Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

Author: Bhekithemba Vellem

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Walter Sisulu University
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 1-24
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a1

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Bhekithemba Vellem
Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 1-24

Abstract

Common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress are prevalent among Health Science students globally. Despite the available support systems offered by the university that is the site of the present study, barriers such as stigma and resource limitations hinder their effectiveness. Understanding these contributing factors is essential to improving the well-being of these future health professionals and ensuring their academic success. This study explored the factors contributing to common mental health problems in students participating in health-related programmes at a university in the Eastern Cape. This study used a descriptive phenomenological design to explore students’ real-life experiences. A purposive sample of 15 students from various departments in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences was employed. The data-collection method included detailed interviews, which were audio-recorded with informed consent until data saturation. The data were analysed thematically to reveal key patterns, while ensuring their trustworthiness through credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability. Health Science students face significant mental health problems that result primarily from their academic workloads, time-management difficulties and clinical training demands. The participants reported experiencing high stress levels caused by heavy workloads, frequent assessments and the emotional strain that results from patient interactions. Poor time management exacerbated their stress, leading to sleep deprivation and social isolation. Although support services such as counselling and peer mentoring were available, many students avoided seeking help due to concerns about confidentiality, stigma and insufficient resources. Language barriers contributed further to their academic difficulties, affecting the students’ confidence and performance. This research underscores the need for the university in question to enhance mental health provision by increasing accessibility to counselling services, promoting time-management strategies and providing workshops to prepare students for clinical exposure. Early intervention, structured peer support and institutional reforms are recommended to mitigate the mental health challenges experienced by Health Science students.

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

Ethical and legal implications of doctor–patient confidentiality in the age of technological advancements: Ensuring privacy and trust in healthcare services

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Ethical and legal implications of doctor–patient confidentiality in the age of technological advancements: Ensuring privacy and trust in healthcare services

Author: Mlondolozi Mvikweni

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Walter Sisulu University
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 25-40
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a2

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Mlondolozi Mvikweni
Ethical and legal implications of doctor–patient confidentiality in the age of technological advancements: Ensuring privacy and trust in healthcare services
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 25-40

Abstract

In the contemporary digital age, the traditional principles of doctor–patient confidentiality face increasing challenges due to rapid technological advancements. This research explores the ethical and legal implications of maintaining confidentiality in healthcare, specifically focusing on electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine and the burgeoning use of big data. It critically examines the ways in which these technologies, while possibly enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery, also introduce substantial risks to patient privacy and trust. The study analyses South African constitutional provisions alongside relevant international conventions and legislative frameworks that govern the right to privacy. This includes a detailed evaluation of cybersecurity measures and the ethical guidelines necessary to navigate these challenges. Through a comprehensive review of the case law and statutory obligations, this research provides strategies for healthcare providers to uphold confidentiality, ensure informed consent and balance the benefits of technological innovation against the imperative to protect sensitive patient information. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of the South African healthcare system and the Cuban healthcare system is presented to offer a broader perspective on maintaining doctor–patient confidentiality in diverse socio-economic contexts.

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

Research capacity development needs for postgraduate students at South African public universities

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Research capacity development needs for postgraduate students at South African public universities

Author: Fulufhelo Malamatsho

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: University of South Africa
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 41-59
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a3

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Fulufhelo Malamatsho
Research capacity development needs for postgraduate students at South African public universities
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 41-59

Abstract

Supervisors are the cornerstones of successful postgraduate studies. Once registered, a postgraduate student is allocated a supervisor to oversee research and mentor them. Some universities allocate supervisors and mentors separately depending on their capacity. Although postgraduate students need to lead their academic journey, their supervisors are also responsible for their success. The throughput rate for postgraduates focuses on ensuring that students fulfil the requirements of their degrees within the expected time frames. Challenges may arise in the postgraduate student journey, including emotional, psychological, financial and health – and even the loss of interest in their research. The supervisors are expected to help the students to overcome these challenges through various means, including referral to professional services. Some universities may offer incentives to supervisors should their students graduate on time. However, it is not entirely clear what students would want from their supervisors or universities in order to feel supported. This quantitative study surveyed postgraduate students who were studying at South African public universities from 2010 to 2020 in order to determine who played a role in their studies and what kind of support or research capacity development activities helped them to complete their studies. Cooke’s Framework (2005) was applied in the questionnaire to evaluate the development of the students’ research capacity. The findings highlight the reality that supervisors are key to postgraduate support and throughput rates and that activities such as research workshops and dissertation writing sessions are beneficial to postgraduates. The study recommends adopting Cooke’s Framework at public universities so as to evaluate research capacity, replacing the principle of sustainability and continuity with emotional support and conducting needs assessments, ongoing monitoring and yearend evaluations, while ensuring that supervisors are suitably equipped to meet student needs.

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

Restoring dignity for students with disabilities at South African universities

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Restoring dignity for students with disabilities at South African universities

Author: Beauty Nonzwakazi Makiwane

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences, Butterworth, Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 60-77
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a4

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Beauty Nonzwakazi Makiwane
Restoring dignity for students with disabilities at South African universities
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 60-77

Abstract

Sections 3 and 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 state that one automatically has inherent dignity upon gaining South African citizenship. However, students with disabilities perceive that South African universities focus more on acknowledging and recognising dignity while struggling to promote respect for and the protection of individuals with a disability from the stages of studentship, all the way from application to graduation. These perceptions imply abuses against minors with disabilities that negatively affect their dignity. For this reason, the intention to promote respect for and the protection of students with disabilities at South African universities presents an interesting case that warrants examination. A qualitative research approach was preferred for this study in order to indicate those key areas where the dignity of particular individuals was jeopardised. Self-administered questionnaires were given to 15 focus groups of students with disabilities at Walter Sisulu University, who were selected through key informant sampling. This was followed by a semi-structured interview schedule to cover identified gaps in the Walter Sisulu University’s policies and practices. A survey research design was chosen to enable the observation of students with disabilities in their physical environments. Content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The findings indicate that various interventions, such as disability-specific educational, training and development programmes, are essential to imparting significant knowledge and skills about matters of disability. Recommendations include fostering strong collaborations and partnerships with key stakeholders for meaningful engagement, establishing structures and platforms where students with disabilities participate proactively, and the introduction of prescribed quotas of students with disabilities by the Department of Higher Education and Training to reflect on what South African universities preach.

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

Globalisation and Cameroonian worldview: The case of Azanwi Nchami’s Foot prints of destiny and Kenjo Jumbam’s The whiteman of God

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

Globalisation and Cameroonian worldview: The case of Azanwi Nchami’s Foot prints of destiny and Kenjo Jumbam’s The whiteman of God

Authors: Doreen Mekunda and Woloa Sheriban

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: University of Buea, Department of English and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Arts, Republic of Cameroon
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 78-96
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a5

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Doreen Mekunda and Woloa Sheriban
Globalisation and Cameroonian worldview: The case of Azanwi Nchami’s Foot prints of destiny and Kenjo Jumbam’s The whiteman of God
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 78-96

Abstract

Contact between the various peoples in the world, especially between the global North and South, was accentuated through the civilising mission-slavery, colonisation, imperialism and other ever-evolving forms of oppressor–oppressed relationships. With cultural contact as a constant in our evolving world, globalisation aims to referee relations between these interacting cultures on a global scale. This article examines the ways in which globalisation has affected the Cameroonian worldview by discussing excerpts from Kenjo Jumbam’s The whiteman of God (1980) and Azanwi Nchami’s Foot prints of destiny (1985). We build our discourse around Aseh’s concept of the ‘Kamerun Idea’, exploring the tenets of worldview, ontology, values, logic and identity. We answer the question: Could there be any equitable exchanges between the global North and South in the global supermarket of influences? It is the contention of this article that globalisation has become a pressing present reality, especially as culture shock leads to osmotic relationships of exchange between the global North and South. This article reveals that whenever cultures meet, influence is traded and worldviews are affected.

Exploration of causes of common mental health problems among Health Science students at a university

E-waste management and its health and environmental impact in under-resourced villages of South Africa: A case study

by | Dec 6, 2025 | IJAR 2025

E-waste management and its health and environmental impact in under-resourced villages of South Africa: A case study

Authors: Odwa Gazana and Tembisa Grace Nqgondi

ISSN: 3078-2821
Affiliations: Faculty of Informatics and Design, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Western Cape, South Africa; Faculty of Informatics and Design, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Western Cape, South Africa
Source: International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 97-115
https://doi.org/10.47348/IJAR/2025/a6

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Odwa Gazana and Tembisa Grace Nqgondi
E-waste management and its health and environmental impact in under-resourced villages of South Africa: A case study
International Journal of African Reflections 2025, p. 97-115

Abstract

The rapid growth of electronic waste (e-waste) has been identified as one contributor to health and environmental risks worldwide. The lack of awareness of the e-waste in the under-resourced villages in South Africa contributes to the environmental risks and health hazards that lead to challenges of climate change due to air and land pollution. It has been established that these villages lack the infrastructure for managing e-waste, which leads to e-waste being disposed in the open land and landfills or burnt or buried underground. Such practices expose communities to toxic chemicals because e-waste is composed of hazardous elements such as lead, mercury and beryllium. If these elements are not properly managed or disposed of, they cause significant danger to the environment and people’s health. This study aimed to assess the level of e-waste awareness and management in the under-resourced villages of South Africa, in particular in the Eastern Cape province. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and embraced a purposive case study method which is underpinned by the Social Capital Theory. Thematic data analysis was used to analyse the data. The study findings demonstrated that the villagers had a lack of awareness of e-waste’s impact on their health and also of the environmental hazards. The Social Capital Theory approach embraced collaboration between a researcher and communities; it resulted in the development of an e-waste awareness and management solution for the villagers and the local municipalities. This article reports on the e-waste awareness process and management.