Browsing by Author "Mukumbang, Ferdinand C."
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Item A realist evaluation of the antiretroviral treatment adherence club programme in the metropolitan area of the Western Cape Province, South Africa(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; van Wyk, BrianIn South Africa, 7.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) of whom about 56% were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2016, accounted for approximately 20% of people on ART globally. The successful initiation of PLWHA on ART has engendered challenges of poor retention in care and suboptimal adherence to medication. While standard treatment and care schemes show the potential to retain patients in ART care, their success is challenged by congested health-care facilities, long waiting times and shortages of health-care providers. The antiretroviral adherence club intervention was rolled out in primary health-care facilities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa to relieve clinic congestion and improve retention in care, and treatment adherence in the face of growing patient loads. Evidence from the literature suggests that these models of ART service delivery are more effective than corresponding facility-based care. Nevertheless, there is little understanding of how these care models work to achieve their intended outcomes. To this end, a theory-driven approach to evaluate the adherence club intervention was proposed.Item Actions of female sex workers who experience male condom failure during penetrative sexual encounters with clients in Cape Town: Implications for HIV prevention strategies(AOSIS, 2017) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.BACKGROUND: Condom failure has always been found to coexist with condom usage, especially among sex workers. OBJECTIVE: To describe the actions of female sex workers when they are faced with situations of condom failure. METHODS: Using the survey design, the participants were selected through the snowball sampling method. Their responses were obtained using a structured questionnaire. A total of 100 questionnaires were analysed. RESULTS: With respect to the immediate actions of sex workers after condom failure, 36% of the respondents continued with the sexual encounter after noticing that the condom was broken. Another 36% stopped immediately when they noticed that the condom had failed, but replaced the condom; 13% of the participants stopped the sexual encounter completely; 3% applied vaginal spermicidal foam; and 5% of the respondents stopped immediately and took a douche when they had the chance. For the actions within the next 24 hours of experiencing condom failure with a client, 53% of the participants did nothing; 4% sought counsel from a professional; 3% of the respondents took alcohol or drugs to forget the incident, 25% went to the clinic for assistance and 8% offered other responses. CONCLUSION: While continuing the sexual encounter without replacing the condom, taking alcohol and drugs or doing nothing could increase the risk of contracting HIV; however, actions like stopping the sexual encounter completely and visiting a clinic or a professional could make a difference between staying HIV negative or seroconverting. There is a need for targeted intervention to address issues of inappropriate behaviours after experiencing condom failure.Item Alcohol ban during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown: Lessons for preventing foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in South Africa(AOSIS, 2022) Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.During the two national lockdowns implemented in South Africa to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages were prohibited. There is observational evidence from the literature suggesting a drastic reduction in the emergency and trauma unit admissions in many South African hospitals and clinics with alcohol-related restrictions. This article explores the potential benefits of the restrictions placed on the sale and consumption of alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic on preventing foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in South Africa. Following the potential benefits of the alcohol bans, we recommended that the current South African national liquor policy and the 2012 South African government-drafted Bill for Control of Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages should be fully implemented and enforced. Furthermore, the ‘best buys’ by the World Health Organization (WHO) should be adapted (based on local evidence) and executed. Implementing the abovementioned policies can reduce alcohol abuse by limiting and regulating the manufacturing, distribution, advertising, sponsorship, promotion, physical availability and hours of sale of alcoholic beverages in South Africa.Item Applying qualitative methods to investigate social actions for justice using social media: Illustrations from Facebook(SAGE, 2020) Orth, Zaida; Andipatin, Michelle G.; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.Social media is becoming a valuable resource for hosting activism as illustrated in the rise of the hashtag movements, such as #MeToo and #Endrapeculture, used to speak out against rape culture. In this article, we discuss the use of social media as the source and object of research, using the case of the 2016 South African #nakedprotest. We used naturalistic observation on Facebook comment threads and followed these up with online Facebook focus groups. Qualitative content analysis and thematic decomposition analysis were used, respectively, to explore online discourses of rape culture. We found that the use of social media as a medium for data collection is valuable for exploring trending social issues such as the rape culture #nakedprotest.Item Are asylum seekers, refugees and foreign migrants considered in the COVID-19 vaccine discourse?(BMJ Publishing Group, 2020) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.There is a propitious belief that a potent vaccine against the SARS-COV-2 virus is a panacea for the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for a potent vaccine is heightened as many nations are finding it counterproductive to sustain national lockdowns and individuals are becoming complacent with their hygiene and social (physical) distancing practices. Currently, there are more than 100 COVID-19 vaccine candidates under development, with a number of these in the human trial phase. It is suggested that the introduction of a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent the loss of US$375 billion to the global economy every month.1Item Barriers to adherence to antiretroviral treatment in a regional hospital in Vredenburg, Western Cape, South Africa(AOSIS, 2016) Azia, Ivo N.; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; van Wyk, BrianBACKGROUND: South Africa currently runs the largest public antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in the world, with over 80% of people living with HIV and/or AIDS on ART. However, in order to appreciate the benefits of using ART, patients are subject to uncompromising and long-term commitments of taking at least 95% of their treatment as prescribed. Evidence shows that this level of adherence is seldom achieved because of a multilevel and sometimes interwoven myriad of factors. Objective: We described the challenges faced by patients on ART in Vredenburg with regard to ART adherence. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative research design was used. Eighteen non-adhering patients on ART in the Vredenburg regional hospital were purposefully selected. Using a semistructured interview guide, we conducted in-depth interviews with the study participants in their mother tongue (Afrikaans). The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The data were analysed manually using the thematic content analysis method. RESULTS: Stigma, disclosure, unemployment, lack of transport, insufficient feeding, disability grants and alternative forms of therapy were identified as major barriers to adherence, whereas inadequate follow-ups and lack of patient confidentiality came under major criticisms from the patients. CONCLUSION: Interventions to address poverty, stigma, discrimination and disclosure should be integrated with group-based ART adherence models in Vredenburg while further quantitative investigations should be carried out to quantify the extent to which these factors impede adherence in the community.Item Behavioral and cognitive interventions to improve treatment adherence and access to HIV care among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa: an updated systematic review(BioMed Central, 2018) Knight, Lucia; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Schatz, EnidBACKGROUND: Approximately 14% of Africans infected with HIV are over the age of 50, yet few intervention studies focus on improving access to care, retention in care, and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in this population. A review of the published literature until 2012, found no relevant ART management and care interventions for older people living with HIV (OPLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this systematic review is to update the original systematic review of intervention studies on OPLHIV, with a focus on evidence from sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the available published literature from 2012 to 2017 to explore behavioral and cognitive interventions addressing access to ART, retention in HIV care and adherence to ART in sub-Saharan Africa that include older adults (50+). We searched three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Education Resources Information Center) using relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms as well as a manual search of the reference lists. No language restrictions were placed. We identified eight articles which were analyzed using content analysis with additional information obtained directly from the corresponding authors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: There were no studies that exclusively focused on OPLHIV. Three studies referred only to participants being over 18 years and did not specify age categories. Therefore, it is unclear whether these studies actively considered people living with HIV over the age of 50. Although the studies sampled older adults, they lacked sufficient data to draw conclusions about the relevance of the outcomes of this group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the need to increase the evidence-base of which interventions will work for older Africans on ART.Item Combining the theory of change and realist evaluation approaches to elicit an initial program theory of the MomConnect program in South Africa(Springer Nature, 2020) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Kabongo, Eveline . M.; Delobelle, Peter ArthurOne of the Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. In South Africa, the flagship National Department of Health MomConnect program was launched in 2014 to strengthen the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) services and improve mortality outcomes. MomConnect was rapidly rolled out with a limited understanding of how and why the program was expected to work even though studies had shown the effectiveness of the MomConnect program in improving the uptake of MCH services. This study aimed to unearth the initial program theory of the MomConnect program based on explicit and implicit assumptions of how the program was organized and expected to work.Item Comparing patients’ experiences in three differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment in South Africa(SAGE Publications, 2022) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Ndlovu, Sibusiso; van Wyk, BrianDifferentiated service delivery for HIV treatment seeks to enhance medication adherence while respecting the preferences of people living with HIV. Nevertheless, patients’ experiences of using these differentiated service delivery models or approaches have not been qualitatively compared. Underpinned by the tenets of descriptive phenomenology, we explored and compared the experiences of patients in three differentiated service delivery models using the National Health Services’ Patient Experience Framework. Data were collected from 68 purposively selected people living with HIV receiving care in facility adherence clubs, community adherence clubs, and quick pharmacy pick-up. Using the constant comparative thematic analysis approach, we compared themes identified across the different participant groups. Compared to facility adherence clubs and community adherence clubs, patients in the quick pharmacy pick-up model experienced less information sharing; communication and education; and emotional/psychological support. Patients’ positive experience with a differentiated service delivery model is based on how well the model fits into their HIV disease self-management goals.Item Conceptualising the factors affecting retention in care of patients on antiretroviral treatment in Kabwe District, Zambia, using the ecological framework(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2017) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Mwale, Joyce Chali; van Wyk, BrianBACKGROUND. HIV remains a major public health challenge in Zambia.The roll-out of antiretroviral treatment (ART) has engendered new challenges in retention in care. OBJECTIVE. To conceptualise the factors affecting retention in care of ART patients at three primary healthcare facilities using the ecological framework. METHOD. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 45 ART patients and three focus group discussions with 20 healthcare providers from three primary healthcare facilities in Kabwe district, Zambia, and subjected to thematic content analysis. RESULTS. Individual level barriers to retention in care included side effects, gaining weight, belief in faith healing, and use of herbal remedies and alcohol. Interpersonal barriers such as stigma and nondisclosure of HIV status were reported. At the institutional level, inadequate space in the clinic, long waiting times, long travel distances, and shortage of third-line drugs presented barriers to retention in care. Food shortages and patient mobility were reported as community barriers to retention in care. CONCLUSION.The ecological framework conceptualises the complex and dynamic factors affecting retention inART care and highlights the need formultifaceted interventions that combine health education, disease management, and opportunities for income generation in a socially responsive and accountable environment.Item Desperate times call for desperate measures: Adapting antiretroviral service delivery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic(SAMA, 2020) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Kriel, Ebrahim; Wyk, Brian VanOn 23 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a nation-wide lockdown to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa (SA). While these containment measures are considered to have limited the spread of COVID-19 in SA, the economic and social consequences, including the impact on healthcare service delivery, are prominent. Regarding healthcare service delivery, there are concerns about people who could be at risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 infection, and about meeting the needs of people with chronic diseases such as people living with HIV (PLHIV). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, PLHIV with an unsuppressed viral load may be at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19-related conditions and potentially dying, especially those who are co-infected with tuberculosis (TB).Item Determinants of viral suppression among adolescents on antiretroviral treatment in Ehlanzeni district, South Africa: a cross-sectional analysis(BMC, 2021) Okonji, Emeka F.; van Wyk, Brian; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.Achieving undetectable viral load is crucial for the reduction of HIV transmissions, AIDS-related illnesses and death. Adolescents (10 to19 years) living with HIV (ALHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) have worse treatment adherence and lower viral suppression rates compared to adults. We report on the clinical factors associated with viral suppression among ALHIV in the Ehlanzeni district, Mpumalanga in South Africa.A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 9386 ALHIV, aged 10 to 19 years, who were enrolled in 136 ART clinics in the Ehlanzeni district. Clinical and immunological data were obtained from electronic medical records (Tier.net). ALHIV were categorised as having achieved viral suppression if their latest viral load count was<1000 ribonucleic acid (RNA) copies/mL. Using a backward stepwise approach, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with viral suppression.Item An exploration of group-based HIV/AIDS treatment and care models in Sub-Saharan Africa using a realist evaluation (Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism- Outcome) heuristic tool: a systematic review(BioMed Central, 2017) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Van Belle, Sara; Marchal, Bruno; van Wyk, BrianIntroduction: It is increasingly acknowledged that differentiated care models hold potential to manage large volumes of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Various group-based models of ART service delivery aimed at decongesting local health facilities, encouraging patient retention in care, and enhancing adherence to medication have been implemented across sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence from the literature suggests that these models of ART service delivery are more effective than corresponding facility-based care and superior to individual-based models. Nevertheless, there is little understanding of how these care models work to achieve their intended outcomes. The aim of this study was to review the theories explicating how and why group-based ART models work using a realist evaluation framework. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on group-based ART support models in sub-Saharan Africa was conducted. We searched the Google Scholar and PubMed databases and supplemented these with a reference chase of the identified articles. We applied a theory-driven approach—narrative synthesis—to synthesise the data. Data were analysed using the thematic content analysis method and synthesised according to aspects of the Intervention-Context-Actor-Mechanism-Outcome heuristic-analytic tool—a realist evaluation theory building tool. Results: Twelve articles reporting primary studies on group-based models of ART service delivery were included in the review. The six studies that employed a quantitative study design failed to identify aspects of the context and mechanisms that work to trigger the outcomes of group-based models. While the other four studies that applied a qualitative and the two using a mixed methods design identified some of the aspects of the context and mechanisms that could trigger the outcomes of group-based ART models, these studies did not explain the relationship(s) between the theory elements and how they interact to produce the outcome(s).Item Exploring service providers’ perspectives on the prevention and management of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in South Africa: a qualitative study(BMC, 2018) Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Cloete, Lizahn G.; Beytell, Anna-MarieBACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is among the leading causes of developmental and intellectual disabilities in individuals. Although efforts are being made toward the prevention and management of FASD in South Africa, the prevalence remains high. The sustained high prevalence could be attributed to several factors, including the lack of policy for a coordinated effort to prevent, diagnose and manage FASD nationally. In this study, our aim was to explore the perspectives of service providers (health and allied professionals, teachers, social workers) on the prevention and management of FASD towards developing a guideline to inform policy. METHOD: Guided by the exploratory qualitative research design, we purposively sampled relevant service providers in the field of FASD prevention and management for focus group discussions. Nine of these discussions were conducted with to eight participants per discussion session. The discussants were asked various questions on the current and required interventions and practices for the prevention and management of FASD. Following the Framework Method, data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic content analysis approach. RESULTS: Our findings show that aspects of the prevention and management of alcohol-related conditions are present in various policies. However, there is no clear focus on coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts for a more comprehensive approach to the prevention and management of FASD. The participants recognized the need for specific requirements on broad-based preventive awareness programs, training and support for parents and caregivers, inclusive education in mainstream schools and training of relevant professionals. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive and coordinated prevention and management programs guided by a specific policy could improve the prevention and management of FASD. Policy formulation demonstrates commitment from the government, highlights the importance of the condition, and elaborates on context-specific prevention and management protocols.Item Household-focused interventions to enhance the treatment and management of HIV in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review(BMC PUBLIC HEALTH, 2019) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.Background: HIV remains a major public health challenge in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiation of a greater number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) onto antiretroviral therapy (ART) following the World Health Organization’s ‘universal test and treat’ recommendation has the potential to overstretch already challenged health systems in LMICs. While various mainstream and community-based care models have been implemented to improve the treatment outcomes of PLHIV, little effort has been made to harness the potential of the families or households of PLHIV to enhance their treatment outcomes. To this end, we sought to explore the characteristics and effectiveness of household-focused interventions in LMICs on the management of HIV as measured by levels of adherence, viral suppression and different dimensions of HIV competence. Additionally, we sought to explore the mechanisms of change to explain how the interventions achieved the expected outcomes. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature published from 2003 to 2018, obtained from six electronic databases. We thematically analysed the 11 selected articles guided by the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) framework. Following the generative causality logic, whereby mechanisms are postulated to mediate an intervention and the outcomes, we applied a mechanism-based inferential reasoning, retroduction, to identify the mechanisms underlying the interventions to understand how these interventions are expected to work. Results: The identified HIV-related interventions with a household focus were multi-component and multidimensional, incorporating aspects of information sharing on HIV; improving communication; stimulating social support and promoting mental health. Most of the interventions sought to empower and stimulate self-efficacy while strengthening the perceived social support of the PLHIV. Studies reported a significant positive impact on improving various aspects of HIV competent household – positive effects on HIV knowledge, communication between household members, and improved mental health outcomes of youths living in HIV-affected households. Conclusion: By aiming to strengthen the perceived social support and self-efficacy of PLHIV, householdfocused HIV interventions can address various aspects of household HIV competency. Nevertheless, the role of the household as an enabling resource to improve the outcomes of PLHIV remains largely untapped by public HIV programmes; more research on improving household HIV competency is therefore required.Item “I attend at Vanguard and I attend here as well”: barriers to accessing healthcare services among older South Africans with HIV and non-communicable diseases(Springer Nature, 2018) Knight, Lucia; Schatz, Enid; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.Background: HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) are syndemic within sub-Saharan Africa especially among older persons. The two epidemics interact with one another within a context of poverty, inequality and inequitable access to healthcare resulting in an increase in those aged 50 and older living with HIV and experiencing an NCD comorbidity. We explore the challenges of navigating healthcare for older persons living with HIV and NCD co-morbidity. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a small sample of older persons living with HIV (OPLWH). The perspectives of key informants were also sought to triangulate the evidence of OPLWH. The research took place in two communities on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. All interviews were conducted by a trained interviewer and transcribed and translated for analysis. Thematic content analysis guided data analysis. Results: OPLWH experienced an HIV-NCD syndemic. Our respondents sought care and accessed treatment for both HIV and other chronic (and acute) conditions, though these services were provided at different health facilities or by different health providers. Through the syndemic theory, it is possible to observe that OPLWH and NCDs face a number of physical and structural barriers to accessing the healthcare system. These barriers are compounded by separate appointments and spaces for each condition. These difficulties can exacerbate the impact of their ill-health and perpetuate structural vulnerabilities. Despite policy changes towards integrated care, this is not the experience of OPLWH in these communities. Conclusions: The population living with HIV is aging increasing the likelihood that those living with HIV will also be living with other chronic conditions including NCDs. Thus, it is essential that health policy address this basic need to integrate HIV and NCD care.Item Leveraging the photovoice methodology for critical realist theorizing(SAGE Publications, 2020) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; van Wyk, BrianPhotovoice is a visual research methodology that integrates images and words to encourage the exploration of the experiences, perceptions, and meaning-making processes of individuals on various social phenomena. As a participatory qualitative methodology, Photovoice has been used within the interpretivist paradigm to explore various [public] health and social phenomena to enhance participants’ (co-investigators’) engagement and to lobby for policy. Despite its exponential growth and extensive application in the last two decades, its potential usefulness in critical realist-informed studies is unexplored. Herein, we highlight the epistemological and methodological alignment of the Photovoice methodology with the critical realist philosophy of science regarding the understanding of social phenomena through meaning-making. Drawing on the authors’ work on adolescents’ (non)adherence behavior on antiretroviral therapy, we illustrate the application of Photovoice methods in a critical realistinformed qualitative study. The emancipatory potential of the Photovoice methodology aligns with that of critical realist epistemology as they privilege participants’ (co-investigators’) knowledge generation and learning to better understand and take control of their situation - “integrated” knowledge translation. Methodologically, Photovoice provides a useful dialogue strategy for promoting discussions between the researcher and the co-investigators to obtain value-impregnated accounts to inform critical realist theorizing. The Photovoice methodology is appropriate for theorizing in critical realist research and especially suitable when engaging with suppressed or marginalized populations.Item A modified Delphi study towards developing a guideline to inform policy on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in South Africa: a study protocol(BMJ Publishing Group, 2018) Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Okop, Kufre Joseph; Beytell, Anna-MarieINTRODUCTION Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in mental and physical birth defects in individuals. These birth defects are usually described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). With an estimated 183–259 per 1000 children born with FASDs, South Africa is identified to have the highest prevalence of FASDs in the world. Nevertheless, there is a lack of appropriate policies, guidelines and interventions addressing the issues around FASDs. This protocol outlines a proposed process for developing a guideline to inform policies on FASDs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This process will have three phases. Phase I will be carried out in three steps; we plan to conduct a document review of available policies on the prevention and management of FASDs and update the existing systematic review on FASDs interventions. The aim of the two reviews is to explore the availability and content of existing policies and global interventions on FASDs. In addition, we will conduct two exploratory qualitative studies to obtain the perspectives of various stakeholders on the existing or possible guidelines and policies for the management of FASDs and available interventions and services. In phase II, we will aggregate the findings of the previous phase to develop a prototype guideline. In phase III, using the developed prototype, we will apply the Delphi approach with experts on FASDs, soliciting their opinions on the nature and content of the proposed guidelines for policies. The information gathered will be used to modify the prototype to formulate a policy guideline on FASDs. The data will be analysed using thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical clearance has been obtained from the ethics committee of the university and governmental departments. The findings will be disseminated through publications and the guideline will be submitted to relevant departments.Item Patients' experiences of being nursed by student nurses at a teaching hospital in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.; Adejumo, OluyinkaPatients' experiences of being nursed by student nurses at a teaching hospital in the Western Cape. Results: Three main themes were discovered after the data analysis; methods of identification of student-nurses by patients; positive perceptions of student-nurses by patients and the negative perceptions of student-nurses by the patients. Conclusion: Patients’ experiences with student nurses in their roles during their practicum vary considerably. Some patients reported that the students were very good to them, friendly; making conversations with them that would lighten up their moods. They asserted also that they felt comfortable with the technique and execution of the nursing care process by the student nurses, confirming that they see nothing wrong with them. Conversely, other patients did not hold the student nurses in high esteem and said that they were not very good with discharging their nursing duties and were sometimes found wanting in the execution of certain nursing procedures. Consequently, their experiences were not so good ranging from boredom to extreme pain during the nursing care from students. Emanating from the bad experiences that these patients have had with student nurses, they have become sceptical when it comes to receiving nursing care from student nurses and would refuse should they have the opportunity to decide.Item Patients’ experiences of being nursed by student nurses at a teaching hospital(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2014) Adejumo, Oluyinka; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.BACKGROUND: Teaching hospitals are medical institutes at which most nursing education institutions provide their students with practical nursing experience. Although the focus of care is the patient, attention is sometimes focused more on the nursing students rather than on the patients who are undergoing care at the hands of both the nursing professionals and students. However, proper nursing care should also take into account the experiences of patients during the care process in the health facility. OBJECTIVES: The study had three objectives: to describe the experiences of patients nursed by student nurses in a teaching hospital in the Western Cape; to identify patterns in the experiences of patients receiving patient care from student nurses; and to analyse aspects of the experiences that may need further attention for the training of student nurses. METHOD: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of patients nursed by student nurses. Participant selection took place purposively from different wards of the identified teaching hospital, and thematic saturation was achieved at 10 participants. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were discovered after data analysis: methods of identification of student nurses by patients; positive perceptions of student nurses by patients; and negative perceptions of student nurses by patients. CONCLUSION: The findings will inform the clinical supervisors and educational institutions of aspects of the nursing training of student nurses that need improvement and those that require enforcement.