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Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6735

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Occupational Therapy) by Author "Gurayah, Thavanesi."

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    Exploring occupational therapy intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder in South Africa.
    (2013) Moosa, Aneesa Ismail.; Gurayah, Thavanesi.
    Occupational Therapy is amongst the top three interventions sought for young children with ASD in South Africa. Due to scarce local research on OT for ASD, this study explored the nature as well as perceptions of OTs on intervention for ASD. Using a qualitative exploratory study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty OTs in public and private health, as well as special needs education. Thematic analysis was used to analyse transcribed data. OTs descriptions and perceptions of assessment, direct and indirect intervention as well as challenges facing families and undergraduate and qualified OTs in South Africa were explored. Assessment for ASD utilised play based skilled observations with limited use of standardised tests. Developmental approaches were preferred to behavioural ones, with the majority of OTs referencing the Sensory Integration (SI) framework for assessment and therapy, even if they were not SI certified practitioners. The value of SI in reframing a child’s behaviour for parents was significant. The South African Model of Creative Ability was a unique local application to practice for ASD. Intervention in education was most ASD specific, including AAC and visual approaches due to a comprehensive programme and greater levels of team collaboration. A family focussed practice was most evident in private and public health. Direct individual therapy was predominant, with all sectors struggling to provide the intensity of therapy recommended for ASD, due to unique contextual challenges. Undergraduate training is insufficient preparation for working with ASD and a need for local OT specialists was identified. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
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    A qualitative study to understand the experiences and coping processes of primary caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
    (2014) Fewster, Deborah Leigh.; Gurayah, Thavanesi.
    Aim: The aim of the study is to gain deeper understanding into the lived experiences of parents at a stimulation centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the coping strategies they employ in caring for their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Significance: As literature has focused on international studies this study has provided deeper understanding of the lived experiences and coping strategies of parents of children with ASD in a local setting within South Africa. Experiences across the age spectrum of children, gendered differences in coping and the meaning behind having a child with ASD provides a unique outlook on ASD as opposed to literature that focuses on other areas. Methods: Eleven parents participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews were triad, dyad or one-on-one interviews. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim once completed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and extract themes. Findings: The lived experiences of parents included stressful and devastating experiences as well as positive meaning. Daily challenges were navigated by positive and negative coping strategies with gendered differences in coping being evident. Parents expressed mixed feelings about the benefits of support groups and provided a road map of advice for other parents of children with ASD. Conclusion: Parents of children with ASD undergo enormous stress and emotional upheaval in caring for their children. However in addition to negative experiences, they gain some positive meaning and see it as character building. Their experiences provide useful information for other parents undergoing the same journey.
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    Zulu cultural perspectives and experiences of mental health and occupational therapy in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
    (2022) Moonsamy, Ashira.; Lingah, Thanalutchmy.; Gurayah, Thavanesi.
    Background: Healthcare systems are formulated utilising worldviews, specifically in mental health, where norms are created dictating what is normal versus abnormal. The era of coloniality promoted western dogma over collectivist cultures. Occupational therapy practice must consider the client’s context during assessment and intervention for the process to be client centred. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was utilised. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Analysis was guided by utilising Braun and Clark’s six phases of thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes emerged from the data, personal perceptions, cultural perceptions, and health-seeking behaviour. Sub-themes accompanied each. Personal perceptions explored how Zulu people made sense of mental illness or related behaviours through a modern or traditional lens. It also explored the importance of the strength of the Zulu individual. A dissonance occurs when faced with cultural norms and personal needs. Finally, their perspectives were altered through their experience with mental illness. Cultural perceptions were that problems were solved internally in families or communities, and progress was promoted as necessary for the Zulu individual. It also explored spiritual beliefs regarding mental illness, which could range between God, Ancestors or both and could be causal factors or healing mechanisms. Suicidality is seen as a weakness in the culture, and stigma was attached to mental illness. The final theme concerns the experience of the Zulu mental health care user dealing with their mental illness. Cognitive dissonance is prevalent in all three aspects not merely due to the difference between westernised mental health treatment and traditional healing systems but also due to the value found in each. The method of sharing vulnerability or issues with an individual outside the family contradicts cultural norms. However, participants expressed that being understood in group discussions and sharing vulnerability significantly improved their healing. Conclusion: Zulu individuals create their sense of self in an interdependent manner. The family and community are intertwined in their participation, reputation, and healing. There is an emphasis on strength and the following of norms in the Zulu culture, perpetuated by the importance of consulting elders or close family when faced with conflict. Disregarding these norms can outcast the Zulu individual who thrives on being included in the community. The study was conducted with a limited sample size and in an urban area. Further research within rural communities and diverse facilities would be beneficial. Occupational therapists working in communities such as KwaZulu Natal should understand the causal factors of mental illness for the Zulu mental health care user and their personal beliefs around healing when designing an intervention.