Masters Degrees (Psychiatry)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Psychiatry) by browse.metadata.advisor "Niehaus, Dana"

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    The experiences, concerns, and receptivity in accessing digital health information and resources in caregivers of older adults with major neurocognitive disorder seen in a private psychogeriatric practice in Cape Town, South Africa.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Nhlabathi, Sihle; Niehaus, Dana; Nepgen, Nicolize; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Psychiatry.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: The financial and human resources needed for the development and maintenance of an internet-based cognitive disorder resource are significant. These resources may aid in improving caregiver burden and patient quality of life. Exploring the reasons for the apparent underutilization of these resources can lead to a targeted internet-based resources that are accessible, service user friendly and utilized efficiently. Methodology: This was a qualitative study using an interpretive methodology. A purposive heterogeneous sampling method was used to select 12 caregivers of patients who met the inclusion criteria in the research setting at a private psychogeriatric practice in Cape Town, South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews that were guided by a leading question and a set list of conversational prompts. The semi-structured interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in a 6-step thematic analysis approach. Results: The verification sessions revealed the following main themes: i) lack of resources and the cost of accessing internet, ii) knowledge deficits, iii) information requirements and iv) receptiveness or perceptions. Conclusion: This study provides the valuable points of departure for internet-based resources. Caregivers in our study were enthusiastic about utilising these resources. They are also willing to provide feedback in terms of the type of information that would be helpful to them. Whilst caregivers see the value of internet-based resources, there is still a need for human contact or interactions e.g., with health professionals and through support groups. Perceptions were positive towards utilising mHealth psychiatric resources in the care of their family member that suffers from NCD. Barriers to accessing these resources include high data costs. Free data access to trustworthy, internet-based caregiver support tools should be explored in future.
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    Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in psychogeriatric patients in private practice in Cape Town
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03) Gabriels, Charnotte; Niehaus, Dana; Potocnik, Felix; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Psychiatry.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: The elderly population in South Africa is growing and it is estimated that 5.4 million (9.1%) of the population is aged 60 years or older (nearly 1 in 10 elderly). Quality of life and physical wellbeing are important to maintain optimal function and independence in the later years of life. Malnutrition is one risk factor that increases morbidity and mortality in the elderly, where suboptimal vitamin B12 levels, one form of malnutrition, has been shown to impair cognition and immune status. Prevalence studies on vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly in South Africa are limited. This study will provide information on the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and if this deficiency is associated with selected demographic, medical and cognitive variables. Objective: To determine the prevalence (95% CI) of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients, 60 years and older and to investigate if vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with any sociodemographic, medical or cognitive factors in this population group. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all first-time patients (≥60 years old) attending their first consult at a Psychogeriatric Private Practice in Durbanville, Cape Town between January 2017 and January 2020. Patients who had their vitamin B12 levels assessed at intake were included in the study, where participants with B12 levels of <148 pmol/L were categorised as having a deficiency, 148-221 pmol/L as having low levels, and >221 pmol/L as having adequate levels. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Repeatable Battery for Neuropsychological Status (RBANS).