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.
The accessibility of HIV/AIDS related health information to people living with HIV/AIDS in khomas region (Windhoek)
(2008) Angula, Penehafo; ;
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 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 about knowledge, atitutes, beliefs and practices of HIV and AIDS among the Himba people of the Kunene region
(2015) Nakakuwa, Pilippine N.
The Himba people are a semi-nomadic community with rich cultural beliefs and practices and are unique among other communities in Namibia. The prevalence rate among the Himba community is slightly less than 8%, which is a reflection of the uniqueness of Himba practices and beliefs. However, it is still necessary to establish the levels of knowledge of HIV among the Himba based on factors such as education, family practices that initiate early sexual relations and the role of women in household decision making and safer sex negotiation. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, practices and risk perceptions with regard to HIV/AIDS among the Himba people of the Kunene region; and to identify its determinant factors. The research study was quantitative, that is, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical. Data were collected from respondents within the Himba community with an age range of 18 to 60 years and the data were compiled and analysed using SPSS version 21. To measure the Himba people‟s knowledge of HIV/AIDS and evaluate their attitudes, practices and perceptions relating to HIV/AIDS, respondents were posed a number of multiple-choice questions about specific areas: HIV modes of transmission, knowledge on prevention measures, wrong conceptionsof HIV/AIDS, beliefs, attitudes and practices. Each questionnaire section related to knowledge of HIV/AIDS had specific points for an overall score of 30. Descriptive statistics were performed to find the central tendency and variation parameters (mean standard deviation). Inferential statistics were obtained using a chi-square test to identify factors associated with unacceptable levels of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Interviews were held with 290 respondents – 147 females and 143 males.The minimum age was 15 years and the maximum age was 70. The mean overall age was 29.3 years, with a 95% confidence interval of [28.0; 30.7] years. Considering the gender, the mean age for females was 27.8 years with a 95% confidence interval of [26.2; 29.4] years, whilst the mean age for males was 30.9 with a 95% confidence interval of [29.6; 32.2] years. It was established that 42% of the respondents in this study were aged 24 years or less followed by 26% of respondents who were between the ages of 25 and 30 years. In this study, the mean overall score of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its transmission modes was found to be 15.8 out of 30 with a 95% confidence interval of [15.1; 16.5]. It was found that the Himba people‟s knowledge on HIV/AIDS does not differ according to the gender of the respondent. In fact, the mean score of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its modes of transmission among females was 15.9 with a confidence interval of [15.1; 16.8], whilst the mean score of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its modes of transmission among males was 15.7 with a confidence interval of [14.5; 16.8]. Using a bivariate analysis, factors such as condom use as a safer sex practice, level of education, type of marriage, and the gender of the respondents showed a statistically significant association with HIV knowledge at a 0.05 level of significance. Therefore, in order to increase knowledge that can be translated into change in behaviour and practices among the Himba, the efforts of all stakeholders are required. Such efforts include promoting education through mobile schools, intensifying sex education within the community through outreach programmes and putting in place policies integrated with indigenous cultural practices that will lead to positive attitudes and beliefs.
Analysis of factors contributing to non-adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy in selected facilities in Namibia: A development of adherence improvement Programme for health professionals
(University of Namibia, 2023) Katjiuanjo, Maazuu Zauana
Health professionals are faced with challenges of ART non-adherence in patient enrolled on HAART. This study was aimed at developing a programme to assist health professionals to improve ART adherence at the facilities in Oshikoto and Kavango West regions. The study was carried out in four phases i) phase 1: situational analysis ii) phase 2: conceptual framework development iii) adherence programme development and iv) programme evaluation. Phase 1 involved carrying out a situational analysis using a mixed-method design to understand magnitude of adherence problem in the study area. In the quantitative part of the study a descriptive and analytic cross sectional study was conducted to collect data using structured interview, with HIV infected persons (n=296) under antiretroviral treatment in Oshikoto and Kavango West regions. Medication adherence was measured with the Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group (AACTG) method and the Morisky Medication adherence Scale (MMAS-8) In depth Interviews (IDIs) of health professionals (n=43) and four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with (n=32) individuals who received ART at a primary health care clinics were conducted at four facilities in the selected regions. Overall adherence levels was 76 % with AACTG and 36 % with MMAS-8. Factors contributing to non-adherence were Type of House, Region and Health Facility, the relationship was a negative one with beta < 0. Other factors were forgetfulness and regimens missed during the weekends as reported by the MMAS-8. Determinants of non-adherence using the AACTG adherence were found to be Confident of regularly taking medicine, Intention to regularly take medicine over the next year, Treatment support in taking medicine available and Cues to Action with beta >0.5). ART potency, that is Doses per day, ART Regimen and Dose each time per day ii with beta >0.5). The factors contributing to non-adherence with Morisky scale that showed strong positive relations with beta <0.5 were the medicinal barriers, perceived barriers, more likely to get ill than others, concerned about becoming seriously ill and barriers based on Infection severity. Determinants of non-adherence using the MMAS 8 were benefits of efficacy (r = 0.143, p <0.05), perceived barriers (r = -0.194, p <0.05) and social support in taking medicine (r = -0.127, p < 0.05). Four themes emerged of factors influencing non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy, these were: patient-related factors, health system, therapy-related factors, and condition related factors. In the qualitative data analysis, health professionals reported reasons for ART non-adherence. The subthemes included Unemployment and being poor; forgetfulness; lack of knowledge due to negative beliefs; side-effects, health system challenges; workload, inadequate training, lack of skills, and poor adherence reporting systems; stigma. The HAART participants reported several barriers that negatively influenced their medication experience and adherence. These barriers included the following subthemes: financial burden; side-effects, psychological factors, such alcohol use and stigma. The facilitators included social support, treatment support and positive patient-provide relationship. In Phase 2, the development of the conceptual framework was based on the theory of Dickoff et al. (1968) using the findings of the mixed method. Phase 3 addressed the development of the Adherence Improvement Programme (AIP) for the health professionals (1). The programme was developed within the concepts of Intervention mapping framework suggested by Bartholomew et al. (2006), which outlines the processes of developing a theory-based health promotion programme. Finally, the programme was evaluated in Phase 4 using the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) iii ‘Framework for programme evaluation in public health’ (2). A pool of public health experts was utilised for this purpose. The AIP has four programme components consisting of four objectives. Key performance areas based on the intervention strategies to improve adherence were elaborated under each objective. Tasks to be performed under each key performance areas were stipulated accompanied by indicators to measure programme performance
An analysis of the implementation of the school supplementary feeding programme in Windhoek, Namibia
(2012) Sibanda, Dumisani G.; ;
Abstract provided by author
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
An analytic and evaluative study of the post-registration competency of registered nurses/ midwives who obtained the University Diploma in Nursing Science and Midwifery Science at the University of Namibia from 1990-1992
(1994) Haoses, Lischen; ;
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.
Antibiotics’ susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates causing lower respiratory tract infections in ICU patients at referral hospitals in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2022) Simeon, Pia
Introduction: LRTIs are a particularly important problem in Namibia, as they are rated the second leading cause of death in the country and cause around 300 deaths in children under 5 years in 2016. To reduce the burden of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTIs) on health systems and ensure appropriate patient management, it is critical to know the most prevalent pathogens leading to LRTIs and the susceptibility patterns of those pathogens in the local setting. Aim: To formulate cumulative antibiograms for ICUs of referral hospitals in Namibia for the period studied. Methods: This retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over two years: 2017 and 2018. The cumulative antibiograms were constructed according to CLSI guidelines and the chi-square test was used to compare the changes in susceptibility rates from 2017 to 2018. The data used to develop the cumulative antigrams was obtained from NIP. Results: Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.8%, 8.1%) was a predominant pathogen in Windhoek Central hospital ICU in 2017 and 2018. In Oshakati intermediate hospital ICU, Enterobacter sp. (22.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.5%) were the common pathogens in 2017 and 2018. Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were > 90% susceptibility to colistin, carbapenems and tigecycline in 2017. In 2028, Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were highly susceptibility to amikacin, carbapenems and colistin, but moderately susceptible to tigecyclines. In 2017, Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were more susceptible to carbapenems (imipenem 94% and meropenem 93.8%), amikacin 89.3% and tigecycline 88.7%. In 2018, Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were 100% susceptible to amikacin, colistin and carbapenems. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates were more than 80% susceptible to all the tested antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were 100% susceptible to linezolid, rifampicin, teicoplanin, vancomycin in 2017 and 2018, its susceptibility to these antibiotics did not change. Conclusion: The susceptibility patterns of the common isolated gram-negative pathogens were highly variable. Meropenem combined with gentamicin, is now the recommended empiric therapy for patients with LRTIs in Windhoek Central hospital ICU.
Applicability of teeth examination as a tool for age estimation in a semi-arid cattle production environment in Namibia
(2019) Mushonga, Borden; Shinexuugi, Immanuel; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Kandiwa, Erick
Regression analysis was used to evaluate teeth examination as a tool for estimating age in beef and dairy cattle at Neudamm farm, Namibia, in 2018. There was a significant difference in age (months) between the overall mean actual age (M=60, SD=4.57) and the mean estimated age (M=57, SD=4.52 months) in beef cattle; t(74) = 3.61, p<0.001. There was no significant difference between the overall mean estimated age and the mean actual age (M=42.5, SD=5.18) and (M=41.3, SD=5.21 months) in dairy cattle; t(30) = 1.45, p=0.16. There was a very strong positive relationship between the overall teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in beef cattle [r (74) = 0.98, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the overall teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in dairy cattle [r (30) = 0.99, p<0.001]. A very strong positive relationship was also evident between the teeth examination estimated age and actual age in beef cattle aged 45 months and below [r (37) = 0.93, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the teeth examination-estimated and actual age in dairy cattle aged 45 months and below [r (20) = 0.97, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in beef cattle aged over 45 months [r (35) = 0.93, p<0.001]. There was a very strong positive relationship between the teeth examination-estimated age and actual age in dairy cattle aged over 45 months [r (8) = 0.97, p<0.001]. It was therefore concluded that under the given conditions of the study and the range of ages and the breeds under study, age estimation through teeth examination is reliably applicable
Application of elements of the informed choice of modern contraceptives among reproductive aged women in the Khomas region of Namibia
(2016) Nelumbu, Petrina N.; Amakali, Kristofina; Hofnie-//Hoëbes, K
A gap still exists between the propositions of the policy and guidelines on the application of the elements of informed choice in family planning services and the reality in practice. This paper presents the findings of the study that was conducted to partially assess and describe the application of the elements of informed choice by the nurses in providing modern contraceptives at the health care facilities in Khomas region of Namibia. A quantitative descriptive study design was employed among the study populations of 7,401 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who use family planning services at the four (4) urban and two (2) rural health care facilities in Khomas region. Systematic random sampling was done for the urban and rural health facilities, while a convenience sampling was employed to select a sample of 184 client participants from the total population using the computer probability of 95% and the confidence limit of 5%. The data were collected through exit interviews of the clients and analysed using EPI Info. The findings indicated a glaring lack of the provision of the information which can constitute the basis for an informed choice by the clients. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others the provision of in-service training in family planning and communication skills for nurses, development and dissemination of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials for the clients and the availability of more family planning methods for the clients.

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