bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Western health practitioners’ view about African traditional health practitioners’ treatment and care of people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Summerton JV
Published: November 2012

African traditional health practitioners are an important source of health care for many South Africans. Thus, they are a health resource in this society. However, the integration of traditional health practitioners into the mainstream of health care is a complex process. Various factors contribute to this complexity, including the skepticism and reservation with which some western health practitioners view traditional health practitioners. This paper highlights the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the traditional healing system for people living with HIV/AIDS, as perceived by western health practitioners. The use of traditional practitioners as a choice of health care is attributed to both the strengths and weaknesses of this system of health care. The strength of the traditional healing system is in its sharing of the worldview and belief system of its users, it being an alternative to an inefficient western health care system (official system), privacy and absence of time limitations per consultation, treating patients psychologically, and scientifically unexplained physiological relief of the symptoms of specific illnesses. The perceived weaknesses of the traditional healing system include harmful treatment regimens, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS; prolonging the seeking of appropriate health care when traditional remedies fail to produce the desired effect; destroying interpersonal relationships of people living with HIV/AIDS through witchcraft accusations; psychological torment caused by the belief that HIV/AIDS can be cured by traditional remedies/intervention; and increasing the workload of western practitioners who are requested by patients to conduct multiple HIV tests after undergoing various traditional treatment regimens to cure HIV/AIDS. It is recommended that traditional practitioners be encouraged to adapt harmful traditional healing practices to the benefit of their patients in a non-judgemental and non-critical manner. In addition, joint workshops should be conducted with traditional and western practitioners to demystify traditional healing practices.
Exploration of the views of traditional healers regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) law
Authors: Rakhudu MA , Mmelesi AMM , Myburgh CPH , Poggenpoel M
Published: November 2012

The North-West Province is predominantly a rural area, and traditional healers remain the most important and influential members of the rural communities. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used. In-depth, individual focused and interactive interviews were held with eight traditional healers from the rural areas of Mmabatho-Mafikeng. In addition, field notes and observations were utilised. The objective of this article is to explore the views of the traditional healers regarding termination of pregnancy (TOP) law. The results reflected the following themes: termination of pregnancy is killing; a child is a precious gift from God and the ancestors; there are alternatives to TOP; people who had any type of abortion should be cleansed with “dipitsa” or herbs; TOP may be allowed only in case of rape and incest, rape and incest offenders should be severely punished; and the traditional healers were not consulted during formulation of the TOP Law. It is therefore recommended that traditional should be involved in TOP workshops and educational programmes to enable them to provide counselling before and after abortion.
Foreword
Authors: Muller O.H.
Published: November 2012

This year is Health Year. It is also the YEAR OF THE CHILD. There is nothing in life which gives so much pleasure as observing the infant and the child — the physical growth, the development of the intellect and personality, the discovery of a world of its own. There is also hardly anything that affects one so deeply and exacts so much compassion as interference with this generally accepted process of development.
Leukemie by kinders
Authors: Hugo M.J. , Botha A.
Published: November 2012

Leucaemia is a major cause of death in children between the ages of one and fourteen years. Only a team whose members work well together can care effectively for a child with leucaemia, and of the team the nurse is one of the most important members. In order to maintain her place in the team it is essential for the nurse to keep up to date with the latest developments in the treatment of this formerly fatal illness.
Die hart van verpleging
Authors: Kotzé Wilma
Published: November 2012

Die skep van ’n omgewing van begryping is die eerste en ongetwyfeld die sleutelvoorwaarde vir die daarstelling van ’n milieu van veiligheid waarin die verpleegkundige en ander te ra p te u tie se gebeure sig se lf betekenisvol en effektief sal voltrek. ’n Verhouding van begrip bied die teelaarde waaruit vertroue en gesagsaanvaarding as noodsaaklike bestanddele vir geborgenheidsbelewing vir beide die sieke en die verpleegkundige voortspruit.
The philosophy of health year
Authors: De Beer Johan
Published: November 2012

After a long planning period, Health Year is now with us and in full swing. It is to be hoped that during the course of the year everyone has been bombarded with reminders of the activities that have contributed to the success of this national venture. Some, if not most of you, must have pondered on the raison d ’être on the philosophy behind Health Year. The choice of 1979 was by no
Die multiprofessionile spanbenadering in psigiatrie
Authors: Bruwer A.
Published: November 2012

Traditionally the psychiatric team included only the psychiatrist, pharmacist and the nurse. The interest that other professional workers recently have taken in the care of the psychiatric patient can only have a positive influence on the mental health service. The multiprofessional team is an accepted principle in psychiatry. However, if the classical team concept were to be implemented in the psychiatric service, other professional workers would need to increase in numbers as well as willingness to participate in the treatment of acute and long-term patients. The psychiatric nurse has an established role in the team. It is, however, necessary that other team members be made aware of her dependent and independent functions in order to fully appreciate the contribution that she can make to the team.
Primary health care in a paediatric setting — the background
Authors: Power D.J.
Published: November 2012

At a recent conference, a definition was drawn up that is most appropriate to the South African situation: “ Primary health care is essential health care made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, through their full participation, and at a cost that the community and country can afford. It forms an integral part both of the country’s health system of which it is the nucleus, and of the overall social and economic development of the community.”
Die gesondheidsinligtingsprogram vanaf die skakelkantoor van K.P.A.
Authors: Steyn H.K.
Published: November 2012

The organised distribution of health education information material followed up by purposeful personal and community use of the information are the two prerequisites for knowledge about health and health matters. As the fundamental aim of Health Year is to stimulate community involvement in health matters, the Health Year organisation of the Cape Province declared as its primary objectives the above-mentioned two prerequisites. In planning the project it was also necessary to ensure that limited financial resources did not restrict its scope.
The management and prevention of post partum Haemorrhage in a clinic
Authors: Larsen J.V.
Published: November 2012

Post-partum haemorrhage is best defined as excessive blood loss from the genital tract following the birth of the fetus. For statistical purposes, the definition of excessive blood loss is 600 ml or more. Traditionally, post-partum haemorrhage is divided into primary PPH which is bleeding occurring within 24 hours of delivery, and secondary PPH which is bleeding occurring after that time.
Professionele benaderinge tot die versorging van die bejaarde
Authors: Kotzé W.J.
Published: November 2012

There are few phenomena in the life of man which cause so many misconceptions and fallacies as the concept of aging. Probably the reason for this is to be found in the materialistic spirit of our times to which man is constantly exposed from the embryonic phase of his existence. Unless the members of the therapeutic team themselves believe in the meaning of life and in the unique, irreplaceable value of each human life, and, unless this belief is realised in their own personal lives and in relation to others, they will not be able to lead any other person to a meaningful life.
Die hart van verpleging
Authors: Kotzé Wilma
Published: November 2012

Die lewe van die mens spreek van beweging, van op pad wees. Op sy reis deur die lewe staan hy altyd op die drumpel van die onbekende toekoms. Al gaan dit hoe voorspoedig is die belewing van onsekerheid sy altyd teenwoordige metgesel en is een van sy diepste hunkeringe die na geborgenheid.
Die tersiêre opvoedingstaak van die verpleegkundige
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2012

In modern times emphasis is increasingly laid on the changing circumstances of health services in the Republic of South Africa as well as on the multifaceted role which the professional personnel have to play at medical, nursing and paramedical levels. The nurse-educationist is required to teach in accordance with current philosophy and aims of the educational institutions to which she is attached. Gone are the days when the tutor qualified as a good lecturer by virtue of her extensive scientific experience and insights. Large modern tertiary institutions and progress in the educational field have so changed the picture that the training of tutors today has become a specialised task.
Die geskiedenis, ontwikkeling en toepassing van gesondheidsvoorligting in die daghospitale-organisasie
Authors: Meyer Virginia J.
Published: November 2012

The development and implementation of health education began on a small scale in 1975 by involving children in certain educational games. The zeal and active participation of the children stimulated the interest of the parents and it became obvious that the health education programme would have to be extended to involve all patients of all age groups. Simple methods were devised to educate patients on various health aspects and their positive reaction to these programmes resulted in the expansion of the health education services to the community and which is still expanding according to needs.
The effects of transcultural influences in community psychiatry as they affect the community nurse
Authors: Freed E.D.D.
Published: November 2012

Cultural psychiatry concerns itself with the cultural aspects of aetiology, frequency and nature of mental illness and the care and after-care of the mentally ill within the confines of a given cultural unit.
Shangaan patients and traditional healers management strategies of hypertension in Limpopo Province
Authors: Risenga P.R. , Botha A. , Tjallinks J.E.
Published: November 2012

The study explored the cultural care beliefs, values and attitudes of Shangaans patients’ and traditional healers’ management strategies of hypertension in the Limpopo Province. The study aimed to describe the cultural values, beliefs and practices including taboos, rituals and religion within the world-view of the Shangaans. The study was undertaken in the Mopani region of the Greater Giyani area, with the purpose of recommending improvements to patient care in this area.
Job satisfaction of registered nurses in a community hospital in the Limpopo Province in South Africa
Authors: Kekana H.P.P. , Du Rand E.A. , Van Wyk N.C.
Published: November 2012

Nurses are confronted daily with the demands of an increased workload and insufficient facilities in the public healthcare sector in South Africa. The purpose o f the study was therefore to determine the degree of job satisfaction of registered nurses in a community hospital in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A quantitative descriptive design was used to meet the objectives of the study. The population was not sampled because of the small size of it. All the registered nurses who had one or more years experience in this hospital were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from them regarding the working conditions in the hospital including the emotional and social climate. The questionnaire was based on an instrument developed by Humphries and Turner (1989:303) to determine the degree o f job satisfaction of nursing staff in a unit for elderly mentally retarded patients. The findings indicated that the majority of the respondents were dissatisfied about the working conditions and emotional climate in the hospital while they were fairly satisfied with the social climate. The workload and degree of fair remuneration, under the working conditions, were the most highly rated as dissatisfying (83% o f the participants) while under the emotional climate they indicated that the pressure under which they worked was highly dissatisfying (82% o f the participants). As the results indicated that the social climate was satisfactory; having a best friend at work and the chance to help other people while at work, were rated positively by 88% and 76% of the participants respectively.
Learners’ knowledge and and perceptions of voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV and AIDS in the Free State Province
Authors: Botma Y. , Motiki Z.D. , Viljoen M.C.
Published: November 2012

The study investigated the perceptions of the youth regarding Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) and sexual aspects related to HIV and AIDS. The study was grounded in qualitative methodology, using 4 focus group interviews for data collection - triangulating the results with field notes and literature. The participants of the four focus groups proved to be well informed on the topic and had clear perceptions concerning several aspects. They were very positive regarding the advantages of VCT for the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS. The participants recognised the need for the youth to be better informed about VCT and HIV and AIDS. They were much concerned by the lack of parental involvement in sexual education as well as the permissiveness of the youth who partook in alcohol and drug abuse as well as prostitution. Participants of the study stated that this problem was exacerbated by poverty and poor socio economic conditions.
Substance abuse and the risk of readmission of people with schizophrenia at Amanuel Psychiatric Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Bimerew M.S. , Sonn F.C.T. , Kortenbout W.P.
Published: November 2012

Frequent readmissions of people with schizophrenia pose considerable pressure on the psychiatric service provision of Amanuel Psychiatric Hospital. The purpose of the study was to ascertain factors mainly contributing to the rate of readmissions of people with schizophrenia. Descriptive survey methods and qualitative focus group interviews were employed to conduct the study. Random sampling techniques were used to select 43 respondents of people with schizophrenia from 231 people with schizophrenia who were readmitted for two or more times in the last two years and who gained access during the time of the study. Structured interviews were used for respondents of people with schizophrenia. Fourteen (N = 14) family members/caregivers were selected using purposive sampling methods for focus group discussions. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS Version 11.00 program and the qualitative data was analyzed by generating themes and categories. The results suggest that alcohol and that abuse were contributing factors for the rate of readmissions of people with schizophrenia into the Amanuel Psychiatric Hospital. It was found that communities contribute to the problems of substance abuse by providing and/or selling it to those mentally ill people. The study also revealed that patients use alcohol and that in order to tolerate the severe side effects of the anti-psychotic drugs, to suppress hunger due to shortage of food and to avoid drowsiness. Raising community awareness, psycho-education, strengthening the capacities of caretakers and laws to prevent substance abuse, as well as campaigning to prevent people from abusing mentally ill sufferers, should be established.
The experience of women with genital prolapse
Authors: Roets L.
Published: November 2012

The concept genital prolapse indicates the transposition of the pelvic organs. These include the bladder, uterus, vaginal dome and the rectum. Regardless of the stage of genital prolapse, it can have a drastic influence on the quality of a woman’s life. It may lead to incontinence of urine and faeces, sexual problems as well as pelvic discomfort. The way in which a patient experiences these symptoms is of value to the nurse for whom holistic care is important. The aim of this study was, therefore, to describe the experiences of women with a diagnosis of genital prolapse. A qualitative study was carried out from a phenomenological viewpoint. Individual in-depth interviews were used as the method of data collection. The interviews took place in a relaxed, familiar environment. One open-ended question was asked, namely: “Please describe to me how you experience the symptoms of your condition”.
Indigenous health beliefs, attitudes and practices among VhaVenda: A challenge to the promotion of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies
Authors: Mulaudzi F.M.
Published: November 2012

Currently, the syndromic management of HIV/AIDS is based on a biomedical model that focuses on the ABC (Abstain, Be faithful, Condomise) model. The ABC model overlooks the issue of indigenous cultural practices, sexual behaviours, knowledge and attitudes of the society. A grounded theory study was used for the research. The population for the research on which this article is reporting, was selected from the Vhavenda ethnic group using purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were held at the participants’ own homes. The outcome of the study on which this article is reporting, may assist in identifying indigenous health beliefs, attitudes and practices that will assist in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The findings revealed that cultural practices, such as premarital counselling, polygamy and widow inheritance, are believed to be influential in making women more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The practice of abstinence, as emphasised at initiation schools, should be incorporated into current policies and preventative practices. The findings further demonstrate that policy-makers who formulated the HIV/AIDS strategy have limited knowledge of the health beliefs, attitudes and practices of the people they serve. They thus find it difficult to draw up promotion and prevention strategies that meet the needs of the community. It is therefore imperative that our health-care training curriculum be reviewed to make provision for the incorporation of sound and effective indigenous practices to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and to eliminate or refine practices that are harmful and detrimental to people’s health. The cultural practices that were proved reliable and effective will be recommended for integration into health education.
People living with AIDS/HIV in Botswana: a needs assessment
Authors: Zuyderduin A. , Ehlers V.J. , Van der Wal D.M.
Published: November 2012

A deficit in information and knowledge regarding people living with AIDS in Botswana, hampering health care planning and satisfactory health care delivery to these people, necessitated the needs assessment reported on in this paper. Not only did self-imposed alienation and societal levels of stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS force many people living with AIDS/HIV (PLWAH) into silence and denial of their HIV+ve diagnosis, thereby creating knowledge and information deficits. These same factors also pose challenges for conducting a needs assessment among these persons. Consequently, a 73 item questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 39 male and 77 female PLWAH in Botswana. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs served as a general theoretical point of departure for the needs analysis and the 73 items represented needs at all levels of this hierarchy. Analysis of the data indicates that 65% of the respondents lived in urban areas. The majority of individuals (42%) were tested for HIV because they became ill, while 28% did so voluntarily. Other reasons for testing were: child becoming ill, partner becoming ill, being pregnant and having been raped. Only 7% indicated that their HIV status had been disclosed to other persons. With regards to love and belongingness 70% of the respondents indicated that they were not in an intimate relationship, nearly one third experienced multiple deaths within their families due to AIDS, 61% had access to a support group, and 48% had not informed their parents about their HIV+ve status. Stigmatisation weighed down self-esteem. Despite the deficiencies in the fulfilment of safety, belonging
Guidelines to reduce sexually trasmitted infections at primary health care centres - Part 2
Authors: Molapo S.T.J. , Maja T.M.M. , Wright S.C.D.
Published: November 2012

Sexually transmitted diseases are the second highest cause of death among women aged 15-44 years. The incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases is on the increase at many health care centres despite their dreadfulness and many preventative measures. According to the Scope of Practice of registered professional nurses working in a community health clinic, the registered professional nurse has a responsibility to prevent disease and promote health as well as do research. This paper aims to describe guidelines to reduce sexually transmitted infections at primary health care centres based on research done to investigate the community specific knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding sexually transmitted infections. Structured interviews were used to collect data from 1694 participants (males and females) who were consulted at a primary health care clinic in Mamelodi, Gauteng province. Existing patients’ records were also utilised to calculate the incidence rate of sexually transmitted infections. Data were computerised and analysed quantitatively to reflect the results in frequencies and percentages as reported in Part 1 of this research. Guidelines to direct the practice of registered professional nurse were developed based on the findings of the results. These guidelines must underpin community specific interventions to reduce the incidence of sexually.
Knowledge of breast self-examination in women in Sierra Leone
Authors: Shepherd J.H.E.E. , Mclnerney P.A.
Published: November 2012

This research is a follow up of a Breast Week which was organized in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The specific objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the knowledge and teachings given to the women who participated in this project. A quantitative approach with an exploratory descriptive design was adopted and an observational checklist guided the data collection process. A sample size of 120 women (10%) who participated in the Breast Week was obtained through systematic sampling. During the Breast Week women were taught how to examine their breasts using breast self-examination (BSE) to detect abnormalities of the breasts. This study was undertaken one year later by the researcher to ascertain whether the information on breast self-examination provided during the Breast Week was being utilised and whether what was taught was being put into use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. Reliability and validity were ensured through the use of a structured observational checklist and a pilot study was undertaken. The observations were all observed and recorded by the same researcher. The majority of the 120 women (91.7%) stated that they had never practiced BSE before the Breast Week. After receiving health education on BSE, 95% were able to demonstrate an effective method of undertaking BSE. It is thus recommended that every opportunity should be utilized in health care settings to teach BSE and to reinforce the practice, especially in poverty stricken countries where other forms of screening methods are unavailable.
Rationalisation of Nursing Education in Limpopo province: Nurse educators’ perspectives
Authors: Makhuvha T.R. , Davhana-Maselesele M. , Netshandama V.O.
Published: November 2012

Nursing education institutions are facing a challenge of realigning its functioning according to the changes that are taking place within the country. The intention of the government post apartheid was to correct the imbalances which were brought about by the apartheid government and the following regulations and policies influenced the change in nursing education, that is, Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), White Paper on Higher Education (WPHE), and the National Qualification Framework (NQF) (South Africa, 1995:6). In 1996 the government introduced the first democratic constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RS A) according to Act 108 of 1996. In the light of those increasing changes in nursing education, led by political change, the experiences of nurse educators is a critical issue facing nursing campuses. The purpose of this study was two-fold; namely: to explore and describe the experiences of nurse educators with regard to the rationalisation of nursing education and to use information obtained to describe guidelines for the effective rationalisation of a nursing college in the Limpopo Province. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Qualitative interviews were conducted with nurse educators who worked in nursing colleges before and after 1994. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were applied and ethical issues were adhered to throughout the research process. Data was analysed following Tesch’s method (Creswell 1994:154-155). The research established that nurse educators experienced dissatisfaction in several areas relating to the rationalization of nursing education. Support was also expected from bureaucracy at higher level. This study developed guidelines to policy makers and nurse educators to ensure effective rationalisation process.
Pregnant women’s knowledge about Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV infection through breast feeding
Authors: Maputle MS
Published: November 2012

The HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa has reached serious proportions. Over 5, 5 million South Africans are infected with HIV (Department of Health, 2004:10). Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) is a well-established mode of HIV transmission and these infections may occur during pregnancy, labour, delivery and breastfeeding. According to the Department of Health (2000:2), breastfeeding constitutes a significant risk of MTCT HIV transmission. Studies in Africa have also shown that breast-feeding increases the risk of MTCT by 12%-43% (Department of Health, 2000:13; Department of Health, 2000:3). Since breastfeeding is a significant and preventable mode of HIV transmission to infants, there is an urgent need to educate, counsel and support women and families to make informed decisions about how best to feed their infants in the context of HTV. To achieve a reduction in MTCT, there is an urgent need to empower women with information on MTCT for informed decision-making. However, cultural factors and the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS might contribute to limited knowledge about MTCT through breastfeeding.
Diagnosing childhood Tuberculosis in rural clinics in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Vellema S.C.
Published: November 2012

Tuberculosis is a major global public health challenge and disease in young children is particularly severe. Diagnosing tuberculosis in children is complex as clinical presentation is often atypical and available diagnostic modalities are imperfect. Diagnosis is particularly challenging in developing countries where resources and access to sophisticated facilities are limited. The South African primary health care system requires frontline nurses to be equipped to suspect, diagnose and treat children with tuberculosis, but their capacity to diagnose childhood tuberculosis is unknown. Relatively low rates of childhood tuberculosis notification suggested that tuberculosis may have been under-diagnosed in Mpumalanga Province.
The relationship between body mass index and self-concept among adolescent black female university students
Authors: Bodiba P
Published: November 2012

The study investigated the relationship between body mass index and self-concept among adolescent black female university students. The study used a mixed research design (quantitative and qualitative methods). Media images of handsome faces and beautiful bodies are used to sell almost everything, from clothes and cosmetic to luncheon, meats, and so on. These images reinforce the western cultural stereotype that women should be thin and shapely to be attractive. Thus, as some girls go through puberty they may become dissatisfied with their weight, and to a lesser extent, with their shape, thus, developing low self-concept or imae of themselves. It is in this context that the study was conceptualised.
Women’s experiences of maternal and child health and family planning services in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Gatsinzi S
Published: November 2012

The increasing recognition that millions of women and children die every year as a result of the poor health of the mother coupled with inadequate care before, during, and after delivery, has highlighted the importance of seeking women’s views of health services in order to contribute to improving their health. The purpose of this paper is to shed more light on women’s views of health services by exploring their experiences of maternal and child health and family planning services in Cato Manor in KwaZulu- Natal. The findings suggest that the majority of women were unclear about the purpose of antenatal care. Most women had little or no knowledge about the required number of antenatal care visits. In addition, few women reported that they were offered a comprehensive range of contraceptive services during their visit. In most cases, they were only given information on a limited number of family planning methods. However, the majority of women expressed overall satisfaction with the services. Discontent mainly rose from the long waiting period, duration of the consultation and limited contraceptive counselling. In order to ensure sustainable improvements in women’s health increasing involvement of men is also important.
Palliative care: A positive outcome for cancer patients?
Authors: Maree JE
Published: November 2012

The development of palliative care in terms of recognizing the needs of the dying, palliative care becoming a nursing and medical speciality, the involvement of the World Health Organization in palliative care and the continuous development of treatment modalities available to cancer patients creates the expectation that the outcomes for the patient should also be positively influenced. The purpose of the study was to determine the most common symptoms of advanced cancer patients treated in a public and private hospital in Tshwane, and whether advances in palliative care improved the outcomes for these patients by decreasing the prevalence of symptoms experienced. The design of the study was a quantitative survey. The population consisted of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative treatment as out patients in radiation and medical oncology clinics in a public and private hospital the Tshwane Metropolitan area. The sampling method was convenient and the sample size was 148 participants (n=148). Data was gathered by means of an interview and self report. Data analysis was done by means of descriptive statistics. The results of the study indicated that a high number of patients still experience problems that could have been prevented. Pain was found to be the biggest problem for patients (76.4%) followed by weakness and fatigue (65.5%), nausea and vomiting (65.5%) and a dry mouth (46.6%). Thirst was reported by 41.2% of the sample. The study provides evidence that the development of palliative care did not have a positive outcome for patients by reducing the prevalence of symptoms experienced.
HIV/AIDS risk factors among residence students at the University of the Free State
Authors: Badenhorst G
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the sexual campus culture of students at the University of the Free State (UFS), by specifically focussing on gender and culture as patterns of high-risk sexual behaviour. The sample consisted of 396 participants, 211 female and 185 male students, with a mean age of 19.9 years. Sixty one percent (61 %) of the students associated themselves with a Western cultural background and 39% with an African cultural background.
An evaluation of the implementation of tuberculosis policies at a regional hospital in the Limpopo Province
Authors: Luhaiima TR
Published: November 2012

Thé current rate of tuberculosis infections as a result of new infections, as well as reinfections of patients is of concern to the disease control and policy-making bodies of South Africa. Questions regarding the effectiveness of tuberculosis policies and programmes emerge all the time. This study intended to evaluate the extent to which tuberculosis policies are implemented in a regional hospital in the Vhembe district in the Limpopo Province.
The use of experts and their judgments in nursing research: an overview
Authors: Bruce JC
Published: November 2012

Experts and their judgments are widely used in the fields of research, education, health care, law, commerce and technology. Expert judgment is known for its subjectivity and its potential for bias, which brings into question the accuracy and authenticity of judgmental data. At the same time there is acknowledgment of the valued contribution of judgmental data towards valid inferences in research and education. Maximizing the use of experts and their judgments has therefore become an endeavour of educationists and researchers alike.
Nursing students’ evaluation of the introduction of nursing diagnosis focused tutorials in a university degree programme
Authors: Brysiewicz P. , Lee M.B.
Published: November 2012

The School of Nursing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has recently introduced the concept of nursing diagnosis within the Bachelor of Nursing Problem Based Learning (PBL) acute care nursing course. A descriptive survey was designed to evaluate a teaching strategy the researchers developed for Year III Bachelor of Nursing students in an acute care clinical practice course. All students in Year III PBL tutorials in 2006 were included in the study.The students were satisfied with their learning and felt competent in assessing, making and prioritizing nursing diagnoses, formulating hypotheses and using the nursing process in their care in real life nursing situations. With regard to the structured nine step process students generally were enthusiastic about this process and felt that it helped them perform better.This paper describes how the researchers introduced nursing diagnosis and how it was received by the students. Because these students are Year III students their perceptions of this change in focus is especially enlightening and provides useful feedback to further modify the course.
Response times of ambulances to calls from Midwife Obstetric Units of the Peninsula Maternal and Neonatal Service (PMNS) in Cape Town
Authors: Marcus J.K. , Clow S.E.
Published: November 2012

Response times of ambulances to calls from Midwife Obstetric Units, although varied, are perceived as slow. Delays in transporting women experiencing complications during or after their pregnancies to higher levels of care may have negative consequences such as fetal, neonatal or maternal morbidity or death. An exploratory descriptive study was undertaken to investigate the response times of ambulances of the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services to calls from midwife obstetric units (MOUs) in the Peninsula Maternal and Neonatal Services (PMNS) in Cape Town. Response times were calculated from data collected in specific MOUs using a specifically developed instrument. Recorded data included time of call placed requesting transfer, diagnosis or reason for transfer, priority of call and the time of arrival of ambulance to the requesting facility. Mean, median and range of response times, in minutes, to various MOUs and priorities of calls were calculated. These were then compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A comparison was then made between the recorded and analysed response times to national norms and recommendations for ambulance response times and maternal transfer response times respectively.A wide range of response times was noted for the whole sample. Median response times across all priorities of calls and to all MOUs in sample fell short of national norms and recommendations. No statistical differences were noted between various priorities of calls and MOUs.The perception of delayed response times of ambulances to MOUs in the PMNS was confirmed in this pilot study.
Diversity management in the workplace: beyond compliance
Authors: Gwele N.S.
Published: November 2012

Diversity management is not a numbers game. Diversity management is a holistic and strategic intervention aimed at maximizing every individual’s potential to contribute towards the realization o f the organization’s goals through capitalizing on individual talents and differences within a diverse workforce environment. Managing interpersonal relationships within a diverse workforce environment presents a number of challenges related to changes in the social, legal and economic landscape, individual expectations and values as well as the inevitable change in organizational culture (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2005: 1-7). Whether or not organizations are effective in managing diversity is a function of senior managements’ commitment, and the perceived centrality of diversity management by all those who populate the institution’s workspace. Above all it should be clear to all employees, irrespective of race, gender, or vocational/professional status, that each and every one of them has something of value to contribute towards the realization of the institution’s mission and goals. It is crucial to determine clear and manageable success indicators, focusing not only on compliance with legal obligations to include and/or increase the number of employees from the underrepresented and designated groups, but also on strategic intervention strategies to be used to promote and nurture individual talent and potential toward the realization of both individual aspirations and organizational goals re-quality patient outcomes.
A reflection on the application of grounded theory in the exploration of the experiences of informal carers
Authors: Jeggels J.D.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this paper is to reflect on the application of a qualitative research method that presents novice researchers with a variety of challenges. It is suggested that prospective users of the grounded theory method should seek guidance from experts in the field. However, to find these experts has proved to be quite challenging. The research topic lends itself to a qualitative study in general using the grounded theory method in particular. A qualitative approach was followed to describe the experiences of informal carers within their unique contexts. The guidelines of Strauss and Corbin (1990,1998) formed the basis for the development of the grounded theory. The challenges that will be described in a fair amount of detail in this paper include: an understanding of interpretive research paradigms, the philosophical underpinning of the method; its focus on social context; the inductive data analysis processes that allows for the emergence of a substantive theory from empirical data. Prospective scholars should also recognize that grounded theorists follow different approaches to the application of the method. Some subscribe to the traditions of the founders (Glaser & Strauss, 1967), while others choose the analytical rules and procedures proposed by the followers of the method (Strauss & Corbin, 1990,1998).In this paper I reflect on the application of the grounded theory method to explore the experiences of informal carers during the transition of the elderly from hospital to home. The research outcomes showed that informal carers were facilitating care during the transition of the elderly from hospital to home by revealing the link between facilitating care, the basic social process, and other categories associated with informal health care. These categories include: the prior relationship between the carer and the elderly, the traumatic incident, the need for role fitting, maintenance- and repair care, as well as, the consequences of facilitating care, i.e. connected or disconnected care.It is recommended that informal carers be recognized as essential community assets and that they are included in the health care system of the country; that they need information as well as financial and material resources and that they require the support of family, home-based workers and professionals alike.
Reviewing gender and cultural factors associated with HIV/AIDS among university students in the South African context
Authors: Van Staden A. , Badenhorst G.
Published: November 2012

South Africa is in the midst of a catastrophic AIDS epidemic. HIV prevalence statistics in most countries indicate that up to 60% of all new infections occur among 15 to 24 year olds, whilst this group also boasts the highest incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Statistical findings among South African students predict a 10% increase in the HIV infection rate, highlighting the inability of universities to cope with societies’ demands for academically trained workers which, in the near future, will have a detrimental effect on the economy of South Africa. From the literature it is evident that HIV/AIDS is more than a health issue, it is an inter-sectoral challenge to any society. This paper explored the interplay of gender and cultural factors on South African students’ sexual behaviour by inter alia discussing the following factors that might put students at risk for HIV infection: male dominance vs. female submissiveness; age of first sexual encounter; gender-based violence; contraception; circumcision; financial status; myths and ‘othering’; demonstrating the need for effective strategies, policies and programmes to protect young people, especially females from sexual abuse/rape and its consequences, including HIV. The literature review revealed that South African students, despite adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge, demonstrated high rates of sexual practices that place them at risk for HIV infection, i.e. unprotected sex, multiple partners and ‘sugar-daddy practices’. The paper concludes with a discussion on recommendations for future HIV prevention/ intervention programmes, highlighting the fact that it acquires an inclusive approach. Such interventions should move beyond the individual level to be effective and target gender-based inequalities, human rights violations, including sexual violence and rape, as well as stigma and poverty reduction, both at community and tertiary educational level.
Infant feeding and HIV positive mothers in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province
Authors: Ramara N.S. , Maputle M.S. , Lekhuleni M.E.
Published: November 2012

HIV-positive mothers who practise infant feeding of their choice at Mankweng clinic in the Limpopo province are experiencing specific problems with various feeding methods. This study was undertaken with the aim to explore and describe the socioeconomic and cultural experiences of HIV-positive mothers who practise infant feeding of their choice. The research design was exploratory, descriptive, qualitative and contextual in nature. A phenomenological approach was adopted to focus on the lived experiences of HIV-positive mothers. The study sample was purposely selected. Ten HIV-positive mothers volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected through in-depth unstructured interviews. All participants responded to an open-ended question: “Could you please tell me, in detail, your experience on infant feeding of your choice?” Interviews were conducted until saturation, as was reflected in repeating themes, was reached. The model of trustworthiness, as outlined in Guba and Lincoln (1985:301 -318), to ensure credibility and dependability, was used in this study. The study adhered to the ethical standards as set by DENOSA (1998:2.3.2-2.3.4). Data were analysed according to Tesch’s method, as outlined in Creswell (2003:192) and De Vos (1998:343). Literature control was performed to verify the results. Two main categories that emerged were guided by options for infant feeding; namely those that chose formula feeding for their babies and those participants who opted to breast-feed their babies The study proposed to recommend guidelines for the development of relevent content for inclusion in health education programmes of registered midwives who, in turn, can use such information to educate mothers
Knowledge related to nutrition and hypertension management practices of adults in Ga-Rankuwa day clinics
Authors: Nkosi N.G. , Wright S.C.D.
Published: November 2012

Hypertension is a global, non-communicable chronic disease being asymptomatic and known as the silent killer with signs and symptoms only occurring when a target organ is damaged. Being a condition common in South Africa, hypertension is also a risk factor for cerebro-vascular incidents, myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, renal disease and retinopathy. Black adults in an urban environment appear to be especially vulnerable to excessive increases in blood pressure. The research question explored was what was the knowledge of hypertensive adults attending day clinics in Ga-Rankuwa regarding nutrition and hypertension management practices. An exploratory strategy was used as no similar research had previously been conducted in Ga-Rankuwa. A cross sectional survey design was used to investigate hypertensive adults attending the three primary health clinics in Ga-Rankuwa. The sampling method was convenient and the sample size 101 participants. Two data gathering methods were used, these being physical measurements and self-report. For the self-report, a structured interview was conducted. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated a lack of knowledge regarding nutrition and management of hypertension. The proportion of participants with uncontrolled hypertension was high (58.6%) and non-compliance with medication occurred frequently (58.1%). A third (28.7%) of the sample lacked knowledge of the complications of hypertension (28.7%). A community-based intervention, based on the results of the study, is recommended.
Die onderrigtaak van die verpleegpraktisyn in die saalsituasie
Authors: Potgieter M.E.C.
Published: November 2012

The ward sister, being the senior nurse practitioner on the ward, has an important teaching task. This teaching, although mainly directed towards the student nurse, also includes all categories of workers in the ward as well as the patient and his family. Teaching on the ward mainly takes place on an informal basis, but some methods of formal teaching can be used with excellent results.