Where There Is No Health Research: What Can Be Done to Fill the Global Gaps in Health Research?

As part of a cluster of articles leading up to the 2012 World Health Report and critically reflecting on the theme of “no health without research," Martin McKee and colleagues examine the question of what to do to build capacity in the many countries around the world where health research is virtually non-existent

The role of locus of control in nyaope addiction treatment

Background: Nyaope addiction is a significant health and social problem affecting some South African communities. With reported nyaope rehabilitation success rates of less than 3% and estimated dropout rates of 40%, improvement in the rehabilitation rates is essential. As locus of control (LOC) is a recognised predictive factor in the onset of substance use and rehabilitation outcomes, a rehabilitation programme aligned to the LOC orientation of the user could result in improved recovery outcomes. This study aimed to determine the LOC of nyaope users.Methods: Consenting adult male and female nyaope users voluntary participated in this quantitative study. After convenient sampling, 115 nyaope users admitted to drug rehabilitation centres registered and funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development and 106 nyaope users from the streets of urban areas of Tshwane completed a self-administered validated questionnaire. LOC orientation was determined by giving participants 13 statements from which they had to choose the option that best described their situation in relation to drug addiction.Results: A total of 24.5% (47/192) of the respondents could be classified as having an external LOC orientation while 75.5% (145/192) were classified as having an internal LOC orientation.Conclusions: By determining the LOC orientation of a nyaope user, rehabilitation programmes could be aligned to suit the personality of the user leading to a better chance of successful recovery with fewer cases of readmission

Influence of clay exfoliation on the properties of EVOH/Clay flexible films

This work aims to incorporate the BofWhite Clay, from Boa Vista, State, Brazil, as natural nanofiller in Ehylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and flexible films. Nanocomposite was obtained using a twin-screw extruder, and film formed using a blow extruder machine. The flexible film nanocomposite was chracterized, by tensile tests, XRD, DSC and the EVOH resulting in a increase of properties of films nanocomposites as compared to films neat polyme

Strengthening health workforce capacity through work-based training

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although much attention has been given to increasing the number of health workers, less focus has been directed at developing models of training that address real-life workplace needs. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) with funding support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed an eight-month modular, in-service work-based training program aimed at strengthening the capacity for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) in health service delivery.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This capacity building program, initiated in 2008, is offered to in-service health professionals working in Uganda. The purpose of the training is to strengthen the capacity to provide quality health services through hands-on training that allows for skills building with minimum work disruptions while encouraging greater involvement of other institutional staff to enhance continuity and sustainability. The hands-on training uses practical gaps and challenges at the workplace through a highly participatory process. Trainees work with other staff to design and implement ‘projects’ meant to address work-related priority problems, working closely with mentors. Trainees’ knowledge and skills are enhanced through short courses offered at specific intervals throughout the course.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, 143 trainees were admitted between 2008 and 2011. Of these, 120 (84%) from 66 institutions completed the training successfully. Of the trainees, 37% were Social Scientists, 34% were Medical/Nursing/Clinical Officers, 5.8% were Statisticians, while 23% belonged to other professions. Majority of the trainees (80%) were employed by Non-Government Organizations while 20% worked with the public health sector. Trainees implemented 66 projects which addressed issues such as improving access to health care services; reducing waiting time for patients; strengthening M&E systems; and improving data collection and reporting. The projects implemented aimed to improve trainees’ skills and competencies in M&E and CQI and the design of the projects was such that they could share these skills with other staff, with minimal interruptions of their work.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The modular, work-based training model strengthens the capacity of the health workforce through hands-on, real-life experiences in the work-setting and improves institutional capacity, thereby providing a practical example of health systems strengthening through health workforce capacity building.</p

Teachers becoming lay practitioners of school community psychology

This article reports on a study that explored how a community-based intervention with ten teachers could enhance their knowledge and skills related to supporting community members coping with HIV/ AIDS. We conducted a case study using participatory action research methods. Individual interviews, observation, field notes, visual data and reflective journals were utilised as data sources. We found that the participating teachers displayed a willingness to support their community in coping with HIV/AIDS, yet did not perceive themselves as being adequately equipped to do so, and therefore refrained from acting intuitively. The intervention did, however, show signs of an emergent sense of ‘becoming’ lay practitioners in the face of the social upheaval brought on by the pandemic