Browsing by Author "Kriel, Rena Isabel"

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    Perspectives of spinal health in school-going children and adolescents in the Langeberg Municipal District of South Africa : a qualitative study
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Kriel, Rena Isabel; Louw, Quinette; Brink, Yolandi; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences. Physiotherapy.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: In order to improve the effectiveness of spinal health educational programs, in an effort to improve spinal behaviour of children and adolescents, research is needed to identify and explore the reasons why changes are stunted. To assist with the development of spinal health promotion strategies, the current perspectives and knowledge of different socio-economic societies and cultures need to be explored. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore what the perspectives of learners (children and adolescents), teachers and parents/guardians were on the spinal health of learners in the Langeberg Municipal District of South Africa. Methodology: A descriptive qualitative case study design with an interpretative and phenomenological approach was used. Ninety-three participants were purposively sampled and participated in In-Depth Interviews (IDI’s) or Focus Group Discussions (FGD’s). An interview schedule guided the discussions. All IDI’s and FGD’s were recorded and transcribed. Analysis was done from the transcripts and inductive reasoning was used to explore the phenomena of spinal health in learners. Transcripts were coded based on initial and subsequent emerging themes. Results: A total of nine IDI’s and 11 FDG’s were conducted with 93 participants from 14 different schools. Three main themes emerged from the data: Barriers associated with self-care of spinal health; Facilitators to assist with Spinal Health and Back care; and Proposed Interventions for Spinal Health Barriers. Conclusion: The barriers emphasized by participants showed that there were problems with the spinal health of learners that needed to be addressed. The facilitators showed that barriers could be addressed but that the current facilitators weren’t sufficient. The participants’ proposed interventions gave plausible solutions to address the learners’ spinal health barriers and to enhance the effectiveness of the facilitators. Clinicians and therapists should consider knowledge, behaviour and exercise when treating learners with LBP for a wholistic intervention. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of different delivery methods for different ages aimed at long term effectiveness. Future research should also focus on development and implementation of spinal health educational programs by pilot testing spinal health educational programs in South African Schools, including all grades.