The promise of equal education not kept: Specific learning disabilities ­ The invisible disability

Background: This research is part of a larger project on the exploration of inequalities in South African higher education. This current study focussed on the implementation of policies to eradicate inequalities in an inclusive education system. Objectives: This article aimed to establish the implementation of policy by researching the lived experiences of students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) studying in the university. Method: A qualitative, systematic review was employed as the research methodology. Original peer-reviewed qualitative studies published between 1994 and 2017 were systematically reviewed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used to ensure rigorous reviews. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to guide the process of critical appraisal of the selected articles which resulted in a total of 10 articles being selected for reviewing. The target population of this research comprised undergraduate students diagnosed with SLD. Semi-structured interviews were the main data collection tools used in the studies that were reviewed. Data from the selected articles were extracted and synthesised. Results: The dominant themes that emerged from the review were: (1) fear of stigmatisation; (2) gaps in policy implementation; (3) experiences vary across departments; and (4) self-determination and family support as success factors. Conclusion: An important aspect in the transformation of higher education institution is to ensure the closing of the disjuncture between policy and implementation in support of students with SLD

Understanding student early departure from a Master of Public Health programme in South Africa

Background. Student departure from university without completing a qualification is a major concern in higher education. Higher Education South Africa reported that in undergraduate studies, 35% of students depart after the first year and only 15% of students who enrol complete their degree within the minimum permissible time. At postgraduate level, the departure from Masters programmes in South Africa (SA) ranged from 30% to 67% in 2010. Early departure refers to students who leave an academic programme within the first semester of commencing their studies. At one SA university, there were a total of 109 first-time Master of Public Health (MPH) student registrations in 2013 and 2014. By the end of the first semester in the respective years, a total of 27 students actively deregistered from the programme and 11 students did not sit the first-semester examinations, representing an aggregate 35% rate of early departure. The factors associated with early departure at the University of KwaZulu-Natal are not well understood.Objective. To understand factors associated with early departure in the MPH programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.Method. A mixed-methods design was implemented. Students who departed within the first semester of commencing the MPH programme in 2013/2014 were followed up. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews.Results. Failure to balance work and academic obligations with poor time management, stress and academic demands related to the programme, and insufficient academic progress were found to be associated with student early departure from the MPH programme.Conclusion. Student early departure from the MPH programme was influenced by multifaceted factors. Senior students can mentor new students as early as possible in their programme. The orientation block should include development activities such as time management, stress management and effective study skills to assist mature students to cope with the demands of part-time postgraduate studies

Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of sandwich under graduate students of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria on condom use in the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STLS) and unwanted pregnancy

The study investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of sandwich under graduate students of Delta State University, Abraka, on condom use for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STls) and unwanted pregnancy. This is with a view of assessing the relevance of knowledge to attitude and practice. Three hypotheses were generated to guide the study. A self designed (KAP) questionnaire with 18 questions items were used to generate information. The sample was 610 students. Percentages and chi- square statistics were used to analyze the data. It was found that students had good knowledge of condom use towards the prevention of STls and unwanted pregnancy. There was also a relationship between knowledge and attitude. Males and females do not differ in their knowledge, attitude and practice of condom use. It was recommended that family and sexuality education be a part of the school curriculum, while the media should continuously be used to campaign for the use of condom in the prevention of STls and unwanted pregnancy

Prevalence of Non-Invasive Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes among Higher Education Teachers in North-Western Nigeria

Background: Teaching is associated with a number of stressful circumstances that promote unhealthy lifestyles capable of fuelling risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. This study investigated the prevalence of selected non-invasive risk factors of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) among higher education teachers. Methods: Higher education teachers numbering 876 from three tertiary institutions in Kano; North- Western Nigeria were assessed on selected non-invasive risk factors of T2D including Body Mass Index (BMI); Waist Circumference (WC); Waist-Hip-ratio (WHR); Percent Body Fat (PBF) and family history of diabetes. Lifestyle including smoking; alcoholism and physical inactivity were also assessed. Results: Female-male ratio of participants was 1:5 while the age range was 24-58 years. Female teachers had higher prevalence of poor adiposity markers represented by overweight (33.8); obesity (12.7); high PBF (21.7) and WC in the high risk domain (53.5). They also had higher prevalence of hypertension (22.5) while men had higher prevalence of WHR (31.2) in the high risk domain. Positive family history of diabetes was 6.5(males); 7.5(females); physical activity at walking level 46.0(males); sedentary activity 85.9(females); current smoking habit 42.8(males); 4.3(females) and current alcohol consumption was 11.9for males and 0for female teachers. Conclusion: There may be considerable chances of developing T2D among the higher education teachers based on prevalence of the selected risk factors and the risk may be higher among the female teachers. Measures to change the modifiable risk factors for the better in this population are urgently needed

Recherche medicale en Afrique Subsaharienne:ses contraintes et ses potentialites

Un nombre; non exhaustif; de constats sur la situation actuelle de la recherche medicale en Afrique subsaharienne est rapporte ; la prise en compte de ces constats pourrait en permettre un meilleur developpement. Des reflexions concernant l'organisation de la recherche; ses financements; la necessaire sensibilisation des decideurs; le statut et le role du chercheur; ainsi que la structuration de la recherche; permettent de mieux cerner certains des freins actuels. Des suggestions sont formulees ; chacune d'entre elles doit etre adaptee au contexte de chaque pays. Il appartient aux seuls chercheurs du Sud de prendre les decisions adequates et de les developper en partenariat etroit et egalitaire avec d'autres chercheurs. Parmi les suggestions; citons : la potentialisation des moyens par le developpement de reels Reseaux; regionaux et internationaux; de chercheurs; la creation; au Nord; de postes virtuels d'Attaches de Recherche a titre Etranger; la publication d'une ou deux revues medicales africaines de haut niveau; et le developpement de la banque de donnees africaines