Page 81 - UNAM Virtual Graduation 2020 e-Book

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC HEALTH

CANDIDATE: UUSHONA Selma Ingandipewa

CURRICULUM VITAE

Selma Ingandipewa Uushona was born in Ohangwena region. She
matriculated with an exemption from Oshakati Senior Secondary school.
Her qualifications include University Diploma in Nursing Science (General,
Psychiatry and Community Health) and Midwifery Science, Bachelor in
Nursing Science, Master of Public Health from the University of Namibia, Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS
Management, and Master of Philosophy from Stellenbosch University.
Her professional career includes working as a teacher for two years in the Ministry of Basic Education,
employed as Registered Nurse in Ministry of Health and Social Services at PHC division as a Nurse Manager;
Senior Nurse Midwife at Maternity and Surgical Ward, Intermediate Oshakati Hospital, Seconded Lecturer
for University of Namibia, appointed as an Acting Ward Manager for Onandjokwe Maternity, Midwifery Tutor
at Onandjokwe Lutheran Mission Training Centre, ITECH Trainer at Oshakati Training Centre and contract
Lecturer for ITECH , Lecturer and Coordinator for Community and Mental Health Nursing department at the
University of Namibia. Her research interest incorporates socio-cultural congruent malaria care, modeling
and guidelines formulation.

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION

A MODEL TO FACILITATE SOCIO-CULTURAL CONGRUENT MALARIA CARE IN THE TRAINING OF HEALTH
EXTENSION HEALTH WORKERS.

The doctoral study was undertaken and completed under the supervision of Dr. Jacob Angara Sheehama
as a Main Supervisor and Dr Hermine Nandjila Iita from the University of Namibia as Co-Supervisor.

Malaria disease is a global problem and many countries in the world documented their experiences
on morbidity and mortality with more cases recorded in Sub-Sahara Africa region. Malaria in Namibia is
influenced by many factors among other is the social and cultural factors. However, prevention has been
focused on treated nets, despite limited to lack of equity. The study employed a quantitative descriptive
observational and qualitative exploratory and theory development approach were used in a single cross-
sectional. Data were gathered with questionnaires, observations, interviews.

Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22,
descriptive statistical analysis was applied for interpretation. Qualitative data was analysed with Atlas.
Thematic analysis was applied using a coding operation. The results revealed important among the
other findings that participants perceived traditional and cultural methods of malaria prevention is widely
available but not applied, tumble weed is widely referenced as a herb for malaria prevention, participants
perceived low economic status influence negatively prevention of malaria and access to care, and nets
generally available but not affordable and used. The outcome of the study is a Model developed and its
operationalization guidelines were established. It is recommended to start training of trainers to facilitate
empowerment of Health Extension Workers through collaboration and consultation with relevant authorities
to enact integrated curriculum for inclusion of socio-cultural congruent prevention strategy and make it
available to donors/NGOs.

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