Health SA Gesondheid promotes communication, collaboration and teamwork between professions and disciplines within the health sciences to address problems that cross and affect disciplinary boundaries.

BackgroundAdherence to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is challenging. Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA), administered every two months, may improve adherence.AimTo assess willingness to switch from oral PrEP to CAB-LA among adult PrEP users.SettingPrEP users were recruited from two public-sector primary health care clinics in Durban, South Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional survey assessed oral PrEP use and related challenges. After providing information on CAB-LA, participants’ willingness to switch was evaluated. Descriptive statistics summarized data, and logistic regression identified factors associated with willingness to switch.ResultsOf 126 participants, the median age was 28 years (IQR: 32–33), 88.1% were women, 96.0% identified as black African, and 83.3% were isiZulu speakers. Most were heterosexual (86.5%), 72.2% had tertiary education, and 38.1% were employed. Median oral PrEP duration was 365 days. While 92.1% reported oral PrEP fit their lifestyle, only 51.6% adhered consistently. Awareness of CAB-LA was low (8.7%), but 74.0% were willing to switch to improve adherence. Concerns about CAB-LA included injection site reactions (53.9%), systemic side effects (57.2%), and cost (82.6%). Longer-term oral PrEP users (> 1 year) had lower odds of willingness to switch (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15–0.85; p = 0.019).ConclusionAlthough oral PrEP was lifestyle-compatible, adherence was inconsistent. Most participants expressed willingness to switch to CAB-LA, but findings should be interpreted cautiously given study limitations. Targeted education may support longer-term oral PrEP users hesitant to switch.ContributionThis study highlights adherence challenges with oral PrEP and supports interest in longer-acting injectable alternatives.

BackgroundIdentifying protective factors in mental health-related outcomes is crucial, offering insights into the vulnerabilities and strengths individuals harness against psychological distress. There has been limited focus on exploring complex mediation and moderation models, which can uncover the relationships between stressors, protective factors and wellbeing.AimThis study investigated the interrelationship between perceived stress, sense of coherence (SOC), and psychological distress.SettingSouth African university students (N = 322) completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale-13, Beck Hopelessness Scale-9 and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10.MethodsModeration analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro to examine the role of SOC in moderating the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress. Where moderation was not significant, mediation analysis was conducted.ResultsSense of coherence demonstrated multiple roles in mental health, exhibiting direct effects on indicators of psychological distress. Sense of coherence moderated the relationship between perceived stress and hopelessness. Under heightened stress conditions, individuals with low to medium SOC displayed more profound feelings of hopelessness compared to those with high SOC. Mediation analysis showed that SOC served as a bridge between perceived stress and both depression and anxiety. The identification of a potential SOC threshold offers a novel perspective on assessing risk levels, suggesting that individuals with low to moderate SOC are particularly vulnerable under high stress.ConclusionThe findings emphasise the need for targeted approaches to strengthen SOC as a resilience-enhancing factor.ContributionThe study advances theoretical discussions on stress-buffering models and offers guidance for mental health practitioners working in high-stress environments.

Background: Young smokers are said to have increased risk of nicotine addiction, even at lower levels of consumption compared to adults, making smoking cessation among this group much more difficult. A survey previously conducted in South Africa indicated an early smoking debut age of below 18 years.Aim: This study investigated the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors among high school learners.Setting: The study was conducted at a high school located in Madadeni township of KwaZulu- Natal.Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data through interviews using self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted on Epi Info 7 and STATA 17.Results: Eighty-four (21%) of the 400 participants reported smoking cigarettes. Of these, forty-nine (58.3%) had a smoking friend. Sixty out of 81 (74.1%) accessed cigarettes from the shops, whilst 69.2% (n = 54/78) smoked inside the school premises. Seventy-seven (92.7%) of 83 smokers expressed intention to quit smoking. Higher odds of cigarette smoking were observed among participants who were male and those who had a smoking family member, respectively, (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.29–4.17) and (AOR = 5.82, 95% CI = 3.08–11.0), p = 0.05.Conclusion: This study found 21% of high school learner participants who smoked cigarettes. Laws prohibiting smoking in schools and sale of cigarettes to minors should be reinforced.Contribution: intention to quit cigarette smoking as expressed by smoking learners calls for the establishment of school-based programme for smoking cessation.

Background: Family involvement is crucial in a child’s treatment; however, many professional nurses still neglect to involve families in their child’s care. Studies have indicated that the perceived lack of family involvement in hospitalised children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a problem in many countries. Few studies have been conducted in Africa with none relating to family involvement, highlighting the need for further research.Aim: To develop in-depth insights into the challenges regarding family involvement in hospital nursing care of children with ASD, in the South African context.Setting: Paediatric wards at selected private hospitals and family homes in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: An interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used. A sample of 10 professional nurses and 10 family members was achieved by purposive sampling. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured in-depth interviews.Results: The following challenges were identified by the participants: the lack of knowledge of nurses regarding ASD, nurses not listening to family, uncaring attitude of nurses, nurses’ lack of time and shortage of nursing staff.Conclusion: Nurses play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges to family involvement, in the hospital nursing care, of a child with ASD. Making nurses aware of the challenges will help improve family involvement in hospitals nursing for the child with ASD.Contribution: This study added to the body of knowledge by identifying the challenges to the involvement of families in the hospital nursing care of a child with ASD.

BackgroundElectronic health records (EHR) has been acknowledged for bringing down healthcare costs and enhancing hospital service standards.AimThe aim of this study was to develop an EHR model to lower patient treatment costs and enhance healthcare quality in South African public healthcare.MethodsIn this study, a cross-sectional quantitative methodology was used. The research data for this study were provided by medical healthcare professionals, at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH). This included doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiologists, and radiographers who completed a semi-structured questionnaire.ResultsThe final model’s findings show that the use of EHR significantly improves information quality (IQ) and positively influences medical errors reduction (MER). Knowledge quality (KQ) has a positive significant impact on MER, whereas IQ has a considerable negative impact on MER. Furthermore, cost reduction in patient treatment (CRPT) has a positive significant influence on MER.ConclusionPatients obtain better medical care when medical professionals have access to complete and accurate information. Medical errors can be reduced or even prevented with the use of EHRs, which can lead to better patient outcomes.ContributionThe quality of patient care at South African public hospitals and in other developing countries can be enhanced by using this framework as a guide to reduce treatment costs.

Eswatini is one of the countries affected by malnutrition and tuberculosis (TB) and some cases remained untreated. These two conditions are major public health problems. This study aimed to explore and describe caregivers' experiences and practices of children's nutrition during treatment. Baylor College of Nursing Children's Foundation - Eswatini (BCMCF-SD). A qualitative study following a narrative design used purposive sampling to identify 12 caregivers of malnourished children and informed consent obtained. In-depth interview used semi-structured interview guide and digital voice recorder. Field notes were taken, transcribed, translated and analysed using NVivo version 11. Two themes emerged as home's nutritional situation and health facility's nutritional support. The study found that most of the caregivers gave children unbalanced diet, while those less than a year were mixed-fed. Some caregivers reported experience of lost breadwinners, unemployment and high number of children than what the family could afford. The caregivers' practices around food by prescription included inadequate supply of the ready-to-use therapeutic food and sharing of prescribed food supplies with other healthy children. During treatment, children's caregivers need short health education and support. The Ministry of Health in Eswatini should consider using some comic books to guide that. Moreover, upscale vocational training promotes entrepreneurship and agricultural activities. Association of malnutrition and TB outcomes has provided evidence-based information for more comprehensive integration between nutrition programmes and tuberculosis programmes. The study's findings contributed to the growing body of knowledge about the association between malnutrition and diagnosed drug-susceptible TB among children aged from 0 - 15 years.

BackgroundNyaope is one of the commonly used drugs in many low socio-economic communities in South Africa. Because of its highly addictive properties, the vast majority of users are not able to quit, which results in long-term difficulties for their families.AimThe aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of families living with nyaope users in a township in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.SettingData were collected at the Social Development Centre, which serves a variety of social needs of families, including the various needs of families whose problems emanate from nyaope use. The family members were recruited from the registry of the centre.MethodsA qualitative design and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from a sample of family members who were purposively sampled. NVIvo 12 was used for thematic analysis of the data.ResultsThree major themes emerged from the data, these being, consequences of nyaope use on the family, family interventions, and coping strategies.ConclusionAlthough the families have devised interventions and developed coping strategies, nyaope use remains a serious mental health challenge in affected families.ContributionThe study highlighted the negative impact of nyaope on the social and mental health of the families. The assistance offered at Social Development is broad and general for substance abuse, but does little to mitigate the complex difficulties brought about by nyaope use.

BackgroundFamily nursing practices (FNPs) are gaining momentum in global literature, but the available research has targeted qualified nursing professionals. There are limited studies exploring this phenomenon in undergraduate student nurses in South Africa.AimThe study aimed at exploring the undergraduate student nurse perceptions of FNPs.SettingThe study was conducted at a selected university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.MethodsA descriptive survey design was used to purposively select undergraduate nursing students. The Family Nursing Practice Scale (FNPS) was used to collect data online. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Open ended questions were analysed using content analysis.ResultsOut of 154 participants, 77 responded to the questionnaire, translating to a response rate of 50%. Compared with other studies in literature, student nurses rated their overall FNP as being low (M = 3.43, s.d. = 0.99). A further descriptive analysis revealed better FNPs (2.97) for 3rd year compared to 2nd year (3.90) nursing students with significance differences in the means (p < 0.0001). While family conflict, maintaining confidentiality, ill prepared and absent family were challenges experienced in FNP, advantages included obtaining detailed information, ability to plan individualised care and enhanced student nurse-family relationship.ConclusionA lower critical practice appraisal and lower perceptions of interaction and reciprocity in the nurse-family relationship were identified. There is need for an inclusive curriculum that promotes and advocates for family nursing within the undergraduate programme.ContributionThis study highlights the importance of teaching family nursing to undergraduate student nurses.

BackgroundPrivate radiotherapy (RT) facilities in emerging countries are growing with cancer incidence. Private healthcare providers must provide better care based on patient perspectives to reach more patients.AimThis study investigated the relationship between antecedents of patient health engagement (PHE) with revisit intention (RVI) and intent to recommend (ITR) in private RT facilities.SettingThe survey was conducted in a private hospital with a RT service in Central Java province, Indonesia.MethodsA quantitative, cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling method was used. Patient questionnaire survey modified from validated self-administered radiotherapy experience (RTEQ) and PHE questionnaire were used to collect data. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.ResultsIn this study, 173 respondents consented to participate, which demonstrated that seven of the eight experience antecedents of PHE measured by reliable and valid RTEQ and were significantly related to PHE (p-value <0.05). At the same time, the degree of PHE has a significant relationship with RVI and ITR (p-value <0.05).ConclusionPatient informational needs elements from the patient experience, followed by situational repose, were shown to have a prominent relation to PHE. The management of private RT facilities needs to focus more on these elements to encourage PHE to establish hospital performance.ContributionThe findings denote that six elements of RTEQ relate to PHE and further hospital outcomes. Hospital management could utilise this approach to improve the quality of care in RT facilities, specifically in private hospitals in emerging countries.