Browsing by Author "Mahalie, Roswitha."

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    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.
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    Application of Machine Learning in the Classification of HIV Medical Care Status for People Living with HIV in Oshana Region of Namibia.
    (International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR), 2025) Nangolo, Marthina.; Zodi, Guy-Alain Lusilao.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Mateus, Jovita.
    Background: Monitoring of viral load among pregnant and breastfeeding women augments remote patient management, reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), helps prevent treatment failure and virological rebound. Objective: This study aimed to develop a machine learning (ML) model that effectively classifies the medical care status of HIV patients, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women, using integrated historic data of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Oshana region, Namibia. Method: A quantitative approach was employed to a cross-sectional dataset of 27,768 patients, from which 22,347 active patients were selected. Feature selection using a Random Forest classifier was used to reduce the risk of model overfitting. Three supervised learning models Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and a hybrid CNN-LSTM were trained using an 80/20 train-test split. Models were trained under two scenarios: (1) using all 71 demographic and clinical features and (2) using a reduced set of 5 top feature. Results: The hybrid CNN-LSTM achieved the highest performance (99.98% accuracy, 98.46% recall, 99.22% F1-score) and maintained strong results even with fewer features. In contrast, CNN and LSTM models showed reduced recall, highlighting the hybrid model’s superior ability to minimize false negatives, critical for identifying high-risk PBFW. Conclusion: ML models can enhance healthcare decision making by providing accurate predictions to strengthen continuity of HIV care. Unique Contribution: This study provides localized evidence on HIV care in Oshana region, Namibia by applying deep learning to classify the medical care status of pregnant and breastfeeding women. It demonstrates how routine clinical data can support scalable, data-driven interventions to improve continuity of care and reduce treatment failure in resource-limited settings. Key recommendation: Future research should explore alternative hybrid deep learning architectures, optimize complex hyperparameters, and evaluate diverse feature selection techniques. Testing on larger datasets is also recommended to assess scalability and generalizability.
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    Awareness and Attitude Toward Old-Age Homes among Older Persons in Namibia.
    (International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)., 2025) Haufiku-Weyulu, Mouyelele.; Mahalie, Roswitha.; Aku-Aka, Larai.
    Background: The burgeoning population of older persons is widely acknowledged as a pertinent societal concern. Understanding the attitude and awareness of older persons towards old-age homes is crucial, as these homes are a viable option when family support falls short. Objectives: This study assessed older persons' awareness and attitude toward old-age homes in three selected regions of Namibia. Methods: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey design was employed to study individuals aged 60 years and above. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 30 at significance (P < 0.05). Thematic analysis was utilised to interpret qualitative data. Results: The outcomes revealed a marginal disparity in preference for remaining in the community vs relocating to old-age homes, with a statistically significant association among living arrangements, educational attainment, and number of dependents (P<0.001). Interviews with key informants and caregivers revealed pension misuse, transport-related barriers to healthcare, and caregiver challenges, including mood fluctuations, forgetfulness, and inadequate mobility aids to assist older persons. Conclusion: The preferences of older persons in their living places are influenced by significant factors such as education level and familial obligations. Unique Contribution: This study is among the first in Namibia to integrate quantitative and qualitative data on older persons’ awareness and attitude toward old-age homes. It contributes to the limited research on this population and identifies that education, number of dependents, and family obligations influence their living preferences. Moreover, it brings forward the voices of caregivers and community leaders, revealing systemic gaps in training, resources, and awareness. Key Recommendation: The findings underscore the potential value of implementing targeted community awareness campaigns, training caregivers, and expanding affordable, well-equipped old-age homes. Furthermore, policies should strengthen caregiver support and ensure pensions are effectively utilised to enhance the welfare of older persons.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.