A comprehensive support programme for professional nurses performing HIV counselling and testing at primary health care clinics in the rural Eastern Cape
- Authors: Madolo, Agrinette Nomboniso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40746 , vital:36232
- Description: The increase in global rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has had far reaching effects on healthcare services around the world. According to the 2017 statistics released by UNAIDS, South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world. The South African Department of Health provides an HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service to patients in order that they may know their HIV status and endeavours to educate patients so that they may adapt their behaviours and lifestyles. The goal of this study is to develop a support programme for nurses to assist them in coping emotionally with their day-to-day activities when providing HCT services to patients attending primary healthcare clinics. The paradigm used as a lens to view the phenomenon is Kinlaw’s cyclical growth of empowerment theory. The researcher used a qualitative,explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The study involves three phases: (a) empirical research that explores nurses’ experiences of performing HCT in primary healthcare rural clinics, (b) the development of a conceptual framework for a support programme using the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:427). (c) the formalisation of the Comprehensive Support Programme to help nurses to cope emotionally with working with HCT on a long-term basis. Chinn and Kramer (2005118) were used to evaluate the programme. . The empirical findings revealed registered nurses experienced HCT both positively and negatively. They felt overwhelmed by the expectation that all patients attending primary healthcare clinics should be offered HCT routinely and the time constraints involved. They described how the emotional trauma attached to HCT affected their work patterns, leading to low productivity, and affected them outside work, leading to stress and sleep disturbances. They feltl disturbed that even when informed, people choose not to adopt safer sex practices and that how patients responded to a positive diagnosis cannot be predicted. Participants showed signs of stress, frustration, despair and sadness because most tested clients show positive test results and the number of clients testing positive is increasing. While participants felt helpless to improve the situation, at the same time, HCT was experienced as rewarding because it enabled diagnosis of medical conditions of which people weree not aware. The goal of the study was achieved with the development and formalisation of an extensive, relevant and applicable Comprehensive Support Programme for implementation for registered nurses to enable them cope emotionally when conducting HCT based on the empirical findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Madolo, Agrinette Nomboniso
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40746 , vital:36232
- Description: The increase in global rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has had far reaching effects on healthcare services around the world. According to the 2017 statistics released by UNAIDS, South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world. The South African Department of Health provides an HIV counselling and testing (HCT) service to patients in order that they may know their HIV status and endeavours to educate patients so that they may adapt their behaviours and lifestyles. The goal of this study is to develop a support programme for nurses to assist them in coping emotionally with their day-to-day activities when providing HCT services to patients attending primary healthcare clinics. The paradigm used as a lens to view the phenomenon is Kinlaw’s cyclical growth of empowerment theory. The researcher used a qualitative,explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The study involves three phases: (a) empirical research that explores nurses’ experiences of performing HCT in primary healthcare rural clinics, (b) the development of a conceptual framework for a support programme using the survey list of Dickoff et al. (1968:427). (c) the formalisation of the Comprehensive Support Programme to help nurses to cope emotionally with working with HCT on a long-term basis. Chinn and Kramer (2005118) were used to evaluate the programme. . The empirical findings revealed registered nurses experienced HCT both positively and negatively. They felt overwhelmed by the expectation that all patients attending primary healthcare clinics should be offered HCT routinely and the time constraints involved. They described how the emotional trauma attached to HCT affected their work patterns, leading to low productivity, and affected them outside work, leading to stress and sleep disturbances. They feltl disturbed that even when informed, people choose not to adopt safer sex practices and that how patients responded to a positive diagnosis cannot be predicted. Participants showed signs of stress, frustration, despair and sadness because most tested clients show positive test results and the number of clients testing positive is increasing. While participants felt helpless to improve the situation, at the same time, HCT was experienced as rewarding because it enabled diagnosis of medical conditions of which people weree not aware. The goal of the study was achieved with the development and formalisation of an extensive, relevant and applicable Comprehensive Support Programme for implementation for registered nurses to enable them cope emotionally when conducting HCT based on the empirical findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Client satisfaction with midwifery services rendered at Empilweni Gompo and Nontyuatyambo community health centres in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mfundisi, Nokwamkela Pearl
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006902 , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients were satisfied with midwifery services rendered at the two Community Health Centres in the Eastern Cape Province.The study sites were Empilweni Gompo and Nontyatyambo Community Health Centres. Descriptive quantitative study design was employed, using a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions as the data collecting tool. Likert Scale was used to measure the following variables: quality care variables to measure level of satisfaction with midwifery services rendered and to determine positive and negative perceptions regarding quality of care received during antenatal, labour and postnatal period. Non-random convenience sampling of sixty pregnant women, thirty from each Community Health Centre, with two or more antenatal subsequent visits and forty postpartum women, twenty from each health facility, six hours after delivery if there were no complications. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=60 (100 percent) agreed that individual counseling and importance of HIV testing was explained.The majority of participants n=53(88 percent) disagreed that they were educated about focused antenatal visits. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=41(68 percent) agreed that delivery plan formed part of their ANC visits and n=18 (30 percent) disagreed. Of the 60 participants interviewed n=11(18 percent) agreed that they were told that they had the right to choose labour companions and n=48 (80 percent) disagreed.Out of 60 participants interviewed n=23 (38 percent) stated that they waited a long period of time without being attended to by midwives. In general, the study revealed high satisfaction level with intrapartum and postnatal care due to functional accessibility of both Community Health Centres. Both health centres delivered normal healthy babies and mothers. However, the participants were dissatisfied with antenatal care rendered at the two facilities. The researcher’s recommendations were based on the closing of gaps that were identified with regard to the implementation of Basic Antenatal Care; birth companions: health education deficiency; community involvement and participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mfundisi, Nokwamkela Pearl
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11908 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006902 , Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwifery -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Midwives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients were satisfied with midwifery services rendered at the two Community Health Centres in the Eastern Cape Province.The study sites were Empilweni Gompo and Nontyatyambo Community Health Centres. Descriptive quantitative study design was employed, using a questionnaire with closed and open ended questions as the data collecting tool. Likert Scale was used to measure the following variables: quality care variables to measure level of satisfaction with midwifery services rendered and to determine positive and negative perceptions regarding quality of care received during antenatal, labour and postnatal period. Non-random convenience sampling of sixty pregnant women, thirty from each Community Health Centre, with two or more antenatal subsequent visits and forty postpartum women, twenty from each health facility, six hours after delivery if there were no complications. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=60 (100 percent) agreed that individual counseling and importance of HIV testing was explained.The majority of participants n=53(88 percent) disagreed that they were educated about focused antenatal visits. Out of 60 participants interviewed n=41(68 percent) agreed that delivery plan formed part of their ANC visits and n=18 (30 percent) disagreed. Of the 60 participants interviewed n=11(18 percent) agreed that they were told that they had the right to choose labour companions and n=48 (80 percent) disagreed.Out of 60 participants interviewed n=23 (38 percent) stated that they waited a long period of time without being attended to by midwives. In general, the study revealed high satisfaction level with intrapartum and postnatal care due to functional accessibility of both Community Health Centres. Both health centres delivered normal healthy babies and mothers. However, the participants were dissatisfied with antenatal care rendered at the two facilities. The researcher’s recommendations were based on the closing of gaps that were identified with regard to the implementation of Basic Antenatal Care; birth companions: health education deficiency; community involvement and participation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A critical assessment of the quality of community home-based care
- Authors: Morton, David Gerard
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Home care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home nursing -- Equipment and supplies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home health aides
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1606 , Home care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home nursing -- Equipment and supplies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home health aides
- Description: Volunteer home-based caregivers are critical role players in South Africa‘s health care system and in the South African government‘s strategy to fight HIV and AIDS. In order to achieve the aims that the government seeks to attain, it is important that the care and treatment provided to patients receiving community home-based care (CHBC) be of a high quality. While the need for quality care is supported by government and civil society, research indicates that it is not clear whether quality care is indeed being provided and therefore there is a need for research into the quality of CHBC. The research aimed to undertake a critical assessment of CHBC programmes to determine the quality of care provided by volunteer caregivers using social capital theory as a theoretical framework. The study examined the quality of CHBC by analysing the context of CHBC, by investigating the support that volunteer caregivers and their clients receive and by discussing the support that volunteer caregivers and their clients still need. The study used one-on-one in-depth interviews and focus groups to obtain relevant data. The participants included volunteer caregivers, clients and supervisors who took part in the one-on-one interviews. The focus groups consisted of key informants and supervisors respectively. The quantitative data consisted of descriptive statistics which helped describe the participants. The qualitative data was coded and themes and sub-themes were developed. The data was also analysed by an independent coder. The results showed that poverty, and the related problems of poor living conditions and a lack of food security affects the quality CHBC. In addition, unemployment and the problem of stipends also affect quality CHBC. Certain socio-economic factors were also found to lead people to choose to become volunteer caregivers and unemployment was found to be an important driving force behind the choice to undertake volunteer caregiving. Furthermore, the volunteer caregivers in the sample received organisational support from their supervisors and their fellow caregivers or peers. They also received social support from their families and their communities. Regarding the clients of the volunteer caregivers, it was found that they received a number of types of support including psycho- iv social counselling, spiritual counselling and care of a holistic nature. In addition, the study found that there is a need for standardised quality training of volunteer caregivers, which will equip them with multiple skills. It was also found that volunteer caregivers require mentoring and quality supervision in order to be able to provide quality CHBC to their clients. Government has the ability to put the necessary systems and structures in place, such as a scope of practice for volunteers, standardised training and monitoring and evaluation, to enable CHBC and its relevant role players to operate at optimum levels. It also has the authority to make the changes and to enforce rules. Furthermore, it has the ability to unite CHBC organisations and can create the necessary conditions that can lead to increased social capital. Furthermore, the study recommends that two additional dimensions of quality care be added to existing dimensions of quality in health care. The first is the holistic approach to caregiving and the second is social support systems, namely supervisor/mentor and peer support and family and community support. This second dimension is also closely linked to social capital and the networks that make up CHBC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Morton, David Gerard
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Home care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home nursing -- Equipment and supplies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home health aides
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:16133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1606 , Home care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home nursing -- Equipment and supplies , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home health aides
- Description: Volunteer home-based caregivers are critical role players in South Africa‘s health care system and in the South African government‘s strategy to fight HIV and AIDS. In order to achieve the aims that the government seeks to attain, it is important that the care and treatment provided to patients receiving community home-based care (CHBC) be of a high quality. While the need for quality care is supported by government and civil society, research indicates that it is not clear whether quality care is indeed being provided and therefore there is a need for research into the quality of CHBC. The research aimed to undertake a critical assessment of CHBC programmes to determine the quality of care provided by volunteer caregivers using social capital theory as a theoretical framework. The study examined the quality of CHBC by analysing the context of CHBC, by investigating the support that volunteer caregivers and their clients receive and by discussing the support that volunteer caregivers and their clients still need. The study used one-on-one in-depth interviews and focus groups to obtain relevant data. The participants included volunteer caregivers, clients and supervisors who took part in the one-on-one interviews. The focus groups consisted of key informants and supervisors respectively. The quantitative data consisted of descriptive statistics which helped describe the participants. The qualitative data was coded and themes and sub-themes were developed. The data was also analysed by an independent coder. The results showed that poverty, and the related problems of poor living conditions and a lack of food security affects the quality CHBC. In addition, unemployment and the problem of stipends also affect quality CHBC. Certain socio-economic factors were also found to lead people to choose to become volunteer caregivers and unemployment was found to be an important driving force behind the choice to undertake volunteer caregiving. Furthermore, the volunteer caregivers in the sample received organisational support from their supervisors and their fellow caregivers or peers. They also received social support from their families and their communities. Regarding the clients of the volunteer caregivers, it was found that they received a number of types of support including psycho- iv social counselling, spiritual counselling and care of a holistic nature. In addition, the study found that there is a need for standardised quality training of volunteer caregivers, which will equip them with multiple skills. It was also found that volunteer caregivers require mentoring and quality supervision in order to be able to provide quality CHBC to their clients. Government has the ability to put the necessary systems and structures in place, such as a scope of practice for volunteers, standardised training and monitoring and evaluation, to enable CHBC and its relevant role players to operate at optimum levels. It also has the authority to make the changes and to enforce rules. Furthermore, it has the ability to unite CHBC organisations and can create the necessary conditions that can lead to increased social capital. Furthermore, the study recommends that two additional dimensions of quality care be added to existing dimensions of quality in health care. The first is the holistic approach to caregiving and the second is social support systems, namely supervisor/mentor and peer support and family and community support. This second dimension is also closely linked to social capital and the networks that make up CHBC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The newly qualified professional nurses' proficiency in utilizing psychiatric nursing skills in mental health institution and community health care facilities
- Authors: Zonke, Lulama Henrietta
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001098 , Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the ability and proficiency of the newly qualified professional nurses in utilising psychiatric nursing skills at Chris Hani District Psychiatric Health Care Services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research method was a qualitative, phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of newly qualified professional nurses and supervisors participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions, using semi – structured interview guides. Interviews responses were recorded on the interview guide. Data were analysed using the computer software Atlas ti and manually. Positive and negative themes were identified. Ethical considerations were ensured by means of privacy, anonymity and confidentiality. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare and permission from the Provincial Department of Health and Chris Hani District Health and Mental Health Institution at Queenstown was sought. The findings revealed that newly qualified professional nurses performed well, according to the perception of their supervisors. Newly qualified professional nurses were faced with challenges such as shortage of resources, mental illness not considered as a priority and lack of skills development. The study also revealed that newly qualified professional nurses focussed on the curative aspect of ailments, rather than preventive care. However community health workers (CHW) focussed on the preventive aspect of care. Limitations and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Zonke, Lulama Henrietta
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001098 , Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Ability testing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the ability and proficiency of the newly qualified professional nurses in utilising psychiatric nursing skills at Chris Hani District Psychiatric Health Care Services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research method was a qualitative, phenomenological approach. A purposive sample of newly qualified professional nurses and supervisors participated in the study. The data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions, using semi – structured interview guides. Interviews responses were recorded on the interview guide. Data were analysed using the computer software Atlas ti and manually. Positive and negative themes were identified. Ethical considerations were ensured by means of privacy, anonymity and confidentiality. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare and permission from the Provincial Department of Health and Chris Hani District Health and Mental Health Institution at Queenstown was sought. The findings revealed that newly qualified professional nurses performed well, according to the perception of their supervisors. Newly qualified professional nurses were faced with challenges such as shortage of resources, mental illness not considered as a priority and lack of skills development. The study also revealed that newly qualified professional nurses focussed on the curative aspect of ailments, rather than preventive care. However community health workers (CHW) focussed on the preventive aspect of care. Limitations and recommendations based on the findings of the study are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of the quality of family planning services rendered to adolescents by health workers at Mdantsane clinics, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Province, S.A.
- Authors: Ndlebe, Siphokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/407 , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Family planning services are rendered at no cost in all clinics in Mdantsane. Mdantsane is situated in the Eastern Cape and falls under Amathole District Municipality. The high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the area raises a question as to whether the family planning services are adequate. This issue reflects on the quality of family planning service delivery. According to Roux (1995:94), a quality service is a safe, easily available and readily acceptable service, delivered by well trained family planning personnel through well planned programmes. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of family planning service delivery by health providers to adolescents; determine the opinions of adolescents regarding accessibility, friendliness of staff, privacy, confidentiality, reproductive health information and resources at Mdantsane clinics from June to July 2009. Method: A questionnaire was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was administered on the adolescents utilizing the reproductive health services at eleven primary health clinics in Mdantsane. A sample consisting of 110 adolescent youth between 19 and 24 years was selected by using random sampling. A response of “yes” will indicate that the participant is satisfied with the specific item, while a response of “no” will indicate dissatisfaction with that item. A specially designed spreadsheet was developed to analyze the data. Data was analyzed by using the Microsoft Excel 2007 Version 6. Results: The results from this research study suggest that there is a definite need for improvement of adolescent reproductive health services at Mdantsane clinics. It is clear that the current available maternal and child health programmes, school health services and reproductive health services are not able to meet the adolescent sexual and reproductive needs. Conclusion: The research findings from this study indicated the constraints to good quality family planning health care service delivery. Satisfaction responses from the five categories: health facility amenities, accessibility, staff characteristics, availability of sexual and reproductive health services and availability of educational material accessibility were mostly below 70%. The responses regarding the question on the “full information about the available contraceptives”showed the least level of satisfaction. Deficiencies in physical facilities and equipment, disruptions in supplies, insufficient information provided to clients and providers‟ insensitivity to the feelings and needs of the clients are issues that discourage adolescents from utilizing contraceptive services. Recommendations: Adolescents need a safe and supportive environment that offers information and skills to equip them on all aspects related to sexual and reproductive health issues. To satisfy adolescent reproductive needs, the following key elements should be improved: accessibility of reproductive health services, friendliness of clinic staff, availability of information about reproduction and sexuality and maintenance of issues regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Quality requires the presence of trained personnel in well-equipped clinics where clients are treated courteously. To avoid issues of courtesy bias, there is a need to conduct a similar survey utilizing alternative community settings, namely homes of participants or a school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ndlebe, Siphokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/407 , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Family planning services are rendered at no cost in all clinics in Mdantsane. Mdantsane is situated in the Eastern Cape and falls under Amathole District Municipality. The high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the area raises a question as to whether the family planning services are adequate. This issue reflects on the quality of family planning service delivery. According to Roux (1995:94), a quality service is a safe, easily available and readily acceptable service, delivered by well trained family planning personnel through well planned programmes. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of family planning service delivery by health providers to adolescents; determine the opinions of adolescents regarding accessibility, friendliness of staff, privacy, confidentiality, reproductive health information and resources at Mdantsane clinics from June to July 2009. Method: A questionnaire was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was administered on the adolescents utilizing the reproductive health services at eleven primary health clinics in Mdantsane. A sample consisting of 110 adolescent youth between 19 and 24 years was selected by using random sampling. A response of “yes” will indicate that the participant is satisfied with the specific item, while a response of “no” will indicate dissatisfaction with that item. A specially designed spreadsheet was developed to analyze the data. Data was analyzed by using the Microsoft Excel 2007 Version 6. Results: The results from this research study suggest that there is a definite need for improvement of adolescent reproductive health services at Mdantsane clinics. It is clear that the current available maternal and child health programmes, school health services and reproductive health services are not able to meet the adolescent sexual and reproductive needs. Conclusion: The research findings from this study indicated the constraints to good quality family planning health care service delivery. Satisfaction responses from the five categories: health facility amenities, accessibility, staff characteristics, availability of sexual and reproductive health services and availability of educational material accessibility were mostly below 70%. The responses regarding the question on the “full information about the available contraceptives”showed the least level of satisfaction. Deficiencies in physical facilities and equipment, disruptions in supplies, insufficient information provided to clients and providers‟ insensitivity to the feelings and needs of the clients are issues that discourage adolescents from utilizing contraceptive services. Recommendations: Adolescents need a safe and supportive environment that offers information and skills to equip them on all aspects related to sexual and reproductive health issues. To satisfy adolescent reproductive needs, the following key elements should be improved: accessibility of reproductive health services, friendliness of clinic staff, availability of information about reproduction and sexuality and maintenance of issues regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Quality requires the presence of trained personnel in well-equipped clinics where clients are treated courteously. To avoid issues of courtesy bias, there is a need to conduct a similar survey utilizing alternative community settings, namely homes of participants or a school.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
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