A sociological study of women’s lived experience of menopause and understanding of menstruation in Mthatha and Makhanda, Eastern Cape Province
- Makalima, Buthanani Vuyokazi
- Authors: Makalima, Buthanani Vuyokazi
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Menopause , Menstruation , Women South Africa Social conditions , Menopause Psychological aspects , Menstruation Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466210 , vital:76707
- Description: This qualitative study explored different sociocultural factors that influence and inform women’s menopause experience and perceptions. The aim of the study was to investigate the cultural beliefs about menstruation and menopause, with a focus on embodied experiences of menopause, as well as the perceptions of the transition from menstruation to menopause. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with women in their 60s and 70s in the Eastern Cape Province: four in-depth interviews were conducted in Umtata/Mthatha and two in Makhanda. Data was analysed thematically. A key study finding is that women’s definition and experience of menopause is significantly influenced by their sociocultural context. This also shapes their experience of menopause, and in the case of the women in this study, menopause is experienced as a natural process. Regardless of the participants’ acceptance of menopause, some women still need to be equipped with information on severe menopause symptoms, what they mean, and how they can be treated or managed. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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- Authors: Makalima, Buthanani Vuyokazi
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Menopause , Menstruation , Women South Africa Social conditions , Menopause Psychological aspects , Menstruation Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466210 , vital:76707
- Description: This qualitative study explored different sociocultural factors that influence and inform women’s menopause experience and perceptions. The aim of the study was to investigate the cultural beliefs about menstruation and menopause, with a focus on embodied experiences of menopause, as well as the perceptions of the transition from menstruation to menopause. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with women in their 60s and 70s in the Eastern Cape Province: four in-depth interviews were conducted in Umtata/Mthatha and two in Makhanda. Data was analysed thematically. A key study finding is that women’s definition and experience of menopause is significantly influenced by their sociocultural context. This also shapes their experience of menopause, and in the case of the women in this study, menopause is experienced as a natural process. Regardless of the participants’ acceptance of menopause, some women still need to be equipped with information on severe menopause symptoms, what they mean, and how they can be treated or managed. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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A study exploring women’s experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of fibroids in Diepsloot, South Africa
- Nwanamidwa, Moreblessing Itani
- Authors: Nwanamidwa, Moreblessing Itani
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uterine fibroids , Reproductive health , Women's health , Women Health and hygiene South Africa Johannesburg , Health attitudes , Traditional medicine South Africa , Diepsloot
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466071 , vital:76682
- Description: This study is an exploration of women’s experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of fibroids. It is underpinned by social constructionism and the common-sense model of self- regulation theoretical frameworks. Eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with women in Diepsloot, South Africa. The study aimed to include diverse perspectives, thus participants included women who consulted biomedical and cultural practitioners or both. The findings of the research reveal that women’s experiences with fibroids are complex because of the many decisions they have to make about the diagnosis and treatment options and the multiple, and sometimes intersecting temporary disruptions, caused by fibroids. Furthermore, the low levels of awareness about fibroids and the prevailing culture of silence surrounding women’s reproductive health have negative consequences for women living with fibroids as this can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. The findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about fibroids in communities such as Diepsloot where awareness initiatives are insufficient, given the high prevalence of fibroids among reproductive age black women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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- Authors: Nwanamidwa, Moreblessing Itani
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Uterine fibroids , Reproductive health , Women's health , Women Health and hygiene South Africa Johannesburg , Health attitudes , Traditional medicine South Africa , Diepsloot
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466071 , vital:76682
- Description: This study is an exploration of women’s experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of fibroids. It is underpinned by social constructionism and the common-sense model of self- regulation theoretical frameworks. Eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with women in Diepsloot, South Africa. The study aimed to include diverse perspectives, thus participants included women who consulted biomedical and cultural practitioners or both. The findings of the research reveal that women’s experiences with fibroids are complex because of the many decisions they have to make about the diagnosis and treatment options and the multiple, and sometimes intersecting temporary disruptions, caused by fibroids. Furthermore, the low levels of awareness about fibroids and the prevailing culture of silence surrounding women’s reproductive health have negative consequences for women living with fibroids as this can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. The findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about fibroids in communities such as Diepsloot where awareness initiatives are insufficient, given the high prevalence of fibroids among reproductive age black women. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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An investigation of the knowledge of and attitudes towards cervical cancer among female students at Rhodes University
- Authors: Pila, Anastacia Mosima
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Cervix uteri Cancer , College students Attitudes , Cancer Social aspects , Communication in public health South Africa Makhanda , Knowledge and learning
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466267 , vital:76713
- Description: South African and African studies on the knowledge of cervical cancer show that there is generally a limited understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer among women. It is for this reason that this qualitative study examines the knowledge of and attitudes towards cervical cancer among female students at Rhodes University, with the aim of determining whether or not this specific group of women (young and educated) has a better understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten female RU students, and two members of staff at RU campus. Using thematic analysis, the study found that there is also a lack of understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer among the participants. Participants were mostly unaware of its causes, preventative methods, screening methods, and they did not know any cervical cancer-based organisations or initiatives in their communities. The two RU members of staff participants confirmed the latter as they stated that the Rhodes University First Thing’s First is the only organisation in Makhanda that deals with cervical cancer awareness and screening. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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- Authors: Pila, Anastacia Mosima
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Cervix uteri Cancer , College students Attitudes , Cancer Social aspects , Communication in public health South Africa Makhanda , Knowledge and learning
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466267 , vital:76713
- Description: South African and African studies on the knowledge of cervical cancer show that there is generally a limited understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer among women. It is for this reason that this qualitative study examines the knowledge of and attitudes towards cervical cancer among female students at Rhodes University, with the aim of determining whether or not this specific group of women (young and educated) has a better understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten female RU students, and two members of staff at RU campus. Using thematic analysis, the study found that there is also a lack of understanding and knowledge of cervical cancer among the participants. Participants were mostly unaware of its causes, preventative methods, screening methods, and they did not know any cervical cancer-based organisations or initiatives in their communities. The two RU members of staff participants confirmed the latter as they stated that the Rhodes University First Thing’s First is the only organisation in Makhanda that deals with cervical cancer awareness and screening. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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A sociological analysis of Rhodes University students’ understanding of depression
- Authors: Kadula, Tadala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Mental health , College students -- South Africa -- Mental health -- Case studies , Depression, Mental , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96258 , vital:31255
- Description: Using the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism, this research sought to analyse and explore how Rhodes University students, both depressed and not depressed, understand depression, and how their understanding influences their interaction with people who do suffer from depression. For the purposes of this paper, eight participants were involved in an in-depth interview process. Out of the eight participants, six of them suffered from depression while the other remaining two participants had never suffered from depression, but they were close to someone who had depression. The findings of this research varied, some understood depression as a mental disturbance, others understood it as a condition that affects your emotions, and others understood it as a multifaceted condition that is highly subjective and cannot be understood using standardized measures. The participants’ personal experience and introduction into a new environment, in this context, university, changed their understanding of depression. The change in how they understood depression correlated with the change in how they interacted with depressed people.
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- Authors: Kadula, Tadala
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Mental health , College students -- South Africa -- Mental health -- Case studies , Depression, Mental , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96258 , vital:31255
- Description: Using the theoretical framework of symbolic interactionism, this research sought to analyse and explore how Rhodes University students, both depressed and not depressed, understand depression, and how their understanding influences their interaction with people who do suffer from depression. For the purposes of this paper, eight participants were involved in an in-depth interview process. Out of the eight participants, six of them suffered from depression while the other remaining two participants had never suffered from depression, but they were close to someone who had depression. The findings of this research varied, some understood depression as a mental disturbance, others understood it as a condition that affects your emotions, and others understood it as a multifaceted condition that is highly subjective and cannot be understood using standardized measures. The participants’ personal experience and introduction into a new environment, in this context, university, changed their understanding of depression. The change in how they understood depression correlated with the change in how they interacted with depressed people.
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A sociological analysis of the Rhodes University Students and staff members’ perceptions on the use of traditional medicine and biomedicine
- Authors: Mankantshu, Buncwanekazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnopharmacology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College students -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College students -- Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Rhodes University -- Employees -- Medical care , Rhodes University -- Employees -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96280 , vital:31257
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to understand to the role that discourse on traditional medicine plays in the choices that Rhodes University students and staff make regarding who they consult when they are sick. A secondary objective was to explore the participants’ views on the Department of Health’s draft policy on the institutionalisation of African traditional medicine and potential collaboration with the biomedical health care system. This was a qualitative study that used in-depth interviews and questionnaires to collect data, which was interpreted using thematic data analysis. A key finding was that participants were mostly influenced by their families with regard to the health care choices – either biomedical or traditional medicine. And that affordability, accessibility and availability are not important factors in health care choices as suggested by literature. Participants also based their decisions on what they believed would help them, either biomedicine or traditional medicine.
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- Authors: Mankantshu, Buncwanekazi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnopharmacology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College students -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , College students -- Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rhodes University -- Students -- Attitudes , Rhodes University -- Employees -- Medical care , Rhodes University -- Employees -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96280 , vital:31257
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to understand to the role that discourse on traditional medicine plays in the choices that Rhodes University students and staff make regarding who they consult when they are sick. A secondary objective was to explore the participants’ views on the Department of Health’s draft policy on the institutionalisation of African traditional medicine and potential collaboration with the biomedical health care system. This was a qualitative study that used in-depth interviews and questionnaires to collect data, which was interpreted using thematic data analysis. A key finding was that participants were mostly influenced by their families with regard to the health care choices – either biomedical or traditional medicine. And that affordability, accessibility and availability are not important factors in health care choices as suggested by literature. Participants also based their decisions on what they believed would help them, either biomedicine or traditional medicine.
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A sociological study to explore the knowledge of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis at Rhodes University
- Authors: Ntshinga, Throny
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pre-exposure prophylaxis -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Prevention -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Government policy -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Health education (Higher) -- South Africa , Rhodes University -- Students -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96247 , vital:31254
- Description: South Africa has a very high prevalence rate of HIV infections, this is why this exploratory qualitative study examines the Rhodes University’s HIV policy and its awareness programmes, with a specific focus on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The World Health Organisation’s (2016-2017) recommendations for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis has been accepted and rolled-out nationwide by the South African Department of Health. This is to maintain the HIV-negative status of not only the general public, but specifically students at higher institutions of learning. PrEP has been integrated with other HIV prevention methods through the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS programme. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five female and four male students, and six health care staff members at Rhodes University. Data was thematically analysed, and the findings show that there is a lack of knowledge of both the HIV policy and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among the participating students. However, the staff members are knowledgeable due to the fact that they work in health care.
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- Authors: Ntshinga, Throny
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pre-exposure prophylaxis -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Prevention -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Government policy -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Health education (Higher) -- South Africa , Rhodes University -- Students -- Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96247 , vital:31254
- Description: South Africa has a very high prevalence rate of HIV infections, this is why this exploratory qualitative study examines the Rhodes University’s HIV policy and its awareness programmes, with a specific focus on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The World Health Organisation’s (2016-2017) recommendations for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis has been accepted and rolled-out nationwide by the South African Department of Health. This is to maintain the HIV-negative status of not only the general public, but specifically students at higher institutions of learning. PrEP has been integrated with other HIV prevention methods through the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS programme. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with five female and four male students, and six health care staff members at Rhodes University. Data was thematically analysed, and the findings show that there is a lack of knowledge of both the HIV policy and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among the participating students. However, the staff members are knowledgeable due to the fact that they work in health care.
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Mental health, where are we now?: a sociological analysis of the integration of mental health into primary healthcare in the Kingdom of Eswatini
- Authors: Dlamini, Zenanile Zoe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mental health services -- Eswatini , Psychiatric hospitals -- Eswatini , Primary health care -- Eswatini , Mentally ill -- Services for -- Eswatini , Mental health policy -- Eswatini
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96269 , vital:31256
- Description: This is a qualitative study exploring the integration of mental health into primary healthcare in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Primary healthcare forms the basis of any healthcare service provision. Primary Healthcare for mental health is an essential component of any well-functioning health system. Making mental healthcare available in primary healthcare allows for early detection and early treatment while it is still easier and cheaper. Purposive sampling was used to recruit nursesand a government official in the Hhohho region in the Kingdom of Eswatini.The study found that there are major challenges in the primary health care clinics, and this negatively affects the WHO (2001) proposal on mental health integration into primary health care. This finding is similar to other low-income countries’ challenges in mental health integration into primary health care. The impact of neo-liberal policies on healthcare in Eswatini is explored and it is clear these policies impact the ability of the Ministry of Health to provide health care. The study also drew on the symbolic interaction perspective to understand the meanings that nurses attach to mental illness and their experiences mental health care.
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- Authors: Dlamini, Zenanile Zoe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mental health services -- Eswatini , Psychiatric hospitals -- Eswatini , Primary health care -- Eswatini , Mentally ill -- Services for -- Eswatini , Mental health policy -- Eswatini
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96269 , vital:31256
- Description: This is a qualitative study exploring the integration of mental health into primary healthcare in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Primary healthcare forms the basis of any healthcare service provision. Primary Healthcare for mental health is an essential component of any well-functioning health system. Making mental healthcare available in primary healthcare allows for early detection and early treatment while it is still easier and cheaper. Purposive sampling was used to recruit nursesand a government official in the Hhohho region in the Kingdom of Eswatini.The study found that there are major challenges in the primary health care clinics, and this negatively affects the WHO (2001) proposal on mental health integration into primary health care. This finding is similar to other low-income countries’ challenges in mental health integration into primary health care. The impact of neo-liberal policies on healthcare in Eswatini is explored and it is clear these policies impact the ability of the Ministry of Health to provide health care. The study also drew on the symbolic interaction perspective to understand the meanings that nurses attach to mental illness and their experiences mental health care.
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A thematic analysis of the challenges experienced by those living with tuberculosis
- Authors: Walaza, Robert Letsholo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis Patients South Africa , Tuberculosis Social aspects , South Africa Social conditions , Poor Health and hygiene South Africa , Poor Medical care South Africa , Social medicine South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61850 , vital:28068
- Description: Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) in his study, The condition of the working class in England, argued that the cause of illness and death amongst the working class was due to their living conditions such as poor housing, over-crowding, poor sanitation, food shortage, low paying jobs and a lack of material resources. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of six South African individuals who have shared their experiences and challenges of living with TB on the TB&ME blog, and to show how TB is linked to the living conditions of these individuals. The study found that the challenges experienced by TB patient bloggers are of a social nature and confirms Engel’s study findings on the conditions of the working class in England. For example, a disease such as TB has a direct association with the living conditions of people, especially the poor. Thus, socio economic status of TB patient bloggers plays a role in the escalation of their ill health. Further, the study found that gender is central in understanding non-compliance to treatment. This is significant as it highlights the need to not only focus on issues of socioeconomics, but gender issues in fighting TB. Despite the negative consequences associated with living with TB, the bloggers have noted that the support from loved ones and other stakeholders in the fight against TB alleviates the challenges inherent in living with TB.
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- Authors: Walaza, Robert Letsholo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis Patients South Africa , Tuberculosis Social aspects , South Africa Social conditions , Poor Health and hygiene South Africa , Poor Medical care South Africa , Social medicine South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61850 , vital:28068
- Description: Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) in his study, The condition of the working class in England, argued that the cause of illness and death amongst the working class was due to their living conditions such as poor housing, over-crowding, poor sanitation, food shortage, low paying jobs and a lack of material resources. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of six South African individuals who have shared their experiences and challenges of living with TB on the TB&ME blog, and to show how TB is linked to the living conditions of these individuals. The study found that the challenges experienced by TB patient bloggers are of a social nature and confirms Engel’s study findings on the conditions of the working class in England. For example, a disease such as TB has a direct association with the living conditions of people, especially the poor. Thus, socio economic status of TB patient bloggers plays a role in the escalation of their ill health. Further, the study found that gender is central in understanding non-compliance to treatment. This is significant as it highlights the need to not only focus on issues of socioeconomics, but gender issues in fighting TB. Despite the negative consequences associated with living with TB, the bloggers have noted that the support from loved ones and other stakeholders in the fight against TB alleviates the challenges inherent in living with TB.
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