Good writing and effective communication are the cornerstone of academia. In southern Africa, many students often study in their second, third or fourth language – requiring additional writing support. The Dirisana+ project aims to provide support through writing centres, as well as aiding in the creation of an online journal platform for undergraduate researchers in health sciences. View the full report of the development of the journal during the grant period below.
Undergraduate Research in Health Journal (URHJ)
Through a collaborative editorial board consisting of members from the University of Pretoria, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Namibia, and Welwitchia University, an undergraduate research journal has been launched with support from the Dirisana+ project. The first issue launched in March 2023 with six articles. The journal encourages undergraduate health sciences students and recent graduates to showcase their work and only publishes manuscripts written collaboratively by undergraduate students and academics.
Here what one of our student authors has to sya about her experiences in publishing in the URHJ:
For more information on the URHJ and to view full articles, please click here.
The first issue of the URHJ launched in March 2023 with 6 articles:
Early clinical exposure: Dental student feedback regarding the first two years of study.
M Beckenstrater, TC Postma
Risk factors affecting morbidity and mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcers in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
AMN Shatri, EIU Niilonga
Recent incidence of deep-vein thrombosis in surgical departments, 2015 - 2022: A systematic review
AMN Shatri, TK Ipinge
Perceptions of the impact of culture on delivery of patient care among nursing students at Welwtichia Health Training Centre, Namibia
K Robert, H Indongo
Post-surgical experiences of women living with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Namibia
PP Shimanda, SK Kandjimbi
Assessment of knowledge and attitudes regarding exclusive breastfeeding among 3rd-year nursing students at the University of Namibia
G Kadhilaarding exclusive breastfeeding among 3rd-year nursing students at the University of NamibiaJ G Kadhila23 Post-surgical experiences of women living with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Namibia S K Kandjimbi, P P ShimandaThe views expressed in individual and advertising material are the personal views of e writ consent of the publishers.The URHJ is published by the South African HEAD OFFICE: Block F, Castle Walk Corporate Park, Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof Ext. 3, Pretoria, 0181EDITORIAL OFFICE: Suite 9 & 10, Lonsdale Building, Lonsdale Way, Pinelands, 7405 | Tel. 021 532 1281 All letters and articles for publication must be submitted online at www.URHJ.org.zaEmail: [email protected]
The second issue of the journal was released in December 2023 with 4 research articles:
Scaling the journey towards nurse practitioner independence in Kenya: A comparative deduction from California Assembly Bill 890
B Kipkoech, P Mosol
Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and experiences of healthcare sciences students using the international calssification of functioning, disability and health to foster interprofessional collaborative practice
TP Moruwe, RM Mavhungu, MN Nemakanga, H Pitout
Breastfeeding experiences of mothers of infants with cleft lip palate
T Erasmus, B Jordan, J Vermaak, C Wildenboer, B Pillay, C Milton, E Kruger
An investigation into the well-being of pre-climical medical students at the University of the Witwatersrand
G Dove, M Botes, K Colborne, P Letsoalo, P Mashiame, S Moodley, E Naidoo, L Nyoka, P Sodo, A Dreyer
The third issue of the journal was released in May 2024 with 6 research articles:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding alcohol use among undergraduate students at a South African university
B Mbuqa, R Ducasse, M Ferreira, L Danielkutty, B Radebe, N Jacob
Hypertension-related knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle practices of hypersensitive patients at three peripheral health care centres in Windhoek, Namibia
M Sankombo, H Zaire, E Nepolo
Does work-life balance matter for working mothers' engagement at work? A case of working mothers in Windhoke, Namibia
A Murangi, S Groenewald
Analysis of mob justice fatalities at a forensic services facility in South Africa
C van Wyk, MW Erasmus, KK Hlaise, Y Bismilla
Retrosepctive analysis of injuries in fatal strangulation cases seen at Ga-Rankuwa Forensic Pathology Service in the period 2016 - 2021
TOC Sechogo, KK Hlaise, C van Wyk, Y Bismilla
A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 cases seen at a medico-legal mortuary from March 2020 to February 2022
MK Mashifane, KK Hlaise, C van Wyk, Y Bismilla
Workshops for preparing a submission to an academic journal
A workshop toolkit was collaboratively developed, and a series of nine scientific writing workshops were held between February and May 2024 with nearly all African consortium member institutions. These workshops aimed to demystify the standard manuscript structure, set expectations, address common errors, and explain the publication process. In April 2024, two additional online workshops, led by an international expert, were hosted for board members, reviewers, and potential student authors. A total of 41 undergraduate students and 17 junior academic staff participated, with feedback indicating that the workshop content was highly relevant and useful.
In August 2024, the journal launched a student peer review project in collaboration with Education for Health, a peer-reviewed, MEDLINE-indexed journal of The Network: Towards Unity for Health (TUFH), a global consortium focused on health workforce education. As part of this initiative, interested editorial board members from both journals will be paired with students. Each pair will conduct independent reviews, then come together to discuss their reviews, the decision-making process, and the intricacies of peer review. This project aims to enhance students'; understanding of scholarly review while fostering mentorship and professional growth.
Wokrshops presented by Prof Liz Wolvaardt at the University of Namibia, Sefako Makgatho University, and University of Pretoria.
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