African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences

Effect of data accuracy and non-use of quality information on reproductive health: A comparative study of Nigeria and South Africa

Adetooke Bukola Oyekola, Sathiya Susuman Appunni — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate data are crucial for effective decision-making and policy development in health care. However, poor-quality data and the non-use of information can hinder these processes. This study focused on the quality of reproductive health data in South Africa (1998 & 2016) and Nigeria (2013 & 2018) and aimed to identify factors contributing to the non-use of quality data on reproductive health. The study examined the distribution of observable characteristics of women aged 15-49 years in each country, specifically focusing on the timing of the first postnatal check-up for mothers. It explored the relationship between selected variables and the timing of postnatal check- ups. The study’s conceptual framework highlighted the connection between utilization of health care services, women’s knowledge, perception, and behaviour related to reproductive health, as well as the role of managing the health information system in informing policies and programs to enhance reproductive health outcomes. The findings revealed disparities in data, country-specific peculiarities, and variations in data collection methods. In Nigeria, variables such as age, region, place of residence, education, wealth index, age at first birth, preceding birth interval, and place of delivery were associated with the timing of postnatal checks. However, in South Africa, only a few socio-economic and demographic variables were associated with the timing of postnatal checks. The study emphasizes the importance of regularly assessing data quality to plan, reliably monitor health services, and improve reproductive health outcomes.

Screening for diabetes mellitus in a semi-rural South African cohort using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)

M.M. Chauke, L. Lategan — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

It is estimated that between 30% and 50% of people with diabetes mellitus are undiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes in a semi-rural population using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and to examine the correlation between HbA1c and selected risk factors of type 2 diabetes. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from semi-rural adults (42 males: mean age = 37.81±9.41 years; 56 females: mean age = 38.93±8.69 years) from the Secunda area of Mpumalanga province, South Africa. Participants’ HbA1c measurements were evaluated and analysed based on age, gender, body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, family history, blood pressure, resting heart rate, smoking, and exercise status. Pearson’s bivariate correlation method was used to examine correlations between HbA1c levels and selected risk factors of type 2 diabetes. The average HbA1c was 5.12 ±0.88%. HbA1c was normal in 71.4% of the participants, elevated in 13.3%, high in 9.2% and low in 6% of the cohort. The results also showed significant correlations between HbA1c and age (r=0.219; p=0.030), body mass (r=0.226; p=0.025), waist circumference (r=0.281; p=0.005) and a family history of diabetes (r=0.313; p=0.002). The results indicate that a high percentage of participants had elevated blood glucose levels and were either undiagnosed diabetics or pre-diabetic. In addition, increasing age, higher body mass, increased waist circumference and a family history of diabetes were significantly correlated with higher HbA1c levels. These findings support the need for more community testing for diabetes, taking into account inclusion of multiple risk factors like family history, age, body mass and waist circumference, when screening for diabetes in semi-rural populations.

Nutrition knowledge of caregivers in the Bulwer area of KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa

Phozisa V. Langatshe, Isabella C. Kleynhans, Queen E.M. Mangwane — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Caregivers’ nutrition knowledge is one of numerous key reasons for persistent malnutrition problems in young children. Therefore, it is critical to educate caregivers to assist them to improve their feeding methods. Malnutrition can be caused by a lack of nutrition knowledge and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children for a variety of reasons such as poverty, incorrect feeding habits, care practices, and food scarcity. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge of caregivers regarding feeding and caring practices of children under five years in the Bulwer area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A quantitative exploratory survey design was used to collect data from mainly female caregivers (n=170) in rural Bulwer. Standardised questionnaires were utilised to collect the sociodemographic, care practices and nutrition knowledge of the caregivers. The majority of caregivers were knowledgeable about what a child should eat, but due to financial constraints they gave the children what they could afford and what was available to them. The caregivers were unable to identify foods from the same food groups in terms of general nutrition knowledge, possibly influenced by their traditional practices. There was evidence of nutrition knowledge gaps and an urgent need for caregiving practices to be improved. Age, education, family structure, and financial status of the caregiver are crucial caregiver characteristics in view of their impact on the caregivers’ knowledge of nutrition and feeding practices. Information about nutrient-dense foods offered in Bulwer should be made known to caregivers.

Seasonal variation of lean arm fat and fat arm area among Ellisras population from childhood to young adulthood

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Overweight and obesity continue to be major public health problem in Africa. The risks of over-weight and obesity are associated with potentially negative impacts on children’s health, growth and development in later life. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variation of upper arm lean and fat areas from childhood to young adulthood among the rural population of Ellisras (now called Lephalale), South Africa. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps and biceps skinfold measurements were measured according to standard anthropometric procedures. The measurements were collected during the autumn and spring seasons from 1999 to 2003. Anthropometric measurements of the participants (752 boys and 998 girls, aged 4 to 17 years) who completed the survey in 2003 were used to calculate their total upper-arm area (TUA), arm fat area (AFA) and arm muscle area (AMA). Data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test to examine sex and age differences in the participants’ anthropometric characteristics. The healthy percentile ranges by sex and age were used to categorise the cut-off points. The generalised estimate equation (GEE) was used to test the relationships between the data on AFA, AMA and MUAC obtained in autumn and spring of the years when the surveys were conducted. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was relatively low in AFA, AMA and MUAC. A significant (p-value = 0.020) positive association in AFA for boys aged between 8 – 11 years (β = 0.47; 95% CL: 0.07; 0.82) and girls of the same age (p-value = 0.001), β = 1.30 (95% CL: 0.58; 2.03) in spring as compared to autumn were found. Furthermore, there was a significant median association between AFA and AMA, in autumn and spring. In conclusion, seasonal variation in the development of fat and lean arm areas among the Ellisras children was observed over time from mid-childhood to adolescence. Longitudinal studies on seasonal variation in anthropometric and biochemical variables that focus on conventional methods for estimating obesity are needed.

Individual and social factors affecting healthy eating habits of university students in Eswatini

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Healthy eating habits are of paramount importance to university students. This study examined the eating habits of students at two universities in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. Based on a qualitative approach, interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather data from forty purposefully sampled Consumer Science final-year students at the universities. The study identified the following individual and social factors affecting the healthy eating habits of university students, which adversely affected the students’ academic performances: insufficient income, university-related stress, lack of tasty meals, poor nutritional knowledge, family members and background, friends and peers, as well as social media influences. The findings were discussed in the light of the need for a change in university policy to promote healthy eating among students.

Investigating the timing of breastfeeding initiation among mothers in South Africa: Insight from the SADHS2016

S. Bhosale , P. Nsengiyumva , S. Appunni , A.R. Bado — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to maintain health and ensure child survival. Despite its benefits, the initiation of newborns to the breast is not systematic and often subject to some misconceptions. Based on data analysed from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey, this study explores the factors that influence the time a newborn is put to the breast. SPSS Version 28, descriptive analysis and cross-tabulations were used for data analysis, and the Chi-square test was utilised to examine the relationship between the timing of breastfeeding and mothers’ characteristics. The factors associated with time to breastfeeding initiation were also identified using the multivariate logistic regression. The results at the bivariate level indicated that the population group of mothers, delivery via Caesarean section, type of place of residence, and the number of antenatal visits influenced the early initiation of breastfeeding of mothers in South Africa. The aspects significantly associated with early breastfeeding initiation were influenced by region, place of residence, and type of delivery. Compared to women in the Western Cape region, those in the Eastern Cape (aOR = 0.35) and the Northwest (aOR = 0.28) regions were less likely to initiate early breastfeeding of their infants. Rural women (aAOR = 0.63) and mothers who had undergone a Caesarean section (aOR = 0.53) were less likely to initiate breastfeeding immediately than urban women and mothers who had a vaginal delivery, respectively. Hence, there’s need for awareness and community outreach regarding the timing of early breastfeeding initiation among mothers. More targeted interventions should be made available for rural dwellers, women who give birth by Caesarean section, and those in the Eastern Cape and the Northwest provinces of the country.

The effects of acute self-myofascial release and various stretching techniques on selected physical fitness parameters in recreational athletes

Henriette Hammill — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle flexibility impact performance of recreational athletes, so does muscle strength, especially a core muscle group like the lower back muscles. Failure to implement effective stretching can lead to injuries. Stretching techniques to improve joint ROM and/or muscle flexibility are time consuming, expensive for most recreational athletes, and might even inhibit performance. Performing static stretching (SS) directly prior to executing explosive-, resistance-, strengthening exercises and/or physical activity can restrain performance. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of acute self-myofascial release (self-MFR) and specific stretching techniques on selected physical fitness parameters. Thirty (n=30) recreational athletes voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned to four groups: Static stretching, dynamic stretching (DS), acute self-MFR and control. The control performed no intervention. Baseline measurements, followed by 60-minute intervention of various stretching techniques and acute self-MFR (except the control) were conducted, as well as a re-assessment post the 60-minute intervention. A simple analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the data. All stretching modalities can be advised for acute improvement of lower back- and hamstring flexibility (sit-and-reach [SR] and active straight leg raise left and -right [ASLR]), as well as lower back strength (LBS) (back and leg dynamometer [BD]). Static stretching (p=0.00), DS (p=0.00), and acute self-MFR (p=0.05) all showed significant improvements on lower back- and hamstring flexibility. The LBS, SS (p=0.00), DS (p=0.10) and acute self-MFR (p=0.00) all yielded impactful changes. Therefore, a 60-minute stretching intervention can increase acute lower back- and hamstring flexibility as it did not negatively impact acute LBS. The results of this study can assist recreational athletes to gain insights on the techniques to apply for their specific recreational activity. This could reduce the occurrence and possible re-occurrence of injuries as well as improve physical performance.

Rethinking physical education teacher education in a South African higher education institution

C.F. Jones Couto , L.C. Motlhaolwa, K. Williams — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the rethinking of physical education teacher education in a South African higher education institution. Using students’ reflections from a Physical Education (PE) practical module, valuable insights into their experiences were obtained about the current pedagogical approaches in PE as well as potential areas for improvement. The traditional teaching model of PE is based on the idea of teaching students a variety of sports and physical activities. However, this model has been shown to be ineffective in promoting lifelong physical activity. The modern world demands a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Data were collected using an arts-based collage method in combination with written reflections from a group of 139 second-year undergraduate PE students. Thematic analysis was undertaken to gain a comprehensive understanding of the data and extract a broad perspective of the students’ experiences. The study aimed to empower student teachers to learn, think, and act creatively within the many educational models that impact their experiences, contributing to the ongoing efforts of rethinking PE teacher education in South African higher education. This research is significant as the students’ valuable insights reflected that they could think and work across disciplines. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations and graduate attributes are important concepts that can contribute to student preparation. Using a multi-model educational approach based on cultural–historical theory, higher education institutions can help to develop graduate attributes that could adequately prepare students for success in the workplace and life.

Early career teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of pre-service teacher training for real-world Physical Education settings

T. Letseleha , C. Kemp , D. Du Toit , N. Van Der Merwe, F. Willemse — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The induction into a real-world Physical Education (PE) setting can be challenging for beginner and early career PE teachers, and could either be detrimental or enriching to the teachers’ careers. This study investigated early career PE teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of their pre-service teacher training regarding unique challenges of PE teaching. Guided by the Self-determination Theory (SDT) and using convenience and purposive sampling, qualitative data were collected by means of open-ended questionnaires and a focus group interview. Eight teachers who had recently graduated with a major in PE at the North-West University in South Africa, completed an online questionnaire and four of these early career teachers participated online in a semi-structured focus group interview. Data analysis revealed the following themes: Practical teaching challenges, which entailed obstacles such as high teacher-to-learner ratios and learner discipline and motivation. Positive experiences that pointed to positive experiences of teaching PE, including learners’ enjoyment of the PE classes, and applying what had been learnt during their teacher training. Perceptions of and recommendations for PE teacher training included recommendations from the participants about PE pre-service teacher training. From the findings it was concluded that, although some participants perceived their pre-service teacher training as sufficient, the majority felt that the training could be improved in view of the “real-world” challenges they faced. Based on the findings, the following were recommended: training PE teachers how to improvise by crafting their own equipment using recycled materials, imparting strategies for managing both substantial class sizes and constrained spaces, fostering school-wide PE promotion, formulating learner-specific motivation-enhancing support strategies, and advocating exposure to schools with diverse socio-economic profiles. Overall, this study shows that PE pre-service programs should incorporate various aspects aimed at preparing teachers for the various challenges that they may experience in their first years in practice.