Societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township (N.U.2), Eastern Cape, South Africa

The study explored the societal attitudes towards previously incarcerated individuals in Mdantsane Township N.U.2, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study aimed to achieve the following specific objectives: i. To establish the attitudes of the Mdantsane N.U.2 selected residents towards previously incarcerated individuals ii. To assess the kinds of treatment meted by the selected Mdantsane residents towards the previously incarcerated individuals; and iii). To establish the structural challenges that previously incarcerated individuals experience that impedes integration into their society. The study utilized a qualitative paradigm as guided by the qualitative research approach; and adopted a case study design. It employed interviews with previously incarcerated individuals and key informants, and focus groups with community members. An interview guide was used as a data collection instrument. The study used non-probability sampling, with purposive and snow-ball sampling techniques being utilized. The population of the study was made up of eighteen 18 participants, which comprised of six 6 previously incarcerated individuals, and ten 10 selected community members. The latter included ordinary people within the community, selected because they represent the community and societal attitudes to previously incarcerated individuals within their society. The two 2 key informants (Probation Officers) were selected on the basis of their understanding of offender reintegration, families and society. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study revealed the following findings: i. Trust deficits characterized the relations between previously incarcerated individuals and the society; ii. Previously incarcerated individuals were labelled and often called thieves and criminals; iii. Poor socio-economic conditions structural conditions and systemic issues trigger previously incarcerated individual’s recidivism; iv). Previously incarcerated individuals resorted to criminal and corrupt practices for an income; v. Criminal record proved to be a stumbling block in the previously incarcerated individuals’ employment opportunities; vi. Previously incarcerated individuals obtained employment through familial connections and being self-employed; v. Community attitudes ran counter to previously incarcerated individuals’ rehabilitation and reintegration efforts; vi. The community dissuaded previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration; and vii). Integrated state intervention was recommended as a sure way to bolster effective reintegration of previously incarcerated individuals to their community. The following recommendations emerge from the study The need for additional recruitment of a variety of disciplines to work with the Department of Correctional Services to ease the reintegration process of previously incarcerated individuals Using stakeholders’ synergy to expedite previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration Community stakeholders holding awareness sessions on offender reintegration amongst communities and expediting victim- offender-family rehabilitation. The researcher hopes that the accomplishment of objectives will aid the government and the pertinent stakeholders in fighting the negative attitudes that hinder the success of previously incarcerated individual’s reintegration.Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 202

Regional trade integration and co-operation in Southern Africa : the case of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Mercantile LawLL. D

Psychiatric nurses’ lived experiences after the closure of Life Esidimeni psychiatric care centres

M.Cur. (Psychiatric Nursing)Abstract: The closure of Life Esidimeni Care Centres in Gauteng Province, South Africa, not only caused the deaths of many patients who suffered from mental illness, but also caused the psychiatric nurses who worked at the centres to be unsettled about their future in the workplace. Most had to relocate to different public hospitals that were far from their original family setup, social networks, and they were consequently separated from their families. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe psychiatric nurses’ lived experiences after the closure of Life Esidimeni Care Centres in Gauteng and formulate recommendations to facilitate the mental health of the psychiatric nurses. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was utilised in this study to answer the research question. The research was conducted in two phases. In Phase 1 the focus was on the exploration and description of the psychiatric nurses’ lived experiences. In Phase 2, guidelines to facilitate the mental health of the psychiatric nurses were formulated. A purposive sampling method was employed to select psychiatric nurses to participate in the study. Data were collected using face-to-face, individual, in-depth, phenomenological interviews. Tesch’s method of open coding was used to analyse the transcribed interviews and three themes emerged from the data analysis: 1. Psychiatric nurses experienced the closure of the care centre as a severe shock, leaving them feeling dismayed, and their lives disrupted in all spheres. 2. Psychiatric nurses had traumatic experiences related to the tragic disintegration of patients’ lives, and those of their families and work-life. 3. Psychiatric nurses showed resilience and were moving forward in rebuilding their lives. Credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability strategies were implemented to ensure trustworthiness in the study. Moreover, the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice were adhered to throughout the study to safeguard the rights of the psychiatric nurses. Specific recommendations to facilitate the mental health of the psychiatric nurses who worked at Life Esidimeni at the time of the closure are presented

Electrochemistry and application of a novel monosubstituted squarate electron-transfer mediator in a glucose oxidase-doped poly(phenol) sensor

Electrosynthetic poly(phenol) nanofilms were deposited in situ on platinum electrodes in the presence and absence of glucose oxidase. The synthesis charges and currents of the nonconducting polymer films were recorded at various applied potentials for films grown from 25–100 mM phenol concentrations. Film parameters such as the standard rate constant for film deposition, film thickness, and surface concentration of the poly(phenol) films were evaluated from the cyclic and step voltammograms of the polymerization process. A novel electron-transfer mediator consisting of monosubstituted 4-hydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione (squarate) was used as a mediator for Pt/poly(phenol) nano-film/GOx amperometric glucose biosensors. Amperometric responses for 3-diphenylamino-4-hydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2- dione (diphenylaminosquarate: E°′ = of +328 mV/Ag-AgCl at pH 7.0)-mediated systems were measured by both steady-state amperometric and cyclic voltammetry. The sensor sensitivity was calculated to be 558 nA cm –2 (µM) –1

"If it is left, it becomes easy for me to get tested": use of oral self-tests and community health workers to maximize the potential of home-based HIV testing among adolescents in Lesoth

Home-based HIV testing fails to reach high coverage among adolescents and young adults (AYA), mainly because they are often absent during the day of home-based testing. ADORE (ADolescent ORal tEsting) is a mixed-method nested study among AYA in rural Lesotho, measuring the effect of home-based secondary distribution of oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) on coverage, as well as exploring how AYA perceive this HIV self-testing model.; ADORE study was nested in a cluster-randomized trial. In intervention village-clusters, oral HIVST were left for household members who were absent or declined testing during a testing campaign. One present household member was trained on HIVST use. Distributed HIVST were followed up by village health workers (VHW). In control clusters no self-tests were distributed. The quantitative outcome was testing coverage among AYA (age 12 to 24) within 120 days, defined as a confirmed HIV test result or known status, using adjusted random-effects logistic regression on the intention-to-treat population. Qualitatively, we conducted in-depth interviews among both AYA who used and did not use the distributed HIVST.; From July 2018 to December 2018, 49 and 57 villages with 1471 and 1620 consenting households and 1236 and 1445 AYA in the control and intervention arm, respectively, were enrolled. On the day of the home-visit, a testing coverage of 37% (461/1236) and 41% (596/1445) in the control and the intervention arm, respectively, were achieved. During the 120 days follow-up period, an additional 23 and 490 AYA in control and intervention clusters, respectively, knew their status. This resulted in a testing coverage of 484/1236 (39%) in the control versus 1086/1445 (75%) in the intervention arm (aOR 8.80 [95% CI 5.81 to 13.32]; p < 0.001). 21 interviews were performed. Personal assistance after the secondary distribution emerged as a key theme and VHWs were generally seen as a trusted cadre.; Secondary distribution of HIVST for AYA absent or refusing to test during home-based testing in Lesotho resulted in an absolute 36% increase in coverage. Distribution should, however, go along with clear instructions on the use of the HIVST and a possibility to easily access more personal support

Mediator-less immunodetection with voltage-controlled intrinsic amplification for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of microorganism pathogens

A mediator-less immunodetection method for microorganisms is realized by incorporating the newly developed field-effect enzymatic detection (FEED) technique with the conventional electrochemical immunosensing approach. The gating voltage of FEED facilitates the transduction of electrical signal through the bulky immune complex so that the detection does not rely on the use of mediators or other diffusional substances. The voltage-controlled intrinsic amplification provided by the detection system allows detection in low-concentration samples without target pre-enrichment, leading to ultrasensitive and rapid detection. The detection approach is demonstrated with E. coliO157:H7, a model microorganism, in milk with an estimated detection limit of 20 CFU mL−1 (where CFU is a colony-forming unit) without performing sample pre-enrichment and centrifugation of sample followed by the resuspension of the pellet in a buffer solution, resulting in a significantly shortened assay time of 67 min. Optimizing the gating voltage resulted in the detection of 12 CFU mL−1 of the bacterium in milk. The novel detection approach can be used as a detection platform for ultrasensitive, specific and rapid detection of microorganism pathogens

PEBRA trial - effect of a peer-educator coordinated preference-based ART service delivery model on viral suppression among adolescents and young adults living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho

Despite tremendous progress in controlling the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-related mortality continues to increase among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV). Globally, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the AYPLHIV. Overall outcomes along the HIV care cascade are worse among AYPLHIV as compared to all other age groups due to various challenges in accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). New, innovative multicomponent packages of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, are required to address the specific needs of AYPLHIV. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multicomponent DSD model (PEBRA model) designed for AYPLHIV and coordinated by a peer-educator.; PEBRA (Peer-Educator Based Refill of ART) is a cluster randomized, open-label, superiority trial conducted at 20 health facilities in three districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. The clusters (health facilities) are randomly assigned to either the PEBRA model or standard of care in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by district. AYPLHIV aged 15-24 years old in care and on ART at one of the clusters are eligible. In the PEBRA model, a peer-educator coordinates the antiretroviral therapy (ART) services - such as medication pick-up, SMS notifications and support options - according to the preferences of the AYPLHIV. The peer-educator delivers this personalized model using a tablet-based application called PEBRApp. The control clusters continue to offer standard of care: ART services coordinated by the nurse. The primary endpoint is viral suppression at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include self-reported adherence to ART, quality of life, satisfaction with care and engagement in care. The target sample size is 300 AYPLHIV. Statistical analyses are conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines for cluster randomized trials.; The PEBRA trial will provide evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of an inclusive, holistic and preference-based DSD model for AYPLHIV that is coordinated by a peer-educator. Many countries in SSA have an existing peer-educator program. If proven effective, the PEBRA model and PEBRApp have the potential to be scaled up to similar settings.; Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03969030. Registered on 31 May 2019. More information: www.pebra.info

Novel biosensor fabrication methodology based on processable conducting polyaniline nanoparticles

This work investigates polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles, (synthesised using dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid (DBSA) as a dopant), as a novel, highly processable, non-diffusional mediating species in an enzyme biosensing application. These nanoparticles are readily dispersed in aqueous media which helps overcome some of the processability issues traditionally associated with polyaniline. Modification of screen-printed electrodes was readily achieved with these aqueous nanoparticle dispersions, where the nanoparticles were simply cast by a drop-coating method onto the surface. After suitable pH adjustment, it was shown that horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme could be added to the dispersion, and cast simultaneously with the conducting polyaniline. This effective fabrication method involves no electrochemical steps, and as such is easily amenable to mass production. The feasibility of casting enzyme with polyaniline nanoparticles is demonstrated in this short communication. More accurate deposition of protein-containing inks onto screen-printed carbon working electrodes could in the future transfer the drop-coating protocol from manual deposition to largescale production by mechanical methods such as ink-jet printing

eHealth supported multi-months dispensing of antiretroviral therapy: a mixed-methods preference assessment in rural Lesotho

Background Multi-month dispensing (MMD) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) represents one approach of differentiated service delivery (DSD) aiming to improve quality and cost-effectiveness for HIV services in resource-limited settings. However, reduction in clinic visits for people living with HIV (PLWH) should go along with out-of-clinic care tailored to PLWH`s preferences and comorbidities to maintain quality of care. eHealth supported MMD offers a potential solution. Methods Between October 2019 and January 2020 we assessed preferences on an eHealth supported MMD package among adult PLWH attending routine ART care at a rural clinic in Lesotho using a mixed-methods approach. Participants reported their preferences among different refill and eHealth options. They were invited to test automated text messages (SMS) informing about their viral load results, an automated tuberculosis symptoms screening call and telemedical support by an expert nurse. Telemedical service comprised a call-back option if participants required any additional support and adherence counselling for closer follow-up of participants with unsuppressed viral loads. After 6 weeks, participants were followed-up to assess perception of the chosen eHealth support using a qualitative approach. Results Among 112 participants (median age = 43 years; 74% female), 83/112 (75%) preferred MMD for 6–12 months (median = 9 months, IQR = [5, 12]). Neither sex, age, employment, costs and time for travel to clinic, nor the duration of taking ART correlated with the MMD preference. All 17 participants attending routine viral load measurement wished to receive the result via SMS. Fifteen (19.2%) participants requested a telemedical nurse call-back during the study period. All participants with recent unsuppressed viral load (N = 13) requested telemedical adherence counselling for closer follow-up. Among 78 participants followed-up, 76 (97%) would appreciate having the call-back option in future. Seventy-five participants (67%) received and evaluated the automated symptomatic tuberculosis screening call, overall 71 (95%) appreciated it. Conclusions The great majority of PLWH in this study preferred 6–12 months MMD and appreciated the additional eHealth support, including viral load results via SMS, telemedical nurse consultations and automated tuberculosis symptom screening calls. eHealth supported MMD packages appear to be a promising approach for DSD models and should be assessed for clinical endpoints and cost-effectiveness in larger studies

Determination of Anthracene on Ag-Au Alloy Nanoparticles/Overoxidized-Polypyrrole Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes

A novel electrochemical sensor for the detection of anthracene was prepared by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with over-oxidized polypyrrole (PPyox) and Ag-Au (1:3) bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag-AuNPs). The composite electrode (PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE) was prepared by potentiodynamic polymerization of pyrrole on GCE followed by its overoxidation in 0.1 M NaOH. Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles were chemically prepared by the reduction of AgNO3 and HAuCl4 using C6H5O7Na3 as the reducing agent as well as the capping agent and then immobilized on the surface of the PPyox/GCE. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy technique which confirmed the homogeneous formation of the bimetallic alloy nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles were in the range of 20–50 nm. The electrochemical behaviour of anthracene at the PPyox/Ag-AuNPs/GCE with Ag: Au atomic ratio 25:75 (1:3) exhibited a higher electrocatalytic effect compared to that observed when GCE was modified with each constituent of the composite (i.e., PPyox, Ag-AuNPs) and bare GCE. A linear relationship between anodic current and anthracene concentration was attained over the range of 3.0 × 10−6 to 3.56 × 10−4 M with a detection limit of 1.69 × 10−7 M. The proposed method was simple, less time consuming and showed a high sensitivity