Nursing Science

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Attitudes of professional nurses towards strikes implications for nursing education
(University of Zululand, 1998) Luthuli, Nokuzola Dorcas; Mashaba, T.G.; Mhlongo, T.
The main aim of this study was to ascertain the attitudes of professional nurses towards strike action and its implication on nursing education. The study was done in two hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal province. A descriptive survey was undertaken. The total sample consisted of two hundred professional nurses. The study revealed that the majority of professional nurses were against strikes, but the feeling that they are exploited by the employing body and management policies appears to make nurses to strike. The strong influence of Trade Unions in nurses strikes was also confirmed. Many factors were identified as causing strikes, but poor salaries and working conditions were the main causes of these strikes. The study also revealed that patients suffer a lot during strikes and student nurses also suffer because there was no clinical teaching and learning. Recommendations made highlighted the urgent need for active participation of the employing body, management, professional nurses, and the public in preventing nurses strike.
The attrition levels of KwaZulu-natal nurses with specific reference to seeking employment opportunities in other countries and its implications on health services delivery within the province
(2004) Ndlovu, Winieth Lungile.; Zungu, B.M.
The purpose of the study was to examine attrition levels of KwaZulu-Natai nurses with specific reference to those that seek employment opportunities in other countries. * The objectives of the study were to (a) examine the attrition levels of KwaZulu- Natal nurses in relation to seeking employment opportunities in other countries, (b) identify the factors influencing the KwaZulu-Natal nurses to seek employment opportunities in other countries, (c) examine the demand versus the supply of nurses through the training programmes supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Health, (d) determine the effects of attrition on the health care service delivery within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, (e) examine the role-played by the Department of Health in controlling the attrition rate, and (g) examine the role-played by the South African Nursing Council as the watchdog of the public in controlling such attrition. The study sample consisted of 54 registered nurses, 9 Deputy Directors (Nursing) at health district levels, and the registrar of the South African Nursing Council. The results indicated that the attrition levels of KwaZulu-Nata nurses were high in that 1159 nurses resigned with the intention of seeking employment opportunities in other countries. The nurse training academic institutions could not cope with the replacement from the number of graduates that they produced within the same study period. That is, only 889 diplomates graduated, versus 1159 that left the country, excluding those that left the service due to natural attrition, for example, death resulting from HIV/AIDS. The main factors that contributed to the nurses to leave the province were poor salaries, poor working conditions, poor relationships either at work and within marriages. There was a remarkable decline in the standard of patient care due to the shortage of skilled nurses in clinical settings. Strategies to deal with the problem were still at the planning stage at the time of data collection, but one would say that those were the good plans that would contribute to resolving either the actual problem or it's effects on health care delivery. The study recommended amongst others, (a) improvement of salaries of nurses, (b) improvement of the conditions of service, (c) establishing a database for all nurses in the "diaspora", (d) creative contracts between the source and destination countries, (e) investing in education, and (f) intensifying the Employee Assistance Programmes.
A case study on the quality of care for sexually transmitted disease patients: the nursing perspective
(1996) Vilakazi, Bequiet Nomusa; Zungu, B.M.; Mashaba, T.G.
This is a non experimental case study of nursing intervention in respect of students of a tertiary institution in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The overall aim was to assess and evaluate the quality of management and care of sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients. The study was anchored on the nursing process using structure, process and outcome of the Donabedian's model of Quality Assurance Process. The target population was students residing at this institution's main campus in the 1995 academic year. Questionnaires and checklist schedules were used to examine and evaluate the Students' Health Service structure process, outcome and Health education regarding the management and nursing care of STD patients. A sample of 300 students was incidentally chosen, which constituted 10% of the target population. However, due to failure to return the research tools and the fact that some questionnaires were spoilt, ultimately 230 questionnaires were processed. All the objectives of the study were met. The findings were: Structure of the Health Centre is of good quality Process of management of STDs ranges from satisfactory to good quality Outcome of intervention is regarded as not so good Health education is seen as varying from satisfactory to good. The findings of this study had implications for authorities of the institution under study, the nurses providing care in this institution, the consumers of health care at this institution, as well as for the government. Several recommendations were made in line with the findings.
A comparative study of nurses who have completed traditional and case- based bridging programmed in KwaZulu-Natal
(2002) Khumalo, Nonhlanhla Florence Gloria; Kubheka, N.F.
The main aim f the study was to compare the competence of newly qualified professional nurses who have completed either the traditional or the case-based bridging programmes. The study was confined to the clinical areas of KwaZulu-Natal Region F. A comparative descriptive research study was undertaken for this project. Sixty (60) professional nurses from two bridging programmes participated in the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaires; one for the professional nurses under the study another for the supervisors working with the subjects under study. Both questionnaires were divided into four sections with a total number of sixty-nine (69) questions for both the professional nurses and supervisors under study. Results showed that professional nurses who undertook a case-based curriculum were more competent than those who undertook a traditional curriculum. It was recommended that both groups of the professional nurses should be helped by the supervisors in improving their administrative skills.
A comparative study of the professional competence of nurses who have completed traditional and Case-Based Bridging programmes
(2002) Khumalo, Nonhlanhla Florence; Kubheka, B.A.
The main aim f the study was to compare the competence of newly qualified professional nurses who have completed either the traditional or the case-based bridging programmes. The study was confined to the clinical areas of KwaZulu-Natal Region F. A comparative descriptive research study was undertaken for this project. Sixty (60) professional nurses from two bridging programmes participated in the study. Data was collected by means of questionnaires; one for the professional nurses under the study another for the supervisors working with the subjects under study- Both questionnaires were divided into four sections with a total number of sixty-nine (69) questions for both the professional nurses and supervisors under study. Results showed that professional nurses who undertook a case-based curriculum were more competent than those who undertook a traditional curriculum. It was recommended that both groups of the professional nurses should be helped by the supervisors in improving their administrative skills.
An evaluation of community-based rehabilitative care given to amputated patients living in the suburban area north of Durban Metro Region "F"
(2004) Shangase, Nondumiso Cecilia.; Kubheka, B.A.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the community-based rehabilitative care given to amputated patients living in the suburban area North of Durban Metro Region "F'. this was done in order to improve the quality of rehabilitative care and the lives of amputated patients in the community. A non-experimental, quantitative and qualitative study was undertaken to obtain the required information. The questionnaires were designed for the amputees only and consisted of open and closed-ended questions. The total number of the sample was twenty five (25) and were selected conveniently and purposively, because of the small number of amputees in the community. The study revealed that as a result of the apparent lack of community rehabilitation services, the vast majority of amputees attended the hospitals where their needs were met, even though not all the rehabilitation team members were present in the hospital. The rehabilitation team members that were mostly nurses and vocational rehabilitations counselors, which contributed to vocational training not being done leading to a high rate of unemployment of the amputees. Based on the findings of the investigation certain recommendations were presented. It was recommended that each local clinic there should be a rehabilitation center attached to it with the rehabilitation team members placed in these clinics for rehabilitation and consultation by the amputees. It was also recommended that proper discharge planning in the hospital should be done by all the rehabilitation team members especially vocational rehabilitation counselor in order to improve employment for the amputees.
An evaluation of perceptions on the preparedness of professional nurses in terms of human resource development strategy for the transforming health care system in KwaZulu Natal Province
(University of Zululand, 1999) Gumede, Zanele Elaine; Nzimande, P. N.
This is a study which aimed at evaluating perceptions on the preparedness of professional nurses in terms of the human resource development strategy for the transforming health care system in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The main concern was that the current professional (registered) nurses were not adequately prepared to participate effectively in a primary health care focused system. A descriptive survey was conducted in three (3) hospitals representing the urban, rural and metropolitan institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. Two sets of interview schedules were designed for the professional nurses and deputy directors (nursing service managers) in charge of institutions. A questionnaire was designed for the regional deputy directors of the three health regions where the study was conducted. The total sample comprised one hundred (100) professional nurses, three (3) Nursing Service Managers and three (3) Regional Deputy Directors. The study revealed that professional nurses were not all aware of the transformation in the health care system. It also revealed that professional nurses were not adequately prepared (trained) to participate effectively in the transforming health care system. The study further revealed that reorientation programmes are undertaken to enable professional nurses to adapt to the transformation but these are not widely available and are poorly coordinated. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that reorientation programmes should be undertaken on a wider scale to orientate staff on the transformation of the health care system and primary health care skills. Health service managers should also be reorientated on management skills to enable them to manage transforming health care services. A Transformation Adaptation Model has been developed to facilitate preparedness for the transformation.
An evaluation of professional nurses' performance in the prevention of blindness and rehabilitation of the blind in region H of KwaZulu-Natal
(1998) Zungu, Busisiwe Maya; Mashaba, T.G.
Blindness in humans is one of the most feared disabling handicaps. Over the last two decades blindness has come to be regarded as a worldwide condition that is largely preventable or curable (Taylor, Katala, Munoz and Turner, 1991). Preventable blindness, however, is a bigger problem since throughout the world, health resources are mostly used for treatment rather than for prevention of disease. The incredible role played by vision is never fully appreciated until it is compromised. The fact is that, if anything occurs to decrease or destroy vision, it also alters the efficiency of interaction with the environment. The lost vision can never be recovered. The concern is that despite the fact that blindness is one of the common disabilities in South Africa, eye care is inadequately recognized as an important field of nursing. This is possibly due to the feet that eye disorders are not life-threatening. The South African Nursing Council 1997 statistics on post basic qualifications reveal that there are 455 registered nurses of all races holding on ophthalmic qualification. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health statistics (1994) also reveal that there are only 53 professional nurses in KwaZulu-Natal qualified in ophthalmic nursing. It has been established that even these nurses are practising in such a way that they cannot be in a position to be directly involved and / or specialise in eye care services. They therefore do no maximally contribute to the prevention of blindness and the rehabilitation of the blind. This further suggest that ophthalmic nursing is not a popular nursing sub-discipline. The great concern is that deterioration in eye function may end up in total blindness which is often avoidable through preventive and promotive care. At community level, prevention of blindness requires that simple but adequate eye care and guidance on eye health be made available within the context of primary health care (Thylefors 1991). This vital work can be performed much better by nurses since their training and orientation is towards the community and the patient not just the disease (Perry & Tullo, 1990). The clinics are the important initial points between the clients with eye problems and the health services. It is therefore significant that nurses working at the clinics be competent and skilled in the prevention of blindness and the rehabilitation of the blind. The descriptive study was undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal region H. The purpose was to evaluate the professional nurses' performance in the prevention of blindness and rehabilitation of the blind. The target population was the professional nurses practising in clinics. The sample size consisted of 50 professional nurses* The approaches used for collecting the information were the observation checklists, questionnaires and patient interviews. The study proceeded in three phases namely: (i) the pre-intervention performance phase, (ii) the intervention phase (iii) the post-intervention phase The findings revealed that both ophthalmic trained and non-ophthalmic trained professional nurses who practised in general clinics performed at a "below satisfactory" level. Their extent of performance was also low. The ophthalmic trained and non-ophthalmic trained nurses who practised in eye clinics performed generally at satisfactory level in most activities. However, on community-based nursing activities, the performance of all professional nurses was "below satisfactory". The post-intervention performance of professional nurses who participated at a workshop was generally satisfactory. The conclusions drawn from the study were that: professional nurses, both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic trained, who practised in general clinics performed at "below level" professional nurses both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic, trained who practised in eye clinics performed at "satisfactory leveF in most activities all professional nurses* performance pertaining to community based eye care activities, was "below satisfactory" a form of education, or training on eye care improves professional nurses' performance in the prevention of blindness and rehabilitation of the blind. The recommendations from the study were that; ophthalmic trained nurses be allocated in general clinics (at least one ophthalmic qualified nurse per clinic) to work along side with non-ophthalmic trained nurses, and that basic eye care facilities and equipment be made available in general clinics. professional nurses working at the clinics including those with DCHAC to receive formal or informal training on eye care. Seminars, workshops, in-service education and short courses on eye care be undertaken to improve eye care services. community based services on eye care should be encouraged.
An evaluation of the impact of post-basic nursing programmes offered by the University of Zululand
(2001) Kubheka, Bonakele Adeline; Nzimande, P.N.
This is a study which aimed at evaluating the impact of post-basic nursing programmes offered by the nursing science department of the University of Zululand, in KwaZulu-Natal from 1981-1988. The aim was to establish relevance and appropriateness of these nursing programmes in relation to the needs of the country, and to evaluate how the graduates of this university are utilized by the supervisors in the health services and educational institutions. A further aim was to describe the biographical educational and professional background of the graduates from the nursing science department at the University of Zululand. An exploratory descriptive survey was conducted in the hospitals, nursing colleges and nursing schools in KwaZulu-Natal Province where graduates from the nursing science department worked, and the nursing science department of the University of Zululand. Two sets of interview schedules were designed for graduates of the University of Zululand nursing science department and supervisors of these graduates. The total sample comprised seventy-five (75) graduates and twenty-nine (29) supervisors. The study revealed that the post-basic nursing programmes of the University of Zululand nursing science department are relevant and appropriate to the changing needs of the Province KwaZulu-Natal though there was a need to introduce advanced clinical diplomas and courses. The study further revealed that the nursing graduates were properly utilized by the supervisors in the health services and educational institutions. The profile of a graduate from post-basic nursing programmes of the University of Zululand were mostly females above 30 years of age, married and employed mostly in semi-urban and urban areas. Very few graduates had postgraduate qualifications, that is honours, masters and doctorates. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that for relevance in clinical situations and appropriateness the nursing science department should develop more advanced clinical programmes. It was also recommended that the Post-Basic nursing programmes should be continually evaluated and that the actual utilization of the products from nursing programmes be monitored. An Outcomes-Based Educational Model (OBEV) has been developed as a model for evaluation of post-basic nursing programmes.
An evaluative study of primary health care implementation strategy in the cholera infested District 28 of KwaZulu-Natal
(2003) Simelane, Busisiwe Seddie; Nzimakwe, D.
Cholera has been controlled before under Primary Health Care strategies but all of a sudden it has become a pandemic disease killing people thus affecting the socio-economic status of the country. This state of affairs is not in line with the statement issued out by the World Health Organization which states "Health for all by year 2000". The main aim of this study was to investigate the extent at which the Primary Health Care strategy has been implemented in the cholera infested areas of District 28. Objectives of the study were: • To determine to what extent was the Primary Health Care strategy implemented. * • To determine availability of resources namely provision of good water supply and good sanitation. • To recommend implerhentation of an effective health promotion and disease prevention programme. The information gathered in this study would help the health planners in District 28 in strategic planning. A quantitative research method was used to determine how the respondents viewed the present state of primary health care services with regard to availability of resources and how much successful these services meet the community needs. The target population consisted of community members, environmental officers, community health care workers, directors and nurses. The questionnaire was used a* for collecting data and interviews were also conducted. The study revealed that some rural communities had poor water supply and poor sanitation which might have been the cause of the outbreak of cholera in District 28. In spite of the existence of health education programmes in some areas of District 28, and efforts made by some of various categories of health workers in providing health education, the community members revealed knowledge deficit with regard to personal hygiene, food hygiene, waste disposal and water purification. Health services are inaccessible to the majority of rural communities due to poor roads, transport, cost and distance. The main recommendations of the study were as follows.- • Strengthening of health education programmes and campaigns. • Provision of resources namely safe adequate water supply and good sanitation to rural communities. • Improvement of infrastructure namely transport and construction of roads.
Experiences of Clinical Instructors in Using High Fidelity Manikins to Teach Student Nurses at the Selected Higher Education Institution in KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2021-12) Mbambo, Jabulile
Introduction In the past, student training during clinical practice has been conducted on live humans with minimum use of manikins to equip students with clinical skills required in the education of a nurse. The advancement of medical technology has brought major changes in the clinical training of student nurses through the introduction of high fidelity manikins (HFM). This transition has brought various challenges to clinical instructors. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of clinical instructors’ use of HFMs to teach the student nurses at higher education institutions (HEIs) in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology A qualitative research methodology was used for the study. The research study was guided by the National League of Nurses/Jeffries Simulation Framework (NLN/JSF). Data was collected from 10 participants using unstructured individual face-to-face interviews which were purposefully selected. Data collection was determined by data saturation and analysed thematically. Findings The study revealed four major themes: use of HFMs, staff in-service and training, environmental factors, and maintenance of resources. In addition, various sub-themes emerged. The study findings revealed that clinical instructors faced various challenges in using HFMs to teach clinical practice to student nurses at HEIs. Conclusion and recommendations of the study Clinical instructors are faced with various challenges in using HFMs to teach student nurses. These challenges range from human and material resources and technical knowledge, to infrastructural problems. Therefore, several recommendations are made with regard to nursing education institutions, nursing education administration, and policy development and implementation. Moreover, further research is recommended to be conducted about the phenomenon. Key words: Manikin; High Fidelity; Simulation; Clinical Practice; Clinical Instructor.
Experiences of community service nurses and unit managers in a rural public hospital in Zululand district, Kwazulu-Natal province
(University of Zululand, 2022) Jiyane, Jabulisiwe Gertrude
Introduction Community Service Nurses function under the Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005 and South African Nursing Council Regulation R765 of 24 August 2007. In South Africa, all nursing graduates who are citizens of South Africa should perform remunerated community service for one year, in public healthcare facility. The period of transition from being a student nurse to becoming a qualified professional nurse is often stressful. The nurses surfing through this transition sometimes feel inadequately prepared for the clinical environment. Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to explore and describe the experiences of the community service nurses in the rural public hospital located in a rural area during their one year period of community service. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was conducted, using semi- structured interviews with (5) five Unit Managers and (8) eight Community Service Nurses. Purposive sampling was used. Data were analysed using thematic method of content analysis. Results Five themes and sub-themes emerged, the key themes being: inadequate human and material resources, supportive learning environment, and management of a clinical unit, allocation to nursing units and experience or role taking in leadership. Conclusion The community service nurses received inadequate supervision and support by experienced professional nurses in the various nursing units due to staff shortages. The challenge limited the CSNs’ opportunities to acquire clinical skills and competencies for delivery quality care to patients.
Experiences of mental health care providers regarding integration of mental health care into primary health care at the Ilembe health district in KwaZulu- Natal
(University of Zululand, 2018) Zuma, Mdumiseni; Miya, R.M.; Madlala, S.T.
Institutionalisation of mental health care users was a prevalent treatment approach in the apartheid era in South Africa. The introduction of community based mental health care is aimed at improving mental health care services, and this integration into primary health care improves access to mental health services, enables mental health care users to maintain family relationships, to be employment while receiving treatment and to access psychosocial rehabilitation. The professional nurses are rendering mental health care services at the primary health care level implementing the integration.
Experiences of nursing students in the management of HIV /AIDS patients in a selected public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(University of Zululand, 2017) Mncadi, Mponang Elizabeth
Background and Introduction: General nursing students are expected to learn how to care for patients suffering from different conditions, including communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Wide ranging empirical work has been done focussing on the experiences of registered nurses caring for HIV/AIDS patients, however there is limited published research looking at the experiences of student nurses caring for HIV/AIDS patients. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of nursing students in the management of HIV/AIDS patients at an identified public hospital in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Methodology: Using a qualitative research design, individual in-depth interviews (n=20) were conducted with purposively selected participants. Manual data analysis was conducted using Brink’s steps of analysis. Results: - Nursing students offered wide ranging insights into their experiences of providing care to HIV/AIDS patients. Participants described a number of concerning situations that included discriminatory attitudes, overwhelming workloads, a shortage of staff, inadequate supervision by expert clinicians and stress related to fear, as challenges that compromised the care offered to HIV/AIDS patients. Importantly, they alluded to serious knowledge deficits that posed noteworthy challenges. Similarly, the description of policies related to the care of HIV/AIDS suggested that many were overly restrictive and were not responsive to the change needs of students and the patient group. Recommendations: The following were recommended in the study: infection control improvements, a need for managerial support, improving educational curriculum and a need for further research opportunities.
Experiences of pregnant women regarding the use of traditional medicine (isihlambezo) at King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu Natal
(University of Zululand, 2021) Shange, Mpilo Ndumiso
Introduction The prevalence of herbal medicine (isihlambezo) use is on the rise worldwide, more especially amongst pregnant women. Most women believe that traditional medicine use has significance and advantages to them and their unborn babies during pregnancy. There are few scientific studies about its safety for pregnant women and their babes, regardless of possible teratogenic effects that may result in fatalities amongst pregnant women, who continue to consume isihlambezo. Aim of the study The study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of pregnant women regarding the use of isihlambezo at King Cetshwayo healthcare District (KCD) in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology A qualitative descriptive phenomenology research design was used to conduct this study. The study was guided by the Dorothy Johnson Behavioral System Model. Face-to-face individual unstructured interviews collected data from 10 participants, with an additional two participants to ensure data saturation was reached. All participants were purposefully sampled to participate in the study. Colaizzi Phenomenological analytic method analysed the data. The study findings Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the study, which consisted of myths about isihlambezo, traditional and cultural beliefs, indication and effects of isihlambezo and economic impact on the use of isihlambezo. The study revealed that most pregnant women consume traditional herbal medicine (isihlambezo) for various reasons, such as financial affordability, cultural beliefs and benefits of isihlambezo to them and their unborn babies.
Exploration of factors contributing to the non-attendance of antenatal care by pregnant women at King Cetshwayo district in Kwazulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2021) Nkonzo, Zolani Lucky
Introduction: Antenatal Care (ANC) along with family planning, skilled delivery care, is the key element of services aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), attendance of ANC is significant for a routine follow-up care including screening to intensive life support during pregnancy up to delivery. During Antenatal Care (ANC) visits, a number of examinations such as taking of blood pressure to detect hypertension, urine analysis to detect any possible presence of proteins and measuring of weight are conducted to establish foetal growth restrictions. Most pregnant women do not attend scheduled ANC visits during their pregnancy, putting themselves and their unborn babies at risk of pregnancy- related complications. Aim of the study: The study was aimed at exploring and describing factors contributing to non- attendance of Antenatal Care by pregnant women at King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design was used to conduct the study. The study was guided by Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model. The study population consisted of 12 pregnant women attending ANC at King Cetshwayo health district in KwaZulu-Natal who were purposefully sampled. Data collection was determined by data saturation and analysed thematically. Findings The findings of the study revealed four major themes such as the location of PHC facilities, cultural beliefs, knowledge deficits and financial constraints. The study revealed several challenges hindering pregnant women from attending ANC visits which may pose risks to pregnant women and their unborn babies leading to increased maternal mortality rates. Conclusion and recommendations of the study The study findings revealed that most pregnant women are faced with various challenges regarding the attendance of the ANC. Therefore, the researcher iii recommended that pregnant women should be taught about pregnancy and related complications including the prevention of maternal mortality by encouraging them to attend all ANC scheduled visits. More campaigns regarding pregnancy and the importance of ANC attendance by pregnant women should be organised and conducted in the district. Existing policies regarding the initiation of ANC attendance must be reinforced to ensure that they are implemented. Moreover, more research should be conducted regarding the phenomenon to include a wider range of populations and study areas and to broaden the scope of the research topic.
An exploration of learner midwives' ability to utilise reflective thinking as a means of enhancing learning
(2004) Shezi, Thokozile Marjorie.; Kubheka, B.A.
The aim of the study was to explore the abilities of learner midwives in utilizing reflective thinking, so as to enhance their learning. An exploratory and descriptive study was undertaken to obtain the required information. Two questionnaires, one for the learner midwives and one for their dinical accompanists, were designed. They consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Sample consisted of fifty (50) learner midwives and ten (10) dinical accompanists. The study revealed that reflective thinking was not applied by the learner midwives as, during the learning process, they were not aware of the strategies to use in order to stimulate this. The lack thereof, led to the inability of them to utilise this valuable tool, which would support and fadiitate faster learning with insight Based on the findings recommendations were presented. It was recommended that the reflective skills should be taught in the dassroom so that they can be consciously utilised throughout the course. The dinical accompanists should be in the correct, acceptable rate of dinical instructor to student. They should also be trained to be reflective practitioners, who are going to create a conducive atmosphere for the learners to be stimulated and to utilise reflection as a learning strategy.
An explorative study of growth monitoring as a component of primary health care in the Durban South central region
(2001) Masondo, Khethiwe Natalia; Nzimakwe, D.
The aim of the study was to pursue an exploratory, descriptive, contextual study to investigate knowledge and practices of professional nurses working in the Umlazi clinics with regard to how they: assess normal growth: assess deviations from normal growth: record and interpret growth findings using the Road to Health Card: communicate all information with regard to health surveillance of children to mothers and use of the Road to Health Card as means of referral to other health care services. A simple random sample was selected from a population of professional nurses working in the four clinics under study and from a population of mothers utilizing these clinics for both growth monitoring and minor ailments. For the purpose of investigation, questionnaires and interview schedules consisting of both structured and unstructured questions were utilised. The study revealed that there were many barriers to provision of quality growth monitoring programmes in the Umlazi Clinics that were under study. These included shortage of staff, shortage of equipment and medicines which resulted in weighing of children not being done as frequently as required. Mothers were not given accurate information about the growth parameters of their children, especially with regard to the Road to Health Chan. Mothers could not interpret the growth patterns in the Road to Health Card. The study also revealed that although the mothers were aware that they were supposed to carry the Road to Health Card each time they visited the clinic, doctor or hospital, they did not carry these cards as required stating the reasons that the children were not weighed when they attended minor ailment clinics and that the health workers did not ask for the Road to Health Cards during these visits. Based on the above results of the study, a client-centred approach is recommended as a possible solution to these problems, since these are a concern of both the clinic health workers and that of the mothers who utilise these clinics for growth monitoring: guidelines with regard to the above recommendations include: in-service education conducted more frequently re-growth monitoring: improvement of the size of the Road to Health Chart for reinforcement of health education: inclusion of fathers in growth monitoring health education programmes: the Road to Health Card information to be written in the mother's home language: accompaniment of clinic supervisors during their routine visits to the clinic by the local police at least twice a month and re-establishment of clinic committees where these have stopped to function. For the purpose of this study the words "Road to Health Chart'' and "Road to Health Card" will be used interchangeably.
An exploratory study of the prevalence of home deliveries at Mpumalanga Township in KwaZulu-Natal
(2001) Ndaba, Zanele Victoria; Nzimakwe, D.
The purpose of the study was to explore the prevalence of home deliveries at Mpumalanga Clinic of Region "F" in KwaZulu-Natal. Data to establish the professional nurses* perceptions was collected from Professional Nurses, Traditional Birth Attendants and the clients visiting the clinic. Regarding the word of Traditional Birth Attendants, the findings and recommendations which are made were based on the reasons why clients still preferred to deliver at home and how Traditional Birth Attendants conducted deliveries, and the perceptions of nurses with the aim of improving the antenatal and delivery services to the surrounding communities. The objectives of the study were: • To identify the reasons for preference of unattended deliveries by skilled workers when safe monitored deliveries could be provided by trained midwives. • To determine knowledge and attitude of clients towards the benefit of monitored deliveries by midwives. • To develop guidelines for Traditional Birth Attendants. 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Both qualitative and descriptive methods were used to explore the attitudes of professional midwives on home deliveries conducted by Traditional Birth Attendants, and reasons for preference of home deliveries by clients and the delivery by the Traditional Birth Attendants. For the study of home deliveries by Traditional Birth Attendants, the researcher needed to ensure trustworthiness and credibility of the information obtained from the subjects. For this purpose Guba's model was used as cited in De Vos (1998:350). It was necessary to use videotapes to study behaviour and human experience of the Traditional Birth Attendants. The questionnaire consisted of items such as experience that each Traditional Birth Attendant had e.g. how complications such as post-partum, haemorrhage, and asphyxia of the baby were dealt with. FINDINGS OF THE STUDY BIRTH ATTENDANTS The researcher constructed the following guidelines: GUIDELINE NO.l There should be establishment of database for Traditional Birth Attendants at Mpumalanga. This would assist in tracing Traditional Birth Attendants for important meetings, framing sessions or to enquire about certain patients that they had delivered. GUIDELINE NO. 2 Training of Traditional Birth Attendants It is clear that Traditional Birth Attendants had existed in all cultures and they are still existing and utilized by our communities. Training is therefore essential for safe practice by Traditional Birth Attendants. GUIDELINE NO. 3 A curriculum for training of Traditional Birth Attendants should be constructed and sent to the Department of Health, the South African Qualification Association. GUIDELINE NO.4 A body that monitors standards of practice should be consulted or a system whereby the clinics could work hand in hand with a Traditional Birth Attendant should be established. GUIDELINE 5 Prevention of Infection The Traditional Birth Attendants should be taught aseptic technique and should undergo a full programme of HIV prevention for safety of both Traditional Birth Attendants and patients that they deliver. GUIDELINE NO.6 The Traditional Birth Attendants should be accepted as counterparts in the management of patients, because at times they perform duties which nurses cannot perform such as in peri-urban and rural areas where there is no transport at night and the client is in labour. GUIDELINE NO 7 A needs analysis what the Traditional Birth Attendants need to learn must be performed so that training is made available to address these needs. CONCLUSION Not much on the subject of Traditional Birth Attendants has been published although it has existed and continues to exist in every culture. It is for this reason that it is not clearly understood. Also very little research ahs been done on Traditional Birth Attendants. During data collection, information obtained from the subjects revealed that the Traditional Birth Attendants are important in our communities for the contributions that they make. The need for professionals to work with Traditional Birth Attendants has also been highlighted for safety of our community as well as Traditional Birth Attendants themselves in terms of safe deliveries and qualifications against infections.
Exploring the role of traditional healers can play in minimizing the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in South Central District of KwaZulu-Natal region
(2002) Nduli, Badumisile Ntombintombi Alphonsina; Nzimakwe, D.; Mtetwa, T.E.
This study explores the role that traditional healers can play in minimizing the HIV/AIDS epidemics in the North South Central district of KwaZulu-Natal region. The aim of the study is to explore the role that can be played by traditional healers with an aim of reducing HIV/AIDS to a minimum through development of partnership with traditional healers. The objectives of the study is to determine the role that the traditional healers can play to minimize the HIV/AIDS epidemic so as to identify strengths and weaknesses, to develop partnership with traditional healers and to design an educational programme for traditional healers based on need assessment. The research methodology used the qualitative method, based on Guba's model of the research undertaken which emphasizes the truth value, applicability, consistency and neutrality. Sample and sampling was used. A convenient sample was used by approaching health care centre thus giving the research identification of the well known traditional healer in that areas which is used by majority of their clients. The open ended questionnaires, interviews and tape recordings were used to obtain an in-depth knowledge of traditional healers regarding their role expectations in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS infection. The following findings were obtained:. About 80% of the community still rely on traditional healers because of their, accessibility, acceptability, availability, affordability and because of their beliefs and culture which is similar to that of their community. Traditional healers are aware of this HIV/AIDS epidemic and are aware that they cannot treat the disease but can treat infections caused by the HIV virus or AIDS infection and also by giving health education on HIV/AIDS prevention to their clients and by recommending safety health practices. The following recommendations from the study are made, that is the study should be extended further even to other provinces and that partnership between traditional healers and health professionals will be of great help in minimizing the HTV7AIDS epidemic. Training programme should be drawn by both traditional healers and Health professionals regarding HIV/AIDS prevention.