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Item Embargo 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.Item 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 belowItem 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 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.Item 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.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 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 -- ReligiousItem 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.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 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.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 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.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 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.