Ounongo Repository
The Ounongo Repository (OR) is the institutional repository of Namibia University of Science and Technology. Ounongo means "knowledge. in the Oshiwambo and Otjiherero languages. The OR is administered by the Library, with technical assistance from DICT, and its aim is to collect, organize, manage, store, preserve, publish and make accessible worldwide, the knowledge assets or intellectual output of the University's researchers, staff and post-graduate students. Users may set up RSS feeds to be alerted to new content.
Communities in Ounongo
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Recent Submissions
Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Ohangwena and Kavango West.
(International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR), 2025-06-28) Ndakukamo, Elizabeth Kaleinasho.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Hailonga-Van Dijk, Panduleni.
Background: Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. In Namibia, cervical cancer often goes undetected despite its prevention through early detection. Women in rural areas face barriers to screening due to limited access to preventive services, inadequate knowledge, and cultural stigmas, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
Objective: The study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer prevention among the community of the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions in Namibia.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in various health facilities across these regions. Using purposeful sampling, 228 respondents aged 18-59 participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 29. Results: The findings reveal a moderate level of knowledge of cervical cancer but limited awareness about human papillomavirus, with respondents generally showing a positive attitude toward prevention. However, respondents demonstrated poor screening practices.
Conclusion: While the knowledge of cervical cancer is relatively high, significant gaps remain in knowledge regarding human papillomavirus. Positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening are uplifting. However, structural and cultural barriers impede preventive practices.
Unique Contribution: This study provides localised evidence on cervical cancer prevention by examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rural communities in Ohangwena and Kavango West, Namibia. It adds to the limited research on rural populations and identifies key cultural, informational, and systemic barriers to effective prevention. The findings offer a foundation for context-specific interventions and informed public health efforts to improve community engagement in screening and human papillomavirus awareness.
Key Recommendation: The findings indicate the potential value of implementing community-based education initiatives that emphasise awareness and the importance of regular screening. Furthermore, integrating cervical cancer education into routine primary healthcare services and school health programmes may support efforts to address existing knowledge gaps and promote early prevention practices within rural settings.
Community-based elderly care approaches implemented in low and middle-income countries: A scoping review.
(Research Journal of Health Sciences, 2025-04-30) Haufiku-Weyulu, Mouyelele.; Mahalie,Roswitha.; Aku-Akai, Larai.
Introduction: Globally, the average lifespan has become prolonged in recent years. Strong community-based care services (CBCS) are imperative to maintain the health of older persons when family care falls short. Data on the health and care of older persons in low—and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Namibia are scarce. The review aimed to map the available evidence on CBC approaches implemented in LMICs. Methodology: The review followed the 2022 Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) manual for Evidence Synthesis. Rayyan cloud-based software was used to organize, manage, and remove duplicates. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) were utilized to convey the review's results. Results: The final analysis included 22 articles. Households with older people need extra income to maintain a similar living standard to those without. LMICs face challenges in building comprehensive and sustainable frameworks to support the older population, struggle to provide adequate pensions, have a significant shortage of skilled geriatrics, and rely on informal caregivers as care homes and primary health care systems are insufficient. Conclusion: As the challenge of population aging intensifies, strengthening CBC approaches is essential, given that most older persons prefer to age at home rather than in facilities
Health system constraints in cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia: A qualitative study
(African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 2025-08-21) Ndakukamo, Elizabeth Kaleinasho.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Hailonga-Van Dijk, Panduleni.
Background: Cervical cancer remains a pressing public health concern in Namibia, with
significant barriers to prevention, particularly in rural areas.
Aim: This study explored health system’s challenges and their impact on cervical cancer
prevention efforts.
Setting: This study was conducted in the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions of Namibia.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed, focusing on healthcare workers
directly involved in cervical cancer prevention. In-depth interviews were utilised to collect
data from 11 participants from four district hospitals. Thematic analysis, guided by the World
Health Organisation’s six health system framework pillars, was used.
Results: Key service gaps were identified across critical areas of cervical cancer prevention,
including a lack of awareness, a lack of human papillomavirus vaccines and referral screening
equipment that limited local outreach services. Other significant findings included the shortage
of trained personnel and the manual data systems, which resulted in deficiencies in decision making. Financial constraints, including reliance on non-governmental organisation funding
and weak community engagement, exacerbated by cultural stigma, presented leadership
challenges.
Conclusion: Investing in human resources for health, decentralising budget trends and
enhancing data systems are critical for cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia. Equally
important is the active involvement of the community in these efforts.
Contribution: This study highlights key health system constraints in the Ohangwena and
Kavango West regions.
Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation among Undergraduates of Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek.
(International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR), 2025) Ndeuyamunye Siseho, Kristine.; Mahalie, Roswitha.
Background: University students often experience mental health concerns when they struggle to adapt
to the academic environment. This makes undergraduates vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and
suicidal ideation. Meanwhile, scientific data on anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in
Namibia are scant and grossly undocumented.
Objective: This study explored anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among undergraduate
of Namibia University of Science and Technology.
Methods: Adopting an exploratory qualitative research design, 30 undergraduates at the Namibia
University of Science and Technology were sampled using a convenience sampling technique.
Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with undergraduates aged 18-30, using a
semi-structured interview guide. The data were transcribed verbatim and content analysed, from
which themes and subthemes emerged.
Results: Four themes, namely loneliness, burdensomeness, depression, and poor service
provision, emerged from the study. The undergraduate experienced fear due to academic
transition and increased workload, unfamiliar environment, financial constraints, unsafe
accommodation, and family conflicts, while those having mental disorders were vulnerable to
relapse.
Conclusion: The study concluded that academic transition, lack of family support, and financial
constraints were contributing to anxiety and depression among undergraduates. The current
mental illness was identified as a risk factor for suicidal ideation.
Unique contribution: This study provided new insight into understanding that undergraduates
experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. These initiatives require collaboration
among universities, policymakers, and mental health professionals to deliver mental health care
to undergraduates.
Key Recommendation: Comprehensive wellness centre comprising a multi-disciplinary team,
mental health support, enabling environment for targeted interventions, for early detection and
support for vulnerable students.
Community-based elderly care approaches implemented in low and middle-income countries: A scoping review.
(Research Journal of Health Sciences, 2025-04-30) Haufiku-Weyulu, Mouyelele.; Mahalie,Roswitha.; Aku-Akai, Larai.
Introduction: Globally, the average lifespan has become prolonged in recent
years. Strong community-based care services (CBCS) are imperative to
maintain the health of older persons when family care falls short. Data on the
health and care of older persons in low—and middle-income countries
(LMICs) like Namibia are scarce. The review aimed to map the available
evidence on CBC approaches implemented in LMICs.
Methodology: The review followed the 2022 Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)
manual for Evidence Synthesis. Rayyan cloud-based software was used to
organize, manage, and remove duplicates. The Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews
(PRISMA-ScR) were utilized to convey the review's results.
Results: The final analysis included 22 articles. Households with older people
need extra income to maintain a similar living standard to those without.
LMICs face challenges in building comprehensive and sustainable frameworks
to support the older population, struggle to provide adequate pensions, have a
significant shortage of skilled geriatrics, and rely on informal caregivers as care
homes and primary health care systems are insufficient.
Conclusion: As the challenge of population aging intensifies, strengthening
CBC approaches is essential, given that most older persons prefer to age at
home rather than in facilities