Browsing by Author "Moodley, Rajeshree."

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The challenges confronting social workers in meeting the objectives of permanency planning at children's homes in the magisterial district of Durban.
(2006) Moodley, Rajeshree.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.
The main aim of this study was to understand the challenges of social workers in meeting the obligations of permanency planning when rendering services at Children's Homes in the Magisterial District of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Permanency planning is guided by policy and prescribed in practice but the challenges have not been studied. The descriptive study was qualitative (focus groups) with elements of a quantitative nature (checklist) that targeted the population. Respondents included participants from 15 children's homes, 5 Child and Family Welfare Societies and 2 State District Offices. The checklist of 25 items was completed by 12 principals of children's homes. Results confirmed that permanency planning was not practiced according to policy even though social workers had a good understanding of what was required of them. Children's homes, although recognized as temporary accommodation for children, were sometimes used as an option for permanency planning. Creative efforts towards permanency planning, despite their challenges of limited resources and institutional barriers were evident. However, programmes and activities towards promoting permanency planning needed in-depth evaluation. If used inappropriately, for example leave of absence and the host programme could increase insecurity, instability and unpredictability rather than promoting permanency planning. Recommendations were for social workers to make a significant difference by addressing their negative perceptions, values, attitudes and .beliefs towards parents, to apply solutions found in this study and to play an advocacy role especially with regard to policy and resources. It became apparent that unless the challenges of the social workers were addressed, they would not be able to meet the objectives of permanency planning, even though it is a statutory requirement. Although social workers hold the primary responsibility and accountability for permanency planning, in practice its implementation and effectiveness depended on the interconnection and co-operation of various systemic influences.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning oral health care among undergraduate students in the Life Sciences Department at the Central University of Technology, Free State.
(2020) Mbele-Kokela, Feziwe Flora.; Moodley, Rajeshree.
Background Problems with oral health can, in many ways, affect the quality of life. Bad oral health can prevent positive feelings from being expressed by students, influencing their social experiences and how they feel about themselves. Adults’ periodontal wellbeing influences their smiling habits and their quality of life linked to smiles. Bad periodontal health can also prevent positive feelings from being expressed by adults, which may, in turn, influence their self-concept and social interactions. Objectives The aim and objectives of this study were to determine the students’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral health care among undergraduate students in the Life Sciences Department at the Central University of Technology, Free State. Methods This descriptive study design used quantitative and qualitative methods conducted among undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Department of Life Sciences at the Central University of Technology (CUT). Data were collected using an online survey questionnaire. Data were summarised and aggregated using numerical formats, and the responses related to the KAP of students were numerically coded, which helped to interpret the results. The minimum proportional response rate that was required was (n=156), where purposive sampling was used calculated with 95% confidence level. Results A total of (n=220) participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 28.4% (n=62) were males and 70.2% (n=153) were females with 1.4% (n=3) classifying themselves as other (p<0.001). The questionnaire assessed oral health care knowledge, dental attitudes and oral health care practices (i.e. frequency of tooth brushing, use of dental floss and dental visits). Of the participants, it was noted that significantly more males smoked compared to the other two groupings. Out of (n=220) participants, 26.6% (n=58) smoked. Habits were also structured around the participant’s sugar intake. In this study, over 80%; (n=187) of the participants agreed that they loved sugar. More than 63% (n=138) participants confirmed brushing their teeth twice a day, and 31% (n=68) brushed once a day. The findings in this research further suggested that participants did not use oral hygiene strategies such as dental floss. Results suggested that more 56.4% (n=123) did not floss. The participants were asked ‘what is plaque?’ 41% (n=91) stated it was a layer of bacteria in the teeth while other participants 14%; (n=8) stated it was dirt on the teeth. A few of the participants, 37.9% (n=77), stated that they did not know what plaque was. Nearly 32% (n=72) of the participants did not understand how the state of one’s general health could affect their oral health. They indicated that they did not know the relationship between the two. In comparison, only 44.5% (n=98) had an idea. Conclusion It was found that oral health education was not covered in the disciplines researched in our study. We also found that variations in the source of dental information were correlated with oral health behaviour in university students. The study, therefore, concluded that oral health care knowledge, attitudes and practices are affected by education.
Youth transitioning and transitioned out of child and youth care centres: perspectives of youth, family, caregivers and service providers in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2020) Moodley, Rajeshree.; Raniga, Tanusha.; Sewpaul, Vishanthie.
This qualitative study, conducted in the eThekwini Metropolitan area, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), was designed primarily to understand the perceptions and experiences of youth transitioning and those who had transitioned out of Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) within two years. Thematic analysis of interviews with a purposive sample of youth as principal participants traced their views and experiences from entry into care until their exit, and their post-exit experiences. Family caregivers/significant others and service providers were included to obtain multiple perspectives on the planning and the preparation for the transition and aftercare support. Such data triangulation provided for a holistic understanding of structural impediments and facilitating factors of youth transitioning out of CYCCs. The study contributes to emerging care-leaving research in the national and international discourse on youth transitioning out of CYCCs. Empirical evidence reveals that youth are unprepared for transitioning out of CYCCs and that they experience poor outcomes. They are amongst the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society whose preparation for exit should, but rarely commences during entry into care. Although CYCCs facilitate dependency by their very structure and operation when youth transition out, mostly at 18 years, their childhood reaches a grinding, abrupt halt. Their immediate and spontaneous graduation into adulthood requires their fulfilment of “adult” roles, without a safety net, stripped of rights and entitlement that were afforded to them in care. Their challenges are compounded by expectations to return to an environment of chronic poverty, unemployment, poor education, discrimination, high rates of crime, violence and HIV and AIDs. Comparatively, their counterparts’ transitioning from their homes are supported and gradual, based on their readiness. The study proposes further research and recommends strengthening policies, legislation and resources for continuous services that improve the life chances of children and youth at CYCCs, aftercare services and the prevention of entry into CYCCs.