Geospatial variations in socioeconomic conditions and health outcomes in COVID-19 era: insights from South Africa (2020–2022)

South Africa also has the highest burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related comorbidities in Africa. We aimed to quantify the temporal and geospatial changes in unemployment, food insecurity, and their combined impact on depressive symptoms among South Africans who participated into several rounds of national surveys. We estimated the population-attributable risk percent (PAR%) for the combinations of the risk factors after accounting for their correlation structure in multifactorial setting. Our study provided compelling evidence for immediate and severe effect of the pandemic where 60% of South Africans reported household food insecurity or household hunger, shortly after the pandemic emerged in 2020. Despite the grants provided by the government, these factors were also identified as the most influential risk factors (adjusted odds ratios (aORs) ranged from 2.06 to 3.10, p < 0.001) for depressive symptoms and collectively associated with 62% and 53% of the mental health symptoms in men and women, respectively. Similar pattern was observed among pregnant women and 41% of the depressive symptoms were exclusively associated with those who reported household hunger. However, aORs associated with the concerns around pandemic and vaccine were mostly not significant and ranged from 1.12 to 1.26 which resulted substantially lower impacts on depressive symptoms (PAR%:7%-and-14%). Our findings suggest that South Africa still has unacceptably high rates of hunger which is accelerated during the pandemic. These results may have significant clinical and epidemiological implications and may also bring partial explanation for the low vaccine coverage in the country, as priorities and concerns are skewed towards economic concerns and food insecurity. © 2023, The Author(s).

Population-level impact of beliefs and attitudes on vaccine decision-making in South Africa: results from the COVID-19 Vaccine Survey (2021/2022).

OBJECTIVES: In addition to being home to more than seven million HIV-infected individuals, South Africa also has a high burden of COVID-19 and related comorbidities worldwide. We aimed to identify the most influential "beliefs" and "attitudes" on vaccine decision-making behavior. STUDY DESIGN: This study used panel data from cross-sectional surveys. METHODS: We used the data from Black South Africans who participated in the "COVID-19 Vaccine Surveys" (November 2021 and February/March 2022) in South Africa. Besides standard risk factor analysis, such as multivariable logistic regression models, we also used the modified version of population attributable risk percent and estimated the population-level impacts of beliefs and attitudes on vaccine decision-making behavior using the methodology in multifactorial setting. RESULTS: A total of 1399 people (57% men and 43% women) who participated in both surveys were analyzed. Of these, 336 (24%) reported being vaccinated in survey 2. Overall low perceived risk, concerns around efficacy, and safety were identified as the most influential factors and associated with 52%-72% (<40 years) and 34%-55% (40+ years) of the unvaccinated individuals. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlighted the most influential beliefs and attitudes on vaccine decision-making and their population-level impacts, which are likely to have significant public health implications exclusively for this population.

USING ACTION RESEARCH TO DETERMINE THE SYSTEMATIC APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE METHODS AND STANDARDS IN MANAGING RISK IN EVENT MANAGEMENT

Alle besigheid behels die aanvaarding en bestuur van risiko, veral waar besighede betrokke is by die aanbieding en bestuur van gebeure wat inherent riskant is. Gebeurtenisbestuur is dus intrinsiek gemoeid met die bestuur van verskeie vorme van risiko. Hierdie studie het ten doel om die faktore te identifiseer wat die beste praktyke in die bestuur van risiko tydens gebeurtenisbestuur beinvloed en om te bepaal tot watter mate die faktore bydra tot die effektiewe bestuur van risiko in gebeurtenisbestuur. Meer as ooit tevore verwag 'n verskeidenheid belanghebbendes dat organiseerders van geleenthede aktief betrokke sal raak by die bestuur van risikos en dit sal doen in die mate van wat redelikerwys as uitvoerbaar beskou kan word. 'n Kwalitatiewe benadering is vir hierdie studie onderneem wat bestaan uit tien aanlyn (virtuele) semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met geselekteerde ervare professionele persone om hul perspektiewe oor die bestuur van risiko in gebeurtenisbestuur vas te stel en waarom beste praktykstandaarde dikwels nie gebruik word nie. Die studie het tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat risikobestuur 'n integrale deel van die gebeurtenisbestuursproses moet wees wat alle fases van gebeurtenisse insluit.Alternate :All business involves assuming and managing risk, and this is particularly true of businesses involved in the staging and management of events, which are inherently risky endeavours. Event management is thus intrinsically concerned with managing various forms of risk. This study aims to identify the factors that influence best practices in managing risk during event management, and to determine the extent to which the factors contribute towards effectively managing risk in event management. More than ever before, a variety of stakeholders are expecting that event organisers will actively engage in managing risks and will do so to the extent of what can be considered reasonably practicable. A qualitative approach was undertaken for this study, consisting of ten online (virtual) semi-structured interviews with selected experienced professionals to ascertain their perspectives on managing risk in events management, and why best practice standards are often not employed. The study concluded that risk management must be an integral part of the event management process, encompassing all phases of events.

The mediating effect of standardisation effort on standardisation and innovation to improve organisational efficiency post COVID-19

A new and creative approach post COVID-19 is essential, not only in the realm of technology but also for organisational efficiency and economic growth. The ISO 9000 series which aims to increase organisational efficiency and maintain product quality also stresses the importance of standardisation. Although, the elements of standardisation and innovation are critical for organisational efficiency, both elements are considered to be mutually exclusive. The main purpose of this study is to identify the impact of standardisation and innovation on organisational efficiency when integrating management systems. A quantitative, multiple case study was conducted using an online survey to gather data from 220 respondents. A total of 13 variables are considered for both the elements to organisational efficiency. Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-collinearity tests confirm the results of this study that standardisation and innovation play a critical role in improving organisational efficiency when integrating management systems. © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

COVID-19 consequences—Aligning learning outcomes with realigned teaching activities

This study explores the impact of the transition to online teaching and learning in Basic isiZulu, a second language module at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study analyses lecturer preparedness to realign teaching strategies, to design and deliver online learning activities based on face-to-face learning outcomes. This mixed-methods study adopts the Framework for Online Teaching Skills in critiquing the lecturers’ experiences in the novel online Basic isiZulu module. It critically reflects on curriculum and pedagogical innovations. Findings from this study highlight the importance of careful planning, implementation, and evaluation of online activities. Additionally, to maximise the benefits of using technology, the vital role of professional development, motivational, and institutional support is necessary. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Evolution of Promotional Marketing Strategies of Tourism Businesses in South Africa - Post Covid-19

The impact of the lockdown restrictions and travel bans, locally and internationally, have had an immense impact on tourism businesses in South Africa. Several Tourism businesses closed during the lockdown, and those that survived are making a slow recovery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the promotional strategies used by tourism businesses prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as promotional strategies used during the pandemic. The methodology employed is a secondary data analysis of desktop research. The researcher expands on a former study conducted with tourism businesses based in Durban, South Africa. Results reveal that the tourism industry mostly used traditional promotional strategies prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic had a direct impact on 100 percent of the sample. However, during the pandemic, the tourism sector shifted drastically from traditional promotional strategies to digital strategies. The implications of the study reveal that businesses need to understand how digital marketing tools can be utilised to reach their full potential post-Covid-19. The study stimulates the need for tourism businesses to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate their promotional strategies © 2022. AJHTL /Author(s). All Rights Reserved.

The Use of Video Lectures in an Online L2 Module: Insights from Basic IsiZulu

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the teaching modality from blended to fully online for Basic IsiZulu, a second language (L2) module at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In an attempt to compensate for the removal of face-To-face contact, seven video lectures were posted on the Moodle platform. While research into online video lectures reports that students perceive value in the tool, quantitative studies on engagement with online video lectures remain contentious. This study uses the Moodle learning analytics data to quantify student engagement with video lectures and obtain insight into usage. Additionally, survey feedback informs on student satisfaction and aspects of instructional design. The results reveal that for Basic IsiZulu, an average of 35% of the cohort engaged with the online video lectures. In terms of satisfaction, students record high levels of satisfaction and positive perceptions of the instructional design of video lectures. These findings reflect instructional design strategies and concomitant methods to enhance engagement with online video lectures. © 2022 IEEE.

The wandering bullet: An unusual case of paradoxical embolization involving the neck, aortic arch, and iliac artery

Paradoxical intravascular bullet embolism involving the aortic arch (AA) is a rare and highly lethal condition. We describe an unusual case of a civilian gunshot injury to the neck. A bullet entered in the neck, injured the internal jugular vein (IJV), and then continued into the lumen of the common carotid artery (CCA). The bullet traveled under its own momentum and against the flow of blood, along the carotid and brachiocephalic vessels, finally lodging in the wall of the lesser curvature of the AA. The injury tract resulted in an arterial-venous fistula between IJV and CCA and a pseudoaneurysm of the AA. Open surgical repair of the neck and AA was complicated by secondary distal embolization of the bullet, requiring an embolectomy.

Health conditions of the most vulnerable female workers and their impact on health systems: Pandemic in South Africa

On March 5th, 2020, the first COVID-19 case was diagnosed in South Africa and the President declared a National State of Disaster. Almost two years later, this State of Disaster persists. More than 2.9 million cases of COVID-19 and 87780 fatalities have been recorded. Most women workers are in vulnerable employment as domestic help, traders in the informal economy, and small-scale agriculture with no employment contracts or health insurance cover. Women in formal sector work in the services / retail and healthcare, dealing with the vulnerability of their employment and those infected with COVID-19, with the clinical sequelae. Women accounted for more than 55% of the total burden of COVID-19 infections while 82% of infections in healthcare workers were in women. Women reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms post-infection than men, experiencing stress with a reduction of income and caring for ill family members and taking care of children because schools were closed. There was an increase in gender violence reports. Women in the informal sector experienced reduction earnings by 70%;female healthcare workers experienced longer working hours, anguish and burnout. Regulations were implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19 workplace transmission and identify vulnerable workers. Infections acquired in the workplace were declared compensable. Vaccination roll-out included pregnant and nursing women. In addition, there were financial incentives, but only for formal work. Despite these initiatives, long-term policies aimed at socioeconomic protection and employment creation that focus on women workers are required.

Management issues with infection control during trauma resuscitation in the era of covid-19: South african experience

Background: This invited short report aims to document the management of trauma and non-trauma ICU patients in one quaternary facility in South Africa during the first two waves of the SARS CoV2 (Covid-19) pandemic in Kwa Zulu-Natal. Content: The setting of the trauma service and the changes made to ensure staff and patient safety are detailed. A brief overview of the clinical experience of caring for both trauma and non-trauma cases is provided along with the management of those cases who were found to be Covid-19 positive. The concerning aspect of increased antibiotic resistance development and the potential roles of antiseptic sanitisers is briefly discussed. Conclusion: Trauma care is essential during the infectious pandemic and there is a risk of increased antibiotic resistance. Doing the basics “right” can prevent staff contamination or adverse patient outcomes.

Linking Formative and Summative Performance in an online L2 module: Insights from Learning Analytics

The Covid-19 pandemic created a unique teaching and learning situation for South African universities with a sudden migration to the online platform. This exploratory study reports on Basic IsiZulu, a compulsory second-language module at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The focus is on student summative performance. Extracting data from the Moodle Activity logs the study investigates the impact of four variables, academic discipline, age, gender and year of study on formative engagement and summative performance. Findings from the learning analytics data indicate that higher formative assessment scores have a small but highly significant impact on the module's final summative assessment scores. Correlation tests indicate a weak relationship between academic discipline, age and year of study with engagement in formative activity, and the gender variable indicates that male students display lower levels of engagement with formative activities.

A blended learning and teaching model to improve bedside undergraduate paediatric clinical training during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT Abstract: The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted paediatric undergraduate bedside clinical training. Facing an uncertain future, we need to be able to adapt to the variable effects of the pandemic on bedside training. During severe conditions, no bedside training is possible, while limited bedside training is possible during less severe conditions. We propose a learning and teaching model for undergraduate paediatric clinical training during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate bedside clinical training in order to maximise students’ acquisition of clinical competencies