Browsing by Author "Van Zyl, N."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The impact of behavioural economics and finance on retirement provision
    (Actuarial Society of South Africa, 2016) Van Zyl, N.; Van Zyl, D. J. J.
    The significant shift from defined benefit to defined contribution retirement funds in South Africa has led to many fund members bearing responsibility for a range of risks. Many of these risks, such as those related to investment, longevity and cognitive deterioration are unavoidable. Another category of risk is that related to the choices made by government, employers, trustees, advisors and/or individuals at either national, scheme or individual level. These choices may also pose a threat to a member’s financial wellbeing in retirement. Behavioural economics and finance helps to explain the choices made by these stakeholders in the retirement industry. The authors explain this concept in the context of industry stakeholders and the unique South African economic and demographic landscape, focusing on defined contribution retirement funds. Key behavioural insights applicable to the retirement industry are explored and, where practical, illustrated by stakeholder behaviour. Possible ways to harness these insights in order to improve retirement wellbeing are then discussed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Outcomes of extremely low-birthweight neonates at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa : a retrospective cohort study
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2021-10) Mugyenzi, Grace Musiime; Lloyd, L. G.; McCaul, M.; Van Zyl, N.; Holgate, S. L.
    Background. Neonates of extremely low birthweight (ELBW; <1 000 g) have the highest neonatal mortality in South Africa (SA). Objective. To describe the morbidity and mortality of ELBW neonates treated at a tertiary hospital in SA. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study including all live-born ELBW neonates treated at Tygerberg Hospital between 1 January and 31 December 2016. Data were extrapolated from a prospectively collected neonatal database and patient records. Multiple logistic regression and survival analysis were performed to identify risk factors of mortality. Results. The sample included 256 neonates. The following morbidities were recorded: respiratory distress syndrome (83.2%); bronchopulmonary dysplasia (8.2%); intraventricular haemorrhage (34.5%); periventricular leukomalacia (0.6%); necrotising enterocolitis (10.5%); and retinopathy of prematurity (31.2%). The survival-to-discharge rate was 63.3%. Cause of death was documented as extreme prematurity in 41% of the inpatient deaths. Birthweight was a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.992 - 0.999). Of the 162 neonates who survived until discharge, 11 died following discharge. Conclusion. Morbidity and mortality rates remain high among ELBW neonates. To improve survival, resources need to be allocated to neonatal resuscitation, surfactant therapy and increasing availability of intensive-care beds.