Health Sciences

Lessons from Covid-19 can help strengthen maternal healthcare

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 07:51:29 +0000

Lessons from Covid-19 can help strengthen maternal healthcare BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 12/06/2024 - 09:51

By Tiyiselani Miyambu

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted maternal healthcare in rural communities, exposing vulnerabilities and resilience in equal measure. A master’s study by Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi, a PhD student in social sciences with sociology from the North-West University (NWU), focuses on women’s experiences in Mmabatho during this challenging period. Her findings highlight key lessons for strengthening healthcare systems in the future.

“Access to maternal healthcare has always been a challenge for women in rural areas, but the pandemic amplified these difficulties,” Makgake explains. “Lockdowns, curfews and resource shortages left many women anxious and unsure whether they would receive timely care.”

The study revealed several negative outcomes, including delays in care, limited contact with healthcare providers and an increase in complications during pregnancy and childbirth. “The diversion of resources to handle Covid-19 meant maternal health services were not prioritised, which had real consequences for expectant mothers,” Makgake says.

Intimate partner violence added to women’s stress

Another concerning finding was the dual impact of pandemic restrictions on family dynamics. “On the one hand, women appreciated spending more time with their families,” she notes. “But on the other, we saw an alarming rise in intimate partner violence, which added another layer of stress for many women.”

In response to these challenges, her study offers several recommendations. “We need to rethink how we deliver maternal healthcare during crises,” she says. “Mobile health services, telemedicine and better funding for maternal care can ensure continuity and improve outcomes even in emergencies.”

Makgake’s research also highlights the need for preventative measures. “Adequate supplies of personal protective equipment and infection prevention strategies are essential,” she emphasises. “These basics can make a world of difference for both healthcare providers and the women they serve.”

This study sheds light on the critical need to strengthen healthcare systems to withstand future disruptions. As Makgake concludes, “The lessons from this pandemic must guide us in creating a more resilient and inclusive healthcare framework that prioritises women’s needs, no matter the circumstances.”

Her findings serve as a call to action, urging policymakers to invest in maternal healthcare systems that can weather crises and safeguard the well-being of women and their families.

Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:17:07 +0000

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 12/05/2024 - 09:17

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions. The collective is focused on promoting universal health coverage by ensuring excellent and sustainable patient-centred pharmaceutical services by developing, enhancing and upholding acceptable norms and standards in all spheres of pharmacy. As part of the SAPC’s well-defined quality management system, moderations ensure that the assessments conducted by registered assessors are credible, valid, fair, reliable and practical. This management system further ensures that assessments are conducted in a consistent, accurate and well-designed manner – strengthening the credibility of student achievements.

Prof Steenekamp, current director of the School of Pharmacy at the North-West University (NWU), received the “Best Moderator” award for the pharmacist intern pre-registration examination. Prof Petzer, who has been a faculty member at the NWU School of Pharmacy since 2004, walked away with the “Best Examiner” award for the professional examination (foreign candidates).

The recognition of Prof Steenekamp and Prof Petzer at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla highlights not only their personal achievements but also the ongoing commitment to excellence at the NWU School of Pharmacy. Their awards reflect the high standards of teaching, assessment and moderation that the institution upholds, ensuring the continuous development of skilled professionals in the field of pharmacy. Such accolades also reinforce the essential role of moderators and examiners in maintaining the integrity and quality of education, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare services in South Africa. With leaders like Prof Steenekamp and Prof Petzer, the NWU School of Pharmacy continues to set the standard for excellence in pharmacy education and practice.

Prof Steenekamp holds BPharm, BSc Hons (Pharmacology), MSc (Pharmaceutics), and PhD (Pharmaceutics) degrees and stepped into the role of director at the School of Pharmacy in January 2024. His special research interest focuses on the formulation of solid oral dosage forms, particle size analysis of raw materials and liquid dosage forms, and on physicochemical principles applicable to dosage form development, especially oral solid dosage forms.

In the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof Petzer teaches drug design and structure elucidation courses. He also has an extramurally funded research programme in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, with a focus on drug discovery. His research interest has been the design and discovery of novel small molecule drugs, specifically for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In this respect, Prof Petzer has established a research group dedicated to the design, synthesis and evaluation of small molecule therapeutics.

Prof Steenekamp received the “Best Moderator” award.

Prof Petzer received the “Best Examiner” award.

World Prematurity Day: Raising awareness about preterm birth

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 04:46:59 +0000

World Prematurity Day: Raising awareness about preterm birth BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 12/04/2024 - 06:46

World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November, is a global awareness day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of preterm birth and the impact it has on families and communities worldwide.

Every year, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation), making preterm birth a leading cause of death in children under five years old. World Prematurity Day aims to highlight the urgent need for action to reduce preterm birth rates and improve care for preterm infants.

The global impact of preterm birth

Preterm birth affects 1 in 10 babies born worldwide, with varying rates across countries. In some regions, the rate of preterm birth is significantly higher due to factors like limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition and high levels of stress. In South Africa, for example, the preterm birth rate is 12,4%. Although survival rates for preterm infants have greatly improved over the past few decades due to advances in medical care, the long-term developmental outcomes for preterm babies often remain a concern.

Preterm birth can be caused by various factors, including maternal health conditions such as pre-eclampsia, infections and multiple pregnancies, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking, malnutrition and stress. In many cases, the cause remains unknown. While medical advances have reduced the mortality rate for preterm babies, they still face significant challenges. Premature infants often require specialised care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to support their development, as their organs – especially the brain and lungs – are not fully developed.

The importance of awareness and advocacy

World Prematurity Day serves as a platform for raising awareness about the causes and consequences of preterm birth, as well as the need for improved healthcare for both mothers and babies. One key goal of the day is to promote better access to quality antenatal care, which can help identify and manage high-risk pregnancies. Public health initiatives also emphasise the importance of lifestyle changes, such as proper nutrition, stress management and avoiding smoking or drug use – all of which can reduce the risk of preterm birth.

In addition, World Prematurity Day advocates better care and support for families with preterm infants. The focus on neonatal care practices like neurodevelopmental supportive care (NDSC) – which reduces stress and promotes development in NICUs – is a critical part of improving outcomes for preterm babies. NDSC emphasises family-centred care, supporting the bond between parents and infants, and adjusting care to meet the individual developmental needs of premature babies.

The role of communities and governments

While much progress has been made, much work remains to be done. On World Prematurity Day, various organisations, healthcare providers and individuals come together to share information, host events and advocate policy changes that can reduce preterm birth rates. Governments, healthcare systems and communities are urged to invest in research, support for mothers and babies and strategies to improve the overall health of pregnant women.

World Prematurity Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of early intervention, medical care and community support in reducing the impact of preterm birth. By raising awareness and fostering a global conversation, this day helps ensure that preterm infants receive the care and attention they need to survive and thrive.

How the NWU contributes

Prof Welma Lubbe, director of the NuMIQ Research Focus Area, is a leading expert on NDSC. Her work spans across South African NICUs and abroad, with involvement in various international organisations working in this field. Prof Lubbe developed the INDeSC project as part of her PhD in Nursing Science. This project aims to implement neurodevelopmental supportive care (INDeSC) in all NICUs across South Africa, and has already successfully started implementation projects in various public and private hospitals. One private hospital group, led by a very dedicated PhD student, has integrated the INDeSC assessment tool into their audit processes. In the public sector, prof Lubbe collaborates locally with both the Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp-Tshepong hospital complexes with the INDeSC study and the PremmieSense parenting education study, which is nearing completion. The next large project is the roll-out in the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), which has large neonatal wards with up to 200 babies who need care at any given time. The CHBAH multi-professional team is a very motivated and creative team, ready to take on the journey to become the flagship hospital for developmental care in Gauteng and wider.

Prof Lubbe is frequently invited as guest speaker to World Prematurity Day events and this year (2024) she had the opportunity to share her knowledge with staff and mothers at the Nelspruit Mediclinic as part of a World Prematurity Day event arranged by the V&A Placement agency. She also collaborates with LIFE St George’s Hospital in Gqeberha and this year presented a talk on “The language of preterm infants” to almost 100 healthcare professionals in the Eastern Cape. Prof Lubbe aims to empower healthcare professionals and parents to improve care and short- and long-term outcomes for preterm infants fighting bravely at the start of their little lives. Prof Lubbe is also the founder and owner of Little Steps, which aims to advocate for preterm infants and ensure the knowledge is shared and parents and healthcare teams are empowered to ensure the best outcome for all.

The PremmieSense research team donates nappies for premature babies to the Potchefstroom hospital NICU.

Presenters at the LIFE St George's Hospital. From left to right are Prof Lizelle van Wyk, Dr Gerg Boden, Samantha Schoncknecht, Sr Anel Beale, Dr Nkululeko Majola and Prof Welma Lubbe.

North-West University expertise puts rural women’s mental health in the spotlight

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:55:30 +0000

North-West University expertise puts rural women’s mental health in the spotlight

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 12/03/2024 - 09:55

They are too often forgotten and relegated to an afterthought – their plight unheard, their future uncertain. They are the women in South Africa’s low- and middle-income communities who suffer from perinatal mental health issues, and the North-West University (NWU) is putting their needs in the spotlight.

Perinatal mental health issues are emotional or mental struggles that mothers may face during pregnancy or after childbirth, such as depression, anxiety or stress. These challenges can affect the mother’s well-being, the baby’s development and the family’s stability. Addressing these issues is vital to ensure healthier moms, stronger babies and supportive families.

Dr Patience Kovane from the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the NWU has made it her mission to promote the mental health of these often-overlooked women.

“Many women are unaware that they have a mental illness because people usually brush it off as perinatal blues. It is important to recognise and assess mental health illness in the perinatal period at an early stage,” she explains.

“I focus on perinatal mental health, which is the mental health of women from the onset of pregnancy until one year post birth. My aim is to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to the body of knowledge that advances evidence-based practices that will further help to address perinatal mental health issues. This will positively contribute to happy mothers and healthy infants in these communities.”

According to her, research indicates that one in five women experiences mental health illness during the perinatal period. In South Africa, perinatal mental health issues like depression and anxiety affect many women due to social, economic and cultural challenges. Poverty, limited healthcare access and stigma worsen the problem, impacting mothers, babies, and families. Addressing these issues is crucial to improve maternal well-being and child development across communities.

“Globally, perinatal women face significant psychological challenges, often exacerbated by disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic factors and cultural influences. In low- and middle-income countries, these challenges are particularly severe, especially following pregnancy loss, where support systems are often lacking,” she says.

“I am proposing a PhD study to develop and validate psycho-educational guidelines aimed at supporting perinatal women who experience pregnancy loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death) in the North West region. Many women in this situation receive little to no support from the healthcare system.”

In addition, this project seeks to raise awareness among midwives, enabling them to assess, prevent, and recognise mental health issues during the perinatal period at an early stage. Through capacity-building workshops, the project aims to educate both midwives and perinatal women on mental wellness.

“This initiative has the potential to strengthen health systems by equipping healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills to integrate perinatal mental healthcare into routine antenatal visits. Ultimately, the project seeks to improve the quality of care and support for women during this critical period,” she concludes.

No longer forgotten, no longer an afterthought.

Dr Patience Kovane

Nursing’s undergraduate research day: showcasing future healthcare scientists

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:01:05 +0000

Nursing’s undergraduate research day: showcasing future healthcare scientists

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 12/02/2024 - 11:01

The 2024 final-year Nursing students at the North-West University (NWU) recently took the spotlight as they displayed their research projects during the undergraduate research day, which took place on the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses on separate days.

This annual event was collaboratively led by Francois Watson, senior lecturer at the School of Nursing, and Dr Sabelile Tenza, researcher in quality and safety in healthcare in the NuMIQ research entity, on the Potchefstroom Campus. Neo Nare, lecturer, and Issac Mokgaola, senior lecturer – both from the School of Nursing – steered the event on the Mahikeng Campus.

The main objective was to ignite young researchers' interest and motivate them to communicate their research concepts. Presenting their projects allowed students to experience the full journey of research – from that initial spark of curiosity to a fully-fledged health-science research proposal – while adhering to the expected scientific and ethical standards.

Dr Tenza confirms that the undergraduate research module is designed to lay a foundation for knowledge and practice, as well as instil an everlasting passion for research. She said the module also serves as a critical source in the building of future scientists. “We were so proud to observe the level of in-depth understanding of research principles and enthusiasm on both campuses.”

Nare aptly stated: “The goal of education should be to liberate us and therefore open an avenue of scholars who strive to pursue the truth about our world, wherever that might lead us. The latter is only feasible when we are awarded the tools to pursue that truth, in other words, research methods, logic reasoning, and the frameworks for asking questions of all kinds about people and our world at large. Even more so as the knowledge base of our society is constantly changing.”

Further, the students did not just focus on health-related issues but boldly explored topics impacting student life, broader society and political matters such as the implications of National Health Insurance (NHI). The scope of topics presented highlighted the students’ abilities to pinpoint health-system challenges and develop research-based solutions. It exposed a promising future for nursing, with students stepping confidently into their professional roles.

“We observed budding clinical educators making presentations on high-fidelity simulation and related clinical learning environments, including well-delineated issues surrounding mental health, access to quality healthcare, and enhancing healthcare experiences in palliative care,” Dr Tenza said.

Watson reflected: “The engagement among student researchers was inspiring! Reflecting on their growth, many acknowledged the skills they have gained through this module – critical thinking, teamwork, navigating professional disagreements, academic writing and presentation skills to name a few. The continuous support and collaboration within the teaching team across both campuses was nothing short of incredible, making this learning experience both impactful and enjoyable. We are immensely proud of these future scientists emerging from our undergraduate nursing programme – our health is in the capable hands of these critical thinkers!”

Both campuses of the NWU echoed the sentiment that the quality and breadth of the research proposals presented were impressive. The degree of critical thinking demonstrated by the students’ confidence in answering questions about their research projects, the scientific soundness, and ethical considerations of their proposals were acknowledged by external guests.

Despite the logistical challenges of hosting the event on two different days, the experience was nothing short of amazing for both campuses.

Let us acknowledge our students’ accomplishments and look forward to the beneficial change they will bring to the healthcare industry.

Final-year Nursing students on the Mahikeng Campus

Final year Nursing Students on the Potchefstroom Campus

Animal health students present entrepreneurial solutions for agriculture

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:20:21 +0000

Animal health students present entrepreneurial solutions for agriculture BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 12/02/2024 - 08:20

By Gofaone Motsamai

Instead of focusing on formal employment when they graduate, final-year animal health science students at the North-West University (NWU) are tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit to explore ways to generate an income.

As part of a specialised entrepreneurship module, students from the School of Agricultural Sciences showcased their innovative business proposals at a pitching session on 15 November.

The session marked a significant step in bridging theoretical learning and practical application. It attracted representatives from the National Youth Development Agency, Nedbank, the Small Enterprise Development Agency, the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation, and local entrepreneurs.

These stakeholders evaluated the students’ pitches and explored potential funding opportunities for their ventures.

Four minutes to pitch

Each student group had four minutes to present their proposals, covering essential aspects such as situational analysis, financial viability and market potential. This format tested their ability to communicate complex ideas concisely, demonstrating the NWU’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship as a sustainable career path in the agricultural sector.

Nthabiseng Kgobokoe, a lecturer who facilitates the Entrepreneurship module, outlined its purpose. “The intention of this module is to provide students with skills that will enable them to generate an income. It’s about shifting from a mindset of needing employment to considering the opportunities available in agriculture.”

She explained that the module was not limited to animal health and encouraged students to explore various agricultural fields, including feed production, egg packaging and making fishnets. These projects highlighted the sector’s vast potential for innovation.

Navigating real-world challenges

Nthabiseng also described the real-world challenges students encountered, such as navigating the business registration process with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and understanding tax compliance through the South African Revenue Service.

“They learned that what’s on paper and what happens in practice can be very different. These students are now entrepreneurs and business owners, aligning their enterprises with institutions that can take them to the next step,” she added.

As part of their coursework, students were tasked with raising R3 000 per entity, which covered branding, finance and the development of business plans. Their projects ranged from producing agricultural equipment to value-added packaging of farm produce.

Nthabiseng highlighted the critical role of partnerships with organisations such as the NYDA and Nedbank in supporting student entrepreneurs. “Our role is to create a conducive environment for start-ups. We then involve stakeholders who can assist with marketing these enterprises and aligning them with financial support. By next year, we hope to have the infrastructure to incubate these businesses, ensuring their progression and growth.”

A group of final-year animal health science students pitch their proposal.

Academic honoured with Nurse Researcher Award

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:11:11 +0000

Academic honoured with Nurse Researcher Award

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 11/29/2024 - 09:11

Prof Leepile Sehularo, a professor of Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing at the North-West University (NWU), has received the Nurse Researcher Award at the South African Nursing Council (SANC) Nursing Excellence Awards. The ceremony took place at The Capital Menlyn Maine in Pretoria on 8 November 2024.

This award celebrates significant contributions to nursing research and forms part of the SANC’s 80th anniversary.

Prof Sehularo, who serves as the director of the Lifestyle Diseases research focus area at the Mahikeng Campus of the NWU, has made an impact in the academic field. He has supervised eight PhD and 20 master’s-degree students at the NWU and the Shifa-Tameer-e-Millat University in Pakistan.

His academic achievements include delivering research presentations at national and international conferences and publishing over 70 articles in accredited journals, along with two book chapters. His research focuses on mental health nursing and lifestyle medicine.

Reflecting on the recognition, Prof Sehularo expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment. “It is an honour and privilege to be recognised among colleagues, peers and mentors in the nursing profession,” he said. “This award means I am moving in the right direction and emboldens me to continue with nursing research.”

His work in nursing research is aimed at advancing knowledge and practices in mental health and lifestyle diseases. Through his research and mentorship, he contributes to shaping the future of nursing in South Africa and beyond.

The Nurse Researcher Award underscores the importance of research in addressing challenges in healthcare.

Prof Leepile Sehularo received the Nurse Researcher Award at the South African Nursing Council Nursing Excellence Awards.

NWU’s population and health expertise is guiding South Africa to a more equitable future

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:06:32 +0000

NWU’s population and health expertise is guiding South Africa to a more equitable future

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 11/11/2024 - 09:06

In South Africa, a country still shadowed by the legacies of the past and grappling with complex social and economic challenges, the Population and Health Research Entity at the North-West University (NWU) offers a striking vision of hope. Nestled within the Faculty of Humanities on the Mahikeng Campus, this research entity has grown into a research powerhouse since it was founded in 2007. Led by Professor Martin Palamuleni, an NRF-rated researcher, the entity brings together both budding and veteran researchers with a singular mission: to illuminate and address the shifting dynamics of South Africa’s population, health and social structures.

The challenges confronting South Africa are monumental. Economic inequality remains pervasive, demographic shifts are happening at a staggering rate, and a range of public health crises –exacerbated by high rates of HIV, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases – threaten to destabilise vulnerable communities. Against this backdrop, the work of the NWU’s Population and Health Research Entity could not be more timely. With a focus that spans everything from sexual and reproductive health to gender studies and community development, the research conducted here delves into the profound socio-economic and cultural issues impacting South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. And, crucially, it does not stop at research.

The entity aims to train a new generation of social scientists – population experts, psychologists, social workers and sociologists – who will continue to address the country’s most pressing issues through evidence-based solutions.

The research undertaken at the Population and Health Research Entity is diverse yet unified in its purpose. Through its sexual and reproductive health programme, researchers seek innovative methods to strengthen the effectiveness of public-health interventions, aiming to turn the tide against epidemics that have long plagued the region.

Meanwhile, the gender studies programme confronts the persistent social inequities that divide South African society, focusing on the often-overlooked interplay between gender, equity and sexuality. The community development programme is perhaps the most direct in its approach: it aims to create resilient, self-sufficient communities equipped to withstand economic and social challenges. In the domain of population dynamics, scholars are also painstakingly mapping the ways in which mortality rates, migration patterns and ageing populations reshape the national demographic landscape.

For the Population and Health Research Entity, understanding the factors driving these issues is not just about data – it is about transformation. The entity’s commitment to collaboration is evident in its partnerships with scholars both within and beyond the NWU, creating a network of researchers from Africa, Europe and around the globe. This collaboration has already borne fruit in the form of impactful studies and public discussions, such as the recent public lectures addressing sustainable development in line with South Africa’s national development plan and the urgent issue of land and decolonisation.

The entity’s influence is not confined to the ivory tower. Recognising the critical role of local knowledge, it has formed close partnerships with government departments across South Africa – from the national to the provincial level – fostering policy development and community engagement efforts designed to yield real-world impact. Researchers here do not just study communities – they actively work alongside them, offering support, guidance and an informed perspective that strengthens grassroots resilience.

This dual commitment to rigorous research and community involvement is an example of the NWU’s approach. In a nation that often feels the weight of its past and faces an uncertain future, the Population and Health Research Entity at the NWU stands as a dynamic, engaged institution bridging academic insight with practical action.

By placing its research and outreach at the heart of South Africa’s most urgent socio-economic conversations, it may well be charting a path towards a more equitable and sustainable future for the region.

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:19:47 +0000

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:19

Medical experts agree smoking is a health hazard, but many smokers choose to justify this habit by highlighting the calming and socialising effects they believe it may have. Some smokers of plants such as dagga also point to the medical benefits some studies have shown.

A new NWU study is challenging smokers’ perceptions and justifications by looking at the possible detrimental effect the habit may have on the effectiveness of chronic medication.

Dr Wihan Pheiffer, senior lecturer at the DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, says their study on herb-drug interactions specifically concerns what effects the smoking of tobacco and other plant material has on the pharmacokinetics — the uptake, breakdown (metabolism) distribution and removal — of medication in the body.

“This includes how smoking can delay the time medication is in the body, which leads to higher blood levels and may result in toxicity in patients. In some cases, it may also lead to acceleration in the metabolism and removal, which may render the medication useless.”

Dr Pheiffer explains that although his research group focuses on the potential effects of smoking in mouse models, it has been modified to express human genes. “This allows us to accurately explore specific changes in the pharmacokinetics in the mice, and so predict the changes in humans. Additionally, we can identify the negative effects of exposure to smoke.”

Clinical data confirms that smoking has an effect

He says clinical data shows that smoking tobacco affects certain medication by either accelerating or delaying its metabolism in the body. Is this true for everything people smoke? This is what Dr Pheiffer and his team want to establish. Their aim is to investigate the effects all types of plants may have. They will eventually also test traditional medications that are inhaled in other ways, like incense.

The study is in its early stages and, this being just the start of a long-term research project, the researchers realise there may be obstacles on the way – some of which they already have overcome.

“This type of research is unfortunately very expensive, but we are lucky to already have received national funding.” He says they are also very fortunate to have ethical and accredited laboratory animal technologists and a veterinarian on the team to help with specialised training for the student researchers participating in the study.

“We believe this study will have significant impact and will certainly empower patients who rely on chronic medication to make informed decisions when it comes to their health. Showing that it has an effect may empower medical practitioners to encourage or suggest to people on specific medication to stop smoking or to consult their doctor for alternative and more efficient treatment. This will greatly improve their quality of life. The research can also specifically aid in responsibly adapting treatment or prescription medication,” he concludes.

Watch Dr Pheiffer give more information about the project in the video below.

What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:12:53 +0000

What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:12

The consumption of pork meat products is increasing due to its affordability, versatility and high protein content.

A North-West University (NWU) research project from the Consumer Sciences subject group in the School of Applied Health Sciences, is focusing on food product cues (sensory and non-sensory attributes) that influence consumers’ food choices. Prof Annchen Mielmann is now looking into the cues of pork meat because of its increased popularity among consumers.

She and fellow colleague Carike Brits are co-supervisors of master’s student Diewald Jordaan, who is specifically investigating what intrinsic and extrinsic product cues influence consumers’ perceived value of pork meat.

“Due to the higher demand for pork meat, consumers are becoming more concerned about the quality, safety and environmental impact thereof. Pork meat has numerous product cues that could influence consumers’ perceived value, a contributing factor in modelling consumers’ choice of pork product,” says Prof Mielmann.

She says their quantitative and ethically approved study used an online questionnaire for data collection purposes.

The study findings indicated that most of the respondents consumed pork meat on a weekly basis and more than 75% perceived pork meat as positive.

“Interestingly, the most important reasons for purchasing pork meat products were the variety of products available, the meat’s sensory characteristics and its affordability compared to other red meats.”

Flavour, taste and affordability

According to Prof Mielmann, Diewald identified a total of 17 intrinsic cues (i.e. sensory properties such as smell, taste and appearance) and 26 extrinsic cues (i.e. non-physical properties such as price and quality).

He points out that while respondents regarded the flavour and taste of pork meat as the most important intrinsic cues, the price and quality of pork meat were viewed as the most important extrinsic cues.

Significant associations were also reported between socio-demographic factors and product cues, and between the value that respondents perceived and pork meat cues.

“This study accentuates the importance of sensory characteristics shaping consumers' perceived value of pork meat as respondents valued intrinsic cues as more important than extrinsic cues.”

Study can aid pork industry to promote pork meat

The research team believes the product cues identified in this study might aid the South African pork industry to promote pork’s nutritional value and unique product cues that will contribute to an improved quality evaluation and a more optimistic perceived value of pork-derived food products.

“Furthermore, this study could benefit the consumer by meeting their consumption requirements that will support the stance and growth of the South African pork industry.”

Prof Mielmann concludes that the sensory characteristics of food play a fundamental role in linking consumer behaviour, nutrition and food sciences to sustain the growing demand for affordable, protein-rich products that will improve the dietary well-being of consumers.

Prof Annchen Mielmann

Carike Brits

Diewald Jordaan

Health Sciences

Lessons from Covid-19 can help strengthen maternal healthcare

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards

World Prematurity Day: Raising awareness about preterm birth

North-West University expertise puts rural women’s mental health in the spotlight

Nursing’s undergraduate research day: showcasing future healthcare scientists

Animal health students present entrepreneurial solutions for agriculture

Academic honoured with Nurse Researcher Award

NWU’s population and health expertise is guiding South Africa to a more equitable future

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?

Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards