Die Sentrum vir Voortgesette Teologiese Toerusting, Fakulteit Teologie (Afd A), Universiteit van Pretoria

The Centre for Continued Theological Education, Faculty of Theology (Sec A), University of PretoriaThis article considers the factors which bring into prominence the need for continued education as an intrinsic part of the academic programme of the University. The Centre for Continued Theological Education was established in 1987 at the Faculty of Theology (Sec A), University of Pretoria. The purpose of this centre is primarilyto supply continued knowledge to pastors of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika with special focus on the practical side of the profession. Apart from the service to this interest group, the focus of the centre is also on the community in general, supplying enrichment programmes to fulfil the Church’s responsibilities to the community

The acceptability and intake of lipid-based pastes as a food supplement in a South African context

This descriptive study included 103 children aged 12-60 months, 39 older children and 291 adults, and was performed to assess the sensory acceptability of a lipid-based food supplement. Lipid-based pastes were found to be highly acceptable, although concern exists regarding the recommended portion sizes, especially for young children with poor appetite.Keywords: lipid-based pastes, food supplement, acceptability, intake, South Afric

Approach to Teaching Research Methodology for Information Technology

The paper reports on an approach to teaching a course in information technology research methodology in a doctoral program, the Doctor of Management in Information Technology (DMIT), in which research, with focus on finding innovative solutions to problems found in practice, comprises a significant part of the degree. The approach makes a contribution by preparing doctoral students, who are experienced professionals studying part-time, for dissertation research. The rationale of the DMIT and the educational objectives of the course are presented. A research process model applicable to applied research in information technology (IT) is proposed and discussed. This model accommodates scientific methods of research, including empirical, quantitative, qualitative, case study and mixed methods. The course design and pedagogical approach are described in terms of thematic areas of scholarship and practice, and intended outcomes. The paper summarizes the topics of the syllabus, including proposal formulation; research design; methods of investigation; methods of demonstrating concept; approaches to research validation; and documenting research results in the form of technical papers and the dissertation. The purpose of the paper is to share the approach followed in teaching the course, the course design, a summary of lessons learned after several offerings of the course, and ideas for further improvement

Moderate malnutrition in children aged five years and younger in South Africa: are wasting or stunting being treated?

Objectives: The objective of the study was to describe wasting and stunting in children aged 12-60 months, admitted to targeted supplementary feeding programmes for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in South Africa.Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed.Subjects and setting: Children with MAM, managed as outpatients at primary healthcare facilities in three provinces, were included in the study conducted between September 2012 and August 2013.Outcome measures: Weight, height and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) measurements were collected to classify the children as moderately or severely stunted or wasted.Results: Of the total sample (n = 225), 13% (n = 30) were diagnosed as wasted, 58% (n = 131) as stunted, and 21% (n = 47) as both wasted and stunted. MUAC was significantly associated with wasting. However, an association was not found between MUAC and stunting. Of the sample, 32% (n = 72) presented with severe stunting, and 29% (n = 65) with moderate wasting. Food insecurity was associated with wasting, but not with stunting.Conclusion: A low weight-for-age z-score resulted more from stunting than from wasting in this study. Severe stunting presented as a greater health concern than moderate wasting. Without scrutinising wasting and stunting, healthcare professionals may remain unaware of the drivers of underweight for age in children treated at South African primary healthcare facilities. Following this study’s outcomes, the sensitivity of MUAC in screening for moderate malnutrition in South African settings with a high prevalence of stunting is questionable. It is recommended that current nutritional interventions are revisited to explore the efficacy of treating children with wasting, stunting or both.Keywords: malnutrition, children, wasting, stunting, treatmen

Eating, drinking and physical activity in Faculty of Health Science students compared to other students at a South African university

Objectives: Students studying towards a qualification in Health Sciences should have more knowledge of a healthy lifestyle than other university students. However, it has been questioned whether or not these students apply such knowledge. While studies have been conducted on the lifestyle habits of students in general, few have compared the practices of Health Science students with those of other students. The objectives of this study were to compare the eating patterns, alcohol consumption and physical activity of Health Science students with those of other students.Design: A cross-sectional study design that utilised an electronic self-administered survey was applied. Data were analysed using SPSS® and Pearson’s chi-square test (p-value < 0.050).Subjects and setting: A convenience sample (n = 619), consisting of registered students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, participated, after providing informed consent.Outcomes measures: Dietary patterns and frequency of intake, alcohol consumption and physical activity were measured.Results: A statistical difference was not reported between the eating patterns, alcohol consumption and physical activity of Health Science students and those of other students. Most of the students exhibited poor dietary behaviour. For example, 65% of Health Science students and 67% of students in other faculties consumed less than one fruit per day, 70% of Health Science students and 64% of other students consumed less than one vegetable per day, while 91% of Health Science students and 93% of students in other faculties consumed less than two glasses of milk per day. Although not significant, fewer Health Science students (4%) than students of other faculties (9%) consumed alcohol more than twice a week. Binge drinking was more common in Health Science students. Forty-eight per cent of the Health Science students indicated that they were physically inactive, compared to 49% of students in other faculties.Conclusion: Students studying Health Science do not have a healthier lifestyle than other students. Further theory-based intervention studies to determine the reasons for this behaviour need to be undertaken. Strategies should be developed to encourage behavioural change.Keywords: dietary intake, alcohol consumption, physical activity, Health Sciences, university student

Retention of engineering students

Abstract: Retention of engineering students is an international concern. Most countries report a shortage of engineers. By increasing the number of retained engineering students it is potentially possible to increase the number of engineering graduates. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyse what retention research has been done in the past to avoid unnecessary duplication. Although duplication may bring valuable new information, progress in this field has been slow. Therefore, the focus is on facilitating progress rather than seeking more accurate results. The three main themes identified in literature are: the individual’s internal and external characteristics that affect retention, the models that describe retention, conceptual and predictive, and the interventions attempted to improve retention. Further research into methods for improving student retention is certainly justified since in spite of existing research most institutions still struggle to retain engineering students

Epidemiology of urethral stricture at Tygerberg Hospital

Over a 12-month period, 120 consecutive male patients with confirmed urethral stricture were prospectively studied with regard to the epidemiology of the disease. Specific urethritis is the main aetiological factor (45%) and internal and external trauma account for an alarming 38,3% of cases. The prevalence is highest among 40 - 50-year-old coloured men who have had little schooling, multiple sexual partners and who have a low annual income. The incidence can be reduced by upliftment of moral and educational standards of the local population, and by emphasising the potential dangers of catheterisation and instrumentation to m.edical personnel

Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among adolescent squash players in the Western Cape

Objective. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among adolescent squash players in the Western Cape. Design. A retrospective descriptive survey was conducted during the first week of May 2006. Three schools were randomly selected from a list of the top 10 schools in the Western Cape high school squash league of 2005, with 106 squash players aged 13 - 18 years participating in the study. Setting. Injury data were collected for 106 players at three schools randomly selected from a list of the top 10 schools in the Western Cape high school squash league of 2005. Interventions. An adapted structured self-administered questionnaire based on a previously validated musculoskeletal injury questionnaire was used to collect the data. Main outcome measures. The main variables investigated were prevalence, mechanism and injury site of musculoskeletal squash injuries. Results. Twenty-nine per cent of the players (N = 31) reported that they had sustained a squash injury in the 4 weeks prior to data collection. A total of 48 injuries were reported by the injured players. The most common injuries included those of the thigh (19%), shoulder (13%) and lower back (13%). Forty-two per cent of players reported no specific mechanism of injury, but experienced pain not associated with a traumatic injury only while playing squash. Conclusion. A relatively high prevalence of squash injuries was found. This preliminary study serves as a baseline for future research. Areas for further investigation were identified and this could lead to the implementation of preventive programmes and education to prevent injuries among adolescent squash players. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 19 (1) 2007: pp. 3-