sanette brits | North West University Potchefstroom (original) (raw)

Papers by sanette brits

Research paper thumbnail of Self-Directed Learning in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: Research on the affordances of online virtual excursions

NWU self-directed learning series, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Design thinking in developing a virtual work-integrated learning experience for health sciences students

NWU Self-Directed Learning Series

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between physical activity, body fatness and metabolic syndrome in urban South African school teachers: The sympathetic activity and ambulatory blood pressure in Africans study

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

Background: Globally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is rising because of increased le... more Background: Globally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is rising because of increased levels of physical inactivity and obesity. In South Africa, information about teachers’ physical activity (PA), body fatness and MS is limited.Aim: To assess the relationship between PA, body fatness and MS in urban South African teachers.Setting: The study setting was in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in the North West province of South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data drawn from the sympathetic activity and ambulatory blood pressure in Africans (SABPA) study of 216 teachers (aged 25–65 years). Variables included anthropometry, biochemical measurements, objectively measured PA and lifestyle behaviours.Results: Twenty-nine percent of the total participants were classified with MS, with 46% in men compared to 13% in women; 33% were sedentary and 67% participated in light activity. A weak significant negative relationship was found between the mean 7-day...

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Talk Between Large Artery Stiffness and Retinal Microvasculature in Children: The ExAMIN Youth SA Study

Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2021

Background: Cross-talk between the macro-and microvasculature is considered an important contribu... more Background: Cross-talk between the macro-and microvasculature is considered an important contributor to target organ damage. Previous findings were predominantly in adult populations and investigation into this mechanism in children may provide insight into the development of early adverse vascular changes. Whether any ethnic differences in cross-talk is evident, also remains to be determined.Objective: To determine whether retinal microvascular diameters are associated with large artery stiffness in young children and whether ethnic differences are evident.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 730 black (n = 437) and white (n = 293) school children aged 5-9 years were included. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured and the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) diameters were calculated from fundus images. The arterio-venous ratio (AVR) was subsequently calculated.Results: Pulse wave velocity was lower (p ≤ 0.001)...

Research paper thumbnail of The 10-YEAR Relationship Between Supar and Central Systolic Blood Pressure in an Hiv Infected Population

Journal of Hypertension, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Young Healthy Black Adults: The African Prospective Study on the Early Detection and Identification of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease (African-PREDICT Study)

Hypertension, 2021

This study presents a detailed profile of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), electr... more This study presents a detailed profile of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), electrolytes, volume loading, blood pressure (BP), and total peripheral resistance in healthy young Black and White adults. We also explored longitudinal associations between BP and RAAS. We included normotensive Black (N=543) and White (N=573) adults (20–30 years) and followed N=324 over ≈4.5 years. We measured clinic (central, brachial) and 24-hour BP, total peripheral resistance and left ventricular dimensions. We determined serum NT-proBNP (N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide), RAAS, and 24-hour urinary and serum Na + and K + . RAAS components, left ventricular internal diameter (diastole), end diastolic volume and NT-proBNP were lower ( P <0.001) in Black than White adults, despite similar clinic SBP. However, central systolic BP and total peripheral resistance were higher in Black adults ( P <0.001). Plasma renin activity and angiotensin II were comparable between Blac...

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated blood pressure positively associates with alpha-1 microglobulin in prepubescent children

Journal of Hypertension, 2021

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives and methods: Hypertension is a g... more Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives and methods: Hypertension is a growing health concern in childhood populations and individuals of African descent. As the kidneys play a significant role in blood pressure regulation, we compared alpha-1 microglobulin (A1M) as a marker of proximal tubular function between young healthy black and white children (n = 957; aged: 5–9 years) and explored its association with blood pressure. Results: The black children had higher levels of A1M (P < 0.001) and higher DBP (P < 0.001) when compared with their white counterparts. In multiple regression analysis, SBP (adj. R2 = 0.173, β = 0.151; P < 0.001) and DBP (adj. R2 = 0.110, β = 0.179; P < 0.001) associated positively with A1M in the black children. In binary logistic regression, each standard deviation increase in A1M increased the odds of having elevated blood pressure by 28% (P = 0.002) in the black group, independent of age, sex, BMI z-score and body height. No significance was reached in the white children. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of a marker of proximal tubular function, especially in children of black ethnicity, in the setting of elevated blood pressure. Early childhood screening for elevated blood pressure remains essential in order to promote primary prevention of hypertension and early onset kidney damage in children.

Research paper thumbnail of Scatterplot: BMI and Waist circumference vs average steps/day

Research paper thumbnail of ). The reduction in obesity risk (BMI and WC) is more pronounced at moderate levels of ambulation such that risk changes 29-31% from 5000- to 10 000 steps.day-1, 18-20% from 10 000- to 15 000 steps.day-1, and 13-14% from 15 000- to 20 000 steps.day-1

Research paper thumbnail of South African Prevalences for Physical Activity/Inactivity (WHS, 2002-2003; DDHSS, 2005-2007)

Research paper thumbnail of Additional graphs

Research paper thumbnail of Weight and health status of black female students

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 2000

To examine black female students for the occurrence of risk factors associated with chronic disea... more To examine black female students for the occurrence of risk factors associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle, namely obesity, hypertension, nicotine usage, dyslipidaemia and compromised mental health (depression). A cross-sectional analytical study design was used. All participants were examined within a period of 3 months during 1994. Weight, height, and hip and waist measurements were taken. Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) were calculated for each subject. Two systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were taken for each participant. Questionnaires were used to determine specific risk factors related to lifestyle. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure psychological well-being. Fasting blood samples were collected and analysed for serum lipids and iron status. The University of the North in the Northern Province of South Africa. A complete data set of sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Descriptive Epidemiology of Ambulatory Activity in Rural, Black South Africans

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2010

We investigated the distribution of objectively measured ambulation levels and the association of... more We investigated the distribution of objectively measured ambulation levels and the association of ambulation levels to adiposity levels in a convenience sample of adolescent and adult, rural black South Africans. We analyzed 7-d pedometry data, collected over a period of nine consecutive days, in 789 subjects (women, n = 516; men, n = 273). Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Obesity was defined as BMI &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 30 kg x m(-2) or WC &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 102 cm for men and WC &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 88 cm for women. The average age- and BMI-adjusted 7-d ambulation level was 12,471 steps per day (95% confidence interval (CI) = 12,107-12,834). Ambulation levels differed between sexes (P = 0.0012), and weekday ambulation differed from weekend ambulation (P = 0.0277). Prevalences, age adjusted to the world population, for sedentarism (SED; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5000 steps per day), low active-somewhat active (5000-9999 steps per day), and active-very active (ACT; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =10,000 steps per day) were 8.0%, 25.5%, and 66.6%, respectively. In contrast, published self-reported national prevalences for physical inactivity, insufficient physical activity, and physically active have been estimated to be 43%-49%, 20%-27%, and 25%-37%, respectively. After adjusting for sex and age, adiposity measures remained significantly associated with steps per day (BMI, r = -0.08; WC, r = -0.12; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.03). Adjusting for sex, age, village, and season, SED increased the risk of obesity by more than twofold compared with ACT (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). Achieving &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;10,000 steps per day compared with ACT was associated with an increased multivariate-adjusted obesity risk of 86%-89% (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Ambulation levels were high for this rural African sample, and prevalences for SED and ACT differed from published self-reported estimates.

Research paper thumbnail of The Use of Puppetry and Drama in the Biology Classroom

The American Biology Teacher, 2018

Teachers often wonder how best to teach the myriad of social and ethical issues that are encompas... more Teachers often wonder how best to teach the myriad of social and ethical issues that are encompassed in the biology curriculum. One can just think of issues such as genetic engineering, evolution (and the continuous evolution-creationism debate), research ethics (the haunting book The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks comes to mind), human population studies, health care and nutrition, sexuality and gender, drugs, environmental pollution, to name but a few. In this article we highlight the advantages of puppetry in the biology classroom, as an engaging pedagogy that could assist conceptual change in students. We explore the dual epistemological border-crossing that takes place in the classroom when puppetry is used: (a) the integration of societal and ethical issues within the biology curriculum, and (b) the infusion of art and drama within the natural sciences. We reflect on our own classroom action research on puppetry, and share our main findings. We also provide practical guideli...

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Tracking of Body Mass Index from Preschool Age into Adolescence in Rural South African Children: Ellisras Longitudinal Growth and Health Study

Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2009

The purpose of this observational prospective cohort study was to investigate the development and... more The purpose of this observational prospective cohort study was to investigate the development and tracking of body mass index (BMI) of Ellisras rural children from preschool age into late adolescence from the Ellisras Longitudinal Growth and Health Study. Heights and weights of children were measured according to the standard procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry twice a year from 1996 to 2003. In total, 2,225 children-550 preschool and 1,675 primary school-aged 3-10 years (birth cohorts 1993 to 1986) were enrolled at baseline in 1996 and followed through out the eight-year periodic surveys. In 2003, 1,771 children-489 preschool and 1,282 primary school-were still in the study. The prevalence of overweight was significantly higher among girls (range 1.6-15.5%) compared to boys (range 0.3-4.9%) from age 9.1 years to 14.9 years. The prevalence of thinness (severe, moderate, and mild) ranged from 7.1% to 53.7% for preschool children and from 8.0% to 47.6% for primary school children. Both preschool and primary school children showed a significant association between the first measurements of BMI and the subsequent measurement which ranged from B=0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.4) to B=0.8 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) for preschool and B=0.2 (95% CI 0.1-0.3) to B=0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8) for primary children. A significant tracking of BMI during 4-12 years of life was more consistent for preschool children (B=0.6 (95% CI 0.6-0.7) and for primary school children (B=0.6 (95%CI 0.5-0.6). Investigation of nutritional intake and physical activity patterns will shed light on how healthy these children are and their lifestyle.

Research paper thumbnail of Somatotype and blood pressure of rural South African children aged 6–13 years: Ellisras longitudinal growth and health study

Annals of Human Biology, 2007

Physique has been useful in assessing the outcome of underlying growth and maturity processes, wh... more Physique has been useful in assessing the outcome of underlying growth and maturity processes, which leads to a better understanding of variation in child and adult health. However, a high endomorphy rating has been associated with hypertension in adults, posing a serious threat to their health status, while receiving little attention in children. The study examined the association between somatotypes, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) in 6-13-year-old rural children, in Ellisras, South Africa. A total of 1902 subjects (980 boys and 922 girls) aged 6-13 years were studied as part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. Height, weight, four skinfold sites, two breadths, and two girths were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The Heath-Carter method of somatotyping was used, together with internationally recommended cut-off points for BMI in children. Hypertension, defined as the average of three separate BP readings, where the systolic or diastolic BP is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex, was determined. The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 1 to 5.8% in boys and 3.4-11.4% in girls. The prevalence of overweight ranges from 1.1 to 2.9% in boys and 0.6-4.6% in girls. Systolic BP and BMI showed a significant positive correlation at age 6 years (r = 0.436) and 10-13 years (r = 0.180-0.246 in boys and r = 0.221-0.271 in girls). Diastolic BP showed an insignificant correlation with the BMI and somatotype components in boys and girls. A significant association exists between BP and BMI, and ectomorphy components even after being adjusted for age, gender and height. The need to manage hypertensive individuals is evident in this sample to combat this chronic disease from an early age. Follow-up studies should investigate the relationship between BP and the dietary intake of these children.

Research paper thumbnail of Through the Eyes of a Puppet: A Pedagogy of Play for the Incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge in the Life- and Natural Sciences Curriculum

In recent years there have been many scholars advocating for the inclusion of indigenous knowledg... more In recent years there have been many scholars advocating for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in the Life Sciences curriculum and classroom. In order to successfully convey indigenous knowledge information to both learners and teachers, unique and novel science communication approaches need to be considered and developed. Nowadays there is a strong movement that we should talk of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and not just of STEM. Storytelling is part of the oral tradition of indigenous knowledge holders. Therefore storytelling would also be a very appropriate medium to use to incorporate indigenous knowledge in the Life Sciences and Natural Sciences classroom. In this paper we report on how we have used puppets and storytelling to teach learners, student-teachers and teachers attending in-service teacher professional development programmes about the tenets of indigenous knowledge. In the puppetry storyline the puppets engage, for instance, with...

Research paper thumbnail of Self-Directed Learning in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: Research on the affordances of online virtual excursions

NWU self-directed learning series, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Design thinking in developing a virtual work-integrated learning experience for health sciences students

NWU Self-Directed Learning Series

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between physical activity, body fatness and metabolic syndrome in urban South African school teachers: The sympathetic activity and ambulatory blood pressure in Africans study

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

Background: Globally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is rising because of increased le... more Background: Globally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is rising because of increased levels of physical inactivity and obesity. In South Africa, information about teachers’ physical activity (PA), body fatness and MS is limited.Aim: To assess the relationship between PA, body fatness and MS in urban South African teachers.Setting: The study setting was in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in the North West province of South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data drawn from the sympathetic activity and ambulatory blood pressure in Africans (SABPA) study of 216 teachers (aged 25–65 years). Variables included anthropometry, biochemical measurements, objectively measured PA and lifestyle behaviours.Results: Twenty-nine percent of the total participants were classified with MS, with 46% in men compared to 13% in women; 33% were sedentary and 67% participated in light activity. A weak significant negative relationship was found between the mean 7-day...

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Talk Between Large Artery Stiffness and Retinal Microvasculature in Children: The ExAMIN Youth SA Study

Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2021

Background: Cross-talk between the macro-and microvasculature is considered an important contribu... more Background: Cross-talk between the macro-and microvasculature is considered an important contributor to target organ damage. Previous findings were predominantly in adult populations and investigation into this mechanism in children may provide insight into the development of early adverse vascular changes. Whether any ethnic differences in cross-talk is evident, also remains to be determined.Objective: To determine whether retinal microvascular diameters are associated with large artery stiffness in young children and whether ethnic differences are evident.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 730 black (n = 437) and white (n = 293) school children aged 5-9 years were included. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured and the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) diameters were calculated from fundus images. The arterio-venous ratio (AVR) was subsequently calculated.Results: Pulse wave velocity was lower (p ≤ 0.001)...

Research paper thumbnail of The 10-YEAR Relationship Between Supar and Central Systolic Blood Pressure in an Hiv Infected Population

Journal of Hypertension, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Characterization of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Young Healthy Black Adults: The African Prospective Study on the Early Detection and Identification of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease (African-PREDICT Study)

Hypertension, 2021

This study presents a detailed profile of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), electr... more This study presents a detailed profile of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), electrolytes, volume loading, blood pressure (BP), and total peripheral resistance in healthy young Black and White adults. We also explored longitudinal associations between BP and RAAS. We included normotensive Black (N=543) and White (N=573) adults (20–30 years) and followed N=324 over ≈4.5 years. We measured clinic (central, brachial) and 24-hour BP, total peripheral resistance and left ventricular dimensions. We determined serum NT-proBNP (N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide), RAAS, and 24-hour urinary and serum Na + and K + . RAAS components, left ventricular internal diameter (diastole), end diastolic volume and NT-proBNP were lower ( P <0.001) in Black than White adults, despite similar clinic SBP. However, central systolic BP and total peripheral resistance were higher in Black adults ( P <0.001). Plasma renin activity and angiotensin II were comparable between Blac...

Research paper thumbnail of Elevated blood pressure positively associates with alpha-1 microglobulin in prepubescent children

Journal of Hypertension, 2021

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives and methods: Hypertension is a g... more Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives and methods: Hypertension is a growing health concern in childhood populations and individuals of African descent. As the kidneys play a significant role in blood pressure regulation, we compared alpha-1 microglobulin (A1M) as a marker of proximal tubular function between young healthy black and white children (n = 957; aged: 5–9 years) and explored its association with blood pressure. Results: The black children had higher levels of A1M (P < 0.001) and higher DBP (P < 0.001) when compared with their white counterparts. In multiple regression analysis, SBP (adj. R2 = 0.173, β = 0.151; P < 0.001) and DBP (adj. R2 = 0.110, β = 0.179; P < 0.001) associated positively with A1M in the black children. In binary logistic regression, each standard deviation increase in A1M increased the odds of having elevated blood pressure by 28% (P = 0.002) in the black group, independent of age, sex, BMI z-score and body height. No significance was reached in the white children. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of a marker of proximal tubular function, especially in children of black ethnicity, in the setting of elevated blood pressure. Early childhood screening for elevated blood pressure remains essential in order to promote primary prevention of hypertension and early onset kidney damage in children.

Research paper thumbnail of Scatterplot: BMI and Waist circumference vs average steps/day

Research paper thumbnail of ). The reduction in obesity risk (BMI and WC) is more pronounced at moderate levels of ambulation such that risk changes 29-31% from 5000- to 10 000 steps.day-1, 18-20% from 10 000- to 15 000 steps.day-1, and 13-14% from 15 000- to 20 000 steps.day-1

Research paper thumbnail of South African Prevalences for Physical Activity/Inactivity (WHS, 2002-2003; DDHSS, 2005-2007)

Research paper thumbnail of Additional graphs

Research paper thumbnail of Weight and health status of black female students

South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde, 2000

To examine black female students for the occurrence of risk factors associated with chronic disea... more To examine black female students for the occurrence of risk factors associated with chronic diseases of lifestyle, namely obesity, hypertension, nicotine usage, dyslipidaemia and compromised mental health (depression). A cross-sectional analytical study design was used. All participants were examined within a period of 3 months during 1994. Weight, height, and hip and waist measurements were taken. Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC) were calculated for each subject. Two systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were taken for each participant. Questionnaires were used to determine specific risk factors related to lifestyle. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to measure psychological well-being. Fasting blood samples were collected and analysed for serum lipids and iron status. The University of the North in the Northern Province of South Africa. A complete data set of sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Descriptive Epidemiology of Ambulatory Activity in Rural, Black South Africans

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2010

We investigated the distribution of objectively measured ambulation levels and the association of... more We investigated the distribution of objectively measured ambulation levels and the association of ambulation levels to adiposity levels in a convenience sample of adolescent and adult, rural black South Africans. We analyzed 7-d pedometry data, collected over a period of nine consecutive days, in 789 subjects (women, n = 516; men, n = 273). Adiposity measures included body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Obesity was defined as BMI &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 30 kg x m(-2) or WC &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 102 cm for men and WC &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 88 cm for women. The average age- and BMI-adjusted 7-d ambulation level was 12,471 steps per day (95% confidence interval (CI) = 12,107-12,834). Ambulation levels differed between sexes (P = 0.0012), and weekday ambulation differed from weekend ambulation (P = 0.0277). Prevalences, age adjusted to the world population, for sedentarism (SED; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5000 steps per day), low active-somewhat active (5000-9999 steps per day), and active-very active (ACT; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =10,000 steps per day) were 8.0%, 25.5%, and 66.6%, respectively. In contrast, published self-reported national prevalences for physical inactivity, insufficient physical activity, and physically active have been estimated to be 43%-49%, 20%-27%, and 25%-37%, respectively. After adjusting for sex and age, adiposity measures remained significantly associated with steps per day (BMI, r = -0.08; WC, r = -0.12; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.03). Adjusting for sex, age, village, and season, SED increased the risk of obesity by more than twofold compared with ACT (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). Achieving &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;10,000 steps per day compared with ACT was associated with an increased multivariate-adjusted obesity risk of 86%-89% (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Ambulation levels were high for this rural African sample, and prevalences for SED and ACT differed from published self-reported estimates.

Research paper thumbnail of The Use of Puppetry and Drama in the Biology Classroom

The American Biology Teacher, 2018

Teachers often wonder how best to teach the myriad of social and ethical issues that are encompas... more Teachers often wonder how best to teach the myriad of social and ethical issues that are encompassed in the biology curriculum. One can just think of issues such as genetic engineering, evolution (and the continuous evolution-creationism debate), research ethics (the haunting book The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks comes to mind), human population studies, health care and nutrition, sexuality and gender, drugs, environmental pollution, to name but a few. In this article we highlight the advantages of puppetry in the biology classroom, as an engaging pedagogy that could assist conceptual change in students. We explore the dual epistemological border-crossing that takes place in the classroom when puppetry is used: (a) the integration of societal and ethical issues within the biology curriculum, and (b) the infusion of art and drama within the natural sciences. We reflect on our own classroom action research on puppetry, and share our main findings. We also provide practical guideli...

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Tracking of Body Mass Index from Preschool Age into Adolescence in Rural South African Children: Ellisras Longitudinal Growth and Health Study

Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2009

The purpose of this observational prospective cohort study was to investigate the development and... more The purpose of this observational prospective cohort study was to investigate the development and tracking of body mass index (BMI) of Ellisras rural children from preschool age into late adolescence from the Ellisras Longitudinal Growth and Health Study. Heights and weights of children were measured according to the standard procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry twice a year from 1996 to 2003. In total, 2,225 children-550 preschool and 1,675 primary school-aged 3-10 years (birth cohorts 1993 to 1986) were enrolled at baseline in 1996 and followed through out the eight-year periodic surveys. In 2003, 1,771 children-489 preschool and 1,282 primary school-were still in the study. The prevalence of overweight was significantly higher among girls (range 1.6-15.5%) compared to boys (range 0.3-4.9%) from age 9.1 years to 14.9 years. The prevalence of thinness (severe, moderate, and mild) ranged from 7.1% to 53.7% for preschool children and from 8.0% to 47.6% for primary school children. Both preschool and primary school children showed a significant association between the first measurements of BMI and the subsequent measurement which ranged from B=0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.4) to B=0.8 (95% CI 0.6-0.9) for preschool and B=0.2 (95% CI 0.1-0.3) to B=0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8) for primary children. A significant tracking of BMI during 4-12 years of life was more consistent for preschool children (B=0.6 (95% CI 0.6-0.7) and for primary school children (B=0.6 (95%CI 0.5-0.6). Investigation of nutritional intake and physical activity patterns will shed light on how healthy these children are and their lifestyle.

Research paper thumbnail of Somatotype and blood pressure of rural South African children aged 6–13 years: Ellisras longitudinal growth and health study

Annals of Human Biology, 2007

Physique has been useful in assessing the outcome of underlying growth and maturity processes, wh... more Physique has been useful in assessing the outcome of underlying growth and maturity processes, which leads to a better understanding of variation in child and adult health. However, a high endomorphy rating has been associated with hypertension in adults, posing a serious threat to their health status, while receiving little attention in children. The study examined the association between somatotypes, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) in 6-13-year-old rural children, in Ellisras, South Africa. A total of 1902 subjects (980 boys and 922 girls) aged 6-13 years were studied as part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. Height, weight, four skinfold sites, two breadths, and two girths were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The Heath-Carter method of somatotyping was used, together with internationally recommended cut-off points for BMI in children. Hypertension, defined as the average of three separate BP readings, where the systolic or diastolic BP is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex, was determined. The prevalence of hypertension ranges from 1 to 5.8% in boys and 3.4-11.4% in girls. The prevalence of overweight ranges from 1.1 to 2.9% in boys and 0.6-4.6% in girls. Systolic BP and BMI showed a significant positive correlation at age 6 years (r = 0.436) and 10-13 years (r = 0.180-0.246 in boys and r = 0.221-0.271 in girls). Diastolic BP showed an insignificant correlation with the BMI and somatotype components in boys and girls. A significant association exists between BP and BMI, and ectomorphy components even after being adjusted for age, gender and height. The need to manage hypertensive individuals is evident in this sample to combat this chronic disease from an early age. Follow-up studies should investigate the relationship between BP and the dietary intake of these children.

Research paper thumbnail of Through the Eyes of a Puppet: A Pedagogy of Play for the Incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge in the Life- and Natural Sciences Curriculum

In recent years there have been many scholars advocating for the inclusion of indigenous knowledg... more In recent years there have been many scholars advocating for the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in the Life Sciences curriculum and classroom. In order to successfully convey indigenous knowledge information to both learners and teachers, unique and novel science communication approaches need to be considered and developed. Nowadays there is a strong movement that we should talk of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and not just of STEM. Storytelling is part of the oral tradition of indigenous knowledge holders. Therefore storytelling would also be a very appropriate medium to use to incorporate indigenous knowledge in the Life Sciences and Natural Sciences classroom. In this paper we report on how we have used puppets and storytelling to teach learners, student-teachers and teachers attending in-service teacher professional development programmes about the tenets of indigenous knowledge. In the puppetry storyline the puppets engage, for instance, with...