Background: Final-year nursing students are actively involved in the delivery of public immunisation programmes as part of workplace-based learning, and require adequate knowledge, clinical skills, and attitudes regarding vaccines. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding vaccines of final year nursing students at a South African University.
Methods: This cross-sectional study, through the use of an online survey questionnaire, assessed the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding vaccines and the Expanded Programme of Immunization of final-year nursing students registered at a South African University during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Results: There were 68 participants enrolled in the study (85% response rate). Participants displayed good knowledge regarding vaccines (average score of 52.54/70 ± 5.01 standard deviation [s.d.]), and overall positive perceptions of their training on vaccines and its safety. Knowledge gaps were identified in the mechanisms through which vaccines confer immunity in the human body and the cold chain requirements for the storage of vaccines. Of concern was the prevalent misconception among 78% of participants that vaccines are not effective.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that final year nursing students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa have good knowledge regarding vaccines. However, an improved understanding of the mechanism of vaccines will aid nursing students to confront and address misperceptions by clients thereby reducing improving vaccine uptake. Curriculum planners should also consider the inclusion of communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy.Contribution: The study contributes to data on nurse education regarding vaccines in the African context, and identifies areas to improve vaccine uptake.
No absract available.
Muslims constitute approximately 20% of the world's population. In South Africa, Muslims constitute just under 2% of the total population. Fasting is one of the mandatory activities of adherents of the Islamic faith, where all healthy adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual activities between dawn and dusk during the month of Ramadhan. Medical doctors are frequently required to provide advice to their Muslim patients about the safety or other health impacts of this type of fasting. This narrative review provides an overview of research conducted on Muslim populations during the fasting period, with special reference to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that are prevalent in the Muslim community. In the absence of evidence-based clinical guidelines, this article summarises the latest published research on this topic, providing a resource for clinicians and researchers. This paper provides an evidence summary to clinicians when engaging with their patients who may be engaging in Ramadhan fasting, while also identifying gaps in the body of evidence that could inform future research.
No abstract available.
This article's emphasis is on the holistic care of women who are assessed as suitable for and amenable to vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) in the South African state health sector context. It is beyond its scope to deal with the minutiae of VBAC conduct, operative conduct of repeat Caesarean section (CS), or management of uterine rupture. It is also beyond the scope of the article to reflect on practices, which are accepted in other healthcare contexts. The intention is not to promote VBAC over elective repeat CS, but rather to assist healthcare workers with providing high-quality holistic care. The goal is that women with previous CS are given access to the mode of delivery, which is safest for them and their fetus, while minimising adverse psychological effects of previous and future negative birth experiences.
This is part of a series of articles on vascular access in emergencies. The other two articles were on intra osseous lines and central venous lines. These are critical lifesaving emergency skills for the primary care professional. In this article, we will provide an overview of umbilical vein catheterisation highlighting its importance, the indications, contraindications, techniques, complications and nursing considerations. By familiarising healthcare providers with this procedure, we hope to enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to improved outcomes in the neonatal population.