Browsing by Subject "qualitative"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Adolescents’ Perspectives on the Drivers of Obesity Using a Group Model Building Approach: A South African Perspective
    (2022-02-14) Hendricks, Gaironeesa; Savona, Natalie; Aguiar, Anaely; Alaba, Olufunke; Booley, Sharmilah; Malczyk, Sonia; Nwosu, Emmanuel; Knai, Cecile; Rutter, Harry; Klepp, Knut-Inge; Harbron, Janetta
    Overweight and obesity increase the risk of a range of poor physiological and psychosocial health outcomes. Previous work with well-defined cohorts has explored the determinants of obesity and employed various methods and measures; however, less is known on the broader societal drivers, beyond individual-level influences, using a systems framework with adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore the drivers of obesity from adolescents’ perspectives using a systems approach through group model building in four South African schools. Group model building was used to generate 4 causal loop diagrams with 62 adolescents aged 16–18 years. These maps were merged into one final map, and the main themes were identified: (i) physical activity and social media use; (ii) physical activity, health-related morbidity, and socio-economic status; (iii) accessibility of unhealthy food and energy intake/body weight; (iv) psychological distress, body weight, and weight-related bullying; and (v) parental involvement and unhealthy food intake. Our study identified meaningful policy-relevant insights into the drivers of adolescent obesity, as described by the young people themselves in a South African context. This approach, both the process of construction and the final visualization, provides a basis for taking a novel approach to prevention and intervention recommendations for adolescent obesity.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Karoo farmers living and working experiences in protracted drought conditions: a case study
    (2021) Reynolds, Megann; Goodman, Suki; Conradie, Beatrice
    In the South African context, a geographical region prone to the occurrence of frequent and intense periods of drought, the emergence of climate conditions reaching new extremes raises concerns of adaptability to sustain living and work well-being in such circumstances. The realisation of economic, social, environmental and psychological impacts resultant from drought conditions is particularly relevant to farmers, an occupation group who are often characterised by socio-economic vulnerability in South Africa. Consequently, this research seeks to explore the yet undocumented experiences of farmers living and working in the current drought conditions, located in the Karoo region of South Africa. A further aim of this research is to explore how these experiences have affected farmers' psychological well-being, as well as understanding the coping mechanisms they have used to deal with this long-standing crisis situation. The present study adopted an exploratory case study design using an interpretivist paradigmatic stance. Based on research conducted and reviewed within the climate change domain, it was understood that farmers' experiences of working in drought conditions were complex, context specific and differed amongst individuals. Therefore, knowledge was viewed as subjective as there was no particular, correct path to knowledge as it emerged through various contexts. The case under study was Karoo farmers in the Western Cape province. Their living and working experiences, and coping mechanisms were specific to their surrounding landscapes and chosen type of farming. Furthermore, this case study was particularly concerned with farmers who retained close living, working and cultural relationships to their natural environments. Consequently, the unit of analysis in this study was the individual. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted and a total of eight participants were interviewed. An inductive approach to analysing the data was undertaken, using Braun and Clarke's (2006) Thematic Analysis. Three major themes emerged during the analysis with a number of associated sub-themes. The results describe the sample's shared ecological grief experiences due to both implicit and explicit impacts resultant from sustained drought conditions. The negative psychological outcomes the sample endured as a result of these experiences, demonstrates the implication of living and working in such conditions for work and psychological well-being. The common coping mechanisms employed over this time are also extracted from the themes. The discussion presents the findings of this study through the lens of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach framework, to understand how drought conditions presents barriers to these farmers sustaining their well-being.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    The perceptions of rural women doctors about their work
    (MedPharm Publications, 2004) De Vries, E M; Marincowitz, G M
    Background: Recruitment and retention of medical staff are important issues in rural health. The aim of this study was to describe and understand the perceptions of women doctors working in rural hospitals in South Africa about their work. Methods: This was a descriptive study, using a qualitative methodology. Free attitude interviews were conducted with 14 women doctors. Themes were identified and tested against the data and comments from the research diary. Results: The main theme was balance. A rural woman doctor has to juggle different issues, including running the household and responsibilities at work. Other themes that were identified included the reason for working at a rural hospital, attitudes to rural life, opportunities for personal and professional growth, the feeling of being needed in a rural hospital, advantages and disadvantages for children and family, the impact of relationships on the rural woman doctor, issues regarding the environment and security, and that the proximity of home and work gives a rural woman doctor far more connection with her family. Conclusions: Some of the themes identified in this study agreed with international research, e.g. the importance of a job for the spouse, family considerations influencing the choice to specialise, and balancing responsibilities at home and work. The advantage of accommodation close to the hospital is a theme that has not been documented before. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to attract women doctors to rural areas. (SA Fam Pract 2004;46(3): 27-32)
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    ROER4D First Workshop Evaluation
    (2014-09-08) Walji, Sukaina
    This report is an evaluation of the success of the ROER4D project's first workshop, held between 9-13 December 2013 in Cape Town. The workshop focused on research skills capacity development, and an evaluation via questionnaire was conducted after the conclusion of workshop activity to determine the success of the workshop. This report contains a summary of the evaluation activity and suggestions on how to improve capacity development in the future.