Health SA Gesondheid最新文献

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global public health issue, particularly affecting women and vulnerable youth, with an estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys impacted worldwide. GBV can negatively impact the academic attainment of learners.

Aim: To assess the experiences of GBV among high school-going youth in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal.

Setting: This study took place in Estcourt, KwaZulu- Natal.

Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in four high schools among 349 learners who completed a standardised questionnaire. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17. Descriptive analysis included a Chi-square test. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The study included 349 participants, comprising 195 girls (55.87%) and 154 boys (44.13%). More than half (53.01%) of the participants reported experiencing physical, emotional or sexual violence in their lives, including bullying, rape and discrimination. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the associations between socioeconomic factors and experiences of GBV. The results showed a significant association between GBV and household education level (p < 0.005), household employment status (p < 0.02) and household occupation (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that socioeconomic conditions are significantly related to the prevalence of GBV among high school learners.

Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of various forms of violence experienced by high school learners, emphasising the need for targeted interventions.

Contribution: This study will provide relevant information that the Department of Education can use to develop and strengthen interventions for GBV in the school setting.

Background: Research shows that social workers face numerous challenges because of the demanding nature of their profession, necessitating the development of resilience skills and techniques. Social workers assist marginalised populations and operate in challenging environments, requiring strong resilience strategies.

Aim: This article examines the resilience skills and strategies of social workers.

Setting: The study setting comprised the Department of Social Development in Johannesburg Metro Region.

Methods: The study employs a qualitative approach, utilising purposive sampling to identify participants for semi-structured interviews. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with the social workers, and data were analysed using Creswell and Poth's qualitative thematic analysis strategy. A total of 13 participants were interviewed.

Results: Three main themes emerged: Theme 1: Resilience skills and strategies employed by social workers to surmount challenges; theme 2: Effectiveness of resilience skills and strategies employed by social workers; and theme 3: Social workers' suggestions on what the department can do to maintain their resilience.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that resilience skills and strategies are crucial for social workers, enabling them to cope effectively with work-related challenges and find meaning in their work.

Contribution: This study will assist social workers to understand the skills and strategies that underpin their resilience. It will also assist the Department of Social Development and other public sectors in developing support programmes to retain social workers for the profession.

Background: Health literacy is critical in the lives of young people such as university students to ensure that they can access information about health risks and implement appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the health literacy of undergraduate students by describing the level of health literacy, personal and situational factors influencing health literacy, and health care utilisation.

Setting: The study was conducted at a university in the Western Cape.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey was used (N = 953). Data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire that included demographic variables, the 47-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) and questions on healthcare utilisation and overall health. Descriptive analysis was conducted.

Results: Over two-thirds of the respondents were classified under 'problematic health literacy' (n = 372, 39.0%) or 'inadequate literacy' (n = 274, 28.8%). Only 220 respondents (23.1%) had 'sufficient' health literacy, and only 87 (9.1%) achieved an 'excellent' rating. Respondents who searched for health information (p = 0.006) and accessed healthcare (p = 0.014) in the last 6 months had significantly higher levels of health literacy and this was associated with a better overall health rating (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study highlighted significant gaps in health literacy among university students, particularly in the domains of disease prevention and health promotion, indicating the need for targeted intervention.

Contribution: The study provides useful information on the current health literacy of young adults (university students) that can be used to plan health promotion activities.

Background: Telerehabilitation is recognised as an effective method for providing rehabilitation services to people who may live in an area where few in-person services are available or those who have mobility or transport issues which make attending rehabilitation sessions difficult or impossible.

Aim: To assess the perception, awareness and knowledge of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and their attitude towards telerehabilitation.

Setting: The study took place in the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality.

Methods: The current study followed a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional design to achieve the objectives of the study. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 202 participants aged 18 years and older. The research data were captured by a double-entry system into a Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet and were cleared of errors. Thereafter, the data were transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 2024. The data were checked for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and was determined to be not normally distributed.

Results: Participants were proportionally represented in terms of age and gender. The majority of participants were aged 56 years and older, which is significantly represented by participants in this study. The current study found that there was no significant awareness, knowledge, attitudes or computer skills regarding telerehabilitation among the participants.

Conclusion: The results highlight the need for educational programmes about telerehabilitation as an alternative method for healthcare services.

Contribution: The study contributes towards assisting in developing an understanding of the awareness, knowledge, attitude and computer skills of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Background: The 'high-risk' classification during pregnancy leads to constant monitoring and frequent interactions with healthcare professionals, making it crucial for healthcare providers to show compassion.

Aim: The study aimed to describe how women diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy experienced their pregnancies as well as their interactions with the government healthcare system in Cape Town.

Setting: The study was carried out using the Zoom digital platform and telephone. Participants lived in Cape Town neighbourhoods that are traditionally referred to as townships.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory research design was used in the study. Nine women over 18 years old, diagnosed as having had a high-risk pregnancy and had given birth within 2 years were purposively selected. Open-ended questions were utilised, and data were interpreted using a thematic analysis.

Results: Four main themes with 10 sub-themes emerged. The main themes included: 'Being labelled as high-risk', 'locus of control', 'fear' and 'hospitalisation'.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the psychological requirements of women diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy are not always met by the healthcare system. Fear experienced by women emerged from the high-risk label itself, and the amplification of the risk status by clinicians.

Contribution: Through the lens of expectant mothers utilising government healthcare services in Cape Town, the study gives insight into pregnant women's experiences. This insight provides opportunities for healthcare providers to re-consider and incorporate some interventions that could assist women.

Background: Every year, nearly 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhoea and around 525000 deaths among under-five children are reported globally. Information about parents' or caregiver's attitude concerning child health is crucial for improving infant and child wellbeing in the community.

Aim: The aim of the study was to conclude the level of parents' or caregivers' attitude on managing and preventing diarrhoeal disease among under-five children in the Engela district.

Setting: The Engela district forms part of the seven constituencies in the Ohangwena region. More than half (62.3%) of the Ohangwena population lives in Engela.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted. Furthermore, 530 parents or caregivers participated in the study. A questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Factors associated with negative attitudes were determined by performing logistic regression.

Results: Overall, 530 parents or caregivers participated in this study. Diarrhoea prevalence among the children under five was 24%. Factors such as parent or caregiver age group, residential area, possession of radio and education level were significantly associated with attitude (p < 0.05). The strongest predictor of attitude was being a resident of an informal settlement (odds ratio of 21.9) and the parent or caregiver not being educated documenting an odds ratio of 15.8.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a greater number (72%) of parents or caregivers were considered to have a negative attitude. Furthermore, 32.5% strongly agreed and 42% agreed that child's parents-related factors contribute to child suffering from diarrhoeal disease.

Contribution: Therefore, when planning for interventions, existing public health programmes targeting prevention and management of diarrhoea should consider age, residential area, level of education and motivation for ownership of radio, perceptions and beliefs of mothers or caregivers.

Background: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a serious public health concern in South Africa and throughout the world. Substance use disorder manifests itself as repeated use of a substance causes health problems and social dysfunction, such as health issues, impairment and failure to meet obligations. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) are a particularly vulnerable population with high rates of illness and early deaths. The experiences of women who inject Nyaope (WWIN) are not well understood because they are not often the subject of studies. Therefore, it is important to understand the experience of WWIN in order to understand their needs.

Aim: This study explored the experiences of WWIN who reside in the City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng.

Setting: The study was conducted in the Community-Oriented Substance Use Programme.

Methods: A qualitative research method using exploratory and descriptive designs was employed. Twenty-four women, ages from 19 years - 35 years, with a history of injecting Nyaope were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed thematically.

Results: Women who inject Nyaope engage in high-risk behaviours such as sex work, transactional sex, inconsistent condom use and sharing of needles. They further experience stigma in different social settings, like family, community, health settings and with the police, and they also self-stigmatise. They experience a variety of unmet needs.

Conclusion: Women who inject Nyaope engage in high-risk behaviour and experience stigma across social settings, including self-stigma, and because of their lifestyle, they have a variety of unmet needs.

Contribution: There is a scarcity of literature on WWIN in a South African context. The findings add to the existing literature on WWIN.

Background: Clinical reasoning, a critical skill for nursing practitioners, has been linked to positive patient outcomes. While experienced nurses often demonstrate clinical reasoning abilities, evidence exist that it can be taught and mastered, making its development a key responsibility of nursing education institutions.

Aim: To identify and describe teaching and learning strategies that can aid the development of clinical reasoning in nursing students.

Method: A structured literature review was conducted using the following databases: EBSCO Host (Academic Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ERIC, and MasterFILE Premier), NEXUS (National Research Foundation), PubMed, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text. Keywords included 'nursing education', 'clinical reasoning', 'teaching', 'learning', and 'teaching strategies' (N = 299). Filters reduced the number to 158, with a title review yielding 21 articles and the abstract review identified 18 articles for the final review.

Results: Three main strategies were identified: (1)simulation, (2) classroom activities, and (3) e-learning. Classroom strategies yielded the most results (eight), followed by simulation (six) and e-learning (four). Each strategy incorporated various teaching modalities.

Conclusion: All identified strategies and their modalities enhance clinical reasoning development.

Contribution: Nursing faculties should consider incorporating these strategies in line with their teaching philosophy and available resources.

Background: Cervical cancer continues to be fatal on a global scale, particularly impacting women during their prime years of productivity. Male partners are an important factor in transmission, prevention and control of cervical cancer.

Aim: The study aimed at identifying couples' perception on the roles, patterns and factors associated with male partner involvement in transmission, prevention and control of cervical cancer.

Setting: The study was conducted in three public county hospital clinics in Central Kenya.

Methods: The study used cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design where a total number of 358 couples participated in the study.

Results: Some of the factors that couples perceived to affect male partner's participation were individual characteristics such as marital status (p = 0.017), occupation (p < 0.000), income (p = 0.04), place of residence (p = 0.000), health facility factors including friendly affordable services (p = 0.025), places for health service delivery (p < 0.001) and male friendly services (p = 0.000). The community structures and leadership patterns influenced male participation in cervical cancer prevention and control. Male partners were involved with financial and logistic support, moral support, human papillomavirus transmission and vaccination, traditional and cultural practices, health education and health care provision.

Conclusion: Couples felt that male partners had an important part to play in cervical cancer transmission, prevention and control, which was influenced by personal constructs, health care systems and family and/or community factors.

Contribution: Policy makers can incorporate the study findings in policy development and implementation addressing the knowledge gaps, misconceptions and potential barriers that men may face in cervical cancer transmission, prevention and control.

Background: Medical litigations are rising and becoming a global challenge. The multilayered demands of midwifery-related conditions and the multiple responsibilities of the midwifery team contribute to possible litigations. Midwife specialists in South Africa are trained to provide specialised midwifery care to improve outcomes for patients with midwifery-related complications. While midwife specialists are equipped with specialised knowledge and skills, no specific practice regulations exist to protect them against possible medical litigations.

Aim: The study aimed to explore and describe medico-legal experts' experiences of midwife specialists optimally utilising their knowledge and skills.

Setting: The context of the study is the public and private sectors of South Africa.

Methods: A qualitative, descriptive and contextual research design was employed. Six medico-legal experts identified through a snowball sampling technique participated in virtual, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Collaizi's descriptive method.

Results: Three themes with subthemes emerged. Results confirmed that medico-legal experts recognised the midwife specialists' expanded knowledge and skill set. The medico-legal experts experienced a disconnect between training regulations and the current practice regulations. Midwife specialists' practice was experienced as being guided by a moral obligation rather than prescribed regulations.

Conclusion: Midwife specialists are yet to receive full legal recognition in South Africa, challenging midwife specialists' assumption of autonomous and independent roles.

Contribution: Midwife specialists face potential risk of involvement in medical litigations under the current legislative framework. The findings of this study may guide the formulation of a scope of practice (SOP) that legally guides midwife specialists' practice in South Africa.