Browsing by Author "Siimane, Tsaletseng M"

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    An exploration of student-student connectedness and its relationship to learning in one Environmental Health Science course, National University of Lesotho
    (British Journal of Contemporary Education, 2023-11-23) Siimane, Tsaletseng M
    onnectedness between students positively impacts the overall student experience and performance in higher education. This study aims to establish the perception of student-student connectedness and explore how connectedness relates to learning in a cohort of second year environmental health students at the National University of Lesotho. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, applying the mixed methods approach to collect data through a self- administered questionnaire and semi-structured key informant interviews. The population (n=31) responded to the questionnaire while stratified random sampling was used to select a 13% interview sample. Bivariate analysis results show that connectedness increased at the end of the semester. Furthermore, at the beginning of the semester, weak positive and negative relationships existed between connectedness and teaching-learning activities while stronger positive relationships dominated at the end of the semester. Teaching and learning methods should be varied and collaborative to improve connectedness among students.
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    Healthcare waste management knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory workers at a regional hospital, Lesotho
    (AOSIS, 2024-12-06) Siimane, Tsaletseng M; Ntsihlele, Motlatsi
    Background: Safe management of healthcare waste (HW) safeguards laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. Knowledge and attitudes influence HW practices, presenting a need for evidence of the current status. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory workers towards waste management at a regional hospital laboratory in Lesotho. Methods: The study was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 using a mixed-methods descriptive case study design. The entire population (n = 30) of technical and non-technical laboratory workers and generated waste were sampled. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Waste generation was assessed by weighing and measuring waste volumes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: All respondents (26/26; 100%) can define HW and (3/3) laboratory assistants (100%) gave correct responses for three questions, namely: risk associated with HW, waste container colour-coding, and disposal requirements. Knowledge on waste management responsibilities ranged between 0% (0/4) for cleaners and 54.5% (6/11) among laboratory technicians. Attitudes were mainly positive, and practices conformed in part to standard operating procedures. Infectious solid waste comprised 77% of solid HW, while 63% of chemical liquid waste emanated from the full blood count area. Conclusion: Knowledge exists among workers and attitudes are predominantly positive; however, some unsafe practices continue, thus knowledge is not fully translated to safe practices. Regular training and measuring and recording of HW were recommended. What this study adds: The study contributes understanding of the status of HW knowledge, attitudes and management practices, highlighting the need for compliance monitoring
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    Littering perceptions, and behaviours among the general public in Maseru, Lesotho
    (International Journal of Science Engineering and Technology, 2023) Siimane, Tsaletseng M; Malaka, Sekhoane; Tsoahae, Sehoete
    Littering is a growing environmental problem that has caught the eyes of different sectors of society. This study, which was conducted in Maseru, Lesotho, aimed to understand littering perceptions and behaviours among the general public. A qualitative phenomenological study design was used where data was collected through semi-structured interviews from a sample of 57 respondents. Data was analysed through content analysis. Findings revealed that Maseru city is perceived as heavily littered, although littering was seen to have decreased over time. Furthermore, litterers are predominantly female, aged between 26-35 and most have secondary education. Material factors such as the availability of waste receptacles and the convenience of the receptacle location influence littering behaviour, while keeping a clean environment was identified as the main promoter of anti-littering behaviour. The study concluded that there are positive perceptions and negative behaviours in littering in Maseru. Recommendations for reducing littering included the supply of more litter bins and creating awareness through education