Browsing by Author "Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi."

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A socio-ecological analysis of postgraduate students lived experiences while at university.
(2022) Khoza, Sisanda Natalie.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
The study explored the experiences of postgraduate students at a South African tertiary institution. The intention was to understand the challenges that entwined postgraduate studies and the coping mechanisms employed by students during their postgraduate studies. In this qualitative study, the participants were interviewed utilizing a semi-structured interview schedule: with the consent of the participants the interviews were recorded using an audio-recorder. The data obtained was thematically analyzed, which gave rise to various themes. The following themes emerged: students’ motivation to enroll in postgraduate studies: the graduate unemployment problem, implications of lack of funding at postgraduate level, non-monetary challenges at postgraduate level: mental health issues, postgraduate workload, online learning challenges, coping mechanisms, social relationships, and support during postgraduate studies. The findings of this research study indicated that financial, academic, and psycho-social support positively impact postgraduate students’ experiences at university. Nonetheless, that lack of financial aid, mental health issues, postgraduate workload and online learning challenges negatively impact postgraduate student experiences.
The burden of care : a study of perceived stress factors and social capital among volunteer caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2010) Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.; Akintola, Olagoke.; Dagheid, Wenche.
The burden of caregiving is alarmingly high in South Africa, where one in every three people admitted in hospitals, is HIV positive. A great number of AIDS patients end up being cared for at home by their families, but mostly by volunteer caregivers. The conditions in which caregivers work under, leave much to be desired, hence work related conditions are a probable cause for high stress levels among volunteer caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS. This study sought to investigate stress factors of volunteer caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS and the influence of social capital on high stress levels. Within a South African caregiving setting, social capital influence has not been explored. In a culture where silence and stigmatisation of people living with HIV/AIDS and caregivers is high, this study tries to locate participation of close friends and family, local organizations and government in dealing with caregiving work and support. The study was conducted in 13 semi rural communities in Durban KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A survey was used to collect data, and analysis was conducted using quantitative methods. The sample comprised of 127 women from an organization called Community Outreach Centre. The greater (92.2%) of the total sample reported above 50% of stress levels. The findings indicated that caregiving work require urgent support from organizations and government. It was also evident that organizations within communities do not work together nor support each other in dealing with caregiving problems. Contrary to the existing literature, the results also showed that the more social capital elements such as social cohesion and social action at a bridging level increased, the more stressed volunteer caregivers became.
Deconstructing African identities: notions of fatherhood amongst Zulu men in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Mdletshe, Prudence Thandeka.; Zibane, Sibonsile Zerurcia.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
This study is a decolonial study of fatherhood in South Africa. It is located within the broader ambit of decolonial liberatory psychology and Afrocentrism. It is informed by the hypothetical claim about the erosion of African cultures, being, and subjectivities. It posits that while fatherhood is obviously socially, culturally, and historically contingent, the Anglo-American notions of fatherhood are the most dominant in South Africa. This is because of the matrix of power of the modern colonial world system that undermines African identities. Data was collected using Indigenous research methods which share some similarities with qualitative research methods. These included the sharing circles and conversational interviews that were used to collect data. A total of two sharing circle interviews and 20 one-on-one in-depth conversational interviews were conducted in Eshowe which is a rural community of KwaZulu-Natal. Study participants consisted of Zulu people from 35 to 75 + years of age. The interviews were conducted in IsiZulu; and recorded using a digital audio-recorder, and then transcribed later. The transcription first took place in the language of the respondents and then were translated into English. Zulu Folklores and proverbs were also used in the data collection process. They also served as conversation starters, reflection points, and for stimulating the conversation exchanges in sharing circles. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). IPA was chosen because it is a method that allows for the data to be collected using Indigenous research methods. It is a qualitative analysis method that is primarily used in the disciplines of the human sciences. This method is mainly concerned with giving voice to the voiceless people who are either marginalized or excluded in society such as peasants, women, and indeed racialized populations. Most significantly, IPA also seeks to explore such participants’ experiences and the meaning they attribute to their experiences. The findings of the research are presented in the form of thick descriptions of the participant’s notions of fatherhood. The participants’ experiences, memories, and stories symbolized the resilience of indigenous knowledge systems in Eshowe. As one of the participants opined, as long as the Zulu people still live, their culture cannot be entirely obliterated by the old and new forms of colonialism.
Experience of forgiving in Indian marriages: a qualitative inquiry.
(2022) Essop, Karshila.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
This research study concentrated on understanding the experience of forgiving in Indian marriages in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. The qualitative research study involved eight participants who were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. With the consent of each participant, every interview was recorded utilising an audio recorder and then later transcribed by the researcher. The ecological systems theory was utilised as a framework for the study. The data that was obtained during the data collection period was evaluated, analysed and organised through thematic analysis. This assisted the researcher to organise data into themes, sub-themes and sub-sub-themes. The five themes that were discovered and discussed are: Understanding forgiveness, the experience of forgiving, the psycho-social influences of forgiving, dominant cultural influence and improvement of forgiveness in Indian marriages. The research study found that the participants experienced forgiving more positively than negatively. Forgiveness allowed for trust to be rebuilt in marriages and paved the way for harmony in both spousal and/or family systems. The research study found that reconciliation in Indian marriages plays a vital role and affects every participant’s family system, spousal system, psychological health and well-being. A strong correlation between forgiveness and personality was drawn indicating that personality is one of the more significant influences on forgiving. More so, social, cultural and theological influences were seen as strong motivators of forgiving in Indian marriages. Participants recommended marital counselling and face-to-face conversations about transgressions created between spouses to assist marital forgiveness in Indian marriages. Through the limitations of the research study discussed in chapter six, it is proposed that further research on the experience of forgiving in Indian marriages should be conducted.
Exploration of students perceptions and experiences of online learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard college)
(2023) Xulu, Thulile.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
Corona-virus pandemic commonly known as covid-19 had an impact on higher education system globally as a result emergency learning (Online learning) was introduced to avoid the disruption of academic lessons. Online learning required students and lecturers to carry out the teaching and learning process through online platforms such as zoom and other learning sites. Therefore, this study aimed at understanding how university of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard college campus) students perceived and experienced online learning. This study was a qualitative study and thematic analysis was used as form of data analysis. The study used eight participants who were university of KwaZulu-Natal students, and they were doing their first, second and third years across three colleges: College of Humanities, college of Law and management studies and college of agriculture engineering and science that are found within Howard college campus (UKZN). The results indicated that students had different perceptions and different experiences of online learning, as some students indicated that they had positive experience and perception of online learning whereas some perceived and experienced online learning negatively. Online learning offers flexibility, but it also presents various constraints such as Network issues, Lack of technological devices, Loss of human interaction. Some students were less motivated to participate in online learning as they prefer face to face interactions. In conclusion the key factors in conducting online learning are the availability supporting tools, stability of internet connection and access, and applications of online learning must be easy to access and use, they must also be motivating and in the form of combination among several online learning media to provide the best way in delivering and accepting the material during teaching learning process.
Exploring media influence on African female university student’s perceptions of themselves.
(2021) Gcaza, Nompumelelo.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
Young women are the most impressionable demographic globally. This group of individuals is still in development and on their way to becoming adults. Much of how they are developing relies on their relationship with the outside world, as well as how they perceive themselves. Media plays an enormous role in the life of this demographic as they are continuously learning. Significantly, media can be influential in determining how a young woman sees herself. This study aimed to determine how media influences young African female students’ perceptions of themselves. The research explored female students’ selfperceptions in relation to the media’s presentation of beauty. In this study, eight participants were chosen using the non-probability random sampling strategy. The participants were African female students from the Howard College campus, ranging between their first to fourth year of study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected by using semistructured interviews. The major findings of this study were that African female students were influenced by media’s standards of beauty and felt pressured to adopt the characteristics of that standard of beauty. The participants revealed that they perceived themselves as not meeting those standards of beauty and have experienced psychological problems due to a lack of inclusivity in beauty as represented by the media. Based on the study results, it is recommended that it may be useful to conduct a broad quantitative study to enable the generalization of results to a large population. Secondly, it might be interesting to explore the influence of the media on male university students and their self-perceptions thereof. Finally, the study results indicated a high use of social media as compared to the other withstanding media platforms (television, magazines, billboards, radio). Therefore, it is recommended to specifically explore the psychological implications of the excessive use of social media.
Exploring the perceptions and experiences of students towards HIV/AIDS peer education programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus.
(2019) Mazibuko, Happiness Nokukhanya.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
The use of peer educators has often been exploited to educate people and prevent the spread of HIV as well as other sexually transmitted infections. The importance of a well-grounded and sound sexuality health education cannot be over emphasised. As this does not only help to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or unwarranted pregnancy among the youth population but helps to educate the young and save them from the consequences of their ignorance. This study adopted a cross sectional quantitative approach to explore the perceptions and experiences of students towards HIV/AIDS peer education program. This survey involved the use of questionnaires to gather information or data about students’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours. A total of 242 university (post-graduate and undergraduate) students were enrolled. The results of this study show that the overall mean perception score towards HIV/AIDS peer educators is 62.0 ± 7.4, the minimum score is 31.0 and the maximum score is 75.0 respectively. From the obtained results, participant perception score towards HIV/AIDS peer educators can be said to be quite impressive. The results obtained in this study show that there exists a significant correlation (p<0.05) in all three categories of students’ perception to HIV peer education program. It was observed in the study that the age group 18 – 23 had the highest perception about HIV peer educators. It was also observed that the enrolled participants had a good perception about peer educators as role models, importance of peer education in information dissemination and incorporation of peer education into a university setting. Peer education involving young people has helped to educate the interested ones on issues relating to HIV/AIDS and evidence has shown that peer educators have a strong influence on their peers. Furthermore, conclusion and recommendations were drawn from this study.
Exploring the psychosocial and socioeconomic experiences of single-female parent eMbumbulu.
(2023) Shezi, Philile Sinegugu.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
The study explored social and economic experiences of single mothers in Umbumbulu, which followed a qualitative methodology enquiry. Results of the study show that single mothers in uMbumbulu are faced with the daunting task of providing for their children, which therefore, carries psycho-social and economic experiences which they have to overcome. Financial challenges as well as community stereotyping coupled with difficulties in balancing social life and providing for the family are some of the challenges‘ single mothers in uMbumbulu face. This study therefore recommends that Single-parents must participate in support groups led by social workers and support one another in light of their shared circumstances. There is also need for increased social workers in uMbumbulu to conduct programs which help single mothers with information and space to freely express themselves so as to become better and cope with responsibilities of providing for their children.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of traditional healers with regards to primary eye care (PEC) in KwaZulu Natal.
(2019) Madlala, Tate Clifford.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
The title of the study: Knowledge, Attitude And Practices Of Traditional Healers With Regards To Primary Eye Care (PEC) In Kwazulu-Natal. Background: It is estimated that 80% of global blindness is avoidable (i.e. either preventable or treatable) yet the number of people living with vision impairment and blindness continues to rise. Epidemiological data indicate that approximately 2.2 billion people in the world are visually impaired or blind. Furthermore, 90% of those live in developing countries and are mostly in rural areas. A significant number of Black South Africans consult traditional healers for general and eye heath as well as for other reasons. Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of traditional healers with regards to primary eyecare in and around Durban City. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study design, using convenience sampling was employed. A validated semi-structured interview questionnaire was administered to participating traditional healers. The questionnaire contained questions on the knowledge, attitude and practices of traditional healers with regards to PEC. The data collected was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS). Results: Of the 162 traditional healers interviewed, 34% were below 40 years and 62% were older than 40 years. There were more (55%) male traditional healers than females (45%). The majority (77.8%) reported being able to read and write. Of the total respondents, 43.2% were herbalists, 25.2% divine healers and 13.6% faith healers. Most (77.8%) had more than 5 years of experience as a traditional healer. The mean score for knowledge about the causes of eye illnesses or injuries was 8.3±2.25 and knowledge about conditions that may result in eye illnesses or injuries was 8.45±1.9. The mean score for attitude towards relationship with doctors and referral of patients to medical doctors was 5.85±1.32. The mean score for practice regarding mode and approach to treatment of eye illnesses was 9.49±4.06; and attitude towards referral of patients by medical doctors to tradtional healers was 3.12±0.40.
Mental health and traditional healing: an exploration of UKZN students’ perceptions of using traditional healing methods to achieve mental health.
(2022) Ngcobo, Nontobeko Rejoice.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
Mental illness has been documented as one of the global phenomena that impacts many people across the country. The perceptions of mental illness and the effective treatment methods are influenced by many factors such as perceived causes, culture, attitudes, experiences, and policies that are put in place within the health care systems (Choudhry, Mani, & Khan, 2016; Eaton & Louw, 2000; Gopalkrishnan, 2018). South Africa, as a multi-cultural context embraces multiple perspectives in which mental illness can be treated. Existing treatment modalities such as psychotherapy and traditional healing continue being accessible for patients who suffer from mental illness. The Eurocentric methods of treatment such as Psychotherapy and the medical model have been reported as treatment modalities that lack the understanding of an African person living inclusive of external and supernatural forces believed to play a role in maintaining physical and spiritual well-being. Afrocentric models such as traditional healing methods have been identified as a useful treatment modality (World Health Organization, 2010). In South Africa, traditional healers are mostly consulted by people who preserve their cultural beliefs and practices as methods of achieving physical, spiritual, and mental health. The inclusion for people who rely on traditional healing was introduced lawfully under the Traditional Healers Act (Act No. 22 of 2007). The implementation of the Traditional Healers Act (Act No. 22 of 2007) in the health care system declares approval of traditional treatments and proposes an outline to protect individuals who use the services.The study aimed to explore the perceptions of UKZN students regarding mental illness and traditional healing as a treatment modality. The aim was to understand the different factors that influence their perceptions, taking into consideration the ecological systems theory that elaborates on the environmental context individuals participate in. The theory further pertains the attitudes, beliefs, and values people hold which consequently influence their perception. This study undertook a qualitative research approach that aided to understand and explore participants’ feelings, perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. A semi-structured interview schedule was prepared and was used as a guideline to conduct interviews. The study found that at each level of the ecological system, there are processes that take place which influences an individual participating in the context. These systems lie on three levels of the ecological system, namely, the microsystem that entails the family structure, the processes between the individual and the school, as well as social groups such as friends and neighbourhoods (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). The exosystem and the mesosystem indicative of social interactions, and from the macrosystem represented by the university context and its policy structures (Harkonen, 2007). The findings reveal that culture is a common factor that influences how students perceive mental illness as aspects of culture tie into beliefs and standard behaviour and practices intended to achieve good health. It further revealed that students rely on their beliefs, attitudes, social norms of the structures they participate in, that grant them necessary health options and thus utilize resources that align with these beliefs.
The relationship between child rearing practices and adolescents’ attitudes toward sexual debut, Durban, South Africa.
(2018) Luthuli, Samkelisiwe.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
About 30% of South African teenagers between the ages of 13-19 years have reported unplanned pregnancy in their lives. One of the determinants of the teenage pregnancy and HIV is early sexual debut. Adolescents who engage in sexual activities at an early stage become expose to more sexual partners and more unprotected sex which results in HIV, Sexual Transmitted Infections and unplanned pregnancy. Parents have a significant influence in shaping adolescents’ attitudes towards sexual behaviours through parenting practices such as communication, supervision and monitoring. The present study examined the relationship between child rearing practices and adolescents’ attitudes towards sexual debut. It further investigated whether (authoritative, authoritarian and permissive) parenting styles predicted initiation of sexual debut. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to gather the data. A sample of 150 learners was used. The measurements that were used to collect data were Parenting Styles Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ) and Attitudes towards sexual debut questionnaire. Results indicated that there is a small positive relationship between Perceived benefits of having sex and permissive parenting style. A small positive relationship between perceived shame and guilt associated with having sex and authoritative parenting style was found. Moreover, a small negative relationship was found between Perceived shame and guilt associated with having sex and authoritarian parenting style. Standard multiple regression indicated that permissive parenting style followed by authoritative parenting style made the strongest contribution to explaining the dependent variable (Attitudes towards sexual debut). Adolescents who are raised by parents that adopt permissive and authoritative parenting style are having positive attitudes toward sex which can lead them to engage in early sexual debut. However adolescents that are raised by authoritarian parents have negative attitudes which can delay early sexual debut.
Students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of parental practices on youth concerning HIV prevention: an exploratory study at Howard College.
(2020) Mabaso, Nondumiso.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
Despite many efforts put forward such as the Stepping Stones (Jewkes et al., 2008), the Collaborative HIV Prevention and Adolescent Mental Health Programme- South Africa known as CHAMP+SA (Bhana et al., 2010) and the 90-90-90 strategy (Huerga et al., 2018) to fight against the HIV epidemic especially amongst the youths aged between 15 and 24, the number of HIV cases within this age group seem to be increasing. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how young students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal perceive and experience the effectiveness of parental involvement in the prevention of HIV amongst the youth. In this study, a semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Interviews were recorded with the consent of the participants using an audio-recorder. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the collected data. The thematic analysis helped in the development of various themes and sub-themes. The main themes that emerged were: the strong relationship between parents and children, active parental participation, monitoring youth activities, participants’ experiences and perceptions of the effectiveness of parental practices regarding HIV prevention amongst the youth, the role each parenting style plays in the prevention of HIV amongst youth, , and the impact of parental involvement in the prevention of HIV amongst the youth. The study found that parental practices and parenting styles were perceived as beneficial to the prevention of HIV amongst the youth, and factors that influence parental practices. The findings further showed that these factors can have either positive or negative impact on a child’s behaviour in relation to HIV prevention.
The parenting experience: an exploration study of coping mechanisms of young parents.
(2022) Nombewu, Gladys Nompumelelo.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
This study aimed to understand experiences of young parents, and how they coped with parenting challenges in Quarry Heights. Furthermore, this study sought to determine coping techniques used in dealing with parental challenges. The study employed a qualitative approach, where a total of ten participants were interviewed, using an interview schedule. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected and various themes emerged. The findings indicate that the transition to parenthood was an unplanned difficult event. Lack of knowledge and parenting skills, lack of financial resources and negative emotions emerged as main challenges. As a result, academic performance was disrupted, social networks were disconnected and parents felt socially isolated. The study found that, parents do not have sufficient coping resources to handle the transition. Coping strategies utilised were not effective in dealing with the challenges. However, social and financial support from family members made the transition process manageable. Therefore, research at government level is recommended to determine the feasibility of developing mentoring programs for teaching parenting and life skills. Furthermore, establishment of counselling centres in schools is recommended for psychological support. Based on the limitation of this study, it is recommended that a diverse sample with different race, gender and socio-economic status for diverse views be used for future research.
Understanding the perceptions of the University of KwaZulu-Natal students with disabilities of parental support and the effects it has on their academic performance.
(2018) Mntambo, Sithabile Joy.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
This study focused on understanding the perceptions that students with disabilities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal have of parental support and the effect it has on their academic performance. In this qualitative study, eight participants were interviewed utilising a semi-structured interview schedule; the interviews were recorded with the consent of the participants using an audio-recorder. The data obtained was analysed using thematic content analysis which gave rise to various themes. The following themes emerged: Transition to university, university challenges, recommendations and methods to overcome challenges, perceptions of parental involvement, barriers to parental involvement and parental support preference that can be put in place to assist students with disabilities. The findings of this research study indicated that parental support has a positive impact on the performance and adjustment of students with disabilities. The parent’s lack of knowledge, beliefs and acceptance of the student’s disability proved to be barriers towards effective parental support. Therefore, based on the research findings, it is recommended that parents and other family members should become more involved towards the academic life of students. While the university of KwaZulu-Natal should consider changing infrastructure to better accommodate students living with disabilities. Additionally, the university should motivate the involvement of parents. Due to the limitations of the research which can be found under chapter six, it was recommended that further research be conducted on this topic.
University student's perceptions of parental support, and its effect on their academic achievement.
(2020) Zuma, Thandiwe Hlengiwe.; Hlengwa, Wellington Mthokozisi.
Academic achievement among university students can be influenced by many factors, both academic and family related. With the use of qualitative research, the present study explored university students' perceptions of parental support and involvement, and its effects on academic performance and achievement. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather student's perceptions of parental support. Further, a qualitative content analysis was used to analyse data. An Ecological model recognizing multiple influences that are inherent in the environment by Bronferbrenner (1994) was adopted as the study's theoretical framework. Major themes that emerged from the content analysis are parent's level of education, parent's child relations, socioeconomic status, and academic self-efficacy, Emerging adulthood, Ethnicity, and parental support, Community and Parents' values of education. Findings suggest that parental support continues to have a significant influence on academic performance among university students. Perceived parental involvement had no direct influence on academic performance, whilst parental support was found to promote academic self-efficacy and perseverance among students, further assisting students with coping during difficult times. The study findings show an interlink between parents’ socioeconomic status and level of education to affect the amount to which parents can support and become involved in students’ academic lives. Therefore, this study recommends future research focus on useful approaches that can aid institutions in providing supportive systems in working with families, where possible to assist undergraduate university students in achieving academic excellence, particularly those coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds.