses were higher in some years than others, more young than older animals were lost and, though not statistically significant, more females were lost than males.
A 3-year prospective study of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at base abattoir in Rwanda
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Yabaragiye, Bernard; Kandiwa, Erick; Habarugira, Gervais; Samkange, Alaster
Aim: Determination of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: Stomachs from all 5040 pigs that were slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda from August 2012 to August 2015 were examined for the presence and location of gastric ulcers. The results of the inspections were recorded and analyzed. Statistical analysis for Chi-square values was performed using the Software Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. The Z test for comparison of proportions was used and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Overall as well as per district, significantly more male pigs than female pigs were slaughtered (p<0.05). The incidence of gastric ulcers in slaughter pigs was 12.86%. The incidence of gastric ulcers in males (13.36%) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that in female pigs (12.84%) in all three districts. A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (69.03%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (30.97%) in slaughtered males (p<0.05). A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (79.59%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (20.41%) in slaughtered females (p<0.05). The overall incidence of esophageal ulcers (9.44%) in the slaughtered pigs was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of glandular region ulcers (3.41%). Pigs with carcass weight over 60 kg showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher (44.44%) incidence of ulcers than those between 40 and 60 kg (33.33%) and those below 40 kg (22.22%). Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of gastric ulceration in slaughter pigs at Base Abattoir was not associated with source (district) or sex of pigs but was associated with the carcass weight.
A 4-year study of the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities in cattle slaughtered at Nyagatare abattoir, Eastern Rwanda
(2017) Kandiwa, Erick; Nyirakunzimana, Leoncie; Habarugira, Gervais; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster
Male reproductive performance has more impact on overall herd productivity than in the female. In order to assess herd productivity in cattle in Nyagatare, Eastern Rwanda, the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities was investigated in 3087 bulls slaughtered over a 4-year period. The aim of the study was to investigate the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities in exotic and indigenous bulls slaughtered over a 4-year period at Nyagatare abattoir in Eastern Rwanda. Positioning of the testicles was observed and recorded as the animals were assembled before slaughter. After slaughter, the internal and external reproductive organs of all bulls were removed, labelled and analysed for pathology. Significantly more indigenous (79.01%) than exotic (20.99%) animals were slaughtered (P < 0.05; N = 3 087). Overall occurrence of abnormalities was significantly higher in exotic (20.83%) than in indigenous (10.33%) animals (P < 0.05). Overall, abnormal location of testicles was the most common abnormality (4.08%) followed by abnormal prepuce and penis (2.33%), orchitis (1.94%), enlarged vesicular gland (0.91%), scrotal hernia (0.87%), unilateral cryptorchidism (0.81%), testicular hypoplasia (0.81%) and hydrocoele (0.78%). Abnormal location of testicles, abnormal prepuce and penis, orchitis, testicular hypoplasia and enlarged vesicular glands had significantly higher prevalence in exotic animals than in indigenous animals (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of unilateral cryptorchidism, hydrocoele and scrotal hernia between the exotic and indigenous breeds. The encountered reproductive abnormalities result in poor herd fertility manifesting as low first-service conception rates, prolonged breeding seasons and reduced weaning weights accompanied by inevitable financial losses in beef production. The observed high proportion of male reproductive abnormalities in exotic breeds might offset the professed benefits from introduction of these exotic breeds with the aim of improving productivity.
A cadaveric and magnetic resonance imaging study of the anatomical variations of levator scapulae
(University of Namibia, 2025) Iita, Ester Ndagwedha; Wessels, Quenton
Levator scapulae muscle (LSM) is a deep muscle found in the posterior triangle of the neck. It is reported to be a lead cause of neck and shoulder pain and discomfort in patients. The muscle anatomically presents with an average of four muscle slips, originating from the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae (C1-C4) and inserts onto the superomedial border of the scapula. The main function of the levator scapulae muscle is to elevate the scapula. This study aimed to determine the morphometric variation in levator scapulae muscle and its related neurovasculature via cadaveric and MRI studies. There were 20 available cadavers, and their posterior and anterior neck triangles were dissected to expose the levator scapulae and its neurovasculature. The MRI study used randomly selected axial scans (n = 167) to identify accessory attachments of the levator scapulae muscle. The study observed the levator scapulae muscle with two to six muscle slips, with four muscle slips dominating. The average proximal distance was 53.46 ± 13.22 mm, distal distance was 60.63 ± 10.78 mm, anterior distance was 87.10 ± 9.27 mm and posterior distance was 158.08 ± 15.94 mm. The cadaveric study observed the accessory muscle slip attachments to the middle scalene, the first two ribs. The MRI study observed accessory attachments to the serratus posterior superior, serratus anterior, trapezius, rhomboid minor, and splenius cervicis. The levator scapulae muscle was supplied by the dorsal scapular, transverse cervical ascending cervical arteries, and innervated by up to six nerve branches, stemming from C2, C3/C4, and C5 nerve roots. Clinically, the current study is important to medical students, anatomists, radiologists, and physicians, as it confirmed the available data and provided additional knowledge about the levator scapulae muscle and its related neurovasculature, hence voiding misinterpretation of possible muscle anatomy, inaccurate diagnoses and prevent injuries to neurovasculature during surgical procedures. Further research on the levator scapulae muscle is crucial to provide adequate information regarding the levator scapulae muscle variations
A comparative study of analgesic effect of caudal bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine versus bupivacaine alone for infraumbilical surgeries in children in Windhoek Central Hospital
(University of Namibia, 2025) Amaambo, Niita Nelago Tangi; Roche, Tony
Background: Paediatric pain is frequently underassessed and undertreated due to challenges in pain expression among children, which can result in its under recognition. Untreated pain can potentially lead to long-term consequences on children's emotional and psychological welfare. The use of caudal blocks has evolved to become the most common regional anaesthesia technique for providing intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in children undergoing infraumbilical surgeries. Existing literature has demonstrated that caudal administration with bupivacaine alone typically has a short duration of action, and its analgesic effect can be prolonged by incorporating adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine. The overall objective of this study is to compare the difference in the duration of analgesic effect between caudal bupivacaine alone and bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine by using first time request of ibuprofen syrup based on the modified Hannallah pain score of ≥ 4. Methodology: This was a prospective randomised double-blinded control study and data were collected over a period of five months. The study included children scheduled for elective infra-umbilical surgeries. A total of 50 children, aged 1 – 8 years were recruited and divided into two groups (A and B) of 25 children each. Group A received caudal block with 0.25% bupivacaine at a dose of 0.5 or 1 ml/kg. Group B received 0.25% bupivacaine caudal bupivacaine at a dose of 0.5 or 1 ml/kg with dexmedetomidine (1mcg/kg). Patients were monitored for 24 hours and data were collected using a research questionnaire designed for the study. The data were analysed using SPSS for Windows, version 26.0. (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: For Group A patients, the mean time to first request for rescue ibuprofen was 471±230 minutes. In contrast, Group B patients had a mean of 1339±210 minutes. These differences were statistically significant. Total consumption of ibuprofen syrup was 298.00±150.665 milligrams in Group A and 53.20±82.952 milligrams in Group B, the difference was statistically significant. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the incidence of pain scores, haemodynamic parameters and side effects. Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine significantly extended the duration of analgesia provided by caudal bupivacaine in paediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries without an increase in the incidence of haemodynamic changes and side effects
A comparison of spinal anaesthesia with and without transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing elective caesarean section at Windhoek Hospital Complex
(University of Namibia, 2025) Kakololo, Tonata Si; Jenkins, Brian
Background: Pain is a known outcome complication of surgery in the post-operative period, especially after Caesarean section. Lack of pain relief postoperatively also poses great risks for patients’ health. The combination of Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block with spinal anaesthesia is emerging as a superior approach for managing postoperative pain, particularly in abdominal surgeries. While spinal anaesthesia provides effective lower body analgesia, it can result in inadequate pain control and side effects like hypotension. TAP block enhances pain relief without the adverse effects associated with spinal anaesthesia. Overall, the integration of TAP block with spinal anaesthesia offers significant advantages in pain management strategies. Aim: The main objective of this study was to compare the benefit of adding transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to spinal anaesthesia versus spinal anaesthesia alone in patients undergoing elective Caesarean section. Setting and Design: This was a randomised single-blinded control study conducted over a period of six months in the maternity theatres of Windhoek Central Hospital and Intermediate Hospital, Katutura. Methods and Materials: The effect size on pain scores was determined to be the magnitude of the difference between groups, according to a study by Cohen et al. A medium effect size of 0.5, an alpha error of 0.05, and a power of 80% were used to calculate the number of patients required in each group. The result was 64 patients per group. Assuming an average attrition rate of 11% quoted in a similar study, this suggested that 72 patients were required per group so that in total, the study sample size constituted 144 patients. Patients planned for elective caesarean section were randomly allocated to two groups, A and B. Group A received spinal anaesthesia only with 0.5% heavy bupivacaine 9 mg (1.8 ml) and fentanyl 15 mcg. Group B received spinal anaesthesia and TAP block using 40 ml plain bupivacaine 0.25%. (with the same drug doses as in Group A). The analgesic efficacy spinal anaesthesia alone and spinal anaesthesia combined with TAP block was compared over various time intervals (2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively) both at rest and movement. Statistical Analysis: Numbers with percentages were used to represent nominal variables, while continuous variables were summarized in terms of mean ± SD or median and interquartile range, as appropriate. A statistician examined the distribution of the data before iii using the Student's T-test to compare the results from the study groups. When appropriate, the Z score for a two-population proportion was applied. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of less than 0.05. Results: At both rest and movement, spinal anaesthesia alone consistently showed higher pain scores compared to TAP block across all time intervals. Statistically significant differences were observed with p value of (p= <0.001), except for the 2-hour mark at rest where no significant difference of between the two groups was observed (p=0.97). Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of TAP block as an adjunct to spinal anaesthesia in managing postoperative pain following Caesarean section. Patients who received both spinal anaesthesia and TAP block reported higher levels of satisfaction with their pain relief, compared to those who received spinal anaesthesia alone. These findings underscore the potential benefit of incorporating TAP block into multimodal analgesic approaches to enhance postoperative pain management and patient satisfaction
A health in all policies (HIAP) conceptual framework to facilitate the profiling of public servants’ health statuses in the Namibian public service
(University of Namibia, 2024) Amutenya, Kaarina N.; Iita, Hermine
Background: The Namibian Public Service (NPS) makes no provision to profile the health statuses of its employees/public servants, despite being a legislative requirement. As a result, government will not be able to, for instance, predict work incapacities due to ill-health absence which is a major measurement of performance/productivity. Worldwide, governments have instituted different approaches, within/outside the Occupational Health and Safety continuum, to profile employees ‘health/ill health to inform promotion of health in workplaces. Aim: This study sought to develop a conceptual framework and an implementation guide to enable the profiling of Namibians public servants’ health statuses entrenched in the principle of the Health in All policies (HiAP) approach. Methods: A multi-phased pragmatic study was conducted. Phase 1 employed an explorative descriptive convergent parallel mixed method design using document reviews, a Focus Group Discussion, a Discourse Analysis, a Cross sectional and a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) surveys. Max Weber Qualitative Data Analysis and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences enabled analysis of data, respectively, herein synthesised by means of triangulation. Findings: Documents reviewed revealed the existence of public servants’ health information sources such as the employees’ health recruitment questionnaires, sick leave systems and medical aid, appropriate for profiling. Key Informant’s perspective that the HiAP framework was appropriate to facilitate profiling of public servants’ health statutes was further echoed by result of the Discourse Analysis. The cross-sectional survey, conducted among 346 public servants’ participants established that 83.3% of the survey participants self-reported ‘a good’ health status. The remainder 16.7% self-reported ‘a poor’ health status citing the prevalence of Hypertension (27%), Musculoskeletal disorders (30.6%), Stress (55%), Physical in-activeness (38%) and a High Body Mass Index (BMI) (27%). A Chi-square logistic regression test, pegged to a p-value of less than 5% and using: 1. Good health = self-reported score for Excellent/Very Good/Good; 2. ii Poor health = Fair/Poor/Very Poor: reveals significant statistical associations to poor health in relation to Hypertension (p-value=0.001), Mental conditions (p-value=0.009) and access to electricity (p-value=0.045). No significant statistical association was observed with elevated blood sugar (p-value=0.258≤5%), BMI and income. The KAP study, conducted among 51 Wellness Officers, reported very low HiAP knowledge citing a lack of information and henceforth no application of the HiAP approach, overall. Phase II focussed on the design, and development of the above-mentioned framework using results emanating from Phase I; enlisting elements of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) HiAP Analytical framework alongside elements of the Systems and Practice Oriented Theories, namely: [input (procedures, agent, recipient and dynamics); output (terminus); synergies (agent, recipient, procedures and dynamics) and feedback (context, inputs, outputs, terminus)]. Five purposely selected subject experts who validated the suitability of the developed conceptual frame recommended amongst others aligning it to the legislative provisions of the Public Health and Environmental Act. Phase III enlisted the WHO’s Handbook on developing guidelines and the Public Service Staff Rule format to inform the design of an implementation guide. Conclusions: The study encapsulates evidence that proofs the gap identified as well devised approach to fill the gap: a conceptual framework to profile Namibian public servants’ health statuses embedded in the HiAP principles. Evidence of poor HiAP knowledge could implicate successful implementation. Henceforth a recommendation that the NPS adopts the designed conceptual framework, the introductory and ensued implementation guide using a policy brief, attached hereto, to ensure compliance with the law
A retrospective evaluation of antimicrobial management among patients with sepsis in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Gaborone Private Hospital in Botswana
(University of Namibia, 2024) Jolomba, Charles Waitse; Jonkman, Lauren
Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, demands swift and precise antimicrobial intervention. Even though antimicrobial guidelines crafted in high-income countries are employed in low-income settings, these regions encounter unique challenges, including differences in pathogen ecology, high HIV co-infection rates, prevalent comorbidities, and frequent antimicrobial shortages. Such challenges can lead to deviations from standard guidelines, impacting sepsis management and potentially influencing mortality rates. This research adopted a quantitative cross-sectional approach aimed to scrutinize the appropriateness of antimicrobial treatment for sepsis and to determine the susceptibility patterns of prevalent pathogens among sepsis patients in an ICU at a private hospital in Gaborone. A time period prior to COVID-19 was selected to avoid the effects of the pandemic on prescribing. This study used a total population sample of 132, where all patients meeting the inclusion criteria in the selected data range were included. Results show central nervous system infections are the most prevalent infectious source, constituting 20.5% of cases. Notably, even though a substantial proportion of empirical antibiotic treatments are confined to standard guidelines, utilization of local guidelines was associated with an increased odds of death, which requires further study and evaluation. (OR 3.68, CI 1.28-10.6, p=0.012), The study underscores the importance of regularly updating guidelines to reflect current practices, ensuring optimized sepsis management
A retrospective review of the utilization of Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in selected private community pharmacies in Namibia: 2017-2022
(University of Namibia, 2024) Iipinge, Taimi; Kibuule, Dan
ackground: Overuse of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is a considerable global public safety concern. In Namibia, despite the rising burden of mental illnesses, there is a paucity in data regarding the utilization of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Aim: The study aimed to determine the patterns and factors associated with the utilization of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in community pharmacies to guide medicine policy reforms. Methods: A descriptive multicenter longitudinal study as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) medicine utilization design. The consumption data on benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were retrospectively abstracted from the Unisolv® dispensing software in selected pharmacies over a six-year period, 2017-2022. Consequently, key informants were interviewed to identify the drivers of the use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Data were exported to SPSS v25 for analysis of the patterns and factors of use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Results: Of the 10 selected-pharmacies, a total of 867 168 medicines were dispensed over the six-year review period and 2% of these were benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (n=17 840/867 168). Benzodiazepines (BZD) were the most dispensed (56%, n=9993/17 840), mainly to male patients (53.6%). The consumption of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs was highest with Zolpidem (6.07 DDDs/1000 population) compared to other benzodiazepines and Z-drugs. Over 54% of the dispensing encounters of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were repeat prescriptions of Z-drugs. From 2017 to 2022, the consumption of Z-drugs increased but declined for benzodiazepines. Stakeholders identify the thematic drivers of the use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs as irrational prescribing, marketing, and patient drug dependency. Conclusion: Whilst, the consumption of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in Namibia is lower than global estimates, there is an increase in the use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in the private health sector. There is a need for a regulatory framework and an education strategy to empower pharmacists’ led interventions towards safe use of new benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in the community pharmacies
A training programme to support social workers in the facilitation of field education supervision
(University of Namibia, 2024) Nghipandulwa, Lovisa Kandali; Ananias, Janet
Supervision of social work interns is a mandatory specialised function that requires additional skills and knowledge to be executed optimally. Little is known about the experiences and needs of field supervisors within a Namibian context. This study explored the needs, experiences, and current practices of student supervision amongst the social workers and student social workers in the Khomas region of Namibia. The outcomes of the exploration led to the development of an evidence-based intervention programme to empower social workers in the field supervision role. This was an intervention research, conducted in three phases. Phase one was a situational analysis embedded in a qualitative approach and phenomenological design, and its data were collected from purposively selected 20 social workers and 10 social work students, using open-ended questions to conduct in-depth interviews. The data was analysed using the Tesch method of qualitative data analysis. This was followed by the design and development of a training programme in Phase Two, and programme evaluation by experts in Phase Three. The main findingsreveal that field supervisorsreceived little prior training in field supervision, are not fully aware of the supervisory functions associated with studentsupervision, have challenges with the integration of theory into practice, and that there are no comprehensive training programmes for field supervisors in Namibia. These findings led to the development of a comprehensive training programme and implementation guidelines , which became the outcome product of this study. The programme was found to be viable and feasible by international and local social work experts in student supervision. They assessed the programme’s feasibility and viability, specifically focusing on adequacy of learning content, appropriateness of facilitation methods and allocated times. They further made suggestions for improving the programme. The experts expressed satisfaction with the programme content and relevancy of topics and acknowledged its potential to put the social work field education at the forefront. This study’s emerging knowledge is solidified through the developed training programme, as well as description of unique experiences of field supervisors and student social workers from a Namibian context. The study’s recommendations underscore the importance of CPD and post-qualifying training in field supervision, and that a supervision framework for Namibia need to be developed urgently, to re-engineer field supervision processes. Future research could evaluate the impact of the developed training programme on field supervisors’ competencies, both from the field supervisors and student social workers’ perspective
The accessibility of HIV/AIDS related health information to people living with HIV/AIDS in khomas region (Windhoek)
(2008) Angula, Penehafo; ;
Addressing the burden of leptospirosis in Africa
(Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines journal, 2025) Musara, Colin; Kapungu, Frank
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global distribution. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated leptospirosis a nationally notifiable disease. There is need to raise awareness of the burden of leptospirosis among health care givers and policy makers in Africa. The aim of this review was to highlight the current situation of leptospirosis in Africa and suggest a One Health approach of addressing its status as a leading zoonosis. In tropical regions, the nonspecific symptoms of fever, myalgia and arthralgia result in misdiagnosis of leptospirosis with malaria, yellow fever, typhoid fever, dengue fever, brucellosis, rickettsiosis, and babesiosis. Urinalysis presents an inexpensive diagnostic aid for leptospirosis. Humans with leptospirosis exhibit proteinuria, glucosuria, pyuria, haematuria and granular casts resulting from acute kidney injury. Therapeutic guidelines for empirical treatment of febrile patients should be considered. Febrile patients who test negative for malaria and yellow fever can benefit from doxycycline, which also treats brucellosis, rickettsiosis and typhoid fever. Control of leptospirosis should also address Leptospira infection in domestic animal reservoirs through vaccination of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and dogs in endemic areas. Treatment of sick animals with streptomycin eliminates the carrier status, curbing leptospiruria and spread of infection. Rodents are important in transmission of Leptospira to humans in urban slums and rural settings therefore rodent control strategies help in reducing transmission of leptospirosis. Indirect transmission of Leptospira occurs through contact with water, vegetation, or soil contaminated with infected urine. Drinking water should be drawn from protected sources or chlorinated before household use
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 assessment on the knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening among allied health science female students at the University of Namibia, Hage Geingob campus
(University of Namibia, 2024) Kamunima, Petronela
Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. In Namibia, cervical cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer following cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess and describe knowledge, facilitators, and barriers to the uptake of cervical cancer screening among female allied health science students at the University of Namibia (Hage Geingob Campus). A quantitative, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted with the use of a self-administered questionnaire. A sample size of 97 female allied health science was obtained using a systematic random sampling method. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables of the study. The findings of the analysis depicted an abnormal pap smear test (OR=84.056, 95% CI: 4.316-1636.911, p=0.003), age (OR=0.625, 95% CI: 0.441-0.886, p=0.008) to be statistically significant with female students having a Pap smear test. Results from the study further revealed that 12(13%) female students have had a Pap smear test in their lifetime. The most common barriers to cervical cancer screening included no signs and symptoms of cervical cancer (33%), fear of outcome (15%) and difficulty accessing screening services (15%). Facilitators to cervical cancer screening were reported as own decision to undergo screening (39%) and upon doctors’ requests (6%).The findings of the study showed that there is a poor level of cervical cancer screening uptake among allied health science female students at the University of Namibia. It is recommended that the University of Namibia in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Social Services tailor cervical cancer screening programs to assist in educating female students about the risk factors of cervical cancer as well as the importance of cervical cancer screening uptake
An educational programme for nurses to facilitate cardiac rehabilitation of patients who had heart valve repair or replacement surgery in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2025) Masule, Lilian Sinte; Amakali, K
Heart valve disease is a critical global public health issue, contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. It serves as an indication for heart valve repair and replacement surgeries, which are invasive procedures that can potentially compromise patients’ quality of life. Therefore, patients who have had heart valve surgery require cardiac rehabilitation to prevent potential complications and to improve patients’ quality of life. Recognizing the need for enhanced post surgery care, there is a compelling need for the development of an educational programme for nurses to facilitate cardiac rehabilitation of patients following heart valve surgery. This initiative not only would improve the patient’s quality of life but also provide support to caregivers in their roles. The study was aimed at the development of an educational programme for nurses to facilitate the cardiac rehabilitation of patients who have had a heart valve repair or replacement surgery at the Windhoek Central Hospital’s Cardiac Unit. The objectives of the study were to: describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses regarding the cardiac rehabilitation of patients after heart valve surgery, explore and describe the challenges experienced by nurses when providing cardiac rehabilitation services to patients after heart valve surgery, explore and describe patient’s experiences of recovery and coping after heart valve surgery, explore and describe caregivers’ experiences in providing support and care to family members after heart valve surgery. The study followed a structured approach with four distinct Phases: Phase one was a situational analysis comprising four objectives, Phase two was about conceptual framework development based on Dickoff’s theory of practice-oriented; Phase three, was about the educational programme development and Phase four was about the programme implementation, evaluation, and validation. A sequential explanatory mixed method design was employed, encompassing quantitative data collection and analysis in Phase One to determine nurse’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices in cardiac rehabilitation. This was followed by qualitative data collection and analysis on the challenges experienced by nurses when providing cardiac rehabilitation services, patients' experience in recovery and coping, and caregivers’ experiences in supporting and caring for family members after heart valve surgery. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires from a sample of twenty-three (23) nurses, out of the total study population of twenty-nine (29) ii nurses. Data were analysed using the Statistical Software Program SPSS (version 27). The descriptive statistics analysis, Fisher’s exact test, to describe the association between demographic characteristics and variables of knowledge, attitudes, and practices was performed. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews using an interview guide for all three (3) objectives. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select participants, resulting in a total of ten (10) nurses, twelve (12) patients, and eight (8) caregivers who consented to and participated in the study. Data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Qualitative data were analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of coding. The quantitative findings show that the majority of nurses, 20 (87%), had a high level of knowledge, with only 3 (13%) having average knowledge about CR. Similarly, the majority of nurses, 21 (91.3%), displayed positive attitudes while only 1 (4.3%) had a negative attitude. However, the findings on practices indicated that only half of the nurses, 13 (56.5%), showed good practice, while 8 (34.8%) had average practice, and 1 (4.3%) had poor practice in cardiac rehabilitation. Despite the high level of knowledge, respondents displayed a lack of knowledge specifically about the indications, benefits, phases, and core components of cardiac rehabilitation. In the qualitative findings, regarding nurses’ challenges, two main themes and eleven (11) subthemes highlighted the challenges experienced by nurses in delivering cardiac rehabilitation interventions and their opinions on the importance of rehabilitation programmes after heart valve surgery. Regarding patients’ experiences, two main themes and nine subthemes emerged indicating the challenges patients experienced (physical, emotional, psychological, and social factors) during recovery and coping after heart valve surgery as well as challenges regarding the support and care from nurses and family members after heart valve surgery. Regarding caregivers’ experiences, two main themes and eight sub-themes emerged regarding the emotional disturbances and demand for care, along with varying experiences regarding the support and care provided by healthcare providers. Based on these findings, recommendations were put forth among others to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) for the development of a cardiac rehabilitation programme for nurses, improvement of nursing practice, as well as recommendations on future research in this area
An evaluation of the effectiveness of alcoholics’ anonymous self-help group in reducing personal alcohol consumption among adults in Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2021) Mondo, Specioza Nnampijja; Ananias, J
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) self-help groups' members offer mutual support for one another by allowing group members to nourish their natural tendencies, sharing experiences and supporting one another in a non-professional peer-operated organisation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an AA self-help group in reducing personal alcohol consumption among adults in Windhoek. Evaluation research design was used in a qualitative study approach. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 regular members of the AA self-help group. Data was collected utilising face to face interviews. An interview schedule consisting of open-ended and probing questions was used to collect data. The data were analysed thematically. Findings of the study showed that individuals who attend AA self-help group regularly were more likely to reduce alcohol consumption. The study concluded that AA self-help group is effective in reducing personal alcohol consumption among its members. AA self-help group also assists group members to recover from the conditions related to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and insomnia resulting from abstinence from alcohol consumption. The study also found that group members improved their relationship at the workplace with colleagues and supervisors as well as with family members and friends as a result of self-discipline from alcohol consumption. Abstaining from alcohol consumption also enabled group members to improve and develop skills such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, anger management, and communication skills, planning for the future, as well as the ability to identify symptoms of other addictive behaviours. Major recommendations were as follows: Firstly, participants of the study and other group members of AA self-help group need to maintain behaviour changed of abstinence by continuing to attend meetings regularly and active participation during group meetings. Secondly, AA self-help group should fmd a v way of increasing the number of meetings in the most affected areas such as Katutura and beyond as well as other parts of the country and in one of the native languages. Thirdly, the MoRSS should increase its involvement with organisations such as AA and avail venues for instance clinic spaces to be used after 17HOO and over weekends. Fourthly, the (MoRSS) needs to take the lead and increase awareness on the dangers of alcohol consumption and the stigma attached to the problem and treatment-seeking in Windhoek and other parts of the country. Fifthly, the social workers in the MoRSS who are dealing with prevention and reduction programmes for substance use and abuse which includes alcohol need to develop self-help group programmes for individuals with substance use problem. Sixthly, the MoRSS may consider screening clients who display symptoms of alcohol use especially those who are attended at Mental Health Department for early intervention and referral. Finally, future research using the mixed-methods approach is recommended for the existing AA branches and future ones which may include AA group members and the support persons from Al-Anon. This is (Al-Anon) a sister organisation to AA, which assists individuals whose family members have a drinking problem. When such research is done, it may provide a broader picture of the effectiveness of AA self-help group in reducing alcohol consumption among adults
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

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