Theses and Dissertations

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Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of females requesting termination of pregnancy in Nelson Mandela Bay regarding emergency contraceptives
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-05) Nyangeni, Chwayita; Rala, N.M.
Background Unintended pregnancies leading to termination of pregnancy (TOP) continue to increase regardless of the availability of emergency contraceptives (ECs). The increase in uptake of TOP services suggests underutilisation of ECs. This could be due to insufficient knowledge, negative attitudes, and non-conforming behaviour towards ECs. Objectives This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of women regarding emergency contraceptive use in Nelson Mandela Bay. Methods A total of 390 women participated in this cross-sectional survey and a structured selfadministered questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were summarised using frequency distribution tables and associations between participant characteristics and KAB were carried out using the chi-square test. Results Participants knew that condom rupture (70.3%) and forced intercourse/rape (64.9%) were circumstances under which ECs may be used. Women from informal settlements were less likely to be aware of the usefulness of ECs in preventing pregnancy (OR=0.3; 95%CI (0.16; 0.59)) compared to township and urban women and so were those with less than university education (OR=0.2; 95%CI (0.07;0.39)). Women from informal settlements and those with high school education were more likely to be neutral than to agree with effectiveness of ECs compared to township women (OR=2.3; 95%CI(1.14;4.69)) and those with university education (OR=2.6; 95%CI (1.38; 4.88)), respectively. Rural women were less likely to have previously used ECs compared to township women (OR=0.2; 95%CI (0.06;0.86)), so were those with high school education compared to university graduates (OR=0.4; 95%CI (0.19;0.74)). Conclusion Emergency contraception knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours were found to be related to the residential type and educational level. This study recommends strengthening awareness campaigns on ECs to women whose messaging considers residential type and education level.
Personality and interpersonal competence skills of newly qualified midwives and psychosocial challenges affecting competence: A descriptive study
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-08) Mzuku, Nozuko Faith; Nikodem, V.C.; Mtise, T.
Introduction Transitioning from a student nurse to a newly qualified professional midwife can be a challenging experience. Newly qualified midwives often need to prepare to meet all professional expectations. While clinical competence is commonly measured and discussed in the literature, information on personality and interpersonal competence skills is seldom reported. These skills, including emotional intelligence, teamwork, empathy, integrity, and social boldness, are crucial for effective practice but are often overlooked. Objectives The objectives of this study were to: 1. Measure and describe personality competence skills using the 16-item PF psychometric test. 2. Measure and describe interpersonal competence skills (such as emotional intelligence, teamwork, empathy, integrity, and social boldness) using the open-resource Psychometric 50-Item Interpersonal Skills Questionnaire. 3. Identify psychosocial challenges in the workplace that may impede newly qualified midwives’ acquisition of personality and interpersonal competence skills. Methodology The study employed a quantitative technique and a descriptive, non-experimental design to achieve these objectives. Results A total of 21 newly qualified midwives participated in the study. Most participants reported isiXhosa as their home language and had completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Interestingly, the mean age of participants was 32, older than typical newly graduated students, and most reported being single. Personality competence skills varied among participants. The mean score on the interpersonal competency skills assessment indicated that most newly qualified midwives effectively utilised their own emotions and those of others. The results suggested that participants were more adept at working individually than in teams, although teamwork was noted to enhance their performance. Participants were generally more aware of others’ emotions and more cognizant of their emotional states than the average person. The group scored highly on integrity, showing a strong alignment between their actions and personal principles. Social boldness scores indicated that participants were likelier to demonstrate courage and assertiveness in social interactions. Psychosocial challenges identified included staff burnout, low morale, and insufficient recognition from senior midwives. Participants expressed a need for more informal teaching and orientation as newly qualified staff. Additionally, a shortage of staff and a lack of resources or equipment were significant obstacles in the workplace. Conclusions and Recommendations The study underscored the importance of systematically measuring personality and interpersonal competence skills to integrate newly qualified midwives into clinical settings better. Senior midwives are recommended to create a supportive environment to foster the development of these skills. Persistent challenges, such as inadequate resources and support, continue to hinder the effective transition of newly qualified midwives into the workforce. Improving the performance and preparedness of recently qualified midwives depends on resolving these problems.
Delays of breast cancer diagnosis among women in St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-03-12) Mthinjwa, Mzameleni; Nkutu, N.; Mashau, F.
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among females worldwide. Breast cancer has the highest incidence among all cancers and is the leading cause of cancer death for women worldwide. Noticeably there are women diagnosed with breast cancer at the late stages., and those women have a low survival rate. Delayed diagnosis from the time a breast abnormality is detected to the time of definitive diagnosis; either by the patient or by a healthcare provider may contribute to the negative outcomes, as well as expensive treatment options and higher recurrence rates. The same problem has been identified at St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape Province. The aim and objectives: To assess factors contributing to delays of breast cancer diagnosis among women at St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital, Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. To describe the strategies for the reduction of time to breast cancer diagnosis among women in St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative approach was used for this study. The study used an explorative, descriptive and contextual design to identify the reasons for delay in breast cancer diagnosis, among women in St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A non- probability purposive sampling technique was used. Ethical clearance was received from the University of Fort Hare Research Ethics Committee. Permission was then obtained from the Provincial Department of Health, and St. Elizabeth’s Regional Hospital to continue with the study. The researcher obtained necessary permission from all participants after they had been thoroughly informed about the purpose of the interview. The researcher obtained consent from the participants to tape record the interview for accurate data collection purpose and permission for data analysis. The data was collected from 11 women with confirmed breast cancer diagnosis seen at St. Elizabeth Regional Hospital in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape Province. A qualitative data was collected using a self-designed semi-structured interview guide by the researcher. Face-to face interview questions were administered by the researcher, probing was done until saturation was reached on 11 participants. Data analysis: The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. To organize the data into themes that identify factors associated with delays in breast cancer diagnosis among women, the researcher utilized the eight steps of Tesch established in Creswell (2014). Results: The main factors contributing to delays of breast cancer diagnosis among women in St Elizabeth Hospital include financial difficulties, lack of knowledge, lack of presentation to the health facility for consultation, fear of breast cancer and surgery, unreasonable turnaround time for investigation results, lack of oncology skills, and lack of referral to other institution for further investigation and management. Conclusion: There should be oncology capacity building in regional hospitals receiving breast cancer patients from clinics and district hospitals, and continuous breast cancer awareness to reduce delays of breast cancer diagnosis.
Experiences of emergency care technicians with regards to inter-facility transfers of critical patients in Mangaung Metro, Free State
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-06) Mohoto, Nokwanda Teddy-Bear; Nkuthu, N.T.
Background: Over the years, the increase in the number of inter-facility transfers of critically ill or injured patients has placed a burden on the healthcare system. Critically ill or injured patients are transferred to higher level facilities/hospitals so that they can receive specialist care. The inter-facility transfers require a multi-disciplinary healthcare system which includes the referring physician/nurses, emergency medical services and the receiving physician/nurses. The nature of these critical transfers has placed great emphasis on the high quality treatment and management required from emergency services. This has pushed emergency services to introducing new qualifications with better capabilities of treating and managing critically ill or injured patients. In Mangaung Metro, Free State, EMS personnel with the required capabilities have not been employed within operations post 2011. This has left personnel (ECT) with lower qualifications and capabilities employed within operations to be the ones undertaking inter-facility transfers of critically patients. The purpose of the study was to explore the current operational ECT’s experiences on inter-facility transfers of critically ill or injured patients. Objectives were to explore the ECT’s experiences on inter-facility transfers of critical patients in Mangaung; to describe the challenges encountered by ECTs concerning inter-facility transfers of the critical patients in Mangaung and to describe the strategies that can be implemented to improve the experiences of ECTs during inter-facility transfer of critically ill patients. Methods: A qualitative approach with a exploratory design was used throughout the research to explore the ECT’s experiences with regards to inter-facility transfers of critically ill or injured patients. Interviews were held with 9 consenting ECT’s under strict COVID-19 protocols. The ECT’s/participants were coded. An interview guide was used to explore the ECT’s experiences, challenges and strategies to enhance outcomes. A tape recorder was used to record the interviews. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and sent to a co-coder for verification and analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: 1) Experiences of ECT’s conducting inter-facility transfers of critical patients, 2) lack of knowledge regarding inter-facility transfers of critical patients, 3) challenges experienced by ECT’s regarding inter-facility tranfers of xii critical patients and 4) strategies required to enhance safe inter-facility transfer of critical patients. Majority of the participants expressed negative experiences with regards to interfacilility transfers. These negative experiences were due to a lack of proper equipment to undertake critical tranfers, poor management, lack of capabilies or limited scope of practice, poor pre-hospital and in-hospital relationships and communication, amongst other things. The study revealed that critical patients required highly qualified EMS personnel with a broader scope of practice and capabilities to undertake inter-facility transfers of critical patients. Conclusion: ECT’s revealed how overwhelmed they felt undertaking inter-facility transfers of critical patients and expressed the need for more highly qualified personnel to be employed operationally. More focus should also be put on training/refreshing the ECT’s to current protocols. Communication between the multidisciplinary system needs to be improved. The Department of Health needs to procure more and better equipment for ECT’s to be able to perform their duties as well as invest in proper managerial strategies.
The relationship between clinician compliance with national TB drug sensitive tuberculosis management guidelines and treatment outcomes at Mdantsane Correctional Centre, Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-08-07) Mjijelwa, Vuyolwethu; Giyose, P.; Mandeya, A.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an inflammatory infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which affects any tissue of the body. The most common site of disease is the lungs (World Health Organisation, 2023). WHO developed guidelines for managing this disease and South Africa developed its own context specific guidelines. However, compliance with these guidelines is not always possible for various reasons, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conceptualised with the intention of assessing TB management practices in correctional centres and determining how those practices may be related to treatment outcomes. The main objectives were to determine the compliance of correctional centre clinicians with TB management guidelines and to see if there is a relationship between compliance with guidelines and treatment outcomes. A cross sectional study design was used and data was extracted from 106 patient files. Frequency distributions were used to determine the extent of compliance and the chisquare test was used to test for relationships between different compliance aspects and treatment outcomes. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the strength and direction of detected relationships. While there was high compliance in most of the aspects of TB management as per the guidelines, there was lack of justification of deviations, whenever they occurred. The patients who were more likely to have positive treatment outcomes were those whose baseline smear results were known (OR=4.8; 95%CI (1.22;22.59)), whose weight was monitored (OR=1.5; 95%CI (1.27;1.71)) and whose treatment duration was known (OR=6.1; 95%CI (1.39;26.81)). The Department of Correctional Services health management should develop a comprehensive capacitation plan that will include mentoring and monitoring of compliance with TB guidelines. An effective linkage to the care system within correctional services and DOH facilities must be developed to ensure continuity of care and improve treatment outcomes. Tuberculosis case-finding and contact tracing require more research to understand the trends of infection and inform comprehensive infection control policies.
Investigation of the Covid-19 pandemic impact on Child Health and Nutrition Services in Primary Health Care facilities, Mnquma Local Municipality: A retrospective study
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-08-31) Mdingi-Buqa, Namhla Linda; Murray, D.; Mayeye, F.
Introduction The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, a global phenomenon with multiple waves of infection, significantly disrupted livelihoods and health services worldwide. While evidence suggested children were less susceptible to severe illness and death from the virus itself, the pandemic’s indirect effects put them at risk. many countries including South Africa, responded by declaring a state of disaster and implementing movement restrictions to control the spread of the virus. This study investigated the impact of these measures on child health and nutrition services in the Mnquma subdistrict of the Amathole District, South Africa. Methods This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method of quantitative and qualitative designs. In terms of quantitative data, retrospective data was analysed in two parts. Firstly, Part One involved reviewing twenty health patient records from 2019/20 to 2020/21 period. Part Two (2) focussed on twelve child health and nutrition indicators for children aged two years old, extracted from the District Health Information Management System (DHIS). This allowed for a comparison of trends in service utilisation between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. On the other hand, qualitative research explored factors contributing to reduced access to health care and disruptions in services. The researcher used purposive sampling to select the five clinics for convenience and proximity. During data collection at each clinic, caregivers were recruited and interviewed until data saturation was reached. Results The study revealed the negative consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic on child health service utilisation. Data from the District Health Information System (DHIS) for 2019/20 showed generally lower immunisation rates in 2020 compared to 2019 except for the first dose Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. Interestingly the variations in proportions between the two years for DTaP (first dose), DTaP (third vi dose), and measles vaccination were statistically significant (chi -square=3668.5, pvalue<0.0001). Analysis of the data also indicated a decline in the number of children fully immunised. These decreases ranged from 1.9% to 4.4% in Mpukane, Nqancule, and Zazulwana clinics. Conversely, Hebe-Hebe and Ndabakazi clinics reported increases of 4.8% and 1.6% respectively. Reviews of children’s medical records revealed coughs as the most prevalent illness affecting 50% of children’s visits. Vomiting was a less frequent issue accounting for15% of consultations for this symptom. Notably, the study found no significant changes in the nutritional status during the pandemic. Caregiver interviews identified challenges during the pandemic that likely hindered access to child health and nutrition services. These challenges included movement restrictions due to COVID-19 regulations, temporary clinic closures, fear of contracting COVID-19, and clinic staff shortages that further strained the services. Additionally, the high cost of private health care made it difficult for some caregivers to access necessary care for their children. Conclusion This study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted access to and utilisation of child health and nutrition services in the Mnquma sub-district, South Africa. Children primarily presented with COVID-19-related symptoms like cough, gastroenteritis, and eye/ear infections. Several factors hindered service utilisation, including movement restrictions due to lockdown, clinic closures, and caregiver fear of contracting the virus. Furthermore, the reported hunger, household food insecurity, school closures, and long queues at grocery stores negatively impacted the nutritional status of children.
Psychological, emotional and social wellbeing of adolescents in urban and semi-urban communities of Centurion, Gauteng
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-03-12) Matukane, Alucia Nkateko; Mashau, F.; Wagner, J-D.
Background: Adolescents in developing countries seem to be experiencing significant behavioural changes, with mental health being the leading cause. This study aims to describe and compare the psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing of adolescentsliving in urban and semi-urban areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 adolescents (aged between 10 to 19 years), using Keyes’s MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUUM SHORT FORM in both urban and semi-urban communities. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were used to compare the differences with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Based on Keyes (2009) Mental Health Continuum model, the descriptive statistics using Pivot Tables more than two-thirds of the participants were classified as being moderately mentally health (185,58%) with the remainder being classified along the continuum as flourishing (98,31%) and languishing (37,11%). Two samples t-test analysis results have shown a high significance level on emotional wellbeing (p=0.0000), a low significance level on social wellbeing (p=0.0570) and no significance in the psychological wellbeing (p=9949) of the adolescents from the two communities. Further analysis using the Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant difference in five of the MHC-SF 14 items. Items 1 to 3 (p<0.001) and items 4 - 5 (p=0.015, p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in items 6 to 14 of MHC-SF. Conclusion: The majority of the adolescents who took part in this study had moderate mental health, followed by those who were flourishing, as evidenced by positive functioning symptoms. Adolescent mental health problems are linked to their general wellbeing. Interventions for mental health issues vary depending on what is causing them. This study can be used to determine the need for policies and programs that can support adolescents' mental health resilience in changing social determinants of health situations, as adolescent mental health becomes a more important issue.
The role of community-based organisations and ward-based outreach teams in the implementation of the 90-90-90 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Strategy in the Amathole District
(University of Fort Hare, 2023) Makeleni, Ntombekhaya Phyllis; Goon, D.T.
Community-based services are vital to the achievement of goals set for ending HIV as a public health threat. Amathole Health District has not produced the desired results towards the achievement of the 90-90-90 HIV treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to assess the role of community-based organisations and wardbased outreach teams (WBOTs) in the implementation of the 90-90-90 HIV treatment strategy in Amathole in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A qualitative design was followed by conducting face-to-face interviews with purposively selected ward-based outreach team leaders and managers of community-based organisations. Focus group discussions were held using an interview guide. Individual interviews included four ward-based outreach team leaders and five managers of communitybased organisations. Focus group discussions were inclusive of four groups of community health workers from ward-based outreach teams (WBOTs) and five groups of community care givers from community-based organisations (CBOs). The findings of the study were five common themes included: case finding where home visits and counselling were provided; linkage to care where referral of clients and tracing of defaulters was done; retention to care which included conducting follow-up visits and client monitoring; collaboration between CBOs, WBOTs, and health facilities and success achieved in the implementation of the 90-90-90 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment strategy which included viral suppression, decreased deaths, and tracing of defaulters. It is concluded that the continuum of HIV care requires more efforts towards ensuring that there is synergy between community-based workers and public health institutions for the achievement of the 90-90-90 targets.
A programme for promoting the uptake of organ donation among Xhosa Community in the Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-11) Mtise, Tobeka; Seekoe, E.; Goon, D.T.
Currently, there exists a global shortage of viable organs that meet the high transplantation demands as treatment options. While there is an increasing need for organ transplantation, people are dying on a daily basis because they are not receiving the life-saving organs they require. Furthermore, while many South Africans rely on life-saving organ transplants, convincing rural black communities to donate organs is an arduous task because of their prevailing cultural beliefs. Considering the above, the overall aim of this study was to develop a programme promoting the uptake of organ donation among the Xhosa community in the Eastern Cape Province by empowering them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of organ donation. Moreover, it sought to promote community discussion of and participation in organ donation. The researcher anticipated that by equipping communities and individuals with truth-based facts, more people would be willing to become organ donors, thereby addressing the severe shortage thereof.
A Retrospective analysis of maternal death in the Nelson Mandela Academy Hospital in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa from 2013 to 2017
(University of Fort Hare, 2023-05) Majiki, Nosipho Sharon; Maluleke, T.X.
Background: Globally thousands of women die each year from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth. It is considered the key indicator of a country's progress in improving the health status of their communities these deaths of women could be prevented through the provision of the skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric and neonatal care services and increase use of contraceptives. However, many poor countries cannot manage to provide these to pregnant women. It is unfortunate that the deaths of women in a family and community bring along many psychological and emotional factors in families and health services, because it leads to a long-term social and economic breakdown, both for the immediate family and the wider community. Furthermore, the cost of the maternal death to families, living children, and other dependents are widespread, affecting future generations and economic progress of the country. The study was conducted using patients’ records women classified as maternal deaths at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in the 2013 to 2017.The aim of the study was to conduct a descriptive retrospective review maternal death causes, trends and contributory factors of maternal death in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in the year 2013 to 2017. Methodology: It was a retrospective analysis, quantitative and descriptive study where 202 maternal death patients whose age was between 18 and 45 years old and were admitted in NMAH. Two hundred patient’s files were reviewed and analysed over. Only record files of patient’s that were admitted and died in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Umtata due to pregnancy related conditions. Data were collected over a period of twelve weeks and analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The main primary causes of maternal deaths at NMAH were non-pregnancy-related, infections and avoidable factors that included lack of appropriately trained specialist and health personnel; delay in initiating care or delay of referrals; lack of blood products; managing patients at an inappropriate level of care; problem recognition; and sub-standard care in the referral hospitals. The patient related contributory factors were unbooked patients, delay in seeking help and patients’ refusal of medication or surgery or advice for religious reasons.
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; Magadla, N.I.N.
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; Tshotsho, N.
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; Tshotsho, N.; Magadla, N.
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; Tshotsho, N.; Magadla, N.
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; Tshotsh, N.; Mayeye, B.
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; Mupindu, W.
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; Mupindu, W.
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; Goon, D.T.
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; Magadla, N.I.N.; Tshotsho, N.
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
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mnwana, Sindiswa Millicent; Mayeye, B.
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.

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