Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa

dc.contributor.advisorSchrieff, Leigh
dc.contributor.advisorJantz, Paul
dc.contributor.authorMoodley, Miranda
dc.date.accessioned2021-09-13T07:54:45Z
dc.date.available2021-09-13T07:54:45Z
dc.date.issued2021
dc.date.updated2021-09-10T09:44:46Z
dc.description.abstractTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death around the world with an annual worldwide prevalence rate ranging from 369 per 100 000 people (James et al., 2019). TBI is specifically more concerning in adolescents and young adults as rates of injuries acquired during this period are similar to adult rates, but with more far-reaching effects, especially in low and middle-income countries (Dewan et al., 2016). TBI has significant long-term effects (e.g., cognitive, behavioural, social) on adolescents and young adults, which are compounded in low and middle income countries (LMICs) like South Africa. However, myths and misconceptions regarding TBI and associated outcomes often cloud the understanding thereof and contribute to poor help-seeking behaviours post-TBI. Poor help-seeking behaviours post-TBI can impact TBI recovery and result in even worse impairments if appropriate help is not sought. This study aimed to describe and compare myths and misconceptions about head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (HI/TBI), including concussions, for high school learners (with/without HI/TBI) and university students (with/without HI/TBI). In terms of misconceptions, students (n=393) scored significantly higher on HI/TBI and concussion knowledge, compared to learners (n=80). Regression analyses showed that adolescence (learners) vs young adulthood (students) was a significant predictor of myths and misconceptions regarding TBI/HI; F (44, 369) = 3.32, p < .001; but not for concussion knowledge and attitudes; F (44, 369) = 1.10, p =.31 and F (44, 369) = .725, p =.904. Understanding what high school learners know and how this differs from university students' knowledge about TBI will help inform interventions tailored to adolescents and young adults – which is needed as they are a vulnerable population group.
dc.identifier.apacitationMoodley, M. (2021). <i>Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa</i>. (). ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33854en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationMoodley, Miranda. <i>"Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa."</i> ., ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33854en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationMoodley, M. 2021. Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa. . ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33854en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Master Thesis AU - Moodley, Miranda AB - Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death around the world with an annual worldwide prevalence rate ranging from 369 per 100 000 people (James et al., 2019). TBI is specifically more concerning in adolescents and young adults as rates of injuries acquired during this period are similar to adult rates, but with more far-reaching effects, especially in low and middle-income countries (Dewan et al., 2016). TBI has significant long-term effects (e.g., cognitive, behavioural, social) on adolescents and young adults, which are compounded in low and middle income countries (LMICs) like South Africa. However, myths and misconceptions regarding TBI and associated outcomes often cloud the understanding thereof and contribute to poor help-seeking behaviours post-TBI. Poor help-seeking behaviours post-TBI can impact TBI recovery and result in even worse impairments if appropriate help is not sought. This study aimed to describe and compare myths and misconceptions about head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (HI/TBI), including concussions, for high school learners (with/without HI/TBI) and university students (with/without HI/TBI). In terms of misconceptions, students (n=393) scored significantly higher on HI/TBI and concussion knowledge, compared to learners (n=80). Regression analyses showed that adolescence (learners) vs young adulthood (students) was a significant predictor of myths and misconceptions regarding TBI/HI; F (44, 369) = 3.32, p < .001; but not for concussion knowledge and attitudes; F (44, 369) = 1.10, p =.31 and F (44, 369) = .725, p =.904. Understanding what high school learners know and how this differs from university students' knowledge about TBI will help inform interventions tailored to adolescents and young adults – which is needed as they are a vulnerable population group. DA - 2021_ DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Psychology LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PY - 2021 T1 - Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa TI - Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33854 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/33854
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationMoodley M. Myths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa. []. ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology, 2021 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/33854en_ZA
dc.language.rfc3066eng
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Psychology
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Humanities
dc.subjectPsychology
dc.titleMyths and Misconceptions of Traumatic Brain Injuries Among High School Learners and University Students in South Africa
dc.typeMaster Thesis
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMA
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