Theses and Dissertations

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The study of self-esteem among patients diagnosed with schizophrenia attending theout-patient department od Cecilia Makiwani Hospital in East London area.
(University of Fort Hare, 2009) Durrheim, Ricarda Janet
The objective of the current study was to determine the self-esteem of people who suffer from schizophrenia. The study was aimed at gaining information about the self-esteem of the schizophrenic person living in the East-London area and seen by the psychiatrist at Cecilia Makiwane hospital during the year 2008.
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.
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.
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.
The knowledge of relatives regarding management of discharged mental health care users in the East London District.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014-03) Ntuku, Ncinane Highman
The role of family members is very important to reduce the readmission of mental health care users to psychiatric institutions. The reason for this is that they are always with the patient and can easily identify the early signs of relapse. This could be achieved if they are well equipped with information on the management of the patient after being discharged from the hospital. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of relatives and their needs regarding the management of discharged mental health care users so as to prevent readmission. A quantitative design in the form of self-administered questionnaires was used to collect data from the adult relatives of mental health care users who had been discharged from the Cecilia Makiwane hospital and were continuing with treatment from the Mdantsane clinics.
Revisiting the challenges concerning cleanliness of the public hospitals at Amathole District in South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2018) Tofu, Xolani James
Most people lives are highly dependent on the quality of healthcare services rendered to them. One of the most important factors which people consider as a quality measure in hospitals is cleanliness. The National Health Service (2003) stresses "Cleanliness of institutions" as one of the six priority measures of quality. Although cleanliness means removal of unwanted materials from specific areas, it is not about maintaining the place spotless tidy, but ensuring that the physical surroundings do not affect the patients' psychological environment. This research sought to explore factors influencing cleanliness in the Public Hospitals of Amathole District in the province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
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.
Reasons associated with relapse in patients with schizophrenia.
(University of Fort Hare, 2012-11-30) Mtana, Babalwa Christina
Introduction: The high number of relapse in patients with schizophrenia has prompted the researcher to conduct the study and this result in these patients having to be admitted in hospital for a longer period. Problem: The researcher is concerned about the high rate of re-admission of patients with schizophrenia at Fort England Hospital. During the month of June 2011, from the twenty users who were admitted with schizophrenia 70% of these patients were relapsed cases. The problem is the movement of users in and out of the institution. When these users are discharged they are sent home in the care of their families. The patients diagnosed with schizophrenia require a lot of support from their families. It is questionable if the families are offering enough support to the user. Therefore, based on the stated problems, the researcher wanted to establish the factors that cause relapse (Almond et al, 2004:2). Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the reason for relapse in patients with schizophrenia who are admitted to Fort England Hospital and recommend strategies to reduce relapse.
'Student life' discourse and the perception of risk for HIV infection among undergraduate nursing students, at a university, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
(2014) 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.
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 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.
Perceptions of professional nurses about the bridging course programme in alleviating shortage of staff at health services in the Amathole sub-district, Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) 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.
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.
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.
Strategies used to implement the national guidelines on preventing and early management of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) at the Buffalo City Municipality clinics in East London Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Giyose, Patela
The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the strategies used by nurses to implement the national treatment guidelines to prevent, detect and manage multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious diseases and the major cause of death worldwide with estimates of 9.2 million new TB cases in 2008 and 1.7 deaths including 200 000 in clients co-infected with HIV. South Africa is currently ranked 3rd among the 22 high TB burden countries in the world. The HIV/AIDS epidemic contributes significantly to the upward trend in TB morbidity and it is estimated that more than 50% of TB patients are also HIV positive (South African Department of Health 2009:10). The current rate of tuberculosis infections as a result of new infections as well as re-infections of patients is of concern to the disease control and policy making bodies of South Africa. Questions regarding the effectiveness of tuberculosis policies and programmes emerge at all times (Luhulima, Netshandama and Davhana-Maselesele, 2008: 36). Patients with multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) are at high risk of treatment failure. It is anticipated that early identification of MDR-TB and appropriate treatment will improve patient outcome and disease control. This study intends to explore the effectiveness of health systems in the prompt identification and management of MDR patients. This study was conducted using a qualitative, explorative and descriptive design. A purposive sample of clinics and professional nurses was selected, and voluntary participation was ensured. The data was collected through individual interviews which were audio taped and then transcribed verbatim. Findings revealed that MDR-TB guidelines were available at the clinics. The professional nurses implemented the guidelines to prevent, detect and manage multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, by screening and testing symptomatic high risk groups, contact tracing and monitoring, providing initial counselling and education to patients and family, preparing patients for admission when indicated and coordinating referrals to the centralised MDR-TB unit. However, there were notable constraints with regards to the management of MDR-TB patients and the overall TB programme. These included MDR-TB specific training, staff shortages, dysfunctional community DOT programme, shortage of beds at the MDR-TB treatment centres, and patient factors like defaulting, migration for various reasons, alcoholism. All these constraints call for intensified strategic management at both policy and facility level. It is also necessary that all policies related to patient management need extensive scientific study to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness. More research studies are required on policy analysis and utilization.
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.
Professional nurses’ perceptions on quality patient care in one of the Eastern Cape state hospitals
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Somahela, Khanyisa Judith
The focus of this study was to explore the perceptions of professional nurses in the quality of care rendered by nurses in the public hospitals. Nursing is a challenging, demanding, and yet fulfilling profession, whose goal is to provide quality care to individuals, families and communities. However, there are inconsistencies regarding the quality of care rendered by nurses in the public hospitals. The media and the public portray nurses as providing poor quality care in the health care facilities. Conversely, the nurses view that they are doing their best, considering the challenging circumstances under which they work in public institutions. The study followed a qualitative approach and an exploratory descriptive design. A purposive sample of 13 professional nurses participated in the study. The sample size was not pre-determined. Data were collected until data saturation, when the interviews yielded no new information. The study was conducted in a state hospital in the Eastern Cape, using an interview guide. Responses were recorded using a tape recorder. No incentives were given to participants. Data were collected and analysed following the Tesch’s method. Prior to conducting the study, the researcher obtained ethical clearance from the University of Fort Hare research ethics committee. The perceptions of the professional nurses who participated in this study were inconsistent. The majority pointed out that the quality of patient care was deteriorating which means the patient care is poor. whereas some participants indicated that the quality of patient care was still the same; it had not changed or deteriorated, The contributing factors to the poor quality patient care were indicated as; shortage of staff, shortage of resources such as equipment, inadequate empowerment of staff, insufficient training of students, staff arriving late for duties, lack of passion their work, skipping and missing of routines, support service that was not working hand in hand with the nursing staff, increased hospitalization of patients and the Eastern cape Department of Health failing to remunerate the nurses as promised.
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
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.

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