https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87679 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:59:08 GMT 2026-04-09T15:59:08Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/103042 Title: A very important choice : a study of social factors impacting students’ optional subjects’ choice in Malta Abstract: This research used quantitative and qualitative data collection from education professionals including academics and officials within the Ministry for Education, and state school educators in Malta to query two research questions; "What are the main social factors influencing non-core subject choices of Form 2 (Level 8) students in Malta?" and "What are educators’ perceptions of provisions targeting informed non-core subject choices (e.g., guidance services, educator or staff advice)." The theoretical framework was informed by Althusser; contemporary Marxist educators who focused on Humanistic Education; and Bowles and Gintis (and Jean Anyon) to view perceptions of class influencing education structure. Main findings included that students are not included in stakeholder consultation in drafting and publication of policy/strategy with students reacting to inequality through alienation and disengagement. Early school leaving rates relate to guidance received in the optional subjects’ choice and the impetus for discussing the optional subjects’ choice is put on the parents who may or may not have access to the resources to guide their children. Implications concerning the theoretical framework were that policy/strategy was not designed with students in mind but reflected the needs of the state. Social class was a factor to consider in access to resources, and the sectoral system unconsciously reinforced student stratification. Recommendations included tracer studies following students from Year 6 (Level 6) through Form 5 (Level 11) and further/higher education or early school leaving. Focusing on structure can reveal additional structural issues and improve policies designed for students to access further and higher education. Description: M.A.(Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/103042 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91595 Title: Living with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 : a qualitative research study Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the fastest-growing health problems in the world. The WHO estimates that there are around 333 million people worldwide diagnosed with diabetes. In Malta, in 2015, 13.9% of the population were diagnosed with the disease. Studies reveal that although knowledge about the disease has improved the prevalence has increased. People with diabetes have a risk of developing complications such as heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, blindness and leg or foot amputations. But are the Maltese people aware of these consequences? How do they perceive this condition? What social factors condition the self-management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D)? Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is found in children and young adults due to the pancreas not producing the hormone insulin that regulates blood glucose for energy, while Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, occurs in older adults and is due to the inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to regulate glucose in the blood. Managing the condition is not easy as one must consume a diet low in carbohydrates, proteins, good fats, vegetables, and fruit, and perform daily exercise to burn off glucose. In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven participants, two of which were expert interviews with a professor in endocrinology and another with a prominent diabetologist. From the qualitative study done with these eleven participants, it transpired that culture has a major influence on the self-management of T2D. This is because, society has a great influence on the lifestyle that we choose, and our food is by no means no exception. This study analyses the daily struggles that these people face trying to make life-style changes to control their condition for a healthier well-being. Since this is embedded in the society and the culture that they have been living in, iv making dietary changes, and adapting to a lifestyle of increased exercise (if ever there was one), needs a lot of support, motivation, and will-power which has an impact on the society that one lives in. Maltese people are hard- working and performing physical activity after a day’s work is not in our nature. People who are accustomed to physical exercise from an early age such as playing football, basketball, and other sports, have better self-efficacy and motivation to commit to daily exercise, preventing comorbidities associated with T2D. Social capital is an important factor that helps patients to feel confident with their general practitioner (GP) and their health care provider (HCP) gaining support when necessary. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91595 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91554 Title: Identifying and investigating social and psychological support for women during their transition to motherhood in Malta Abstract: This research explores the social and psychological needs of mothers in Malta during their initial phases into the journey of motherhood. This was done by listening to the narratives of eight local mothers. Social ideals and constructions of motherhood and good mothering permeate the lives of families in Malta and condition mothers to the standards set by society. Therefore, thematic analysis is used within a social constructionist epistemology. These prevailing motherhood ideologies, cause mothers to experience overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, stress, anxiety, and also depression, especially if adequate support is not given to this cohort. Therefore, support of a practical, informational and emotional nature needs to be available to mothers in order for the mothers to better cater for the demands that the mothering role entails, for the benefit of the mother, her offspring and her close kin. The latter comes with the premise that if the family unit grows together in a supportive environment that is conducive to the members’ healthy development, the positive culture that emanates from such an approach is a cost-effective investment in the future of the Maltese society. A qualitative research method was adopted to gather information using semi-structured interviews. Eight mothers shared their experience and their perceptions of motherhood, whilst raising what in their opinion lacks in terms of social and psychological support to mothers in Malta. The most commonly reported issue was the lack of initial support given in proximity to giving birth, specifically the insufficient attention that is given to the mother’s mental health and wellbeing even by the midwives, whose prime focus would be the physical healing of the mother and the baby’s growth and development, in that, it is in line with the standard physical milestones. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91554 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91544 Title: Life after cancer - the new self : from a young adult to a cancer survivor : living with the effects of cancer years later Abstract: This research aims to bring into perspective how young adult survivors of cancer diagnosed in their teenage years or in the early years of adulthood changed their outlook on cancer over the period of time from before their diagnosis, through their treatment, and after recovery, that is in the transition from being a cancer patient to a cancer survivor. Such transformation includes: treatment repercussions and disruptions to the body identity and self, such as disfigurement and loss of function, reproductive problems, chronic fatigue, and cognitive impairment, financial burdens, anxiety about recurrence (Kent, et al., 2015), the shift from always having the parent/s and/or guardians managing medical appointments and consultations, to having to become fully independent and managing these alone to name a few. The researcher will be able to identify and analyse former patients’ cancer perception and how it has changed their self and/or identity, as well as the social and medical/health challenges they faced, are currently facing, and/or are expected to face in the near future. In this research a qualitative methodological framework was selected in conjunction with a case study approach. Secondary data was collected through direct literature, mainly from books and journals. This will then be followed with primary data which will be collected through semi-structured/in-depth interviews with childhood/teenage cancer survivors who have passed their five-year remission and are at least of eighteen years of age. The findings of this research suggests that some of the identified challenges encountered by young cancer survivors could be mitigated through support of different entities. The research concludes by expressing that such challenges and hindrances causes further social distress within the survivors and their families, and that most support entities as well as the general public are not aware of. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/91544 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z