University Of Swaziland Research Articles

The Integration of Nurse Training into the University of Swaziland and its Impact on the Professionalisation of Nursing, 1980s–2007

The turn of the twentieth century witnessed the onset of a discussion about how to properly educate a nurse. This discussion highlighted the irrelevance of the hospital-based nurse training model, ultimately pushing nurse training to colleges associated with universities. Scholarship on the transition from hospital to university-based nurse training in southern Africa is thin. In Swaziland (now Eswatini), the affiliation of nursing colleges with the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) occurred in 1989. Integrating nurse training into UNISWA was an impetus for major shifts in nurse education in the territory, one of which was the professionalisation of nursing as a career. Profound as this development was, nothing has been written about it. Drawing from a wide range of sources, this article argues that the integration of nurse training into UNISWA was a desirable transformation in nurse education which enhanced the quality of nurse care service provision and professionalised nursing. The article provides the contextual background prior to the integration of nurse training into UNISWA for us to understand how nurse training was carried out in the period up to 1989. It discusses factors which facilitated the transition. It also examines this transition and explores its impact on the professionalisation of nurse training in Swaziland.

Faculty’s and Postgraduate Students’ Awareness of and Attitudes to Using the Institutional Repository

Institutional repositories (IRs) play an essential role in preserving universities’ intellectual output, enhancing access to research, and increasing the visibility of scholars and their institutions. IRs are therefore expected to be accepted and optimally utilised by scholars. However, the literature reveals that IRs are growing at a slower pace than anticipated, and that it has not been easy to convince faculty members to contribute their work to IRs. Therefore, this study examined the awareness of the faculty and postgraduate students at the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) of their IR, and also assessed their attitudes to using their IR. The study was underpinned by the post-positivist paradigm, and the quantitative research approach was used. The study adopted a survey design with questionnaires administered to the faculty and postgraduate students. The results of the study revealed that most of UNISWA’s faculty knew about the existence of the IR, whereas the majority of the postgraduate students were not aware of it. It was established that the most popular sources of hearing about the IR were colleagues, institutional emails, and seminars and/or workshops. The results further revealed that even though the majority of the faculty was aware of the IR, very few contributed their research. The reasons cited for the poor uptake of the university’s IR included lack of awareness, few or no publications to contribute, and no time to access the IR due to heavy workloads. The faculty and postgraduate students also preferred to be assisted by librarians in archiving content in the IR. The issues discussed in this article have implications for the enhancement of research, practice, and policy in the context of developing countries.

Effects of Different Rates of Cattle Manure on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in a Sub-tropical Environment of Eswatini (Swaziland)

Green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important vegetable in the Kingdom of Eswatini. However, there is rare information on pepper production using cattle manure. The experiment was conducted at the University of Swaziland, Luyengo Campus, in the Horticulture Department Lath-house to determine the effects of different rates of cattle manure on the growth and yield of green pepper in order to come up with a suitable application rate for green pepper. Cattle manure was applied at different rates of 20, 40, 60 and 80 tons/ha in a Randomized Complete Block Design, while 2:3:2 which was used as a control was applied at 150 kg/ha. For every increase in the application level/rate of the cattle manure, there was a considerable increase in the growth parameters that were measured. Results obtained from this experiment indicate that applying cattle manure at 80 tons/ha gave relatively higher yields. This cattle manure rate can be used by farmers in green pepper production.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF FACILITATORS IN AN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING MODEL: THE CASE FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF SWAZILAND

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the professional development offered to the facilitators of the Certificate in Psychosocial Support programme offered by the Institute of Distance Education, University of Swaziland. It also explores the effect this has on the learners being supported. The study was qualitative using open ended questionnaires and focus group discussions to gather data from the facilitators and the mentor supervisor and her assistant. Data was analysed through content analysis applying the Harland and Kinder (2014) model of professional development outcomes. The results show that the professional development offered to facilitators of the Certificate in Psychosocial Support of the UNISWA once every semester has positive results. The facilitators generally agreed that through the professional development they acquire knowledge and skill in handling face-to-face sessions, using modules and other learning materials, motivating learners, psychosocial support principles, approaches and child protection; the delivery model and application of content rather than spoon feeding. These gains are largely to do with the pedagogical approach selected for the programme. The facilitators also acquired new learning/ teaching materials in readiness for a new semester. Each session provided an opportunity for facilitators to interact with the modules coordinators and among themselves. The facilitators were unhappy with the lack of preparation by some module coordinators. The study recommends that IDE reviews the performance of module coordinators and replace those who are no longer performing. IDE should also devise creative ways of offering the professional development so that it continues to be educative and motivating to the facilitators. Article visualizations:

The effect of organic mulch on the growth and yield of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L)

An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Luyengo campus of the University of Swaziland to determine the effect of organic mulch on the growth and yield of spinach. The experiment was conducted between the months of January and February, 2017. The experiment was a completely randomized design (CRD), with treated sewage mulch (TSM) and organic compost mulch (OCM) as treatments. The no mulch (NML) was used as a control. Spinach seedlings were planted at a spacing of 15 cm within rows and 30 cm between rows. Weeding and pest control measures were done uniformly across the treatments, when and as required. The data collected included the percentage moisture retained by the different treatments on the soil, growth parameters (leaf width, leaf length, leaf number, leaf area, plant height) and yield at harvest. The results displayed a significant difference (P less then 0.05) between the treatments in terms of the moisture retention properties. Organic compost mulch recorded the highest mean percentage moisture retention (22.9%), followed by treated sewage mulch (20.9%) and no mulch recorded the lowest percentage moisture retention in the soil (14.4%). All the growth parameters were higher for spinach growth under TSM, followed by that grown under OCM. They were lowest under spinach grown under no mulch. The differences in mean for parameters were significant (p less then 0.05). The yield also varied across the treatments as TSM had a dry mass of 43.0 g, followed by OCM at 23.4 g and the no mulch treatment recorded a dry mass of 20.9 g. The results showed that mulching improved the performance of the spinach plants in terms of plant growth, moisture retention and yield.

Towards Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Academic Institutions: The Case of the University of Swaziland (UNISWA), Mbabane Campus

An exploratory study was carried out at the UNISWA, Mbabane campus to describe the use of energy at the campus. It followed both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis. The campus frequently experience power cuts and surges which interrupt work and studies. Although there is a standby generator on the campus, the situation remains dire as such generator only supply a few buildings on the campus and sometimes it does not automatically turn on. The study was intended to assist UNISWA in identifying energy efficient appliances and practices in order to cut down its electricity consumption and save money. A purposive convenience stratified random sampling was used to draw a sample of 47 participants to the study from a total population of 600 (academic and non-academic staff, students and grounds men and women). This allowed a 10% margin of error and 85% confidence level and a 40% response distribution. Questionnaires and an observation checklist were used to collect data. A Watt-hour meter was used to measure the ratings of the appliances. The study found that 65% of the energy appliances used are not efficient and only 35% of the appliances are efficient. The campus is not also using energy efficiency practices as some of the respondents left electric appliances such as fans and heaters running when they leave offices (41.7%) and (16.7% respectively. If this continues unabated, the campus will continue spending on wasted energy at a substantial cost of E315 656.37 per annum. In conclusion, the UNISWA Mbabane campus is not using its energy efficiently. The study recommends that UNISWA needs to improve its energy use by reverting to energy efficient appliances and practices in order to reduce cost to the institution. It should also put in place an energy use monitoring system that can quickly identify pit holes in energy use and also conduct a full study on energy efficiency for all its campuses in order to achieve a sustainable energy future for the institution.

Study design of a Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of the Homeopathic Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

s Poster Presentations 27 Correspondence: Ms Barbara Josephine Braun, Swaziland Institute for Research into Medicinal Plantse (University of Swaziland), Swaziland. E-mail: bjb@africaonline.co.sz (B.J. Braun) The purpose of this ongoing research is to investigate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment delivered to HIVpositive patients mainly in resource-limited settings. The study includes patients on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and those not yet initiated on ART, in Swaziland. Data from the Swaziland Homeopathy Project, 2014 clinic database was analysed. The study is a retrospective observational study of a group of 1003 HIV positive individuals comprising 147 males and 856 females. Patients attend clinics voluntarily and are offered homeopathic treatment as a complement to any other conventional medical treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Standard Student t-test. The end points are changes in the Practitioner and Patient overall scores (based on Karnofsky) and Symptom Evaluation Scale (VAS) scores. The analysis showed statistically significant positive changes in all average overall health scores of the patients between initial case-taking prior to remedy prescription and follow-up consultations. Mean patient scores for patients on ART increased by 1.18 points (from 6.11 to 7.29) on the 9-point Karnofsky scale (p value < 0.01). Mean patient scores for those not on ART increased by 0.94 points, from 6.30 to 7.24 (p value < 0.01). Practitioner scores showed similar increases. From all the overall health scores, an average of 66% of the patients showed improvement at the first monthly follow-up. Analysis of the symptoms indicated that symptom improvement occurred in 65% of all presenting symptoms at first follow-up. This trend was observed for both mental and physical symptoms. The study indicates that all patients, including those receiving ART and those not yet initiated, were significantly improved after receiving homoeopathic treatment. Symptom analysis indicates that homeopathic treatment can alleviate both long and short-term ARTadverse effects including peripheral neuropathy and is effective in addressing emotional issues such as grief and trauma as well as opportunistic infections.

The Use of ICT for Tertiary Education in Agriculture and Research in Swaziland: The Case of University of Swaziland (UNISWA) Students

The primary goal of universities is to teach, provide community service, and conduct research. Empirical evidence has shown that innovative research can best be conducted with the aid of ICT. This study therefore, examines factors affecting the use of ICT for tertiary education and research for development among UNISWA students in the Faculty of Agriculture. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 113 UNISWA undergraduate and postgraduate students from whom data were obtained using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model were used to analyse the data.The results revealed that the radio and television, audio-graphic, email, computer file transfer and multimedia products were the main ICT facilities available. Accessing research and relevant materials online and the use of ICT in improving efficiency of communication among students and lecturers were ranked high by the respondents. Weak wireless services and unemployment were the greatest challenges to the use of ICT facilities by students. Estimated Tobit regression results revealed that availability, accessibility and necessity for ICT facilities significantly influenced their use for learning and research among the undergraduate students while family size, availability, necessity and proficiency were the main factors affecting the use of ICT facilities among the postgraduate students.In order to encourage the use of ICT among UNISWA students, the study is therefore recommending that (i) The university authorities should make ICT facilities available and accessible to all categories of students, (ii) Departments should incorporate the use of ICT facilities into their curriculum, and (iii) lecturers should give ICT based assignments and use ICT-based teaching methods.

User Perception of Social Networking Sites in the University of Swaziland

Internet has experiences tremendous growth in today's world and social networking sites have become highly significant in our lives. The present comparative study between the students of Agriculture and Health Science concentrate more precisely on the students who come to the library. The research explores how the students create identity for themselves in the virtual world and how they relate to others online. It analyzes the cultural differences from the youth perspective and discusses whether social networking sites isolate youngsters from the society or help them to build relationships; the participation in these sites is also explored. The study is based on a survey. Students completed a questionnaire which assessed personal use of social media when communicating with friends and family. The findings disclosed that social networking is gaining popularity among them. Facebook is the most popular and used social networking site followed by WhatsApp and Google plus.

A meeting of mice and men: rodent impacts on food security, human diseases and wildlife conservation; ecosystem benefits; fascinating biological models

International Rice Research Institute, DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, 1301, Philippines. Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK. Julius Kuehn Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests, Toppheideweg 88, 48161 Muenster, Germany. Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Boulevard, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4, Canada. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Swaziland, Private Bag 4, Kwaluseni, Swaziland. Corresponding author. Email: g.singleton@irri.org

Late “Arrivants” to Creative Writing: An Interview with Lucy Dlamini

Lucy Dlamini is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Swaziland. She has published drama and fiction in English and siSwati. Dlamini’s English language fiction includes the novel The Amaryllis (2001), as well as short stories that explore how local patriarchal structures exploit tradition and culture to subjugate women. She has also written a play in siSwati, Kuba Njalo Nje (1995), and edited two poetry anthologies, The Soul Selects (2008) and When Fishes Flew &amp; Other Poems (2009). In the interview, Dlamini discusses early influences on her writing, local Anglophone and siSwati writing, censorship, and the publishing industry in Swaziland.

M.Ed Graduates’ Perceptions of Thesis Supervision, Writing and Defence

This study explored M.Ed graduates’ perceptions of thesis supervision, writing and defence in the M.Ed Programme in the Faculty of Education, University of Swaziland. The main objective was to find out how M.Ed graduates think and feel about thesis supervision, writing and defence, with the ultimate aim of improving thesis supervision and writing and helping students successfully defend their theses. A questionnaire, largely using likert-type and open-ended items, sourced data from the participants(n=80; females=60%, mean age=33.6 years; SD 1.2). Follow-up interviews were also conducted with some of the participants(n=16). Data were analysed using the likert scale analysis procedures described in the article. Overall, the study revealed that most participants (86%) viewed thesis supervision, writing and defence in the faculty favourably although there were areas of serious concern to some graduates. These included, among others, difficulty in identifying a research topic, locating related literature, deciding on which aspect of related literature to include, deciding on how to present the data and being nervous during defence. Key recommendations based on the findings of the study were that all M.Ed students should have done a research project in their first degree and that supervisors should render more assistance and support to students during thesis writing. Furthermore, students need thesis defence practice-runs before they finally defend their theses before a panel of examiners. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n8p319

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT: A CASE OF SWAZILAND

The study purposed to find primary school teachers’ knowledge and skills of measurement and assessment and to elicit their views of teacher role of measurement and assessment. Within a descriptive survey, a questionnaire was used to collect data. The sample consisted of 72 primary school teachers randomly selected from 40 Swaziland schools. The findings revealed that primary school teachers had some knowledge of measurement and assessment, however lacked skills in using a variety of assessment techniques. The study further found out that as much as primary teachers view assessment as important in improving teaching and learning, they do not use it in planning for their lessons. The study also revealed that oral assessment and practical assessment has frequently been used in primary schools even though such observation and project techniques are rarely exploited. In light of these findings, the study concluded that mainly primary teachers assess learners to monitor learners’ progress instead of providing instructional planning. The study recommends that the teacher training colleges and the University of Swaziland should extend the scope of measurement and evaluation course to adequately equip the primary school teachers. Key words: assessment, knowledge, measurement, primary teachers, Swaziland.

SMS‐based content alert system: a case with Bundelkhand University Library, Jhansi

Purpose – Short Message Service (SMS) is an application that is widely used by all types of mobile telephone users. Integration of these short messages for marketing different products and services has become a common practice in e‐commerce. This study aims to look at how SMS‐based mobile alerts can be effectively implemented in libraries for successfully marketing the library services and providing value‐added services. This study seeks to follow‐up an original pilot project conducted by the University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing on SMS‐based alert services for a smaller group of users on Emerald's Intouch platform. In this new study the authors aim to try the same project with a combination of multiple databases and a heterogeneous user groups on an independent platform.Design/methodology/approach – With the experiences gained from the UNISWA‐Emerald pilot project on SMS alerts a similar project with a wider scope was attempted at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India, where an attempt was...

Old wine in new wine skin: marketing library services through SMS‐based alert service

PurposeShort Message Service (SMS) is an application which is widely used in mobile telephony. SMS messaging through mobile phones is very popular among young and old. This study aims to look at how SMS technology can be very effectively used in library and information services with a glimpse into a pilot project conducted by University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing Limited and the subsequent need for creating a prototype for the SMS‐based library alert services and marketing of library services.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the pilot project conducted by the University of Swaziland and Emerald Group Publishing Limited for a period of two months (March‐April 2009), the findings and the methodology used for the project prompted further research. Data and experience gained during the pilot project is predominantly used in the paper.FindingsThis study finds that the library users can be successfully motivated and engaged to use the resources through SMS messaging and have the potential to market library services. It also finds out that there is a need to have a prototype for essential services for the benefit of the users as well as to market the library resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe pilot project was a short project with specific user base. This project was not tested on heterogeneous user base. The prototype model also works on certain assumptions and limitations. At the prototype level different files are suggested and they are handled separately because of which an open ended script method is suggested. Longer SMSs, which cannot be sent by the SMS server, need to be either split up into several messages or stored in the server as a webpage and sent as a hyperlink in SMSs.Practical implicationsTo implement the prototype, various steps highlighted in the paper are to be followed and since each action needs to be operated separately, it cannot be claimed as a single click SMS‐based alert service.Originality/valueThis study presents a method for implementing SMS‐based alert service in libraries. With the experience gained in a similar practical environment, an attempt has been made to create a prototype. This may serve as an important milestone in integrating such a service into the future integrated library services (ILS).

The role of adult education in the integration of inmates into society after a jail term: practical experiences from Swaziland

Prisons play a significant role in contributing to the lifelong learning needs of their inmates who often have limited formal education and skills. The main function of correctional centres, among others, is the secure containment of inmates committed to their custody, and provision of skills and training in an effort to help them integrate more effectively into society after discharge. While the correctional centres perform training and other initiatives in an effort to make inmates better individuals, the Department of Adult Education at the University of Swaziland, as one of its mandates reaches out and conducts training programmes to correctional service staff but more specifically to inmates. This paper provides a case study of the Department's adult education programmes, which were offered to enhance the learning provision of the correctional services. Furthermore, it will highlight shortcomings and make suggestions on how to improve the provision of adult education programmes for inmates. The paper gives an outline of the Swaziland context, the Department of Correctional Services in Swaziland, the problem of recidivism for inmates, and the work done by the Department of Adult Education. Finally recommendations and conclusions are offered.

The Nexus Between Direct Reading Instruction, Reading Theoretical Perspectives, and Pedagogical Practices of University of Swaziland Bachelor of Education Students

The present study investigated the influence direct reading instruction had on university student teachers’ reading cognition and the influence their theoretical perspectives had on their pedagogical practices. The study was conducted on all the seven year 2 (2008) Bachelor of Education (primary) students at the University of Swaziland. Questionnaire items were used to determine the student teachers’ reading cognition before and after their study of a course ‘ Teaching Reading’ which the researcher taught. Document analysis in the form of detailed lesson plan analyses and lesson observations during the students’ teaching practice were the basis for the determination of the student teachers’ pedagogical practices. Follow-up interviews were conducted with the student teachers to establish the explanations for the consistencies and inconsistencies between the students’ theoretical perspectives and pedagogical practices. The study’s findings point to a causal relationship between direct instruction and reading theoretical orientation (on account of the shifts in reading orientation in the post-reading course questionnaire responses), which does not always hold for reading theoretical perspectives and pedagogical practices (where prevailing environmental factors often compel teachers to implement reading perspectives different from those they theoretically subscribe to most). The study recommends a paradigm shift from predominantly text-based reading conceptions to an infusion of other conceptions in classroom teaching, textbook writing and examination setting.

Effects of rice bran oil, oxidised, and fresh egg yolk powder on the development of arteriosclerosis in growing rabbits (&lt;i&gt;Oryctolagus cuniculus&lt;/i&gt;)

Dietary cholesterol is known to increase the risk of atherosclerosis, whereas antioxidants reduce the risk. It is not clear what effects the oxidation of cholesterol before ingestion could have on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). A study was conducted to investigate the effects of rice (Oryza sativa L.) bran oil, oxidised, and fresh egg yolk powder, on the development of arteriosclerosis in growing rabbits. Rabbit pellets were mixed with 4% of either fresh egg yolk powder, or oxidised egg yolk powder, and the control diet made of rabbit pellets only. The diets were fortified with either 2% corn (Zea mays L.) oil, or rice bran oil, and fed to 10week-old rabbits for 90 days, at the rate of 100 g per day. Water was given ad libitum. Blood lipids and general performance of the rabbits were monitored during the feeding period. Blood vessels and hearts were examined after the feeding period. Results showed that oil type had no significant effects on all the parameters determined. Total plasma cholesterol was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for rabbits fed on egg yolk powder than control. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for fresh egg yolk powder-fed rabbits than oxidised or control diet-fed rabbits, whereas very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fresh egg powder and control diet-fed rabbits than oxidised egg powder-fed rabbits. There was no significant difference in the cumulative mass gain from the different diets. All rabbits fed on fresh egg yolk powder developed some abnormalities in the heart and major blood vessels, while 60% of those on oxidised egg yolk powder developed abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels. No abnormalities were detected in the heart tissues and arteries of rabbits fed the control diet. These results demonstrated that the fresh and oxidized egg yolk powder could have the potential of causing arteriosclerosis and fresh egg yolk powder was more potent than oxidised egg yolk powder. It is recommended that excessive egg consumption be avoided to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 1Department of Home Economics, University of Swaziland, P/B Luyengo, Swaziland *Corresponding author’s email address: nanuajn@uniswa.sz 2 Egerton University, P. O. Box 536 Egerton, Kenya 3 Egerton University, Chuka University College, P. O. Box 109 Chuka, Kenya

HIV/AIDS education: what works for Swaziland University students?

Background: HIV/AIDS poses a major threat to development and poverty alleviation, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Education has been declared an effective preventative approach and the single most powerful weapon against HIV transmission. However, there is a paucity of research on the type of education required, the appropriate teaching/learning methods, and generally how such education influences change of attitudes and behaviour on the part of the students. Purpose: In the context of Swaziland, a country with the highest HIV prevalence rate at 42.6%, this study explores how students at the University of Swaziland perceive an HIV/AIDS course. The students' comments cover the course content, the teaching/learning methods used in the course, the regulations governing the course, and the impact of the course. Sample and design: A sample of 15 students was randomly selected from all the year 1 Faculty of Agriculture students to form focus group 1. Another sample of 15 was randomly selected from year 3 students who were enrolled on a new programme to form focus group 2. Of the 15 invited students in each focus group, 11 (seven males and four females) attended the focus group 1 meeting, and 12 (eight females and four males) attended the focus group two meeting. A pilot-tested and pre-prepared interview schedule was used during the focus group interviews to collect information on the students' perceptions. This data was analysed using themes. Results: The findings reveal that the perceptions of the two groups were very similar. The students identified some topics that they felt were treated in great depth, and other topics, particularly dealing with traditional healers, that they felt should be added to the course content. They further criticised the excessive use of the lecture method in teaching the course and recommended that more visual materials, presentations by HIV-positive people and workers, as well as site visits to relevant places should be encouraged to make the course more interesting and give it greater educational value. Overall, the students felt that the course had been effective in changing their attitudes and behaviour. The students cited numerous benefits that they had derived from this course and recommended that it should be offered to all first-year students at the university. Conclusions and recommendations: This small scale study suggests that providing HIV/AIDS education is an important intervention in changing the attitudes and behaviour of university students and in combating the spread of HIV. It further stresses the importance of engaging all the relevant stakeholders, particularly the students, in working out the content of such a course.

Measures of multiple-cause mortality: a synthesis and a notational framework

Over twenty different measures have been used for analyzing multiple-cause mortality data. Various measures are used in the different fields working with multiple-cause data. A review of the literature shows a general lack of standardization in the use of these measures and a lack of a notational framework for developing formulae for the different measures. This paper aims to make contributions towards closing these two gaps. It provides a synthesis of the literature on different measures and outlines a notational framework for developing multiple-cause mortality measures. Sulaiman BAH , Department of Health Information Management and Technology, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. E-mail- sbah@kfu.edu.sa M. Mahibbur RAHMAN, Department of Statistics and Demography, University of Swaziland, Swaziland. E-mail: rahman@uniswacc.uniswa.sz