bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The knowledge of obstetric complications among primigravidae in a rural health centre in the district of Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Kumbani L. , Me Inerney P.
Published: November 2012

An informed individual is better placed to make reasonable decisions. It is therefore of vital importance that women be knowledgeable about obstetric complications to enable them to respond appropriately to complications that may arise. This study aimed to explore primigravidae’s knowledge of obstetric complications. A descriptive study design was used to determine what knowledge primigravidae had of obstetric complications. Recognition of obstetric complications in pregnancy, during labour and after delivery and actions that participants would take if they developed any complications in pregnancy and after delivery were explored. Participants’ actions were not sought for problems faced during labour because the researcher felt the participants would have little control of the situation with regard to choice during labour.
Development and testing of a 25-item patient satisfaction scale for Black South African diabetic outpatients
Authors: Westaway M.S. , Rheeder P. , Van Zyl D.G. , Seager J.R.
Published: November 2012

Although there is general agreement that patient satisfaction is an integral component of service quality, there is a paucity of South African research on reliable and valid satisfaction measures and the effects of health status on satisfaction. A 25-item patient satisfaction scale was developed and tested for evaluating the quality of health care for black diabetic outpatients. It was hypothesised that: (1) the underlying dimensions of patient satisfaction were interpersonal and organisational; and (2) patients in poor health would be less satisfied with the quality of their care than patients in good health. The questionnaire was administered to 263 black outpatients from Pretoria Academic Hospital and Kalafong Hospital. Factor analysis was conducted on the patient satisfaction scale and three factors, accounting for 71 % of the variance, were extracted.
Formal clinical primary health care training. Does it make a difference?
Authors: Louwagie G.M.C. , Bachmann M.O. , Reid M.
Published: November 2012

Throughout South Africa, primary clinical care is mainly provided by nurses. In line with this, most professional nurses of the former Bloemfontein local authority completed a one year “Advanced Diploma in Health Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment” course at the University of the Free State. This study aimed to compare the clinical competencies of nurses who obtained this diploma with those who did not. The primary objective was to assess the clinical management of one chronic and one acute disease (diabetes mellitus and acute respiratory tract infections in adults, respectively) for these two groups of nurses. Relationships between quality of care and nurses1 and clinics1 characteristics were also examined since they could be predictors of quality of care, independent of the influence of training.
Akademiese sukses van eerstejaar studentverpleegkundiges aan ‘ n verplegingskollege Deel 1: Faktore wat akademiese sukses beïnvloed
Authors: Williams MJS
Published: November 2012

Muller (1991:43) dui aan dat 30 % van eerste jaar studentverpleegkundiges jaarliks druip. Dit blyk dat hierdie tendens ook waameembaar is by ‘n verplegingskollege wat in ‘n militêre milieu funksioneer. Nieteenstaande die streng keuringsproses wat akademiese-, militêre - en verpleegkundige kriteria insluit, is ‘n gemiddeld van 44% van eerstejaar studentverpleegkundiges wat die 4 jaar diploma- kursus deurloop, akademies onsuksesvol.
Exploring the fear of contracting hiv/aids among trauma nurses in the province of Kwazulu-Natal
Authors: Ncama BP
Published: November 2012

A qualitative study, using phenomenology as an approach was conducted. The title of the study was “Exploring the fear of contracting HIV/AIDS among trauma nurses in the province of Kwazulu-Natal”. Participants were selected on the basis of category (registered nurses), workplace (level one trauma units), and work experience (six months experience in a trauma unit). Twelve nurses participated in the study, six from the state institutions and six from the private institutions.
Accompaniment needs of first year nursing students in the clinical learning environment
Authors: Carlson S
Published: November 2012

The clinical learning environment creates many opportunities for student learning and the development of critical competencies in the nursing profession. The learning that takes place in this environment, however, confronts the first year nursing student with challenges that are absent from the classroom situation and causes the student to experience a significant amount of uncertainty and anxiety.
When ideal and real culture clash - trust, infidelity and condom use
Authors: Ackermann L
Published: November 2012

With high rates of HIV transmission in South Africa, the correct and consistent use of condoms has become critically important. The findings reported in this article form part of a larger study that investigated the vulnerability of women to HIV infection. This article concentrates on one dimension of the study: how a clash between real and ideal culture negatively impacts upon condom use. This study, conducted in Bloemfontein, revealed that an ideal culture of trust, resulted in non condom use. On the other hand, this study also revealed that despite the emphasis on an ideal culture of trust, a real culture of infidelity exists. This places individuals at risk of contracting HIV, as condom use is guided by ideal rather than real culture.
The clinic supervisory system as experienced by nurse supervisors
Authors: Tembani NM
Published: November 2012

A lack of proper monitoring and supervision of clinics in the King William’s Town Health District (Eastern Cape) was highlighted by members of the public in the local newspaper, The Daily Dispatch, during 1999. A clinic audit conducted by the Health Information Unit of the King William’s Town Health District further revealed the inadequacies of clinic supervision in this district. This article describes the qualitative study that was conducted with the aim of optimising clinic supervision in this health district. The study brought to light two issues that appear to be paramount in ensuring optimal clinic supervision.
Standards to assure quality in nursing research
Authors: Zeelie SCD
Published: November 2012

The focus of this article is quality assurance in nursing research. Due to well established problems regarding the education of nursing research and increasing pressure to take responsibility for the quality of all educational activities, departments of nursing are obliged to initiate action; to assure quality in nursing research. A nursing department functions within a well-defined external context. The external context comprises of various aspects such as rolplayer expectations and current educational and professional legislation. Standards are the basic components of any quality assurance system (Booyens, 1996:305). Standards give direction to the practitioner and must be compiled within the context of the country’s cultural, philosophical and ethical value systems, as well as its social economic and political development.
Selected outcomes of community-oriented, problem-based nursing programmes in South Africa.
Authors: Gwele NS
Published: November 2012

Whilst there is a significant body of research on the outcomes of problem-based learning (PBL) programmes (Albanese and Mitchell, 1993; Vernon and Blake, 1993), there is little information regarding the outcomes of community-oriented programmes (COL) for nursing students. Between 1994 and 1997, four university schools of nursing implemented problem-based, community-oriented learning (COL) programmes. This research sought to describe, evaluate and compare the outcomes of graduates from these four universities with graduates who had followed conventional programmes.
A job analysis of selected health workers in a district health system in KwaZulu Natal - Part three: Other categories of health workers
Authors: Groenewald B
Published: November 2012

This article described the third part of a study aimed at doing a job analysis of nurses and non-professional health workers in a district health system. This article describes the tasks of five categories of workers, their training and their work-load over an ordinary week.
Profiel van afgestudeerde B.Cur studente van 1997
Authors: Ballack S
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study is to describe the profile of the B.Cur. graduates who completed their studies in 1997 at the Rand Arikaans University. Theoretical points of departures were used, such as Muller’s career management description (Muller, 1998: 353-362) and Northeastern University’s five-step model career services (Northeastern University, sa:1).
DOTS for temporary workers in the agricultural sector. An exploratory study in Tuberculosis case detection
Authors: Clarke M
Published: November 2012

This study was conducted in the Boland health district of the Cape Winelands of South Africa where there is a high tuberculosis incidence and prevalence. A survey conducted on 211 farms in the study district during 1998, reported that 65% (n = 9042) of all workers on these farms, were temporarily employed. Temporary farm workers live in communities either within or on the outskirts of the boundaries of the Boland health district, from where they are transported to work daily.
The educational and supportive needs of informal caregivers working at Refentse Clinic, Hammanskraal
Authors: Richter M.S. , Peu D.
Published: November 2012

Informal caregivers have long been used as health care providers. It is also not uncommon in present days, to see such practice in the community. This practice of caring normally occurs within the context of the family. The purpose of the study is to explore and describe the educational and supportive needs of informal caregivers. This will assist in planning and establishing health education programmes and a supportive network, for the
Indicators of substance abuse treatment demand in Cape Town, South Africa (1997-2001)
Authors: Myers B. , Parry C.D.H. , Plüddemann A.
Published: November 2012

Few studies have investigated the demand for substance abuse treatment in South Africa. This article uses data collected from specialist substance abuse treatment centres to describe substance abuse treatment demand and patterns of service utilisation in Cape Town for the period January 1997 to December 2001. Findings suggest that although treatment demand for alcohol-related problems remains high, treatment demand for substances other than alcohol has increased over time. Patterns of treatment service utilisation suggest that women and black South Africans remain underserved. The need for comprehensive and accessible substance abuse treatment services in Cape Town is highlighted and recommendations are made for improving access to treatment services, and undertaking comprehensive evaluations of existing treatment facilities.
The perceptions of nurses in a district health system in KwaZulu-Natal of their supervision, self-esteem and job satisfaction
Authors: Uys L.R. , Minnaar A. , Reid S. , Naidoo J.R.
Published: November 2012

Supervision has been identified as a major issue in quality of care. Although increasing attention is being given to supervision in the District Health System, there have been no studies describing the current situation. This article describes a survey done in two health districts in KwaZulu-Natal involving 319 nurses from all types of government health care settings.
The quality of nursing care regarding personal hygiene of patients admitted to a selected hospital in the Kavango region
Authors: Van Dyk A. , Small L.F. , Vd Merwe T. , Mueyu M.
Published: November 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the quality of nursing care regarding personal hygiene of patients admitted to a hospital in the Kavango region of Namibia. The study was prompted by repeated media reports over the radio. Commentators and listeners expressed concern over the seeming lack of adequate hygienic measures, specifically with regard to patient care. To objectively quantify and describe the extent ot this problem, a single objective was stated, namely to measure the quality of nursing care with regard to patient hygiene. A descriptive survey design was chosen to explore and describe the problem. A check-list was developed to observe thirty patients (the total population) over a period of one week.
Creating contexts for effective homebased care of people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Campbell C. , Foulis C.
Published: November 2012

Home-based care (HBC) plays a vital role in the care of people living with AIDS. Most carers perform their arduous role in adverse conditions. Yet little is known about how to facilitate contexts that maximise the effectiveness of carers. This paper reviews existing research into home-based care in sub-Saharan Africa to highlight gaps in understanding and to outline new conceptual frameworks for future research. Current research identifies multi-level factors that undermine carers in performing their role. These include e.g. lack of knowledge, skills and support - both at the individual and organisational levels; physical and psychological burnout; the destruction of household economies in the face of the demands of care; community stigma and rejection. Research and policy documents repeatedly advocate ‘partnerships’ or ‘linkages’ between carers/ patients and more powerful groupings (locally, nationally and/or internationally) as a solution to these problems. Yet they give no indication as how best to mobilise already over-burdened carers and their terminally ill charges. Furthermore, partnerships between poor communities and more influential groupings and agencies are notoriously difficult to promote and sustain. If partnerships are indeed to play such a key role in supporting carers and their patients, there is an urgent need for systematic research into the effectiveness of various partnership styles and strategies. The concepts of bonding, bridging and linking social capital - within a framework sensitive to the interaction between social capital and poverty - are put forward as a valuable starting point for the development of better understandings of the types of networks and partnerships most likely to support carers and their local communities.
The managerial duties of the nurse in charge of a unit in combating the spreading of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Isaacs D. , Jooste K.
Published: November 2012

The charge sister has an essential role to play in combating the spreading of the HIV in the environment of the nursing unit. The HIV/AIDS dilemma is a reality in the health care environment. On a daily basis nurses is treating patients with the HIV. Through the basic conceptual framework of the management process, the charge sister can play her part and contribute in keeping the disease under control in her work environment. An explorative, descriptive study was done through a structured questionnaire with four open questions. This study was aimed at developing and formulating guidelines to be included in a policy to be used in the combating of spreading of HIV in the health care unit by the charge sister and her staff. The results indicate the absence of policy regarding the prevention of the spreading of the HIV, necessary for orientation and in service training of staff.
A model to facilitate reflective thinking in clinical nursing education
Authors: Chabeli M. , Muller M.
Published: November 2012

A qualitative, contextual, exploratory and descriptive design for theory generation was used to develop a model to facilitate reflective thinking in clinical nursing education (Mouton & Marais, 1990:43; Mouton, 1996: 103- 109; Chinn & Kramer 1991:79-120). A model was developed within the existing frameworks of theory generation. Wilson (1963:23-39) and Gift (1997:75,76) provided a theoretical framework for a concept analysis of reflective thinking in phase one of the study. Further conceptual meaning was attained through a perceptual survey where twelve nurse educators participated in a focus group interview with regard to how reflective thinking can be facilitated in clinical nursing education. Classification of the main concepts and sub-concepts was made through a conceptualisation process within Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach’s (1968:415-435) theoretical framework using the six elements of practice theory.
Management of violent behaviour in acutely relapsed schizophrenics
Authors: Koen L. , Lategan B.H. , Jordaan E. , Niehaus D.J.H. , Emsley R.A.
Published: November 2012

The management of aggressive behaviour has always been a criticai issue in psychiatry. Finding measures that can be used to accurately predict the likelihood of assaultative behaviour and thus ensure timeous appropriate pharmacological management remains a dilemma. The study objective was to investigate the naturalistic, pharmacological management of inpatient aggressive behaviour in a group of 50 schizophrenic subjects with a view to determine: (1) whether a presenting history of recent violence lead to altered pharmacological management and (2) whether the NOSIE could be regarded as a useful assessment tool with regards to inpatient behaviour management. No significant difference could be demonstrated between the 2 subsets of subjects (history of violence vs none) with respect to total doses of medication administered. No statistical correlation could be found between the total NOSIE score and the dose of psychotropic medication used. The relationship between a subset of NOSIE-items and the total dose of medication was more complex and a clear linear relationship could be demonstrated for a total score of 0 to 5. In this particular ward setting a presenting history of recent violent behaviour did not influence the administration of medication and neither could the clinical judgement employed by the nursing staff to manage inpatient behaviour be captured by the NOSIE. However, a five-item subset of the NOSIE with questions relating to aggression and irritability warrants further scrutiny in this regard.
Morality as a predictor of loneliness: a cross-cultural study
Authors: Jordaan J. , Le Roux A.
Published: November 2012

Loneliness is currently regarded as one of the most common and prevalent problems experienced by adolescents, and it is also observed as a painful, unpleasant and negative experience. South African adolescents also have to face and cope with this predicament daily. The main objective of this study was to establish the perception of adolescents of different cultures regarding loneliness and morality and to investigate the relationship between them. It was also determined which of the independent variables, namely morality, gender, age, mother tongue and ethnicity, contributed significantly to the prediction of loneliness. A total of 714 adolescents from three different secondary schools in the greater Bloemfontein area between the ages of 13 and 17 were selected. Adolescents were used because they are increasingly being confronted with moral issues and because loneliness occurs more commonly during adolescence. The focus was on three ethnic groups, namely Coloured, black and white. Three different questionnaires, namely the Le Roux Loneliness Scale, the Morally Debatable Behaviours Scale and a biographical questionnaire were completed to obtain the necessary data.
A comparative study of professional competence of nurses who have completed different bridging programmes
Authors: Nkosi ZZ , Uys LR
Published: November 2012

The aim of the study was to compare professional competence of nurses who completed different bridging programmes. Forty professional nurses from two different bridging programmes participated in the study. The newly qualified registered nurses were all from the province of Kwazulu- Natal working in various hospitals.The researcher utilized Slater Nursing Competencies Rating Scale. The instrument had the following categories (a) psychosocial (individual), psychosocial (group), (c) physical needs, (d) general, (e) communication and (0 professional implications. The results showed that newly qualified nurses from different bridging programmes were professionally competent. Age, experience and examination results had no relationship with the professional competency of the newly qualified nurse.
Experiences of primary health care nurses regarding the provision of free health care services in the Northern region of the Limpopo Province
Authors: Netshandama VO , Nemathaga L , Shai-Mahoko SN
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of primary health care nurses working in the clinics and health centres involved in the provision of free health care services. The research design followed was exploratory, descriptive and qualitative. The population of the study included all primary health care nurses working at the clinics and health centres in the Vhembe (northern) region of the Limpopo Province. The sampling method used was purposive for the samples of both the clinics and the nurses. The inclusion criteria for the nurses included experience of two or more years in providing primary health care. The inclusion criteria for the selection of clinics included being a busy clinic (a minimum of 2000 patients per month) with a staff establishment of four or more primary health care nurses. In conducting this research, ethical principles were taken into account. Data was collected from 23 participants in the Northern Region. The research question read as follows: What are your experiences regarding the provision of free health care services? An open coding method consisting of eight steps provided by Tesch's (1990:140-145) eight-step method of analysing data was used. The research findings revealed that the primary health care nurses working in the clinics experience feelings of failure to provide adequate primary health care services due to the increased workload, misuse of the service, and fear associated with lack of security in the clinics and health centres. The conclusions drawn from this research are that on the one hand a poor mechanism exists for the monitoring of the implementation of free health services, and on another hand, there has been misuse of the facilities by the community. The concept “free health care service” has been misinterpreted.
Community perception of quality of (primary) health care services in a rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Mashego T-AB , Peltzer K
Published: November 2012

The aim of the study was to survey perceptions of quality of (primary) health care services provided in rural communities in the Limpopo province. Ten focus groups discussions were held with community members chosen by convenience from public places from four villages in the central region of the Limpopo Province. The sample included 42 women and 34 men (76 participants). Results indicated perceived quality discussed within the following categories: (1) conduct of staff (reception, communication, discrimination, care and compassion, respect for privacy), (2) technical care (examination, explanation of treatment, responsiveness, treatment outcomes), (3) health care facility, (4) health care organisation, (5) drugs (availability, explanation, effectiveness, payment), and (6) waiting time. The findings suggest some satisfaction with free basic and preventive health care and social services provided but there is a need to look closely into the interpersonal dimension of the services provided, provision of medication with adequate explanation to patients on the medication given, and on structural aspects, there is need for the government to give support to the clinics to provide adequate services. Improving drug availability, interpersonal skills (including attitudes towards patients) and technical care have been identified as the three main priorities for enhancing perceived quality of primary health care and health policy action.
Critical thinking of student nurses during clinical accompaniment
Authors: Uys BY , Meyer SM
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the methods of clinical accompaniment used by clinical facilitators in practice. The findings of the study also reflected facilitators’ perceptions regarding critical thinking and the facilitation thereof. A quantitative research design was used. A literature study was conducted to identify the methods of accompaniment that facilitate critical thinking. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire developed for that purpose. Making a content-related validity judgment, and involving seven clinical facilitators in an academic institution, ensured the validity of the questionnaire. The results of the study indicated that various clinical methods of accompaniment were used. To a large extent, these methods correlated with those discussed in the literature review. The researcher further concluded that the concepts ‘critical thinking’ and ‘facilitation’ were not interpreted correctly by the respondents, and would therefore not be implemented in a proper manner in nursing practice. Furthermore, it seemed evident that tutor-driven learning realised more often than student-driven learning. In this regard, the requirement of outcomes-based education was not satisfied. The researcher is therefore of the opinion that a practical programme for the development of critical thinking skills during clinical accompaniment must be developed within the framework of outcomes-based education.
Reproductive health needs and the reproductive health behaviour of the youth in Mangaung in the Free State province: a feasibility study
Authors: Seekoe E
Published: November 2012

From the community profiles conducted by nursing students in Mangaung, the following observation was prevalent: an increase in the prevalence of teenage pregnancy together with a high prevalence of HIV infection was demonstrated. The relationship between young people’s reproductive behavior and the prevalence of HIV is well documented. To address this problem, a community -based education programme is required. Developing a successful community-based educational programme that addresses the needs of youth requires that such a programme be based on the needs of such a group. The research question is applicable: How do youth in Mangaung in the Free State province in South Africa perceive their reproductive health needs and their reproductive health behavior? The aim of this article is to explore and describe the reproductive health needs and the reproductive health behaviour of the youth in Mangaung. A quantitative research design that is descriptive and explorative in nature was conducted. The reproductive health needs and the reproductive health behaviour of the youth were collected by means of a structured questionnaire with open-ended and closed questions. A purposive non - probability sampling method was utilized and (n=250) drawn from the youth. The justification of the sample was further enhanced by collecting data from youth aged 13-25 at three high schools in Mangaung and at the health centre of MUCPP. Qualitative data obtained from open-ended questionnaires was coded and analyzed by using Tech’s (1990) content analysis approach. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the quantitative data from closed questions. A descriptive analysis of the participant’s ages and their perceived reproductive health needs and reproductive health behaviour was done. The mean age of the participants was 18.6, which could be because all the respondents were of school- going age. The results indicated that the youth received insufficient reproductive health information to be able to prevent pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. The special needs of youth were indicated by 92% who requested that the clinic should accommodate both boys and girls and 96% of the respondents requested sessions for discussions facilitated by a professional person. A total of 95% of the youth requested that a special programme of activities be conducted during school holidays. The risk behaviours practised by the youth were: having sex with a stranger, many partners, drinking alcohol, and using drugs and dagga. The researcher recommends that such a programme be supported by different university departments and rolled out to different districts in the Free State province.
The career goals of nurses in some health care settings in Gauteng
Authors: Jooste K
Published: November 2012

In nursing, purposeful career planning is essential if nurse practitioners want to make the right decisions about their work in order to strive towards and accomplish a meaningful quality of working life. Nurses should identify their career goals to be able to investigate their different career opportunities in their field of interest and direct their work according to a work strategy for years ahead. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the career goals of post-basic nursing students with the aim of describing management strategies to guide the future career of post-basic nursing students in climbing the career ladder effectively and obtaining their set career goals. An explorative, descriptive, qualitative design was selected where the researcher worked inductively to explore and describe the needs (goals) and future planned actions of the participants regarding their career management as viewed for a period of five years. The researcher purposively and conveniently identified the sample as all the postbasic nursing students, namely 250 students, who were registered for the first, second and third year of nursing management courses in that period at a South African residential university. Two structured, open questions were developed. Each participant received the questions in writing and was asked to answer them. The QSR NUD*IST program was used for the qualitative management (categorization) of data. The results of the research questions related to five categories, namely becoming empowered, being promoted, being educated and professionally developed, partaking in research and taking up new projects.
The development of the model for recognition of prior learning for nurses in South Africa
Authors: Khanyile T
Published: November 2012

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) was established to address the compartmentalization of education and training, the absence of norms and standards and the need for international recognition. According to the South African Qualifications Authority (1996),this framework was aimed at developing a comprehensive qualifications structure and an integrated approach to education and training in the country (NCHE, 1996:46). Educational institutions, including those for nursing, were challenged with a view to rethink the whole culture of teaching and learning and was counted as knowledge. The major principle of the NQF was the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which had to be pursued across all sectors (Musker, 1998: 8). RPL was seen as a means to widen access into learning programs for those who had been historically denied this. The challenge for educational institutions was how to ensure that RPL systems once implemented did not compromise academic standards. Research into methodologies to implement the NF in the absence of mechanisms was then essential. The purpose of the study was to develop and test a RPL model for nurses in South Africa. The study adopted a multi phase decisions oriented evaluation research design. Stuffelbeam’s educational evaluation model was used to guide data collection and analysis. The research questions were incorporated under the different phases of evaluation. The model was development at six levels: level one was at the policy makers level; level two was at the stakeholders; levels three to six were at institutional level where three institutions participated at pilot site for the RPL model development. These levels are presented as tiers in the figure 1. This article present the results of the model development at the first two levels, which according to Stuffelbeam ‘s model is the context evaluation for boundary setting. Part two will present the model development at institutional level, involving the input and process evaluation and depicted as tiers three, and four.
The role of the registered nurse in the marketing of primary healthcare services, as part of health promotion
Authors: Rail M , Meyer SM
Published: November 2012

Existing literature on the marketing of primary healthcare services was reviewed to determine the role of registered nurses in this regard. The systematic review included “— five searches and ensured wide coverage of the results of available primary research studies on the topic. The results were summarised and the role of registered nurses in the marketing of primary healthcare services was identified. Primary research sources on the topic included textbooks on marketing by experts in the field and relevant journal articles by authorities on healthcare marketing. The data were analysed and four main categories identified. To ensure the trustworthiness of the research, Lincoln and Guba’s (1981:215-216) criteria, as explained by Krefting (1991:217), were applied. Because the population consisted of only literature, ethical considerations concerning human subjects were irrelevant. Results indicated that the basic commercial marketing principles (the so-called 4Ps - product, price, place, and promotion) could be adapted for the health sector. The conclusion was that registered nurses could contribute to the marketing of primary healthcare services by communicating with the community (promotion) and by ensuring effective service (product) delivery at the right price and place. Registered nurses could influence the community’s perceptions of health care and facilitate behaviour changes, thereby promote health. The implementation of the findings and recommendations of this research could create a new awareness among registered nurses of their role in the marketing of primary healthcare services in South Africa and improve their skills in this regard.
The use of PHC clinic-based women’s groups for financial empowerment in a rural area
Authors: Uys LR , Bhengu BR , Majumdar B
Published: November 2012

The article is based on a four-year project during which Primary Health Care (PHC) nurses worked with women’s groups in their areas. The aim of the study was to explore the involvement of PHC nurses in economic empowerment, both in terms of health promotion and in terms of the PHC approach. In particular the objectives were to establish whether nurses could lead economic empowerment groups, whether such groups could establish adequate external links and become financially viable. Eleven groups were used as case studies, and a cross-case analysis was done in terms of the three objectives. It was found that between the women and the nurses, adequate leadership existed for the groups to function well. Very limited external linkages were established, notwithstanding efforts in this regard. Nine out of 11 groups contributed to financial welfare of their members after 18 months, but a range of problems with regard to financial viability are identified.
Life stories of depressed adult women in peri-urban Namibia
Authors: Shifiona NN , Poggenpoel M , Myburgh CPH
Published: November 2012

The problems with women in peri-urban Namibie are faced with are multi-dimensional.Like women in other communities they face the pressure of having a number of responsibilities, namely working, being a wife and mother, taking care of their families and perhaps caring for aging parents. Sometimes the pressure can be too overwhelming to manage. As a result, many women become depressed. Studies on depression among black African women in Namibia could not be traced. It was therefore considered to find out how women suffering from depression from this part of the world tell their life stories. The purpose of the study was two-fold: Firstly, to explore and describe the life stories of depressed adult women in peri-urban Namibia, and secondly to use the information obtained to describe guidelines for psychiatric nurses working with these patients at psychiatric outpatient clinics as well as in the community. A qualitative phenomenological research design of an explorative, descriptive and contextual nature was used. The researcher approached the subjects and their experiences with an open mind. Ten depressed adult women between 21-55 years were involved in the research. The researcher strived to adhere to the principles of trustworthiness. To ensure this Guba’s model (in Krefting, 1991: 217) of trustworthiness was adopted. All the interviews were analysed following Tesch’s method (Creswell, 1994: 154-55). The services of an independent coder were obtained. The results indicated that impaired interpersonal interactions and stressful life events have a negative influence on the daily life of women leading to the development of depressive symptoms. Guidelines to support psychiatric nurses working with depressed women were drawn up.
Haemorrhage in pregnancy: information given to women in Chiradzulu (Malawi)
Authors: Kapyepye H , Klopper H , Bodkin C
Published: November 2012

Advising women on , haemorrhage in pregnancy could, be viewed, as an integral aspect of maternal health care in M alawi. The WHO (1999) confirmed, that haemorrhage in pregnancy was not only a direct reason for maternal mortality but also a major cause of maternal death. The question on the nature of information that midwives and traditional birth attendants (referred to as TBA’s) in the Chiradzulu district in Malawi gave with regard to haemorrhage in pregnancy, therefore arose. Research available focused on the women’s knowledge about the complications of pregnancy but not on the nature of information women received from midwives and TBA’s. This study explored and described the nature of information that was given to rural women in the Chiradzulu district by the midwives and TBA’s regarding haemorrhage in pregnancy. The findings revealed that although both the midwives and TBA’s included important information about haemorrhage in pregnancy, there were deficiencies in some critical areas. Examples of these deficiencies were the definition of haemorrhage in pregnancy; the predisposing factors for antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage and deficiencies in the nature of information on the management and referral of haemorrhaging patients. The findings provided insights into the nature of the information that was provided to the women regarding haemorrhage in pregnancy in the Chiradzulu district in Malawi. Thereafter guidelines were developed for the provision of this information. Finally a follow-up study was recommended after implementation of these guidelines in the district to evaluate the change in the nature of the information communicated to patients regarding haemorrhage by midwives and TBA’s. In this study, haemorrhage during pregnancy referred to the perinatal phase, including antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum haemorrhage.
Strategies to improve the performance of learners in a nursing college Part I: Issues pertaining to nursing education
Authors: Waterson E , Harms E , Qupe L , Maritz J , Manning M , Makobe K , Chabeli M
Published: November 2012

Three focus group interviews were conducted. One group was formed by seven tutors, and the other two groups were formed by fourth-year learners following a fouryear comprehensive diploma course. All participants voluntarily took part in the study. Data was analyzed using the descriptive method of open coding by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:154-156). Trustworthiness was ensured in accordance with Lincoln and Guba’s (1985:290-326) principles of credibility, conformability, transferability and dependability. The findings were categorized into issues pertaining to nursing education as follows: curriculum overload; lack of theory and practice integration; teaching and assessment methods that do not promote critical thinking; tutors’ lack of skills and experience; inadequate preparation of tutors for lectures; insufficient knowledge of tutors regarding outcomes-based education approach to teaching and learning; inadequate process of remedial teaching; discrepancies between tutors’ marking; lack of clinical role-models and high expectations from the affiliated university as regards standards of nursing education in a nursing college. Strategies to improve the learners’ performance were described. It is recommended that these strategies be incorporated in the staff development programme by the staff development committee of the nursing college under study for implementation. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of the described strategies to improve the learners’ performance. It is also recommended that similar studies be conducted or replicated in other nursing colleges to address the problem of poor performance of learners engaged in a four-year comprehensive diploma course.
Strategies to improve the performance of learners in a nursing college Part II: Issues pertaining to management, attitudes and values
Authors: Waterson E , Harms E , Qupe L , Maritz J , Manning M , Makobe K , Chabeli M
Published: November 2012

This article forms part two of a bigger study that was conducted in a nursing college to explore and describe the reasons for the poor performance of learners. Part one of the study dealt with the issues pertaining to education, while this article (part two) seeks to describe issues pertaining to management, attitudes and values that lead to the poor performance of learners in the nursing college under study. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design that was contextual in nature was employed, and three focus groups interviews were conducted. Seven tutors formed one group while other two groups were formed by fourth-year learners following a comprehensive diploma course. All participants voluntarily participated in the study. Data was analyzed using the descriptive method of open coding in accordance with Tesch’s protocol (in Creswell, 1994:154-156). Trustworthiness was ensured using the following principles: credibility, conformability, transferability and dependability (Lincoln & Guba 1985:290-326). Findings were categorized into issues pertaining to management, attitudes and values that had an influence on the poor performance of learners as follows: Management: Inadequate resources and study facilities; policies that change frequently; tutors’ dissatisfaction with regard to staff development, the lack of involvement by management and lack of management support, staff shortage and maldistribution of staff members; ineffective selection process of learners; inconsistent regulations, and too many of them; policies and procedures resulting in confusion and poor discipline. Attitudes and values: Tutors’ lack of motivation and interest, lack of respect by learners and no team work among tutors.Through a conceptualization process and the recommendations by participants, strategies to improve the learners’ performance were described. It is recommended that these strategies be submitted to the staff development committee for implementation and future follow-up research be undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the strategies. It is also recommended that other nursing colleges replicate the study within their context.
The leadership characteristics of the preceptor in selected clinical practice settings in Botswana
Authors: Dube A , Jooste K
Published: November 2012

A non-experimental, explorative, descriptive, quantitative study was undertaken. The purpose was to explore and describe the views of preceptors and preceptees regarding the fulfilment of the role of the preceptor in selected clinical nursing practice settings in the Botswana context. The study included 72 preceptors and 200 nursing students/preceptees who voluntary agreed voluntarily to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study indicated that the preceptor lacked leadership characteristics in the accompaniment of the preceptee. These constraints included the lack of desirable characteristics such as intellectual, emotional, physical and other traits that are common to all good leaders. Recommendations were stated for improvements in selecting preceptors with certain leadership skills for the clinical practice settings. The limitations of this study were highlighted.
Knowledge of breast cancer in women in Sierra Leone
Authors: Shepherd JHEE , Mclnerney PA
Published: November 2012

Breast cancer has been described as one of the life-threatening diseases affecting women and is a major problem in women’s health issues. The unrecorded number of cases of breast lumps and breast cancer observed in women in Sierra Leone prompted the researcher to organize a “Breast Week” during which 1 200 women were educated on breast cancer and the importance of breast health. This research is a follow up of the “Breast Week” which was organized in Freetown, Sierra Leone The specific objective of this study was to assess whether the knowledge and teachings given to the women who participated in this project was fully understood. A sample size of 120 women (10%) who participated in the “Breast Week” was obtained through systematic sampling. A quantitative approach was adopted and a structured interview schedule guided the data collection process. The data were processed through use of SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Texts from open ended questions were categorized and frequency counts were applied to the data. It was found that the majority (96.6%) of the women had some knowledge of breast cancer. They linked breast cancer to the signs and symptoms associated with it and were able to describe the disease as one that kills women if not promptly detected and/or treated appropriately. Findings indicate that the majority of the women are aware of the dangers of the disease and had knowledge of someone who had died of breast cancer (59.2%). An assessment of the effectiveness of knowledge on breast cancer showed that these women could identify breast cancer as a disease that affects women and may cause death if not detected on time.
Verpleging van die Pasgebore baba
Authors: Reynecke A.M.
Published: November 2012

A practical stepwise approach to the prevention and management of the commoner immediate problems of the neonate are discussed. Emphasis is placed on mother and baby bonding, which should never be overlooked during nursing management. A suggested feeding regime, guidelines to fluid balance, temperature control and respiratory monitoring are described.
Neonatal resuscitation at the Peripheral clinic
Authors: Larsen J.V.
Published: November 2012

The low APGAR baby delivered in a clinic presents the midwife with a formidable problem. The problem arises from the fact that clinics generally are poorly equipped for major resuscitation of the newborn. The problem is further compounded by the fact that the baby with a low APGAR score travels very badly. He becomes hypothermic easily, and is likely to die if moved in a cold ambulance without oxygen or adequate heating. Then too, midwives are generally poorly trained for the task o f resuscitating babies suffering from severe asphyxia neonatorum, because they received their training in hospitals with the basic assumption that a medical officer is always in the background ready to take over the management of such problems. Finally, acceptance by the community of clinic-based obstetric services is largely dependent upon the clinics' achieving a nil perinatal mortality rate. The delivery of a gasping newborn who dies in the midwife’s hands can do great damage to the reputation of the service.
Borsvoeding
Authors: Delport S.
Published: November 2012

Breast-feeding is an integral part of our mammalian heritage and consequently probably essential for the welfare of the newborn baby. Most of us are aware of the unbelievable advantages of breast-feeding but yet very few of us care to promote it consciously and actively. 1979 being Health Year as well as the International Year of the child offers the ideal opportunity to encourage this most rewarding experience of motherhood.