Theses and Dissertationshttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/2512024-03-28T18:09:35Z2024-03-28T18:09:35Z'Student life' discourse and the perception of risk for HIV infection among undergraduate nursing students, at a university, Eastern Cape province, South AfricaMnwana, Sindiswa Millicenthttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/19192021-11-24T12:27:22Z2014-01-01T00:00:00Z'Student life' discourse and the perception of risk for HIV infection among undergraduate nursing students, at a university, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Mnwana, Sindiswa Millicent
There is evidence that the HIV prevalence rates among South African university
students remains low at 3.4 %. However, the vulnerability of young people to
HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious concern as the prevalence of sexual risk
behaviour among students in South African universities is reported to reach 68% in
heterosexual relationships. Some analysts argue that so far little is known about
the influence of the university culture (the so called “student life”) in this behaviour.
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of the risk for HIV
infection amongst undergraduate nursing students at an institution of higher
learning (university) in East London, Eastern Cape. More specifically, the study
examined the ways in which the ‘student life’ discourse functions to influence
students’ perceptions of the risk to HIV infection at the selected institution of higher
learning.
An explorative and descriptive qualitative design was used. The purposive
sampling technique was used to select participants. In total, 12 one to one
interviews and four focus group discussions (n=35) were conducted. An interview
guide was used and a voice recorder to record interviews. Through in-depth
interviews and focus group discussions, the research sought to provide insight into
the perceptions of risk for HIV infection. The data were analysed using thematic
analysis and the themes identified formed the basis for discussion in this study.
Among the key findings, that emerged from this study was that knowledge about
potential risks to HIV/AIDS did not seem to influence the general sexual behaviour
of students. A majority of the participants, 90% that were interviewed individually
perceived themselves to be at “little or no” risk of contracting HIV/AIDS despite the
high prevalence of HIV risk indicators among them. One of the main findings was
that the students’ values that they bring from home were seriously challenged by
the student life when they arrived at the university. Therefore in this regard
undergraduate nursing students should be equipped by the university with aspects
of sexual behaviour such as sexual negotiation and sexual decision making. This
would equip them with the necessary skills to resist peer pressure.
2014-01-01T00:00:00ZFactors contributing to non adherence among pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment at Amathole district, Eastern CapeDekeda, Kolelwa Feliciahttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/9712018-02-15T10:51:37Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZFactors contributing to non adherence among pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment at Amathole district, Eastern Cape
Dekeda, Kolelwa Felicia
During the beginning of the HIV epidemic in 1981 25 million people have died. The
introduction of ART therefore has promising developments to reduce mortality rates and
new infections. Nevertheless there is still a challenge with adherence to ART worldwide
and in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors contributing
to non-adherence to ART among HIV positive pregnant women.The study involved a non- probability sample of 70 HIV pregnant women on ARTattending antenatal care clinics at the tertiary hospital and two community healthcentres,in Buffalo City, Amathole District, Eastern Cape. A coded questionnaire wasused as an instrument for data collection.Ethical procedure was followed and a consentform was signed by each participant. Data was collected for a period of two monthsThe demographic data reveals that the majority of the participants were knowledgeable about ART and employed. That is evident in the adherence to ART in all age groups except age 40 and above. The majority of HIV positive pregnant women on ART whoparticipated in the study were single 50% (n=35) which suggests that they may lack emotional support from partners and may have difficulty in disclosing their status.Level of adherence revealed that 27% (n=19) of participants missed ART because of forgetfulness, and 16% (n=12) and others were feeling healthy due to frequent follow ups and complying with the ART. Poor follow up, too sick, side effects pill burden, fear of stigma, lack of finances and taking alcohol hinders the proper management of HIV positive pregnant women and is risky to the unborn baby.
2014-01-01T00:00:00ZFactors influencing attendance by diabetic patients for their yearly opthalmic reviews at a private opthalmic practice in East London, South AfricaArnolds, Nadine Chrystalhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/8042018-02-15T10:51:37Z2016-01-01T00:00:00ZFactors influencing attendance by diabetic patients for their yearly opthalmic reviews at a private opthalmic practice in East London, South Africa
Arnolds, Nadine Chrystal
Introduction: Diabetic retinopathies is a complication of diabetes mellitus causing blindness globally, and as patients live longer, cases of diabetic retinopathy increases. Despite efforts to educate patients at their eye visits, yearly follow up visits is still a major challenge. Key words: Diabetes, Diabetic retinopathy, health systems, non-attendance, knowledge, attitude, behaviour, gender, fear and anxiety Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the reasons for non-compliance by determining the relationship among the selected factors (knowledge/ confidence/ fear and anxiety) and adherence to yearly reviews. Methods: Data were collected from adult diabetic patients who attended the private practice for an eye review by the ophthalmologist. The instrument used was a semi- structured questionnaire with sections covering demographics, statements regarding diabetes and diabetic eye care and one section with an open ended question to determine the reasons for non- attendance. Data analysis: Measures of central tendency were checked and expressed in terms of percentages and tables. The inferential statistics was also conducted to determine the relationship amongst variables. Chi square tests were used to determine the relationship amongst the categorical variables and eye reviews. Spearman’s correlation analysis was carried out to determine the association amongst variables, (behaviour, control, stigma and satisfaction). The open ended question was used to analyse the reason for non-compliance. Results: A total of 300 diabetic patients were randomly selected for the study. The participants were sampled in a stratified way such that each level of compliance is equally represented. The dataset was acceptably complete with very few missing values. The distribution of the participants across the different biographical variables was cross tabulated by compliance with annual reviews. Of the 300 participants, 151 (50.3 percent) were compliant. The results show that there were more females than males 166 (56.3 percent), more Africans than any other ethnic group 168 (57.1 percent), more married viii people than any other marital status group 183 (61.0 percent), more Christians than any other religion 227 (92.3 percent), and more living with their families than any other living arrangement 223 (74.8 percent). Of these variables 5 (1.7 percent) missing values were recorded for gender, 6 (2 percent) for ethnicity, and 2 (0.7 percent) for living arrangements, while marital status and religion were complete. The majority of the participants had a secondary school education 130 (43.3 percent), and most felt that they were in good health 148 (49.3 percent). As for payment of medical expenses, 255 (87 percent) had a medical aid, and yet 147 (51.6 percent) last visited a doctor more than a year from the date of data collection. Conclusion: Compliance with doctor’s visits was found to be associated with positive behaviour and more knowledge and control. Knowledgeable patients were more satisfied with the medical services. Fear of stigma associated with diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with demographic variables such as gender, race, marital status, employment status and educational level. The main reasons for non-compliance were lack of information, negligence, busy work schedules and lack of finance. These results suggested there is a need to raise awareness of eye health and access to affordable medical services.
2016-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of professional nurses about the bridging course programme in alleviating shortage of staff at health services in the Amathole sub-district, Eastern Cape Province.Hlabahlaba, Ivy Fuyiwehttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/6112018-02-15T10:51:37Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of professional nurses about the bridging course programme in alleviating shortage of staff at health services in the Amathole sub-district, Eastern Cape Province.
Hlabahlaba, Ivy Fuyiwe
The study focuses on the perceptions of professional nurses concerning the Bridging Course programme for the alleviation of shortage of staff at health care facilities of the Amathole sub-district, specifically, Mnquma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
The Amathole sub-district is situated in the most remote rural areas of the then Transkeian homeland comprising the three magisterial districts, Nqamakwe, Butterworth and Centane. The health services in this area are experiencing a gross shortage of professional nurses.
The aim of the study is to describe the perceptions of professional nurses about the Bridging Course programme in the alleviation of the shortage of staff at health care facilities of the Amathole sub-district in the Eastern Cape. The research question that guided this study was.," What role does the Bridging Course play in the alleviation of the shortage of staff at health care services in the Amathole sub-district in the Eastern Cape?" The objective of the study was to determine and describe the perceptions of professional nurses about the Bridging programme for alleviating the shortage of staff at health care services of Amathole sub-district in the Eastern Cape Province.
The research design was quantitative and descriptive. The population consisted of the 289 Registered Nurses currently employed in the two District Hospitals and 16 Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics situated in this sub-district. The simple stratified sample of 149 Registered Nurses used was taken from the above population. Data were collected quantitatively using a closed-ended questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS version 20).
Ethical considerations were ensured by means of assuring privacy, confidentiality and anonymity as far as the participants are concerned. Prior to conducting the study, approval was sought from the University of Fort Hare Research Committee, the Eastern Cape Health Research Committee, the District Manager for PHC services and the Nursing Service Managers of the two District Hospitals concerned. The study revealed that the Bridging Course students indeed are playing a vital role in this rural area by being a present help during placement in clinical areas, thereby alleviating shortage of staff.
Nurses are critical to the quality and safety of the healthcare system hence the need for the presence of the Bridging Course students in clinical areas of this rural area. In conclusion, the findings were used to attract the attention of the relevant stakeholders so as to influence the decision of the South African Nursing Council on abolishing the Bridging Course programme in the hope of retaining the Bridging Course in this rural area.
The researcher recommends the preservation of the Bridging Course programme in this remote and rural area with a gross shortage of nurses.
2014-01-01T00:00:00Z