Univen :: Home

Welcome to the University of Venda Institutional Repository, an open digital archive of the research output of the University of Venda. Univen IR contains theses and dissertations, research papers as well as conference papers. For further information and assistance please contact Mr Keith Malabi at +27 15 9628564 or +27 15 962 8314 during office hours

Recent Submissions

Item

Open Access

Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences andhealthcare challenges

(Wiley, 2024) Makhado, Lufuno; Maphula, Angelina; Ngomba, Richard Teke; Musekwa, Ofhani Prudence; Makhado, Thendo Gertie; Nemathaga, Muofheni; Rammela, Mukovhe; Striano, Pasquale

Objective: This study investigates the prevalent issues of healthcare access and the impact of antiseizure treatments among people with epilepsy (PWE) in rural Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa, where healthcare facilities and affordable treatments are often inadequate. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, 162 PWE were selected using multistage sampling across the provinces. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively using SPSS v27. Results: Most of the participants experienced seizures intermittently, with 70.6%in Limpopo and 53.3% in Mpumalanga reporting occasional episodes, whereas a significant minority in both regions—20.6% and 40%, respectively—suffered from frequent seizures. A notable portion of PWE also reported recurring side effects from antiseizure drugs, which led to consequential life disruptions, including educational dropout and unemployment. Significance: The findings underscore an urgent need for enhanced educational programs and increased awareness to improve the understanding and management of epilepsy in these underserved areas. Optimizing care for PWE requires a multifaceted approach, including evaluating healthcare accessibility, affordability, and societal beliefs influencing treatment adherence. The study advocates for government and policy interventions to mitigate the quality of life deterioration caused by epilepsy and its treatment in rural communities. Plain Language Summary: In Limpopo and Mpumalanga, many individuals with epilepsy experience seizures occasionally, while a significant minority have them frequently. Numerous people also suffer recurring side effects from antiseizure medications, impacting their lives severely by causing school dropouts and job losses. This underscores the urgent need for improved education and awareness programs to manage epilepsy in these provinces effectively. The study urges government action and policy reforms to enhance care and support for people with epilepsy in rural areas, aiming to improve their quality of life.

Item

Open Access

Conceptual framework to provide culturally congruent care to epilepsy patients in selected rural communities in South Africa

(AOSIS, 2024) Nemathaga, Muofheni; Maputle, Maria S.; Makhado, Lufuno; Mashau, Ntsieni S.

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting millions of people in Africa. Among other reported findings, many people living with epilepsy (PLWE) believe that the condition is caused by spiritual factors. Previous studies have revealed that majority of PLWE are not receiving adequate care and treatment because of diverse cultural beliefs associated with epilepsy. Consequently, they consult either faith-based healers or traditional healers. Others, however, acknowledge the medical causes of epilepsy and seek developed medical treatment. Aim: To develop a culturally congruent care conceptual framework to provide comprehensive and holistic epilepsy care. Setting: This study was conducted in the selected rural communities of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Methods: A qualitative multi-method research approach was employed and sub-divided into three phases. Phase 1: All 15 articles were reviewed and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) rating tool. Phase 2 involved two stages of empirical study in which an exploratory-descriptive study design was used. The study population comprised of 20 traditional healers, 15 faith-based healers, 20 professional nurses and 22 PLWE. Data were collected using in-depth individual interviews and analysed through eight Tesch’s steps of data analysis. Following data analysis, Phase 3 entailed synthesising the systematic and empirical findings into a conceptual framework. Results: Three themes that emerged from the findings were cultural epilepsy interventions, faith-based epilepsy intervention and medically developed epilepsy interventions. Conclusion: Incorporation of cultural beliefs, values and practices into the medically developed management of epilepsy is crucial for providing culturally congruent care that is preferred by majority of PLWE. Contribution: Healthcare providers may tailor care interventions that are culturally appropriate and acceptable hence promoting early diagnosis and treatment adherence leading to improved quality of life.

Item

Open Access

The Effect of a Community-Based Complementary Feeding Education Program on the Nutritional Status of Infants in Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

(MDPI, 2024) Makwela, Mashahataba Solomon; Mushaphi, Lindelani Fhumudzani; Makhado, Lufuno

Background: Appropriate complimentary feeding (CF) has the potential to improve growth and development in infants from 6 months to 2 years of age. This study’s aim was to assess the effect of a CF education program on the nutritional status of infants aged 3–12 months in the Polokwane Municipality. Methods: A longitudinal (non-randomized), quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted among 187 caregivers. The caregiver-infant pairs (CIPs) in the intervention group (n = 95) received CF education and a six-month telephone follow-up support. The CIPs in the control group (n = 94) received no intervention. We collected data at baseline and end line using structured questionnaires. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated by comparing mean changes in anthropometric measurements between intervention and control groups using difference-in-difference analysis. Per protocol, analysis was run. Results: The results show that the children in the intervention group gained more weight after the intervention, were taller, and the mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) increased more than in the control group. At baseline, the weight of infants was 7.37 ± 0.83 and 6.69 ± 0.13 kg in the intervention and control. At end line, significant weight and length gain were observed in the intervention group (difference-in-difference (DID) = 1.82 kg, p < 0.001) and (DID = 7.78 cm, p < 0.01), respectively. The intervention group showed significant gain in MUAC of 1.68 cm (p = 0.047), with no noticeable effect on the head circumference at end line; DID (0.16 cm; p = 0.950). Conclusions: Community-based nutrition intervention programs can effectively improve the anthropometric nutritional status of children aged 3–12 months.

Item

Open Access

Do socio-cultural practices by elderly women influence obstetric complications?

(AOSIS, 2024) Makhado, Langanani C.; Raliphaswa, Ndidzulafhi S.; Maluleke, Mary; Netshikwetwa, Mutshinyalo L.

Background: Worldwide, women continue to die from obstetric-related complications, despite the global progress made to reduce maternal mortality. Elderly women play a key role in using their own socio-cultural practices during pregnancy and childbirth. Objectives: The study aimed to explore the practices based on the beliefs of elderly women in Limpopo province. Method: A qualitative approach using descriptive, explorative and contextual design was employed. Audio recording of unstructured focus group discussions was conducted of the elderly women who were purposively sampled. Data were analysed and coded using thematic analysis approach following Tesch’s method and co-coded to ensure trustworthiness. Ethical considerations were also adhered to. Results: The findings discuss practices based on beliefs of elderly women and the need for them to be trained to participate in maternal health practices. Conclusion: The study concluded that practices based on beliefs of elderly women lead to delays in seeking medical intervention. Therefore, elderly women need to be trained to reduce maternal mortality. Contribution: This study adds knowledge to the need for training and the importance of elderly women to be trained in order to reduce maternal mortality.

Item

Open Access

Living with epilepsy: patient knowledge and psychosocial impact

(IRBS LCC, 2024) Musekwa, Ofhani Prudence; Makhado, Lufuno

Background. People living with epilepsy (PLWE) often face psychological comorbidities and social challenges due to low levels of knowledge and awareness about epilepsy, as well as personal experiences with the condition. This can result in a low quality of life for PLWE. Objective: to investigate the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on patients residing in rural regions of South Africa (Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces). Material and methods. A non-experimental quantitative research was conducted, which involved 162 respondents living with epilepsy. Most were males, and the majority were between 18 and 35 years old in both provinces combined. The participants were offered a questionnaire divided into three sections comprising sociodemographic aspects, questions that assessed knowledge, and questions on the psychosocial impact of epilepsy. Results. I t was shown that while PLWE have a solid understanding of epilepsy as a medical condition, they may not fully comprehend its effects on daily life. For example, many respondents felt shameful after having a seizure and difficulties in forming relationships, and a significant proportion stated that they were never married because of epilepsy. The study highlights. The significant psychosocial impact of epilepsy on PLWE, including depression, difficulties in forming and maintaining social connections, and a lack of marital experience. Conclusion. To improve PLWE’s quality of life, the psychological help is recommended through healthcare facilities or local support groups.