Masters Degrees (DHS)

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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
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 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.
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.
Determinants of adolescent drinking
(2007) Diedericks, James
Drinking in Namibia became so pronounced that it has been addressed as a national concern in multimedia campaigns. This study assessed the utility of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict and explain alcohol intentions amongst selected adolescents in Namibia, and in particular to assess the relative contribution of individual and normative constructs in the TPB. A total of 98 (multiple R = >0.3) secondary school learners participated in the study. Elicitation interviews were conducted and data were evaluated by means of content analysis. The analysis formed the basis for the development of a questionnaire that measure TPB constructs. A questionnaire was administered to 100 adolescents (54% female and 46% male). Data were analyzed by means of multiple linear regression. The predictive utility of the model was confirmed: it accounted for 24% of the variance in intention to drink. There was a significant multivariate F for the main constructs of the model [F(3,94) = 9.703 , p <0.01]. A non - significant multivariate F for the effects of the construct "perceived behavioural control" was obtained. The positive regression coefficients obtained [attitudes (beta= .407, p < 0.05) and subjective norms (beta = .255, p <0.05] imply that intention to drink was greater for learners with positive drinking attitudes and high scores on the "friend" scale of subjective norms. Attitudes, subjective norms and current drinking status accounted for 31 % of variance in intention [F(6,96) =22.577, p <0.05]. Structural modelling results provide support for the predictive utility of the TPB (RMSEA = .912). Whether the constructs measured in this study correspond to TPB constructs measured in developed countries need to be affmned by empirical evidence. The findings offer ll1 empirical evidence, supporting interventions that penetrate community networks. The study highlights the extent to which alcohol attitudes and behaviours are embedded in family/social contexts.
The development and evaluation of self-management training programme for public servants in the Ministry of Education in Namibia
(2013) Kangunga, Helena-Negonya
Changes that impact organisations require employees to understand the responsibilities of self-management in order to contribute to the productivity of those organisations. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a self-management training programme for public servants in the Ministry of Education headquarters in Namibia. A two-group design was used, comprising an experimental group and a control group. A pre-test, a post-test and a post-post-test were administered to both groups, with the aim of comparing the groups and measuring outcomes resulting from the experimental treatments. The experimental group went through an intervention, and was then compared with the control group which did not go through the intervention. The post-post-test was aimed at determining the long-term intervention outcomes after participants had demonstrated achievement of the learning outcomes in their work environment. The participants of the experimental group were assessed by their supervisors to determine whether there was any improvement in work efficacy as a result of the self-management training programme. The following measuring instruments were used: A biographical questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS), the Psychological Empowerment Questionnaire (PEQ), the Time Management Questionnaire, a Knowledge and Reaction Evaluation questionnaire and a questionnaire that was completed by the supervisors of the experimental group to assess the behavioural changes which could be attributed to the self-management programme. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised to analyse the results. The results indicated that with regard to psychological wellbeing, participants showed increased achievement in the areas of environment mastery, positive relations with others, and purpose in life, while in the sphere of time management, improvement was found in participants’ ability to get work done at a specific time without interruption, their ability to establish a system or process to automate, as much as possible, tasks such as writing engagement letters and proposals, responses to requests for proposals, billing and review, and their capacity to fully empower subordinates and not attend to assignments for which others were responsible. The results also showed that, as a result of the self-management training programme, the participants of the experimental group improved in the following areas, as measured by their supervisors: time-management, creativity, self-monitoring, stress-management, emotional intelligence, self-esteem, self-efficacy, socialisation, work engagement, interpersonal communication. Additionally, the results showed that the participants of the self-management training programme were very satisfied with the way the training was organized and conducted.
Development of a rating scale measuring interpersonal control as a maintenance factor of alcohol dependency
(University of Namibia, 2013) Van der Merwe, Altus A.
Interpersonal control is a significant factor in the maintenance of alcohol dependency within the dyad relationship. In the treatment of a dysfunctional behaviour, like alcohol dependency, intuitive psychological interventions have been in use. This has generated much criticism. Therefore, research and measurement tools need to be used as a basis for more objective therapeutic interventions. This study was designed to develop a reliable and valid interpersonal control rating measure to address the lack of such an instrument for clinical practices for psychotherapeutic interventions in Namibia. Content analysis of literature was used in development of a preliminary Interpersonal Control Rating Scale. The constructed scale took the format of a global behavioural anchored rating scale. A sample of 21 participants was used for this study: those in intimate relationship and displayed alcohol dependency; those intimate partners who displayed alcohol dependency; and those intimate partners alcohol dependency were not prevalent. The participants were subjected to a non-directive interview. This interview technique elicits the interactional styles displayed by participants. Their interactional styles were evaluated using the Interpersonal Control Rating Scale by four Raters. The findings show that the Interpersonal Control Rating Scale was found reliable with reliability coefficients of .91 for average measures and .71 for single measures. The instrument's validity was also established. The study recommends that the Interpersonal Control Rating Scale can be used as a tool for assessment of dyad relationships in the plan treatment by Clinicians.
Discources of experience of pregnancy in low income women attending Katutura and Central hospitals' antenatal clinics in Windhoek
(2010) Eysselein, Maika; ; ;
Distress and coping in adult family caregivers of cancer patients in Namibia
(2013) Tjiroze, Meunajo
The research conducted was an exploratory study. The global aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between distress and the approaches to coping used by informal caregivers of cancer patients within the Namibian context. Adult caregivers (N= 65) visiting the Dr. A. Bernard May Cancer Care Centre as well as the Cancer Association of Namibia’s head office completed survey questionnaires. Bivariate correlations were conducted on the data in order to ascertain the unique relationship between the variables. The variables under investigation were; distress, anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, sense of coherence and coping strategies used by caregivers. In relation to global psychological distress a statistically significant level of distress was reported by participants. Caregivers reported experiencing mild levels of anxiety (22.9% positive cases) and high levels of depression(53.8% positive cases). Mild to moderate caregiver burden was reported by 41.5% of participants. The coping strategies used most by caregivers in this study were emotional support and acceptance followed by religion, instrumental support and positive reframing. A significant positive and moderate correlation was found between distress and depression (r = .36, p < .05). A significantly strong correlation was found between distress and the use of emotional support (r = .33, p < .05). Denial was moderately and significantly associated with distress (r = .24, p < .05). Overall the research findings are consistent with previous research as 64.7 % reported significant levels of distress, which when added to the notable level of depression found, may serve as an indication of the psychological strain of this form of caregiving. The inverse relationship found between distress and certain coping strategies may indicate potential buffering effects of certain coping strategies used by cancer caregivers within the Namibian context.
Evaluating public stigma towards mental illness in Windhoek
(University of Namibia, 2020) Laubscher, Marleen
Public stigma towards mental illness is associated with various negative implications for those struggling with mental illness and plays a significant role in help seeking behaviour as well as treatment adherence. The aim of this study is to quantify the degree of public stigma that exists and to understand attitudes towards mentally ill people held by people residing in Windhoek, Namibia. Finally, it seeks to identify whether there are any demographic variables associated with higher degrees of public stigma towards people with mental illness. This study utilises a mixed method approach, utilising the Community Attitudes towards the Mentally Ill (CAMI) scale, surveying 150 participants through a non-probability sampling technique. Data from the surveys were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS) (Version 24.0) with inferential statistics used to identify any variables that could contribute to higher degrees of public stigma. In addition, three focus-group discussions with groups drawn from three different socio-economic areas within the Windhoek district were conducted. Each group consisted of eight participants and views held by the group members around mental illness were discussed. These discussions were analysed to allow for the identification of themes present in the data. Findings from this study revealed an overall level of public stigma towards mental illness of 41% from the CAMI Scale. Older adults, men and people with lower levels of education appeared to possess higher levels of public stigma towards the mentally ill. In addition, results revealed that lower socioeconomic groups had more misconceptions and misinformation around mental illness than middle- and higher-socioeconomic groups In addition to further research and development of mental health treatment services, strategies to address public stigma, namely contact, protest and education would appear to be applicable in the Namibian context.
The evaluation of a development program directed at the trait emotional intelligence of employees of the Ministry of Justice in Northern Namibia
(2014) Lange, Siegfried
The global corporate setting changes swiftly as a result of technological, economic and political developments. Due to these phenomena it has been noted that staff members in general experience a great increase in emotional strain, leaving a need for an effective program focussed on enhancing employees’ ability to deal with such stressors via an increase in their trait emotional intelligence. With such an enhancement the employees would experience improved levels of empathy, emotional perception, emotional expression, better personal relationships, superior emotion regulation, less impulsiveness, more effective stress management, increased emotional management, higher levels of assertiveness, more social awareness, would be more optimistic, experience higher levels of happiness, improve their self-esteem, benefit from advanced self-motivation and adaptability. The study was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of such an emotional intelligence program that was implemented in the Ministry of Justice of Namibia. The program consisted of four individual counselling sessions focussing on assertiveness (thought control), communication, stress management and procrastination. The program participants were assessed by means of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire – Short Form (TEIQue-SF) and also completed program evaluation questions after completion of the program. The TEIQue-SF was completed by an experimental group and a control group. When considering the TEIQue-SF scores on their own the differences between the groups were not found to be significant. Both groups showed an increase in their trait emotional intelligence of more than 18 points. The program evaluation forms however, showed that the intervention was perceived by the experimental group as having a positive impact on their general happiness and well-being.

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