Bulawayo Research Articles

Patient held medical records in public hospitals in Bulawayo

The purpose of the study was to examine the use and handling of PHMRs by patients and the clinical staff at public hospitals in the Bulawayo Province. The study employed a qualitative research methodology in which open ended questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were collected from doctors, nurses, records clerks and patients at 2 of the 4 targeted major public hospitals in Bulawayo, giving a total of 150 participants. This study revealed that PHMRs contained vital patient health information such as diagnosis, patient name, and prescribed medications. PHMRs did not have an official uniform structure, and patients used whatever booklets that were affordable to them. In some cases, patients used pieces of paper, although this was not encouraged. PHMRs were considered as legal records that are admissible in courts of law on the basis of them being authenticated by dating, officially stamped and signed by the attending medical practitioner. However, there were cases of unlawful manipulation of PHMRs through editing by patients, and in some cases, documentation incompleteness of the PHMR. The study further found out that the biggest challenge faced in the use of PHMRs was their loss by patients, which negatively impacted health care service delivery. The study recommends that patients be continuously educated about the importance of, and effectively managing their PHMRs for the purposes of continued health care delivery and accessibility. The study further recommended the use of structured hospital-designed booklets that patients can purchase at the hospital. This would avoid the use of any type of book/booklets and pieces of paper. The Ministry of Health and Child Health Care in Zimbabwe needs to consider introducing personalised electronic health records as alternatives to physical PHMRs.

Impact of Parental Involvement (PI) in the Education of Children with Intellectual Impairment in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Impact of Parental Involvement (PI) in the Education of Children with Intellectual Impairment in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Challenges and Strategies for Effective Spiritual and Moral Leadership in Seventh-day Adventist -run schools in Bulawayo province, Zimbabwe

Challenges and Strategies for Effective Spiritual and Moral Leadership in Seventh-day Adventist -run schools in Bulawayo province, Zimbabwe

Strategies employed by education managers in managing and resolving conflicts in the Bulawayo Metropolitan province schools, Zimbabwe

Conflict is an integral part of school management and its existence must not be shunned as it stimulates creative and innovative ways of thinking which enhance organisational growth and performance. The purpose of the study reported on here was to investigate how education managers executed Thomas and Kilmann’s model in managing and resolving conflicts in schools to avert chaos and anarchy with the ultimate intention of enhancing productivity. A constructivist, inductive grounded theory utilising a qualitative approach was employed. Qualitative data were generated using a semi-structured interview protocol from 4 information-rich education managers who were purposively selected. The inclusion criteria for the participants were age, experience, professional qualifications and the sample was determined by theoretical saturation. Data generated were thematically analysed. The study revealed that the conflict management and resolution model used by education managers in schools was contingent to their environment and perception. It also revealed that conflict was innovative and stimulated thought processes. As a result, schools must recruit education managers who are transformative, democratic and equipped with the appropriate strategies for managing and resolving conflict if teachers’ morale is to be boosted and productivity enhanced.

The teachers’ readiness to incorporate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning of English as a Second Language in Zimbabwe’s Urban Primary Schools

Any nation's ability to educate its citizens depends on its teachers, thus teacher preparation is essential to the integration of ICT in teaching. The success of ICT integration in the classroom therefore depends on the teachers' readiness to incorporate these tools into the curriculum. No paradigm shift in the educational process can be successfully imagined without teachers being the first participants of the intention. This study set out to find out how urban primary school English teachers in Zimbabwe felt about their own preparedness to use ICTs in the classroom. The resources that are available, the abilities of the teachers, our urban primary schools in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province were the target population. Qualitative research methodology was employed in the study. Data were gathered for this study using ten randomly chosen English teachers from 3 selected primary schools of Bulawayo. The teachers' preparedness was investigated using semi-structured interviews. The results demonstrated that English teachers lacked the necessary preparation to both integrate ICT into the teaching and learning process and execute blended learning. Teachers view ICT in blended learning positively, however the existing ICT tools were insufficient for teaching and learning since there was little to no technical support available to assist teachers who needed it. The study provided several recommendations, including that teachers should receive ongoing training, be aware of the value of ICT, and ensure that schools have working ICT resources that are available to them.

High uptake of menstrual health information, products and analgesics within an integrated sexual reproductive health service for young people in Zimbabwe

BackgroundDespite being integral to women’s well-being, achieving good menstrual health (MH) remains a challenge. This study examined MH services uptake (including information, analgesics, and a choice of MH products - the menstrual cup and reusable pads) and sustained use of MH products within an integrated sexual and reproductive health intervention for young people in Zimbabwe.MethodsThis mixed-methods study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of integrated sexual and reproductive health services (CHIEDZA) for youth in three provinces (Harare, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo). The study collected qualitative and quantitative data from 27,725 female clients aged 16–24 years, who accessed CHIEDZA from April 2019 – March 2022. Using a biometric (fingerprint recognition) identification system, known as SIMPRINTS, uptake of MH information, products, and analgesics and other services was tracked for each client. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to investigate MH service uptake and product choice and use over time, and the factors associated with these outcomes. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions and interviews were used to further explore providers’ and participants’ experiences of the MH service and CHIEDZA intervention.ResultsOverall, 36,991 clients accessed CHIEDZA of whom 27,725 (75%) were female. Almost all (n = 26,448; 95.4%) took up the MH service at least once: 25433 took up an MH product with the majority (23,346; 92.8%) choosing reusable pads. The uptake of cups varied across province with Bulawayo province having the highest uptake (13.4%). Clients aged 20–24 years old were more likely to choose cups than reusable pads compared with those aged 16–19 years (9.4% vs 6.0%; p < 0.001). Over the implementation period, 300/1819 (16.5%) of clients swapped from the menstrual cup to reusable pads and 83/23346 (0.4%) swapped from reusable pads to the menstrual cup. Provision of the MH service encouraged uptake of other important SRH services. Qualitative findings highlighted the provision of free integrated SRH and MH services that included a choice of MH products and analgesics in a youth-friendly environment were key to high uptake and overall female engagement with SRH services.ConclusionsHigh uptake demonstrates how the MH service provided much needed access to MH products and information. Integration of MH within an SRH intervention proved central to young women accessing other SRH services.

The Management of the School' Supplementary Feeding Programmes in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

The Management of the School' Supplementary Feeding Programmes in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) and HIV-HBV coinfection among men who have sex with men, transgender women, and genderqueer individuals in Harare and Bulawayo Zimbabwe, 2019

ObjectivesTo measure HIV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence and associated risk behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women/genderqueer individuals (TGW/GQ) in Zimbabwe. MethodsWe conducted a biobehavioral survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among adult MSM and TGW/GQ in Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent testing for HIV and HBV. ResultsOverall, 1,510 (Harare: 694, Bulawayo 816) participants were enrolled and consented to testing; 3.8 % (58) tested positive for HBV, 22.5 % (339) tested positive for HIV, and 2.2 % (33) tested positive for both HIV and HBV. HBV prevalence was higher among participants with HIV compared to HIV-negative participants (9.7 % vs. 2.1 %, p < 0.0001). Overall, HBV prevalence was not statistically different between MSM and TGW/GQ (3.7 % vs 4.5 %, p = 0.49) nor between Harare and Bulawayo (3.3 % vs 4.3 %, p = 0.33). ConclusionsOur survey demonstrates the prevalence of HBV among MSM and TGW/GQ is lower than other estimates of HBV among MSM in Africa but remains high among our survey population living with HIV highlighting the need to expand HBV testing and treatment services, especially among people with HIV in Zimbabwe.

An Evaluation of Inclusivity Through Multicultural Education in Tertiary Education: A Case Study of One Tertiary Institution in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe.

An Evaluation of Inclusivity Through Multicultural Education in Tertiary Education: A Case Study of One Tertiary Institution in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe.

Challenges Encountered by Primary School Heads in the Utilisation of Information Communication Technology in Administering Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Challenges Encountered by Primary School Heads in the Utilisation of Information Communication Technology in Administering Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Implications of Foreign Direct Investment on SME Growth in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Bulawayo Province

SMEs in Zimbabwe have withstood the test of time amidst economic decay experienced by the Zimbabwean economy for the past two decades. Since the adoption of progrowth policies in Zimbabwe FDI inflows have significantly increased overtime towards SMEs due because of their nurture to drive growth and economic competitiveness as well as navigating difficult economic landscapes. Therefore the paper investigates the implications of foreign direct investment on SME growth in Bulawayo. A qualitative research approach aligned with interpretivism research philosophy was adopted in this paper. The research subjects were selected using a convenient sampling technique. A total of 20 interviews were conducted with the managers and business owners of SMEs. The related challenges faced by SMEs in the Bulawayo metropolitan are increased competition, access to capital difficulties, skill and technology gaps, and regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles. The findings revealed that FDI plays a multifaceted role in shaping the SME landscape in Bulawayo metropolitan. The positive effects included opportunities for technology transfer, market expansion, improved infrastructure, capacity building, and training opportunities, and inclusion of the small and medium enterprises in supply chain integration. The study recommends a broader discussion with policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to maximise the benefits of foreign direct investment on small to medium enerprises while mitigating its adverse effects.

Top management and teacher involvement in the strategic planning process in Zimbabwean schools

In this study I investigated the involvement of top management and teachers in the strategic planning process in 5 district schools located in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province guided by the Take Stock Analysis (TSA) model. The constructivist/interpretivist paradigm was the qualitative methodology adopted for the study using a case study research method. The participants were 5 education managers and 5 focus groups of 4 teachers, each purposively selected from each school as an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon was sought through face-to-face interviews. Interview data were inductively and thematically analysed while strategic plans provided were inspected using content analysis and supplemented with interview data. The findings were reported following the concept of strategic planning, the formulation, monitoring and evaluation process. The results reveal that some schools used the centralised or decentralised strategic planning process while others hired strategists with minimal involvement from the teachers and the top management of the school. I recommend that stakeholders are actively involved in the entire strategic planning process to enhance ownership and commitment at the operational level. Most importantly, joint periodic evaluations are needed for modification purposes and relevance.

Work-life balance in the Zimbabwe Retail Sector: Testing a job-engagement and job-satisfaction model

Orientation: This study focuses on the relationship between work-life balance (WLB), job engagement, and job satisfaction (JS) among employees in the retail sector in Bulawayo urban Province, Zimbabwe.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate the relationship between WLB, job engagement and JS.Motivation for the study: The motivation for the research stemmed from the dearth of studies from the global south that examined the causal relationship between three aforementioned variables within the retail sector.Research design, approach and method: A descriptive survey design was employed in a study that involved 108 employees from the retail sector in Bulawayo province. Adapted standardised closed questionnaires were used for data collection. The study was developed and tested, using structural equation modelling, a model that can be used to explain the effect of the three variables on each other.Main findings: The study established a statistically significant relationship between WLB and job engagement. It was also found that WLB plays a major role in facilitating positive JS outcomes. However, a weak association was established between JS and dedication – a dimension of job engagement.Practical/managerial implications: Striking a balance between employees’ career and personal life directly impacts their JS and job engagement levels.Contribution/value-add: This study’s findings shed light on the complex dynamics between the three variables that are helpful for organisations seeking to enhance employee well-being and optimise performance of their workforce.

Antibiotic resistance, pathotypes, and pathogen-host interactions in Escherichia coli from hospital wastewater in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

This study aimed to characterise E. coli strains isolated from hospital wastewater effluent in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, using both molecular and cytological approaches. Wastewater samples were aseptically collected from the sewerage mains of a major public referral hospital in Bulawayo province weekly for one month. A total of 94 isolates were isolated and confirmed as E. coli through biotyping and PCR targeting the uidA housekeeping gene. A total of 7 genes (eagg, eaeA, stx, flicH7, ipaH, lt, and st genes) coding for virulence in diarrheagenic E. coli were targeted. Antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli was determined against a panel of 12 antibiotics through the disk diffusion assay. The infectivity status of the observed pathotypes was investigated using HeLa cells through adherence, invasion, and intracellular assay. None of the 94 isolates tested positive for the ipaH and flicH7genes. However, 48 (53.3%) isolates were enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) (lt gene positive), 2 (2.13%) isolates were enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (eagg gene), and 1 (1.06%) isolate was enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) (stx and eaeA). A high level of sensitivity was observed in E. coli against ertapenem (98.9%), and Azithromycin (75.5%). The highest resistance was against ampicillin (92.6%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (90.4%). Seventy-nine (84%) E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The infectivity study results indicated that environmentally isolated pathotypes were as infective as the clinically isolated pathotypes for all three parameters. No adherent cells were observed using ETEC, and no cells were observed in the intracellular survival assay using EAEC. This study revealed that hospital wastewater is a hotspot for pathogenic E. coli and that the environmentally isolated pathotypes maintained their ability to colonise and infect mammalian cells.

ADOPT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES OR SHIP OUT OF BUSINESS: COVID-19 EXPERIENCES OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTREPRENEURS IN THE BULAWAYO METROPOLITAN PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

This interpretive research study sought to ascertain the technological challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The thrust of the study was qualitative and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 30 purposively selected SME owners. Through thematic analysis, the findings revealed that SMEs without technological gadgets faced an array of challenges such as poor communication with business partners, inability to view business transactions, delay in making payments, high operational costs, difficulty in advertising products, and failure to place orders on time. From the research, it was concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the digital divide amongst SMEs, as those without the technological gadgets and the requisite skills were either forced to close or had minimal business transactions. The study recommended that deliberate policies be put in place to equip SME owners with technological gadgets and internet facilities at subsidised rates and offer free training to prepare SMEs for the digital world.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0208/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Spectator Violence in Football Matches in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

Spectator violence is a phenomenon that has been associated with professional football in Europe. Issues of hooliganism, tribal tendencies and insecurity have found their place in African football. This paper interrogates issues of spectator violence in football in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The paper is grounded on frustration-aggression theory (Miller &amp; Dollard, 1939) in trying to determine the causes, nature and impact of violence in sports. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted in which interviews were conducted to collect views, attitudes and opinions of the spectators, players, referees, and football clubs’ management. Document analysis augmented findings from interview schedules. Expert purposive sampling technique recruited thirty participants comprising of referees, managers, coaches, players, and spectators to establish causes of spectator violence in football. Participants were voluntarily selected and protected as they were assured of their anonymity and confidentiality. Findings from interviews and document analysis point out that spectator violence seems to be influenced by hooliganism, escapism, tribalism, and frustration in football among other issues. Seventy percent (70%) of the participants also indicated that matches are a representation of historical and ethnic conflicts between tribal groups, hence these tendencies trigger violence in form of hooliganism. On the other hand, 85 % of football managers pointed out that songs and chants in the stadia by football spectators trigger violence. There were 65% of the spectators who pointed to unfair calls by referees as an indicator of football violence. Similarly, 86% of the referees indicated that frustration and escapism by spectators promotes football violence when spectators try to settle scores and vent their anger through sports. Based on the findings, the study recommends that football should be taken as an industry where outreach programmes are held to educate the football players, spectators, managers, referees, and the nation at large. Conduct of the different personalities at matches should be imparted at grassroots level through schools, clubs, and media.

Opinion Leaders versus Interpersonal Forces: Analysis of the Relative Influence on Zimbabwean Farmers Input Purchase Behavior

This study had the primary aim of analyzing the relative influence of opinion leaders and interpersonal forces on farmers’ input purchases. The interpersonal factors analyzed in the study include age, education, income, years of farming experience, farm size, and family/friends while the opinion sources investigated include input supplier/distributors, extension agents, other farmers, cooperative leaders, and internet search. The study also had the secondary objective of determining the most influencing interpersonal factor and the most influencing opinion source on farmers’ input purchases decision. The study employed the use of the descriptive research design and quantitative research methods in data collection and analysis. Data was collected through a survey of 100 farmers in Bulawayo Metropolitan province of Zimbabwe using the convenience sampling technique. Findings indicate that interpersonal forces have more influence on farmers’ input purchase decisions than opinion leaders. Findings also indicate that farmers’ farming experience is the most influencing interpersonal factor in this study while other farmers’ opinions are the most influencing opinion source. Other farmers’ opinions are also based on their own experience; therefore, experience is the crucial factor influencing input purchase decisions. The implications of this finding on practice are that farmers are inclined to reject new inputs they and other farmers have no experience with and it is therefore recommended that both extension agents and input suppliers develop strong partnerships with farmers to influence the adoption of new inputs.

OPERATING IN A DISRUPTED ENVIRONMENT: LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS

&lt;p&gt;The study, which sought to find out the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the business operations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, and the lessons thereof, adopted the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach and a case study design. Data was collected from a sample of 30 purposively selected SME owners using electronic semi-structured and physically distributed questionnaires. Data were thematically analysed. The study found that the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic included restrictions on physical movements and face-to-face interaction; loss of revenue; failure to operate businesses in a disruptive environment and changes in consumption patterns. The lessons derived from the pandemic were that SMEs need to embrace technology and should be innovative and creative; the need for networking and the need to study the environment and adapt accordingly. The study thus concluded that despite the disruptions caused by the pandemics, there were lessons derived from the experiences. The implications provided by the study were that SMEs should acquire new technologies and new skills for doing business; seek guidance from mobile service providers; work in partnership with bigger companies so as to copy best practice; be creative and innovative and re-adjust strategies in order to adapt quickly. Policymakers should disseminate information to SMEs on the environmental challenges that they are likely to face.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0953/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE INITIATOR FOR DIGITAL INCLUSION OR EXCLUSION OF SMES IN THE BULAWAYO METROPOLITAN PROVINCE, ZIMBABWE

&lt;p&gt;The study examined whether the COVID-19 pandemic had created digital opportunities for Small to Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe or it had actually exposed their lack of digital acumen. The interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative descriptive approach and a case study design were adopted for this study. The research used semi-structured questionnaires to solicit data from 30 purposively selected small to medium entrepreneurs. Data were thematically analysed to discern meaning. The study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had led participants to embrace technology, as evidenced by their acquisition of technological gadgets. Furthermore, ownership of technological gadgets had facilitated working from home, in the comfort of their homes; reaching clients irrespective of boundaries; having easy access to information on business transactions; the ability to do business even during the pandemic; ordering and ease of payment of suppliers; convenience and flexibility in doing business and discovering business platforms they were not aware of. The study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic was the initiator for the digital inclusion of SMEs in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, after the realisation that for their businesses to remain operational in this uncertain and disruptive environment, they had to embrace technology. The study recommended that workshops to train and equip SME owners with digital skills be conducted so that in the event of other pandemics, their businesses would remain afloat.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0651/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Impact of Artisanal Mining on Career Development of Adolescents in Zimbabwe

The research explored the impact of artisanal mining on the career development of adolescents at three selected schools in Imbizo District, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. Interpretivism research philosophy was employed in the study, and a qualitative research method was used. The phenomenological research design was adopted for the study. The sample comprised fifteen school children aged between 14 to 20 years, and six teachers were selected from schools in Imbizo district in Bulawayo province, Zimbabwe, using purposive sampling. Due to COVID-19 regulations, interviews were telephonically, and focus group discussions were conducted online. Interviews were used to collect data from children, while focus group discussions were used to collect data from teachers. The findings revealed that causes of child involvement in artisanal mining include influence from society, poverty, drugs, adventure and the COVID-19 outbreak. The research findings revealed that child involvement in mining brought undesirable behavioural traits such as anti-social behaviour, poor academic performance, health and safety risks and different forms of abuse. Strategies suggested by teachers to mitigate child involvement in illegal mining encompassed legalising the small-scale mines, life skills education, educational support to all vulnerable children, community awareness campaigns, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government involvement. The children suggested that the government could help by providing them with basic needs like food and paying for their schools and stationery.