African Journals Online
Health SA Gesondheid

Volume 6, Issue 3, October 2001

The facilitation of a team-building process: implications for mental health
Gmeiner, A.Van Wyk, S. 3-17

Abstract: The goal of this article was to explore and describe team members' experience of obstacles in their functioning as an effective team and their views of elements contributing to an effective and productive team. An effective and productive team could be a mentally healthy and emotional intelligent team. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was followed utilising the phenomenological strategy with semi-structured interviews and naïve sketches as method of data gathering. A purposive sample consisting of two teams with eight members each was used in this research. Data was analysed through a process of open coding and recontextualised within the given context of the specific business. A literature control was done to verify the data and compare it with other research done in the field of team-building. Strategies to ensure trustworthiness were adhered to. It was clear that these team members experienced many obstacles hindering their effective functioning as a team within the organisation. Obstacles included autocracy from top management, unclear direction within the company, and low motivation of team members resulting in high staff turnover, numerous days' sick leave, and low productivity. They also experienced dysfunctional lines of communication, mistrust and ineffective interpersonal relationships. Poor problem-solving skills together with a lack of self-awareness were also described. Participants identified elements contributing to an effective and productive team. On the basis of all the data gathered and the literature, guidelines for developing an emotionally intelligent team and emotionally intelligent individual team members were described in the form of a process outline.

Alternative methods for clinical nursing assessment and evaluation
Chabeli, M. 18-30

Abstract: The recommendations made in the article on nurse educators' perceptions of OSCE as a clinical evaluation method (Chabeli, 2001:84-91) are addressed in this article. The research question: What alternative methods of assessment and evaluation can be used to measure the comprehensive and holistic clinical nursing competency of learners in Gauteng Province is answered by an exploratory and descriptive research strategy. The perception of nurse educators (N=20) purposively selected from three nursing colleges affiliated to a University in Gauteng regarding the use of OSCE are explored and described. A descriptive content analysis was used. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Lincoln and Guba's model (1985). The result suggested the following methods, supported and complemented by literature: portfolios, self-assessment, reflective tutorials, authentic scenarios/problem-solving tasks, simulations (roleplay, educational games), peergroup assessment, reflective journal writing, critical incident analysis technique and ward round evaluation. Many assessment and evaluation methods could be used depending on the evaluator's openmindedness and creativity.

Utilising technology in health sciences education
De Villiers, L. 31-43

Abstract: Health sciences education is rendered within a context that is characterised by knowledge and technological explosions. This is associated with the utilisation of technology in education. It is proposed that the use of technology should occur within the framework of a sound educational strategy. The aim of such a strategy would be to develop cognitive competence in learners. The critical paradigm is regarded to provide a suitable philosophical foundation for such an educational strategy. This would support adopting a learning theory that is associated with the cognitive development learning perspective. According to this perspective the role of the educator is conceptualised in terms of mediation. The curriculum would support problem based, media based, co-operative and reflective learning. Curriculum implementation ought to occur in an interactive, critical, democratic and collaborative learning climate. Suggestions on how to utilise information technology in health sciences education are discussed.

Die invloed van borsmelkverrykers op die groei van lae geboortemassa-babas
Goosen, S.Dörfling, C.S.Nolte, A.G.W. 44-58

Abstract: The feeding of low birth weight babies remains a challenge. Mother's milk is deficient in protein, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. These elements need to be supplemented in order for the low weight baby to grow under optimal conditions. The objective of the study was to compare the growth of the low birth weight babies, fed only on mothers milk, with those fed on mother's milk, in addition to a commercial fortifier, using the babies' mass, length and head circumference as a guide. The literature study has shown that there are different methods of supplementing the deficiencies in mother's milk, for example, premature milk formula, alternating mother's milk and premature milk formula, additional supplements to mother's milk, and commercial fortifiers. Previous studies have shown that the biochemistry of mother's milk fortifiers influence growth positively. Six low birth weight babies were used in the experimental group and received 25% mother's milk and 75% fortifier. The control group consisted of eight babies, fed on mother's milk only. All the babies met the criteria and reached a 1600 gram weight by the end of the study. The Mann Whitney U-test was used to calculate the results. No statistically significant results were obtained for any of the variables tested.

Concepts and treatment modalities for hypertension by traditional and faith healers in the Northern Province, South Africa
Peltzer, K.Khoza, L.B.Lekhuleni, M.E.Madu, S.N.Cherian, V.I.Cherian, L. 59-67

Abstract: Clinical experiences and some research findings indicate that traditional and faith healers play a role in the management of hypertension in Africa. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the concepts and treatment modalities for hypertension among traditional and faith healers in the Northern Province in South Africa. Specific objectives included: (1) to identify local names for hypertension, (2) clinical manifestations and causative concepts, (3) curability and treatment modalities, (4) help-seeking behaviour of hypertensive patients, and (5) sources of information on hypertension by healers. The descriptive and explorative study design used snowball-sampling techniques to interview the healers. The sample consisted of 50 traditional healers (13 females and 37 males) and 50 faith healers (12 females and 38 males). They were interviewed on (1) local terminology for hypertension, (2) symptoms and signs, (3) causes, (4) curability, (5) treatment, (6) help-seeking behaviour of patients, and (7) sources of information about hypertension. Results indicate that all healers were familiar with "hypertension", however, not all of them have attended to patients suffering from hypertension (15 traditional and 11 faith healers have not attended to a hypertensive client). The perceived causes of hypertension by both traditional and faith healers could be divided into (1) diet, (2) heredity, (3) supernatural, and (4) psychological. Most traditional healers (92%) and faith healers (90%) indicated that hypertension is curable. Traditional healers mainly used different herbs, and faith healers prayer for treatment of hypertension. The change of diet, bloodletting and rituals were mentioned by both traditional and faith healers. Tea and minerals were only used by faith healers. It was discovered that traditional and faith healers do seem to play a relevant role in the management of hypertension, which has important implications for health care workers.

Psychosocial correlates of health practices in black South African university students
Peltzer, K. 68-74

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of health practices among young male and female adults. The sample included 793 Black University students from non-health courses chosen at random from the University of the North, South Africa. The students were 370 (46.7%) males and 423 (53.3%) females in the age range of 18 to 25 years (M age=21.0 years, SD=3.48). The assessment measures included a Health Practices Index, the Health Locus of Control Scale, Health as a Value Scale, subjective health status, subjective well-being, health benefits, and health status. Results indicated that participants practiced on average above 7 healthy behaviours from a total of 14. There was a significant sex difference in the health practices index, since on average the women's behaviour was more healthy than that of men in terms of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, seat belt use, and cancer self-examination, but men exercised more regularly than women. Above 70% of the participants practiced the following health behaviours: brushing teeth once or more per day, non-tobacco use, very occasional or no alcohol, limited red meat, and never sunbathed or used suncreen in that order. Formal education of the mother, internal locus of control and worse health status were positively associated with the health practices index. Other sociodemographic (age, SES, religion) and psychological (health value, health benefits) factors were not significantly related to healthy practices.

Experience of young adults from divorced families
Spalding, B.Pretorius, H.G. 75-86

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the way in which the effects of parental divorce surface during the developmental period of young adulthood. The aim of the study was to offer some insight into the long-term effects of parental divorce. Of particular interest was how the parent-child relationships in divorced homes foster personal identifications and how this affects the individual's ability to separate from the family of origin as well as the young adult's patterns of relating to others in intimate relationships. The design of the study was qualitative and data was collected through in-depth unstructured interviews (part of a therapeutic process) with three young adults who have experienced parental divorce. An intra-individual analysis of the information offered by each participant rendered an understanding of their phenomenological experience of parental divorce while an inter-individual analysis of their accounts permitted a discussion of common and contrasting themes and patterns. The findings indicate that divorce is a process that influences development and helps to shape individuals into the people they are today. This process includes negative and detrimental aspects but also provides ways in which individuals can alter and adjust these effects in a way that is meaningful and positive.