Students In Botswana Research Articles

A higher education marketing perspective on choice factors and sources of information considered by prospective first-year students in Botswana

The increasing nature of competition in the higher education sector of Botswana means that universities need to craft strategies to be more competitive. The recipe for competitiveness is primarily hinged on the ability of institutions to be cognisant of the factors that influence prospective learners in selecting a university of choice to study. They also critically need to know the sources of information where prospective learners acquire information to redirect their marketing strategies. To achieve these objectives, the purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the choice of university of study as well as their sources of information in influencing choice decision-making. The study followed a qualitative research approach and data was collected using in-depth interviews. Thematic narrative analysis was used to unpack the underlying influences on decision-making. The findings indicate that prospective students get their information from multiple factors. The most influential sources identified are family and friends, career fairs and exhibitions, social media, and to a lesser extent the mass media and promotional materials. The findings also showed that prospective university students’ choice of university is influenced by a variety of factors. These include university location, availability of accommodation, perceptions of university reputation, quality of academic programs, alignment of lifelong interests and desires, and the perception of employability. There are other factors that are less influential as degree of persuasion, funding issues, costs associated with applications as well as government processes and procedures. These findings have potential to influence university marketing strategies and policies in seeking competitiveness and improvement in enrolment numbers.

The impact of proactive personality and self-esteem on career decision making self-efficacy of university students in Botswana: A mediation analysis

The university period is where students make career related decisions and preparations to transition from the school to professional settings, however, studies show that some students face some degree of career indecisiveness and decision making difficulties. Therefore, this study examined the impact of individual proactive personality and self-esteem on the career decision making self-efficacy (CDMSE) of students. Data was collected from a sample of 120 participants from 5 different universities across Botswana. The Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Career decision self-efficacy Short form (CDSE-SF) and the Proactive Personality (PP) scales were administered to assess the variables under study. The data collected was analyzed using the Pearson’s correlation, regression analysis and Hayes’ mediation model. The results indicate that proactive personality had a significant positive impact on the career decision making self-efficacy levels of students. Secondly, self-esteem had a significant positive correlation and impact with the career decision making self-efficacy of student. Moreover, mediation analysis indicate that proactive personality significantly mediated the relationship between self-esteem and career decision making self-efficacy of university students. Further analysis reveal a significant positive correlation of student’s age with their self-esteem levels but no gender disparities were found. In conclusion, students with higher levels of proactive personality and self-esteem are more likely to have higher levels of career decision making self-efficacy. Further results, implications and limitations are discussed.

The Moderated-Mediated Influence of TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter Usage Alongside Psychological Factors on Academic Achievement among Botho University Students in Botswana: Examining the Role of Self-Regulation and Personal Profile

The evolving digital landscape underscores the need to investigate the influence of social media on academic performance. This study examines the intricate relationship between social media use—specifically on TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter—and the academic performance of university students in Botswana. Exploring the roles of psychological traits, self-control, and individual profiles as moderators and mediators in this correlation, the research emphasizes the pivotal influence of these factors in shaping how social media impacts academic performance. The primary objective is to scrutinize both the direct and indirect effects of social media use on student performance, evaluating how self-directed regulation mechanisms can mitigate adverse effects. Employing a quantitative approach, the study analyzed survey data from 55 undergraduate students at Botho University in Botswana, recruited through convenience sampling. While the sample size was constrained by practical limitations, the study offers initial insights to be further explored in future research with larger samples. Utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis, the research investigated usage patterns, perceived impacts, and self-regulation techniques. Findings reveal a robust link between extensive social media use and varied academic performance, influenced significantly by individual self-regulation skills and psychological traits. Notably, strong self-regulation techniques were associated with reduced negative academic consequences, highlighting the crucial role of human control in digital engagement. The study illuminates how social media can serve as both a distraction and a valuable teaching tool, shaped by individual characteristics. It recommends future research focus on specific interventions aimed at enhancing self-regulation abilities to maximize the educational benefits of social media while minimizing drawbacks. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of digital media's impact in educational settings, providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and students navigating the challenges of academic success in the digital era.

Human papillomavirus prevalence among unvaccinated young female college students in Botswana: A cross-sectional study

Background. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection and a causative agent of cervical cancer. It is common in adolescent girls and young women, and the majority of infections are transient and asymptomatic. In Botswana, there are currently no data on the HPV prevalence against which the impact of prophylactic HPV vaccines can be measured. Objectives. To establish a baseline HPV prevalence in an unvaccinated cohort of young women. Methods. Women aged ≥18 years were recruited from the University of Botswana between September 2016 and May 2020. Demographic and behavioural characteristics of participants were collected. Subsequently, cervicovaginal swabs were obtained and tested for HPV using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We determined the prevalent HPV types, and evaluated the risk factors associated with HPV positivity. Results. A total of 978 young women were recruited. Overall, there were 589 (60.2%) participants with HPV infection and 12 (1.2%) with HIV. The median (interquartile range) age of the study participants was 19 (18 - 20) years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that significant factors associated with HPV positivity were sexual activity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49 - 2.63; p<0.001), number of sex partners ≥3 (aOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.39 - 3.18; p<0.001), and smoking (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.26 - 3.20; p=0.004). Conclusion. Our results demonstrate for the first time the prevalence of HPV in unvaccinated young women in Botswana. We found a high prevalence of HPV infection, with statistical differences with different risk factors. This finding supports the need for HPV vaccination strategies for females prior to sexual debut to reduce the future burden of cervical cancer in Botswana.

Information Literacy Skills of High School Students in Botswana

In this study, we assessed information literacy skills of secondary school students in Gaborone, Botswana and established whether and how they are being taught IL skills. The study employed the Big 6 model and was a case study design in which qualitative methods were used. The findings showed that students had low to fair information literacy skills in problem definition, information search strategy, and location of information. Use of information, synthesis, and evaluation were areas of significant challenge. Teachers were aware of information literacy, but were not intentional in their teaching of IL skills. The recommendations are four-fold, a) that education authorities in Botswana should ensure that information literacy is an integral part of students' education by requiring subject teachers as well as teacher-librarians to be intentional in their approach to developing students' information literacy, b) collaboration between teachers and teacher-librarians for more coordinated information literacy initiatives, c) training of both subject teachers and teacher-librarians on pedagogies that integrate the teaching of information literacy.

The influence of Interpersonal Needs on Collaborative Learning Efforts during Participation in Group Assignments and Projects among Limkokwing University Students in Botswana

The influence of Interpersonal Needs on Collaborative Learning Efforts during Participation in Group Assignments and Projects among Limkokwing University Students in Botswana

The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and depression: A cross-sectional survey with university students in Botswana.

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with severe life-long negative outcomes, including depression. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, few studies have been conducted to assess the impact of ACEs.AimTo assess the influence of ACEs on depression among young adults.SettingParticipants were students at a large university in Gaborone, Botswana.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, we investigated the associations between ACEs and depression in young adults in Botswana (n = 392, mean age = 22.2, ± 2.5, 53.4% female). Bivariate correlation analyses, t-tests and analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed to assess associations and compare ACEs at different levels of depression.ResultsA total of 73% (n = 287) reported one or more ACEs, whilst 15% (59) reported five or more ACEs. About 64% (38) of those who reported five or more ACEs were female respondents. Prevalence of specific ACEs ranged from 9.5% (child neglect) to 36.3% (separation and divorce). One in three respondents reported parental separation or divorce, psychological abuse and family dysfunction, whilst 19% (11% moderate and 8% severe) reported significant depressive symptoms. Adverse childhood experiences significantly predicted depression (β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18, 0.37). Respondents at different levels of depression significantly differed on reporting ACEs (F(3, 389) = 11.43, p < 0.001).ConclusionAdverse childhood experiences are highly prevalent and key determinants of depression in young adulthood. A multifaceted and cross-system intervention (e.g. schools, social work, psychological services, health services and law enforcement) is required to protect, prevent and treat survivors of childhood adversity.

Psychiatric epidemiological survey of university students in Botswana: rationale and methods of the Youth Mental Health Study (YMHS)

BackgroundWhile the burden of disease attributable to mental disorders in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) is lower than high-income countries, there is recognition that the dearth of evidence from the LMICs may...

An investigation into the impact of career guidance on career choice of secondary students in Botswana

This is a qualitative study undertaken through a case study design. The study was carried out to investigate into the impact of career guidance on career choice of secondary students in Botswana. Data was collected from form 5 students, guidance &amp; counselling teachers and principals at four (4) private senior secondary schools in Gaborone using a focus group interview, individual interviews and a qualitative-questionnaire. The study was inspired by the quest to understand the impact of career guidance and information provided in secondary in determining career choice of students in schools. The Systems Theory Framework (STF) was used as a guide the study. The findings reveal the absence of a robust career guidance programmes and practices in most of the schools. In schools with career guidance programmes, these were found wanting. Students show their awareness on subject combination and requirements for entry into higher institution in their responses. However, majority of the participants did not have enough career information as expected of students at their final stage of secondary education. The study concludes that due to the dynamic nature of career choice and planning process, career decision of students are influenced by various factors and that as such students need career guidance and information in order to make informed and wise decisions. Thus, in light of findings from this study we recommend that systematic guidance programmes which will adequately address the career needs of learners be developed and provided in schools.

Cannabis Use Disorder Among First-Year Undergraduate Students in Gaborone, Botswana.

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) poses major clinical and public health concerns globally. It is a growing problem among the youth in Botswana, yet little research has been done on this subject. The present study hoped to address this gap in knowledge by determining the prevalence and associated factors of CUD among first-year university students in Botswana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-year university undergraduates, using a modified version of the 37-item World Health Organization (WHO) drug questionnaire and DSM-5 criteria for CUD. The mean age of the respondents was 20.8 (SD = 1.5) years, and the male to female ratio was 1:1.1. Of the 401 students whose responses were analyzed, 37(9,2%) had used cannabis at least once in the last 12 months, but only 19 (4.7%) met the DSM-5 criteria for CUD. After binary regression analysis, difficulty in coping with the new environment/academic activities, receiving more than 150 USD monthly were positively associated with CUD, while regular participation in religious activities was negatively associated. CUD was found among the first-year undergraduates studied. Promoting protective activities such as religious activities and strengthening programs that teach students how to cope with academic stress and a new environment would be helpful.

Knowledge of alcohol-disease links and socio-demographic factors as predictors of support for alcohol-related policies among university students in Botswana

Background: Worldwide, harmful alcohol use is causally related to about 60 diseases and is linked to about 3.3 million deaths annually. Yet, awareness of alcohol-disease links is low.Objective: This study aims to assess socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge of alcohol-disease links as predictors of support for alcohol-related policies.Methods: A survey of 615 university students (age = 19.8; SD = 1.6; 18–25) in Botswana assessed alcohol use and knowledge of alcohol-disease links as predictors of support for alcohol-related policies. T-tests and regression analyses were performed to estimate differences and predictors.Results: Forty per cent of respondents (n = 245) use alcohol, 38% (n = 93) of whom were hazardous users. Awareness of alcohol-disease links was low for diabetes (39%) and cancer (41%) but high for liver cirrhosis (89%) and injuries (87%). Female gender (relative to male) (β = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.27), harmful alcohol use (β = −0.49, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.42), higher maternal education (β = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.18), and more knowledge of alcohol-disease links (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.21) predicted support for policies.Conclusions: Awareness of alcohol-disease links was low. Support for policies was predicted by being female (relative to male), reporting no harmful alcohol use, having more educated mothers, and knowledge of alcohol-disease links. Improving awareness of alcohol-disease links could be an effective intervention to increase support for alcohol-related policies.

The Role of the Campus Environment in Fostering a Sense of Mattering among Postgraduate Commuter Students in Botswana

Commuter students can be found at practically every institutional type in higher education. Despite their increasing numbers as students returning to pursue Master’s and PhD programs, little is known about postgraduate commuter students and their experiences at US and international universities. A mixed-methods embedded design was utilized to investigate whether and how postgraduate commuter students at a rural public research-intensive university in Botswana perceived they mattered or were marginal to their university. Findings revealed that the physical, human aggregate, organizational, and socially constructed environments of the university influenced perceptions of mattering among study participants. Postgraduate students perceived they did not matter to the university because of its focus on undergraduates, its approach to managing postgraduate education, its failure to provide postgraduate housing, and the cost and unavailability of transportation. However, the availability of a teaching assistantship and supervisors’ interest and support fostered the sense among these students that they were receiving attention, considered important, depended on, and empathized with.Keywords: mattering, marginality, commuter students, postgraduate student experience, campus environments

Determinants of Higher Institution Choice by Agriculture Undergraduate Students in Botswana

In this study, authors explored major factors that undergraduate students in Botswana consider vital in influencing their higher education institution choice decisions. It was based on a survey of 300 admitted students at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to which 91.33 % (274/300) of the sample responded. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analysed by coding and using Microsoft Excel package. Results show that the choice decision is based on a number of factors, with the main factors being location of the institution, availability of relevant study programmes, institutional reputation and how the institution marketing and advertise itself to potential students. The findings may have important implications for an institution’s positioning in the competitive student recruitment market, and for re-evaluating marketing and advertising strategies. Recommendations are made on the basis of the main findings. Keywords: higher education, higher education institution, undergraduate, choice decision, BUAN. DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-18-07 Publication date :June 30 th 2019

The use of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in determining the factors associated with breast cancer screening among female students in Botswana

ABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most common malignant condition afflicting females globally although there is limited information regarding the determinants that prompt females to participate in breast cancer screening in Botswana. The study explored the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs in explaining factors associated with breast cancer screening amongst female students in Botswana. A cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires were used to elicit information from 383 female participants. Binary logistic regression and chi-square statistic were used for inferential analysis. The results showed that 40 (10.4%) of the participants had gone for breast cancer screening and 195 (50.9%) participants obtained information on breast cancer screening via television. There was a significant relationship between breast cancer screening uptake and health professionals as the source of information (p < 0.001). A belief that screening leads to loss of breast was associated with fear of breast cancer screening uptake (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.532, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.330–0.857). Female students who believed that having breast examinations performed by a physician was expensive were 0.63 times less likely to have breast cancer screening (AOR: 0.626, 95% CI: 0.465–0.843). The study revealed that breast cancer screening among female students was lower than the 93% target set by the Healthy People 2020 in the United States of America. Our findings suggest that there is a need for interventional health programs to encourage breast cancer screening uptake, targeting the negative beliefs and perceptions acting as barriers to breast cancer screening.

The relationship between locus of control and depression: A cross-sectional survey with university students in Botswana.

BackgroundResearch has consistently revealed a positive association between external locus of control and depression. Little, if any, research has investigated locus of control and depression in the sociocultural context of Botswana.AimTo explore the relationship between locus of control and depression among undergraduate students in Botswana and to determine the impact of age and gender on this relationship.SettingUniversity of Botswana.MethodsA sample of 272 students was surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire, which included the Levenson’s multidimensional locus of control scale, the Beck Depression Inventory-II and demographic questions. Data analysis utilised descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, independent samples t-tests and standard multiple regression analysis.ResultsOf the 272 participants, 47.3% scored low (minimal) levels of depression, 23.4% scored mild levels, 18.0% scored moderate levels and 11.3% scored severe levels of depression. Students who believed that they were in control of events in their lives were less likely to present with depressive symptoms (r = -0.29, p = 0.000), while students who believed that chance (r = 0.45, p = 0.000) or powerful others (r = 0.40, p = 0.000) controlled their lives were more likely to have high depression scores. Both internal and external locus of control, together with age, explained 31% of the variance in depression scores; gender made no significant contribution to levels of depression.ConclusionThe study results draw attention to locus of control as one of the cognitive variables associated with depression. Further research is needed to determine how locus of control can be addressed in the treatment and prevention of depression in university contexts.

Prevalence and predictors of alcohol and drug use among secondary school students in Botswana: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlcohol and illicit drug use has been recognized as a growing problem among adolescents in Botswana. Little is known about factors affecting alcohol and drug use among Botswana’s secondary school students. To aid the design and implementation of effective public health interventions, we sought to determine the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in secondary school students in urban and peri-urban areas of Botswana, and to evaluate risk and protective factors for substance use.MethodsWe performed a 72-item cross-sectional survey of students in 17 public secondary schools in Gaborone, Lobatse, Molepolole and Mochudi, Botswana. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to define hazardous drinking behavior. Using Jessor’s Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) as our conceptual framework, we culturally-adapted items from previously validated tools to measure risk and protective factors for alcohol and drug use. Between-group differences of risk and protective factors were compared using univariate binomial and multinomial-ordinal logit analysis. Relative risks of alcohol and drug use by demographic, high risks and low protections were calculated. Multivariate ordinal-multinomial cumulative logit analysis, multivariate nominal-multinomial logit analysis, and binominal logit analysis were used to build models illustrating the relationship between risk and protective factors and student alcohol and illicit drug use. Clustered data was adjusted for in all analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) methods.ResultsOf the 1936 students surveyed, 816 (42.1%) reported alcohol use, and 434 (22.4%) met criteria for hazardous alcohol use. Illicit drug use was reported by 324 students (16.7%), with motokwane (marijuana) being the most commonly used drug. Risk factors more strongly associated with alcohol and drug use were reported alcohol availability, individual and social vulnerability factors, and poor peer modeling. Individual and social controls protections appear to mitigate risk of student alcohol and drug use.ConclusionsAlcohol and illicit drug use is prevalent among secondary school students in Botswana. Our data suggest that interventions that reduce the availability of alcohol and drugs and that build greater support networks for adolescents may be most helpful in decreasing alcohol and drug use among secondary school students in Botswana.

A standardized low-cost peer role-playing training intervention improves medical student competency in communicating bad news to patients in Botswana.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate effectiveness of an educational training workshop using role-playing to teach medical students in Botswana to deliver bad news. A 3-hour small group workshop for University of Botswana medical students rotating at the Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone was developed. The curriculum included an overview of communication basics and introduction of the validated (SPIKES) protocol for breaking bad news. Education strategies included didactic lecture, handouts, role-playing cases, and open forum discussion. Pre- and posttraining surveys assessed prior exposure and approach to breaking bad news using multiple-choice questions and perception of skill about breaking bad news using a 5-point Likert scale. An objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with a standardized breaking bad news skills assessment was conducted; scores compared two medical student classes before and after the workshop was implemented.ResultForty-two medical students attended the workshop and 83% (35/42) completed the survey. Medical students reported exposure to delivering bad news on average 6.9 (SD = 13.7) times monthly, with 71% (25/35) having delivered bad news themselves without supervision. Self-perceived skill and confidence increased from 23% (8/35) to 86% (30/35) of those who reported feeling "good" or "very good" with their ability to break bad news after the workshop. Feedback after the workshop demonstrated that 100% found the SPIKES approach helpful and planned to use it in clinical practice, found role-playing helpful, and requested more sessions. Competency for delivering bad news increased from a mean score of 14/25 (56%, SD = 3.3) at baseline to 18/25 (72%, SD = 3.6) after the workshop (p = 0.0002).Significance of resultsThis workshop was effective in increasing medical student skill and confidence in delivering bad news. Standardized role-playing communication workshops integrated into medical school curricula could be a low-cost, effective, and easily implementable strategy to improve communication skills of doctors.

Phenomenology of Substance Use Among School-Going Adolescents in Botswana

Background: Increased rates of alcohol and drugs abuse has been noted among secondary school students in Botswana. Objectives : We conducted nine student focus groups to elicit motivations for substance use as well as risk and mitigating factors. Methods: Participants were purposely sampled from among 2,227 secondary school students surveyed regarding drug/alcohol use in secondary schools. Students were selected for focus group participation based on their scores on the alcohol use and dependency inventory tool (AUDIT) and self-reported risk factors for alcohol/drug use. Results: Students reported that alcohol/drugs are readily available at school and at home. A prominent theme among substance users was inadequate support from parents, who they describe as uncomfortable and unwilling to talk about common issues faced during adolescence, including alcohol/drug use. Conclusions: We identified opportunities to improve the current situation such as renewing efforts to restrict alcohol availability and focusing on parent-child communication interventions.

Prevalence of Non-HIV Sexually Transmitted Infections among University Students in Botswana

Prevalence of Non-HIV Sexually Transmitted Infections among University Students in Botswana

Factors affecting primary school achievement in Botswana: a multilevel model for general student performance

This study explores and identifies key student- and school-related factors associated with general academic achievement of Year 6 primary school students in Botswana. Drawing on the SACMEQ II data, and making use of 3,322 students from 170 schools, the investigation identifies sources of variation in student achievement. While previous research in the country identifies school equipment and resourcing as key determinants of student achievement, this study also identifies factors not previously considered, such as teacher reading ability and student-teacher ratio. Controlling for socio-economic and geographic factors, the investigation uses multi-level structural equation modelling to identify regularity-of-meals, teacher literacy, student-teacher ratio, and tendency to speak English outside of school as drivers for improving learner equity and achievement across the country. Suggestions for school policy and teacher training are discussed.