Research Articles (School of Nursing)

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The academic transitional experiences of masters’ students at the University of the Western Cape
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2012) Hoffman, Jeffrey C.; Julie, Hester
Transition has been a major focus of educational institutions. However, most of the research into student transition focuses on the challenges related the transition from high school to university. Not much emphasis has been placed on the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, despite the steadily increasing postgraduate enrollment rates in higher education institutions. The discrepancy between the enrollment and completion rates is an indication that postgraduate students are facing transitional challenges when engaging with postgraduate studies. The aim of this research study was to describe the academic transitional experiences of masters’ students in the Faculty of Community Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. The objectives were to determine the academic preparedness of postgraduate students, to explore their primary motivations for pursuing postgraduate studies, and to assess their utilisation of the available support services at UWC. A quantitative, exploratory, descriptive research design was employed. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with masters’ students during 2009, using convenience sampling. Data was statistically analysed using the SPSS to provide descriptive statistics. The majority of the sample indicated a lack of academic preparedness, even though most of them had a bachelor’s degree. The primary reasons listed as motivation for master’s study were to improve knowledge and reaching self-actualisation. The majority is still eager to complete their studies. Most support systems were utilised and students rated these services as a positive experience that facilitates smooth academic transition. However, concerns are that not many students utilised the academic writing centre and those who did, rated the overall service as average. One of the main recommendations was that a research culture needs to be established at undergraduate level, as this would give students greater exposure to research activities.
Academics’ knowledge and experiences of interprofessional education and practice
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2016) Julie, Hester; Hess-April, Lucia; Wilkenson, J.; Cassiem, Wagheda; Rhoda, Anthea
BACKGROUND. Interprofessional education (IPE) can be seen as the vehicle to address the health and social problems of society through collaborative approaches. Since IPE should be facilitated by educators who are skilled in this area, faculty development initiatives should be based on the principles of IPE and collaborative practice (IPECP). OBJECTIVE. To explore academics’ knowledge and experiences of IPECP. METHODS. The study used an exploratory descriptive design and the appreciative inquiry framework underpinned data gathering and analysis. The data were collected using workshops, and the participants of the workshops shared their knowledge and experiences of IPECP, which were audio-recorded and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. RESULTS. The analysis revealed three themes: knowledge of IPE; experiences of IPECP; and enablers of IPECP aligned to the dream and discovery phases of appreciative inquiry. The findings revealed that academics were knowledgeable about the concept of IPE and that their experiences with IPECP ranged from clinical supervision to research. Regarding enablers of IPECP, they provided important input, which could facilitate IPECP in a university faculty. These included competencies for IPECP, professional development and a common practice framework. CONCLUSION. The academics who attended the faculty development workshops were knowledgeable about the concepts of IPECP. They concluded that for IPE to be effective, a common practice framework should be adopted in the faculty to inform specific teaching and learning strategies and outcomes.
Acceptability and feasibility of a screening protocol for antenatal depression (SPADe) in Blantyre District, Malawi
(BMC, 2022) Chorwe‑Sungani, Genesis; Mwagomba, Modesta; Chipps, Jennifer
Depression is one of the most common perinatal mental health problems that afect pregnant women. Antenatal depression can adversely afect the well-being of the pregnant woman and her foetus. Depression is rarely detected by midwives due to the unavailability of relevant screening instruments in Malawi. A Screening Pro‑ tocol for Antenatal Depression (SPADe) was developed and recommended for possible use to screen for depression in antenatal clinics in the country. The acceptability and feasibility of using the SPADe protocol to screen for depression has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of screening for depres‑ sion by midwives using SPADe in antenatal clinics in Blantyre district.
Adequacy and sustainability of undergraduate midwifery programmes training course materials
(African Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance (AFAHPER-SD), 2014) Bimerew, Million; Mbombo, Nomafrench
The purpose of the study was to determine the adequacy and sustainability of Undergraduate midwifery programmes training course materials. A quantitative survey method was employed to collect sustainability data from lecturers and clinical supervisors (N=33) and data on adequacy of the training course materials from graduated professional nurses doing their community service (N=34). The data was analyzed using SPSS programme for frequency distributions and percentages. More than 90% of the participants stated that the integrated PMTCT training course materials were sustainable. Participants stated that they were unlikely or very unlikely to exclude PMTCT competencies from the undergraduate midwifery programme: PICT (provider-initiated counselling and testing)/HCT (HIV counselling and testing) course unlikely (60.61%) and very unlikely (30.3%); antiretroviral therapy (ART) course unlikely (33.33%) and very unlikely (60.61%); PCR testing course unlikely (48.48%) and very unlikely (39.39%); and infant-feeding management course unlikely (27.27%) and very unlikely (66.67%). The course was regarded as very adequate or fairly adequate: PICT/HCT very (59%) and fairly adequate (49.2%); antiretrovirals/ART very (64.7%) and fairly adequate (32.4%); polymerase chain reaction training very (52.9%) and fairly adequate (41.2%); and infant-feeding options very (73.5%) and fairly adequate (26.5%). The results of this study show that PMTCT competency-based course materials were adequately provided to undergraduate midwifery students to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills in management of the PMTCT client. The PMTCT course was regarded as sustainable, which influences its continuation in the midwifery programme after the end of the PMTCT project.
Admission rates as an indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community
(Wiley, 1998) Jalaludin, Bin; Chey, Tien; Holmwood, Marvin; Chipps, Jennifer; Hanson, Ralph; Corbett, Stephen; Leeder, Stephen
BACKGROUND: A reliable indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community is needed to monitor population-based asthma control strategies. We examined the potential use of asthma admissions to hospital as such an indicator. METHODS: We recruited subjects from the Emergency Department (ED) of a children's hospital. The attending doctor completed the 'physician questionnaire' which included questions on the patient's asthma severity and interval severity/chronicity of asthma. The parent/guardian completed the 'parent questionnaire'. It included questions on demography, asthma knowledge and attitudes, asthma history and social support. We performed univariate and multiple logistic regression to determine predictors for hospital admission. RESULTS: Interval severity of asthma, pre-treatment severity of wheeze and low post-treatment pulse oximetry best predicted whether children presenting with asthma were admitted. Demographic variables, factors associated with access to health services and factors related to the asthma history and management were not significant predictors of admission. DISCUSSION: At the population level, it may be possible to utilise routine hospital admission rates as an indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community, especially within the context of monitoring trends in asthma prevalence. Our study was conducted in a metropolitan tertiary paediatric hospital. The reliability of hospital admission rates as indicators of the prevalence of severe asthma in other hospital settings, in different population groups and over time remains to be established.
Adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health information needs and barriers in Cape Town
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2024) Holtman, Natheerah; Bimerew, Million; Mthimunye, Katlego
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) pertains to the mental and physical state of youth and encompasses their capacity to abstain from unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections (stis), including HIV/AIDS, and all types of sexual assault and coercion (Abdurahman et al. 2022). A survey of 70 developing countries indicated that adolescent girls had unmet needs related to SRH services, which resulted in unintended pregnancy and other socio-economic consequences (Woog et al. 2015). Approximately 16 million adolescent girls younger than 19 years give birth each year, accounting for about 11% of all births, with 2 million of these girls being under the age of 15 years (Bałanda-Bałdyga et al. 2020). Although these pregnancies occur across all brackets of socio-economic status and countries (Bałanda-Bałdyga et al. 2020), approximately 95% of adolescent pregnancies were from developing countries, especially in Africa (Odimegwu & Ugwul 2022). Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest prevalence of fertility among young women, and more than 82% of these pregnancies were unintended (Mjwara & Maharaj 2018).
Adolescents' perception of career choice of nursing among selected secondary schools in Jos, Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2014) Ogunyewo, Oluwatoyin A.; Afemikhe, Juliana A.; Ajio, Daniel K.; Olanlesi-aliu, Adedoyin
The main purpose of this study was to examine the adolescents' perception and choice of nursing as a career in senior secondary schools, and to determine factors that may influence their choice and perception. The study was conducted in four selected schools in Jos metropolis. Each of these schools is unique in features. They include: two government secondary schools (urban and rural) and two private secondary schools (urban and rural). A total of 240 respondents were used for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed and presented in frequency tables, percentages, bar chart and chi-square. Findings indicate that 7.5% (n=18) of respondents chose nursing as a career, out of which 83.33% (n=15) were females, while 16.67% (n=3) were males. Interestingly, out of 46.25% of total respondents who would consider nursing as a career, 56.76% were females while 43.26% were males. There is no significant relationship between gender in considering nursing as a career choice; the ownership type of schools, and consideration of nursing as a career choice shows no significance (t=-2.098, critical value=1.658, df=118, p value=0.05.). There is equally no significant relationship between location, and consideration of nursing as a career choice.
Affirmative action in South Africa: Are we creating new casualties?
(Wiley, 2013) Adejumo, Oluyinka; Archibong, Uduak
Affirmative action policies in South Africa and other countries have been designed to address inequity and discrimination, and to manage a wide range of diversity in all spheres of life, particularly after the end of apartheid in 1994. Years after implementing affirmative action in South Africa, perceptions of its impact or even benefit seem to vary from person to person. This article presents the fi ndings from a study utilizing different data sources including document review, interviews, and a consensus workshop on the perceptions of the impact of affi rmative action in South Africa. It is part of a larger European Commission–funded comparative study of positive action measures across countries in North America, the European Union, and South Africa. Participants were drawn from different public and private organizational sectors, racial groups, genders, age groups, and people with disabilities. The analyzed data provided insight into how society might be perceiving and reacting to the operation of affirmative action in South Africa.
Alzheimer's disease: a nursing-perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Splinter, A.
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease presents a challenge for nursing, nurses, formal and informal carer's of person's with Alzheimer's disease. Theoretical knowledge provides insight and understanding into the bio-psycho-social dimensions of behaviour exhibited by the person with Alzheimer's disease. Theoretical knowledge alone, cannot prepare nurses and family members as carers, for the practicalities and coping skills required on an ongoing daily basis. Family members and carers may at first deny the symptoms they observe and pass it off as part of the ageing process. Cognitive decline is progressive as standards of hygiene, self care and independent living becomes more evident and interferes with activities of independent, daily living. The bio-psycho-social-safety and security needs are individualized and unique to each personality with Alzheimer's disease. This provides a challenge to all nurses and carer's of persons with Alzheimer's disease. This literary study aims to provide practical insights and humane coping skills for family members as carer's and nurses both formally or informally trained, as carer's of persons, with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSION: Living with, and caring for an Alzheimer's parent or person draws every bit of physical and emotional strength from the family and carer's.
Application of Lazarus's cognitive transactional model of stress-appraisal-coping in an undergraduate mental health nursing programme in the Western Cape, South Africa
(AFAHPER-SD, 2014) Martin, Penelope D.; Daniels, Felicity M.
This article describes how the cognitive transactional model of stress-appraisal-coping can be applied in the sense making process for students working in the challenging mental health care environment. Primary and secondary literature was searched by means of computer-assisted data bases using key words. An overview of emotions, emotion functioning and regulation is alluded to, to give credence to the application of the transactional model of stress and coping as purported by Lazarus & Folkman. The model is cognitive because it is based on the assumption that students' thinking processes, memory and the meaning that those events have for the student experiencing them - will act to mediate in determining stress and coping resources. The definition of stress emphasises the subjective responses in the relationship between the student and the mental health care environment. Coping, on the other hand, refers to the cognitive and behavioural attempts made by students to manage the demands of the mental health care environment but are appraised as exceeding the resources they possess. The central assumption of this theory is that the interaction between an individual and the environment creates stress experienced by the individual. In order to contextualise the discussion theoretical perspectives on emotions are alluded to. A simplistic example is given to show how undergraduate mental health nursing students may appraise an encounter with a mentally ill person and the outcome of that appraisal within the students' sense making process.
Assessing level of affective learning of undergraduate nursing students at a university in the Western Cape regarding rendering prevention of mother-to-child transmission services
(Africa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance, 2014) Van der Berg, Lindi; Walker, S
Nursing assessment and teaching strategies focus mainly on the cognitive and psychomotor areas of learning. This is eminent in research studies that state that the cognitive approach is taken because of challenges in investigating the affective domain. This study assesses undergraduate nursing students’ level of affective learning with regard to rendering prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services, which is key to working with at-risk populations. A qualitative exploratory descriptive and contextual design was utilised to assess the level of affective learning based on the students’ reflective journaling. Ninety reflective journals were analysed by means of content analysis using Atlas.ti 7. Students were able to reflect at all the levels of the affective domain, and it was found that the use of reflective journaling is an appropriate teaching and assessment tool to enhance this learning domain. However, further research is needed on the interrelationship between the affective domain and the cognitive and psychomotor domains.
Assessment of common perinatal mental disorders in a selected district hospital of the Eastern Province in Rwanda
(University of Rwanda, 2015) Umuziga, Marie P.; Adejumo, Oluyinka; Hynie, Michael
BACKGROUND: Common perinatal mental disorders (CPMDs) in women (depression & anxiety) are recognized as a significant public health concern. In African countries, CPMDs are most prevalent. However, there is limited evidence inliterature about CPMDs in Rwanda. PURPOSE: To determine CPMDs in a selected district hospital of the Eastern Province of /Rwanda. Methods Descriptive quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 165 mothers in perinatal period selected systematically. Ethical approval was obtained from University of the Western Cape of South Africa and the former Kigali Health Institute of Rwanda. The Zungu Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to collect data. SPSS version 21 was used for analysis. RESULTS: Most of the respondents (38.2%) were aged 25-29 years; married (44.8%); and unemployed (77%). Thirty-seven percent of the respondents had perinatal anxiety (PNA) while 50.3% had perinatal depression (PND). Statistically significant relationships were found between PNA (≥45scores) and factors such as relationship with husband/partner (c2 (2)=12.045, p=.002), husband/partner’s behaviour (c2 (8) = 16.401, p= .037), number of children (c2 (8)=16.017, p=.042), planned pregnancy (c2 (2)=8.244, p=.016), stressful events (c2 (14)=55.035, p=.000). Relationship with husband/partner was the only predictor of PNA (Odd ratio= 0.437). With regard to PND (≥10 scores), statistically significant relationships were found between factors such as marital status (c2 (3) = 17.559, p= .001), level of education (c2 (3) =16.857, p= .001), husband/partner relationship (c2 (1) = 38.207, p= .000), husbands’ behaviour (c2 (4) =43.242, p= .000), number of children (c2 (4) = 18.554, p= .001), planned pregnancy (c2 (1) = 17.773, p=.000), personal stressful events (c2 (7) = 30.232, p=.000). Age was the strongest determinants of PND (Odd ratio: 131.973). CONCLUSION: CPMDs are prevalent. Poor relationship with husband and young age were found to be the strongest determinants of CPMDs.
Assessment of quality of care in the management of postpartum haemorrhage: A review of selected maternal death cases
(African Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2015) Boltman-Binkowski, Haaritha
Obstetric haemorrhage was the third most common cause of maternal death in South Africa for the triennium 2008 to 2010, increasing from the rate in 2005 to 2007. The major causes of death from haemorrhage remained similar during 2005 to 2010. Provincial assessments assert that 80.1% of these deaths were avoidable. Patient-related avoidable factors, mostly delay in seeking care, were present for only a third of the total deaths. A worrying 30.7% of deaths were due to lack of appropriately trained doctors or nurses. At least at the primary care level, midwives are expected to be able to recognise, manage and refer cases of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). National management protocols inform practice in this area, since professional regulations are lacking. The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinical practices of midwives in managing postpartum haemorrhage and to report on the quality of care during this process. A quantitative design was utilised in this exploratory, descriptive study. The results of the analysis showed that the general quality of care was poor and basic lifesaving measures were only performed in half of the cases. In view of the maternal deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhage, poor quality of care by midwives should be urgently addressed.
An assessment of the adherence to guidelines for the management of asthma exacerbations in selected primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Brickels, Vernon; Nikodem, Cheryl
INTRODUCTION: Asthma is described as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Recurrent episodes of "acute attacks" or exacerbation may occur in susceptible individuals. The onset of these episodes maybe associated with external stimuli such as cold or pollen. Asthma could be a controllable disorder and most people with asthma should be able to lead a normal, productive life if their asthma is managed effectively. A review of literature recommend that adherence to uniform guidelines on asthma management can reduce the frequency of acute attacks. Guidelines for the management of asthma have been implemented in health care facilities in the Western Cape for more than a decade. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which doctors adhere to the prescribed asthma guidelines. METHOD: Record review. PARTICIPANTS: Forty records were reviewed. SETTING: The study was conducted at four Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in the Western Cape. INTERVENTION: A review of patient records was done to examine adherence to the implementation of the recommended guidelines. RESULTS: The results are in line with the literature which shows that adherence to the asthma guidelines is sub optimal. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that authorities should regularly follow health care facilities to evaluate to what extend guidelines are adhered to and ongoing training should be given to make health workers aware of these guidelines.
The association between dietary consumption, anthropometric measures and body composition of rural and urban Ghanaian adults: A comparative cross-sectional study
(Springer Nature, 2020) Agyapong, Nana Ama Frimpomaa; Annan, Reginald Adjetey; Swart, Elizabeth Catherina
Overweight and obesity have become threats to public health in all regions across the globe including sub-Saharan Africa where prevalence used to be low. Policies to regulate the food environment and promote healthy food consumption look promising to reducing the prevalence of obesity but in Ghana there is not enough data to elicit a policy response. This study assessed the association between dietary consumption, anthropometric measures, body composition and physical activity among rural and urban Ghanaian adults.
Association between selected food purchase practices, physical activity and sociodemographic factors among people living in a low socioeconomic periurban and rural area of South Africa
(Bentham, 2020) Onagbiye, Sunday Olawale; Lungiswa, Tsolekile; Thandi, Puoane
This study examined the association between sociodemographic factors, Physical Activity (PA) engagement, and the selected Food Purchasing Practices (FPP) among people living in a low socioeconomic peri-urban and rural area of two provinces of South Africa. Four hundred participants were randomly selected from two communities, a township in Cape Town and a rural community in the Eastern Cape where the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study was implemented. Data collected included socio-demographic characteristics, FPP and PA. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the associations between sociodemographic factors, PA involvement and selected FPP, and Odds Ratios (OR) were calculated with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). All statistical tests were two-tailed at p<0.05
Associations of cereal grains intake with cardiovascular disease and mortality across 21 countries in prospective urban and rural epidemiology study: Prospective cohort study
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2021) Puoane, T.R.; Swaminathan, S; Dehghan, M
Objective To evaluate the association between intakes of refined grains, whole grains, and white rice with cardiovascular disease, total mortality, blood lipids, and blood pressure in the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. Design Prospective cohort study. setting PURE study in 21 countries. ParticiPants 148 858 participants with median follow-up of 9.5 years. exPOsures Country specific validated food frequency questionnaires were used to assess intakes of refined grains, whole grains, and white rice. Main OutcOMe Measure Composite of mortality or major cardiovascular events (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure). Hazard ratios were estimated for associations of grain intakes with mortality, major cardiovascular events, and their composite by using multivariable Cox frailty models with random intercepts to account for clustering by centre. results Analyses were based on 137 130 participants after exclusion of those with baseline cardiovascular disease. During follow-up, 9.2% (n=12 668) of these participants had a composite outcome event.
Attitudes of undergraduate nursing students towards E-learning at the University of the Western Cape
(African Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2015) Akimanimpaye, Furaha; Fakude, Lorraine
The development of the Internet has provided an opportunity for offering e-learning as a new addition to modern education. Substantial evidence indicates that many universities across the world are offering study programmes through a variety of e-learning methods. Although e-learning environments are becoming popular, there is limited research on learners’ attitudes toward online learning environments. Past research has identified a variety of factors affecting user attitude in relation to e-learning. It is against this background that this article seeks to determine the attitudes of undergraduate nursing students toward e-learning at the University of the Western Cape. A survey was conducted among 213 undergraduate nursing students to assess their attitudes toward e-learning. The study employed a survey methodology based on the questionnaire that was distributed randomly to students to assess their attitudes towards e-learning, and to establish whether any existing demographical factors impacted on the students’ use of e-learning. From a valid response rate of 86%, the statistical analysis revealed that learner satisfaction was influenced by perceived ease of use, gender, and study-year level of respondents. The findings demonstrate a favourable attitude towards e-learning among nursing students at the University of the Western Cape.
Barriers to community mental health users’ access to information needed to deal with mental health problems, Western Cape, South Africa
(African Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, 2015) Bimerew, Million; Adejumo, Oluyinka; Korpela, Mikko
The most important advancement in the healthcare industry in the 21st century is the application of information technology (IT) in health care. While integrated IT is critical in transforming mental health care, IT infrastructure in mental health lags behind other sectors. This study explored community mental health users’ barriers to accessing information in dealing with mental health problems. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 11 mental health users and their family members, and two focus group discussions were held with eight mental health consumers and family members of each. Major barriers to accessing information were long waiting times for services; inadequate mental health education and information sessions; and lack of a support club to share information and experiences with people with similar mental problems. Empowering mental health users with adequate and appropriate mental health information helps to improve their care. Use of IT such as tele-health communication, email and text messages using computers was proven to improve access to information and quality of care provision.
Being in a dilemma: Experiencing birth in Zambia
(UNISA Press, 2015) Kwayelela, CN; Greatrex-White, S
Numerous publications investigating childbirth in sub-Saharan Africa have overlooked the psychological and emotional elements that women experience, in favour of physical dimensions, such as maternal mortality. The aim of this study was to explore childbirth experiences, in order to better understand how women in Zambia experience and give meaning to the phenomenon. An interpretive phenomenological approach was utilised. Through purposive sampling methods, fifty birthing women, aged between 16 and 38 years, from all the nine provinces of the country were recruited. Unstructured in-depth interviews were conducted. Analysis uncovered six structures. The main focus of this paper is 'Being in a dilemma'. The selection of this structure reflects its general interest and predominance in data analysis. It entailed experiencing the phenomenon without knowledge of whom or what one was going to encounter. The key themes were: 1) choosing where to birth, and 2) choosing the advice to adhere to. The findings illuminated a need for an attitudinal change in maternity care professionals, and a parallel need to build agency and autonomy in women. It is this intrinsic level that is undermining attempts to reduce high maternal mortality in Zambia.

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