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- ItemThe effect of compression garments on participation in life roles; experiences of women with breast cancer related lymphoedema(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Altin, Marzanne; Visagie, Surona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women. Lymphoedema, a complication of breast cancer treatment, is often managed with a compression garment during maintenance phase that controls swelling which then improves function. Aim: To explore the experiences of women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema about the effect of compression garments on their participation in life roles. Owing to the explorative nature of the study, no specific objectives were set. Method: The study followed an interpretative phenomenological approach. Five participants were purposefully sampled from a population of 23. Virtual semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. Employing an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework, data for each participant was analysed separately, followed by cross case analysis and development of emerging themes. Results: Four themes emerged: “Controlling the narrative”, “Braving the public”, “A double edged sword” and “Influence on mental health”. Controlling the narrative showed the need for choice of garment type, design and colour, wearing schedule, and around conversations about it. Braving the public focused on the attention the garment draws. A double edged sword showed that, while decreasing impairments and improving function, the garments were also a source of irritation. Mental health symptoms such as frustration on the one side and security on the other emerged. Conclusion: The garments gave relief on an impairment level and supported activities and participation. However, accepting the compression garment as part of their lives for the rest of their lives was emotionally difficult. Participants were often not comfortable to appear in public with their compression garments because of the negative attention and emotions they created. They counteracted negative emotions by taking control.
- ItemA randomised controlled trial of a clinician-monitored 'PTSD Coach' intervention in a resource-constrained setting(2023-11-03) Bröcker, Erine; Seedat, Soraya; Olff, Miranda; Suliman, Sharain
- ItemPrevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in psychogeriatric patients in private practice in Cape Town(Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Gabriels, Charnotte; Niehaus, Dana; Potocnik, FelixBackground: The elderly population in South Africa is growing and it is estimated that 5.4 million (9.1%) of the population is aged 60 years or older (nearly 1 in 10 elderly). Quality of life and physical wellbeing are important to maintain optimal function and independence in the later years of life. Malnutrition is one risk factor that increases morbidity and mortality in the elderly, where suboptimal vitamin B12 levels, one form of malnutrition, has been shown to impair cognition and immune status. Prevalence studies on vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly in South Africa are limited. This study will provide information on the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and if this deficiency is associated with selected demographic, medical and cognitive variables. Objective: To determine the prevalence (95% CI) of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients, 60 years and older and to investigate if vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with any sociodemographic, medical or cognitive factors in this population group. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all first-time patients (≥60 years old) attending their first consult at a Psychogeriatric Private Practice in Durbanville, Cape Town between January 2017 and January 2020. Patients who had their vitamin B12 levels assessed at intake were included in the study, where participants with B12 levels of <148 pmol/L were categorised as having a deficiency, 148-221 pmol/L as having low levels, and >221 pmol/L as having adequate levels. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).
- ItemThe lived experiences of caregivers of stroke survivors in a rural Western Cape Setting(2023-03) Fisher, Mylcka Jade; Visagie, SuronaIntroduction: Caregivers play a pivotal role in the community re-integration of stroke survivors. However, they face challenges that they are not always prepared for. This might leave them feeling anxious and uncertain about fulfilling the caregiving role. Caregivers’ emotional, physical, and mental well-being might be affected by the caregiving duties. Few studies have explored caregiver lived experiences specifically and none could be identified that was done in a rural South African setting. Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of caregivers of stroke survivors discharged from Ceres Hospital, in the Witzenberg sub-district. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design underpinned by constructivism was adopted. A pilot study was conducted to practice my interview skills, test the appropriateness of the data collection tool as well as the logistics of the interview. Data was collected by means of face to face, individual interviews with a sample of 5 participants. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analysis guidelines were used. Main findings: Four themes were identified; 1) “It is my duty”. Participants felt obligated to care because of the relationship they had with the stroke survivor. 2) “I don’t make things difficult for him”. Participants neglected their own needs and interests and prioritized their caregiving duties and the needs of the stroke survivor. 3) “God gave me the strength”. Participants found their faith to be a foundation from which they drew strength and 4) “They showed me nothing”. Participants reported anxiety in the initial stages of caring and did not utilize or acknowledge the information provided by healthcare workers. Conclusions: Caregivers find it difficult to adapt to caring for a loved one and are not always equipped with coping strategies. Relationship-specific changes should be considered during stroke rehabilitation and the necessary support should be provided by healthcare workers
- ItemFood utilisation in the National School Nutrition Programme at Quintile 1-3 Schools in the Cape Metro Districts of the Western Cape Province, South Africa: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study(2021-12-01) Petersen, Ilse; Beukes, Ronel Annamarie