https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/issue/feedHealth SA Gesondheid2024-03-19T08:45:18+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@hsag.co.zaOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/hsag/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2444South African midwife specialists’ experiences in the utilisation of their knowledge and skills2024-03-19T08:45:18+01:00Kagiso P. Tukisikagisot28@gmail.comZelda Janse van Rensburgzeldajvr@uj.ac.zaWanda Jacobswandaj@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Midwifery specialisation was introduced in 1993 as a response to escalating maternal and neonatal mortalities and shortage of physicians in rural parts of South Africa. Basic midwives enrolled into a postgraduate midwifery qualification to extend their knowledge and skills which enabled them to manage complicated obstetric conditions. The postgraduate midwifery qualification rendered them midwife specialists upon completion of the course. Yet, MS remain underutilised in clinical facilities due to limiting practice regulations and fear of medico-legal litigations, leading to forfeiture of skills.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to explore and describe midwife specialist’ experiences of optimal utilisation of their knowledge and skills in public health facilities in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Public health facilities based in seven provinces in South Africa where MS were employed, formed part of the research setting.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A qualitative, descriptive and explorative research design was followed using phenomenological approach. Sixteen purposefully sampled midwife specialists participated in four focus group interviews. Data were analysed using Collaizi’s descriptive method.</p><p><strong>Findings:</strong> Three themes, each with categories, were derived from the data. Research results confirmed midwife specialist’ limited utilisation of knowledge and skills in public facilities. This was associated with the existing practice regulations, restricting midwife specialists to basic midwifery roles.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The lack of practice regulations, particularly for midwife specialists hinders optimal utilisation of their knowledge and skills in the public health facilities.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study highlighted midwife specialist’ barriers in optimally embracing their expert knowledge and skills. Barriers may guide formulation of strategies to facilitate midwife specialist’ knowledge and skills utilisation.</p><p> </p>2024-03-18T05:05:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Kagiso P. Tukisi, Zelda Janse van Rensburg, Wanda Jacobshttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2339Experiences on the frontline: Qualitative accounts of South African healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic2024-03-15T08:44:47+01:00Angela Kazadiangiekazi7@gmail.comJennifer Watermeyerjennifer.watermeyer@wits.ac.zaSahba Besharatisahba.besharati@wits.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted people’s mental health significantly. Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) were arguably most affected, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries like South Africa. Understanding their experiences is important to inform interventions for social and psychological support for future pandemics.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study explored the experiences of frontline HCWs in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The sample included HCWs from various professions and health sectors who worked with COVID-19 patients across South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 frontline HCWs recruited via purposive sampling. Data were analysed using principles of inductive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Four major themes were identified in the data: (1) Working during COVID-19 was an emotional rollercoaster; (2) Working during COVID-19 was physically and mentally exhausting; (3) Participants held negative attitudes towards the Department of Health; and (4) COVID-19 had a transformative impact on the daily life of HCWs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> HCWs’ experiences were diverse and marked by contradictions. Limited psychological support and resources aggravated experiences. However, a positive narrative of hope and gratitude also resonated with participants. Qualitative methodologies provided depth and insights into the diverse realities of frontline HCWs.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study provides significant insights into the experiences of a diverse group of frontline South African HCWs during COVID-19. It demonstrates a shift in the definition of a ‘frontline’ HCW and highlights the need for greater psychological support and individualised public health interventions during future pandemics.</p>2024-03-15T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Angela Kazadi, Jennifer Watermeyer, Sahba Besharatihttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2348Reaching consensus on factors impacting optimal use of an orthopaedic emergency theatre in a public hospital2024-03-16T08:45:04+01:00Mamiki Ramokopelwamamikiram1@gmail.comMabitja Moetamabitja.moeta@up.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> The operating theatre (OT) complex of hospitals represents areas of considerable expenditure with regard to costs and requires maximum use to ensure optimum cost benefit for both patients and the hospital. Inefficient use of an operating theatre room (OTR) may result in hospital wasteful expenditure and frustrations for patients owing to surgery delays, cancellations and prolonged hospitalisation while waiting.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of the study was to explore and describe using a consensus method, factors impacting the use of an emergency orthopaedic theatre that can be optimised in a selected public hospital in Gauteng province.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study was conducted by a professional nurse and orthopaedic surgeon working in the theatre of a selected public hospital in Gauteng province.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was adopted. Data were collected using a nominal group technique (NGT) among professional nurses and orthopaedic surgeons. Data analysis was done through cross-analysis where participants reached a consensus on the voted ideas from the group.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Consensus was reached and three main themes emerged: (1) inadequate resources; (2) poor organisation and (3) communication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The optimal use of an emergency orthopaedic theatre is influenced by the availability of resources being human and material, good organisation and clear communication.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study has demonstrated that a variety of factors needs to be considered to optimise the use of an orthopaedic emergency theatre. The management of an OT requires a concerted effort from the nurses and doctors.</p>2024-03-15T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Mamiki Ramokopelwa, Mabitja Moetahttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2411Factors influencing the utilisation of Youth Friendly Health Services in Blantyre, Malawi2024-03-14T08:44:39+01:00Grace C. Sibande67129765@mylife.unisa.ac.zaRakgadi G. Malapelaemalapr@unisa.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Usage of Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHSs) remains unsatisfactory in sub-Saharan Africa despite global agreements on the utilisation of these services among the youths.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of the study was to identify factors that influence the utilisation of YFHSs in Blantyre, Malawi.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Four health centres in Blantyre, Malawi.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A descriptive quantitative research design using multistage sampling was used to randomly sample (<em>N</em> = 293) unmarried youths and collect data using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using a computerised statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Chi-square (χ²) was used to test the significance of the association between variables, and the <em>p</em>-value (<em>p</em> < 0.05) was considered significant. Regression analysis was used to examine the influence of independent variables on the utilisation of the services.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Less than half of the respondents have ever accessed YFHSs (43%). The Chi-square test showed that the following variables had a significant association with utilisation of the services (<em>p</em> < 0.05): gender, age, knowledge, signage, printed health education materials, provider attitudes and being shy or fear of being seen at the services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Age, knowledge, signpost, printed health education materials, provider attitudes and being shy or fear of being seen at the YFHSs are factors that influenced the utilisation of the services. Working on these factors would help to increase utilisation.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study findings will help to fill the gap in the provision of YFHSs and thus increase utilisation of the services.</p>2024-03-13T10:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Grace C. Sibande, Rakgadi G. Malapelahttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2237Experiences of women on the use of Implanon NXT in Gauteng province, South Africa: A qualitative study2024-03-02T08:42:15+01:00Junior M. Ntimanijmntimani@gmail.comMoreoagae B. Randamoreoagae.randa@smu.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Maternal-related illnesses and pregnancy-related deaths could be averted using contraceptives, particularly long-acting methods because they improve overall access to family planning because of their benefits, such as fewer visits to the healthcare facility, higher effectiveness and value for money. The introduction of Implanon NXT in the South African health system raised great concern about the number of women who returned to healthcare facilities for its early removal within a few months of insertion.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This article focussed on exploring the experiences of women regarding early removal of Implanon NXT insertion.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> The study was conducted in four selected clinics in Region E sub-district, city of Johannesburg.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A qualitative exploratory approach was followed using semi-structured individual interviews to collect data. Data were analysed using the content analysis method.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The most cited reasons for its discontinuity were that women experienced unpleasant side effects such as amenorrhoea, excessive bleeding and headaches, whilst other women found it to be reliable and convenient.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Contraceptive methods empower women to take control of their lives and to decide on the right time for them to have children. It is, therefore, important to equip women with relevant information about the contraceptive methods so that they can make informed decisions and choices.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study calls for health promoters to periodically conduct information sessions with women as guided by the National Contraception Policy Guidelines to ensure up-to-date practice.</p>2024-02-29T17:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Junior M. Ntimani, Moreoagae B. Randahttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2526Radiographers’ conceptualisation of trauma imaging in Gauteng, South Africa2024-03-02T08:42:16+01:00Shabnam Wahidshab0703@gmail.comShantel Lewisshantell@uj.ac.zaYasmin Casmodyasminc@uj.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Radiographers form part of the healthcare team and are integral in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma patients. Additionally, they are required to provide their services to multiple departments within the hospital, including the emergency department. Healthcare workers who work with trauma patients experience changes in their psychological functioning. Therefore, diagnostic radiographers may have similar experiences; however, limited studies were found on radiographers’ conceptualisation of trauma imaging.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of this study was to explore and describe radiographers’ conceptualisation of trauma imaging.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted virtually with radiographers in both the private and public healthcare sectors in Gauteng, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> In this qualitative, explorative and descriptive study, 20 radiographers were interviewed virtually through Zoom or WhatsApp video calls or telephone interviews. Participants were asked a central question: ‘What does trauma imaging mean to you?’ Detailed notes were taken during the interviews, and interviews were audio-recorded. The data was transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) COVID-19 pandemic; (2) road accidents; (3) gender-based violence (GBV); and (4) paediatric injuries that participants conceptualised as trauma imaging.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Participants conceptualised trauma imaging as COVID-19, road accidents, GBV and paediatric patients. It was noted that participants’ personal experiences were significant contributors to their meaning-making and responses to trauma imaging.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study has contributed to the understanding of the conceptualisation of trauma imaging from the perspective of diagnostic radiographers.</p>2024-02-29T16:30:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Shabnam Wahid, Shantel Lewis, Yasmin Casmodhttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2469Nurses’ knowledge regarding recommended practices on using surgical attire in operating theatre2024-03-02T08:42:15+01:00Joshua Alayemialayemijoshua@gmail.comWilma ten Ham-Baloyiwilma.tenHam-Baloyi@nmmu.ac.zaSihaam Jardien-Baboosihaam.jardien-baboo@mandela.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> To reduce the risk for surgical site infections, nurses in the operating theatre environment must have knowledge of and adhere to recommended practices regarding the use of surgical attire.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on nurses’ knowledge related to recommended practices regarding the use of surgical attire in operating theatre.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> Operating theatres in two public and two private hospitals in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> An educational pilot study, using a quasi-experimental, two-group pre- and post-test design, was conducted. A convenience sample of <em>n</em> = 85 nurses was purposively allocated to a control group and an intervention group. An existing educational intervention consisting of an interactive training session, brochures based on the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses’ (AORN) guidelines and a summary of these guidelines was implemented for the intervention group, while the control group received only the summary of the guidelines. Data were collected through self-administered pre- and post-test questionnaires from March 2019 to August 2019.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The overall knowledge score for nurses in the intervention group post-intervention improved with a large significance (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.000 and Cohen’s d = 1.26).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The intervention has shown potential to improve the knowledge related to recommended practices of nurses in operating theatres regarding the use of surgical attire.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This pilot study encourages the implementation of the intervention on the use of surgical attire but requires further development and a wider implementation to measure its impact, and access to resources, enhancing and sustaining its success.</p>2024-02-29T15:16:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Joshua Alayemi, Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi, Sihaam Jardien-Baboohttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2385Nurses’ obesity knowledge, attitudes and practices in private facilities in Oshana, Namibia2024-03-01T13:06:04+01:00Perseverance Moyomoyoperseverance@gmail.comRehanna Felixrehannafelix@sun.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> The prevalence of obesity has been rising globally, and this is leading to an increase in other non-communicable diseases. The level of obesity knowledge among nurses may have an impact on how they treat and perceive obese patients.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> The study aimed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses regarding obesity at private healthcare facilities located in Namibia’s Oshana Region.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> A total of four private healthcare facilities in Namibia’s Oshana area served as the study’s sites.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A quantitative cross-sectional research design using proportional stratified random sampling was used to choose 250 respondents for the study. A questionnaire that respondents self-administered was used to gather the data. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were determined during a pilot study. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 was used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Of the participants, about two-fifths had a positive attitude (<em>n</em> = 112; 44.8%), slightly less than two-fifths had good practices (<em>n</em> = 96; 38.4%) and more than one-third had good knowledge (<em>n</em> = 97; 39%). There were differences in knowledge mean scores based on age, occupation, sex and educational level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results validate the necessity for healthcare facilities to implement nurse education and mentorship initiatives, as well as to recognise and reward nurses who effectively care for patients with obesity.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study added literature on knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses in private healthcare facilities in Namibia, as well as factors that influence knowledge levels among the nurses.</p>2024-02-29T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Perseverance Moyo, Rehanna Felixhttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2413Perceptions of interprofessional collaborative practice in South Africa: A systematic review2024-03-01T13:06:04+01:00Nadia Mohamednamohamed@uwc.ac.zaCraig W. Peckcpeck@uwc.ac.zaJanine SenekalJssenekal@uwc.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) were developed to address the health needs of communities through collaborative practice across healthcare disciplines. The impact of IPE on IPCP and clinical service delivery in South Africa is not evident, possibly because of the lack of IPCP experiences among healthcare professionals.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> International literature reports facilitators and barriers of IPCP implementation, but there was a need to filter the evidence to identify literature from the South African context regarding the perceptions of healthcare workers’ perceived barriers and facilitators of IPCP.</p><p><strong>Setting:</strong> South African literature.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A systematic review was conducted to synthesise evidence from articles published between January 2017 and December 2021. Only qualitative studies targeting health professionals in South Africa who had been exposed to IPCP were included. Consistent with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis, a multi-database search yielded 424 articles, which were screened for relevance and appraised for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. A thematic synthesis of the findings was conducted by applying ethical principles.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Synthesis of barriers and enablers for IPCP implementation in the South African context included key aspects of healthcare systems, management and team leadership.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The integration of IPCP into clinical practice in South Africa is still limited as healthcare professionals operate in silos.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> Recommendations of this study include greater integration of services combined with competent management and visionary leadership, together with the incorporation of IPE into undergraduate professional training programmes.</p>2024-02-29T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Nadia Mohamed, Craig William Peck, Janine Senekalhttps://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/2299A scoping review on natural cholesterol lowering supplements sold in South African pharmacies2024-03-01T13:06:04+01:00Hyeon Bok Leehangboklee91@gmail.comRazeeya Khanrazeeya.khan@wits.ac.zaMuhammed Vallymuhammed.vally@wits.ac.zaAné Orchardane.orchard@wits.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Dyslipidaemia is defined as elevated total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Patients may often make use of natural cholesterol lowering supplements (NCLSs) available at the pharmacy; however, limited information on these supplements is readily available. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about NCLSs to ensure that the use of these supplements is supported by evidence and to provide appropriate advice to patients for desirable therapeutic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aim:</strong> This study aimed to identify the NCLSs being sold in South African pharmacies and review the scientific evidence for each of the ingredients in these NCLSs.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Seventeen NCLS products were identified, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was used to conduct a literature review of NCLSs.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> From the ingredients reviewed it is evident that co-enzyme Q10, probiotics and sterols have sufficient evidence supporting their use. However, there is still limited scientific evidence available to validate the remaining ingredients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Further research on NCLSs will provide practising pharmacists and practitioners with a guide of the evidence available on the various ingredients in NCLSs.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study provides a review of the available literature on the NCLSs being sold in the pharmacies across South Africa to provide pharmacists with a collated document of the evidence behind these popular supplements to assist them in making evidence based informed decision regarding natural products for cholesterol.</p>2024-02-29T05:10:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Hyeon Bok Lee, Razeeya Khan, Muhammed Vally, Ané Orchard