Online learning remains one of the most powerful enablers and accelerators for realising higher education studies by enhancing teaching by means of innovative technologies and pedagogies. However, the success rate of students studying through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) remains very low. Therefore, institutions of higher learning in Namibia should continuously establish and assess the challenges affecting the students who opt to study via distance mode to devise strategies required to address such challenges. The objective of this study was to understand the challenges experienced by students studying through ODL at Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Namibia and establish the challenges they face. A qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive and contextual research strategy was employed in this study to explore and describe challenges experienced by students’ studying through ODL at HEI’ satellite campus in Namibia. A purposive sampling was utilised in the selection of participants. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured interviews with nine participants. Three themes were identified, namely, the reasons why students chose to study through ODL programme, challenges experienced by students studying through ODL and mechanisms for improvement. The findings of this study call for well-articulated plans and actions to address the challenges faced by students studying in the distance e-learning mode. The study recommended that both Lecturers and ODL programme Administrators should undergo refresher training on distance education annually to ensure that they are aware and can address the challenges faced by their students.

Aim Vaccinations remain one of the most effective measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19, while also reducing hospitalizations and deaths, yet many are unwilling to be vaccinated. This study explores the barriers and facilitators affecting the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among frontline nurses. Design A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research strategy was employed. Methods A sample of 15 nurses were selected via purposeful sampling to the point of data saturation. The participants were nurses at the COVID-19 vaccinations Centre in Rundu, Namibia. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analyzed thematically. Results Three themes and 11 subthemes were identified, namely: (a) barriers, (b) facilitators, and (c) measures to increase the COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Barriers included living in deep rural areas, unavailability of vaccines, and misinformation, whereas scared of death, availability of COVID-19 vaccines, and family influence and peer pressure emerged as facilitators to the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Adoption of vaccination passport as a requirement to work premises and as an international travel requirement were the measures proposed to increase the COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Conclusion The study found several facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among frontline nurses. The identified barriers cover the individual, health system, and social factors hindering the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among frontline nurses. Whereas fear of COVID-19 deaths, family influence, and availability of vaccines were found to promote COVID-19 uptake. This study recommends targeted interventions to improve the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of female tertiary students at the University of Namibia regarding contraception. The objective of the study was to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of University of Namibia Education students at Rundu campus, regarding contraception with a view to make recommendations based on the findings of the study. A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional design was used and a total of 220 female tertiary students from Rundu Campus were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected from participants by the use of a self-administered questionnaire. Findings from this study showed amongst other that majority (80%) 166 showed poor practices towards contraception. However, the study showed that (91%) 202 has positive attitude regarding contraceptives and that this greatly contributes to high rate of unintended pregnancies as well as Sexually Transmitted Infections among them. It is recommended that in order to prevent unintended pregnancies as well as high incidences of Sexually Transmitted Infections among tertiary students, the Ministry of Health and Social Services must introduce a regular reproductive health outreach programme on campus, or establish a clinic on campus. Neglecting youth’s contraceptive needs contributes to high rate of unintended pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV/AIDS and, indirectly; maternal mortality.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the factors that contribute to treatment defaulting amongst Tuberculosis (TB) patients at a major health centre in Windhoek district, Namibia. Methods: A descriptive and explorative qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted among ten TB defaulters. Key informant interviews were also conducted with the two TB nurses based at the health centre. Eligible participants were purposively selected. A thematic content analysis of transcribed data was conducted. Results: The study results indicate that defaulting TB treatment is a big challenge to TB management. The reasons for defaulting given by respondents were complex and included patient factors such as medication related factors, lack of knowledge and information as well as alcohol abuse. The findings also revealed unemployment as a major socio-economic factor that contributes to defaulting. In addition, the study shows that community, family, religious and cultural factors such as poor family support, work-related factors and religious and cultural beliefs have an influence on defaulting. Conclusions: The study concludes that no single factor contributed to treatment defaulting amongst TB patients in the selected health centre in Windhoek district and this concurred with the literature.

as an enabler for enhancing online learning and teaching skills for nurse educators at the University of Namibia: Prospects and challenges', Health SA Gesondheid 27(0), a1727.

Background and objective: Adolescence is generally understood as a period of growing to maturity, transition from childhood to adulthood with physical and mental maturity. Nowadays girls enter puberty as young as 9 years which pose a health risk to adolescent pregnancy and early motherhood. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of adolescent mothers as regards motherhood in Oshana region. Methods: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted among adolescent mothers in Oshana Region of Namibia regards their experiences on adolescent motherhood. Thematic analysis following Tesch's analysis process was employed. Results: The findings of this study revealed that having a baby at a younger age have a negative effect on their future plans. It is an unfortunate fact that emerged from the study that many adolescent mothers lack the required form of support or social assistance both during pregnancy and in raising their children in the economically driven world of today. It is an unfortunate fact that emerged from the study that many adolescent mothers lack the required form of support or social assistance both during pregnancy and in raising their children in the economically driven world of today. It appeared that having a child gives an added impetus to their lives; and they felt that every decision or step they made would impact their babies' lives in one way or another. Conclusions: It appeared that having a child gives an added impetus to their lives; and they felt that every decision or step they made would impact their babies' lives in one way or another. They experienced distorted inter-personal relationships with families and friends related to motherhood as well as challenges on bringing up a baby and baby care. However adolescent mothers also had future ambitions on education, support, relationships and job attainment.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence poor adherence to ART among patients at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati in the Oshana region, which is a rural area in Namibia. Methodology: An explorative, qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews among twelve patients (n = 12) identified as poor adherents, which was triangulated with data collected from four key informants (health-workers) in the facility. Eligible participants were purposively selected. Data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic and content analysis of transcribed data was conducted. Results: The study results indicated that defaulting ARVs is a huge challenge to HIV/AIDS management. The reasons given by the participants for defaulting were multifaceted and included social factors such as spiritual believe, cultural believes, stigma and discrimination. Patient related factors were also among factors found contributing to non-adherence; these include poor understanding of treatment regimen, forgetfulness, alcohol intake, lack of commitment, travelling and illiteracy. Conclusions: People living with HIV/AIDS are still facing major challenges, such as stigma, discrimination by family members and people in the community as well as at work and these challenges hamper adherence. In view of this it is recommended that a HIV related program should put more emphasis on reduction of stigma and discrimination in work places as well as in the community.

Aim:The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to burnout among nurses.Background: Burnout remains one of the major occupational health problems, posing risks to human health globally. In Namibia, there has been growing public criticism of nurses, stating that they are rude or act in a manner that does not show professionalism towards their clients. Reasons for such unprofessional behaviour could be linked to negative attitudes on the part of nurses towards their clients, resulting from burnout syndrome.Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed as the basis for conducting the study. Using a purposive sampling technique, a sample of 20 nurses was selected from a population of 69 nurses employed in this setting. This sample size was determined by the saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes. Data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews and were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results:The following three themes emerged: understanding the concept of burnout, factors leading to burnout and creating a conducive environment as a corrective measure to address burnout and to advance nurses.Conclusions: Burnout is indeed real and affects nurses' performance negatively.Burnout has a negative impact on the well-being of nurses both physically and emotionally, which has the potential to compromise staff performance, productivity and the quality of patient care. Burnout among nurses is linked to many stressors such as poor staff management, inadequate resources, lack of support and lack of wellness programmes in the workplace.