DUT Open Scholar:: Home

Open Scholar is the institutional repository of Durban University of Technology. As far as possible, it provides open access to the academic output of the University.

item types	authors	articles	theses

Some publishers do not permit the archiving of your article in institutional repositories if they have published it:

BASE is one of the world's most voluminous search engines especially for academic web resources:

https://www.base-search.net/

Communities in Open Scholar

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 5 of 12

Recent Submissions

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of chiropractors in the eThekwini Municipality regarding interprofessional referrals
(2026-01-21) Kolia, Amina; Varatharajullu, Desiree
Background Interprofessional collaboration refers to the collaboration among various healthcare practitioners with the intention of providing patients with the most effective and appropriate form of care. These collaborations can be defined as interactions and relationships formed among various healthcare practitioners. This collaboration allows for improved patient outcomes, cost effective healthcare, allocation of resources, and improved satisfaction for the patient and practitioner. A referral among various healthcare practitioners can enable and facilitate interprofessional collaboration. The perceptions and experiences of South African chiropractors needed to be explored and understood. Many studies have focused on how other healthcare practitioners view chiropractors and their perceptions and experiences from the collaboration. Referrals occur when healthcare practitioners interact with one another to provide their patient with the best possible care. Understanding interprofessional referral networks requires a comprehensive analysis of all parties involved in the referral process. The perspectives and experiences offer valuable insights into barriers and challenges encountered in the interaction and collaboration among healthcare practitioners. In South Africa, chiropractors are trained to diagnose any physical defect, illness or deficiency. The treatment for these conditions may be outside chiropractors’ scope of practice, necessitating the use of the referral network. Exploring the perceptions and experiences of South African chiropractors facilitates the identification of potential barriers and challenges, as well as the development of solutions to address them. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of chiropractors with respect to their interprofessional referrals to healthcare practitioners. Methodology This study entailed a qualitative design, using an explorative study design. The study population was qualified chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Profession Council of South Africa, in the location of the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies were used to recruit participants. A sample size of 13 participants was used and one-on one interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were approximately 30 to 40 minutes long and were transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were analysed and a list of topics were made. The topics were abbreviated into codes and these were arranged in alphabetical order. The codes that were similar and regular were grouped to form categories. Themes or concepts were made from the categories and a theoretical construct was formed. Thematic analysis was conducted using Tesch’s method of thematic analysis. Results The study identified four main themes, namely interprofessional collaboration and referral dynamic, patient perspectives on referral and continuation of care, challenges encountered in the referral process, and enhancement of the referral network. The participants expressed reasons for patient referrals in the chiropractic profession, as well as other professions. They emphasised their personal networks and expressed shared values on interprofessional interactions, with noted positive outcomes. The participants noted a correlation among patient preferences and their healthcare decisions. Obstacles encountered by patients impacted their referrals and the participants emphasised the relevance of these obstacles to patient care. A variety of obstacles encountered by the participating chiropractors were discussed, including stereotypes, misconceptions surrounding the chiropractic scope of practice, geographical location, communication barriers, chiropractic jargon, other practitioners age and sense of ownership, as well as the exclusion of chiropractic from the public healthcare system. Methods to improve interprofessional referrals and collaboration were then outlined and discussed in detail. Conclusion This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of chiropractors in eThekwini Municipality regarding interprofessional referrals and collaboration. This study emphasised the importance and value of referrals when patient care falls outside the scope of chiropractic and emphasised that positive working relationships facilitate evidence-based and patient-centred care. Several challenges to collaboration were found to be stereotyping, communication barriers, and exclusion from the public healthcare system. This study outlined the need for better communication, new graduate guidance and clinical training to facilitate and improve the collaborative relationships among chiropractors and other professions. It offers insights from the perspective of South African chiropractors and recommends further investigative studies in other municipalities.
The value of the strengths-based approach at residential child and youth care facilities in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal
(2025-06-20) Khumalo, Nkosingiphile; Dewan, Fathima
The child and youth care profession has always existed to provide services for children and youth who are vulnerable, orphaned or at risk, as well as for their families. However, there is insufficient information on the approaches utilised by child and youth care professionals to ensure optimum growth and development in residential child and youth care facilities. The findings of this study intend to provide knowledge about the application and challenges child and youth care professionals may encounter when using the strengths-based approach, which is an approach that seeks to empower children by focusing on their existing capabilities and resources, rather than solely focusing on their deficits or problems. The study’s aim was to explore the value of the strengths-based approach at residential child and youth care facilities and provide recommendations to enhance and inform strengths-based work in child and youth care. The study adopted a phenomenological research approach using eighteen locally based child and youth care workers from three child and youth care centres in the eThekwini region, Durban, KwaZulu Natal. The study participants were purposively chosen to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. All the ethical considerations, such as voluntary participation, anonymity, informed consent, and confidentiality, were thoroughly followed and adhered to. The research study results highlighted the significant value of strengths-based work in residential child and youth care settings. Notably, this approach has been instrumental in promoting language and age-appropriate programmes, interventions, and assessments tailored to the unique needs of young people. Moreover, strengths-based work has fostered growth and development in the lives of young people, yielding positive outcomes. Participants emphasised that the strengths-based approach is a valuable tool in child and youth care because it governs the way they think about children and young people and the way they go about their life-space work daily. This approach is responsible for meaningful behavioural changes in young people which is the core objective for child and youth care work. Participants in the current study also highlighted the disadvantages of employing this approach stating that strengths-based work is time-consuming, requiring significant investment in building relationships and implementing individualised plans. Additionally, participants reported difficulties in the implementation of the strengths-based approach, highlighting the negative behaviours and attitudes they encounter from children, which hinders progress and create challenges for practitioners. There is also inadequate emotional and financial support offered by the organisation. According to the study results, it was established that many problems in the strengths-based approach can be solved by training, support or education. A better understanding of strengths-based work and the value of this approach may strengthen and improve strengths-based services, broaden knowledge, and enable child and youth care workers to provide thorough treatment and appropriate interventions for children’s developmental needs. It is therefore recommended that future studies evaluate the effectiveness of strengths-based approaches from the perspectives of children and young people in residential care and compare outcomes across different settings and populations to further inform best practices.
The prevalence and risk factors of muscle dysmorphia in amateur male bodybuilders in the eThekwini Municipality
(2025-07-18) Govender, Sachin; Pienaar, Cindy; Van Heerden , Kirsten; Prince, Cleo
Background Muscle dysmorphia (MD), which falls within the spectrum of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, is an increasingly common psychological condition worldwide. Within the bodybuilding community, “bigorexia” manifests when bodybuilders perceive themselves as having much less muscle mass than they actually do, which resorts to the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). Although PEDs are prescription based, illegal use/excessive use can result in physiological and mental complications. Furthermore, the lack of research on MD in developing countries, such as South Africa, warrants investigations pertaining to the development of certain risk factors as well as the pathogenesis of the preoccupation of muscularity in MD. This will assist medical practitioners, such as chiropractors, in identifying and understanding MD risk factors and lead to improved patient management. Methods: The research utilised a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey approach. The study targeted enrolling at least 196 amateur male bodybuilders from five chosen gymnasiums within the eThekwini Municipality area. Following the acquisition of informed consent, participants completed the modified Adonis Complex Questionnaire (ACQ). The collected questionnaire data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: The main findings of this study showed that most participants (65.8%) reported a minor concern of MD, 32.1% reported a moderate concern of MD and only 2% reported a serious concern for MD in the eThekwini Municipality. The prevalence of MD in amateur male bodybuilders showed a weak positive correlation with selected self-reported risk factors (low self-esteem, childhood victimisation, anxiety, perfectionism, eating disorders, PEDs and social media. The regression analysis revealed that unhealthy eating behaviours accounted for 19% of the variance, followed by anxiety, victimisation, and social media influence, which accounted for 10.4%, and self-esteem and perfectionism, which accounted for 3.9%. Only 2% of participants expressed having a serious concern of body image dissatisfaction, therefore, MD was found to not have any influence on the quality of life of majority of the selected participants in this study. The quality of life of the 2% of participants with a serious concern of MD may have been influenced psychosocially and physically. The aim, objectives one, two, three as well as the alternate hypothesis, which states that MD is present in some amateur male bodybuilders in the eThekwini Municipality were achieved in this study. Conclusions: The key findings showed that there was a 2% prevalence of MD amongst the participants in this study. There was a weak positive correlation of self reported risk factors for developing MD which included low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, childhood victimisation, perfectionism, social media influence and an unhealthy relationship with food. In terms of quality of life, MD did not have a significant influence on the participant’s perception of their quality of life. Chiropractors play an essential role in patient care due to injuries caused by over-exertion/over-training as a result of MD. Therefore, collaborative treatment plans with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, nutritionists and physicians is necessary to provide full comprehensive care for individuals with MD. By working together, healthcare professionals can create integrated treatment plans that consider all aspects of an individual’s health. This holistic approach can improve overall treatment outcomes as it ensures that all contributing factors to MD can be addressed.
Detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria on emergency care personnel's safety protective footwear and evaluation of infection, prevention, and control procedures in the uMgungundlovu district of KwaZulu-Natal
(2025-10-16) Gengan, Jerry Devraj; Sobuwa, Simpiwe; Reddy, Poovendhree
Emergency Care Personnel (ECP) within KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services (KZN EMS) consistently respond to medical, trauma, and disaster emergencies. Emergency care personnel often serve as primary responders responsible for providing specialised care and life-saving interventions, which may increase their risk of exposure to healthcare-associated infections. Emergency care personnel are equipped with official attire and Safety Protective Footwear (SPF), which are part of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for duty. Working in the pre-hospital setting presents challenges due to the lack of patient history provided to ECPs’ upon initial contact, increasing the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Emergency care personnel may unintentionally facilitate transmission of diseases. In the pre hospital setting, there is a scarcity of information regarding disease transmission. Emergency care personnel are restricted in their ability to sanitise and disinfect their vehicles and SPF because of high-priority cases and limited turnaround times. In the absence of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policy regarding cleaning procedures for EMS personnel, there is a potential risk of HAIs. KZN EMS does not possess an adequate IPC system, in contrast to hospitals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ECPs' SPF for the presence of microorganisms related to bacterial infections and to determine whether EMS KwaZulu-Natal uMgungundlovu district has any infection prevention and control procedures or policies. This study employed a prospective cross-sectional quantitative approach and was conducted in two phases. The initial phase involved swabbing of 53 selected ECPs’ SPF at the EMS Grey’s Hospital base to identify bacterial contamination. This was followed by data collection using a questionnaire distributed to all EMS bases in the uMgungundlovu District, aimed at assessing ECP's ICP awareness and practices among 165 staff members. After distributing the questionnaire to all bases in the uMgungundlovu district, a total of 303 participants were surveyed, with 165 (54%) responding. A considerable proportion of participants were uninformed of EMS policies and practices due to the absence of an EMS IPC policy. Inadequate ICP awareness, insufficient disinfection practices, unavailable PPE, and inaccessible cleaning supplies were all prevalent issues. The study employed an aerobic culture-based method consisting of 53 samples. The bacterial analysis revealed six pathogens (11.3%) in seven (13.2%) SPF samples. Pasteurella canis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Escherichia coli, Pantoea agglomerans, and Acinetobacter radioresistens were all identified as potential pathogenic organisms. This study demonstrated the prevalence of microbial contamination on ECPs’ SPF, which may act as a reservoir for transmitting potential infections to patients and healthcare personnel. Emergency medical service personnel showed significant non compliance in cleaning and disinfecting practices. KwaZulu-Natal EMS uMgungundlovu District lacks an effective cleaning protocol for decontaminating SPF. Further research is necessary to determine whether contaminated SPF contributes to the transmission of infectious pathogens in pre-hospital settings. Additionally, KZN EMS must address the insufficient supply of cleaning materials, inadequate IPC training, and poor procedural guidelines.
The epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in KwaZulu-Natal : a cross sectional study
(2026-04-07) Alberts, Jessica; Chetty, Sean; Varatharajullu, Desiree
Background: Previous studies indicate that horse riders experience a high prevalence of equestrian related injuries and back pain; however, these studies have combined different horse-riding disciplines, assessed back pain only in elite dressage riders, or reported on the prevalence of equestrian-related injuries. There is a scarcity of research on dressage horse riders in South Africa and on musculoskeletal pain in this population. Therefore, this study addresses the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in South Africa, thus bridging the gap between research done on horse riders in other countries and horse riders in South Africa. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage horse riders in KwaZulu Natal. Objectives: To determine the point and period (one year) prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in KwaZulu-Natal. To investigate the selected risk factors (the velocity of horse riding, the time spent horse riding, the type of saddle being used, the number of horses being ridden, the mechanical differences in the horse’s movement, history of previous horse-riding injury) on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dressage horse riders in KwaZulu-Natal. To determine the impact of musculoskeletal pain in dressage riders in KwaZulu Natal. To determine the association between the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and selected risk factors. Results: A total of 89 participants completed the questionnaire, resulting in an 81.65% response rate. The majority of riders (83%) had a history of experiencing musculoskeletal pain at some point during riding, with low back pain being the most common region (65%). A majority of 89% of riders were currently experiencing musculoskeletal pain, with low back pain being reported as the most common region (48%), followed by neck pain, mid-back pain and knee pain (25%). The musculoskeletal pain was most described as being sharp (62%) and tight/spasm (57%). Strenuous riding (28%) and riding multiple horses a day (28%) were reported to be the most contributing factors for aggravating musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: This study has revealed the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the different anatomical regions in dressage horse riders, adding to the body of literature on musculoskeletal pain in horse riders. The study emphasised the different biomechanical demands on dressage riders and how the rider is impacted, adding to the importance of adequate treatment methods for the different sporting disciplines.