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African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation and Dance

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ISSN (Print) 1117-4315
Published by Sabinet Online Ltd

[223 journals]

The health effects of welding on welders in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Mokaba, M.E. Malema, R.N. Oduntan, O.A. Mothiba, T.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 222-234 : A quantitative study was conducted to document the health effects of welding on welders in five municipalities in the Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Two hundred and fifty (250) female and male road side welders and those self-employed in small workshops at home were selected using the snowballing sampling method. The majority (67%) of the welders come from the Polokwane municipality which is situated in an urban area and is the capital city of the Limpopo province. The metal used by almost all the welders (224; 98%) was iron and an insignificant number used zinc and aluminium. The majority of the welders had never consulted a doctor in the 12 months preceding the study. It is suspected that because iron was used by the majority of welders it produced less adverse health effects. About 18% consulted for injuries although not all those injuries were due to welding. The most common injury reported was burns (46%). The body parts mostly injured (79.6) were the hands and it is not surprising because only 40% used gloves while welding. Only 1 (2%) sustained facial injuries; this low incidence could be attributed to the fact that all welders reported that they use face shields. It is recommended that similar studies be conducted in industrial areas where other metals are used for welding.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:34Z
Problems experienced by newly diagnosed cancer patients at Mankweng hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Lekhuleni, M.E. Mothiba, T.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 235-241 : Cancer has a reputation of being a progressive fatal condition and can bring about fear to newly diagnosed patients. The aim of this study was to determine and describe the problems experienced by newly diagnosed cancer patients at Mankweng hospital in Capricorn district, Limpopo Province. A qualitative, explorative and phenomenological research methodology was adopted. The population consisted of all newly diagnosed cancer patients who were admitted at Mankweng hospital. Purposive sampling was used to select the eight participants who participated in the semi-structured interview sessions until data saturation was reached. Semi-structured interviews with a guide were used to collect data. The data were analysed using Tesch's open coding method. The findings indicated that newly diagnosed cancer patients face a number of problems such as challenging consultation process, lack of resources in peripheral hospitals, adjustment to new dietary patterns and frustration. It was recommended that health care providers should promote good interpersonal relationships with newly diagnosed patients to ease the suffering of cancer patients.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:34Z
Adherence of mentally stable patients to antipsychotic medications in a mental healthcare institution in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Molaba, R.G. Mothiba, T.M. Kgole, J.C. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 242-251 : The aim of this study was to determine the level of adherence of mentally stable schizophrenic patients to antipsychotic medication. A descriptive, exploratory and contextual qualitative research design was used. The study site was Thabamoopo Mental Healthcare Institution in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The population consisted of all mentally stable schizophrenic patients. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants for this study. A total of 14 mentally stable patients were included in the interviews. The participants described their experience while on medication during the semi-structured interview sessions. Tesch's open coding data analysis method (1990) as outlined in Cresswell (2009) was used. The results of this study indicated that participants shared same viewpoints related to aspects of adherence to antipsychotic treatment; the mentally stable patients have knowledge related to the causes of mental illness; poor adherence to antipsychotic treatment results from the health seeking behaviour of the patients. The need to establish motivational classes in a mental health institution to eliminate negative feelings among schizophrenic patients was recommended. Aids like medication boxes and alarms could be used to assist with adherence. Patients must be educated about the importance of adherence and further encouraged to bring along the treatment containers in order to check the number of tablets remaining which is verification method for the level of adherence to treatment.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:34Z
Experiences related to the role of a cost centre manager in a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Mothiba, T.M. Jooste, K. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 252-264 : A cost centre in a hospital setting is an identifiable department, for example a nursing care unit, which has been practically assigned an account number in the hospital accounting system. The purpose of a cost centre is to control clinical and administrative costs, as well as accumulated expenses by that identified department. A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design was used for this study. Homogenous purposive sampling was conducted from a population of 36 nurse managers appointed as cost centre managers. One focus group discussion comprising nine cost centre managers and 12 cost centre managers participated in unstructured one-on-one interviews until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed qualitatively using Teschs' open coding method. The findings revealed there are dominant stories of perceived constraints related to the role of a cost centre manager resulting in personal and professional suffering and a need for a decentralised cost centre management for enhancement of cost centre managers' knowledge and skills. It was recommended that a training programme for cost centre managers be conducted as a process/procedure during which information will be disseminated about cost centre management including problem solving in the team, business plan, business cost planning and overall accountability of people involved. The goal of the training programme should be to clarify roles and values, create a safe environment for cost centre managers and build trusting relationships among all role players.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:34Z
Knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women towards antenatal care services at Tshino Village, Vhembe district, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Maputle, M.S. Lebese, R.T. Khoza, L.B. Shilubane, N.H. Netshikweta, L.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 126-137 : Health knowledge is one of the key factors enabling pregnant women to be aware of their rights and health status in order to seek appropriate antenatal health care services. The primary aim of this study was to explore pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes towards antenatal care services at Tshino village, Vhembe district. A qualitative, exploratory approach was used. Population comprised all pregnant women who were residing at Tshino village and attending antenatal care services. Non-probability, snowball sampling method was used to select ten pregnant women. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Trustworthiness was ensured by considering the criteria of credibility, dependability, applicability and transferability. Data were qualitatively analysed through open coding method. The results revealed that pregnant women had knowledge related to antenatal care services, however, had limited knowledge about the importance of early booking. The pregnant women further displayed positive and negative attitudes towards the antenatal care services. There is need to increase awareness on the importance of early antenatal booking through using the Community Health care Workers on antenatal health care services, and to integrate and implement the Basic Antenatal Care guidelines, Batho Pele principles and Millennium Development Goals when providing antenatal care.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Experiences of relatives caring for family members who attend antiretroviral therapy clinic at a teaching hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Mothiba, T.M. Maputle, M.S. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 96-106 : Relatives as caregivers to their loved ones who are diagnosed with AIDS and attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic have experiences which could affect their daily psychological functioning. They further reported reduced levels of physical functioning that affect their quality of life and care giving capacity. The study explored the experiences of relatives caring for family members attending Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic in a tertiary hospital of Limpopo Province. A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design was used. The population included all relatives of patients diagnosed with AIDS who present for medical consultations at ART clinic at a tertiary hospital. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. Data were collected through in-depth individual, unstructured interviews with 14 participants who were included in the interview sessions until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed qualitatively by means of the open-coding method. Findings revealed three themes with sub-themes, namely; relatives' responsibilities in providing care to family member with AIDS; relatives' responsibilities in terms of care resources and relatives' experiences with regard to patients' behavioral changes. Nurse managers should to facilitate participative workshops and establish of family support groups.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Environmental tuberculosis control measures at resource-limited hospitals at Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Tshitangano, T.G. Maputle, M.S. Netshikweta, M.L. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 107-115 : Environmental control methods include natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation as well as upper-room ultraviolet light. The aim of environmental control method is to reduce the concentration of infectious respiratory aerosols (droplet nuclei) in the air, and to control the direction of infectious air. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the status of environmental tuberculosis control measures at hospitals in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. A quantitative research methodology was adopted. The setting was seven hospitals at Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The sampling approach was non-probability using purposive sampling method targeting only the following; Outpatient Department waiting areas, Outpatient Department sputum collection areas, Outpatient Department examination rooms, TB wards and medical wards. The sample size consisted of five areas/wards in each of the seven hospitals making a total of thirty five areas/wards. Data were collection through observation using a structured checklist. The study found inadequate ventilation at hospitals in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. It was recommended that wherever possible waiting areas, sputum collection areas, examination rooms and wards should be opened to the environment.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Experiences of newly diagnosed HIV and AIDS patients at Mankweng tertiary hospital campus in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Kgole, J.C. Mothiba, T.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 86-95 : The purpose of this study was to determine the experiences of the newly diagnosed HIV patients at a tertiary hospital campus in Limpopo Province. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research method was used in this study, which focused on describing the experiences of newly diagnosed HIV and AIDS patients where the participants were given an opportunity to do so until data saturation was reached. The population consisted of all the newly diagnosed HIV and AIDS patients in Mankweng hospital. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants during unstructured interview sessions. Data were analysed using Tesch's open coding method of qualitative analysis. The following themes emerged from the data analysis: lack of acceptance, lack of health care services and support, lack of financial support, lack of confidentiality and stigmatisation. The study concluded that HIV and AIDS patients in the tertiary hospital campus experienced rejection from the community members and they are marginalized, and became devastated as they could not access any health care services.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy at Antiretroviral Therapy sites in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Lekhuleni, ME. Mothiba, T.M. Maputle, M.S. Jali, M.N. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 75-85 : Adherence is the most important factor influencing successful antiretroviral therapy. Long term success with antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires taking 95% of medication. Less than 95% adherence can result in less than optimal therapeutic response and drug resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the adherence of patients to antiretroviral therapy at ART sites in Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was used to examine patients' adherence to ART in the Limpopo Province. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 25 patients who were on ART in selected sites in Limpopo Province. Semi-structured interview guides were used to collect data until data saturation was reached. The data were analysed qualitatively using Tesch's open coding method. The findings revealed three themes with sub-themes namely, challenges affecting adherence to antiretroviral drugs, antiretroviral drugs interactions' with food and nutrition contributes to non-adherence and available support offered to patients on antiretroviral drugs. The study recommended that health care professionals should implement a patient-centered approach to educate patients about the side effects of ARV. Dieticians, nutritionists, home based care and community based organizations should be involved in the care of such patients. The patients must be encouraged to join support groups and educated about interactions between ARVs and nutrition.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Knowledge of clients regarding voluntary counseling and testing at Mankweng primary health care facilities at Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Ramoraswi, M.M. Lekhuleni, M.E. Mbambo-Kekana, N.P. Mpolokeng, M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 62-74 : Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is regarded as a major strategy for the prevention of HIV infection. Knowledge of one's HIV status, whether it is positive or negative, is instrumental in effecting behaviour change and adopting safer sex practices. Depending on the results of VCT, people usually take steps to avoid becoming infected or infecting others. The purpose of this study was to describe the knowledge of clients regarding VCT at Mankweng Primary Health Care facilities, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Quantitative descriptive design was used. The study was conducted at four clinics namely, Evelyn Lekganyane, Makanye, Mankweng and Nobody. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data from clients aged 17-49 years old who visited the clinics. Systematic sampling was used where every third client on the queue at the clinic was selected until a sample of 200 was reached. Fifty clients were drawn from each of the four clinics. The study revealed that the clients who attended the four clinics in Mankweng lacked knowledge regarding VCT, the prevention of HIV infection and support systems to HIV positive people. There should be effective utilization of the VCT programme in all Primary health care facilities. Regular HIV awareness campaigns and education of the community should be conducted in line with the HIV health calendar days of the Department of Health.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Editorial
- Abstract: Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: i-ii : There are several contemporary healthcare problems that exist and they need to be addressed by skillful healthcare professionals. Therefore healthcare professionals are faced with several responsibilities succeed in addressing the existing contemporary issues by having relevant skills and knowledge. The contemporary healthcare issues amongst others include problems related to sexual and reproductive health, HIV and AIDS and other diseases such as tuberculosis, maternal, child and women's health, life style and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cancer and mental health. In order to address these contemporary issues mentioned there is a need for teaching, mentoring, continuing education and authentic leadership and management in the health-care environment. The 24 articles authored and co-authored by 30 health-care professionals in this issue of AJPHERD address a few of such issues.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Clients' experiences of HIV positive status disclosure to sexual partners at St Rita's hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Mamogobo, P.M. Lekhuleni, M.E. Matlala, S.F. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 35-47 : The purpose of the study was to describe the experiences of HIV positive clients as they disclose their HIV positive status to their sexual partners. A qualitative descriptive and phenomenological design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 HIV positive clients to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data until saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Techs open coding method. The study revealed problems of disclosure related to rejection or acceptance of HIV positive status, precipitating factors towards HIV infection transmission and consequences of HIV positive status such as fear of losing a partner. The study recommended health education campaigns on disclosure of HIV positive status and awareness campaigns regarding coping with HIV positive status and disclosure.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Problems experienced by professional nurses providing care for HIV/AIDS patients in public hospitals at Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Mametja, V.L. Lekhuleni, M.E. Kgole, J.C. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 48-61 : The purpose of this study was to describe the problems experienced by professional nurses providing health care to patients living with HIV and AIDS in the public hospitals of Polokwane municipality, Limpopo province. A qualitative descriptive, contextual and phenomenology design was used to described the problems experienced by professional nurses. The target population included all professional nurses providing care to HIV positive patients in medical units in public hospitals of Polokwane municipality. Purposive sampling was used to select professional nurses until data saturation was reached after 11 professional nurses were interviewed. An audiotape was used with the permission of professional nurses to capture their responses during the semi-structured interviews. The nurses reported feelings of frustrations, treatment delay, lack of knowledge on HIV and AIDS, lack of support systems and work overload as challenges faced in caring for HIV/AIDS patients. The need for in-service education for professional nurses on treatment of HIV positive patients was discussed and recommended.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Challenges HIV/AIDS poses on the nursing workforce in rural health setting in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Ramathuba, Dorah Ursula Davhana-Maselesele, Mashudu Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 23-34 : The public health sector is burdened by large number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who come for treatments. There is no known cure for the disease and moreover the epidemic has a negative impact on the workforce, productivity and services which are provided for the benefit of the public. The purpose of this study was to explore the current human resource situation in nursing and describe the challenges that are faced by nurses in caring for PLWHA in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province South Africa. A qualitative research design which was exploratory, descriptive and contextual was used, with a purposive sample of nurses who provided care in a regional hospital in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. Data saturation occurred after in-depth interviews with fifteen participants; field notes were also used during data collection. Data were analysed using open coding method according to Tesch's steps in Creswell. The findings revealed a stressful workforce, accompanied by shortages of human and material resources and overcrowded units. The nurses also indicated that they get very limited support from managers. The effects of all these culminate to a stressed and burnout workforce that is detrimental to health care in the region. Recommendations focused on supporting nurses to cope with caring through provision of work-based support programmes.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Knowledge of sexually-transmitted infections among high school learners in the Blouberg municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Leferela, M.J. Malema, R.N. Tladi, F.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 10-22 : Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health problem. It has been established that they enhance the transmission of Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge possessed by high school learners about STIs. A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted at two high schools in the Blouberg municipality in the Capricorn district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were collected from 298 randomly selected male and female learners aged 16 to 20 years, using a structured questionnaire. The mean score on the knowledge about the modes of transmission of STIs was 68%. Of the 67% who were sexually active, 68% started to have sex when they were between the ages of 14 and 16 years. Only 38% of the respondents recognised swelling of the lymph nodes on the groin as a sign of STIs. More than 60% knew that syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV/AIDS were types of STIs, more than 50% knew genital herpes whereas less than 50% knew chlamydia trachomatis and the least known (by less than 40%) were Trachomonasvaginalis, Human Papilloma Virus, and Hepatitis B. Treatment of both partners was regarded by 56% as important whereas 44% regarded it as less important. High school learners be educated about lesser-known types of STIs and that treatment and prevention strategies, especially treatment of both partners, be emphasised in the education provided to these learners.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Secondary school girls' knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour regarding teenage pregnancy, emergency contraception and sexuality in Thulamela municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Ramathuba, Dorah Ursula Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 1-9 : Contraceptives are freely available for all women in South Africa (SA). Nevertheless, the numbers of teenage pregnancies continue to increase. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health concern. The study explored secondary school girls' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding emergency contraception, teenage pregnancy and sexuality among secondary school girls in order to suggest possible interventions. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data from 273 secondary school girls. The questionnaire addressed knowledge and attitude regarding emergency contraception, sexual practices, and teenage pregnancy. The results indicated that the respondents were aware of different contraceptive methods that can prevent pregnancy, but they did not have knowledge of emergency contraceptives. Pressure from male partners, fear of parental reaction to contraceptive use, reluctance to use contraceptives, poor contraceptive education and counseling were seen as the main causes of ineffective contraceptive use and non-utilisation. Factors influencing teenage sexuality and pregnancy were socio-economic factors, substance abuse and peer pressure, and falling pregnant was viewed negatively in relation to its deleterious consequences. It is recommended that the knowledge and attitudes of the adolescent girls should be improved through sex education, as it has a direct effect on contraceptive use and prevention of unwanted pregnancies.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Causes of maternal deaths in a tertiary hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa : healthcare professionals' perspective
- Abstract: Author: Mothiba, T.M Maputle, M.S. Tladi, F.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 138-146 : Some women die as a result of pregnancy or childbirth complications which occur during pregnancy, childbirth or within two months after the birth or termination of a pregnancy. The general health status of pregnant women depends largely on the available quality ante-natal care services. The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the causes of maternal deaths in tertiary hospital in Limpopo province. A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design was used. The population included all obstetricians and midwives working at the tertiary hospital in Limpopo province. A non-probability, purposive and convenient sampling method was used to select participants. Twelve participants who had three and more years experience in the obstetrical unit were included in the study. Data were collected through individual in-depth, unstructured interviews. Data were analysed qualitatively by means of the open-coding method. Findings revealed three themes with sub-themes, namely; HIV and AIDS associated with maternal death, risky diagnosis contributing to maternal death and pregnancy versus post-delivery complications. There is need to strengthen advocacy campaigns on the importance of early booking and regular antenatal care attendance, and strengthen integration of HIV and AIDS into the antenatal care services.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Indigenous practices of Traditional Health Practioners (THPs) methods by mothers of children admitted to the Polokwane/Mankweng hospital complex, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Bopape, M.A. Mothiba, T.M. Malema, R.N. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 147-158 : The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the indigenous practices of mothers of children admitted to the paediatric unit of a Polokwane/Mankweng hospital complex in Limpopo Province, South Africa. An exploratory qualitative, phenomenological, descriptive research was conducted to explore and describe the indigenous practices of Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) methods on children admitted in the paediatric unit of a Polokwane/Mankweng hospital complex in Limpopo Province. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select fifteen mothers of children admitted in the paediatric unit. Data were collected using unstructured one-to-one interviews. Data were analyzed using Tech's open coding approach and three themes emerged namely; Analogous indigenous practices by THPs in curing childhood illnesses, beliefs related to the indigenous healing processes and THPs preventing spread of HIV infection to children. Health care providers should have an understanding of indigenous belief systems in relation to health; the government should advocate for the preservation of indigenous health practices and strengthen health education of community members and THPs with regard to the precautions to be taken when caring for HIV infected children.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
The utilization of the partograph by midwives in Lebowakgomo and Zebediela Level 1 hospitals in Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Shokane, M.A. Thopola, M.K. Jali, M.N. Kgole, J.C. Mamogobo, P.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 159-168 : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of the partograph by midwives when monitoring pregnant women in labour wards of the Lebowakgomo and Zebediela level 1 hospitals in the Capricorn District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research design was used. The population included 34 midwives registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and who are practicing as such in Lebowakgomo and Zebediela level 1 hospitals. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 participants. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed qualitatively by means of the open coding methods and four themes emerged, namely, monitoring and plotting of foetal status during the intrapartum phase, monitoring and documenting the progress of labour during the intrapartum phase, monitoring and plotting maternal status during intrapartum phase and lack of human resources. The study found that midwives were failing to monitor and to plot the foetal status correctly during the latent phase of labour and also the latent phase of the progress of labour. The study also revealed staff shortage in labour wards which made it difficult for midwives to provide quality midwifery care through the utilization of the partograph.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Experiences of newly qualified nurses at University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus executing community services in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Thopola, M.K. Kgole, J.C. Mamogobo, P.M. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 169-181 : The purpose of the research was to explore and describe the experiences of newly qualified nurses who were trained in University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus executing community services within public health establishments of Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design with a phenomenological approach was adopted. The study population included all newly qualified nurses of University of Limpopo: Turfloop Campus who completed their studies in 2009 and 2010, and were placed in Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts of Limpopo Province. Data were collected through semi-structured face to face interviews of newly qualified nurses who met the sampling criteria. purposive sampling was used for the study. Data were qualitatively analyzed according to Tesch's descriptive approach. Two main themes emerged; first was the negative factors that challenged community service nurses. Sub-themes that were in line with the first theme were poor orientation, lack of supervision, lack of team-work, low remunerations, shortage of human resource (staff) and shortage of material resources. The second theme was the positive factors that community nurses encountered. Results revealed that community service nurses encountered positive and negative factors in their new placements. It was concluded that community service nurses encountered challenges based on their subjective data. There is a need for stakeholders to professionally support community service nurses. Recommendations were suggested for relevant stakeholders to enable community service nurses to provide better quality nursing and midwifery care by creating a more positive and resourceful environment for them.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Learner nurses absenteeism in the nursing schools at Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Thobakgale, E.M. Lekhuleni, M.E. Kgole, J.C. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 182-192 : This study was designed to determine reasons for learner nurses absenteeism in the nursing schools in Capricorn district, Limpopo Province. A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design was used to describe factors that contribute to absenteeism of learner nurses in the nursing schools at Capricorn District. The target population consisted of 114 learner nurses at two nursing schools in the Capricorn district. Systematic sampling was used to select 57 learner nurses who participated in the study. Data were collected by means of a self-developed questionnaire comprising 24 items on teaching, content, learning, assessment and social problems. The study revealed that learner nurses were absent from classroom and clinical settings due to shortage of staff in the clinical area, work overload in the clinical area, being treated as workforce, solving their own family problems and being on family responsibility leave. The study recommended that there should be a support system for learner nurses particularly during practical learning in the clinical area.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Identification of self-care deficiencies requiring mentorship of newly qualified professional nurses employed in community healthcare services in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Lekhuleni, M.E. Khoza, L.B. Amusa, L.O. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 193-203 : Newly qualified professional nurses (NQPNs) allocated to community health care services do not always have access to other personnel for mentorship. Self-care could imply that when NQPNs achieve personal and professional maturity they should be competent and independent practitioners. Self-care deficiencies exist when NQPNs lack self-care and have an increase in self-care demands. The aim of the study was to determine the self-care deficiencies that require mentorship of NQPNs employed in community health care services of Limpopo Province. A quantitative research approach was used. The target population consisted of 150 newly qualified professional nurses and 40 professional nurses employed in similar settings as the NQPNs and served as mentors. Due to limited number of NQPNs and mentors all the 150 NQPNs and 40 mentors participated in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 18. The NQPNs appeared to be competent in most aspects of self-care in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains. However, they were perceived to be incompetent in performing critical skills such as managing emergencies, research aspects and organisational management. The study recommends the development of mentorship model for NQPNs.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Validation of mentorship model for newly qualified professional nurses employed in community health care services at Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Lekhuleni, M.E. Khoza, L.B. Amusa, L.O. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 204-212 : Newly qualified professional nurses (NQPNs) allocated to community health care services require the use of validated model to practice independently. Validation was done to adapt and assess if the model is understood and could be implemented by NQPNs and mentors employed in community health care services. The results provided evidence that suggested adoption of the model for mentorship of NQPNs employed in community health care services. To achieve the adequacy of the mentorship model, validation was done by use of validation design involving questionnaires. The population consisted of all NQPNs and mentors employed in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo Province. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 NQPNs and 12 mentors who participated in the study. The NQPNs and mentors agreed on the validation aspects of the model. The adoption and use of the mentorship model by NQPNs and mentors in community health care services is thus recommended.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
The experiences of the newly diagnosed hypertensive patients admitted into tertiary hospital campus in Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Mothiba, T.M. Malema, R.N. Lekhuleni, M.E. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 Page: 213-221 : The purpose of this study was to determine the experiences of the newly diagnosed hypertensive patients admitted into tertiary hospital campus in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive research was conducted to explore and describe the experiences of those newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Purposive sampling technique was used to include 12 participants who voluntarily took part in the unstructured interview sessions until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using the Tesch's open coding qualitative data analysis method (1990) as outlined in Creswell (2009) in two themes namely: Participants' experiences related to new hypertension diagnosis and lack of knowledge related to the disease. The study recommended a health education plan which could be followed every time when health professionals have an encounter with newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Awareness campaigns regarding hypertension would educate family and community members about hypertension.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:33Z
Practices of Tuberculosis sputum specimen collection at resource-limited hospitals in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Abstract: Author: Tshitangano, T.G. Maputle, M.S. Netshikweta, M.L. Vol 19 Publication: 2013 : Individuals identified as Tuberculosis (TB) suspects must have their sputum examined to determine whether they are infected with TB or not, prior to the commencement of their treatments. In order to accomplish this, TB suspects are required to cough out sputum specimen for microscopy test, namely, Acid Fast Bacilli. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe practices of TB sputum specimen collection at resource-limited hospitals of Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach, using cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted to conduct the study at seven hospitals of Vhembe district in Limpopo province. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select 57 participants. The approval to conduct the study was obtained from relevant authorities and written informed consent from participants. Unstructured interview guide was used to collect data through seven focus group discussions comprising of five to ten participants. Open coding method was used to analyse data. Trustworthiness was ensured through the Lincoln and Guba's criteria. Practices of TB sputum collection in the participating hospital were varying in terms of the number to collect, times of collecting, precautions to consider during collection and the place used when collecting sputum. Hospitals should adhere strictly to the implementation of World Health Organisation's policy on infection control in health care facilities.
  PubDate: 2013-05-16T13:08:32Z