African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (AJPHES) - latest Issue

Given the overwhelming evidence which exist regarding the health enhancing benefits of physical activity (PA), it is important for individuals to monitor their PA participation. Such PA monitoring could be facilitated by technological devices such as mobile phones. The lead paper in this issue of AJPHES by Green and Coopoo examines the concept of PA monitoring and adherence by analysing the extent to which different smart phone devices can accurately quantify the steps taken by 39 university students.

Physical activity monitoring and adherence to exercise programmes can be objectively reported through wearable or mobile devices. However, a large variety of mobile devices are available to potential researchers. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the ability of a random sample of mobile device to accurately quantify steps. A healthy sample of 39 students volunteered to take part in the study (male: 20; female: 19, combined stature 170 ± 17.5cm and mass 67 ± 23.7kg). All participants walked on a treadmill at three speeds (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 km/h) for no more than five minutes. Their personal devices (16 iOS and 23 Android smartphones) were used to track the number of steps. Concurrently, steps were recorded by a video camera. The percentage error between the actual number of steps and those reported by the devices were calculated. No significant differences were present between the devices (p=0.191) or walking speeds (p=0.641). A Spearman’s correlation was present between the actual steps and those captured by the devices (r=0.80, p<0.0001). Limits of agreement were established using a Bland- Altman test and ranged between -35.7% and 87.8% error for the various walking speeds. Measurement biases for the three walking speeds ranged between -6.1% and 11.3%. The majority of devices showed a similar level of accuracy and agreement between step counts but tended to underestimate the number of steps. Future research should use a single device model, operating software and application in order to clarify the present findings.

The Indian population in South Africa has been reported to lead a sedentary lifestyle, however, their physical activity participation levels are rarely reported. This study aimed to determine the level, types and barriers of physical activity among South African Indians residing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. A cross sectional study, was conducted at the Durban beachfront in whichrespondents (n = 411) self-completed the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) that included supplementary questions on demographics, specific activities and exercise history. . Over a third (34.3%) of the respondents were moderately active and 38% were highly active. The most common physical activities were walking (n = 187, 45.5%), weight lifting (n = 125, 30.4%) and jogging (n = 104, 25.3%). Younger participants were more involved in high intensity acitivities, while those over the age of 50 years preponderantly engaged in moderate intensity activities (p < 0.001). Both genders reported various intensities of physical activity (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.83 – 1.17, p = 0.33); nevertheless levels were higher in males than in females (p = 0.03). There was no substantial relationship between physical activity and BMI (p = 0.34). Diagnosis of health conditions did not increase the likelihood of exercising (p = 0.39). Barriers to physical activity included lack of time (n = 92, 69.7%), post exercise pain (n = 43, 32.6%) and physical ailments (n = 16, 12.1%). We conclude that less than half of the study population meet the required levels of physical activity and that intervention strategies, such as time management and encouragement from medical professionals are required to improve the levels of physical activity among this population.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of speed, muscle power, muscle strength and percent body fat with agility performance in male A-division rugby players based in Gaborone, Botswana. Simple random sampling technique was used to select eighty participants from the estimated population of one hundred A-division league rugby players in Botswana. Testing took place over a 3-day period for each of the four teams. On the first day, height, body mass, agility and speed were tested. On the second testing day, muscle strength and skinfolds were taken. Muscle power test was done on the third day. All measurements were taken at the University of Botswana Exercise Physiology Laboratory, the University of Botswana stadium and gymnasium of Botswana Defence Force. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation coefficients were computed to examine the relationships between agility and the physical variables. The players’ agility was not significantly related to their speed, leg muscle power and leg muscle strength (p>0.05). In contrast, significant relationship was found between agility and percent body fat (p<0.05). The findings have implications for rugby training and competition, and emphasise the need for physical trainers and coaches to encourage their players to decrease body fat percentage in an attempt to maximise the efficiency of their performances in agility-intense aspects of competitive rugby.

Clinical teaching and supervision create learning opportunities for student midwives to acquire the necessary clinical skills and to practise the art of caring. It is expected that registered midwives will closely supervise students in the clinical areas while they practise. The aim of the study was to investigate how registered midwives working in the maternity units viewed their role with regard to clinical supervision of midwifery students. The study worked within a qualitative design using a descriptive, explorative and contextual approach. Participants were twenty- two midwives sampled from the twenty -seven working in the maternity units. Nonprobability purposive sampling was applied and data was collected by means of semi-structured one-on-one audio-captured interviews and observations. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Two main themes emerged. The midwives agreed that their clinical supervisory role was of importance and necessary although some barriers were hindering the effectiveness of their role. For this reason, strategies were recommended to address those barriers. In conclusion, it was clear that midwives’ support from nursing schools was essential for effective clinical supervision of midwifery students.

The importance of assessing community integration as an outcome of rehabilitation for postdischarge stroke survivors cannot be over-emphasized. Community integration assessment that is contextually relevant was undertaken on stroke survivors who were mainly black Africas and coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The aim of this study was to determine the level of integration of stroke survivors at Soshanguve community clinics. A quantitative approach was undertaken using the retrospective descriptive survey to conduct this study. Non-probability purposive sampling of 114 participants above 20 years of age was done. The mean age of participants was 59.13 ± 13years, who were comprisied of 64 (56.1%) males and 29 (43.0%) survivors being single. The level of independence of stroke survivors was low except for two domains: activities of daily living (ADL) & social care and the social interaction, which were 37 (32.5%) and 49 (43.0%) respectively. Major help was required in the three domains: social integration & relationship, home/family responsibility & appearance and work & education. The strength of association was generally weak for all domains, with only one domain that was not statistically significant: work and education. Age and gender were statistically significant when associated with the ADL & self-care domain (p < 0.05). Stroke survivors needed help with: extended family responsibility, work and education, social integration and relationship, home/family responsibility, activities of daily living & self-care; and social interaction. The results indicated that 56 (49.1%) of stroke survivors were not integrated into the community, only 9 (7.9%) and 10 (8.8%) were fully and moderately integrated, respectively.

Cervical Cancer is a global concern and the most common cancer among women in many less developed countries where there is inadequate access to information and quality screening programmes. In South Africa alone, 6742 infections and 3681 deaths were recorded in 2014. The spiral increase of this disease in low-resourced areas is aggravated by some socio-economic, cultural and structural factors. The study, which explored the knowledge and attitudes of ruralbased women towards cervical cancer, was conducted at Matebeleng village in Limpopo Province. A qualitative exploratory case study was conducted, and self-reported data was collected from 22 women. Two focus groups consisted of seven (7) and eight (8) participants, and six (6) face-face individual interviews were held using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analysed thematically. The research findings show that the majority of women in Matebeleng village have no knowledge of cervical cancer, and only very few received some information of this disease through radio, health clinic, random women, and consent forms from the school. Participants highlighted some of the risk factors, but some information was incorrect. The findings showed that a few participants had only been screened once, and that the majority have never been tested for cervical cancer. Those who were screened never received feedback from nurses, and their experiences did not motivate re-screening. It is, therefore, recommended that cervical cancer outreach programmes be conducted in rural areas, and that methods of disseminating information to rural women in their distinct contexts be examined.

This study explored and described the perceptions of professional nurses regarding the competence of diploma graduate nurses in Swaziland rural clinics. A qualitative research approach was used, following an exploratory and descriptive research design. Two focus group interviews were conducted at three rural clinical health facilities within the Lubombo region of Swaziland. Data saturation was reached during the second focus group interview. Nine professional nurses were interviewed. A qualitative open coding method was used for data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured and ethical considerations were adhered to. The competence of newly qualified diploma graduate nurses is central to the provision of quality patient care. The newly qualified diploma nurses were perceived as limited in applying foundational knowledge during provision of patient care, inadequate in clinical procedures, displaying attitudes that mask lack of confidence, unable to function independently in spite of the extensive theoretical and practical training received and displaying insensitivity and intolerance to clients of different cultural backgrounds. However, other graduates demonstrated positive performances in these areas. The findings further reflected the importance of improving the competence of graduate nurses in their first two years of practice to ensure effective clinical practice. The findings were discussed using literature and recommendations were described. Study findings revealed a disparity between the perceptions of professional nurses and the competence level of the newly qualified diploma nurses. Thus, nursing education programmes should incorporate recommendations to enhance the competence of diploma graduate students upon qualification.

There is high mortality among newly diagnosed Tuberculosis (TB) patients in Zululand Health District. This study examined factors contributing to TB mortality in Zululand Health District, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa between January 2012 and December 2013. This was a retrospective review of electronic TB database of 12,829 patients enrolled between January 2012 and December 2013 on the electronic TB data base in Zululand Health District. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The multivariate and adjusted odds ratio (OR), together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were estimated. Of the 12829 patients on the electronic TB data base, 1318 patients died and 80% of these mortalities were HIV positive. Poor CD4 cell count monitoring, delay in initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) or non-initiation of ART to newly diagnosed TB/HIV comorbid patients were associated with mortality (p < 0.0001, OR=0.51). There was significant association between mortality and failure to initiate comorbid patients on co-trimoxazole prophylaxis ( =9.1; df=1; p=0.0025). Patients whose smear tested negative were significantly less likely to survive death as compared to those whose smears were positive (OR=0.81; 95% CI=0.75-0.91). Patients who were yet to initiate cotrimoxazole (CPT) prophylaxis were less likely to survive death as compared to those who were on CPT (OR=0.73; CI= 0.59-0.89). Patients who were not on direct observation of treatment (DOT) had lower chances of survival as compared to those on DOT (OR=0.81; CI = 0.71-0.91). There was significant association between HIV positivity and mortality (OR =1.75; CI = 0.51-0.78). There was significant association between low CD4 cell count and TB mortality across all genders. Significant association existed between non-initiation of ART patients and TB mortality (OR=1.30; CI= 1.07-1.56. Seemingly, TB and HIV comorbidity and delays or failure to initiate positive patients on ART were the main factors responsible for newly TB associated mortality in Zululand Health District.

Since the 1990s, use of water pipes (WPs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) has become more prevalent among young adults and students across the world. These products are readily available and are believed to be a healthier option compared to conventional cigarettes. Students may also use these products as a means of socializing and alleviating stress. In this study, we determined the prevalence and use of WPs and e-cigs among oral health students at a South African university. In this cross-sectional analytical study, we invited all undergraduate oral health students at a dental university in South Africa to participate. The students were divided into clinical and non-clinical categories, depending on their year of study and completed a selfadministered questionnaire. The response rate was 72% (269) and 70% (189) of them were female. The participants were on average 21.8 years (±2.7) old and 61% were classified as clinical students. Of the participants, 54% used WPs and 22% smoked e-cigs. Using these products was associated with being a male student (WPs: p = 0.03 and e-cigs: p = 0.02). Sixty percent of participants used WPs and e-cigs to relax and conventional cigarettes was associated with WPs (p<0.01) and e-cigs (p<0.01). Almost all e-cig users (94%) also used a WP regularly. Undergraduate dental and oral hygiene students readily use WPs and e-cigs to relax, despite negative impacts on health.

The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic predictors of nutritional knowledge (NK) based on total household income, educational level and employment status. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between NK and the body mass indexes (BMI) of children. Using a cross-sectional study, 39 participants enrolled in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study were purposively sampled for data on their children’s age, gender, height and weight. A semi-structured researcher-generated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information and assess NK. Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between the parent’s NK and their child’s BMI. Linear regression analysis was used to test predictive relationships. The Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Regression analysis showed that 2.5% of the variance (R2 = 0.25) was based on NK and was significant (p < 0.05). Employment status was a significant predictor (p = -0.038) of NK, when controlling for total household income and education level. Parents of underweight children had the lowest NK. In conclusion, there was a positive correlation between the children’s BMI and their parents NK, but this was not significant. Employment status was a significant predictor of NK. Public health practitioners should develop interventions based on NK, which might benefit black parents, especially those of low socioeconomic status.

Twitter is a social platform that has become well-known for the controversial opinions posted by politicians and celebrities. Caster Semenya became an overnight topic on Twitter with an overwhelming number of people posting opinions about whether she is male or female, and how that affects her participation in international athletics. This research utilised the gender controversy around Caster Semenya to explore how Twitter can be used as a barometer of public perceptions of the female athlete in sport. Thematic analysis of Tweets around the Caster Semenya controversy did not only illustrate a deep divide in public opinion on the female athlete but also highlighted an often hidden, racial classification. It concludes, however, that even though perceptions are still influenced by entrenched cultural beliefs, gender stereotypes are being questioned.

Research on mountain biking in human geography and the social sciences, particularly in Africa and South Africa, is underexplored. In 2015, the Western Cape government earmarked cycling as an important driver of economic growth, yet it remains unclear what aspects of the area contribute towards this notion. This study seeks to investigate the product offering and growth of mountain biking in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in order to provide a platform for and more research into the tourist offering for this lifestyle sport. The research is set out to provide a brief overview of the historical development of mountain bikes and the sport of mountain biking on an international scale, then narrows it down to the Western Cape of South Africa, and finally examines the town of Stellenbosch as a case study. The case study is presented using an analysis of the existing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the area as a mountain biking destination. The findings presented originate from a snowballing process of personal in-depth interviews with 15 stakeholders and participants in the Stellenbosch mountain biking community, including professional and amateur cyclists, professionals in the bicycle industry and other people connected to mountain biking through employment or recreational pursuits. Findings include major opportunities for economic growth through tourism, as well as in social upliftment and personal wellbeing for participants across all demographics. Challenges faced include destruction and damage of trails due to fire as well as escalating and aggravated incidences of crimes against mountain bikers. In conclusion, suggestions for further research are proffered.