Prof. Laetus O.K. Lategan
NRF Rating: C3
Research Education and Postgraduate Development
Qualifications: PhD (Philosophy) | DTh (Dogmatics) | PhD (Community Health, SA)
Professional Background
Prof. L.O.K. Lategan’s research in healthcare examines how social determinants affect elderly individuals. Grounded in the World Health Organization’s definition, his work focuses on the "conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life." His research highlights how the adverse impact of these social determinants significantly contributes to the vulnerability of older populations.
This vulnerability is examined within the broader context of community and public health, shaped by policy, global health, technological and social ideologies, and the intersection of health and faith. In addition to his healthcare research, Prof. Lategan actively investigates how the professoriate, postgraduate research, publication literacy, and research ethics are shaping Universities of Technology.
Key Research Focus Areas in Elderly Care
- Identifying social determinants that contribute to the vulnerability of elderly individuals.
- Exploring the ethical implications of these social determinants for the elderly community.
- Determining the policies required to effectively address these social determinants.
- Addressing the challenges elderly individuals face at the end of life.
- Evaluating how care ethics contributes to enhanced elderly care.
- Assessing the necessity for new ethical codes and practices in elderly care, considering the "One Health" concept and the impact of AI on healthcare.
Areas of Expertise
- • Public Health
- • Community Health
- • Healthcare Systems
- • Medical and Public Health Ethics
- • Vulnerable Groups and Geriatric Care
- • Postgraduate Research Development
Selected Publications
Top Journal Articles
- • Lategan, L.O.K., Swart, C. & Kokt, D. 2025. Publication literacy: Editors’ advice on the successful submission and acceptance of a journal article. Journal of Inquiry Based Activities, 15(Special Issue), 106-123.
View Publication → - • Lategan, L.O.K. 2024. Observations from elderly care: What ethical considerations are essential in public health? TCW, 60(4), 157-175.
- • Lategan, L.O.K., Van Zyl, G.J. & Kruger, W.H. 2024. A public health ethics framework for the older community: A South African perspective. KOERS — Bulletin for Christian Scholarship, 89(1).
https://doi.org/10.19108/KOERS.89.1.2548 → - • Lategan, L.O.K., Nel, E.P. & Bitzer, E.M. 2023. A critical view on doctoral supervisor capacity development at a South African University of Technology. Journal for New Generation Sciences, 21(1), 86-98.
https://doi.org/10.47588/jngs.2023.21.01 → - • Lategan, L.O.K., Van Zyl, G.J. & Kruger, W.H. 2023. What social determinants will cause ethical challenges in geriatric care? Comments from South Africa. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 14(5).
https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2023.2252 →
Selected Book Chapters & Conference Proceedings
- • Lategan, L.O.K., Bitzer, E.M., & Swart, C. 2025. Building African University Capacity through Research Output: The case of one South African University of Technology. In Langa, P. and Kaldeway, D. (Eds.), Negotiating the Fabric of the African University: Global Narratives and Local Models (pp. 175-198). Leiden: Brill.
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004722705_010 → - • Von Baer, R. & Lategan, L.O.K. 2025. Attaining planetary health: is technology-supported healthcare a/the solution? A perspective from the Global North and the Global South. In Heckes, K.T., Lorke, M., Siegler, M., & Wrona, K.J. (Eds.), Soziotechnische Transformationen im Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen (pp. 200–216). Beltz Juventa.
- • Lategan, L.O.K. 2024. A Framework for STEM Ethics Education in South Africa: Holding Values Paramount. In Hildt, E., Laas, K., Brey, E.M., & Miller, C.Z. (Eds.), Building Inclusive Ethical Cultures in STEM. The International Library of Ethics, Law and Technology, vol 42. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51560-6_6 →
