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Open Access
A communal holistic therapeutic approach for psychosocial health management among Southern African indigenous communities
(2024-09-06) Mahlatsi, Khauhelo Success; Pienaar, A. J.; Mulaudzi, M. T.; Malwela, T.
Background: Mental health remains on the backseat of the global healthcare system. With more than a third of people suffering from mental health having no access to mental health services. Consequently, this research realizes that communality and Ubuntu are considered the epitomes of living systems in African indigenous communities. Therefore, the aim was to develop, confirm, and validate a Middle-range Theory of psychosocial health management among indigenous Southern African communities. Methods: An explorative sequential mixed methods design was conducted. For the qualitative strand (Phase One), a qualitative approach was used where classical Grounded Theory was employed as a design. Makgotla were used as data collection method, and theoretical sampling was used for participant selection. In Phase Two, a qualitative approach followed where a critical, integrative literature review was conducted. Purposive sampling was employed for the literature collection. Finally, for the quantitative strand, a quantitative approach was used where content validity index (CVI), content validity ratio (CVR), and Kappa statistic were used to confirm and validate the emerging theory. Purposive sampling was used, where experts were selected for the confirmation and validation of the emerging theory. Findings: This research presents an emerging Middle-range theory referred to as the ‘Inclusive Holistic Communal Psychosocial Health Management Approach.’ This approach is informed by the shared cultural belief system, co-living system, and communal therapeutic techniques. Fundamental to the emerging Middle-range theory are the five cultural axioms found in this research to be of evidential value to culturally congruent and needs-aligned psychosocial health management. Embedded in the belief that life is a holistic-circlic continuous process independent of living, wherein the point of equilibrium (good health) is the sense of balance between life and living. Furthermore, it has been found that the emerging Middle-range theory expressed through the 40-item instrument is content valid and comprehensive as all the items were found to be relevant and acceptable with I-CVI values greater than 0.79 and Kappa values above 0.74.
Open Access
Academic anxiety among students in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Venda, South Africa: associated factors and effect
(2016-05) Adediran, Olawumi Adedeji; Takalani, J. F.; Sikhwari, T. D.; Mashamba, T.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Adherence of antiretroviral therapy and mental health of HIV-diagnosed patients in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2019-09-20) Manenzhe, Tovhowani; Maphula, A.; Bessong, P. O.
Background: Given that there is 57.7 million HIV-diagnosed people living in South Africa and the government has established the largest public antiretroviral programme in the whole world but only 53% are adhering. Adherence remains a challenge, due to presence of mental health issues among HIV diagnosed. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to antiretroviral therapy and mental health of HIV-diagnosed patients in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods: This was a mixed method study using a combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches. In the quantitative approach, triangulation was utilised in the form of a questionnaire and patients records. Simple random sampling was used to select 134, descriptive analysis using SPSS version 25. For the qualitative approach, a phenomenological research designs was considered and convenience sampling was used to select fifteen participants (15). Data was collected using semi-structured interview; responses were analysed using a computer-aided program called, ATLAS ti. Results: The self-report of adherence was 94.8 %, objectively 39.6% of CD4 count <200c/mm3 at baseline and 34.3% CD4 count after six months was found. 16.5% of females and 2% of males defaulted treatment and 14.9% of missed medical appointments 1-6 times. This study also revealed the mental health issues that HIV-diagnosed patients are struggling with after the diagnosis include the stages of grief, stress, depression, anxiety, mistrust, shame, stigma and discrimination. Recommendation: Effective strategies need to be enhanced and tailor made in effort to encourage patients to take ART diligently. The healthcare providers, community members and the government should be made aware of mental health issues.
Open Access
Adherence: Perceptions and behaviour of patients on Antiretroviral in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2019-09-20) Takalani, Tanganedzani; Maphula, A.; Mashamba, T.; Bessong, Pascal O.
Background: An estimated 70% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa out of 25 million are living with HIV. HIV is a debilitating disease, however, antiretroviral treatment helps promote effective viral suppression, reduces the risk of transmission and prevents death (WHO, 2013). To ensure positive treatment outcomes, high levels of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) adherence, 95%, is necessary, however, research indicates that 23% of Africans are achieving less than 80% adherence, potentially impacting negatively on prognosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine adherence, explore perceptions and behaviour of patients on Antiretroviral Therapy attending Thohoyandou Health Centre, in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa. Methodology: This was a mixed method which employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. In quantitative, triangulation was utilised through a questionnaire and patients’ file, simple random sampling was used to select 105 male and female patients aged 18-60 who are on ART at Thohoyandou Health Centre; data were collected and SPSSversion 25 was used to analyse the data through descriptive, cross tabulation and inferential statistics using Chi-square.Qualitative phase – phenomelogical research design was utilised, twenty participants were purposively sampled and individually interviewed, ATLAS. ti program was used to analyse the data collected. Results: 67% of respondents were females, 34% of the respondents’ age range was 50-60 years, 44.8% were single, 48.6% had tertiary education and 69.5% were unemployed. The self-report of ART adherence of 87.6% among patients was indicated, with 19.6% who reported defaulting ART, 14.3% admitted to missing medical appointments. The reasons for missing medical appointments were: forgetfulness, not a convenient time, patient feeling better, transportation challenges and being too sick to attend. The objective evaluation of patients’ CD4 count at baseline revealed that 40.9% of patients had a CD4 count of <200c/mm3, out of 40.9% respondents (15.2%) were those aged between 41-50 years, 31.4% of respondents did not know their CD4 count for various reasons (defaulted on treatment, missed appointments). CD4 count follow-up data after six months revealed that 33% of patients had a CD4 count <200c/mm3 and 39% accounted for unknown CD4 count. vi Three themes emerged from the data, namely: Knowledge of HIV were respondents presented a negaitive and positive perception of ths diagnosis; barriers to ART adherence where sub-themes included discrimination, strigma, rejection, inadequate knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment, side effects; coping strategies where acceptance, religion and social support serve as corner stones for patients. Association was examined and findings did not reveal any significant association between gender, marital status, education, occupation; however, age was significantly associated with non-adherence to ART with X2 = 3.69, df = 1, p = < .002. Recommendations: The study recommends intensification of health education campaign against stigma, discrimination, rejection and other barriers to enhance positive attitude towards HIV patients that wil consequently stimulate adherence and alleviate the burden associated with taking treatment unswervingly. Given the high percentage of infected older respondents, government must also focus its resources to educate illiterate and older people about HIV, adherence and management in order to achieve the golden standardrate of 95% adherence. Strategies to facilitate and normalise adherence among males is indicated.
Open Access
An analysis of traditional healers's notions of bereavement and grief conselling with a view to developing a cultural grief counselling model in Thulamela Municipality in Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province
(2015-07-23) Takalani, Fhatuwani James; Sodi, T; Mashamba, T; Bereavement -- Religious
Open Access
Andropause stage as experienced by men in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2022-11-10) Tshabuse, Nyadzani Rachel; Ndou, N. D.; Mbedzi, T. E>
Introduction: The impact brought by Andropause amongst married couples is escalating. Its significance is nowadays unmasked and bring forth to cracked marriages that finally result in unforeseen divorces, when advancing males are no longer sexually satisfying their loving partners. Therefore, men are left with no options than to hang around with multiple partners just to ease their standing impotence. The practice might result in family violence, physical abuse and HIV and AIDS transmission. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of men during andropause stage in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore and describe the experience of males during andropause stage. Method: The researcher employed a qualitative approach with descriptive phenomenological design. The population of the study comprised of men aged 50 years and above who have reached andropause stage, who were the members of Munnandinnyi Men’s Forum (MNNMF) at Lwamondo Tshifulanani village in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researcher used non-probability purposive sampling technique. Unstructured face-to-face in-depth interviews were applied as a data collection tool. The central question was pretested to prevent misinterpretations by the participants. The researcher collected data and the sample size was determined by data saturation. Data transcribed verbatim and was translated from Tshivenda to English. Data was analysed using Tesch’s eight steps criteria. The researcher ensured that trustworthiness was applied using credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study.
Open Access
Assessment of knowledge, perceptions and beliefs related to tuberculosis in the rural, communities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province
(2013-02-25) Shiluvane, Nkhensani Grace; Risenga, P. R.; Khoza, L. B.
The purpose of the study was to assessthe knowledge, perceptions, and health beliefs related to TB among people in the rural communities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The research design was qualitative, descriptive and exploratory in nature. The study was conducted amongst the rural communities at Xigalo and Kurhuleni villages in the TB crisis municipality, Thulamela,in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. The following themes emerged from the study: Theme 1: Participants knowledge about TB; Theme 2: The views of participants with regard to TB; Theme 3: Participants' perceptions of TB; Theme 4: The community's interaction with TB patients; Theme 5: Preferred methods of TB treatment as described by community members. Conclusion: People in the community still lack knowledge about TB as a disease. Its correlation with HIV/AIDS promotes the stigmatization of people suffering from TB, which results in people with TB avoiding the use of TB treatment because they fear disclosure and being perceived as being HIV positive.
Open Access
An assessment of the implementation of Batho Pele principles by health care providers at selected mental health hospitals in the Limpopo Province
(2015-02-10) Mabunda, Nkhensani Florence; Lebese, R. T.; Khoza, L. B.
The Batho Pele Principles is incorporated in the National Government’s White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service. It is applicable to the public sector, both National and Provincial Government which are regulated by Public Service Act, 1994, to guide public servants on how to practice (Draft White Paper, 1995:2). Furthermore, health care providers as public servants are expected to practice Batho Pele Principles to improve quality health care services. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of Batho Pele Principles by health care providers at selected mental health hospitals of Limpopo Province. The objectives of the study were to assess the implementation of Batho Pele Principles at the selected mental health hospitals of the Limpopo Province, to describe the challenges experienced by health care providers in the implementation of Batho Pele Principles and to formulate specific recommendations to improve and promote the implementation of Batho Pele Principles. A quantitative, descriptive research design was used and the population for the study comprised health care providers working at the selected mental health hospitals in the Limpopo Province. A probability-stratified random sampling method was used to select participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing both open- and close ended questions. Data were analyzed statistically by a statistician using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. The Higher Degrees Committee of the University of Venda and the Limpopo Province Department of Health granted permission to conduct the study. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was ensured though conducting a literature review, which also provided operational definitions of key concepts and development of the questionnaire from existing ones, in consultation with the supervisors of this study. Adherence to ethical considerations included approval from University of Venda Health, Safety and Research Ethics Committee, thus ensuring the quality of the research, confidentiality, anonymity and informed consent. Study findings revealed that health care providers lacked certain skills in relation to mental health care users’ (MHCUs') experiences, plans and needs and that the principles of openness and transparency, redress and value for money were not easily implemented. Challenges experienced by health care providers in the implementation of Batho Pele Principles were discussed according to the eight Batho Pele Principles. Recommendations were formulated based on the findings, related to nursing practice, management, education and further research. This study was conducted to evaluate the implementation of Batho Pele Principles by health care providers at the selected mental health hospitals of Limpopo Province as a strategy to improve quality nursing care.
Open Access
Assessment of the use of personal protective clothing among health workers in selected hospitals of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
(2019-09-20) Mukhawa, Cecilia; Ramakuela, N. J.; Nemathaga, H. L.
This study was carried out to assess the use of protective clothing among health care workers in selected hospitals of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Protective clothing is the corner stone of health care facilities and it remains the most cost effective measure which is currently available in public health intervention. Although personal protective clothing is one of the best lines of protection against hazardous exposures, many healthcare workers either shun this protective apparel or do not wear it in an appropriate manner at the appropriate time. The purpose of the study was to assess the use of protective clothing of health care workers in selected hospitals of the Vhembe District, in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study followed a quantitative approach using a cross-sectional design. The population comprised of all health care workers in purposefully selected hospitals and the sample was 205 health care workers who were 21 years and older. A questionnaire was selfdesigned in English, translated into Tshi-Venda, Se-Sotho and Xi-Tsonga languages. Data was collected by the researcher in selected hospitals of Vhembe District. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 25) was used to analyse the collected data. Validity and reliability were ensured. Permission to conduct research was obtained from the University of Venda Higher Degree Committee, Department of Health in Limpopo Province for Ethical Clearance, and the institutions where the study was conducted. The use of protective clothing among health care workers was found to be relatively low (8, 3%) probably due to unavailability of protective clothing in the hospitals, allergic reactions and ignorance. Lack of knowledge regarding the use of protective clothing could also explain the low yield of the detected cases for not using protective clothing while on duty in this study. Based on the findings, the study conclusions and recommendations were that all health care workers should follow the stipulated policy on protective clothing and periodic awareness campaigns to be held to conscientise workers on the importance of wearing personal protective clothing.
Open Access
Attitudes of youths from 14 to 19 years towards condom use at Botlokwa, Limpopo Province
(2015-02-11) Mudau, Pfarelo Innocent; Nemathaga, L. H.; Risenga, P. R.
Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STis) are transmitted when infected semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with mucosa! surfaces. Condoms block the discharge of semen or protect the male urethra against exposure to vaginal secretions. Thus, condoms provide a greater level of protection against STis. The main purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of teenagers towards condom use at Botlokwa, located in the Limpopo Province, by analyzing the responses given by the youths from the age of 14 to 19 years to a questionnaire. The study was conducted at Botlokwa, a clinical area of the Capricorn district of Limpopo Province. Methods: A quantitative approach was adopted using a descriptive design. Random sampling which included youths from the ages 14 to 19 years was used and data collection was done using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. Results: The major inferences drawn from this study included non-availability of condoms which led youths not to use condoms during sexual intercourse. A positive attitude towards condom use was observed among the youth respondents. Conclusion: The feedback from the youths is an indication that lack of knowledge on the effectiveness of female condoms led to non-use of condoms. Non-availability of condoms and coerced sex also contribute to non-use of condoms at Botlokwa, Capricorn district of Limpopo Province. Youths were willing to use condoms during sex. Positive attitude towards condom use were found.
Open Access
Barriers regarding child psychiatric assessments by medical doctors in selected hospitals of the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2022-11-10) Mubvafhi, Norman Lufuno; Maluleke, M.; Raliphaswa, N. S.
Children do suffer mental health problems and they can be assisted professionally. However, most of the children with mental illness are not treated accordingly. The purpose of the study was to investigate barriers regarding child psychiatric assessment by medical doctors in selected hospitals of the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. The study employed a qualitative approach, with an explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The population of the study were medical doctors working in the outpatient departments within five selected general hospitals in the Vhembe District (Tshilidzini, Siloam, Donald Frazer, Elim and Malamulele), who were attending to children below the age of eighteen in outpatient department mental health clinics. In-depth individual interviews were used as an instrument to collect data, which was analysed following Tesch’s steps. Four major themes emerged after substantial data analysis, namely: Challenges related to medical doctors, Challenges related to parents/guardian, Challenges related to being a child and Insufficient support. The study recommended training of the child psychiatric specialists. Future studies could be done, focusing on the development of the guidelines to implement child psychiatric policies.
Embargo
Barriers to utilization of primary health care facilities by pregnant women during labour in Mopani District, Limpopo Province
(2025-09-05) Mbedzi, Phathutshedzo; Netshisaulu, K. G.; Tshililo, A. R.
Background: Facilities of primary health care were with intent to increase accessibility to health care services by communities in the facilities’ locality, with higher priority for previously disadvantaged communities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine barriers to the utilization of PHC facilities by pregnant women during labour in Mopani District, Limpopo Province. Methodology: Qualitative approach following exploratory, descriptive, and contextual designs was used. The study was conducted in Greater Giyani Local Municipality. All post-natal women consulting at primary health care facilities in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality were for the study. Convenience sampling was used to select 30 post-natal women from selected facilities. Purposive sampling was used to select one Community Health Centres and four clinics. Data was collected using unstructured individual. Ethical principles were adhered to, and trustworthiness was ensured through dependability, consistency, credibility, and confirmability. Findings: This study revealed barriers to the utilization of PHC facilities by pregnant women during labour in Mopani District as described according to the following themes: Patient-related barriers to giving birth in clinics, service-related barriers to giving birth in clinics, resource-related barriers to giving birth in clinics, as well as participants’ views on addressing barriers to giving birth in clinics. Recommendations: The Department of Health should invest in human resources through the employment and training of competent health care service providers to provide quality care in the facilities for 24 hours. The department should further invest in physical resources through the procurement of medical equipment to support health care workers in providing quality, safe and sufficient care in these facilities.
Open Access
Caregivers knowledge on factors contributing diarrhoea diseases among children under five years at selected clinics in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2022-07-15) Mulibana, Lushaka; Raliphaswa, N. S..; Maluleke, M.
Background: Diarrheal disease is still the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children under 5 years. WHO estimates that globally 525,000 children under five years die due to diarrheal diseases every year with 1.7 billion cases of diarrheal disease. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the caregiver knowledge on factors that contributing to diarrhoeal disease among children under 5 years at a selected public clinic, in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. Study setting: The study was conducted at a selected public clinic in the Vhembe district. The Vhembe District is located in the northern part of Limpopo Province, South Africa – boarded by Capricorn District in the South-West and Mopani in the East Vhembe. The district is comprised of four (4) sub-districts namely Collins Chabane, Makhado, Musina, and Thulamela Methodology: A quantitative approach using cross-sectional descriptive survey design was conducted among 185 caregivers to be conveniently selected from five clinic in Thulamela B sub district. A convenience sampling method was used to sample 185 respondents and purposive sampling was used to sample five health care facilities. A self-administered closed –ended questionnaire was used to collect data in this study and validity of the instrument was ensured and the development of instrument was guided by a wide range of literature and inputs of experts. The instrument was test-retested for reliability and Validity was ensured through face and content validity. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version: 26.0 Descriptive statistics was used to analyse, and association was tested through cross tabulation chi-square and results was presented in the forms of tables and pie charts. Ethical measures were considered throughout the study. Results: The study found that dirty water, poor hygiene, mix feeding (exclusive breast feeding and formula milk feeding) were the most contributory factors to diarrhoea in children under five years of age. Recommendations: The recommendation were done based on the study results. Conclusion: This study concluded that health education for mothers, in particular, should be used to improve knowledge and behaviour for managing diarrhoea at home in children under the age of five.
Open Access
Challenges Encountered by Midwives When Providing Care to Preterm Babies at Selected Hospitals in Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2018-09-21) Mahwasane, Thendo; Maputle, M. S.; Netshisaulu, K. G.
Introduction: During the provision of care to preterm babies, midwives encounter many problems and challenges which may vary according to the gestational age of the women, condition of the foetus, availability of equipment and resources, and experience of the midwives. In addition, poor working conditions, feelings of insecurity, staff shortage, and lack of support from the management and having to deal with parents who do not comply with the hospital management plan for their babies; all contribute to the problems faced by midwives. The purpose of this study was to determine challenges encountered by midwives when providing care to preterm neonates at selected hospitals in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: Qualitative research in this study was conducted in a natural setting at the selected hospitals. The target population was the midwives who have been working in maternity wards for at least two years and were on duty during the period of data collection. Non-random purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Data were collected using unstructured interviews, which were tape recorded and transcribed. The six steps as described by Creswell were used for data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured by using the model of Lincoln & Guba that included credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability. Ethical principles, namely, permission to conduct the study, informed consent from participants, privacy, confidentiality, autonomy, anonymity and respect were observed. Results: When midwives provide care to preterm babies they often encounter multiple challenges which can be human or material resource related. In his study, midwives were found to perform their duties in the face of multiple challenges, including staff vi shortages, which resulted in exhaustion of the available midwives. Nursing a preterm baby is a challenge on its own as these babies are likely to develop clinical problems related to immaturity, e.g., hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, jaundice, sepsis and respiratory distress. Mothers may be traumatised and find it difficult to accept their babies as they are, this leads to lack of cooperation in the care of the neonate and it becomes a problem for the midwives who are directly providing such care. The aforementioned challenges are related to all the four major concepts of human caring as described by Jean Watson which are health, human being, nursing and environment. Recommendations: It is recommended that further research be conducted on the same topic, but in a different setting to generate more knowledge. Policy makers should work together with health care professionals who are directly involved in the care of preterm babies to improve the practice of the contents in the policies.
Open Access
Challenges encountered by professional nurses during supervision of care in Vhembe District hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2020) Raliphaswa, Munyadziwa Reginah; Luhalima, T. R.; Netshandama, V. O.
Professional nurses have the responsibility of supervising the care that is rendered, the nursing personnel and patients throughout 24 hours of the day, for the purpose of ensuring quality patient care and patient safety. However, it seems that this is not happening as expected because there are continuous complaints from the patients about the poor quality of care. This study was aimed at exploring the challenges that are encountered by professional nurses during supervision of care in the district hospitals of Vhembe. A qualitative study was conducted which was explorative, descriptive, contextual and guided by an Appreciative inquiry approach. A purposive sample was used where thirty-six (36) participants were recruited and consent was obtained. Individual semi structured interviews were conducted. Data was analysed according to Tesch‟s eight steps. Trustworthiness was ensured through following the principles which are credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability and authenticity. The findings revealed multiple challenges that professional nurses encountered during supervision of care. The main themes found were lack of resources, challenges related to the supervisees, cultural changes in nursing affecting supervision, and challenges related to education and training. Apart from challenges, there were positive aspects verbalised that enhance supervision The researcher recommended that nursing practice through the Department of Health should address issues such as shortage of staff, shortage of equipment and inadequate and/or poor infrastructure. Professional nurses should be trained on diversity management and emotional intelligence in order address the ever changing culture in nursing. Students‟ accompaniment and clinical exposure should be addressed. Future research should be conducted to outline what causes these challenges in supervision in other districts so that the findings could be representable.
Open Access
Challenges experienced by professional nurses at the rural primary health care facilities in Msukaligwa Sub-District of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
(2022-07-15) Mafhungo, Thuso Charity; Ndou, N. D.; Nemathaga, L. H.
Professional nurses providing health care services in rural primary health care facilities need to have a broad range of skills, knowledge and stay current and up to date on different areas of healthcare. They work in an environment characterized by poor infrastructure, inadequate equipment, and medications, and yet they are expected to render quality nursing care in totality. Professional nurses in rural primary health care facilities need to be provided with enough equipment and medications for them to render quality nursing care to the patients. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by professional nurses providing health care services to patients at the rural primary health care facilities in the Msukaligwa Sub-district of Mpumalanga Province. Qualitative approach with exploratory and descriptive designs were employed in this study. The study was conducted in the primary health care facilities in Msukaligwa sub-district of Mpumalanga province. The population was professional nurses allocated at the primary health care facilities in Msukakigwa sub-district of Mpumalanga province. The target population was professional nurses who had more than two years working experience in rural primary health care facilities. Non-probability purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to select the sample of the study. The sample size was 24 professional nurses. Data was collected using unstructured in-depth face to face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’ eight steps. Trustworthiness was ensured throughout by employing the principles of credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the study. The study findings revealed several challenges experienced by professional nurses providing health care. Professional nurses in the Msukaligwa Sub-district are facing challenges related to shortage of manpower and resources and communication. Challenges impacted negatively on provision of patient care. Recommendations were made based on the research findings.
Open Access
Challenges faced by family caregivers of mental health care users in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2021-02) Raluthaga, Mutshotshomi Nelson; Shilubane, N. H.; Mulondo, S. A.
Background: The government of South Africa changed from a hospital-based to a community-based mental health care system for mental health care users. The intention was to allow the mental health care users to be cared for in a home setting, in familiar surroundings with family support. Consequently, family members became mental health care user’s caregivers. However, despite the government’s effort, some family caregivers still report being unable to care for their mental health care users. The study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by family caregivers of mental health care users. Methods: The study was conducted using qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The population was family caregivers of mental health care users. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select a sample of ten participants. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews, each lasting 30-45 minutes. The study sought to explore the challenges family caregivers faced when caring for mental health care users and the support they received from health care professionals to assist them in caring for these individuals. Probing was done as interviews progressed, guided by the responses of the participants. Data were analysed using Tech’s open-coding method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were applied and ethical considerations were adhered to. Results: The study showed that family caregivers experience challenges regarding mental health care users’ adherence to medication, disruptive behaviour, interpersonal relationships and lack of support from health care professionals. Recommendations: The study recommended that health care professional give family caregivers professional support to enable them to care for their mental health care users. Health care professionals should educate these patients and their family caregivers about mental illness and the importance of adhering to treatment. Furthermore, family caregivers should be encouraged to seek help from health care professionals as soon as possible when they feel emotionally drained before becoming depressed.
Open Access
Challenges of learners from Child-Headed families that affect their educational goals: A case study of three schools in Johannesburg East District, Gauteng Province, South Africa
(2022-07-15) Makuya, Rudzani Vanrijn; Runhare, T.; Muthambi, S. K.
A child-headed household is a form of family that is growing around the world, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. These are families without adults, hence, are headed by children or adolescents, less than 18 years of age. The study investigated challenges faced by learners from child-headed families that affect their educational goals. This was done through an analysis and description of the experiences of learners from child-headed households through an ecological systems model that included stakeholders like, community, school, government departments and officials as well as non-governmental organisations. This study was based in the Johannesburg East District of Education, in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. A purposive sampling method was used to select three learners from child-headed families, six educators in the School Based Support Teams, three school managers and one social worker from Johannesburg East District schools in Kaalfontein, Ebony Park and Ivory Park in Gauteng Province of South Africa. A Phenomenological qualitative research design was used where face-to-face interviews were conducted, and documents (SBST, school reports and attendance registers) were reviewed. The face-to-face interview were conducted between the researcher and the sample in a one –on –one situation for privacy. The data collected from audio tapes was transcribed. Research quality control measures that are centered on trustworthiness which included aspects such as credibility, transferability, consistency and conformability were observed. To test and implement research ethics, measures such as - informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, privacy, and empowerment, caring and fairness were employed. The study identified challenges such poor socio-economic background, child abuse, stigmatisation, exclusion, psychological and emotional abuses that were faced by children in child-headed families which and observed that they affected learners academically, socially, emotionally, physically and psychologically. Recommendations were provided to different stakeholders involved in addressing challenges faced by children living in child-headed households.
Open Access
Challenges related to implementation of Employee Health and Wellness Programme in the selected Limpopo Provincial Government Departments within the Vhembe District
(2023-05-19) Mudau, Nkhangweleni
Employees are considered the primary and important resources of any organization or workplace. However, employees are not immune to personal and work-related problems that unfortunately have an impact on their work productivity and performance. To address these problems, organizations have introduced workplace programmes in the form of Employee Assistance Programme / Employee Health and Wellness Programme. Against this background, the aim of this study is to explore the challenges related to the implementation of the Employee Assistance Programme / Employee Health and Wellness Programme experienced by the Employee Health and Wellness Practitioners in the selected government departments in the Vhembe District Municipality of the Limpopo Province. The researcher adopted a qualitative approach and explorative descriptive research design. Theoretically, the study adopted the ecological systems theory to unpack and understand the challenges experienced by the Employee Health and Wellness Practitioners in the implementation of the Employee Assistance Programme / Employee Health and Wellness Programme. Purposive sampling was used to select five (05) Employee Health and Wellness Practitioners from the nine (09) Limpopo provincial government departments implementing the Employee Health and Wellness Programme within the Vhembe District Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents to collect data. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were adopted. Ethical issues were considered to guide the study and to protect the participants and their information. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. This study identified four key findings regarding challenges related to the implementation of the Employee Health and Wellness programme in Limpopo provincial government departments, within Vhembe district. The study found that most departments experience challenges of shortage of Employee Health and Wellness practitioners to render effective services to the employees of their respective departments. Departments are also unable to provide adequate working resources for Employee Health and Wellness practitioners to optimally execute their duties within their departments. The study further found that, centralization of budget at head office, sharing of budget with other sub directorates, and limited allocation of budget to the programme for most departments adversely impact in the implementation of the Employee Health and Wellness programme. Lastly the study found that lack of managers’ support towards the implementation of the programme also impact in the proper utilization of the programme by employees.
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Climate change and potential impacts on birth outcome: A correlational study in Musina Hospital at Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2025-05-16) Mudau, Rolivhuwa Sibongile Millet; Malwela, T.; Maputle, M. S.
Introduction: Climate change continues to pose a life-threatening risk to human health, particularly affecting pregnant mothers and the elderly. As a result, these groups are experiencing heightened harm. Climate change impacts both foetal and maternal health, leading to complications such as prematurity, low birth weight, stillbirth, neonatal jaundice, and hearing loss. On the maternal side, climate change contributes to pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. These are some of the complications that many studies dwell on regarding climate change and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: To determine climate change and its potential impact on birth outcomes in Musina Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, and to investigate the seasonal temperature changes and birth weight of infants. Methods: Data were collected on patient medical records from 2019 to 2022 in the Musina Hospital in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, using a checklist book to tick all information related to the study. Results Article 1: The study revealed that climate change significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes. Ambient temperature exposure was found to be associated with adverse pregnancy effects such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and stillborn. However, on the maternal side, pregnant mothers were found to be affected by various conditions such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, pré-eclampsia, and eclampsia. Neonates experience neonatal jaundice, cardiovascular diseases, developmental problems, hearing loss, etc. Article 2: The study revealed a negative correlation with successive years. Throughout successive years, the results showed that the majority of mothers are suffering from pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to other maternal conditions. On the neonatal side, the high premature rate was noted compared to other neonatal conditions. Article 3: The results show a negative and positive correlation between ambient seasonal temperature and birth weight. Birth weight was less affected in milder temperatures compared to harsher temperatures. Seasonal ambient temperature showed an impact on pregnant women and the weight of their babies growing inside the uterus. Recommendations and Conclusion: An awareness campaign should be launched that gathers all community members and educates them about the health risks associated with ambient temperature exposure during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should ensure that every healthcare facility has cooling resilience, such as air conditioners and fans. The Department of Health should ensure that expectant mothers receive education on the risks of high ambient temperatures on pregnancy outcomes and the strategies to mitigate these risks. Climate change puts pregnant women at risk of experiencing heat-related illness, which in turn affects their pregnancy and unborn babies. Strategies that mitigate high temperature exposure will help the next generation of expectant mothers to carry their pregnancies to term without facing any complications.