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Item Open Access Access barriers to Campus Health Services among University of Venda students(2017-05-18) Olumide, Oladimeji Sanyaolu; Kyei, K. A.; Mabunda, J. T.South African youth, like many young people the world over, experience obstacles related to accessing age-specific health care services. School-based health centres, therefore, represent a mode of delivery of youth-friendly services tailored to meeting the healthcare needs of young people, such as university students. The aim of the study was to investigate the barriers faced by University of Venda (UNIVEN) students in accessing the institution’s health services.The objectives of the study were to assess the level of awareness of the respondents regarding the UNIVEN campus health services and to determine the availability and acceptability barriers experienced by students in accessing the campus health services.The study is quantitative using a self-administered questionnaire, informed by literature review, to collect data from the respondents. The study population consisted of all the students who were resident on campus. The sample size were five hundred and thirty four (534) respondents drawn from all the residences on the university campus and comprising of students from all the schools and levels. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face to respondents in the respondents’ rooms. The validity and reliability of the study were ensured. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, right to privacy, and no-harm to participants, were observed and addressed in this study. Data was entered and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23. For continuous variables such as age, descriptive variable was calculated. For categorical variables, frequencies and percentages are presented.The results indicated that the average age of the study population was 21.85 years with almost all of the respondents (95%) being aware of the existence of a health clinic on the Univen campus. However, only 63% had gone for consultation at the clinic. Awareness of the clinic’s services appears to be poor, with HIV Counselling & Testing being the most known service, while minor illnesses’ management was the most utilised service (48%). Barriers experienced by the respondents were related to waiting times and opening hours of the clinic, with only 33% and 39% respectively, describing them as ideal.The study provides evidence that although university health services may be provided at no cost students still experience barriers in accessing them. Effective measures are needed to increase students’ awareness of the clinic’s services and to shorten waiting times and improve clinic opening hours.Item Open Access Analysis of hygiene practices among learners in selected Makhado Municipality Secondary Schools in Limpopo Province(2022-11-10) Mamafha, Ndivhuwo Cynthia; Nemathaga, L. H.; Mudau, A. G.Hygiene is a health determinant; a person’s state of health is determined by the hygienic conditions where he or she finds himself or herself. Poor knowledge, negative attitude and poor practices of hygiene have a negative effect on a person’s health, as there are diseases associated with poor hygiene practices. The purpose of the study was to analyse hygiene practices of learners in selected Makhado Municipality secondary schools in Limpopo province. The study adopted the quantitative approach. The researcher used cross sectional descriptive design. The population for this study were learners from grade 8 from the following 5 Secondary Schools under Nzhelele Central Circuit: Tshala, Dimbanyika, Tshamakwatini, Tswime and Velelambeu. Non-probability, purposive sampling method was adopted to select the respondents. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions was used to collect data from 250 respondents. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25,0. Data was analysed The validity of the instrument was ensured through face and content validity. The researcher ensured reliability of the instrument by using the test-retest method. Code of ethics to protect the rights of participants were applied and observed. The study revealed that 93% of respondents knew that diseases could spread from a person to another and 7% of respondents did not know that disease can spread from a person to person. 85% of respondents did not know that washing with or without a soap is the same. Furthermore, the study revealed that 71% of respondents do not eat from the same plate with someone and 75% sometimes do eat with someone in the same plate. The study also revealed that 60% of respondents wash their teeth twice a day and 37% once a day. The study concludes that high school learners have high knowledge regarding hygiene practices. The study also concludes that learners had higher knowledge regarding the spread of diseases. Recommendations: it is recommended that professional nurses and social workers should conduct awareness campaigns regularly in both clinics and schools to reinforce knowledge among young people about hygiene practices. Government should impose harsh laws against people found littering which will jeopardise public’s health.Item Open Access Assessement of client satisfaction with services offered at Dr C. N. Phathudi Hospital in Limpopo Province l(2015-03-04) Masango, Sylvia Tshimangadzo; Maluleke, T .X.; Maluleke, F. R. S.Item Open Access Assessment of community knowledge and prevention practices of malaria in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District(2019-09-20) Munyai, Livhuwani; Mashau, N. S.; Tshivhase, S.Background: Malaria is a public health issue killing more than 435 000 people in Sub Saharan Africa. In South Africa, malaria is endemic in 3 provinces namely: Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal. Limpopo Province contributes more cases than the other provinces in the country. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess community knowledge and prevention practices of malaria at Masisi village, in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District. The study was conducted at Mutale municipality, Vhembe District. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive approach was used. Data was collected using a questionnaire with open and close ended questions. The targeted population was made up of males and females between the ages of 18 to 75. Validity and reliability have been ensured in the study and the results for reliability were 0.85. Pretesting was done in 5 household at Sanari village which is near Masisi village as they share the same characteristics. A sample of 152 participants was selected from the target population by means of systematic sampling and then select them randomly. Questionnaires were used to collect data. There after Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. The analyzed data were presented in tables, graphs, and in percentages. Results: The findings revealed that majority of the participants 103(67.8%) have secondary education, and most of them, 103(67.8%) are unemployed. The study revealed that about 77% have knowledge regarding malaria transmission. About 130(85.5%) indicated that malaria is caused by a mosquito bite. About 57(38.51%) indicated that they use mosquito coils and nets in their household. Conclusion: Malaria still poses a threat to the lives of people living in malaria endemic areas. Community members at Masisi village have better insight regarding malaria transmission, causes and signs and symptoms. Although the community shows a better understanding of the prevention method they still has to put this into practice in order to eliminate malaria in the area. Health workers are doing a great job in educating the community regarding malaria related issues.Item Open Access Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice of University of Venda male students regarding male circumcision, Limpopo Province(2017-05-18) Philips, Victor Eyo; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A. K.Male circumcision is being promoted in University of Venda presently due to the South African recent awareness that it is a method of preventing the transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency virus. However, for effective implementation, it is necessary that the students believe in the procedure and have a positive attitude towards the procedure. Purpose of study The objective of the study was to assess the University of Venda male student knowledge and perception regarding male circumcision. Methodology Method to achieve this was a cross sectional quantitative study using anonymous questionnaire among the male students in university of Venda after obtaining their consent. Data was captured and analyzed using SPSS. Result A total of 285 male students participated in the study. Most of them (77.2%) were undergraduate below 30years of age (91.2%) while others were post graduate (22.8%). Majority of them are Christians (97.9%), singles (85.9%) and married (12.6%).Result obtained showed that most of the respondent (87.9%) are circumcised, only a minority few (12.1%) are not circumcised. As regards the meaning of male circumcision (75.2%) said that male circumcision is the complete removal of theforeskin. Majority of the respondents (86.6%) responded that circumcision is better than uncircumcision, showing a relatively good knowledge of benefits of male circumcision, one-third of the respondent (39.9% ,37.8%) showed a good knowledge regarding the merits of male circumcision as per reducing the rate of STIs and the risk of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion Conclusively,most of the University of Venda students have a good knowledge of male circumcision, only a few are not knowledgeable about male circumcision. Also a positive attitude was shownon male circumcision with only a few students showing a negative attitude.While majority of the respondents practice male circumcision.They also encourage their siblings to do so. Recommendations The study made a number of recommendations that were intended to improve knowledge, attitude and practice of male circumcision, it calls for long campaign to reach more uncircumcised Univen students in order to scale up male circumcision and train more personnel to administer the ritual safely and under more hygienic conditions.Item Open Access Assessment of media acquired HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices among learners at Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Vhembe District.(2022-07-15) Vukeya, Margareth; Tshitangano, T. G.; Netshisaulu, K. G.HIV/AIDS is a global public health problem with the highest number of HIV positive adolescents. In sub-Saharan Africa about 1.5 million adolescents are living with HIV. Limpopo province has become the fifth contributor to HIV/AIDS incidence among the nine Provinces of South Africa with Vhembe District contributing more than 6.9 % of the provincial HIV/AIDS burden. Adolescents’ risky sexual behaviors are blamed for high HIV/AIDS burden. Certain factors including knowledge, attitudes and practices are believed to influence risky sexual behaviors among adolescents. Knowledge can be acquired from various sources. Adolescents acquire much of their general knowledge from media. The purpose of the study is to investigate media acquired HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices among learners at Collins Chabane Local Municipality in Vhembe District. A descriptive quantitative survey was conducted using cross sectional study design from May 2021 to June 2021.From the total population of 1276 grade 12 learners from Collins Chabane Local Municipality, a sample size of n=400 was drawn using slovin’s formula. Therefore 400 grade 12 learners participated in the study. Data collection was done using researcher-administered questionnaire and data analysis done using SPSS version 26.0. Most (84.5%, n=338) of learners had right information about HIV/AIDS acquired from life Orientation school lessons as their primary source of information. Majority (97 %, n = 388) of learners knew condoms as one of the prevention method for HIV/AIDS, but (50.75%, n =203) of learners had negative attitudes towards condom use because they believed that condoms reduces sexual pleasure. The study also found that learners have already started having sexual intercourse when (50%, n =198) of learners reported that abstaining from sex is no longer serious. About (41.56%, n = 166) of learners watch HIV/AIDS related programs on TV, while the majority (48.61%, n =193) of learners acquired HIV information from radio’s. Few (23.27%, n = 91) of learners read HIV/AIDS related programs on pamphlets, while (13.25%, n =53) of learners reported an internet for HIV/AIDS information. It is therefore concluded that TV and Radio are two leading media sources of HIV/AIDS information for adolescents; and that perceptions about condom are still barriers to condom use among learners. It is therefore important that media platforms targeting adolescents should be strengthened to disseminate correct information.Item Open Access An assessment of the implementation of the Hearing Conservation Programme: a case study of Farm Workers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa(2017-05-18) Ratshilumela, Thinawanga Patricia; Mashau, N. S.; Ramathuba, D. U.Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) has been reported to be effective in protecting the hearing of South African workers who are exposed to occupational noise. In order to reduce Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) among these workers, a team work that includes an Occupational Audiologist in the proper implementation of hearing conservation programme is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of hearing conservation programme amongst farm workers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa.A quantitative research approach using cross sectional survey design was used to assess the implementation of the programme among farm workers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa. A self administered questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions was administered to both males and female respondents aged between 19 and 50 years. A total population of 260 farm workers were systematically selected and a sample size of 76 respondents were randomly selected and participated in the study. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of Venda and the office in charge of royal macadamia. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23,0 software. A test-retest method was used to ensure reliability and findings of the study and formed the basis of recommendations. The results of the study indicate that 82,9% of the workers who were exposed to noise for more than 14hours were not using hearing protection devices even though they were supplied. The training on the effects of noise on hearing was received by a quarter (25%) of the farm workers leaving out a large portion of 75% of workers not knowledgeable about the hearing conservation programme. A very small percentage of 3,9% indicated that they had a documented hearing loss against a large number of 96,1%. The findings show that only engineering noise controls are available and there were no provision of noise maps as part of monitoring hearing conservation programme.The farm workers need to be motivated to wear hearing protection devices in order to conserve their hearing. The management of the farm may organize an in-service training regarding the proper implementation of hearing conservation programme.Dermacation of noise zones would remind workers to put on their ear protectors before entering the noise area as part of monitoring the hearing conservation programme.Item Open Access Assessment of the quality of heathcare services rendered to patients in public health facilities in Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga Province at South Africa(2016-05) Nkosi, Sibusiso Frank; Tugli, A. K.; Ramakuela, N. J.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access Caring for children with cerebral palsy: experiences of caregivers in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2019-05-16) Manyuma, Duppy; Maluleke, M.; Manganye, B. S.Cerebral palsy is a condition which affects the normal functioning of children. Most children with this condition rely on other people for the execution of basic skills on a daily basis. The study aim was to explore the experiences of caregivers for children with cerebral palsy in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive, and contextual design was used for this study. Simple random sampling was used to sample eight caregivers. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth individual interviews which were pre-tested in Vhembe District, using two caregivers who did not form part of the study. Data was analysed using thematic analysis approach. Credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability were upheld to ensure trustworthiness of the study. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. Two main themes emerged during data analysis, namely: positive experiences of caregivers and challenges faced by caregivers. The study recommends: development of a model to support caregivers in caring for children with cerebral palsy; and the investigation of the prevalence of back-pain amongst caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Vhembe District.Item Open Access Challenges and coping mechanisms of home based care givers for people living with HIV/AIDS in Xikundu community, South Africa(2017-09-18) Tshabalala, Tintswalo Portia; Tshitangano, T. G.; Mashau, N. S.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access Challenges and coping strategies of caregivers caring for elderly people living with diabetes mellitus in a selected village of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2020) Mamatsharaga, Ipfi Patience; Mashau, N. S.; Phiri, C. M.Most elderly people with diabetes mellitus are community dwelling and cared for by local healthcare providers and frequently by caregivers within the elders' homes. Care for these elders is often suboptimal compared with that of elderly people without diabetes. the purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges experienced by caregivers of elderly people living with diabetes mellitus in a selected village of the Vhembe district in the Limpopo province. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using an exploratory design to provide insights into the challenges experienced by caregivers of elderly people living with diabetes mellitus. This research used purposive sampling to ensure that the empirical evidence retrieved is detailed and objective. Before data collection, the researcher applied for ethical clearance to the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee. Ethical considerations adhered to include anonymity, informed consent and voluntary participation. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview method, using an interview guide. Interviews and discussions with caregivers were audio-taped with permission from participants. Data saturation occurred after interviewing 17 participants. Data were transcribed verbatim and later translated into English by an English language expert. Data was coded into larger themes and categories by means of a thematic analytical approach. Measurements of trustworthiness such as conformability, dependability, transferability and credibility were ensured. The findings of the study revealed that caregivers of elderly people living with diabetes mellitus experience financial challenges when caring for diabetes mellitus patients. It was also revealed by the study findings that caregivers of elderly people living with diabetes mellitus suffer from physical, psychological psychosocial and psych spiritual stress. Time management and poor performance at work were also revealed by the study findings as challenges for the caregivers who are working. Keywords: Caregivers, Challenges, Diabetes Mellitus, Elderly People, ExperiencesItem Open Access Challenges confronting professional nurses implementing the nurse-initiated and managed antiretroviral treatment programme in Vhembe District, South Africa(2016) Rasalanavho, Rambani Norman; Ramathuba, D. U.; Mashau, N. S.Antiretroviral treatment (ART) roll-out presents new opportunities and challenges for nurse-initiated-andmanaged antiretroviral treatment (NIMART) trained nurses in the primary health care (PHC) facilities. Nurses have had central role in the management of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since the disease was first reported. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges confronting professional nurses implementing the NIMART programme in PHC facilities under Thulamela B Municipality, Vhembe District. This study used a qualitative approach in which the interview was used as a data collection technique. The target population comprised professional nurses who were trained in NIMART and who were implementing the programme. Probability sampling, in particular its sub-type, the simple random sampling technique, was used to select fifteen PHC facilities within the sub-District. The non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the NIMART-trained professional nurses in Thulamela B sub-District. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data were collected from the participants through semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes to assist in transcription. A digital recorder was used to log individual responses during the interview sessions. Data from the digital recordings were transcribed verbatim. Results were analysed and interpreted thematically. This study establsihed that nurses were facing several challenges such as shortages of infrastructure and medication, lack of support from management and non-NIMART-trained nurses and discrimination. The NIMART programme was poorly supported in terms of nurse training as nurses indicated that they faced problems in performing tasks such as obtaining blood from children. Doctors were also reported to not fully supporting the NIMART programme. NIMART-trained nurses were optimistic with the implementation of the programme dispite the challenges they faced. To overcome some of the challenges faced at workplaces, nurses devised mechanisms such as allocating different times for collecting tablets and review, and group education for those consulting. It was also established that nurses provided support to each other. Nurses were reported to be using their own transport to collect drugs from the local pharmacy store. Recommendations that emanated from the discussion of the findings and the conclusions of this study are likely to have implications and applications for supporting and advancing the NIMART programme.Item Open Access Challenges experienced by community home-based caregivers caring for people living with HIV/AIDS: A case of Tsianda Village in Makhado Municipality, South Africa(2018-08-21) Mahlophe, M.; Mashau, N. S.; Mabunda, J. T.Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) place a significant burden on the caregivers for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Caring for PLWHA is usually carried out by community members who are recruited from the same community as the PLWHA. These community members are trained to provide services as volunteer caregivers. The caregivers face various challenges in the process of giving care to PLWHA, often inadequately assisted by relatives, friends, neighbours, private individuals, grassroots traditional and political leaders. This results in caregivers being overwhelmed by their responsibilities, making their coping process even more difficult. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges experienced by community home-based caregivers (CHBCGs) caring for people living with HIV/AIDS at Tsianda Village, in Makhado Municipality, South Africa. This study adopted a qualitative explorative design. The population for this study were all CHBCGs caring for PLWHA. Non probability purposive sampling was used to select the community home-based caregivers working at Tsianda Community Home-based care organisation. In-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide, was conducted by the researcher and a voice recorder were used to record data from participants. Data saturation was reached at the 11th participant. This is when the participants were no longer giving new information. The data collected from the study were analysed thematically. The following themes emerged from data analysis: Challenges for community home-based caregivers, perceived support for community home-based caregivers, coping strategies for community home-based caregivers. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and the code of ethics to protect the rights of the participants was applied and observed. The findings of the study revealed that community home-based caregivers experience various challenges which have a negative impact on their personal life, as well as their physical and psychological wellbeing. Community home-based care also uses different strategies to cope with these challenges. It was concluded that the community home-based caregivers are experiencing serious shortages of personal protective equipment, which makes them work with the fear of being infected with the diseases. It is recommended that the DOH should take it into consideration to provide the CHBCG’s organization with enough personal protective equipment for their safety and working without fear of being infected with deadly viruses.Item Open Access Challenges experienced by primary and secondary caregivers of children on Antiretroviral Therapy at Mutale Municipality in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province(2015-07-23) Mafune, Vhilinga Rudzani; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Nemathaga, Livhuwani HildaItem Open Access Challenges faced by community caregivers rendering services to children in drop-in-centres in Musina Municipality, South Africa(2015-02-18) Mbedzi, Azwinndini; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A.Item Open Access Challenges faced by Community-Based Rehabilitation Caregivers for person with disabilities in Vhembe District, South Africa(2017-05-18) Maphutha, Murendeni; Mashamba, T.; Mashau, N. S.Background: Globally, more than one billion people, or approximately 15% of the world’s population are living with some form of disability and 80% of them are found in developing countries. There are different types of disability; these include sensory, neurological, physical, intellectual, cognitive and psychiatric disabilities. Persons with disabilities may require specialized care, resources and commitment which place a very high demand of time and responsibilities on the one caring for them. Therefore, Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) was promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a strategy to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities, through the provision of basic services at community level, particularly in developing countries with limited resources. Methodology: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges faced by Community-Based Rehabilitation caregivers for persons with disabilities in Vhembe District, South Africa. A qualitative phenomenological design was used to explore and develop an in-depth understanding of the CBR caregiver’s challenges. The study was conducted in three Community-Based Rehabilitation centres located within Vhembe District with a sample size of six caregivers who were purposively selected. An interview guide was developed as an instrument for data collection. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Six main themes emerged from the data which shed light on the CBR caregiver’s challenges, namely; Poor relationships between caregivers, government v department and families, unavailability of material and human resources, poor funding system, caregivers’ well-being, education and training and the coping strategies of CBR caregivers Conclusion: This study pointed out that there is a need for intervention from different stakeholders such as government departments, family members of persons with disability, and the community members as well for CBR caregiver’s challenges to be resolved or minimized.Item Open Access Challenges faced by health professionals regarding the implementation of HIV/AIDS guidelines at PHC facilities of Vhembe District, South Africa(2019-09-20) Ndou, Pfarelo Agreement; Tshitangano, T. G.; Tshililo, A. R.HIV/AIDS is an overwhelming global pandemic that affects the country’s health-care system. In order to reduce HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality, the World Health Organization has called on countries to provide earlier access to antiretroviral therapy. In order to comply with the World Health Organization’s call, South Africa has developed the National Consolidated Guidelines, which were aimed at increasing access to ART as well as reducing new infections through viral suppression. Although the new guidelines have been implemented, they have not been fully implemented, especially in rural-based Primary Health Care facilities. The researcher observed that women who were pregnant were not tested every three months, as prescribed by the HIV/AIDS guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate Challenges faced by health professionals regarding the implementation of HIV/AIDS guidelines at PHC facilities of Vhembe District, South Africa. This study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual approach targeting nurses working at rural-based primary health care facilities at Vhembe District. Face-to face in-depth, Semistructured interviews were conducted, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The study used non-probability quota sampling method to identify participants until data saturation was reached with 12 participants. The results revealed that nurses faced some challenges when implementing HIV/AIDS guidelines, including shortages of resources, poor technical support, poor infrastructure, work overload, patients starting ART while there are not ready, shortage of ART, late booking of antenatal care, and mothers’ denial of HIV positive status, HIV positive babies, and poor RPC after birth. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the study. The data collected was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and all measures to ensure trustworthiness of the study findings were ensured. Some recommendations were made based on the findings of the studyItem Open Access Challenges faced by HIV positive parents regarding disclosure to their children in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in South Africa(2015-01-30) Ramakulukusha, Tshilidzi Olga; Akinsola, H. A; Mashau, N. S.; HIV positive women -- South Africa -- LimpopoItem Open Access Challenges of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children at Thulamela Local Municipality, in the Vhembe District, South Africa(2019-09-20) Dangale, Takalani Millicent; Akinsola, H.; Mashau, N. S.Cerebral palsy (CP) is the common cause of physical disability in children. The nature and severity of impairments vary, but the demands placed upon mothers are significant. It is one of the prolonged conditions which have become a serious health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children at Thulamela Municipality, in the Vhembe District, South Africa. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1). To explore the challenges by mothers of cerebral palsy children in relation to physical, psychological and social care, (2) To explore their challenges in relation to available resources for proper referral of mothers caring for cerebral palsy children. The study used a qualitative approach using explorative and descriptive design in exploring the challenges of mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy. The study population comprised mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy living in the Vhembe District who attends the rehabilitation therapy services at Tshilidzini Hospital. A non-probability, purposive sampling technique was used to select the mothers. Five focus groups, each consisting of eight mothers were composed. Semi-structured group guide consisting of open-ended questions were used. Data was transcribed, verbatim and coded into themes and subthemes using context thematic analysis method. Themes that emerged include: a theoretical framework for the study, effects of caring on the family’s socio-economic life, challenges experienced by mothers caring for cerebral palsy children, challenges in relation to education and training and challenges experienced by mothers caring for cerebral palsy. The findings of the study might benefit the society about the challenges experienced by mothers when caring for their disabled children. The study might help government to develop and implement policies which will empower parents and the community as a wholeItem Open Access Compliance level of street food vendors regarding food hygiene and safety in Thulamela Local Municipality(2018-05-18) Mukwevho, Michael Nngodiseni; Akinsola, A. H.; Tshitangano, T. G.Introduction: Street food vending is a source of income for billions of people around the world. In most developing countries, including South Africa street food is popular. However, most street food has been linked to outbreaks of foodborne illness. The assessment was based on the general hygiene requirement stipulated in R962 of November 2012 framed under Foodstuff cosmetics and Disinfectant Act of 1972 Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess compliance of street food vendors with food and safety regulations in Thulamela Municipality. Method: The study used a quantitative, cross- sectional survey, descriptive design. A convenience sampling was used to sample 155 street food vendors. Data was collected using two instruments; namely, a self-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.Validity and Reliability will be ensured and measures to ensure ethical considerations were adhered to. Results: A total of 155 street food vendors participated in the study. Most of the street food vendors were in the age group 25- 30 years. There were more females than males. Furthermore, the majority of street food vendors had experience of 5-10 years. The majority (n=61; 39.4%) of street food vendors were operating in Thohoyandou, while some (n=25.8%)operated in Sibasa and forty others (25.8%) operated in Shayandima. Forty-five (29%) of them were illiterate, fifty (32, 3%) did primary education, thirty two (20.6%) had secondary education, four (2.6%) had a matric certification and twenty- four (15.5%) had vocational training. More than half of the In regard to knowledge items on preventing foodborne vendors (n=100; 64.5%) did not attend food hygiene training while (n=55; 35.5%) did. Lastly about a third most (n=48; 31%) of the street food vendors were selling their food in the transport terminals. The survey results indicate that street food vendors exhibited high levels of knowledge regarding items pertaining to hand hygiene. Therefore street food vendors were highly knowledgeable with regard to how much time should be spent when washing hands with soap, the correct way of stopping bleeding while at work, important measures to keep germs away from the food, hand washing and methods of drying hands. However, the street food vendors displayed poor knowledge with regard to reasons why they should dry their hands. Regarding knowledge items on preventing foodborne illnesses, the street food vendors were knowledgeable about the symptoms that make a street food vendors stay away from the workplace, that the best way to destroy any harmful germs is to cook food to the right temperature, that a combination of washing hands, using gloves and keeping food at the right temperature are ways of preventing food borne illnesses. However, street food vendors displayed some knowledge gaps with regard to the correct detergents for washing vessels and why food handlers require some knowledge on food hygiene. A total of 155 vending stalls were observed. The results from the checklist indicated that three quarters (n=116; 75%) of the stalls were protected from the sun, wind and dust. In addition, about (n=136; 87.7%) of the stalls did not have direct access to potable water. Furthermore, about (115; 74.2 %) did not have adequate hand washing facilities and 141(91%) did not have waste disposal facilities. Animals, flies and insects were indeed evident around the stalls in 124(80%) of the 155 stalls. In addition the majority of street food handlers (136; 87.7%) did not wash their hands before preparing food. Regarding hand washing after using toilet, all of the vendors said that they washed their hands each time after visiting the toilet. This was not confirmed as the researcher did not follow the vendors into the toilets. More than three quarters (120; 77%) of the food handlers operated in clean clothes. However, only 39(25%) used an apron when handling food, while 124(80%) did not use gloves to handle food and only 24(15%) used disposable gloves. Although the street food vendors complied with wearing clean clothes, they did not consistently wear aprons and they also used bare hands to touch food. Conclusion: Although the street food vendors were knowledgeable about food hygiene and safety practices, the majority displayed poor hygienic practice and prepared food on unhygienic sites.