Faculty of Community and Health Sciences

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https://hdl.handle.net/10566/9

The Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) is committed to excellence in education and training, research and community service which promotes a progressive primary health care approach in an inter-professional manner.

Electronic theses and dissertations are available in the Electronic Theses and Dissertations Repository.

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A case study of transport services for physically disabled citizens in the city of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Morta-Andrews, Nadheerah; Minnaar-McDonald, Marie
Access to transport is a fundamental human right for citizens in any country, and this includes people with physical disabilities. Globally, this right is enshrined in policies and legislative documents of various countries. Developed countries have made enormous strides for inclusion of people with disabilities in their social policies, planning and expansion of transport services. In South Africa, despite a multitude of policies and legislation, there has been limited research conducted on the experiences of physically disabled citizens and their right to accessible transport. The political ethics of care was used as a framework to analyse the experiences of people with physical disabilities in relation to the Dial-A-Ride special transport policy service available in the City of Cape Town. The main aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the accessible transport service programme, subsidised by the City of Cape Town by exploring the perspectives of both service users and service providers; documenting how the special transport needs of the physically disabled service users as care receivers are catered for by care givers or special transport service providers. This study addressed the research question: "What are the expectations, experiences, and needs of physically disabled transport service users in relation to the special transport service provided by the City of Cape Town?" Due to the explorative, descriptive and contextual nature the study adopted a qualitative case study research design.
A case study of transport services for physically disabled citizens in the city of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Morta-Andrews, Nadheerah; Minnaar-McDonald, Marie
Access to transport is a fundamental human right for citizens in any country, and this includes people with physical disabilities. Globally, this right is enshrined in policies and legislative documents of various countries. Developed countries have made enormous strides for inclusion of people with disabilities in their social policies, planning and expansion of transport services. In South Africa, despite a multitude of policies and legislation, there has been limited research conducted on the experiences of physically disabled citizens and their right to accessible transport. The political ethics of care was used as a framework to analyse the experiences of people with physical disabilities in relation to the Dial-A-Ride special transport policy service available in the City of Cape Town. The main aim of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the accessible transport service programme, subsidised by the City of Cape Town by exploring the perspectives of both service users and service providers; documenting how the special transport needs of the physically disabled service users as care receivers are catered for by care givers or special transport service providers. This study addressed the research question: "What are the expectations, experiences, and needs of physically disabled transport service users in relation to the special transport service provided by the City of Cape Town?" Due to the explorative, descriptive and contextual nature the study adopted a qualitative case study research design.
A conceptual framework for nurse educationalists and professional nurses to facilitate professionalism among undergraduate learner nurses for nursing practice in the Western Cape
(University of Western Cape, 2017) Bimray, Portia Benita; Jooste, K.
Learner nurses are socialised into the professional nursing culture through a formal undergraduate nursing programme, where the professional values of nursing are instilled in them throughout their four-year training. During the four years, learner nurses are prepared by nurse educationalists (nurse educators and clinical supervisors) and professional nurses to become professional to render a quality nursing service. This is in spite of the pressures and challenges related to the ever-changing socio-economic and political climate that influence the health context within which these nurses practice. The researcher became aware of a growing number of complaints from various stakeholders in the nursing profession in the Western Cape about the unprofessional conduct of learner nurses. Nurse educators and professional nurses in practice also complained that learner nurses had not developed professionalism by the end of their 4th years of the nursing programme. Perceptions of nursing professionals were that graduate nurses did not conduct themselves in a professional manner after they had completed the formal undergraduate nurses training programme. From these problems, it became evident that a clear framework for professionalism should be developed for nurse educationalists and professional nurses to facilitate professionalism in undergraduate learner nurses for nursing practice in the Western Cape. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for nurse educationalists and professional nurses with which they can facilitate professionalism in undergraduate learner nurses of the nursing practice in the University of the Western Cape. The study departed within the paradigm of the professionalism taxonomy of Brown and Ferrill (2009) and Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968).
A contemporary work performance management framework for the Assistant Nurse Manager in the provincial health-care setting
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Swartz, Beryldene Lucinda; Jooste, Karien
Performance management (PM) in a work setting is seen as process within the broader human resource management (HRM) system that involves people in the attempt to secure the best work performance from the individuals, the working groups and that of the entire work society. Various factors play a role in the performance of nurse managers in South Africa. Since the determination and the simultaneous implementation in 2007 of the occupational specific dispensation (OSD) job descriptions for nurses working in the government setting in South Africa, the understanding of what the required work performance for the Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) was, remained unclear, as there was no PM framework that directed the work performance of the ANM in the Western Cape Province (WCP).
A human resource strategy to facilitate competencies of assistant nurse managers in the public health facilities in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Makie, Vatiswa Veronica; Jooste, K.
The health workforce provides the most important input to any health system. There are estimated to be 59.2 million full-time paid health workers worldwide. The workforce has a strong comprehensive impact on the performance of the health system. Competent nurse managers are needed, particularly in countries such as South Africa, which places nurses at the epicentre of the health delivery system. During the implementation of the Occupational Specific Dispensation in 2007, the post of Assistant Director of Nursing was amended to Assistant Nurse Manager on a higher managerial level and newly appointed ANMs were expected to be competent. A generic human resources strategy was initiated in 2010 because of complaints about the competencies of nurse managers in the South African public health sector. This attempt excluded assistant nurse managers. The aim of this study was to develop a human resources strategy for facilitating the competencies of ANMs at the public health facilities in the Western Cape.
A model for the integration of spiritual care into the nursing curriculum in Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Afolayan, Joel Adeleke; Frantz, José
Man is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual being, and his needs are informed by all these elements. The need for spiritual care in nursing education and practice is no longer a new concept in developed countries, nor even in some developing countries. However, in Nigeria, there is no consistent evidence of how spirituality is taught within the nursing curriculum nor how it is practised. The literature review also confirms that no existing set of rules or models for integrating spiritual care into the curriculum of nursing exists in the country. If nursing care is to be holistic, concerted attention must be paid to spiritual care, and to the training of nurses so that they can provide spiritual care within the context of holistic care for patients in the healthcare system. The main purpose of this academic work was to develop a model for the integration of spiritual care-giving into the nursing curriculum. This cross-sectional study used adapted modified Intervention Mapping (IM) strategies with a mixed method approach, to collect in-depth information.
A qualitative exploration of the dimensions of family resilience in a rural community on the West Coast
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Twigg, Jennifer; Florence, Maria; Isaacs, Serena
Historically, families living in disenfranchised communities were viewed as being dysfunctional. This view led to the perpetuation of the challenges and adverse situations faced by these families. It is important to view the family holistically rather than just to focus on the risk factors and/or the dysfunctional nature of the family. This study endeavoured to explore how the family functions and copes with the challenges they face. The aim of the study was to qualitatively explore the dimensions of family resilience as perceived by families in a rural community on the West Coast, South Africa. Family resilience theory was used as the theoretical framework for the research study. Three family resilience dimensions were explored. These dimensions are family belief systems, family organisation and resources, and family communication patterns. Participants were selected by means of nonprobability sampling. The local NGO in collaboration with the researcher identified the participants. The participants were homogenous in terms of being parents who participated in a parent support programme and were from the same community. Six semi-structured, oneon- one interviews were conducted as the data collection method. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged, in congruence with the theoretical framework. These themes were the family's belief system, their organisational patterns when faced with adversity, as well as the communication patterns of the family. The participants all reported that their strong sense of faith was used as coping mechanisms through their adversities. They had varying reports on how their family organised themselves and how they communicated. Some participants reported that living in a small community could at times be challenging, especially when sharing adversities as they feared community gossip, which then acted as a barrier to seeking help. The researcher adhered to the ethics requirements of the study in terms of confidentiality, provided the participants with informed consent forms and informed them of their rights as participants. Participants were free to discontinue the research process at any point without prejudice.
A qualitative study exploring the experiences of Black South African vegetarians residing in the urban settings of Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Sedupane, George; Waggie, Firdouza
Vegetarianism is a growing global trend. Movie stars and world class athletes proudly brand themselves vegetarian. Apart from its health implications vegetarianism has been extensively studied as a social and psychological phenomenon. However the understanding that has emerged from these studies has almost exclusively reflected Caucasian Western societies. Internationally there is a paucity of research regarding vegetarianism among people of African descent. The purpose of this study was to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the development of a vegetarian identity among Black urban South Africans living in Cape Town and the contextual factors involved in their adoption and practice of vegetarianism. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory which emphasizes the bidirectional influence between human behaviour and broader contextual factors was used as a theoretical framework for understanding vegetarianism among Black South Africans. This study used a qualitative exploratory approach to describe the perceptions and experiences of Black vegetarians. Snowball sampling was used to locate eight Black South African adult vegetarians who were interviewed in depth. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed through thematic analysis yielding three main themes. The first and central theme is that “vegetarianism is life.” This theme encapsulates the fact participants view vegetarianism as an instrument through which the highest ideals of life are attained including physical vitality, spiritual vibrancy and intellectual superiority. In the second theme the process of developing a vegetarian identity was unfolded. Contextual religio-cultural influences of Rastafarianism and Seventh day Adventism were a major influence in the development of a vegetarian identity. The last theme unfolds the experience of Black vegetarians living in meat dominated society. The study reveals that becoming a vegetarian definitely affects one’s social relations. However the gender of the vegetarians modulated the reaction of family members. Vegetarians also employed several strategies to manoeuvre difficult social situations. This study is among the first to contribute an African perspective to the global vegetarian discourse. It has highlighted the way Black Africans develop a vegetarian identity and the contextual factors acting as barriers and facilitators to this development. It has highlighted how this identity is informed by their Africanness though at times it conflicts with certain African ideals. Finally it has identified the social, cultural and psychological variables involved in the vegetarian phenomenon on the African continent.
A qualitative study on adolescents’ perceptions and understandings of flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024-08-22) Witten, Heidi; Savahl, Shazly; Adams, Sabirah
Adolescence is a transitional period characterised by puberty, physical growth, and the capacity to complete life tasks. During this period, adolescents are faced with various challenges in completing various life tasks. Flourishing is defined as a state in which an individual functions optimally, and has a good level of well-being in all aspects of their life. Previous studies on adolescent flourishing have focused on measuring flourishing quantitatively, which suggests a need for further research that qualitatively explores adolescent flourishing. In this study we use the conceptualisation of flourishing that encompasses hedonia and eudaimonia. It is crucial to position adolescents at the core of research endeavours, to gain insight into the unique factors, values, and goals that contribute to their flourishing. The overall aim of the study is to explore adolescents’ understandings and perceptions of flourishing in the Western Cape, South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of adolescents’ perceptions and understanding of flourishing. The interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s theoretical thematic analysis. We found two overarching thematic categories: 1) Understanding flourishing and 2) Factors that promote flourishing. The study findings emphasise the significance of balance in different aspects of life such as mental health, self-reflection, and self-expression to support adolescents in developing their own sense of flourishing and to understand their own experiences. The central role of relationships as a support structure for adolescents was found to be significant as the participants were able to identify what is needed through these relationships, which could promote their own flourishing. Future empirical research should endeavour to include both hedonic and eudaimonic traditions in exploring adolescent flourishing.
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, Brian
In 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.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of lifestyle and medication: interventions in the management of hypertension in pregnancy
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Kutumbuka, Benjamin Kukatula; Phetlhu, D.R.
Pregnancy induced hypertension is one of the causes of maternal, fetus and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is the condition in which a pregnant woman develops hypertension because of physiological changes that result during pregnancy and both mother and fetus can be affected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first target of the third United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3) is to reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR) to less than 10 per 100.000 live births by 2030 (WHO, 2017). This is because globally, about 350 000 women die every year from pregnancy related causes (Hogan, Foreman, & Naghavi, 2010). According to the WHO (2015), these conditions namely post-partum hemorrhage, hypertension in pregnancy, infections, unsafe abortion and other delivery-related complications cause three quarters of all maternal deaths in the World. Hence the needs to prevent or successfully treat conditions that contribute to this scourge (WHO, 2011). The two main interventions that are used to prevent or treat hypertension in pregnancy are medication and lifestyle adjustment. However, it is important to understand the intervention that is most suited to a context and its patient and compare the effects of these interventions on management of hypertension in pregnant women as a patient outcome.
Ability to manage diabetes – community health workers’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs
(SEMDSA (Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of SA), 2006) Hughes, Gail; Puoane, Thandi; Bradley, Hazel A.
BACKGROUND: Diabetes constitutes a significant health problem in South Africa. Early detection and good management can prevent or delay complications, with national guidelines for diabetes treatment now available to facilitate this. However, problems are being encountered with their implementation and there is evidence that preventive care is still inadequate in South Africa. Community health workers (CHWs) are lay personnel employed to serve as a link between professional health care staff and the community. They visit homes and can be a powerful force for diabetes prevention and adherence to treatment regimens, given appropriate knowledge. METHOD: We conducted a study to evaluate the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of a group of CHWs serving a poor urban area, using focus groups and personal interviews. RESULTS: The CHWs did not have the requisite knowledge, attitudes and beliefs to make a positive impact on prevention and management of diabetes. For example, they cited eating sugar as a cause of diabetes. They advised folk remedies that purportedly diluted the blood sugar. Their patients took prescribed medication irregularly. Obesity was not considered an important risk factor. Poverty, however, was recognised as an obstacle to proper treatment. CONCLUSION: Training is clearly needed to empower the CHWs with skills to work within their communities to identify risk factors for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, with emphasis on diet and physical activity.
Abused women's understandings of intimate partner violence and the link to intimate femicide
(Institute for qualitative research, 2016) Dekel, Bianca; Andipatin, Michelle
In this article, we explore how women survivors of intimate partner violence understand the abuse they endured and the possible link to intimate femicide. This is a qualitative study based on a feminist poststructuralist perspective. Seven South African women, aged 23 to 50 years, with a history of different manifestations of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) participated in open-ended interviews. The data was analyzed by means of discourse analysis. In their explanations, the women constructed gendered identities, which reflected contradictory and ambiguous subjective experiences. The women's understandings were filtered through the particular social context in which their abusive experiences occurred. The findings highlighted that contemplating femicide was too threatening, and consequently participants drew on discourses of femininity, romantic love, and others to justify their remaining in their violence-ridden relationships. It emphasizes the need for additional engagement in women's understandings of intimate femicide, as women who live in abusive relationships have largely been consigned to the periphery.
The academic transitional experience of postgraduate students in the faculty of community and health sciences at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Hoffman, Jeffrey Corne; Julie, Hester; Dept. of Nursing; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Transition has been the major focus of educational institutions. The focal argument of the majority of research into student transition deals with the challenges that students faced when they moved from high school to first year at university. Not much focus has been placed on the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies. Postgraduate enrollment rates have steadily grown over the past few years in Higher Education Institution`s (HEI). Support systems have been put in place to assist students. In spite of these available support systems, postgraduate students still find themselves facing challenges when engaging with postgraduate studies. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the academic transitional challenges postgraduate students' experience as reflected by the inconsistencies in the enrollment and throughput rates. Secondly, to determine whether students utilised available support systems, e.g. the Academic Writing Centre and the Postgraduate Enrolment and Throughput (PET) programme at the Faculty of Community and Health Science at University of the Western Cape. This was a quantitative study. A cross sectional survey has been conducted by means of a computerised self-administered questionnaire (CSAQ). The study population was postgraduate students in the Faculty of Community and Health Science at masters' level. Both course work and research students were included in the study. No sampling method was employed due to the small size of the population. Data was collected to explore the academic preparedness of postgraduate students, and there primary motivations for studying and the utilization of available support services at the University of the Western Cape.
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.
The acceptability of three vaccine injections given to infants during a single clinic visit in South Africa
(BioMed Central, 2016) Tabana, Hanani; Dudley, Lilian D.; Knight, Stephen; Cameron, Neil; Mahomed, Hassan; Goliath, Charlyn; Eggers, Rudolf; Wiysonge, Charles S.
BACKGROUND: The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has increased the number of antigens and injections administered at one visit. There are concerns that more injections at a single immunisation visit could decrease vaccination coverage. We assessed the acceptability and acceptance of three vaccine injections at a single immunisation visit by caregivers and vaccinators in South Africa. METHODS: A mixed methods exploratory study of caregivers and vaccinators at clinics in two provinces of South Africa was conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires as well as observations of the administration of three-injection vaccination sessions. RESULTS: The sample comprised 229 caregivers and 98 vaccinators. Caregivers were satisfied with the vaccinators’ care (97 %) and their infants receiving immunisation injections (93 %). However, many caregivers, (86 %) also felt that three or more injections were excessive at one visit. Caregivers had limited knowledge of actual vaccines provided, and reasons for three injections. Although vaccinators recognised the importance of informing caregivers about vaccination, they only did this sometimes. Overall, acceptance of three injections was high, with 97 % of caregivers expressing willingness to bring their infant for three injections again in future visits despite concerns about the pain and discomfort that the infant experienced. Many (55 %) vaccinators expressed concern about giving three injections in one immunisation visit. However, in 122 (95 %) observed three-injection vaccination sessions, the vaccinators administered all required vaccinations for that visit. The remaining seven vaccinations were not completed because of vaccine stock-outs. CONCLUSIONS: We found high acceptance by caregivers and vaccinators of three injections. Caregivers’ poor understanding of reasons for three injections resulted from limited information sharing by vaccinators for caregivers. Acceptability of three injections may be improved through enhanced vaccinator-caregiver communication, and improved management of infants’ pain. Vaccinator training should include evidence-informed ways of communicating with caregivers and reducing injection pain. Strategies to improve acceptance and acceptability of three injections should be rigorously evaluated as part of EPI’s expansion in resource-limited countries.
Acceptance and commitment therapy in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV program among pregnant women living with HIV in South Western States of Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Ishola, Adeyinka Ganiyat; Chipps, Jennifer
The objective of this study was to determine if introducing acceptance and commitment therapy in the prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program using weekly mobile phone messages would result in improved mental health status of HIV-positive, pregnant women in Nigeria. The study used a quantitative approach using a Solomon four-group (two intervention and two control groups) randomised design to evaluate the impact of an acceptance and commitment therapy program. The study population was 132 randomly selected (33 per site), HIV-positive pregnant women attending four randomly selected PMTCT centres in Nigeria. Two were Intervention and two were Control sites which functioned as Intervention and Control groups. The intervention groups were exposed to one session of acceptance and commitment therapy with weekly value-based health messages sent by mobile phone for three months during pregnancy. The control groups received only post-HIV test counselling.
Access to early childhood development services: perceptions, experiences and challenges of early childhood practitioners and parents
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Vuyokazi, Mpumela; Erasmus, C. J.
Children’s learning and development takes place in a range of contexts and this includes at Early Childhood Development centers and at home with family. Parent involvement in their children’s education has been viewed as an important variable that positively influence children’s education. Young children need quality childcare to develop their innate potential and prepare for formal education. Quality care provides nurturing relationships, a mentally stimulating environment, basic health and safety. The formal provisioning of Early Childhood Development falls under the mandate of the Department of Social Development for registered early childhood development centers and the Department of Education for Grade R, the preparatory grade for primary education. The study investigated the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of parents and early childhood development practitioners with regards to their access of early childhood services. The theory underpinning this study was Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system, which is based on the principle of interconnectedness within settings and the link between settings that affect individual development. The study utilised a qualitative approach and data were collected from parents and early childhood practitioners within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings regarding the perceptions of practitioners, principals and parents included perception of Early Childhood Development services, affordability, and contentment with ECD education, proximity of the centers and the role of the practitioners. The experiences of the parents, principals and practitioners highlighted in the study includes involvement of parents, training of practitioners, limited support from stakeholders, and scarce resources. In addition, lack of sufficient infrastructure, lack of adequate learning materials, underqualified practitioners and shortage of funds were noted as the challenges affecting the practitioners and the parents. The study recommended training of practitioners, infrastructure development.

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