Research Articles (School of Nursing)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/13

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Pilot testing of a digitally enabled, peer supported self-management intervention for adolescents and youth living with HIV in the Western Cape, South Africa
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026) Crowley, Talitha; Tokwe, Lwandile; Ntanjana, Siphelele; Weyers, Leonie; van Wyk, Brian; Petinger, Charné
Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) face increased health risks and need targeted support to optimally engage in treatment. The Supporting Adolescents to be Resilient and Thrive (S-SMART) programme is a digitally enabled, peer-supported self-management intervention designed to enhance psychosocial and treatment engagement outcomes among AYLHIV. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of S-SMART among AYLHIV aged 15–21 years who received HIV treatment at two public primary care clinics in the Cape Town Metropole, South Africa. Thirteen AYLHIV received smartphones, mobile data, and access to the S-SMART app from September to December 2024. The pilot programme for S-SMART included activities, peer group sessions, and coaching by four peers living with HIV. Focus groups were conducted before (n = 17) and after (n = 12), to assess usability and their user experiences. Activity and programme completion was > 95%. Participants found the app user-friendly overall, though some faced issues with navigation, language and understanding certain content. Engagement was strengthened through peer support and facilitation. While the programme promoted psychosocial empowerment, HIV-related challenges such as stigma and disclosure fears need ongoing support.
Experiences of nurses in exploring and managing preoperative anxiety and information needs of patients at district hospitals in Ashanti region, Ghana
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Dankyi, Sawan; Bimerew, Million; Dartey, Anita Fafa
Background : Experiences of nurses in exploring and managing the information needs of patients who are scheduled to undergo surgery show that patients develop anxiety, which makes the procedure uneasy and complicated due to changes in some physical symptoms, such as blood pressure, and psychological symptoms, such as sleeplessness and irritability. Nurses working in surgical wards should be able to detect anxious patients and determine the factors causing anxiety. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses in exploring and managing the preoperative anxiety and information needs of patients at district hospitals in Ashanti Region, Ghana. Methods : This study was conducted at five district hospitals in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Exploratory design was used to explore the experiences of nurses in exploring and managing preoperative anxiety and information needs of patients. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 11 participants for the study. Three of them were recruited from one district hospital, while two each were from the remaining four district hospitals. All the interviews were audio-recorded with permission from the participants and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed via thematic analysis. Findings : The study revealed three themes: preoperative patient display, assessment of patients’ preoperative anxiety and information needs and providing needed information. Conclusion : Nurses should avoid relying solely on their previous experiences and perceptions and instead focus on providing patients with the specific information necessary to alleviate preoperative anxiety.
Comparison of treatment outcomes of adolescents on HIV treatment before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Cape Town, South Africa: a retrospective cohort study
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2026) Crowley, Talitha; Khan, Nazreen; Van Wyk, Brian
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted healthcare systems, posing risks for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in resource-limited, high HIV-prevalence settings. These disruptions threatened antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, viral load suppression (VLS) and retention in care (RiC). Aim: This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes of ALHIV on ART in the Khayelitsha and Eastern Substructure (KESS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting: The study was performed in KESS, Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted among ALHIV aged 10–19 years receiving ART at public health facilities, pre-COVID-19 (before 01 March 2020) and during COVID-19 (01 March 2020–31 December 2021). Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment data were analysed. Descriptive and inferential statistics compared outcomes and determined factors associated with VLS (< 1000 copies/mL) using SPSS v.30. Results: Data from 1702 ALHIV (pre-COVID-19) and 2733 ALHIV (during COVID-19) were analysed. Viral load suppression declined from 82.1% to 64.8%, while full VLS (< 50 copies/mL) from 70.8% to 53.7% (p = 0.065). Antiretroviral therapy adherence fell from 96.4% to 70.0% (p < 0.001), and RiC 80.3% to 76.3% (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, higher CD4 count, and consistent ART adherence predicted VLS. Conclusion: Antiretroviral therapy adherence and VLS rates among ALHIV declined during COVID-19. Adolescent-centred healthcare delivery models are needed to ensure continuity of HIV treatment during public health emergencies. Contribution: This study provides local evidence on the pandemic's impact in a high-burden South African context. By quantifying declines in ART adherence, RiC, and VLS, it highlights ALHIV vulnerabilities and the need to strengthen adolescent-responsive, resilient healthcare systems.
Developing a program to train nurses in exploration and management of pre-operative anxiety and information needs of patients (PEMPAINP)
(Australian College of Perioperative Nurses, 2025) Bimerew, Million; Chipps, Jennifer-Anne; Dankyi, Sawan
Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a program to train nurses to explore and manage pre-operative anxiety and information needs of patients. Methods: A panel comprising 15 experts was purposively selected and engaged through the Delphi technique to formulate the training program. Data collection was executed over three rounds, employing both focus group discussions and self-administered questionnaires, to achieve consensus among the experts regarding the draft training program. Results: Among the 15 participants, a majority identified three critical components for training nurses in assessing pre-operative anxiety and patient information needs – ‘standard pre-operative interventions’ (12 participants, 80.0%), ‘communicative skills’ (13 participants, 86.7%) and ‘establish rapport’ (13 participants, 86.7%). In terms of managing information needs, all 15 participants (100.0%) agreed on the importance of ‘evaluating information on patient and family’, while 12 participants (80.0%) endorsed the significance of ‘being innovative’ and adopting a ‘multidisciplinary approach’.Conclusions: The training program has been meticulously crafted to encompass content crucial for enhancing the knowledge and competencies of surgical ward nurses in assessing and managing pre-operative anxiety and addressing the informational needs of patients.
Health literacy of undergraduate students at a university in the Western Cape: a survey
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2025) Crowley, Talitha; Bimerew, Million; Noncungu, Thabani; Akimanimpaye, Furaha; Hoffman, Jeffrey; Bimray, Portia; Melesse, Mussie; Kutumbuka, Benjamin; Chipps, Jennifer
Background: Health literacy is critical in the lives of young people such as university students to ensure that they can access information about health risks and implement appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the health literacy of undergraduate students by describing the level of health literacy, personal and situational factors influencing health literacy, and health care utilisation. Setting: The study was conducted at a university in the Western Cape. Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey was used (N = 953). Data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire that included demographic variables, the 47-item European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47) and questions on healthcare utilisation and overall health. Descriptive analysis was conducted. Results: Over two-thirds of the respondents were classified under ‘problematic health literacy’ (n = 372, 39.0%) or ‘inadequate literacy’ (n = 274, 28.8%). Only 220 respondents (23.1%) had ‘sufficient’ health literacy, and only 87 (9.1%) achieved an ‘excellent’ rating. Respondents who searched for health information (p = 0.006) accessed healthcare (p = 0.014) in the last 6 months had significantly higher levels of health literacy and this was associated with a better overall health rating (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study highlighted significant gaps in health literacy among university students, particularly in the domains of disease prevention and health promotion, indicating the need for targeted intervention. Contribution: The study provides useful information on the current health literacy of young adults (university students) that can be used to plan health promotion activities.
Preferences of South African adolescents living with HIV in the Western Cape Province regarding the use of digital technology for self-management
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Weyers, Leonie; Crowley, Talitha; Tokwe, Lwandile
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face significant challenges in self-managing their chronic condition. Digital health technology (DHT) has become increasingly common and understanding ALHIVs’ preferences is essential for developing interventions tailored to this unique population. This study aimed to explore the preferences of ALHIV regarding the use of DHT for self-management. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory and descriptive design was used. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method. Data were gathered through six nominal focus groups with 29 participants at two Community Health Centers in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The participants were ALHIV aged 15–24 years. Discussions focused on current technology usage and the ranking of desired DHT features. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) everyday usage of digital technology where participants frequently used digital devices for communication, social media, and finding information; (2) the role of digital technology in self-management; a strong interest in digital technology that provides medication reminders, health education, and peer support; and (3) factors influencing digital technology, including the cost of data, limited connectivity, and issues of privacy related to participants’ HIV status. The ALHIV showed a strong willingness to use digital platforms for health information, reminders, and peer support, although concerns about connectivity, data cost, and privacy remain. These findings underscore the need for flexible, user-centered approaches when designing DHT interventions for self-management in South Africa.
Using machine learning to predict resilience among nurses in a South African setting
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Chipps, Jennifer; Cromhout, Amanda; Tokac, Umit
Nursing is a stressful profession. Stress can affect the mental health of nurses. A positive response to stress, resilience, is known to be a protective factor against mental health issues. This study aimed to use machine learning with secondary data from five survey studies, conducted between 2022 and 2023, to identify factors predicting high versus low levels of resilience in South African nursing samples from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The sample included (1134 records (male = 250, 22.0%, female = 874, 77.1%, and other = 10 (0.9%) included all data on all categories of nursing staff (student nurses (567, 50%), professional registered nurses (315, 27.8%), and non-professional nurses (246, 21.7%) who completed a survey using a response to stress scale. We used random forest analysis, demographic variables, years of experience, and a brief 4-item screen of resilience to predict resilience. The model yielded limited added value from demographic groupings in this model, but the brief screening had an overall classification accuracy of 86.41% (95% CI: 0.810; 0.908).
Digital health readiness – insights from healthcare leaders in operational management: a cross-sectional survey
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Steenkamp, Ilze; Chipps, Jennifer; Peltonen, Laura Maria
Background: Developing countries’ public health systems struggle with digital health implementation, and reports of low digital health readiness exist within the workforce. This study investigates the perceived digital health readiness of healthcare leaders in operational management to implement digital health tools. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using the E-Ready 2.0 scale was used to measure digital health readiness (n = 329) in 11 hospitals in the Western Cape, South Africa (September 2023 – March 2024). Descriptive statistics summarised respondent characteristics and the E-Ready 2.0 subscales: conditions for change at the workplace and among individuals, support and engagement from management, colleagues’ readiness, consequences for the status quo and workplace attitudes. Statements scoring 60% or more were considered to have higher readiness. Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to examine associations between demographic variables and subscale statements. Results: A total of 143 healthcare leaders responded (56.1% response rate) (n = 114 nurses [79.7%], n = 29 medical doctors [20.3%]). The average age was 46.4 ± 10.0 years. Overall, higher levels of readiness (above 70%) were observed with statements related to workplace attitudes, whereas conditions for change at the workplace and among individuals showed lower readiness (below 50%). Conclusion: Despite significant investment in digital health tools, there remains limited digital health readiness among those responsible for leading these implementations. © The Author(s) 2025.
HIV policy implementation challenges: experiences of HIV managers in primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2026) Akimanimpaye, Furaha; Crowley, Talitha; Titus, Verinia
Background: Implementing HIV policy involves translating policy goals into practical action. In the Western Cape, South Africa, the lack of clear guidelines has challenged the consistent implementation of HIV policies at primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Objectives: This study aimed to explore HIV managers’ experiences regarding the challenges of HIV policy implementation at PHC facilities within the Northern Tygerberg sub-district, Cape Metropole, Western Cape. Method: An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was employed. Purposive sampling was applied to select HIV managers (n = 10) with experience in policy implementation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the study, reflecting the challenges experienced by HIV managers during the implementation of HIV policies at PHC facilities, including human resource challenges, staff knowledge and attitudes, system readiness, and training. Conclusion: Effective implementation of HIV policy remains essential to the national HIV response. While significant targets have been achieved, ongoing systemic challenges continue to hinder optimal policy execution and the delivery of services. Contribution: The study highlights the critical need for stronger human resource systems, improved training platforms, and enhanced facility infrastructure to ensure effective HIV policy implementation and better health outcomes for individuals living with HIV.
Nurse educators’ competence and use of digital education technology at selected nursing education institutions in Nigeria
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Owoeye, Isaiah Dada; Chipps, Jennifer-Anne; Daniels, Felicity
The use of digital education technology has permeated educational settings and its use has become compelling for educators in nurse training. The competence of educators is however paramount for the appropriate use of the technology in the teaching and learning process. The study aimed to explore the pedagogical competence and use of digital education technology among nurse educators in Nigerian nursing education institutions. Qualitative methods were followed and in-depth interviews using one broad question and probing questions. Twelve nurse educators were purposively sampled across five nursing education institutions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and imported into Atlas.ti version 23 software for data analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape. Most participants were female. Participants’ average age was approximately 41 years and their experience approximately 11 years. The data generated seven themes and twenty two categories related to pedagogical, digital and ethical competence as follows: Characteristics, qualities, and or roles of nurse educators; student roles and responsibilities in the learning process; educators’ understanding, philosophy, use and experience, and learning needs related to digital education technology; use of digital education technology in clinical education and administration in the current and future digital era; digital education technology utility; educators and students’ competence and use of digital education technology; and promotors and inhibitors of ethical competence. Students and educators used digital education technology in the teaching and learning process, but educators are lagging with an urgent need for digital literacy, provision of devices, and skills to address ethical issues for users in education
Infection prevention knowledge related to central line infections and ventilator-associated pneumonias: A survey of Finnish intensive care units
(Elsevier Inc., 2025) Salanterä, Sanna; Terho, Kirsi; Löyttyniemi, Eliisa Susanna
Background: Health care-associated infections pose a significant risk for the patients in intensive care due to the use of medical instrumentation required for care. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, nationwide survey on awareness of recommended infection prevention practices involving central venous catheters and invasive ventilators in intensive care units. Results: A total of 810 (50% of those surveyed) nurses and physicians participated in the survey. We found that 8% of the respondents had good knowledge of infection prevention in central venous care, while 24% had good knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia prevention practices. Discussion: The overall level of knowledge measured with this nationwide survey was suboptimal. The level varied between units, and depending on individual questions for particular professions. The displayed knowledge may have partially been based on tradition rather than on up-to-date evidence-based guidelines. Conclusions: Educational training in evidence-based infection prevention is needed for practical implementation to be improved. © 2025 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
Understanding self-management in teaching and learning: a concept analysis for nursing education
(Elsevier Ltd, 2026) Crowley, Talitha; Kokuro, Mercy; van der Merwe, Anita S
Background The concept of self-management has been examined in healthcare and other sectors such as education, but its definition and uses in nursing education remain unclear. Aim To explore the concept ‘self-management’ in healthcare and teaching and learning literature and apply these insights to nursing education. Design Concept analysis. Methods The eight steps of concept analysis according to Walker and Avant were used. PubMed, EBSCOhost, Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct and PsycINFO were searched up to 2022 with an updated search in 2024. Content-rich articles on self-management were included if they: (a) discussed the theoretical or conceptual foundation of self-management, (b) were healthcare or education related, (c) were written in English and (d) had the full-text available. Data on attributes, antecedents and consequences were extracted and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Thirty-three articles were included with nine attributes, categorised as personal (self-motivation, self-regulation, self-evaluation, self-efficacy, individual action and skills, self-monitoring, environmental management, continuous task) and combined (partnership). Antecedents were the individual capacity to learn, external motivation, access to learning resources, teaching and learning strategies, and support from educators, family and friends. Consequences were improved quality of life, enhanced coping abilities, empowerment, engagement in self-management behaviours, increased self-efficacy, self-control, satisfaction, independence, self-directedness, and accountability. Negative outcomes may arise from avoiding help due to overconfidence in self-management abilities. Conclusion In combining all nine attributes, a clear definition and understanding of self-management in the teaching and learning context are formulated which can assist nursing students in becoming effective self-managers.
Alcohol and substance use and associated risk factors in nursing undergraduates at a South African university
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2025) Kovane, Gaotswake Patience; Mayers, Pat M
Background: The use of substances by university nursing students is a significant public health challenge and may impact their professional conduct and compromise the quality of patient care. Aim: The study aimed to investigate alcohol and substance use by undergraduate nursing students, and the associated risk factors, at a university in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Setting: The study was conducted at a university in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. A convenience sample of second-, third-and fourth-year nursing students completed a self-report online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and multivariate linear regression were used to analyse the data. Results: A total of 212 questionnaires were completed. Most respondents (81%; n = 171) were female. The substances most used were tobacco (24.1%), alcohol (64.6%) and cannabis (marijuana) (23.7%). Few students had used ‘hard’ recreational drugs. Female students were more likely to have used alcohol and drugs over the 12 months preceding the study. Conclusion: To limit alcohol and drug use of nursing students, nursing education institutions need to increase efforts to raise awareness, include relevant curriculum content and provide appropriate support. Contribution: This study highlights the substance use risks and behaviours of undergraduate nursing students. Nursing students, as future health professionals, need to be empowered to make informed choices about the use of alcohol and other substances and need to be supported by university policies, appropriate education and counselling services.
Midwives’ competence and confidence in Kenya: a sequential explanatory study design
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2026) Kaura, Doreen; Tallam, Edna; Mash, Bob
Background: The competence and confidence of midwives are pivotal in delivering essential care during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum for women and their newborns. This study explored midwifery competency gaps in Kenya to recommend evidence-based policies, aiming to enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes and inform future interventions. Methods: This study utilised a sequential explanatory study design which includes integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection, analysis, and synthesis. The quantitative phase involved a cross-sectional survey assessing midwives’ competence and confidence based on the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) domains. 2019. The qualitative phase consisted of interviews with midwives and stakeholders to further explore and elucidate the quantitative findings. Sampling, interpretation, and reporting were integrated throughout the design. Data collection occurred in two distinct phases: an initial quantitative survey followed by qualitative interviews using a qualitative descriptive explanatory design with selected midwives and stakeholders. Qualitative data was coded and analyzed using Atlas ti 9 software. Thematic analysis, based on the Colaizzi framework, was conducted to capture emerging meanings while preserving the essence presented by the informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics and statistical significance tested using Pearson’s Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed separately and then connected to explain the results, ensuring triangulation and complementarity for comprehensive insights. Results: Direct-entry diploma midwives (KRM) and those working in tertiary hospitals reported higher competence and confidence (P = 0.019, p < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis). KRMs were more confident in the ICM labour and birth domain (p = 0.017). Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: qualifications, enabling environment, work experience, and optimizing midwifery. Findings suggest that direct entry midwifery programs’ duration and education significantly impact midwives’ skill development. Mentorship and clinical supervision enhanced midwives’ confidence in labour and delivery domains.
Health practices of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Western Cape, South Africa: a cross-sectional survey
(Unisa Press, 2025) Noncungu, Thabani Mishack; Chipps, Jennifer; Crowley, Talitha
Background: Health practices are the decisions and actions pregnant women take to manage pregnancy and health issues, reflecting self-care behaviours that influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. Aim: To investigate the health practices of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Setting: Selected antenatal clinics in primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape. Methods: A sample size of 267 pregnant women was drawn from three intentionally selected primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape, chosen for their high antenatal attendance rates in the sub-district. The sample size was calculated using a sample size calculator, and respondents were selected using a systematic sampling method. A validated scale, Health Practices in Pregnancy Questionnaire-II, was used to collect data. Data were analysed per scale instructions using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study achieved a response rate of 248 respondents. The respondents were on average 27.4 years old (sd=7.53), with 193 (77.8%) reporting that they attended secondary school. Just over half of the respondents (n=126, 50.8%) did not know the gestational age of their current pregnancy. Respondents had low health practices scores (108.11/170 (sd=9.17) [CI=95%: 106.96-109.26, range 83.80 to 138.80]. Positive health practices were rated higher than abstaining from harmful practices. No significant predictors of health practices were found. Conclusion: Health practices should receive specific focus in health education activities. Contribution: The authors recommend that nurses at antenatal clinics should educate pregnant women about the importance of health practices as part of self-care promotion.
Health practices of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the Western Cape, South Africa: a cross-sectional survey
(Unisa Press, 2025) Noncungu, Thabani Mishack; Chipps, Jennifer; Crowley, Talitha
Background: Health practices are the decisions and actions pregnant women take to manage pregnancy and health issues, reflecting self-care behaviours that influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. Aim: To investigate the health practices of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Setting: Selected antenatal clinics in primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape. Methods: A sample size of 267 pregnant women was drawn from three intentionally selected primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape, chosen for their high antenatal attendance rates in the sub-district. The sample size was calculated using a sample size calculator, and respondents were selected using a systematic sampling method. A validated scale, Health Practices in Pregnancy Questionnaire-II, was used to collect data. Data were analysed per scale instructions using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study achieved a response rate of 248 respondents. The respondents were on average 27.4 years old (sd=7.53), with 193 (77.8%) reporting that they attended secondary school. Just over half of the respondents (n=126, 50.8%) did not know the gestational age of their current pregnancy. Respondents had low health practices scores (108.11/170 (sd=9.17) [CI=95%: 106.96-109.26, range 83.80 to 138.80]. Positive health practices were rated higher than abstaining from harmful practices. No significant predictors of health practices were found. Conclusion: Health practices should receive specific focus in health education activities. Contribution: The authors recommend that nurses at antenatal clinics should educate pregnant women about the importance of health practices as part of self-care promotion.
Using machine learning to improve readmission risk in surgical patients in South Africa
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Chipps, Jennifer; Tokac, Umit; Brysiewicz, Petra
Unplanned readmission within 30 days is a major challenge both globally and in South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning model to predict unplanned surgical and trauma readmission to a public hospital in South Africa from unstructured text data. A retrospective cohort of records of patients was subjected to random forest analysis, using natural language processing and sentiment analysis to deal with data in free text in an electronic registry. Our findings were within the range of global studies, with reported AUC values between 0.54 and 0.92. For trauma unplanned readmissions, the discharge plan score was the most important predictor in the model, and for surgical unplanned readmissions, the problem score was the most important predictor in the model. The use of machine learning and natural language processing improved the accuracy of predicting readmissions.
Assessing the psychological distress and coping strategies among academic staff of a university during COVID-19
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025) Owoeye, Isaiah; Akimanimpaye, Furaha; Adebiyi, Babatope
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with stress because of its disruption to normal lifestyle. While the resilience of people was challenged, some coping strategies were adopted to maintain balance in the face of the pandemic. Aim: To assess psychological distress and coping strategies among the academic staff. Setting: Afe Babalola University located in the Southwest, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional design was used on the population of 512 academics where a sample size of 248 was drawn using Taro Yamane with a 10% non-response rate. The instruments used were a modified Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and an adapted COPE inventory for coping strategies. The scale reliability of K10 was 0.866 while that of coping strategy was 0.610. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The results were presented in simple percentages, means and standard deviations. Results: Most respondents had severe psychological distress (185, 98.9%) with the most rated report ‘Feel worthless’ 4.8 ± 0.59. The most rated coping strategy was ‘I try to lose myself for a while by drinking alcohol or taking drugs’3.8 ± 0.60 with overall coping scale mean, 2.3 ± 1.02. Conclusion: There was severe distress and substance used among academics. The study recommends teaching on effective coping styles and institution probable preparation for future pandemic. Contribution: The study provides insight into the psychological state of the academic staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and unveils the adaptive strategies used. The results of the study are useful for the development of appropriate coping skills for the staff.
Self-management knowledge, attitudes and practices among persons with type 2 diabetes in Ghana
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2025) Johnson, Beatrice; Chipps, Jennifer; Jarvis, Mary
Diabetes is one of the major non-communicable diseases. Diabetes self-management has been identified as a key strategy to reduce complications and to improve health outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the diabetes self-management knowledge, attitude and practices among people with type-2 diabetes in Ghana. Setting: Two clinics for diabetes patients in the Ho municipality of Ghana were selected to conduct the study. Methods: An outpatient cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 57-item researcher-administered questionnaire based on the Information, Motivation, Behaviours Model adopted for Diabetes. A total of 321 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly selected from the two outpatient clinics for diabetes in Ho, Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression modules were conducted to determine the predictors of self-management practices. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The average score for knowledge was 11.37/24 ± 3.40 or 47%, indicating poor levels of diabetes self-management knowledge. Moderately positive attitudes were found (2.83/5 ± 1.57) [95% CI –1.86 to –3.80] with poor self-management practices with a median of 3.00 per week (maximum 5.20, minimum 0.60 per week). Knowledge explained 20% of variation in self-management practice. Conclusion: The findings from this study show an overall deficit in knowledge of diabetes with related low self-management practice. This suggests the need for robust self-management education programmes to improve access to diabetes self-management-related information. Contribution: This study highlights the important knowledge of diabetes in self-management.
Knowledge of mental disorders in primary healthcare nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2025) Musafiri, John J.; Bimerew, Million S.; Chipps, Jennifer Anne
Background: Mental disorders remain a global health burden. The integration of mental health services into primary healthcare (PHC) can contribute to reduction of this burden. However, studies have reported PHC nurses’ lack of knowledge of mental disorders, which leads to their negative attitudes towards people with mental disorders preventing them from seeking help. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge levels of PHC nurses regarding mental disorders in the Western Cape, South Africa. Method: A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 246 PHC nurses in the Cape Town metropole. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and independent sample tests. A cut-off value of ≥ 80% was used to determine the sufficient levels of knowledge. Results: The average knowledge score (15.6; 78.0%) was below the cut-off value of ≥ 80%, indicating insufficient levels of knowledge. Sufficient levels of knowledge were found for over half of the respondents (139, 59.4%). Most of the respondents were knowledgeable about the symptoms of depression (221, 94.4 %), bipolar (217, 92.7%), schizophrenia (213, 91.0%) and anxiety disorders (209, 89.3%). Conclusion: Over half of the PHC nurses could identify the signs and symptoms of common mental disorders. However, the knowledge of dysthymia and psychosis requires more attention. Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in nursing practice and education related to mental disorders.

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