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Papers by Nokukhanya Thembane

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and pract... more Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding prostate cancer among male university students in South Africa. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men worldwide, and early detection is key to successful treatment. However, knowledge gaps and misconceptions regarding prostate cancer can hinder early detection and treatment. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design and collected data using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire covered the Risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and screening of prostate cancer. Results: The results of the study revealed that while 92.3% of the participants had heard of prostate cancer, only 69.6% had acceptable knowledge of the symptoms of the disease, and 84.6% believed that prostate cancer could be prevented. This suggests that while there is a general awareness of prostate cancer among male university students in South Africa, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the disease. Additionally, family history, alcohol consumption, and smoking were identified as major risk factors for prostate cancer. However, there was a screening knowledge gap among the respondents, as only 32.3% were aware of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, which is a common screening method for prostate cancer. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the need for increased education and awareness about prostate cancer among male university students in South Africa. The findings suggest that there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the disease, particularly regarding screening and family history. The study findings can be useful in developing targeted health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of prostate cancer among young men. Recommendation: The findings suggest that more attention should be given to educating young men on the symptoms, risk factors, and prevention of prostate cancer.

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in women. The ro... more Background: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in women. The role of religious beliefs in shaping beliefs and practices in people has been proven. This research examines the views and perceptions of women in religious settings, with a specific focus on women from the Nazareth Church in Umlazi, in KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa, regarding cervical cancer. The study aims to explore the role of religious groups in cervical cancer prevention and control. Methods: A qualitative survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of women from a Nazareth church in Umlazi, aged 18 years and above. The themes covered in the questionnaire included knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer, understanding of the disease, causes and risk factors, signs, and symptoms, curability, disease complications, participants' knowledge sources, awareness of screening, and screening history. Results: Findings revealed a significant knowledge gap among the surveyed women, with a substantial proportion reporting limited awareness of cervical cancer. Understanding of the disease, its causes, and risk factors was found to be incomplete, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions. Screening rates were low, indicating the importance of promoting cervical cancer screening and addressing barriers to screening uptake. Conclusion: Overall, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive educational campaigns, improved access to screening services, and targeted interventions to enhance knowledge, awareness, and uptake of cervical cancer prevention and screening measures among women. They also highlight the need for healthcare providers to collaborate with religious groups to develop targeted interventions and educational programs that align with religious beliefs and practices. Such efforts have the potential to enhance knowledge, awareness, and screening rates, and ultimately impact the burden of cervical cancer among women in South Africa, and potentially across the globe.

SOTL in the south, Dec 8, 2022

A journal dedicated to the scholarship of teaching and learning in the 'global South'

This study aimed to determine the frequency and antibiotic resistance patterns of various organis... more This study aimed to determine the frequency and antibiotic resistance patterns of various organisms isolated from paediatric samples in a South African hospital. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in healthcare, particularly in paediatric patients who are more vulnerable to infections. It was conducted in an attempt to address the lack of data on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms in South African paediatric patients. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on microbiological results of paediatric samples obtained between 2017 and 2018 at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Organisms were identified using standard microbiological techniques, and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and Vitek method. Results: Of the 165 organisms isolated, the most common were Acinetobacter baumannii (20.6%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.3%), and Enterobacter cloacae (10.9%). High rates of resistance were observed to commonly used antibiotics, including amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and augmentin. Candida albicans and Candida spp. showed high resistance rates to fluconazole. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of continued surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns in paediatric patients in South Africa. The high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms and limited treatment options emphasize the need for implementing antibiotic stewardship programs, strengthening infection control measures, and conducting ongoing surveillance. Additionally, investment in research and development, along with promoting education and awareness, is crucial for effectively managing antimicrobial resistance in this population. Recommendation: These recommendations will guide the selection of empiric therapy and aid in the development of antibiotic stewardship programs in South African hospitals.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the lipid profile of diabetic patients in KwaZulu-Nat... more Background: This study aimed to investigate the lipid profile of diabetic patients in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, a region with a high burden of diabetes. Dyslipidaemia is a common comorbidity in diabetes and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Methodology: A total of 160 serum sample data were analyzed from the laboratory information system, including 80 diabetic patients and 80 non-diabetic individuals as controls. Lipid profiles, fasting glucose, and glycosylated haemoglobin levels were measured and compared between the two groups. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and inferential statistics were used to compare means between groups. Results: The study found that diabetic patients in KZN had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and significantly lower levels of high-density lipo...

Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2023

Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development

Background: Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes) is a tree species found in Africa that has been us... more Background: Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes) is a tree species found in Africa that has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.Aim: This review aims to investigate the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of P. capensis Turcz (Loes) and its ethnomedicinal uses.Method: A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The keywords used were ‘Pleurostylia capensis’, ‘phytochemistry’, ‘pharmacology’, ‘toxicology’ and ‘ethnomedicine’. Studies were included if they reported on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicological evaluations and/or ethnomedicinal uses of Pleurostylia capensis.Results: A phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies have reported the plant’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and a potential agent for bone an...

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the South

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) remains an integral part of the Medical Laboratory Science and Med... more Work Integrated Learning (WIL) remains an integral part of the Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology curriculum. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a reconfiguration of operations and practices in institutions of higher education globally. The current, theoretically-based paper reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the instructional offering of Work Integrated Learning. A recount of the lessons of the transitional phase of our pedagogical approach from the traditional instructional method to strategic implementation of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in the (WIL) module is shared, including highlighting the overall long-term implications of remote instruction as an alternative to experiential learning within the Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology education.

SOTL in the south, Dec 8, 2022

A journal dedicated to the scholarship of teaching and learning in the 'global South'

Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2023

Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the South