bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Project-based production and project management: Findings and trends in research on temporary systems in multiple contexts
Authors: Pretorius Tinus , Oerlemans Leon
Published: June 2017

Globalisation is challenging almost every aspect of the political, economic, social and technological environment. Organisations, whether public or private, have to adapt their strategies and operations to stay competitive and efficient. Historically, organisations adopted project-based operations as a mode to stay competitive, although the applications tended to be the oneoff type of operations such as construction and system development projects (Edum-Fotwe & McCaffer, 2000). As the world changed from an industrially driven to a more knowledge driven economy and the pace of continuous change became more intense, organisations adopted a project-based mode of operations on a broader scale. The knowledge economy lead to the creation of many service orientated industries. Organisations started facing portfolios of projects where the nature of these projects differed in technological complexity, urgency, customer value and social impact (Gutjahr & Froeschl, 2013). Based on their experience with more technically orientated projects, organisations focused their attention more intensely on new project management methods, tools and processes and not necessarily on the human and organisational interfaces. This paradigm changed however, especially since the 1980s and more and more organisations adopted temporary organisational forms (Bakker, 2010) in order to improve their competitiveness. The contributions in this special edition of the South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences have a common focus on the importance of the human and organisational interface of project-based operations on project success. The purpose of this concluding article is to analyse the findings and recommendations in these papers and to detect trends and future research opportunities in the field of project-based operations.
South Africa’s private sector investment in training and its erosion as a result of HIV and AIDS
Authors: George Gavin , Surgey Gavin , Gow Jeff
Published: June 2017

South Africa’s economic prospects depend on the productivity of its labour, and productivity can only be maximised when the labour force possess the appropriate skills. Business is playing its part by offering training opportunities to employees. Collectively, they are spending more than the government’s mandated level on training. However, the HIV and AIDS epidemic is eroding this investment in southern Africa where the HIV epidemic is at its worst. While there has been empirical work that provides estimates on the cost of HIV and AIDS to business, there is very little data on the actual amounts large companies spend on training, and how much of this investment is eroded as a result of HIV and AIDS deaths. Using an estimate of the HIV and AIDS death rate in the private sector and survey data which identifies training expenditure by sector, the authors estimate the extent to which HIV and AIDS has potentially eroded this investment. The loss for all sectors was estimated at almost R10 million (R9,871,732) during the study year, which equates to USD1,183,661 per annum. This amount represented on average 0.73 per cent of the actual investment in training. The real costs of HIV and AIDS on business, which includes absenteeism, declining productivity and other costs are difficult to quantify, but they are likely to significantly exceed this lost training investment as a result of increasing morbidity and mortality rates due to HIV. It is therefore in a company’s best interest to: (1) ensure that a sound HIV and AIDS policy is in place; (2) invest in effective prevention programmes; and (3) provide the appropriate ARV treatment to infected employees if this treatment is not easily accessible through the public health sector.
Seeking rigor in South African business research: Aspirational principles in contrast to a recent publication
Authors: Lee Gregory John
Published: June 2017

Studies of organizational success and other aspects of management are critical in understanding and improving critical areas of African economic stability. This article seeks to urge high levels of rigor in South African research in this area, notably empirical research, proposing several aspirational research principles. First, the article considers claims of uniqueness versus the practical value of embedding research as a replication in a well-considered wider body of knowledge. Second is the desirability of conforming to sufficiently high norms of model fit and effect size and accuracy. Third is empirical comparison of South African studies with previous findings, with attendant possibilities for new theory development. Fourth is proper tests for and treatment of common method bias. Fifth is specification of appropriate sets of constructs. Finally, this article proposes specification of alternate models that will add substantial rigor to such research. In advocating these possibilities, the current article contrasts these aspirational principles to a recent SAJEMS article. This critique serves an exclusively illustrative purpose, showing some pitfalls of not conforming to the aspirational principles, the benefits of explicitly including certain easy to achieve solutions, and the ease with which greater rigor can sometimes be achieved. Ultimately, this article seeks to constructively advance African business research standards.
Ethical business practices in the Eastern Cape automotive industry
Authors: Lloyd Hendrik , Mey Michelle , Ramalingum Koman
Published: June 2017

High profile scandals have brought about a renewed interest in business ethics and, in particular, inunderstanding the factors that promote ethical behaviour. Business ethics is about identifying andimplementing values, rules and standards of conduct for guiding morally right behaviour in an organisation’sinteraction with its stakeholders. Against this background a quantitative analysis of the ethical practices of46 companies operating in the Eastern Cape automotive industry was conducted to determine the extent towhich ethics-related interventions contributed to establishing and maintaining an ethical organisationalenvironment. A structured online questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data collected wassubjected to extensive statistical analyses, including Cronbach Alpha coefficients and item total correlations,and various descriptive statistics were included as a quantitative summary of the data. A constant referencevalue for the study was also calculated to allow inferences regarding the significance of the tested variablesto the study. The results revealed that the organisations in the sample are highly ethical due to the presenceof ethics-related interventions, including a code of ethics, committed leadership, adherence to internal andexternal governance requirements, compliance with legislation and encouragement and disclosure ofunethical behaviour. In light of the high number of ethical scandals internationally, this study will add to theempirical body of business ethics research, as it provides organisations with a framework to establish andmaintain an ethical business environment.
The effects of macroeconomic instability and inflation on sustainable real growth in South African firms
Authors: Beaumont-Smith M , Murray LW , N’Cho-Oguie C , Blakley DL
Published: June 2017

This empirical study is an investigation of the impact that inflation and other  factors have had on the growth of business firms in South Africa. Using the  model of sustainable growth, an empirical multivariate model is developed to  test a variety of assumed relationships and to isolate the impact of inflation. A  data set of South African firms’ financial statements during the period 1983-  1996 was assembled to permit a detailed examination of these firms’ financial  performance during South Africa’s period of isolation. Utilising both direct and  indirect measures of inflation, we determine that inflation affects growth in a  negative manner. By combing firm-level and macro data issues relating to the  endogeneity of inflation, we argue that macroeconomic instability is the true  factor adversely affecting firm growth during this period of time.
Dissemination of annual report information on the internet by South African companies
Authors: Naudé F , Du Toit A
Published: June 2017

The Internet is a cost-effective and efficient way of distributing information to  all stakeholders in a transparent, globalised business environment. The aim of  this study was to determine the current state and level of adoption of the Internet  as a delivery and communication mechanism for disseminating online/digital  annual reports in the largest listed companies in South Africa. The population  selected for the survey was the 2001 Financial Mail top 300 (SA Giants)  companies. The research was conducted by analysing the corporate websites of  the selected companies, to establish the existence of a corporate website and  whether the full annual report was available electronically. The study also  investigated the relationship between digital annual reports and company  characteristics. The investigation revealed that those companies with websites  and digital annual reports are profitable companies.
The effect of privatisation on front line employees in a service organisation
Authors: Struwig FW , Van Scheers L
Published: June 2017

A government organisation in the water supply business was faced with the challenge of changing their traditional way of doing business to operate as a profit driven entity. This research focuses on how privatisation has affected front-line service employees. Both the front-line service employees and management were interviewed and included as cases to investigate changes that have occurred as a result of privatisation. These cases revealed that after privatisation front line service employees have received better training, appreciated a better system of communication, experienced a higher degree of empowerment and enjoyed an organisational culture that is more customer focused. The research, however, indicated lower levels of motivation, that employees do not appreciate an improvement in their reward system neither do they get feedback regarding their achievements and that they experience little job security.
A socio-economic analysis of african female street traders in the Johannesburg CBD
Authors: Lalthapersad-Pillay P
Published: June 2017

In recent years the informal sector in both less developed countries and in developing countries, including South Africa, has undergone rapid growth. In South Africa, high levels of unemployment and poverty have pushed many of the unemployed into self-employment activities in the informal sector. The informal sector is a highly diversified segment, and street trading is one type of survivalist activity. In South Africa, street trading is conducted mainly by African women, who sell mostly fruits, vegetables and cooked foods. The quintessential feature of informal sector work is its precarious nature, especially as it evades the ambit of social security and labour legislation. This article explores the nature of street trading undertaken in the Johannesburg CBD, characterised by poor working conditions, low income, extremely long hours and overcrowding.
The introduction of service fees by travel agencies: A case study in Bloemfontein
Authors: Strydom AJ
Published: June 2017

Travel agencies normally receive commission from airlines, tour operators, accommodation establishments and car hire companies in exchange for bookings. Global trends in this commission structure indicate dramatic changes, especially regarding airlines. The majority of them have introduced a system of commission capping, whereby commission paid to travel agencies has been reduced and expectations are that it might even become zero in future. Against this background, travel agencies are considering introducing a system of service fees. It implies that clients will have to pay for services such as the preparation of quotations for national and/or international holidays or business trips. This paper discusses the results of research that was undertaken amongst the middle to higher income classes of the residents of Bloemfontein regarding the introduction of service fees by travel agencies.
Perceived institutional obstacles in doing business: A comparative study of South Africa and the Philippines
Authors: Co MJ
Published: June 2017

There is ample evidence indicating that institutional environments have a direct effect on the performance of small enterprises. Furthermore, perceptions of how the institutional environment will hinder or foster their respective firms shape the actions entrepreneurs take. This research investigates whether there are differences between South African and Filipino entrepreneurs in their perceptions of institutional obstacles in doing business - specifically the government-business interface. A sample size of 615 small and medium sized firm owners from different industries from both countries were provided with a list of 15 areas where the firm is confronted with government action and were asked to evaluate the degree to which these different areas create obstacles for conducting business. A discussion of the overall findings, as well as applicable lessons and future research follows.
Modelling price determination in South Africa
Authors: Moolman E , Du Toit CB
Published: June 2017

South Africa has been faced with high inflation rates since the early 1970s. Despite continued monetary discipline the inflation target has not yet been met, highlighting South Africa’s price-vulnerability as a small open emerging economy and raising questions about the efficiency of monetary policy. The objectives of this paper are: (i) to analyse the influence of monetary policy on inflation in the small open emerging economy of South Africa, (ii) to highlight the channels other than monetary policy through which inflation can be influenced (iii) to analyse the influence of international prices and the exchange rate on inflation, (iv) to determine the role of the labour market on inflation, especially through wage-push dynamics and (v) to determine the role of demand-pull factors on inflation.
Participation of firms in the skills development levy system
Authors: Lee GJ
Published: June 2017

Skills development levies are increasingly being utilised to increase enterprise provided training in developing economies. South Africa is one such example. The impact of such incentive systems on the bottom-line of firms is a vital consideration in such programs. Particularly important are the economic conditions under which the incentive will stimulate participation by organisations. The transaction costs of participation must be taken into account: while a levy-grant system clearly creates a prima-facie incentive, it may be prohibitively expensive for some firms to enter the grant disbursement systems. Accordingly, through a simple model of the incentives for firms, the participation level of the firm under various types of levy systems is assessed. Non-monetary considerations are also considered. The implications for participation by firms, along with managerial and policy implications, are discussed.
Online product and/or service brand offerings in South Africa
Authors: Kruger H , Fourie LCH
Published: June 2017

The Internet has forced most companies to consider online brand building strategies. This strategic consideration depends on the determination of the status quo of the brand at present. The former is crucial as identified success drivers of online brand initiatives are neither uniformly nor generically applicable to all online brand offerings. It is thus suggested that the applicability of success factors to online brand offerings depends on the appropriateness of the brand’s context, which in turn is determined by benchmarking the brand against categorised characteristics of existing online brands. This paper summarises and categorises South African online brand offerings over a three year period and applies the findings for elucidatory purposes to a three dimensional Brandscape Model. After managerial implications have been discussed, the study concludes with recommendations for future research.
Incentives in Nigeria's food manufacturing industries and their impact on output and prices
Authors: Nwokoma NI
Published: June 2017

Since the inception of the Nigerian government economic reform programme in 1986, various incentives have been granted to the manufacturing sector, as a means of lifting the sector from the constant low level of performance and contribution to GDP. This paper sets out to find out how these various government incentives have impacted on manufacturing output – with specific focus on the food sub sector. By studying the operating profile of selected food-manufacturing companies, using the Pearson correlation analysis with relevant output, employment and price index variables, it was found that the benefits of these incentives appear not to have been passed on to the general public. It is thus recommended that bench-mark performance expectations be set for manufacturers as a pre-condition for granting incentives in subsequent dispensations.
An assessment of apple orchard investments in South Africa under uncertainty and irreversibility
Authors: Darroch MAG , Hardman PA , Ortmann GF
Published: June 2017

The competitiveness of the South African fresh apple export value chain can be improved if local farmers grow and market more new apple cultivars. An ex ante version of the Dixit-Pindyck investment model is used to assess how uncertainty and irreversibility associated with adopting the new Pink Lady cultivar rather than a traditional Golden Delicious cultivar will raise the hurdle rate required to trigger investment. Modified real hurdle rates reflecting the value of the option to delay investment estimated for both cultivars, are about double the real rate of five per cent that is often used in orthodox investment analyses. The Pink Lady investment seems to be relatively more profitable under the assumed conditions, but it also has a relatively greater variance in expected real annual net returns.
Skills necessary to grow micro entrepreneurs into small business entrepreneurs
Authors: Perks S , Struwig M
Published: June 2017

This article outlines a qualitative study that was undertaken to determine the necessary skills for growth of micro entrepreneurs to become small business entrepreneurs. Various interviews were conducted over time with micro entrepreneurs and small business entrepreneurs. The results of these interviews were analysed using the constant comparative method. Thirteen skills were identified as necessary for growth of micro entrepreneurs to become small business entrepreneurs. It was further concluded that micro entrepreneurs do not need to possess all thirteen skills, but must have as many of these skills as possible.
Psychiatry in Australia
Authors: Kaplan Robert M
Published: June 2017

Psychiatry has been practised in Australia in one form or another since the peopling of the continent, originally with the practices of the Aboriginal shamans, and later with the psychiatric treatment necessitated by convict transportation.Over most of the last half-century psychiatry has been administered by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.There are over 2 000 psychiatrists in Australia, and num- bers are expected to increase in future.As in many other countries, there is ongoing pressure between the private and public sectors, with endemic under- funding of public and community services.Despite its small number of practitioners and relative isola- tion from major centres, Australian psychiatry has a distin- guished record in the field of research. The most famous dis- covery, by John Cade, was the use of lithium for treatment of mania.Recently governments at state and federal level have acknowledged the effect of psychiatric illness on patients and their families. This has led to the development of pro- grammes to improve public information and eliminate preju- dice.It is anticipated that the practice of psychiatry will flourish in Australia and that the country will remain a leading centre of excellence in psychiatric research and training.
Sleep Smart. Get a Life
Authors: Brink Sandra
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Electroconvulsive therapy and its use in modern-day psychiatry
Authors: Segal Jose
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
HIV in South Africa - depression and CD4 count
Authors: Moosa M YH , Jeenah F Y , Voster M
Published: June 2017

Objective. Published studies on the prevalence of depressive symptoms using rating scales and the relationship between depression and immune status offer inconsistent results. Depressive symptoms are common and impact on functioning, quality of life, and health status, highlighting the importance of diagnosis and treatment of patients with HIV infection. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of depression among HIV-positive patients using the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and to determine a relationship, if any, between depressive symptoms and CD4 count.Method. Forty-one patients aged 18 years or more were recruited from the HIV outpatient clinic. All the subjects completed the 21-item BDI and their CD4 counts were determined. Patients who had a score of 10 or more on the BDI were considered positive for a depressive disorder.Results. More than half (56%) of the study sample had a BDI of ≥ 10 indicating significant symptoms of depression. There was no significant difference in the CD4 counts between the depressed and non-depressed groups (p > 0.05), and no correlation between CD4 counts and BDI scores in the total study sample (r = 0.27, p > 0.05). The affective components of the BDI contributed significantly to the overall BDI score compared with the somatic component (p < 0.05).Conclusion. The evidence from the study supports the BDI as a suitable measure for identifying those patients who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for minor or major depression. The HIV epidemic is the most serious health challenge in South Africa and it is imperative that HIV-infected patients who complain of fatigue or insomnia be screened routinely for major depression, followed by a structured interview to confirm the diagnosis.
Psychiatric emergency service users at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town
Authors: Wilson Don AB , Flisher Alan J , Welman Mark
Published: June 2017

Objective. To document and compare the characteristics of patients assessed at a psychiatric emergency service (PES) during April and May of 1988 and 1998.Design. Two cross-sectional surveys.Setting. Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), Cape Town.Subjects. Patients assessed at the PES, GSH.Outcome measures. These were occupational status, referral source, distance travelled to get to the hospital, and diagnosis.Results. Nine hundred and twenty-five patients made 1 081 visits to the unit during a 2-month period in 1988, while during a similar period in 1998, 364 patients made 477 visits. In the latter period the patients were significantly more likely to be skilled workers or students/scholars, to be referred from within GSH or other health facilities, to have travelled less than 10 km to get to the hospital, and to be suffering from a mood disorder or suicidality (and less likely to be suffering from a substance use disorder).Conclusions. The differences between the two time periods indicate that changes in policy during the period 1988 - 1998 may have impacted on the patient profile at the PES at GSH. It is important to document such changes with a view to informing service planning for both tertiary referral centres and other levels of care.
14th National Psychiatry Congress, 10-14 September 2006, Royal Swazi Sun, Swaziland
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
Psychiatric evaluation of offenders referred to the Free State Psychiatric Complex according to sections 77 and/ or 78 of the Criminal Procedures Act
Authors: Calitz F J W , Van Rensburg P H J J , Fourie C , Liebenberg E , Van den Berg C , Joubert G
Published: June 2017

Background. The increase in crime is a problem of great concern in South Africa and complications arise when the accused is mentally ill.

Objective. Analysis of the offenders referred to the Free State Psychiatric Complex from 1995 to 2001 according to section 77 (triability) and/or section 78 (accountability) of the Criminal Procedures Act (Act 51 of 1977).

Method. The study population consisted of 514 persons awaiting trial in the Free State. They were referred to the Free State Psychiatric Complex for 30 days’ observation from 1995 to 2001. A data form was created and used to transfer the relevant information from the accused’s clinical files.

Data analysis. The data collected were analysed by the Department of Biostatistics at the University of the Free State.

Results. The majority of the offenders were male (94.6%) and unmarried (66.3%). The median age of the group was 30 years. The unemployment rate was 60%. Most of the referrals (84.2%) were in terms of sections 77 and 78. The accused were found to have mainly average intelligence (75.3%). The main offences were theft (27.8%), murder (18.9%), assault (18.1%) and rape (16.2%). The most common mental disorder diagnosed was schizophrenia (23.0%), with 54.3% having no mental disorder. Nearly half the offenders (48.6%) were found to be triable and accountable.

Conclusion. The majority of the offenders referred for psychiatric observation were found to have no mental illness and were referred back to the courts. This results in high costs for the Department of Health. To reduce the high rate of unnecessary referrals it is recommended that courts give clear reasons for the referrals according to each section (77 and 78).
International Conference on Philosophy, Psychiatry & Psychology
Authors: Spencer-Jones Jonathan
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Can involuntarily admitted patients give informed consent to participation in research?
Authors: Van Staden C W
Published: June 2017

The article argues that a functional approach is ethically better than a categorical approach in deciding whether involuntarily admitted patients have the capacity to give informed consent to participation in research. Congruent with current South African laws, a functional approach requires that a patient’s capacity to give informed consent to participation in research should be assessed clinically rather than assumed by virtue of his/her belonging to a category of legal admission status. Concerns about protection against exploitation may cause a categorical approach to appear attractive, but these concerns can be addressed deliberately through a functional approach without attracting the infringements of rights and entitlements of patients that are brought about by a categorical approach.
Evaluation of attempted-suicide management in a rural district of KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Nakin D C T , Joubert G , Pretorius P J , Van Vuuren M J V
Published: June 2017

Objectives. Critical aspects in the management of attempted-suicide patients have been identified in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine which of these aspects were included in the management of patients who attempted suicide in a rural district of KwaZulu-Natal.

Design. Descriptive study. Setting. The two hospitals in a rural district of KwaZulu-Natal.

Subjects. Attempted-suicide patients admitted to the above two hospitals between 1 June 2001 and 31 March 2002.Outcome measures. Patients were interviewed regarding how they were managed and were followed up until 3 months after the attempted suicide.

Results. Medicine was given to 41% of participants on admission and 64% were counselled by a doctor. A no-suicide contract was entered into in 42% of counselled cases. Family therapy, social worker involvement and psychiatric referral were very low and there was no involvement of friends, teachers or priests.

Conclusion. Management of patients who attempted suicide in this district is inadequate as there are no proper policy guidelines. It is important that health caregivers be trained in psychiatry.
10th International Conference on Philosophy, Psychiatry and Psychology, Sun City
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: June 2017

In the last few years much data in the gulf region indicate that amphetamine psychosis has become more common and more prolonged.

Aim. This study was done to: 1) assess clinical features related to amphetamine withdrawal, 2) assess if there are changes in these features in comparison to other previous studies or not, 3) study the relation between amphetamine and chronicity of psychotic symptoms, 4) find a reason for such suspected changes if present.

Methods. A total of 150 male amphetamine dependent inpatients were selected according to ICD-10 research diagnostic criteria. Patients were subjected to the following procedures: 1) Oral informed consent. 2) Full psychiatric interview. 3) Urine test for common addictive substances on admission 4) Symptoms checklist which have been designed by the authors to assess Clinical features associated with amphetamine 5) Symptom Checklist–90–Revised (Derogates 1994).

Results. Generally the present study shows that the psychotic symptoms were very common with Amphetamine dependent patients and the severity of all symptoms decreased significantly during the different phases of treatment. Delusions and hallucinations were very common during 2nd week (54% and 51% respectively) and persisted for more than 8 weeks in 24% and 10% of patients respectively.

Discussion. Some of the results are similar to previous studies as Dalmau et al. 1999 and Koyama et al. 1991 but still the duration of psychosis is much longer.

Conclusion. There is increased risk of psychosis with use of amphetamine and a lot of reasons may play role as starting abuse at early age, sensitization process that may lead to chronic psychosis, and adulterating substances like ephedrine that may be dangerous and can lead to permanent damage of brain serotonin nerve endings.
Person-centred psychiatry: The recent 10th International Conference on Philosophy, Psychiatry and Psychology
Authors: Van Staden C W
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Primary health care psychiatry
Authors: Roos J L
Published: June 2017

Much needs to be done to improve psychiatric care in South

Africa. Resources need to be developed, particularly in rural

areas, and psychiatric services need to be better integrated

into primary health care services. This process will include the

intensive training of mental health care workers. If we look at the

training of primary care physicians, their rotation during the 2-year

internship falls short in psychiatry. It is not seen as a mainstream

rotation point like disciplines such as surgery or internal medicine.

This fact, as well as a more student-centred approach and

emphasis on self-learning in medical curricula, make the search

for an appropriate prescribed textbook in psychiatry an important

issue.
Family violence among mothers seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Ayinmode B A , Tunde-Ayinmode M F
Published: June 2017

Objective. The attention given to family violence (FV) in primary medical care in Nigeria is still very insufficient in relation to its known adverse medical and psychosocial implications for women’s health. The objective of this preliminary study was to assess the prevalence rate, correlates and effects of FV among mothers attending a primary care facility in Nigeria, with the aim of gaining an understanding of whether screening for FV in the primary care setting in Nigeria would be beneficial.

Methodology . A cross-sectional study of FV among 250 mothers attending the General Outpatient Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital was undertaken over a 5-month period. Data on the mothers’ sociodemographic characteristics, and experience of FV and its psychosocial correlates and effects were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and a 20-item Self- Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) as instruments.

Data analysis . EPI Info version 6 was used to analyse the data.

Results. Sixty-nine mothers (28%) had experienced FV at the hands of their husbands. Of these women, 49 (71%) indicated occurrences within the preceding 2 years; in 17 (25%), the violence was severe enough to warrant a hospital visit or treatment. Mothers who experienced FV were significantly more likely to have had previous experiences of violence by an in-law; to have reported child cruelty by a husband; to have children with difficult behaviour; and to have reported that they were neglected by their husbands and not enjoying their marriages. They were also significantly more likely to have a high score on the SRQ and be identified as probable cases with psychological problems (SRQ score ≥ 5).

Conclusion. In view of these findings, screening for FV in the primary care setting would be beneficial. Primary care physicians should therefore increase their interest, improve their skill, and carry out more research in the identification and management of FV.
University of the Free State medical students' view of at-risk drinking behaviour and psychoactive substance use
Authors: Smit P , Pretorius P J , Joubert G
Published: June 2017

Objectives: To investigate undergraduate medical students' knowledge of at-risk drinking behaviour and their own patterns of alcohol intake. The use of non-alcoholic psychoactive substances was also investigated.

Design: A cross-sectional study design was used. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was completed by participants. Questionnaires were designed using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for identifying at-risk drinking.

Setting: The School of Medicine, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Subjects: Participants included first-, fourth- and fifth-year medical students enrolled in 2006.

Results: 371/408 (90.9%) questionnaires were returned. 10% of students who repeated an academic year ascribed it to substance use. The majority of students conservatively estimated the maximum daily and weekly safe levels of alcohol consumption for both men and women as notably lower than recommended by the guidelines. Nevertheless, 32% of students admitted to alcohol intake exceeding these limits, and 55.3% were identified as at-risk drinkers. Marijuana was the most common non-alcoholic substance used by medical students (14.6%) in the preceding three years. Alcohol or other substances was most frequently used during social activities with friends.

Conclusions: Medical students' knowledge of levels of alcohol intake associated with increased risks and their own drinking patterns might influence their approach to patients with alcohol-related problems. Therefore, education regarding at-risk drinking behaviour requires to be addressed.
Cannabis use and abuse correlates in a homogenous South African schizophrenia population
Authors: Koen Liezl , Jonathan Regan , Niehaus Dana JH
Published: June 2017

Objective. Worldwide, cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance, and it has been identified as a correlate in schizophrenia samples for poorer symptomatic and functional outcomes in many international studies. The object of this retrospective study was to identify the prevalence of cannabis use/abuse and the demographic and clinical correlates therefor in a large homogeneous South African schizophrenia population.

Methods. As part of a large genetic study, 547 subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were collected and each participant underwent a urinary drug screen. Use/abuse of cannabis was defined as using cannabis more than 21 times in a single year. Subjects with and without cannabis use/abuse were statistically compared.

Results. Significant differences between the two groups were found in terms of gender, marital status, age of onset of schizophrenia, number of hospitalisations and relapses, alcohol abuse, smoking, the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) scores for hallucinations, delusions, bizarre behaviour and formal thought disorder, and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) score for avolition/apathy.

Conclusion. The prevalence of cannabis use/abuse in this study was high, and our findings were comparable with those of previous international studies. Abuse/use started mainly in the teenage years, was more prevalent among males than females, and was associated with negative overall outcomes. There was also a positive correlation between cannabis and nicotine and alcohol use/abuse. Determination of cannabis abuse based solely on history was found to be reliable, and urine cannabis testing appeared to be of limited value in routine management of this group of schizophrenic patients.
Caregiver burden among relatives of patients with schizophrenia in Katsina, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Abdulkareem Jika , Nuhu Folorunsho Tajudeen , Akinbiyi Akinsola
Published: June 2017

Objective: Caring for patients’ with schizophrenia leads to an enormous burden on the caregivers. However, the magnitude of this problem remains largely unknown in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the burden of care giving among relatives of patients with schizophrenia.

Materials and method: A total of 129 primary care-givers of patients with schizophrenia attending out-patient clinic of Katsina state Psychiatric Hospital were interviewed using a socio-demographic data collection sheet and Zarith Burden Interview (ZBI). Data obtained was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 13.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 45.07±8.91. Majority of the caregivers are females. High level of burden was found in 47.3% of the respondents. The level of burden experienced was significantly associated with place of residence and family size.

Conclusion: Schizophrenia is associated with high level of caregiver burden and effort should be made at alleviating this burden for better out come in both the patients and caregivers.
Common Agents used in parasuicide in Buffalo City
Authors: Sukeri Kiran
Published: June 2017

Background. Parasuicide is a serious public health concern. Understanding the methods used will help in developing preventive strategies.

Objective. To investigate the agent(s) used in parasuicide attempts by individuals aged 10 - 20 years in Buffalo City (which includes the municipalities of East London, King William’s Town and Bhisho in the Eastern Cape).

Method. All referrals for parasuicide to the East London Mental Health Unit, the only mental health facility servicing Buffalo City, for the period January 2006 to December 2008 were analysed with regard to age, agent(s), number of attempts and psychiatric disorder.

Results. Of 1 169 patients referred after parasuicide by ingestion of substances, 360 (31%) were between the ages of 10 and 20 years. Eighty-three per cent were female and 17% male. Cattle dip was the commonest agent used, followed by amitriptyline.

Conclusion. The study showed that organophosphates were the commonest agent used in parasuicide in Buffalo City and that the incidence of parasuicide was higher in females than in males.
Opinions and attitudes of some parents in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria, towards child abuse and neglect
Authors: Nuhu Folorunsho Tajudeen , Nuhu Sinat Taiwo
Published: June 2017

Background. The few studies on child abuse in Nigeria have focused on the child victims. However, little is known about characteristics of the parents who are the perpetrators of this abuse.

Aim. To assess the opinions and attitudes of parents concerning child abuse and neglect, and the factors associated with the practice of child abuse.

Method. We interviewed 260 randomly selected parents in the city of Ilorin, Nigeria, using a questionnaire to ascertain socio-demographic data and details about the understanding and practice of various forms of child abuse such as hawking, child labour, physical beating, sending children to work as house-helps, and sexual abuse.

Results. Sixty per cent of the subjects were women, and 72.7% were less than 40 years old; 30.4% sent their children to hawk goods, 34.2% believed that a child must work before receiving food, 10.4% had sent or would send their children to work as house-helps, and 52.3% discipline their children by physical beating. Older age (40 years and over), being unmarried, being unemployed, having 3 or more children, and a low level of education were significantly associated with the tendency to abuse children.

Conclusion. Child abuse is still practiced in Ilorin, Nigeria. Socio-economic factors associated with child abuse were identified. We recommend that government should assist citizens financially and support programmes that educate parents about the dangers of child abuse.
Continuity of care of outpatients with schizophrenia in Pretoria
Authors: Kotze A M E , Van Delft W F , Roos J L
Published: June 2017

Objective. To study the needs of outpatients suffering from schizophrenia and their primary caregivers.

Methods. A qualitative descriptive design was selected to study the needs of a non-probability purposive sample of 50 outpatients with schizophrenia and their primary caregivers. Data were collected on their compliance-related needs as well as psychosocial and aftercare treatment needs.

Results. Compliance needs: Eighty-three per cent of the participants supported their medication treatment and aftercare, but needed more information on the illness than they had received or had managed to gather. Psychosocial needs: Participants had difficulty in accepting the illness and in understanding its consequences for their everyday functioning. Ninety-seven per cent of patients were aware that their illness had affected the health of their primary caregiver. The majority of participants had lost friendships since the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Eighty-eight of the primary caregivers supported the patient financially, despite the fact that many were over 60 years of age. Aftercare treatment needs: A strong need was expressed for services such as day-care centres, workshops, and psycho-educational and social work services.

Conclusions. As South African health policy is moving towardsde-institutionalisation and treating mental health as part of primary care, support must be improved for sufferers of schizophrenia and their primary caregivers. Many people are prepared to face up to the challenge of caring for a mentally ill family member, yet are faced with significant needs that should be addressed.
Velocardiofacial syndrome - a syndrome with many faces
Authors: Lombard Melinda , Roos JL
Published: June 2017

Velocardiofacial Syndrome (VCFS) can present with many different features. In this paper we review some of these features: working memory deficits, dysmorphic features, co-morbid obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), early deviant behaviour, functional impairment, and early age of onset of schizophrenia. Some uncommon features found in the five patients studied are discussed. Genetic counselling in these patients and what the future holds in terms of treatment are mentioned. Patients with VCFS can have covert symptoms that can easily be overlooked. For this reason, guidelines to the detection of the abnormalities in these patients are given. The patients whose cases are reviewed are five patients who were diagnosed with VCFS during an ongoing genetic project on the study of schizophrenia in the Afrikaner founder population.
An audit of non-urgent general adult referrals to Stikland State Psychiatric Facility
Authors: Ras J , Koen L , Botha U A , Niehaus D J H
Published: June 2017

Objectives. The national Department of Health strongly advocates the strengthening of primary health care systems, and recommendations for appropriate level of care referrals exist. Very few published data on the scope of current ambulatory specialised psychiatric hospital services in South Africa are currently available, making it difficult to assess whether these recommendations are being followed. As a starting point, an audit was conducted to obtain a profile of new non-urgent general adult patients seen at Stikland Hospital with a view to evaluating system needs and demands.

Methods. The folders of 103 consecutively seen patients were selected for retrospective review. Patient demographic, referral and assessment information was entered into a single database. Descriptive statistics were compiled with reference to the above variables using SPSS.

Results. Overall 58.3% of referrals were from the private sector. More than a third (36.7%) of referral letters stated no clear reason for referral and 41.7% no psychiatric diagnosis, and 29.1% of patients were referred without psychotropic medication being started. On assessment 62.1% of patients were found to have a single Axis I diagnosis. Despite virtually no referral letters making any mention of them, substance use disorders (30.1%), personality traits/disorders (35.9%) and co-morbid medical illness (36.7%) were commonly found on assessment.

Conclusions. A significant portion of the patients in our sample could have been managed at primary care level and were referred prematurely. The overall quality of referral letters was poor, and they lacked vital information required for appropriate pre-assessment decision making. Undergraduate training focusing on these skills should be intensified, and consideration should be given to incorporating aspects of our findings into primary health care updates.
Erratum
Authors: Buchanan Emma
Published: June 2017

Erratum
Epidemiology of substance use among secondary school learners in Atteridgeville, Gauteng
Authors: Moodley S V , Matjila M J , Moosa M Y H
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Adolescent substance use has a number of adverse consequences for both the individual and society. Anecdotal evidence suggested the existence of a serious substance use problem among learners in Atteridgeville, part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng, South Africa.
Objectives. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence rates and age of initiation of substance use among learners attending secondary schools in Atteridgeville, and the factors, if any, associated with cannabis use.

Methods. This was a cross-sectional study. A cluster sampling technique was employed. Twenty-two of the total of 191 grade 8 - 11 classes in the nine Atteridgeville secondary schools were randomly selected, with all 895 learners in the selected classes being invited to participate. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Statistical analysis was conducted using the survey estimation commands in STATA 10.0.

Results. The lifetime prevalence rates for the three most commonly used substances were 51.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 41.5 - 61.5%) for alcohol, 25.2% (95% CI 17.1 - 33.3%) for cigarettes and 13.2% (95% CI 8.3 - 18.2%) for cannabis. Alcohol was also found to have the lowest mean age of initiation at 14.6 years (standard deviation 2.0). Based on CRAFFT screening scores, 30.3% (95% CI 24.5 - 36.1%) of learners met the criteria for possible problem substance use. Following multivariate analysis, the factors found to be significantly associated with lifetime cannabis use were age, gender, lifetime cigarette use, lifetime alcohol use, the number of illicit drug users among the learners’ five closest friends, and an older sibling with a history of illicit drug use.

Conclusion. The results of the study suggest that substance use among learners in Atteridgeville is widespread and that a comprehensive intervention strategy is required.