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Item Embargo Views of professional nurses regarding the new antiretroviral therapy drug tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir in selected clinics of Limpopo Province(2023-10-05) Ramusilei, Fhululedzani Innocentia; Mabunda, J. T.; Tshivhase, S. E.Introduction: Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir, also known as TLD drug, is a new fixed dose combination Antiretroviral therapy drug that is taken once daily by individuals living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. TLD drug has demonstrated dominance over efavirenz and antiviral drug dependent regimens with greater tolerability, rapid viral load suppression, and a high genetic barrier-resistance. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the views of professional nurses regarding the new Antiretroviral therapy drug TLD in selected clinics in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo Province. Methodology: The study used the qualitative exploratory descriptive design. Permission was obtained from the participants before the study commenced. Fourteen professional nurses participated in the study, and non-probability convenience sampling was used. Riba, Motlolo and Selala clinic were chosen as they are near the mining industry and many of the patients are from the mines. An unstructured interview guide was used as an instrument to provide directions when collecting data and the central question was asked, followed by probing questions. A pre-test using four participants was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the study. An unstructured interview was conducted to gather information using a voice recorder and field notes until saturation occurred. Tesch’s Open Coding Steps were used to analyze the data. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were followed to ensure the quality of data. Ethics were considered to protect the participants from any harm. Results: According to the findings, professional nurses had favorable opinions of TLD since they had seen it work on variety of patients. TLD drug have more benefits: It is time convenient, can be used in conjunction with other medications, reduced pill burden, quick viral load suppression, suitability of drug to all patients and low resistance build up. Recommendations: The study recommended that the department should provide guidelines and policies to facilities before implementing changes for health providers to be well informed and to conduct workshops for professional nurses to impart knowledge on current changes in treatments. Conclusion: The professional nurses have a positive views regarding TLD drug and support it hundred percent.Item Embargo Knowledge, attitude and practices of health care providers regarding measures to prevent infection to HIV in a regional hospital in the Vhembe District(2023-10-05) Nemadandila, Ndumeliso Annikie; Makhado, L.; Mashau, N. S.The exposure of healthcare workers (HCWs) to HIV in the workplace is a significant issue, as they face a high risk of infection from patient body fluids and blood. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of HCWs in a particular regional hospital in the Vhembe district regarding strategies to prevent HIV exposure at work. This research employed a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design. The intended sample size for this study was 245 healthcare participants, but only 103 healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire and participated in the research. The researchers used a probability stratified sampling technique to select the respondents, and the data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires that contained closed-ended questions. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 25, and presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Prior to the actual data collection, the questionnaire was pre-tested to ensure that it could obtain reliable and high-quality data. To ensure validity and reliability, it was essential to properly select the research sample and utilize a consistent measuring instrument when collecting the data. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Venda and the Vhembe District Department of Health, Primary Healthcare Executive Officer in Thohoyandou. The study's findings indicated that although most respondents were aware of PEP for HIV, and had a positive attitude towards it, their actual practices were still inadequate. The study makes recommendations for future research and addressing these limitations.Item Embargo Healthcare seeking behaviours of homeless substance users residing in the Gauteng Province of South Africa during COVID-19 lockdowns.(2023-10-05) Mnkandla, Mayibongwe Mkhaliphi Abel; Tshitangano, T. G.; Mudau, A. G.Homelessness continues an upward trajectory of being a global social security problem affecting both developed and developing countries. The World Population review estimates that Nigeria has the highest numbers of homeless people in the world in 2023, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, among others, whereas the Human Sciences Research Council estimates that between 100,000 and 200,000 people live on the streets of South Africa. Gauteng province alone accounts for 25 000 with Johannesburg having 15, 000 while Tshwane has 10,000. Studies have shown that homeless people have a high level of morbidity and mortality with an average life expectancy of 45 - 47 years old among men living more than ten years on the street. Evidence suggest that homeless people are often denied access to even the most basic assistance including healthcare, which could have been worse during COVID-19 pandemic. This study assessed the homeless substance users’ healthcare seeking behaviors during the Covid-19 lockdowns in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative approach using an exploratory design, assessed referrals based on suffering from symptoms of Covid-19 during the lockdown period between 2020 and 2022. Data was collected from 25 homeless substance users in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng, through unstructured interviews. After transcribing intelligent verbatim and translating recordings, the principal researcher did thematic data analysis without computer software data analysis programmes. Three themes based on the study objectives included, types of healthcare services used, the determinants of the health seeking behaviours adopted by homeless substance users, and challenges experienced while seeking healthcare. Of the twenty-five participants, ranging from twenty-one to fifty years old, thirteen suffered from Covid-19 symptoms. Five used formal healthcare systems and eight informal healthcare systems. Older participants accessed healthcare services, while less of the younger population used them. Challenges faced entailed marginalization, stigmatization and lack of social support. Since this study was delimited to Gauteng province, findings cannot be generalised nationally. The study can also be carried out in other provinces with high number of substance users such as the Western Cape. The Department of Social Development should include capable substance users in training healthcare programmes aimed at persuading this key population group to use formal health care.Item Embargo The impact of COVID-19 on food security among households of Collins Chabane Municipality in Limpopo Province(2023-10-05) Mathavha, Aluwani; Mashau, N. S.; Manganye, B. S.The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of confirmed cases and numerous deaths worldwide. The food sector has also experienced increased demand due to panic-buying and hoarding of food products. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 disease on food security among rural households in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed quantitatively. The sample size of 354 was calculated using Slovin’s formula from a target population of 3,111 households. Household selection was done through systematic sampling. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire as the research tool. The validity of the instrument was established through face validity and content validity. Reliability was ensured through test-retest, where the questionnaire was pre-tested with 35 participants from Mabidi village, who were not included in the actual data collection. Descriptive data analysis was employed in this study. The collected data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Ethical considerations were followed throughout the study. The results of this study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the food procurement and supply of the respondents. Most respondents indicated that they could no longer afford to purchase food as they did before the COVID-19 outbreak. Uncertainty levels were high regarding their ability to provide food for their families. This uncertainty was exacerbated by the fact that many respondents had lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Those without a source of income were particularly affected in terms of food security. Interestingly, it was not only financial constraints but also long queues and fluctuating food prices that influenced the respondents’ buying power and food procurement.Item Embargo Factors contributing to absconding of mental health care users in Mopani District Limpopo Province, South Africa(2023-10-05) Siphuma, Annah Tshifhiwa; Mabunda, J. T.; Manganye, B. S.Introduction: Prohibited malingering of patients from psychiatric wards is a critical concern among professionals responsible for their care. This is because patients who abscond from psychiatric hospitals pose a risk of potential injury and harm to themselves, other patients, and the community. The consequences of absconding include physical harm, delayed treatment time and financial expenses to families and the government. Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the factors contributing to the absconding of mental health care users at Evuxakeni Hospital. Methods: The study was conducted among 11 psychiatric nurses and 7 mental health care users. The data was collected through in-depth structured interviews which were recorded using a voice recorder and field notes were also recorded. All the ethical issues were adhered to throughout the study. The coded data were analysed using thematic analysis following Tesch’s steps of qualitative data analysis and the findings were present in themes and subthemes. Results: The study findings revealed that the patients’ social and behavioural factors and hospital related economic factors contribute to the absconding of MHCUs from psychiatric institutions. Furthermore, factors such as stigma, lack of family support, addiction, unsatisfactory budget, poor security setup, and low knowledge of patients regarding psychiatric health trigger absconding among MHCUs. These issues have resulted in patients being victims of violence, suicide, and consequently poor adherence to treatment, which is now a burden to the health system. Recommendations: The study recommended that security personnel and security apparatus such as CCTV cameras be installed to deter absconding. The patients also suggested that they should be provided with better facilities where they can feel comfortable in the process of rehabilitation. All stakeholders (policymakers, healthcare providers, caregivers, and patients) should be involved in rethinking how psychiatric facilities should be operated to make the journey of patient recovery more positive.Item Embargo A growth monitoring and promotion index to improve child health in Umguza District in Zimbabwe(2023-10-05) Dzumbunu, Shamiso Alice; Mashau, N. S.; Makhado, L.In Zimbabwe, growth monitoring and promotion, as conducted by community health workers, are part of the nutritional surveillance system. This study seeks to develop a new index combining caregiver behaviours, attitudes and CHW growth monitoring and promotion activities. A sequential design will be conducted in three phases. Phase one will comprise a scoping literature review. The second phase will comprise a needs analysis through quantitative data collection using two surveys of community health workers and caregivers of children under five years. After that qualitative data will be collected from caregivers of children under five years. The quantitative data will be analysed using SPSS, while qualitative data will be collected and analysed using Atlas-ti. Phase three will be the development phase for the growth monitoring and promotion Index. The growth monitoring and promotion Index will be used to classify the GMP performance of districts through the district health information system (DHIS2), thus strengthening the quality of growth monitoring and promotion. Recommendations on the findings and the adoption of the Index will be shared with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and key stakeholders implementing maternal, newborn and child health programmes in Zimbabwe for adoption and use in growth monitoring and promotion programming.Item Embargo Development of strategies to empower women against intimate partner violence occurrences in Vhembe District, Limpopo province(2023-10-05) Nethavhani, Lilian; Tshitangano, T. G.; Mashau, N. S.Violence against women in South Africa is regarded as a national emergency. Although the national picture reflects a decrease of 69.4% from 9 990 cases between 29 March and 22 April 2019 to 3,061 since the lockdown until 20 April 2020, with a difference of 6,929, these statistics are still worryingly high because one death is too many. This study developed strategies to empower women against intimate partner violence occurrences in the Vhembe district. The study was divided into two phases, Phases 1 and 2. Phase 1 utilised an explanatory sequential mixed methods design with quantitative data collected first, followed a qualitative to explore the issue further.. The mixing of results occurred during the interpretation of the results. For the quantitative strand, the census sampling technique was used with a sample of 792 domestic violence victims. A non-probability purposive/judgmental sampling method was used to select 25 participants for the qualitative strand. Quantitative data gathered using questionnaires was entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27 software and analysed using descriptive statistics. and The results were presented in frequency table and charts. Qualitative data was analysed with interpretative phenomenological analysis with the aid of Atlas it8. The findings of the study were that: most of the women knew what IPV is, its forms, causes, and factors as well as resources available to the victims. The findings on knowledge component regarding safety planning and legal route present showed that the majority did not know the safety planning preventative measures that they can use to prevent their partners from harming them. The X2 (315.861a; df = 6; N =685; p = 0.000) results revealed a significant association between the use of legal route and religious affiliation of respondents. The intervention strategies were developed from the findings and then validated for relevance and acceptance by the stakeholders. The study concluded that the state of IPV intervention strategies in the province of Limpopo was ineffective in addressing the persistent IPV problems in the communities. The study recommended that the Department of Health, Justice and Social Development as well as victim empowerment centres dealing with IPV adopt and implement the developed intervention strategy and engage NGOs, NPO’s, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders for support to roll it over in one sub-district to assess its effectiveness and ensure that they revisit and review the counselling materials and ensure that facilities are offering support to perpetrators and victims.Item Open Access Perceptions and attitudes of HIV-positive patients towards HIV index testing in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2023-05-19) Tshivhase, Tshilidzi; Makhado, L.; Tshivhase, S. E.HIV testing, treatment and prevention approaches are implemented to ensure that all people are tested and know their HIV status, but approximately 36,9 million people are living with HIV without being aware. Globally, current HTS approaches were not doing enough. UNAIDS 90-90-90 strategy was adopted in South Africa to control the HIV pandemic and to end HIV and AIDS by 2030, 90% of people living with HIV should know their status, and 90% of those diagnosed with HIV positive status would be initiated on treatment, while the viral of the 90% receiving treatment would be suppressed. Index testing might be one of the most effective interventions for managing the HIV epidemic worldwide by increasing the uptake of HIV testing among index contacts, key populations, and the community at large. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions and attitudes of HIV-positive patients on index testing in the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo province. The study adopted an exploratory-descriptive design embedded within the qualitative research approach. The study population comprised all HIV-positive patients on treatment and newly diagnosed people living with HIV who attended HIV and testing services at William Eaddie Community Health Centre. Convenience sampling was used to select twenty (20) participants who were above the age of 18 years old. Individual semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Voice recorder and field notes were used. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of Venda, the head of the Department of Health and a letter for permission to conduct the study at William Eaddie Community Health Centre and the code of ethics to protect the rights of participants were applied. The findings revealed that nurses lacked knowledge about HIV index texting; consequently, they cannot counsel patients living with HIV. It is recommended that nurses should undergo training in HIV testing and how to counsel people living with HIV. From this study, people living with HIV’ perceptions and attitudes towards HIV index testing are linked to their inadequate knowledge of it.Item Open Access Compliance of Learners and Teachers to COVID-19 Standard Precautions at Selected Rural Secondary Schools of Vhumbedzi Circuit, South Africa(2023-05-19) Rasivhetshele, Misimiswa; Tshitangano, T. G.; Manganye, B. S.COVID-19, as an infectious disease, is transferred from one person to another if standard precautionary measures are not complied with. Obese and older people, as well as those with chronic conditions, are more at risk of contracting this disease and its fatal outcomes. Despite government effort to enforce precautionary measures in every sector and communities, it is not clear whether all people are adhering to these measures. This study was conducted to investigate compliance of learners and teachers with COVID-19 standard precautions at selected rural secondary schools of Vhumbedzi circuit, South Africa. Learners represent every family; therefore, targeting them is like reaching out to families. The study used the descriptive cross-sectional quantitative research method. The target population were all secondary school learners and teachers, from grade eight (8) to grade twelve (12) in Vhumbedzi Circuit. To avoid selection bias, stratified sampling method was used to select learners, whereas total population sampling was used to recruit all teachers from the circuit. Data was collected following an observation checklist from four hundred and sixty-three (463) participants. Validity and reliability of the instrument were strengthened by adapting a standardised checklist from COVID-19 preventive measures in the community, which was developed by the Saudi Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Its reliability correlation coefficient of 0.86. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0. Descriptive statistics was used. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. All (359, 100%) learners and all (n=88, 100%) teachers were complying with hand-sanitizing and temperature checks at the gate. All (359, 100%) learners were not complying with frequent hand washing, whilst all (n=88, 100%) teachers were complying. About 73% (n=262) of learners were non-compliant with wearing of mask at all times, while the majority (n=60, 68.2%) of teachers were compliant with the wearing of masks. In addition, all (n=359, 100%) the learners were non-compliant with using sanitizers when there was no water available at the schools, while all (n=88, 100%) teachers were compliant with this stipulation. Furthermore, all (n=359, 100%) of learners were non-compliant with avoidance of touching the eyes, nose and mouth with their fingers, as well as practicing social distancing in class and during breaks. All (n=359, 100%) the learners were also disinfecting their desktops, while the majority (98.9%, (n=87) of the teachers were not compliant on this stipulation. About 87.2% (n=313) were non-compliant with avoiding the sharing of food with others. The study concluded that there was better compliance with Covid-19 protocols amongst teachers than amongst learners. The study also generally found that there was a lack of evidence of statistical association between Covid 19 adherence and demographic factors, except in limited cases.Item Open Access Knowledge, attitude, and practices of high school learners contraceptive use in Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province(2023-05-19) Ramolisa, Rudzani; Mabunda, J. T.; Mudau, A. G.Background: Contraception is a critical preventive proportion of unintended pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, among young people. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of high school learners towards contraceptive use in Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive research design was adopted. Slovin’s formula was used to calculate sample size. A sample size of 359, high school learners were selected to be part of the study from the target population. Probability-stratified random sampling method was adopted to select respondents aged 13 to 21 years, from schools that were selected to be part of the study. Only learners in grades 10 to 12 were selected to be part of the study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire with open and close ended questions. Thereafter data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.0. To analyse the data, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used. Chi-square test was used to establish the association between demographic information of respondents and contraceptive use. Statistical level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). The analysed data was presented in frequency tables, graphs and bar charts. Results: Findings showed that most learners were knowledgeable about contraceptive methods and were aware of different contraceptive methods, however, condoms were widely known by more than half 206 (57.4%) respondents. The most common source of information about contraceptives was social media with 98 (27.3%). Almost every learner, 339 (94%) knew that contraceptives can be accessed from hospital/ clinic. Furthermore, the study also revealed that 254 (70.7%) of learners have a positive attitude regarding contraceptives as they preferred to use contraceptives than to fall pregnant. Majority of the learners were sexually active, 284 (79.1%) and learners started sexual intercourse at an early age of 13 (4.6%) age of 12 or younger, with the majority having started at the age of 15 years and above. One hundred and seventy-seven (62.0%) of learners stated that they use contraception when engaging in sexual intercourse. However, there were few learners 45 (16.0%) who were not using any contraception. Pressure from partners 18 (40%) and fear of side effects 15 (33.3%) were seen as the main causes of ineffective contraceptive use and non-utilisation. There was a significant association between age, gender, grade, religion, educational level of parents and the frequency of contraceptive use. Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness of contraception is crucial in encouraging contraceptive uptake amongst adolescents. Even though some learners stated that they had heard about other contraceptive methods, particularly oral pills, injectable and withdrawal, they did not have sufficient knowledge on how they work. Most learners had a favourable attitude about contraception. The study also concluded that amongst those learners that are expected to be using contraception, the majority were using it. However, some learners are not practicing contraception due to many factors such as pressure from boy/ girlfriend, fear of side effects and religious beliefs. A high level of sexual activity, early sexual initiation and place these adolescents at risk of pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. The results indicated a need for more intense education on contraception, this lies firmly in the hands of parents, teachers, social workers and health workers. Given that learners were more knowledgeable about contraception use but did not have sufficient knowledge on how they work and some were not practicing contraception, it would be prudent for the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Health, and Social Development to collaborate to organize awareness campaigns in high schools to educate learners about how contraception works and to promote safe sexual practices, including effective contraception use, among this age group.Item Open Access The correlation between patients HIV status, multiple types of violence and children's future behavioral outcome in Mpumalanga and Western Cape Province(2023-05-19) Ngobeni, Happiness; Makhado, L.; Meinck, F.This study investigated the correlation between Parent's HIV status, multiple types of violence and children's future behavioural outcome in Mpumalanga and Western Cape Province. The study objectives were to determine parent’s HIV status and childhood violence exposure, to determine the prevalence of multiple types of violence, to investigate children’s future behavioural outcomes and to establish the correlation between parent’s HIV status, multiple types of violence and children’s future behavioural outcomes. Methods: Using a cross sectional survey design, a total number of 3515 were selected to participate in the study. 751 were males and 913 were females residing in Mpumalanga, while 772 males and 1079 were females residing in the Western Cape areas. Teenagers from the urban and rural areas of Mpumalanga and Western Cape Province were selected (MP=urban 848 and WC=930) (MP=rural 816 and WC=921). Their age range was 13 - 17 years and was teenagers. The study employed a secondary data analysis of the data collected in the selected areas of Mpumalanga and Western Cape Provinces by the University of Oxford. This was in collaboration with the University of Witwatersrand, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Cape Town, and the Department of Social Development and Department of Health and Education in Pretoria about Violence in the study Teen Talk 2 South Africa 2011 (www.youngcarers.org.za). Secondary data were analysed using SPSS version 27 software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed during data analysis. Furthermore, a cross-tabulations were used to determine differences in multiple types of violence and HIV status. Results: Positive relationships between variables were seen. There was an influence of the independent variable on the dependant variable. Parent’s HIV status had a positive relationship with multiple types of violence and children’s future behavioural outcome. Recommendations: Parents and community members should be psycho-educated about childhood violence exposure to create an enabling environment for their children’s mental health and development. Programs that enhance the children’s mental health should be implemented in the Mpumalanga and Western Cape Province, if not the rest of the country. Conclusion: The study concluded that childhood violence exposure results negatively. It affects children psychologically and disrupting their daily functioning and exposing them to psychological conditions that last longer. Keywords: Violence exposure, Parents HIV status and children’s future behavioural outcome.Item Open Access Covid-19 Household Screening: Challenges Experienced by Community Health Care Workers in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2023-05-19) Netshiheni, Salthiel Fulufhedzani; Mashau, N. S.; Manganye, B. S.During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in South Africa, community healthcare workers were working as foot soldiers to screen community members for COVID-19 in the community members’ households. The current study investigated the challenges experienced by community healthcare workers during COVID-19 household screening, with a distinct focus on the Thulamela Municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach, embedded within the explorative and descriptive research designs, to explore the challenges experienced by community healthcare workers during COVID-19 household screening. The population were all community healthcare workers working within communities, as deployed by primary healthcare facilities in the Vhembe District. This study adopted purposive sampling to select both participants and two PHC facilities located in Thulamela Municipality. A face-to-face in-depth, unstructured interview was employed as a data collection method. Data collection was discontinued after data saturation, which occurred after interviewing 17 participants. The data collection instrument was pre-tested using three community healthcare workers. Furthermore, data was analysed using the thematic data analysis approach. The findings revealed that the challenges experienced by the community healthcare workers within communities vary, based on context. Lack of knowledge and experience regarding COVID-19 deepened the challenges that were experienced by community workers during the COVID-19 household screening, apart from the socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Further research is required to enhance understanding of the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 household screening, to formulate some strategies to deal with future health crises, such as COVID-19.Item Open Access Perceived factors associated with LTFU from Art Program among adults living with HIV in Vhembe District, South Africa(2023-05-19) Netshifhefhe, Livhuwani E.; Makhado, L.; Tshivhase, S. E.Losses to follow-up have emerged as a legitimate threat to the long-term success of the Anti-Retroviral therapy program. The success of Anti-Retroviral therapy program is monitored through retention in care and viral load suppression. This study describes perceived factors associated with loss to follow-up. A quantitative approach, cross sectional survey design study was conducted guided by the Health Belief Model. Permission to conduct the study was sort from the relevant authorities prior conducting the study and informed consent obtained from respondents who voluntarily participated. Respondents were selected through simple random sampling technique from seven primary health care facilities in Sibasa, Limpopo. An adapted questionnaire developed to measure constructs of the Health Belief Model was self-administered to measure perceived susceptibility and severity to complications of HIV disease and perceived benefits and barriers to attending HIV clinic. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire was evaluated during pretesting of the questionnaire to check if the questionnaire was measuring what it was intended to measure and if it was able to yield the same results in more than one occasion. The internal consistency of the instrument was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient. The instrument showed greater internal consistency. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data. The analysis was performed using SPSS VERSION 28. Results were presented in the form of frequency tables, bar charts, and tables. Results: 376 respondents participated in the study. Descriptive statistics revealed low perception of susceptibility to complications of HIV infection, somewhat closeness between the agree and disagree to perceived severity towards the complications of HIV infections, high perceived benefits and low perceived barriers regarding attendance and adherence to HIV treatment. Perceived motivation towards improvement of the general health status and proper lifestyle modification was high. Conclusion: The study revealed that low perceived susceptibility to complications of HIV infection and low perceived severity to complications of HIV were factors associated with LTFU from ART program. It is recommended that health education be strengthened about complications which may arise due to lowered immune system.Item Open Access Prevalence of menstrual disorders and health-seeking behaviour of adolescents in Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province(2023-05-19) Mavhunga, Khumbudzo; Ramathuba, D. U.; Mashau, N. S.Background: As important as menstruation is to women’s reproduction is accompanied by different disorders which may affect the quality of female’s life. Menstrual disorders are the main cause of anxiety and psychological stress in young girls. Globally, the prevalence of menstrual disorders ranges from 51 % to 90% amongst young girls and adults. Purpose: The aim of the study is to identify the prevalence of menstrual disorders and healthseeking behaviours of adolescents in Greater Giyani Municipality. Method: The study employed quantitative cross-sectional, explorative, descriptive design. A sample size of 360 adolescent girls from grade 9 to 12 aged between 14 to 19 years old was obtained using Slovin’s formula. Data was collected using a questionnaire with three sections namely demographic data, menstrual disorders information and health-seeking information. Probability sampling was used to select three educational circuits and non- probability purposive method was used to select four secondary schools. Participants were sampled by convenient method. Ethical considerations and validity and reliability were ensured. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 26). Pearson’s Chisquare was used to obtain association between variables. The study discovered a prevalence of menstrual disorders which includes dysmenorrhoea (24.4%), Menorrhagia (8.2%), polymenorria (22.5%) and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (22.5%). In terms of health seeking, the study revealed that 44.9% of girls seek medical care when experiencing menstrual pain, and 47% of girls relied on analgesics to relieve pain. Lastly, 26.5 % of school absenteeism due to menstrual disorders was reported. Conclusion: The findings show that menstrual disorders are prevalent among girls in Greater Giyani Municipality and majority of them rely on medical treatment for pain.Item Open Access Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 disease among community members of Collins Chabane Municipality in Limpopo Province(2023-05-19) Khosa, Langutani Lucia; Mashau, N. S.; Makhado, L.A novel coronavirus known as Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also known as coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory disease that has received attention in the whole world and has spread throughout. The current study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 among community members of a selected rural community in the Vhembe district in Limpopo province. The study applied a Quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey design to address the study objectives. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Stratified random sampling was used to select 418 participants from a population of 7780 and 400 responses were received from Collins Chabane’s Njhakanjhaka village. Reliability was tested using Cronbach alpha and the result of the Chronbach Alpha correlation coefficient was 0.95, therefore, the data collection instrument has a high reliability. Results show that there is no significant difference between participants that agreed or disagreed with the statements regarding knowledge (p-value=0,299>0,05) and that participants were unsure in the knowledge of COVID-19 with a strong association to age group, ethnicity, educational level and religion, (p-value<0,0001). Although there was a negative attitude towards the use and buying of sanitizers, results show that in general participants agreed with the statements related to attitude compared to those who disagreed, (p-value<0,0001) with a strong association to age group, gender, and ethnicity, educational level and religion (p-value<0,000.The majority of participants always follow the practices regarding Covid-19 among community members of Collins Chabane Municipality compared to those who never , (p-value<0,00001), with a strong association to age group, gender, ethnicity, educational level and religion (p-value<0,0001). This study recommended that due to the lack of knowledge found in this study, the government and the health care authorities need to distribute and share information with the public to counteract potential misinformation.Item Open Access The Psychosocial Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Nurses at a Selected Tertiary Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa.(2023-05-19) Maja, Noria Madithapo; Makhado, L.; Tshivhase, S. E.Coronavirus (COVID-19), pose a massive threat to the wellbeing of all the members of the population in the country, but massively left the health care workers to deal with the fear and anxiety while caring for those infected by the virus. The study aimed to explore and describe the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on Nurses at a selected hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The selected hospital for this study was one of the tertiary hospitals designated to admit the COVID-19 patient. The study employed a qualitative approach using an exploratory, descriptive design. The researcher selected non-probability sampling, using a purposeful sampling technique to select a group of professional Nurses, preferably those who have been exposed and/or came into contact with a patient who tested positive for covid-19 at a selected hospital. The study used semi-structured interviews, where individual in-depth interviews were conducted using interview guide to collect data. The interview guide contained one central question to give direction to the researcher when collecting data. The collected data was analysed with the thematic analysis method in the qualitative method. The researcher ensured that research ethics were considered, including respecting the participant rights. In addition, trustworthiness was maintained by applying its four criteria: credibility, dependability, conformability, and transferability. This study revealed two major themes such as psychological impact of COVID-19 on nurses and social impact of COVID-19 on nurses. In order to expand and further explains the response provided by the participants, this study recommend that future researchers could employ Mixed methodologies, the quantitative and qualitative research approaches to give an in-depth analysis of the experiences of the nurses during COVID-19 pandemic. The study also recommend that the future researchers could expand the focus on investigating the challenges in different context, in different communities, both urban and rural to identify patterns, trends and experiences of psychological challenges among healthcare professionals. The study findings further recommend that the nurses need to be helped with capability to recover from the psychological, social trauma, fear, discrimination, and stigmatization that came with the nature of being a nurse particularly those who came in contact with patient who tested COVID-19 Positive.Item Open Access Preventative measures practiced by teenagers against sexually transmitted infections at a selected clinic in Vhembe District, Limpopo(2023-05-19) Hlungwane, Eustacia; Tshitangano, T. G.; Mudau, A. G.STIs in South Africa are increasing in alarming rates. The selected clinic is no.5 with the highest STIs, pregnancy and HIV statistics in Limpopo province among 13 to 19years old teenagers. The purpose of the study was to explore preventative measures practiced by teenagers against STIs at a selected clinic of Vhembe district, South Africa. Qualitative research methodology, which adopted exploratory research design was used. Purposively sampled sixteen teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 years who are using the selected clinic’s youth friendly services participated in the study. Unstructured in-depth face to face interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed through an open–coding method. Findings revealed that only two out of sixteen participants aged 13 and 14 years practiced abstinence. The rest of participants were sexually active, using traditional concussion made from boiling aloe or morula tree, which they drank before and after sex, applying plain yoghurt on the vagina once a week OR vaginal steaming. Only six used condoms. Participants cited patriarchy, lack of sex education in rural schools, long distance to clinics and desire to taste sex as reasons for adopting such preventive measures. Risky sexual behavior among 13 to 19 years old teenagers is still rife in rural areas. School health and youth friendly clinics services needs to be strengthened to raise awareness and improve accessibility to condoms and STI education.Item Open Access Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Men Regarding Prostate Cancer in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District(2023-05-19) Chavhalala, Dakalo Mathews; Mashau, N. S.; Netshandama, V. O.Prostate cancer is one of the men`s killer diseases globally and the number of fatalities attributed to it is on a rise. This study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive survey design to investigate men's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding prostate cancer in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District. A sample size of 280 was calculated using an automated web-based online Raosoft sample size calculator. Random sampling was used to select 280 men aged 40 years and above from Ha Budeli village. A questionnaire containing close-ended questions was used to collect data. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25.0 was used to analyse data. Data were summarised descriptively and presented in frequencies, tables and charts. Chi-square and Phi and Cramer’s V tests were used to test for association and effects size respectively at 0.5 level of significance. Respondents’ knowledge as an explanatory variable and attitude and practice as response variables were assessed. Ethical measures were considered throughout the study. The findings of this study showed that 65% of men had adequate knowledge of Prostate Cancer risk factors and symptoms, while just 35% showed inadequate knowledge of Prostate Cancer. The results also showed that 65% of respondents have a positive attitude towards Prostate Cancer. However, the results show that the practice of men regarding Prostate Cancer is negative with only 6% of respondents saying they have visited a clinic to consult about symptoms that made them think they had Prostate Cancer. Furthermore, the study found a significant association between knowledge and attitudes. The relation between these variables was significant, X2 (4, N=285) = 29.09, p = .001. Therefore, the study recommends widespread awareness campaigns that target raising awareness about the importance of screening and influence men to regularly go for check-ups especially those at high risk.Item Open Access Guidelines to support students during practicum training at a University of Limpopo Province, South Africa(2023-05-19) Mphephu, Khathutshelo Edith; Mulaudzi, T. M.; Takalani, F. J.Students registered for a Bachelor of Psychology are required to complete a six-month practicum during the second semester in their fourth year of study before they graduate. During their practicum, they are called student registered counsellors. These student registered counsellors also offer counseling to clients suffering from trauma. Counselling trauma clients exposes the students to various challenges which affect their normal functioning, making them less effective when they offer counseling. The aims of this study were to explore the challenges experienced by student registered counsellors during their practicum and develop guidelines that will assist to identify and offer support to affected students while they are caring for trauma clients. The objectives of the study were to describe the profile of clients counselled by student registered counsellors, to explain the activities and roles played by student registered counsellors during counselling, to determine the effects of counselling trauma clients on student registered counsellors, to explain the mechanisms for identifying student registered counsellors affected during practicum, to identify coping strategies used by students to deal with challenges encountered during practicum training, to explore the kind of support received by student registered counsellors during practicum, and to develop guidelines for supporting students who experience challenges while caring for clients during practicum. The study was qualitative in nature. A phenomenological research design was used. The population comprised former student registered counsellors who had completed their practicum. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 participants. The former student registered counsellors were asked to come on campus for the interviews after they had completed their practicum. The researcher took into consideration both institutional and external ethical issues. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide. The semi-structured interviews were conducted in the researcher’s office. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The findings of the study outlined several challenges, such as struggles to adjust to a new environment, and countertransference, that were encountered by student registered counsellors during practicum, and which were related to training at the university and the practicum site. The study also helped to identify ways that can be adopted to deal with the challenges encountered by student registered counsellors. At the end of the study, based on the findings, the researcher was able to develop guidelines that will be used to support student counsellors on practicum.Item Open Access Physical activity level and cardiovascular risk factors: case study of high school teachers within Makhado Municipality(2022-11-10) Ratselani, Tondani; Makhado, L.; Mashau, N. S.; 616.10968257Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are particular habits, behaviours, circumstances that increase a person's risk for developing CVD. The study aimed to determine physical activity level and cardiovascular risk factors among high school teachers within Makhado Municipality. A Predictive correlational design was used in this study. The total population sampling procedure was used. Questionnaire and anthropometric instruments were used to collect data. The SPSS was used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe variables in this study: logistic regression was used to establish demographic characteristics of teachers to predict physical activity level and cardiovascular risk factors, and the relationship between physical activity level and cardiovascular risk factors was determined by correlation coefficient. Results: a total of 278 participants were selected. Most teachers were not active; only 11.2% had high physical activity levels. Gender was the most predictor for physical activity level males were more active than females, while age and gender was the predictor for basal metabolic rate. Age was a predictor for both BMI and waist circumference, and gender was a predictor for PAL and BMR. There was a positive association between WC and body mass index, between starch intake and salt intake, another association was between HBP and WC, lastly between salt and fruits intake. Recommendations: Department of Education organize wellness day/sports for teachers where health practitioners like dietician and biokineticist can educate them about dietary patterns and benefits of exercises and how lifestyles choices impact the risk of developing CVD.