Department of Nursing Sciences

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Attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of HIV positive pregnant women attending antenatal care in buffalo city metropolitan district east London towards prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT).
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Skoti, Florence Nozakhe
Background: The National HIV and AIDS and STI strategic plan for South Africa, 2007-2011 aims to reduce the rate of mother to child transmission to less than 5% by 2011. On the World Aids day in 2009, the Honorable President Jacob Zuma announced the intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy (ARV), access to priority group’s in order to decrease the disease burden, to address maternal and child mortality, and to improve life expectancy (PMTCT Guidelines: 2010). According to the literature reviewed, accepting attitudes may indicate better knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS. Marking a change in South Africa’s history of HIV the South African Government launched a major HIV Counseling and Testing program campaign (HCT) in 2010. For the PMTCT program to work and be acceptable, it needs to be known by its clients. It helps the individual to know about their status so that they make important choices for self and others. Amongst the important choices, medications for opportunistic medications, ARV’S, behavior change, etc, are included (Project Literacy 2006:40). Aim and Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge that the pregnant women have towards the prevention of mother to-child transmission which includes HIV testing, antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy, labour, and post natal and feeding options. Methods: A quantitative descriptive method was used for this study. The questionnaires developed by the researcher were used for data collection. The items on the questionnaire were divided into four (4) subsections. The questionnaire was administered to all positive pregnant women coming for follow up visit and those available at the time of data collection. Conclusion: In this study evaluation of the level of knowledge and attitude of positive pregnant women with regard to PMTCT in 5 Buffalo City Municipality clinics was conducted. It was found that some of positive pregnant women have better knowledge about PMTC though there were still those that need further education. Recommendations: The service providers, who are the professional nurses, should be provided with proper training on PMTCT program to improve their standard of service delivery and to capacitate them with knowledge and skills. Integration of HIV related health aspects during assessment and treatment of pregnant women should be strengthened, as the purpose of implementation of PMTCT was to reduce mortality rate by 50%, and also to reach the 4th Millennium Development Goal of reducing these deaths by two-thirds by 2015.
Challenges hindering the implementation of quality supervision in primary health care facilities in Oliver Reginald Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2018) Zamxaka, Nontlantla Caroline
The study investigated the factors that prevent quality supervision in primary health care (PHC) facilities in Oliver Reginald Tambo (O.R. Tambo) district of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The motivation for this study was a concern regarding consistently poor performance by PHC facilities in the province despite regular supervisory visits. The objectives of the study were to explore practices of PHC supervisors in implementing supervision, and to assess perceptions, opinions, and attitudes of PHC supervisors and PHC operational managers with regards to PHC supervisory visits. On search methodology, qualitative approach was predominating whilst quantitative data was supplementing the study. A purposive sample of PHC supervisors and operational managers was drawn from PHC facilities which had a consistent, 100% rate of supervisory visits. The data was analysed thematically.
Challenges of intergrating mental health care users into the community after discharge from a psychiatric institution: The case of Fort Beaufort, Raymond Mhlaba sub-district, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2018) Tom, Yvonne Nomamerika
The purpose of the study was to examine the factors contributing to the inability to integrate discharged mental health care users into the community of Fort Beaufort in the Raymond Mhlaba Sub-District. Mental illness is highly stigmatized and there is low public awareness on the intricacies of mental illness amongst the communities. Mentally ill people are destitute and struggle to find employment and the relations between the users and their families are tense. A phenomenological approach was used to capture the lived experiences of the study participants. An explorative, descriptive research design was used to explore the challenges encountered by mental health care users with regard to their integration into the community. A qualitative research approach was deemed most appropriate for fostering an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by mental health care users and the meaning attached to such experiences in relation to the integration in the community. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim19 participants participated in the study.
Experiences of community psychiatric nurses and duardians psychiatric patients on the effectiveness of community mental health services of the Zomba District in Malawi.
(University of Fort Hare, 2011-12-13) Kachingwe, Bertha Maggie
Sturdy: Experiences of Community Psychiatric Nurses and Guardians of discharged psychiatric Patients on the Effectiveness of Community Mental Health Services of the Zomba District in Malawi. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of community psychiatric nurses and guardians of discharged psychiatric patients with regard to failure of Community Mental Health Services of the Zomba District, and make recommendations to improve community mental health services. Although such services exist, their effectiveness is unknown, either from the nurses' point of view or from the consumers' point of view. Method: A qualitative approach with phenomenological research design was used to answer the research question on the effectiveness of the services. This method was chosen because the researcher was committed to explore the lived in-depth experiences of the study participants. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants for the study, who were selected based on their knowledge of the phenomena. Data collection Instruments used were unstructured interviews, using face- to- face interaction. One broad, open-ended question was used to gather information from the participants. Data analysis was done using Atlas.ti software to help the researcher uncover complex phenomena hidden in the text.
Experiences of critical care unit nurses concerning the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
(2015) Kupa-Mesa, Phelisa Prudence
in the Eastern Cape. A non-probability purposively sampled seven critical care unit nurses was used. Ethics in the study were considered and the pilot study done in one participant which was not part of the study. Few highlights in the interview guide were noted and taken care of. Unstructured in-depth interviews were used as an instrument for data collection. Five main themes emerged from data analysis: • Decision making by doctors concerning withdrawal of treatment from a critically ill patient in a CCU; • Doctor-nurse relationship regarding withdrawal of treatment from to critical ill patients in CCU; • Nurses’ experiences regarding the process of withdrawal of lifesupport treatment from a critically ill patient in CCU; • Nurses’ responsibilities as health professionals towards the patients regarding their profession; and • Coping strategies regarding the withdrawal of life- support treatment from a critically ill patient. Recommendations were put forward to try and reduce the moral distress suffered by nurses in CCUs.
Experiences of HIV positive clients defaulting isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in King Williams Town area under the Buffalo City municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Williams, Nelisa Colleen
This qualitative study using a phenomenological design, aimed at exploring and describing and exploring the experiences of HIV positive clients defaulting Isoniazid Preventive Therapy services in the Bhisho Primary Health Care Services. The emphasis was on the factors leading clients to default. An in- depth unstructured face to face interviews were done on 14 participants from 4 clinics or facilities under Bhisho Primary Health Care Services. From the respondents’ responses it can be noted that work and family related issues, ignorance of patients, side effects, and negligence of nurses and denial of HIV status were identified as reasons for defaulting. Having knowledge about the treatment and health providers’ attitudes to patients also played a role in patients defaulting their treatment. Many suggestions were then put forward by the respondents to curb defaulting among patients. These included the use of text message reminders, not to discrimination HIV patients because of their status, to use consulting rooms for privacy and also nurses and caregivers to control their attitudes when dealing with patients.
Experiencesof critical care unit nurses concerning the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Kupa-Mesa Nororia, Peliswa Prudence
The purpose of the study was to identify, describe and explore the experiences of nurses in a critical care unit (CCU) on the withdrawal of life -sustaining treatment to patients in Buffalo City Metropolitan, South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted in the critical care units from two institutions in the Eastern Cape. A non-probability purposively sampled seven critical care unit nurses was used. Ethics in the study were considered and the pilot study done in one participant which was not part of the study. Few highlights in the interview guide were noted and taken care of. Unstructured in-depth interviews were used as an instrument for data collection. Five main themes emerged from data analysis: • Decision making by doctors concerning withdrawal of treatment from a critically ill patient in a CCU; • Doctor-nurse relationship regarding withdrawal of treatment from to critical ill patients in CCU; • Nurses’ experiences regarding the process of withdrawal of lifesupport treatment from a critically ill patient in CCU; • Nurses’ responsibilities as health professionals towards the patients regarding their profession; and • Coping strategies regarding the withdrawal of life- support treatment from a critically ill patient. Recommendations were put forward to try and reduce the moral distress suffered by nurses in CCUs.
Exploration of factors contributing to the tuberculosis default rate in the East London area of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mlatsheni, Nomakorinte Elizabeth
Tuberculosis (TB) kills approximately three million people per year worldwide. Of the estimated two billion people infected with tuberculosis, eight million develop the disease annually. The present global tuberculosis situation indicates that both the disease and default burdens are still very high, especially in developing countries. Defaulting from treatment has been one of the major obstacles to treatment management and an important challenge for tuberculosis control. The main purpose of this study was to explore factors that contribute to the high default rate of tuberculosis in the East London area of the Buffalo City Metropolitan. In this study the researcher used the qualitative approach whereby the participants were given an opportunity to express their lived experiences on the factors contributing to defaulting on tuberculosis treatment. The population consisted of all TB clients who were defaulting treatment from January to December 2012 in Zanempilo, Gonubie and Chris Hani clinics in the East London Primary Health care facilities under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The researcher used the non-probability purposive sampling method. TB registers from January to December 2012 were used as a source of information to get the names and addresses of TB defaulters. The study was conducted in the East London area of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. East London is a city on the south east coast of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The East London health care system is operating under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (health district). It is composed of 35 fixed clinics, six mobile clinics, two community health centres, one specialized hospital, one regional hospital and three private hospitals. In-depth unstructured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from 14 participants. In this study the researcher identified factors such as patient behaviour, sickness, feeling better, nurses’ attitudes, work issues and temporary change of residence as reasons why patients stopped taking their treatment. It is imperative to understand predictive factors for treatment default so that programs can implement specific measures to target the population at risk, since other strategies such simpler treatment regimens and Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) have not given enough satisfactory results.
Exploration of indigenous knowledge and practices of the relatives of mental health care users regarding management of mental disorders in Malawi
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Kavalo, Yasinta
Topic: Exploration of indigenous knowledge and practices of the relatives of mental health care users regarding the management of mental disorders. This study was conducted to explore the management of mental disorders amongst the indigenous people of the Dedza District in Malawi. The government of Malawi declared public mental health services to be free of charge, as a strategy to reduce the burden of disease to the country. Yet despite the free health care services, the indigenous people of Malawi did not take advantage of these free mental health care services, as they regarded them to be culturally incongruent. Instead they used traditional healing systems for mental disorders and consulted the Western health systems only when the traditional systems had failed, the mental health condition had become worse and the mental health care user had become unmanageable. This study was then conducted to explore what the Malawians regarded as culturally sensitive public mental health services. Method: A qualitative phenomenological research approach was adopted to explore the views of the relatives of mental health care users about culturally sensitive public mental health care services. A purposeful sampling method was used to select information rich participants amongst the relatives of mental health care users of indigenous Malawian origin. An unstructured interview guide was used to gather data through face to face interviews. Saturation of data was reached after interviewing fifteen (15) relatives. The verbatim transcribed data from the participants were content analyzed to identify the themes, categories and subcategories. Themes that emerged were: community beliefs; perceived causes, delayed decision making and health system factors. Findings: The community beliefs about the management of mental disorders were on traditional and religious health systems. The traditional healers were consulted in cases where mental illness was believed to be caused by witchcraft and spiritual healers were consulted where mental illness was believed to be caused by ancestral wrath. Even such consultations were delayed as the decisions on the type of healer to be used to manage the mental health care user, had to come from the extended family members. These processes took place during the acute phase of the mental illness and thus explain the delays in consulting with the Western mental health care systems. Such delays had a potential to contribute to the chronicity and the related complications of the illness. The Western health care services were only consulted when the indigenous healing systems were unsuccessful. Yet even the western healing systems were not the best option due to the negative and disrespectful attitudes of health care professionals, the impersonal nature of services, the use of foreign language and delays in service delivery. The recommendations were that the results of this study should be used as guidelines to develop strategies for culturally congruent mental health care services to the indigenous Malawians as the development of the strategies was beyond the scope of this study. The focus of the guidelines to ensure the development of evidence-based nursing practices in rendering culturally congruent mental health services to the indigenous Malawians. Firstly, there should be an integration of both the Western and the traditional healing systems to ensure a holistic patient centered approach to the care of the indigenous people of Malawi; secondly to use the nursing process phases, starting with the assessment, the formulation of the nursing diagnosis, the expected outcomes, the development and implementation of the nursing interventions and the discharge plans to incorporate the belief systems of the indigenous Malawians as identified in this study.
An exploration of nurse educators’ experiences of assessment in a multi-campus nursing college in the Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Hammond, Sindiswa
Assessment is central to teaching and learning and yet it remains a challenge in most academic institutions. Both teachers and students experience assessment differently because of the different factors affecting them. In this study, internal institutional systems- centralization system of summative assessments, multiple learning sites within a single nursing college, individual assessor and student characteristics were investigated. The study used a qualitative exploratory research design using eight focus group interviews of fifty two nurse educators (n=52) to explore and describe their experiences of a centralised summative assessment in a multi campus nursing college. The study exposed major constraints within the nursing education system, the assessors’ and the students’ personalities challenges of the centralised multi-campus summative assessment process, ranging from questioning, invigilation, marking and scoring to cribbing and low nurse educator morality. Specifically low quality assessment questioning, large numbers of students, unreliable marking including biased marking, lack of proper supervision and support by academic managers resulting in burn out by nurse educators were observed. Recommendations of this study focussed on boosting nurse educators’ morale through motivational, support, professional development programmes improving resource availability at campuses and accountability of nurse educators as assessors and as specialists.
Factors contributing to non adherence among pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment at Amathole district, Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) 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.
Factors contributing to non adherence among pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment at Amathole District, Eastern cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) 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 ART attending antenatal care clinics at the tertiary hospital and two community health centres,in Buffalo City, Amathole District, Eastern Cape. A coded questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Ethical procedure was followed and a consent form was signed by each participant. Data was collected for a period of two months The 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 who participated 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. HIV positive pregnant women on ART exhibited a good knowledge and use of ART. This is encouraging and should be sustained by continuous community awareness campaigns to empower the communities about HIV/AIDS, PMTCT programme and ART and extensive training of health care providers.
Factors enhancing readmission of mental health care users to a mental health unit in East London as described by their caregivers
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mahashe, Nozizwe Patricia
Readmission of mental healthcare users is a global challenge and concern which is associated with high costs. Readmission has negative effects as it is believed to promote dependency, demoralize patients and cause workload for staff. Readmissions also bring a burden to caregivers and affect the caregiver’s health. In the light of this background, the aim of the study was to explore and describe factors enhancing readmission of mental health care users (MHCUs) to a mental health unit in East London as described by their caregivers. The objectives of the study were to: explore factors enhancing readmission of mental health care users in a mental health unit in East London as described by their caregivers and to document recommendations elicited from the findings of the study. A qualitative approach was used to collect and analyze data. The study used a descriptive and explorative design. Sampling was done using the purposive nonprobability method. Unstructured face- to- face interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Fifteen (15) caregivers of MHCUs who had been readmitted to a mental health unit in East London were interviewed .The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The findings of this study suggest that non adherence to treatment, refusing to take treatment, defaulting treatment, denial, indulging in substance abuse, stigma, effects of disease, violence and aggressive behavior are the factors enhancing readmission of MCHUs to a mental health unit in East London. A better understanding of readmission of MHCUs can lead to early intervention and early planning of care. It is envisaged that psycho education, home visits and collaboration of clinic staff with
Factors influencing attendance by diabetic patients for their yearly opthalmic reviews at a private opthalmic practice in East London, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) 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.
The investigation of perceptions of professional nurses regarding care of mental health care users in a general hospital setting
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Manona- Nkanjeni, Nonkanyiso Yvonne
This study sought to explore the perceptions of professional nurses regarding care of stabilised mental health care users in a general hospital setting. A qualitative, explanatory, descriptive and contextual design was used for the study. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select 12 participants from the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The services of an independent interviewer were used to avoid any bias as interviews took place where the researcher is employed. The services of an editor were also used for language control (see Annexure H). The researcher repeatedly listened to the tapes used for data collection until completely satisfied with the interpretation of verbatim data. The research study was conducted in an ethically reflective manner and trustworthiness was ensured at all times. Four themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: fear, stigma, myths and training. The researcher utilised the services of an independent coder who verified the identified major themes. The findings revealed that participants were fearful due to lack of knowledge, experience and psychiatric nursing skills. Participants feared because they lack knowledge about psychiatric medication and because mental health care users may have relapse. The participants also attached a stigma to mental health care users, which resulted in poor communication between participants and the stabilised mental health care user; a negative attitude towards mental health care users; and non-acceptance. Participants believed in myths about mental illness; they regarded it as contagious; and perceived mental health care users as dangerous. The participants strongly recommended that training should be provided to improve their knowledge and skills to enable them to care for stabilised mental health care users in a general hospital setting. The following should be facilitated: in-service training; adoption of a positive attitude; dispersal of myths and fear; education about referral systems; and allocation of specialist psychiatric nurses to medical wards for referral purposes with regard to complicated cases.
An investigation on the effectiveness of lifestyle modification interventions for hypertensive patients in a public health clinic, in the Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Katiya, Lulama Pearl
mortality rates of hypertensive patients are occuring in spite of hypertensive patients being taught about lifestyle modification (De Haan, 2006:55). According to the fifth South African Guidelines (2011:60), hypertension is a global health burden affecting developed and developing countries including South Africa. In 2003, the South African District Health Statistics showed that in the Eastern Cape, 221 females over 15 years of age and 101 males over 15 years of age had moderate hypertension and 92 males over 15 years had severe hypertension. Hypertension is a `silent killer` because it seldom gives rise to any symptoms (De Haan, 2006:66). The objectives of the study were to: investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification intervention on hypertensive patients, and to determine the strategies used in order to ensure the effectiveness of lifestyle modification by hypertensive patients. The research question was: what is the level of effectiveness of lifestyle modification on hypertensive patients in Alice? A descriptive quantitative research design was used in this study. This design allowed the researcher to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification of hypertensive patients in Alice area. A convenience sample was used to sample the target population for the study on the criteria and a total of 169 respondents served as a size of the sample. A pre-test of the tool was carried out on 16 participants to validate the tool before the actual data collection commenced. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Fort Hare, the Department of Health, as well as Victoria Hospital and clinics. Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 software for windows reference was used to analyse the data. The results were presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. The results revealed that 77% (n=125) reported to know nothing about hypertension. Twenty three percent of the participants (n=37) knew about hypertension, they mentioned that it is when the heart has too much blood that is overloading the heart due to problems of the heart, then the blood flow through the heart is disturbed. Furthermore participants stated that it is important that every hypertensive patient engage in lifestyle modification. The study recommended that the Department of Health should emphasise the use of Hypertension Guidelines where all nurses in public clinics should be trained in educating and doing counselling to all hypertensive patients, including those who are pre-hypertensive that are visiting the clinics. Health education about risk factors and complications of hypertension must be done. All patients visiting public clinics must be educated regardless of their problems.
Knowledge and attitudes of professional nurses towards HIV and AIDS patients at the Libode District health services in the Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2011-12-08) Gedu, Grace Nontutuzelo
This study was conducted at the Libode District Health Services amongst professional nurses who render services to HIV and AIDS patients. Generally, caring for HIV positive patients, nurses need to be knowledgeable about the transmission of the HIV virus, in order to render quality care to the patients. They also need to be sensitive and to demonstrate positive attitudes towards the patients. It was unknown whether the professional_ nurses at the Libode District Health Services are knowledgeable or not regarding HIV and AIDS. Their attitudes towards the HIV positive patients, were also unknown. Not knowing the knowledge and attitude of professional nurses regarding HIV and AIDS has the potential to compromise the quality of nursing care rendered to the patients. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the level of knowledge of professional nurses regarding HIV and AIDS well as their attitudes towards the HIV-positive patients so as to make recommendations for quality patient-care based on the results.
Patients’ perceptions regarding commencement of treatment following diagnosis with breast cancer at Frere Hospital, Buffalo City, Eastern Cape.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Matwele, Caroline Ntombekaya; Magadla, N.I. N.
The aim of the study was to: explore and describe patient’s perceptions regarding commencement of treatment following diagnosis with breast cancer at Frere Hospital in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Reasons why patients diagnosed with breast cancer delay in the commencement of the treatment were to be elicited and strategies for curbing the problem were looked into. A qualitative approach was used, with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The purposive sampling technique was used. The sample comprised 15 participants, 14 Black Africans and 1 Coloured lady. Data were collected using an interview guide from female patients diagnosed with breast cancer whose age ranged from 18-72 years. Interviews were recorded on a tape. Tesch’s (1990) steps of qualitative data analysis guided the analysis process. The results revealed that being diagnosed with breast cancer is perceived as a traumatic and painful experience with negative emotional, social, physical impact and unbearable side effects of from the treatment. Fear of undergoing treatment emerged as a barrier for taking prompt treatment. In exploring, one needs to use empathy, particularly that the researcher engaged in bringing to surface painful information. With the use of understanding and broad mindedness, participants opened up. Recommendations were made regarding strategies for care.
Perception of professional nurses regarding factors that influence the integration of psychiatric services into primary health in Buffalo City clinics in the Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-01) Mhlahlo, Ntobeko Beatrice
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of the professional nurses regarding the factors that influence integration of psychiatric services into Primary Health Care (PHC) in Buffalo City clinics in the Eastern Cape. A qualitative research-design was seen as the most suitable in this study. This method was chosen because the researcher was committed to explore the perceptions of the participants in the study. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants for the study, who were selected on the basis of their knowledge of the phenomenon. The participants were professional nurses who were involved in providing mental health care services at the primary health care settings. A pilot study was conducted in a primary health care setting involving participants with similar characteristics to the study population.
Perceptions of indigenous people regarding mental illness at Cacadu district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2015) Tilolo, Lwazi Romeo
Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.

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