Thomas Matingwina

National University of Science and Technology

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Jaya Raju

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

Israel Mbekezeli Dabengwa

National University of Science and Technology

Patrick Mapulanga

Kamuzu Central Hospital

Cooperative Institutions

University of Cape Town

Kamuzu Central Hospital

University of Health Science

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences

University of Malawi

National University of Science and Technology

Mpilo Central Hospital

Midlands State University

Health Education North West

Health Education England

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Applying interpretive phenomenological analysis to library and information science research on blended librarianship: A case study

Research Square (Research Square) (2020)

Israel Mbekezeli Dabengwa Jaya Raju Thomas Matingwina

Abstract Although interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) has value in library and information science (LIS), it has low uptake in Africa. Readers are guided in how to apply IPA in LIS research using an example of a blended librarianship thesis conducted in Zimbabwe. The illustration narrates how IPA was implemented within the context of phenomenology to analyse the complexity of academic librarians' views, taking into consideration social and historical environments. The methodological and theoretical approaches to using IPA in LIS and other disciplines are outlined, including a critical analysis of applying double hermeneutics and horizontalization to construct a hermeneutic interpretation. The blended librarianship thesis is compared with LIS-based IPA studies and blended librarianship research to reflect the value of IPA methods. The weaknesses of the study are discussed, including the use of quality criteria of credibility, dependability, and transferability. The guided analysis of the study encourages the use of IPA in LIS as it can solve research problems and generate new theories to inform practice, services, philosophy, theory, and institutions.

Hermeneutics

Transferability

Value (mathematics)

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Objectivity (philosophy)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-57189/v1

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Health information dissemination among undergraduate students in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the National University of Science and Technology: a study in developing an integrated framework for health information dissemination

Thomas Matingwina

Information Dissemination

Health science

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An Integrated Framework for Disseminating Health Information to Students in Zimbabwe

Libri (2017)

Thomas Matingwina Jaya Raju

Abstract University students in Zimbabwe lack immediate access to accurate health information. There is lack of explicit and integrated structures for disseminating health information to students in Zimbabwe. Informed by the salutogenic theory of health, the study assessed the health information needs of students and evaluated existing health information dissemination methods at National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe, in developing a framework for disseminating health information. A case study strategy was used to gather data within the pragmatic paradigm of grounded constructivism. The findings reveal that students need health information on a wide range of health topics and prefer mobile electronic media, workshops, qualified health professionals and peers for their health needs. There are significant gaps between the strategies that are being used by NUST to disseminate health information and the health information needs of the students. Therefore, this paper proposes a needs-based, integrated information dissemination framework for promoting health amongst students. The proposed framework emphasizes utilization of synchronous information and communication technologies, the need for integration of activities, a viable policy, health information literacy training and the use of a mix of persuasion techniques as an effective health promotion strategy.

Information Dissemination

Information needs

Health Literacy

10.1515/libri-2016-0054

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Citations (5)

ETHICAL DILEMMAS CONFRONTING INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS IN THE 21 ST CENTURY: A ZIMBABWEAN PERSPECTIVE

Thomas Matingwina

Library and information professionals the world over are confronted by ethical issues that affect the way they execute their duties. The digital revolution of the 21 st century has brought new ethical dilemmas for information professionals. Whilst the issue of information ethics is becoming more complex and elusive, little attention has been made on ethical issues affecting Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in Zimbabwe. Since ethics are context specific. This study sought to understand ethical issues affecting LIS professionals in Zimbabwe today. The study also looked at the challengesaffecting LIS professionals in enforcing ethical principles. A descriptive survey methodology was used to gather data from LIS professionals across Zimbabwe. Snowball sampling was used and 58 practising LIS professionals participated in the study. An online questionnaire was used to collect data. The findings reveal that the issue of privacy and access to resources were the major ethical issues affecting LIS professionals. Other ethical issues emanate from accuracy of information and protection of privacy. LIS professionals generally supported all the ethical principles that relate to information provision. However, the major challenges stifling the application of ethical principles include lack of resources, lack of locally drafted ethical codes, conflict of interest, and complexity of certain ethical codes. Therefore, there is need for locally relevant ethical codes, marketing of the codes and training on professional ethics.

Ethical code

Snowball sampling

Professional ethics

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Citations (2)

Levels of research evidence in health policy assessment in Malawi

Leadership in health services (2019)

Patrick Mapulanga Jaya Raju Thomas Matingwina

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine levels of health research evidence in health policies in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach The study selected a typology of health policies in Malawi from 2002 to 2017. The study adopted the SPIRIT conceptual framework and assessed the levels of research evidence in health policy, systems and services research using the revised SAGE policy assessment tool. Documentary analysis was used to assess levels of health research evidence in health policies in Malawi. Findings In 29 (96.7 per cent) of the health policies, policy formulators including healthcare directors and managers used generic search engines such as Google or Google Scholar to look for heath research evidence. In 28 (93.3 per cent) of the health policies, they searched for grey literature and other government documents. In only 6 (20 per cent) of the heath policy documents, they used academic literature in a form of journal articles and randomised controlled trials. No systematic reviews or policy briefs were consulted. Overall, in 23 (76.7 per cent) of the health policy documents, health research evidence played a minimal role and had very little influence on the policy documents or decision-making. Research limitations/implications The empirical evidence in the health policy documents are limited because of insufficient research citation, low retrievability of health research evidence in the policy documents and biased selectivity of what constitutes health research evidence. Practical implications The study indicates that unfiltered information (data from policy evaluations and registries) constitutes majority of the research evidence in health policies both in health policy, systems and services research. The study seeks to advocate for the use of filtered information (peer reviewed, clinical trials and data from systematic reviews) in formulating health policies. Originality/value There is dearth of literature on the levels of health research evidence in health policy-making both in health policy, systems and services research. This study seeks to bridge the gap with empirical evidence from a developing country perspective.

Grey Literature

Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-Based Policy

Evidence-Based Medicine

Health Services Research

10.1108/lhs-09-2018-0050

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The interpretive repertoires of Zimbabwean academic librarians

Israel Mbekezeli Dabengwa Jaya Raju Thomas Matingwina

Zimbabwean academic librarians have developed interpretive repertoires to identify as teachers because of growing engagement in instruction and training within their campuses. Interpretive repertoires explain the motives and qualities of individuals that is attitudes and perceptions. This paper undertook to delve into the role, identity, image and status of the Zimbabwean academic librarians, as these presented enough evidence to support interpretive repertoires. This paper describes, accounts of Zimbabwean academic librarians collected from a chosen sample of 79 academic librarians using a questionnaire, document research and the interview. The Bindura State University of Education, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Lupane State University, Midlands State University, the National University of Science and Technology, and PHSBL80 Library (which preferred to stay unidentified) took part in the study. The paper suggests that academic librarians should move on to set teaching into the courses taught by faculty. The paper recommends academic librarians to work more closely with academic staff to develop courses from the onset, planning the teaching and systems.

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KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ON WEB 2.0 TOOLS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ZIMBABWE

Thomas Matingwina

Web 2.0 technologies have provided both opportunities and challenges for academic libraries. These sociotechnological innovations have enabled interactivity and gathering of knowledge through experience and practice on a global scale. The concept of collaborative work, social networking and the ease in the usage of these applications has brought a significant change in the internet usage by university students. Many academic libraries are beginning to leverage the power of these services to provide better and more relevant services to their patrons. The use of web 2.0 tools in academic libraries and has begun to take shape recently in Zimbabwe. However, studies reveal that utilisation these tools is still low in Zimbabwean academic libraries. Understanding knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students on web 2.0 tools paves the way for the efficient and effective use of these tools in Zimbabwean libraries. This study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes and practices of university students on web 2.0 tools. The survey method was used to gather data. A self administered questionnaire was used to gather data from 280 undergraduate students who were conveniently selected to participate in the study. The findings reveal that most students have excellent knowledge of specific web 2.0 tools such as Instant Messaging and Social networking. Most tools were used mainly for communication purposes. A small percentage of respondents indicated that they use the tools for educational purposes. Students displayed lack of knowledge and use on mashups, social bookmarks, and relatively simple syndication (RSS) feeds. The fact that most of these tools are already being widely used by students entail that academic libraries can utilise these technologies in developing user services. However, the issues of awareness, access, confidentiality, and accuracy of these tools need to be addressed to ensure their successful implementation and use.

RSS

Interactivity

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Citations (2)

Research-evidence-based health policy formulation in Malawi

International Journal of Health Governance (2020)

Patrick Mapulanga Jaya Raju Thomas Matingwina

Purpose The paper seeks to report on research-evidence-based health policy formulation in Malawi based on interviews with policymakers and questionnaire administered to health researchers. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative data for inferential statistical analysis was obtained through a questionnaire administered to researchers in the University of Malawi's College of Medicine and the Kamuzu College of Nursing. Interviews were conducted with four directors holding decision-making national health policy roles in the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly. The five national policymakers interviewed constituted five of the nine interviewees. The remaining four interviewed represented other government agencies and non-governmental organisations in the health sector. These constituted a piloted group of health policymakers in Malawi. Data from interviews shows illustrative comments typical of consistent perspectives among interviewees. Where they disagreed, divergent views have been presented. Findings The survey has revealed that health researchers rarely interact with health policymakers. Policymakers rarely attend researchers' workshops, seminars and conferences. Researchers prefer to interact with policymakers through expert committees or technical working groups. However, the meetings are called by policymakers at their own will. In terms of health research designed for user relevance, survey respondents suggested that developing research products; formulating study objectives; analysing and interpreting research findings and; developing research designs and methods were their responsibility. However, policymakers felt that research evidence should appeal to specific priorities needed by health policymakers in policy formulation. Health researchers suggested that health research evidence should be communicated through syntheses of the research literature and reprints of articles published in scientific journals. However, policymakers were of the view that research products should not be bulky, should be presented in points form and should provide options for specific policy areas. Practical implications University research groups and technical working groups provide an opportunity for interacting and enhancing the use of health research evidence. Originality/value For the purposes of facilitating the use of research evidence into policy, the study provides a low-cost framework for linking research groups and technical working groups to inform health research utilisation.

Relevance

Christian ministry

Research Design

10.1108/ijhg-05-2019-0029

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Citations (2)

Applying interpretive phenomenological analysis to library and information science research on blended librarianship: A case study

Library & Information Science Research (2020)

Israel Mbekezeli Dabengwa Jaya Raju Thomas Matingwina

Hermeneutics

Transferability

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Value (mathematics)

Objectivity (philosophy)

10.1016/j.lisr.2020.101055

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Citations (6)

Health, Academic Achievement and School-Based Interventions

InTech eBooks (2018)

Thomas Matingwina

There is a statistically significant relationship between health and academic achievement. Research evidence shows that children who are healthy are at a low risk for school problems than students who are unhealthy. Students with good health tend to perform better in school than those with poor health. Problems that emanate from poor health include a higher probability of school failure, poor levels of concentration, grade retention and dropout. However, health is a complex and elusive concept and its definition is often shrouded by assumptions and limitations. Therefore, the relationship between health and student achievement is often complex. The concept of health has been evolving over time, cutting across multiple disciplines. Of late, there has been a focus on achieving not only health but total well-being. Schools have been challenged to promote student health by providing favourable environments, policies, support services and information-based interventions. Schools should develop integrated health interventions because of their proven effectiveness in promoting healthy lifestyles among students. This chapter critically examines the concept of health and establishes the connection between health and achievement. The chapter also proposes health interventions that are effective in influencing academic achievement.

Dropout (neural networks)

10.5772/intechopen.76431

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Citations (35)