Knowledge and attitudes of women regarding cervical cancer and papanicolau smear screening in Caleb Motshabi, Bloemfontein
- Authors: Gwavu, Zintle
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Cervix uteri -- Cancer -- South Africa , Pap test
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21816 , vital:51795
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of women in Caleb Motshabi location regarding cervical cancer and Papanicolaou (Pap) smear screening in order for district management to develop a health education programme on cervical cancer and the benefits of screening. Cervical cancer amongst women worldwide has been identified as the fourth most common cancer. A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used. Women between the ages of 18-60 years’ old who reside in Caleb Motshabi location were the target population. Four focus group interviews were conducted. The groups consisted of four to six participants grouped together to discuss the matter. Ethical principles were maintained as well as the concept of trustworthiness throughout this study. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. A total of seven themes and eight sub-themes arose during the analysis of the data and were completely discussed. The findings suggest that the majority of the participants were aware of cervical cancer and Pap smear, but they lacked knowledge of what cervical cancer is or its causes. Although some of the participants had done a Pap smear in their lifetime, knowledge about how and the reasons the procedure is done still lacked. The majority of participants had received information about Pap smear procedure from peers rather than from health care workers. A significant finding was the fact that the participants who had done the procedure were open to attending regular screenings since they had experience on how it is performed. In conclusion It was recommended that educational programmes relating to cervical cancer and Pap smear screening be intensified in the area. This can be done through increasing awareness programmes in the communities and during clinic visits. To try and increase the uptake of the Pap smear screening it was also recommended that mobile clinics should be introduced to encourage women in the communities. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Psychosocial impact of mental illness on family caregivers of mental healthcare users in Mangaung District
- Authors: Leburu, Maria
- Date: 2021-08
- Subjects: Home care services -- South Africa -- Mangaung -- Psychological aspects , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Mangaung
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21770 , vital:51750
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to describe the psychosocial impact of mental illness on family caregivers of mental health care users in Mangaung district in order to explore strategies to empower mental health care users and their families to understand and to cope with mental illness problem. A qualitative, descriptive explorative and contextu al design was employed. A nonprobability, purposive sampling method was used to select participants. The target population was family caregivers from Mangaung district, whose ages were 18 years and above who were caring for mentally ill patients in their homes or admitted to a psychiatric institution. . Five focus group interviews were conducted but the first one was a pilot study. Ethical principles were maintained throughout the study as well as the concepts of trustworthiness were applied. Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research was applied during data analysis. A total of six themes and twentynine sub-themes arose during data analysis and were fully discussed. Confidentiality and anonymity was ensured throughout the study. The findings suggested that most of the participants suffered psychosocial problems like stress, depression, stigma and financial constraints, although one participant indicated that she has accepted her situation of caregiving. In conclusion participants suggested that support groups should be established and awareness programmes should be put in place for community members to avoid stigmatising and laughing at caregivers, care users and family members. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-08
Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding for mothers in the Tswelopele Municipality
- Authors: Quebu, Simthandile Rebecca
- Date: 2020-03
- Subjects: Breastfeeding , Infants -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27209 , vital:66466
- Description: The purpose of the study was to assess the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) of mothers in the Tswelopele Municipality. The South Africa Demographic and Health survey reported the country’s EBF rates among children below six months of age to be at 32 percent for the year 2016. The World Health Organisation endorses the promotion and protection of the practice of EBF throughout the first six months of life, and the addition of complementary foods at six months coupled with breastfeeding up to two years of age. This feeding practise is recommended as the most efficient feeding practice to save infants from various illnesses and mortality across the globe, irrespective of their mother’s HIV status and economic class. A qualitative, contextual, explorative and descriptive research design was employed for this study to achieve the research objectives. The researcher incorporated both purposive and convenience sampling in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select the clinics, and convenience sampling was used to select the participants. Mothers who had infants 6-12 months old who were accessing infant and child health services in the three public health care facilities in the Tswelopele Municipality were a target population. Individual semi-structured interviews were administered, and an audio recorder was utilized to record the interviews with the participants' consent. The researcher throughout this study verbatim transcribed the interview audio tapes, and ethical principles and trustworthiness standards were adhered to. The University of Fort Hare (Ref # 2021=06=12 QuebuS) granted ethical clearance and all participants gave formal consent to voluntarily participate in this research. Tesch's approach for data analysis to open coding in qualitative research was used to analyse the data. Sixteen (16) participants in total took part in this study and the research study was conducted during the whole month of October 2021.During the data analysis, four main themes and thirteen sub-themes emerged, all of which were thoroughly examined. The findings suggest that maternal factors such as extreme pain in the breast, maternal sickness, belief that milk supply is insufficient, lack of EBF knowledge and cultural influences are the key contributors to the success or failure of EBF practice. When mothers have difficulties with breastfeeding, their difficulties can become barriers to EBF. Furthermore, a noteworthy finding is that some participants in this study were eager to breastfeed their babies and maintain EBF for six months; however, their infants had problems that prohibited them from doing so. These issues primarily included infants who refused to breastfeed and breast milk not being tolerated by some infants, as seen by baby vomiting after feeds. It was recommended that breastfeeding education and counselling should be available to mothers and their families from prenatal to postnatal so that they have enough time to make informed infant feeding decisions. Furthermore, an open dialogue with mothers and their families on a realistic understanding of what to expect when they first breastfeed, as well as the exploration of myths, inaccurate information, and concerns can be addressed during the counselling sessions. In conclusion, health professionals should also take into account the culture of mothers, respect cultural customs linked with breastfeeding, and respectfully educate them and their families about traditions that may affect breast-feeding. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-03
Exploring knowledge, attitudes and psychosocial experiences of health care workers regarding covid-19 in Bufalo City municipality
- Authors: Notununu, Zintle
- Date: 2020-03
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Medical personnel
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27028 , vital:66231
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitude and psychosocial experiences of health care workers regarding Covid-19 in Buffalo City Municipality. Covid-19 is a disease that attacks the respiratory system and functions. It is a highly infectious disease with a lengthy 5-6 sometimes even 14-day incubation period. It is very serious condition and has killed a lot of people including the Health Care Workers A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. The design was relevant for this study to explore and describe the knowledge, attitude, and psychosocial experiences of health workers regarding Covid-19 in Buffalo City Municipality. The non-probability sampling method was used and a convenient sampling technique was used to select the participants. Professional nurses who met the criteria and who were on duty on the day of data collection were included in the study. The researcher interviewed 15 professional nurses and stopped as the data was saturated. A semi-structured Interview guide was used as an instrument to collect data containing open-ended questions. The researcher maintained ethical principles throughout the study. Concepts of trustworthiness of the study were applied throughout the research. Tech’s eight steps approach was used to guide the data analysis process. The findings of this study indicate that health care workers have a high level of knowledge about Covid-19. They know what Covid-19 is, how it started, its signs and symptoms, how to protect themselves from it and its complications. Negative attitudes, fears were noticed from the HCWs and thus the need for psychological support was identified. Feelings of neglect and lack of motivation were also identified. Psychological support for health care workers must be provided to prevent staff burnout. Personal Protective Equipment used in the hospital premises must be left and washed in the hospital laundry to prevent the spread of infection to the families of the HCWs. It was indicated that there are health care workers who experienced chronic illnesses after being diagnosed with Covid-19. These chronic illnesses include diabetes and high blood pressure. It was brought to light that myths circulating on the social media about Covid-19 vaccines are delaying the end of Covid-19 epidemic by putting the health care workers at risk of being infected with it as they will be expected to treat patients diagnosed with Covid-19; therefore, government should develop a policy that will limit people from spreading things that they are not true and cannot prove. In conclusion, community awareness and forced vaccination are recommended to end the Covid-19 virus. Monitory incentives should be provided to motivate health care workers. Their overtime that they have worked during Covid-19 must be paid. The Department of Health and hospital managers must make sure that working conditions are improved. This includes the availability of machines to test for Covid-19. More research needs to be done to find out why some people who were diagnosed with Covid-19 end up having chronic illnesses that they never had previously. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Science, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-03
Exploring knowledge, attitudes and psychosocial experiences of health care workers regarding covid-19 in Bufalo City Municipality
- Authors: Notununu, Zintle
- Date: 2020-03
- Subjects: Medical personnel and patient , Health services administration , COVID-19 (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23545 , vital:58122
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitude and psychosocial experiences of health care workers regarding Covid-19 in Buffalo City Municipality. Covid-19 is a disease that attacks the respiratory system and functions. It is a highly infectious disease with a lengthy 5-6 sometimes even 14-day incubation period. It is very serious condition and has killed a lot of people including the Health Care Workers A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. The design was relevant for this study to explore and describe the knowledge, attitude, and psychosocial experiences of health workers regarding Covid-19 in Buffalo City Municipality. The non-probability sampling method was used and a convenient sampling technique was used to select the participants. Professional nurses who met the criteria and who were on duty on the day of data collection were included in the study. The researcher interviewed 15 professional nurses and stopped as the data was saturated. A semi-structured Interview guide was used as an instrument to collect data containing open-ended questions. The researcher maintained ethical principles throughout the study. Concepts of trustworthiness of the study were applied throughout the research. Tech’s eight steps approach was used to guide the data analysis process. The findings of this study indicate that health care workers have a high level of knowledge about Covid-19. They know what Covid-19 is, how it started, its signs and symptoms, how to protect themselves from it and its complications. Negative attitudes, fears were noticed from the HCWs and thus the need for psychological support was identified. Feelings of neglect and lack of motivation were also identified. Psychological support for health care workers must be provided to prevent staff burnout. Personal Protective Equipment used in the hospital premises must be left and washed in the hospital laundry to prevent the spread of infection to the families of the HCWs. It was indicated that there are health care workers who experienced chronic illnesses after being diagnosed with Covid-19. These chronic illnesses include diabetes and high blood pressure. It was brought to light that myths circulating on the social media about Covid-19 vaccines are delaying the end of Covid-19 epidemic by putting the health care workers at risk of being infected with it as they will be expected to treat patients diagnosed with Covid-19; therefore, government should develop a policy that will limit people from spreading things that they are not true and cannot prove. In conclusion, community awareness and forced vaccination are recommended to end the Covid-19 virus. Monitory incentives should be provided to motivate health care workers. Their overtime that they have worked during Covid-19 must be paid. The Department of Health and hospital managers must make sure that working conditions are improved. This includes the availability of machines to test for Covid-19. More research needs to be done to find out why some people who were diagnosed with Covid-19 end up having chronic illnesses that they never had previously. , Thesis (MPH) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-03
Exploring challenges in implementing a health referral system in the Buffalo city metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape Province”
- Authors: Matolengwe, Aseza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18441 , vital:42266
- Description: The purpose of the study is to explore and describe challenges experienced by health professionals regarding implementation of the referral system used in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape Province. A referral system in health care can be defined as a method whereby a health worker with insufficient skills and less resources in the primary health care setting, who has fewer remedies or options to manage medical conditions, seeks assistance from a more senior practitioner in a tertiary setting with better resources to provide guidance in managing the patient or to take over the management of the patient (Eastern Cape Department of Health, 2007:7). A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was used to explore and describe the challenges pertaining to the implementation of a referral system in the public health sector in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape. A purposive sampling technique was employed with an inclusion criteria of health care professionals who are doctors, professional nurses, pharmacists and specialists. After obtaining ethical clearance from the respective departments, steps for data collection were implemented. Individual interviews were conducted using an interview guide that was prepared by the researcher. Findings in the study indicate that there are challenges in implementing a referral system in relation to infrastructure, workforce capacity, equipment, transport and drug availability. The participants provided suggestions according to their experiences on what they felt the Department of Health in BCMM could do to strengthen the referral system in place. The researcher then provided recommendations to the Department of Health of BCMM. The health referral system in BCMM needs to be strengthened through provision of adequate infrastructure, improving workforce capacity, and availability of medicines and equipment. A monitoring and evaluation plan must be affected by the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Education and training are needed for the health care workers and the community through their involvement in stakeholder meetings
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Knowledge of drowning risks amongst adolescents in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Isaacs, Imeraan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPH
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18422 , vital:42264
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to explore and describe the knowledge and the level of awareness of drowning risks amongst adolescents in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, Eastern Cape Province, and South Africa. Drowning is defined as the “process of experiencing respiratory impairment from either submersion or immersion into a water medium” (van Beeck et al 2005:853). Global statistics place drowning as being the third foremost cause of unintentional death worldwide (WHO 2013). The World Health Organization reports that more than 90% of the estimated 370 000 drowning fatalities recorded in 2012 occurred in low and middle income countries (WHO 2014). A qualitative descriptive explorative contextual design was employed in this research study. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Adolescents aged 10- 13 years old who attend a public primary school and model C primary school in Nelson Mandela Metropole area in the Eastern Cape Province were the target population who had the specific characteristics of interest and significance to the research phenomenon (Asiamah et al 2017). Four focus group interviews were conducted. The groups consisted of five to ten participants grouped together to discuss the matter. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process (Streubert & Carpenter 2007). Ethical principles were maintained as well as the concepts of trustworthiness were applied throughout this study.Data analysis was done using Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. A total of six themes and seven sub-themes arose during the analysis of the data and were completely discussed. The findings suggest that most of the participants are quite aware and knowledgeable of the potential risks that predispose an individual to drowning. The consequences of what happens when a victim is exposed to drowning, however, requires more insight. The risk of being unsupervised as well as not being able to swim was echoed in most of the group interviews. vii A noteworthy finding was the fact that the participants who were involved with some form of water safety programme/s at school were very articulate in their responses to the questions. It was recommended that educational programmes ought to be aligned with current evidence which is reflective of the region’s demographics and dynamics. Even though all researchers do not share the sentiments that swim proficiencies heighten the safety of the individual in and around water, the need for ongoing research initiatives is a significant stimulus that will generate new evidence and inform current preventive strategies. Identification and awareness of drowning risks require a foundation of comprehension in order to better understand and interpret the consequences of these risks. Learn to swim or swim orientation initiatives could potentially assist at primary school level with the safety levels of learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Factors influencing adherence to treatment among clients living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Insika Yethu sub-district, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Somkala, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetics Public health Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13161 , vital:39470
- Description: BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the problematic non-communicable diseases and is a major global public health challenge which affects more than 300 million individuals globally. It is predicted that by the year 2025, approximately 12.3 million South Africans will be receiving treatment for chronic conditions; included in that number will be those living with HIV and diabetes. An individual’s health behaviour is mainly determined by one’s demographic factors such as social, economic and cultural background. These influence people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and have an impact on their treatment adherence. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the economic, psycho-social and cultural factors influencing adherence to treatment amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to inform public health policy concerning the treatment and management of diabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study involving 300 purposively selected clients attending health facilities in Intsika Yethu sub district of Chris Hani, Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire focuses on demographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, employment status, number of dependents, duration of taking anti-diabetic medication and existence of other chronic conditions) and the knowledge and attitude of diabetic clients regarding anti-diabetic treatment adherence. Other sections of the questionnaire solicit information on economic, psychosocial and cultural factors affecting adherence to diabetic treatment. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study in order to identify unclear questions, so that they can be rectified before the main study was conducted. FINDINGS: Based on the findings from the study, a total of 177 (59.0percnt) of the diabetic clients had hypertension and that showed the relationship between diabetes and hypertension. On the attitude session, respondents have shown a positive attitude towards treatment. Furthermore, other objectives such as those focusing on economic, cultural and psychosocial factors were found not to be associated with poor adherence to anti-diabetic treatment. According to respondents’ responses, economic factors showed no influence on treatment adherence. Socio-cultural factors indicated that respondents never missed social gatherings and never used traditional medication to treat their diabetes. On the knowledge section which had fourteen questions, most clients seemed to be aware of the complications of diabetes and the benefits of adhering to anti-diabetic treatment because the lowest score was 50percnt. DATA ANALYSIS: The data was captured in Microsoft Excel (MSEXCEL) for onward processing. Data was analysed using data analysis and statistical software version 14. (STATA). Frequencies and percentages were used for describing the categorical variables while mean and standard deviation were used for describing age, number of dependents, duration of illness and knowledge. An independent t-test was used to determine the differences between males and females across the variables. A p-value of 0.05 was of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Economic, psychosocial and socio-cultural factors were not found to have impacted on adherence to treatment. These findings should not be generalised as the study was done on a small sample; further research and more studies need to be conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences of college students, regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in the public services of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Lundall, Kasthuri
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016159
- Description: Fifty percent of the learning of student nurses takes place within the clinical learning environment. It is in this environment that nursing students are expected to apply their knowledge, learn new skills, and achieve the required learning outcomes and proficiencies. Nursing program Me s differ significantly, so students ‟practice will vary depending on where they are studying and their practice will develop as the level of proficiency increases, and may also vary depending on the context of placement. Gopee (2008:7) elaborates on the fact that mentoring enables student nurses to gain clinical skills during placements and serves a formal role whereby teaching and practice facilitate professional learning within the healthcare system. The study was undertaken with the aim to describe experiences of college students regarding the mentoring role by registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences of college students, regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in Public Services of the Eastern Cape, to analyse the results and to make suggestions from findings that were obtained. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used for this study to explore and describe the experiences of the college students regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The researcher studied the population of student nurses in the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape at the East London Campus. Purposive sampling which is referred to as a judgmental approach was used. Data were collected by means of focus group interviews. An interview schedule with an unstructured questionnaire was used to investigate and explore information gained from the participants. This study consisted of a total of five focus groups that were recruited from fourth-year nursing students at the East London campus who volunteered to be part of the study. The total number of participants was 31. Data were analysed using v Tesch‟s method of analysis for qualitative research. Two major themes emerged, revealing positive experiences of students with regard to mentoring and negative experiences of students regarding mentoring. After exploring and describing the experiences of college students regarding the mentoring role played by registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape, it was concluded that that there is a lack of mentoring, coupled with negativity, by registered nurses which results in many challenges. Recommendations included: Motivation for integration and collaboration; interactive working relationships; introducing a well-established orientation programme; a well-structured clinical teaching programme and procedure manuals; reinstatement of clinical preceptors, clinical objectives and time frames; identify in clinical staff who will mentor student nurses; instituting in-service training programmes and workshops; introduction of peer mentoring; and establishment of set times for routine clinical ward rounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An explosive study of factors leading to students drop out at Lilitha College of Education in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mnikina, Thandazwa
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016148
- Description: This study is about exploring the factors that contribute to nursing students’ dropout at a public college. Lilitha College examination policy states that for a student to complete the Four Year Comprehensive Diploma Course, the student shall have passed all the four year courses. An increased student dropout rate has been identified to be affecting nursing student’s progress at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. This is a cause for concern and the researcher decided to investigate and explore the factors contributing to students’ dropout. This situation paralyzes the attempt by government to deal effectively with the shortage of trained nurses. The purpose of the study was to investigate and explore the factors that contribute to students’ dropout at Lilitha College of Nursing East London Campus. The objectives of this study were: To explore and describe experiences of students who dropped out from Lilitha College before course completion, to identify contributory factors related to increased students’ dropout rate, to come up with recommendations as how to curb the problem of student dropout and to ensure an increase of nursing students who complete at the end of the programme. This study followed a qualitative approach and explorative descriptive design. The population was all the students that have dropped out at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus in the four year basic comprehensive programme from 2007 – 2011 at all levels of study. The sample size in this study was determined by data saturation, meaning that the data were collected to the point where no new information was obtained (Polit & Beck 2004: 308). A purposive sample of 15 former Lilitha students now working as Enrolled nursing assistants participated in this study. Data collection was divided into two sections, namely, demographic characteristics and face to face interviews. Demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained by asking questions related to age, sex, race, marital status, number of children per participant and the year of study at the time of dropping out. In section two of the study the interview guide was used for the purposes of data collection for this study, where four questions were formulated to guide the interview that was followed by probing questions. All tape recordings were listened to and transcribed verbatim. Field notes that were taken during unstructured interview were interpreted. The ideas that emerged from the interview sessions were then consolidated. Questions in the interview guide and their responses were drawn up and similar responses that arose from the interviews were grouped together. The identified major themes and sub themes were coded and categorized. Data belonging to each category were grouped together and analyzed and then the final remarks on the data analysis were completed. For most participants the course was frightening and difficult. They explained that they were exposed to a lot of information in a short space of time. In class, there was a lot of theory and in the wards there were skills to be learnt. Learners had to compile all the information and try to make sense out of it. Students follow up and support in the clinical facilities was reported as inadequate. The college should employ full time facilitators. This can improve teaching in the clinical area. The student should have mentors so that whenever they encounter a problem there will be people to assist and give them guidance. Through mentoring and support, student absenteeism can be controlled and students can gain self-confidence and learn more.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013