Academic and Research Literacy

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.

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 Health Training Centre, 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.

For more information on the URHJ, please click here.

The first issue of the URHJ launched in March 2023 with six articles:


  1. Early clinical exposure: Dental student feedback regarding the first two years of study.
    • M Beckenstrater, TC Postma
  2.  Risk factors affecting morbidity and mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcers in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
    • AMN Shatri, EIU Niilonga
  3. Recent incidence of deep-vein thrombosis in surgical departments, 2015 - 2022: A systematic review
    • AMN Shatri, TK Ipinge
  4. Perceptions of the impact of culture on delivery of patient care among nursing students at Welwtichia Health Training Centre, Namibia
    • K Robert, H Indongo
  5. Post-surgical experiences of women living with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Namibia
    • PP Shimanda, SK Kandjimbi
  6. 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 articles and advertising material are the personal views of the authors and are not necessarily shared by the editors, the advertisers or the publishers. No articles may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers.The URHJ is published by the South African Medical Association. 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]

 

Academic Writing Centres

The Unit for Academic Literacy at the University of Pretoria is investigating the need for a Student Writitng Centre within the Faculty of Health Sciences to offer writing and editing support to undergraduate and postgraduate health sciences students for their course assignments, research dissertations, and publications.

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