Assessment of the integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum at a university in the Eastern Cape: views of students and educators
- Authors: Terblanche, Delcia Jill Nora
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Study and teaching , AIDS (Disease) -- Prevention , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12359 , vital:39256
- Description: Background: HIV/AIDS is a major global public health problem. The higher education sector too, is affected by the scourge of HIV/AIDS. Universities are considered to be high- risks areas for HIV infection because many students indulged in high risky behaviour link to HIV infection; therefore developing ways to prevent students for acquiring HIV and as well reducing HIV prevalence rates through training and teaching about HIV/AIDS will contribute to change in behaviour of students. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority of the students at Fort Hare lack the general awareness and education in HIV/AIDS due to lack of information coupled with their general disadvantaged background with the ultimate result being threatened by high infection rates. The University of Fort Hare (UFH), in a bid to capacitate the academic staff in respect of the laudable initiative to integrate HIV/AIDS in curricula, decided to embark on a pilot study that is anticipated to form fundamental strategies to sustainable HIV/AIDS curricula integration across all faculties, at least by the end of 2030. The university has planned to engage in the curriculum integration process by implementing a two year cycle pilot study during the grant period. Aim: The main aim of the study was to assess the challenges faced by students and educators concerning the integration and implementation of HIV/AIDS curriculum at the University of Fort Hare. Methods: The study adopted a quantitative, explorative descriptive design to examine the challenges associated with the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum at the University of Fort Hare. The target population was the educators and students who had training and teaching in the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum. A purposive sampling was used to select 487 students and 23 educators from across three departments: Nursing Science, LKA (Life, Knowledge and Action) and Law involved in the HIV/AIDS Curriculum Integration programme at the university. A self-design questionnaire was used for data collection focusing on the demographic profiles of the participants, the teaching strategies and methodologies adopted in the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum, the usefulness and relevance of the newly integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum content in addressing the needs of the students and the community, and the challenges faced by the educators and students in the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum. Ethical approved was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Fort Hare. Permission was obtained from the participants through written consent forms. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentage, means and standard deviations (SD)). The Chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between the variables of interest across the departments. A p-value of 0.05 was set for statistical significant testing. Results: The majority of the participants have adequate knowledge of HIV transmission, as 93.2 percent indicated HIV can be contracted through unprotected sex, sharing of needles (92.1 percent), receiving a blood transfusion that has not been screened for HIV (83.9 percent), sharing razor blades that has not been disinfected (83.0 percent), and having more than one sexual partner (86 percent). Age, gender, race and department were significantly associated with knowledge of route of HIV transmission. The present study indicated that the participants experienced several challenges during the teaching of the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum. Time allocated was the biggest challenge (58.3 percent), followed by undated materials, and curriculum overloading and teaching. The study indicated that majority of the students would like to compile a portfolio of evidence in the teaching of HIV, followed by creative arts, DVD/movies, and internet research. The majority of the lecturers preferred to teach HIV/AIDS through expressive arts, followed by role play, and formal lectures. The majority of the participants stated that HIV/AIDS information would be useful to them to apply in their communities and in their profession (97 percent), emphasizing that such knowledge and information will empower them to participate in roadshows and voluntary work at HIV/AIDS Shelters. The findings of this study pertaining to the challenges faced by educators during the implementation of the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum revealed that the majority of the participants stated that the HIV information was not updated, heavy workload, and adequate training. The lecturers expressed that they would prefer to teach HIV/AIDS curriculum by expressive art through drawing and creating art that expresses HIV and the relevance in the students’ community. Conclusions: Majority of the students received teaching of HIV as part of a course, and HIV teaching as an integrated component in a subject, while few received it as a stand-alone subject offered by a lecturer/facilitator. The present study indicated that the participants experienced several challenges during the teaching of the Integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum. Time allocated was the biggest challenge (58.3percent), followed by undated materials, and curriculum overloading and teaching. The majority of students preferred HIV/AIDS to be taught by their peers experience in HIV, by face-to face by a person who is HIV/AIDS infected or affected. The majority of the lecturers preferred to teach HIV/AIDS through expressive arts, followed by role play, and formal lectures. The majority of the participants affirmed the relevancy of HIV information taught. They further indicated that the information and knowledge gain would able them to make informed decisions on sexual behaviour. The majority of the participants stated that the HIV information was not updated, heavy workload, and adequate training. Most of the educators used formal lectures, followed by compilation of a portfolio of evidence, storytelling, DVD and movies, and experiential learning in hospitals and clinics in teaching HIV/AIDS integrated curriculum. The lecturers expressed that they would prefer to teach HIV/AIDS curriculum by expressive art through drawing and creating art that expresses HIV and the relevance in the students’ community. It is recommended that student’s involvement in the decision making processes of the integrated HIV/AIDS curriculum at the University of Fort Hare would make the programme more successful. HIV/AIDS resource materials need to be updated regularly and relevant to provide educators with specialized knowledge to be able to teach HIV/AIDS.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Association between maternal health status and birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Hawkins, Althea Anita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Birth weight, Low -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Birth weight Premature infants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30039 , vital:30812
- Description: In 2011, the South African low birth weight rates varied between 9% and 15.5%, according to different sources. This means that about one out of every ten babies born alive weighed less than 2500g. Furthermore, six of South Africa’s nine provinces, including the Eastern Cape, reported low birth weight rates equal or higher than the national average. These figures raise serious concerns about the health status of infants, their chances of survival and their quality of life, particularly in provinces with a high incidence of low birth weight. Literature has linked the maternal health status to adverse birth outcomes. Statistics from the district office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) indicates that for the fourth quarter of 2015, between 16.65 and 20.9% low birth weight infants were born. However, limited information is available regarding the causes and maternal health status of the mothers of the infants born with adverse birth outcomes in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The objective of the research study is to investigate the associations between maternal health status and birth outcomes in order to identify the major drivers of adverse birth outcomes in NMBHD. The study used a quantitative research approach. In order to enhance the design, the researcher used an explorative, descriptive, cross-sectional, contextual and survey research design. The study was conducted at the regional hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) and Midwifery Obstetric Units (MOU). The participants were selected using a convenient and purposive sampling technique. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. A statistician assisted with the data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The researcher ensured that ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study to protect the participants. Reliability and validity were also ensured throughout the study. The total sample of the study was 207 and the mean age of the participants was 26,9 years. Hypertension and HIV were the conditions most diagnosed prior to, and during, pregnancy. Most of the delivered infants were females. The findings of the study revealed a significant association between maternal diabetes, maternal hypertension and the infants’ birth weight. Additional findings iv revealed that independent of gestational age, mothers with hypertension are likely to deliver low birth weight (LBW) infants. Antenatal care is of the utmost importance during pregnancy and special attention should be given to the management of hypertension. The researcher developed recommendations for primary health care (PHC) nurses in antenatal clinics (ANC) to address the management of the major maternal drivers of LBW infants in order to decrease and prevent adverse birth outcomes.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Attitudes of midwives towards the use of traditional medicine among pregnant women in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Simelane, Nompumelelo Andiswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Midwifery -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Pregnancy -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Women's health services -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Integrative medicine -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23197 , vital:30452
- Description: The use of traditional medicines by pregnant women is a global concern. Despite limited theoretical evidence on the safety profile of traditional medicines to substantiate their use in pregnancy, expectant mothers are found to be widely using them. Safety concerns related to traditional medicine use in pregnancy include its use during the critical embryonic period, antenatal and intrapartum periods. These medications were associated with complications such as obstructed labour, foetal distress, emergency caesarean sections having to be performed and neonates delivered with low Apgar scorings. Midwives are usually the first and at times the only healthcare providers that come into contact with pregnant women. It was therefore necessary to investigate the midwives’ attitudes towards the use of traditional medicine among pregnant women. The objectives of this study were to: Explore and describe the attitudes of midwives towards the use of traditional medicine in Nelson Mandela Bay. Based on the findings of the study, make recommendations for midwives and nurse managers on how they could inform pregnant women of the benefits and harms of using traditional medicine during pregnancy. The study was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017, using a quantitative approach with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual design having obtained the necessary approval from the university and relevant authorities. The research population was midwives who work in maternity units in Nelson Mandela Bay. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from conveniently sampled participants using set inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining informed consent. Data were captured by the researcher on a Microsoft Excel spread sheet and were reduced and analysed with the help of a statistician using the software package IBM SPSS Statistics 24 to ensure efficacy of the results. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed and 89 were returned, yielding a 74% response rate. From the research findings, midwives in the Nelson Mandela Bay do not support the use of traditional medicine during pregnancy. Midwives acknowledged their responsibility to enquire and provide relevant information regarding the use of traditional medicine in pregnancy. Furthermore, midwives associated the use of traditional medicine with womens’ cultural diversity and lack of knowledge about pregnancy and labour. Based on these findings, recommendations for midwives and nurse managers on how they could inform pregnant women of the benefits and harms of using traditional medicine during pregnancy were made. Further recommendations were made for midwifery practice, nursing education and future research. The researcher used a literature control to ensure validation and integrity of the study. Further quality of the study was maintained by observing the principles of reliability and validity. Ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report adopting the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Care and handling of surgical instruments by professional nurses in the operating rooms in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Bloemetje, Virginia Victoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Surgical nursing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Operating room nursing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Surgical instruments and apparatus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21779 , vital:29776
- Description: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), caused by viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens, can have a devastating effect on patients, families and health-care organisations. Furthermore, dealing with HAIs can be costly and add to an increase in hospital stays, medical costs, as well as the rates of morbidity and mortality. Operating rooms (OR) are dynamic units that pose a high risk for surgical infections in health-care organisations. In order to minimise surgical-site infections (SSI) and other related infections in ORs, it is important to care for and handle surgical instruments correctly and in accordance with what is considered to be best practice. This research study was conducted to explore and describe the knowledge of professional nurses related to the care and handling of surgical instruments in the ORs in the medical facilities both in the private and public sectors in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). The research design was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The research sample comprised of professional nurses in the ORs in the public and private hospitals, who made themselves available and who were willing to participate in the study. The data was collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire that was based on a narrative literature review. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the responses from the professional nurses in the OR, collected using the questionnaire. Ethical considerations have been applied throughout the research study and all the relevant findings have been disseminated accordingly. Recommendations, based on best-practice guidelines, were developed to optimise the care and handling of surgical instruments by professional nurses in the ORs. Professional nurses in the ORs who are involved in cleaning surgical instruments should know how to manage certain cleaning procedures. Disinfection and the sterilisation of surgical instruments can only be achieved by following efficient cleaning procedures. When performed properly, cleaning can effectively reduce the growth of microorganisms on surgical instruments, in order to prepare the instruments for disinfection and sterilisation. The importance of this step cannot be overemphasised since organic material, soil and debris can block the disinfectant or sterilising agent from making complete contact with the surface of the instruments. Additionally, cleaning allows for the safe handling of the instruments by professional nurses.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy: experiences of student nurses
- Authors: Espach, Juanita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Nursing students -- South Africa Storytelling -- South Africa -- Computer network resources College teaching -- South Africa Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21549 , vital:29552
- Description: The ever changing landscape of technology influences every aspect of modern society, also education. Within recent years, technological advancements and inventive educators have transformed traditional teaching and learning strategies to innovative technology infused strategies. These strategies could potentially meet the learning style of the millennial student. One such strategy is described as digital storytelling, during which student groups create a three to five minute multimedia video, utilizing a combination of digital elements such as a narrative voice recording, music, pictures, video and animation. After creating the digital story, the end product is shared with peers. Paucity in research regarding the use of digital storytelling in the context of nursing education in the Republic of South Africa was found. Thus the aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses during the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy at a private Nursing Education Institution in Port Elizabeth. The researcher conducted an exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative study which utilized a connectivism framework as the paradigm. Digital storytelling was used as a teaching and learning strategy in the researcher’s own class. A convenience sampling method was therefore employed to select participants. Data was gathered through documenting observational notes during the process of utilizing digital storytelling in the classroom. After the student nurses had utilized digital storytelling, five focus group interviews with twenty four research participants were conducted, which provided data saturation. The data was transcribed and analysed utilizing Tesch’s thematic analysis method and three themes emerged from the data. The benefits of digital storytelling were voiced by the participants since digital storytelling gave them a means to express themselves and they gained new skills while collaborating with others and improving their learning. There was a negative side to it as well, during which research participants experienced negative emotions, lacked the necessary technological skills and found peer teaching an obstacle to their own learning. The participants also provided suggestions to improve the use of digital storytelling during teaching and learning. A thick description of the data with a literature control was provided. The researcher utilized the findings of this study to develop guidelines for Nurse Educators in order to optimize the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy. Rigour and trustworthiness were ensured by utilizing Guba and Lincoln’s four criteria. In this study the researcher adhered to the ethical principles as described by the Belmont Report and paid specific attention to the application of these ethical principles in the context of conducting research on one’s own teaching practices. The limitations of this study were that data was collected from only one group of student nurses at one private NEI, after the student nurses’ utilized digital storytelling for the first time in their training. The findings of this study can be used by Nurse Educators to optimize the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy. The recommendations of this study include the implementation of the guidelines developed for Nurse Educators.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sodidi, Khanyisa Annelice
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nurse educators -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape College student development programs Nursing students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23175 , vital:30450
- Description: The nurse educator role is challenging to novice nurse educators and even more so when mentorship is lacking or ineffective. Novice nurse educators who enter the academic world are expected to demonstrate knowledge of both the clinical and classroom environment. Such an expectation creates role strain, stress and frustration. Mentorship has proved to make this entry easier. There appears to be a lack of mentorship for newly-appointed nurse educators in most schools and/or departments of nursing at higher education institutions in South Africa. This phenomenon prompted the researcher to investigate the experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators with the goal of making recommendations on the mentorship of novice nurse educators. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual design and phenomenological approach was used to explore and describe the experiences and mentoring needs of novice nurse educators at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape. Purposive sampling of nurse educators with less than five years’ experience at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa and with no experience, or less than one year’s previous experience as a nurse educator at any other nursing education institution (NEI) was used. Data was collected using face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews and unstructured observations. Sixteen in-depth, semistructured interviews that were digitally recorded provided saturated data that was then transcribed verbatim. To ensure that the study was trustworthy, the researcher used Guba and Lincoln’s criteria, namely: credibility, confirmability, dependability and transferability. Ethical standards were maintained throughout the study as the researcher complied with the ethical principles: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. Tesch’s method of thematic analysis was used by the researcher and the independent coder to analyse data and to draw meaning from the content. The five themes that emerged from the data were: novice nurse educators experience challenges related to theoretical mentoring; novice nurse educators experience challenges related to clinical mentoring; novice nurse educators experience a lack of orientation; novice nurse educators experience a lack of resources and novice nurse educators provide recommendations in order to optimise the experience and performance of the novice nurse educators in their first year of teaching at a nursing college. The results of the study reveal that novice nurse educators have reservations about their experiences. Their insights on how their mentoring needs could have been realized were incorporated into recommendations for the mentoring of novice nurse educators. These recommendations can be adopted at local, provincial, and national levels.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences of mothers attending well-baby clinics in the Buffalo City Metro Health District regarding exclusive breastfeeding
- Authors: Joseph, Valerie Jennifer
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Infants -- Nutrition Mothers -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30517 , vital:30956
- Description: The researcher observed that exclusive breastfeeding amongst women for the first six months of a baby’s life is very low. The researcher therefore undertook this study to explore and describe the experiences of mothers attending well babies clinics in the Buffalo City Metro Health District regarding exclusive breastfeeding. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used to conduct this research. The research population included mothers that visited the postnatal clinics and were exclusively breastfeeding their babies for the six weeks and more. Purposive sampling was used to select the research participants. The data was collected using in-depth one-on-one interviews and all interviews were recorded using a voice recorder. The data analysis was done using Tesch’s method to make sense out of the text and data. A pilot study was conducted before undertaking the actual research using the same methods and design as those in the main study. Strategies were implemented throughout the study to ensure trustworthiness and adherence to ethical principles. Three themes and fourteen sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. The three main themes that emerged highlighted challenges experienced by mothers who exclusively breastfeed their babies as well as the positive experiences that they experienced. The participants also made some suggestions with regard to how exclusive breastfeeding could be enhanced among mothers who have babies. Based on the research findings, several recommendations were made, including the involvement of the private sector and Non-Profit organizations in order to improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mjali, Ntombekhaya Mildred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mentally ill -- Care , Mentally ill offenders -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Offenses against the person -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mentally ill -- Commitment and detention -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32120 , vital:31964
- Description: The researcher worked as a psychiatric nurse in a psychiatric hospitalin Chris Hani District Municipality and observed when police officers brought mentally ill persons for admission. The mentally ill persons were dealt with harshly and in a degrading manner which raised concerns. It would seem as if police officers did not take into consideration that they were dealing with innocent individuals who were mentally ill. Therefore the researcher sought to explore how police officers experienced interacting with mentally ill persons during their everyday duties. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of police officers interacting with mentally ill persons in a rural town in the Chris Hani District Municipality. The study utilised a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population consisted of police officers working in a Community Service Centre in a rural town who regularly came into contact with mentally ill persons in the course of their duties. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants.Data was collected by doing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with an interview guide until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch’s method of content analysis. Three themes with subthemes were identified and described. A literature control was done to compare the findings with current literature. Trustworthiness was ensured using Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. A high ethical standard was ensured throughout the research process. Police officers had regular contact with the mentally ill, usually when they were called out to a community venue where they had to intervene between an aggressive mentally ill person and the community. This gave them a skewed view of mental illness which they always associated with aggression. Police officers found it difficult to communicate with both the mentally ill person and his/her family. They stated that they did not know how to manage aggressive individuals who were not criminals. Police officers also related that they themselves felt vulnerable, they became very angry with the families and the mentally ill persons and feared that they will be harmed. They also expressed empathy with mentally ill persons. Recommendations were made that police officers should be trained on what their responsibilities were related to the mentally ill person they encounter. To equip them better to deal with the mentally ill, they should also receive training in effective communication and the management of aggression.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Exploration of breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge and attitudes toward human milk donation in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Madlingozi, Nompumelelo Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Breast milk , Breastfeeding promotion Breastfeeding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31510 , vital:31499
- Description: The beneficial effects of breastfeeding for mothers and babies are well recognized. When maternal breast milk is not available in sufficient quantity, an alternative source of nutrition is donated breast milk, particularly for ill preterm and other high-risk infants. Therefore, it was important to explore the breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge as well as their attitudes toward human milk donation and the possibilities of enhancing it. The objectives of this study were to: • To explore and describe the breastfeeding mothers’ knowledge as well as their attitudes toward human milk donation in Nelson Mandela Bay. • To make recommendations to operational/unit managers and midwives, based on the findings of the study, in order to enhance and promote human milk bank donation in Nelson Mandela Bay. The study was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017, using a quantitative approach with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual design after obtaining the necessary approval from the university and relevant authorities. The research population consisted of breastfeeding mothers who were in maternity units in either a public or a private hospital in Nelson Mandela Bay. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from conveniently sampled participants by using set inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining the necessary informed consent. Data was captured by the researcher on a Microsoft Excel spread sheet and was reduced and analysed with the help of a statistician who used a software package called IBM SPSS Statistics 24 to ensure the efficacy of the results. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed and 104 were returned, meaning that a response rate of 87% was achieved. From the research findings it was found that breastfeeding mothers in Nelson Mandela Bay do not know about human milk banking and donation. Breastfeeding mothers acknowledged the fact that they lacked information about human milk banking and donation. Furthermore, there are safety concerns regarding donated breast milk and all the breastfeeding mothers that were part of the study, had never used milk bank services. Based on these findings, recommendations for the incorporation of v breastfeeding and human milk bank services were made. Further recommendations were made on the inclusion of human milk services in the health education that is given during antenatal and postnatal care. The researcher used a literature control to ensure the validity and integrity of the study. Further, the quality of the study was maintained by observing the principles of reliability and validity. Ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report by adopting the principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Factors contributing to non-adherence in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in primary health care facilities, East London, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Petse, Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Patient compliance , HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9734 , vital:34905
- Description: Aim: South Africa is faced with the major challenge of ensuring and sustaining the quality of services, including preventing and managing side- effects, and improving drug adherence, which are all critical, for the success of a comprehensive HIV programme. The aim of this study was to examine the underlying contributing factors to antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV positive patients attending primary health care facilities in East London. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 371 HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment in xx primary health care facilities in East London, South Africa. The study utilized a self- designed structured questionnaire with both open- ended and closed ended questions, divided into socio-demographic, socio- economic, level of understanding and knowledge on HIV, quality of care and waiting times. Results: About 64 percent of the participants had a good knowledge of HIV, 25 percent had an average knowledge with few participants having poor knowledge of HIV (11 percent). Majority (92.2 percent) were counselled before starting ARVs treatment. Majority of participants (70.7 percent) do have money for transport to come to the clinic, while 53.1 percent experienced side effects. The majority (70 percent) of the participants were non-adherents. Concerning viral load distribution, 52 percent were undetectable, 26 percent unsuppressed and 22 percent suppressed. Marital status (married) (p=0.005), having no formal education (p=0.035), being Christian (p=0.007), alcohol consumption (p= 0.021) and viral load suppression had significant association with non-adherence to ARV treatment among participants. After adjusting for confounders, only non-Christians and unsuppressed viral loads were the independent predictors of non-adherence. Conclusion: The main contributing factors to ART non-adherence among participants on ARVs were marital status, level of education, religion, and Christians were more adherent to the treatment than non-Christians. Alcohol consumption also contributed to non-adherence and viral load. Adherence counseling should be done on each and every visit to remind the participants on the importance of taking their treatment. These factors need to be addressed to improve adherence to the treatment, decrease the virus in the blood (viral load) and improve their health in general.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Factors influencing adherence to treatment among clients living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Insika Yethu sub-district, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Somkala, Nwabisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetics Public health Diabetes -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13161 , vital:39470
- Description: BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the problematic non-communicable diseases and is a major global public health challenge which affects more than 300 million individuals globally. It is predicted that by the year 2025, approximately 12.3 million South Africans will be receiving treatment for chronic conditions; included in that number will be those living with HIV and diabetes. An individual’s health behaviour is mainly determined by one’s demographic factors such as social, economic and cultural background. These influence people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and have an impact on their treatment adherence. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the economic, psycho-social and cultural factors influencing adherence to treatment amongst patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to inform public health policy concerning the treatment and management of diabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study involving 300 purposively selected clients attending health facilities in Intsika Yethu sub district of Chris Hani, Eastern Cape Province. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire focuses on demographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, employment status, number of dependents, duration of taking anti-diabetic medication and existence of other chronic conditions) and the knowledge and attitude of diabetic clients regarding anti-diabetic treatment adherence. Other sections of the questionnaire solicit information on economic, psychosocial and cultural factors affecting adherence to diabetic treatment. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study in order to identify unclear questions, so that they can be rectified before the main study was conducted. FINDINGS: Based on the findings from the study, a total of 177 (59.0percnt) of the diabetic clients had hypertension and that showed the relationship between diabetes and hypertension. On the attitude session, respondents have shown a positive attitude towards treatment. Furthermore, other objectives such as those focusing on economic, cultural and psychosocial factors were found not to be associated with poor adherence to anti-diabetic treatment. According to respondents’ responses, economic factors showed no influence on treatment adherence. Socio-cultural factors indicated that respondents never missed social gatherings and never used traditional medication to treat their diabetes. On the knowledge section which had fourteen questions, most clients seemed to be aware of the complications of diabetes and the benefits of adhering to anti-diabetic treatment because the lowest score was 50percnt. DATA ANALYSIS: The data was captured in Microsoft Excel (MSEXCEL) for onward processing. Data was analysed using data analysis and statistical software version 14. (STATA). Frequencies and percentages were used for describing the categorical variables while mean and standard deviation were used for describing age, number of dependents, duration of illness and knowledge. An independent t-test was used to determine the differences between males and females across the variables. A p-value of 0.05 was of statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Economic, psychosocial and socio-cultural factors were not found to have impacted on adherence to treatment. These findings should not be generalised as the study was done on a small sample; further research and more studies need to be conducted.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Information needs of undergraduate nursing students at the point of care for clinical decision making
- Authors: Williams, Marie Rosalina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Clinical competence -- South Africa Information services -- South Africa -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23315 , vital:30527
- Description: A need was identified to assess the perceptions of fourth year nursing students regarding the information required by undergraduate nursing students at the point of care for clinical decision making. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used to conduct this study. The research population comprised of all fourth year nursing students who have been subjected to experiential learning in the various clinical areas during their four years of training. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews from a purposively selected sample and then analysed using the steps of qualitative data analysis described by Tesch (1990). A pilot study was conducted prior to the main study to determine whether the sampling and interviewing techniques of the researcher as well as the research question, were adequate for data collection. Trustworthiness was ensured by utilising Guba and Lincoln’s (1985) strategies of credibility, dependability, transferability and conformability. Strategies to ensure respect for persons, beneficence and justice were implemented throughout the study. The findings of the study was categorised into two main themes. Theme one; Participants shared their various experiences regarding information needed at the point of care. This theme had five sub-themes which were discussed in detail in chapter three. The second theme was; Participants offered suggestions to address their information needs at the point of care. This theme had four sub-themes and was discussed further in chapter three. The study concludes with recommendations made to the Department of Nursing Science at the Institution where the study was conducted to address clinical practice, education and future research.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Knowledge and practices of primary health care professional nurses: screening and identification of intimate partner violence
- Authors: Felix, Rehanna Theresa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marital violence -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Nursing -- Social aspects Primary health care -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29816 , vital:30781
- Description: Intimate partner violence is a global concern that affects most countries. In South Africa women are mostly affected by intimate partner violence, which often results in physical injuries or mental disorders. The World Health Organization compiled guidelines to combat the problem of intimate partner violence against women with emphasis on screening for intimate partner violence. However, a screening tool to identify intimate partner violence in female patients was absent in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, resulting in cases of intimate partner violence being unidentified. The aim of the research study is to determine the knowledge and practices of professional nurses regarding intimate partner violence and to introduce the use of an intimate partner violence screening tool in primary healthcare facilities to assist professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence. The objectives were firstly, to determine the current knowledge and practices utilized by professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence; secondly, to introduce an intimate partner violence screening tool to identify intimate partner violence; thirdly, to evaluate the knowledge of the professional nurses obtained in the educational session and practices post-implementation of the intimate partner violence screening tool. The researcher conducted a small intervention research study using quantitative, quasi-experimental one group pre-and post-test design. An all-inclusive sample consisting of professional nurses working in primary healthcare facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District was included in the study. The research study was conducted in three phases: Phase one, the pre-test determined the current knowledge and practices of the professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence. Phase two, entailed educational sessions to educate professional nurses that participated in Phase one regarding intimate partner violence and the intimate partner violence screening tool. Phase three, focused on the post-test to evaluate the knowledge of the professional nurses obtained in the educational session and practices post-implementation of the intimate partner violence screening tool. The data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics with assistance of the statistician using frequency distribution, central tendency, Chi-square, t-test, Cohens’d and Cramér’s V and Cronbach’s alpha. The researchers ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The researcher applied the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence iii and autonomy, as well as privacy and confidentiality. Ethical permission was obtained for the study. The response in the pre-test was (n1=128) and the post-test (n2=63). Most participants were between the ages of 41-50 years in both the pre-test (n1=40, 31%) and the post-test (n2=63, 33%). The majority of the participants worked more than 15 years as professional nurses (n1=47, 37%) in the pre-test findings and 11-15 years (n2=19, 30%) in the post-test findings. All the participants were trained in general nursing science in the pre-test (n1=128, 100%), as well as post-test (n2=63, 100%) and the majority of participants were trained in community nursing science in the pre-test (n1=106, 83%) and post-test (n2=58, 92%). However, the majority of participants have indicated to receive no informal intimate partner violence training in the pre-test test (n1=11, 9%) versus the informal training that most participants received in the post-test (n2=50, 79%). Tests scores for knowledge ranged between 29% (n1=37) and 29% (n1=120) in the pre-test and 27% (n2=17) and 94% (n2=59) in the post-test. Test scores for practice ranged between 7% (n1=8) and 46% (n1=59) in the pre-test and 10% (n2=6) and 65% (n2=41) in the post-test. The mean score for knowledge in the pre-test (n1=8,17) and the post-test (n2=8,83) were better than the practice scores in both the pre-test (n1=2,44) and the post-test (n2=2,68). The 20-minutes’ educational session made a slight difference regarding the knowledge as statistically a significant difference was found regarding knowledge between the pre-test and post-test (d.f.=,204; Cohens’d 0.29). However, there is still a gap in knowledge among professional nurses regarding IPV in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were given.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Knowledge and responsibility regarding teaching teenage girl’s reproductive healthcare: views of Eastern Cape Province teachers
- Authors: Hendricks, Thenjiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Reproductive health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teenage pregnancy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth High school teachers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30094 , vital:30824
- Description: Teachers play a vital role in educating and teaching of children at school. One of the areas for teaching responsibility is development of the individual learner to be a competent community member, either as a professional or as an otherwise- skilled person. It is therefore for that reason that the South African government introduced into the curriculum at school level a subject that is directed at life orientation to empower learners. Teachers bear the responsibility of teaching this subject. One of the topics in the Life Orientation subject is Reproductive Healthcare, which is supposed to empower the learners especially with matters of sex and sexuality, diseases included. Despite the teaching of this topic in schools, the rate of teenage pregnancies and occurrence of sexually -transmitted infections remains on the increase in the country. Although much literature exists about teenage pregnancy in the country, there is theoretical paucity on how teachers view their responsibility to teach reproductive healthcare. The questions that prompted and have been raised in this study have been: How much do school teachers know about reproductive healthcare? How do school teachers view the responsibility given to them of teaching the reproductive healthcare? What kind of assistance is needed by the school teachers with regard to their responsibility towards teaching the reproductive healthcare topic? The objectives developed for the study were to: explore the knowledge of school teachers with regard to reproductive healthcare; explore and describe the views of school teachers with regard to their responsibility to teach the reproductive healthcare topic to teenage girls ;and develop guidelines for schools to assist school teachers with regard to their responsibility to teach the reproductive healthcare topic to teenage girls. Following the granting of the necessary university permission and approval from other relevant authorities, the study was conducted between May and June 2017, using a qualitative explorative, descriptive and contextual design. The research population and sample was school teachers specifically those who were working at public high schools, in the Sarah Baartman and Makana districts and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal area. Furthermore, the teachers were from schools that were using the Life Orientation curriculum. Sampling was done purposively. Data was collected by means of focus-group semi-structured interviews that were captured by means of a digital voice-recorder and an interview schedule consisting of four questions. The number of participants ranged from four to five per focus group. Field notes were also written down to record non-verbal cues and events observed from the participants during the interview sessions. Altogether twenty teachers participated in this study. From the twenty participants six teachers were part of the pilot study and an additional fourteen were the ultimate sample size. From the fourteen participants four focus -group interviews were conducted. The collected data was analysed following the spiral data -analysis method as indicated by de Vos. As findings, three themes emerged and were the following. Teachers view their responsibility to teach reproductive healthcare to teenage girls as burdensome. Teachers identified the changes to the curriculum as a concern that was affecting their teaching of the topic. Furthermore, the teachers related positively to the need for teaching of the reproductive healthcare topic at schools. Based on these findings and the guidance of the model adopted for the study, that of the Health Promotion Model, three main guidelines were developed. These guidelines will teachers on how best to meet their responsibility of teaching the reproductive topic to teenage girls. The guidelines were to: create a set of core values that form the basis of responsibility to teach reproductive healthcare to teenage girls; devise a plan that will assist participants to deal with the immediate burden of teaching reproductive healthcare but also for future purposes and create an atmosphere that would increase the positivity of teachers towards teaching reproductive healthcare to teenage girls. Furthermore, recommendations for clinical nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research were developed. Trustworthiness of the study was maintained by using the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical principles adopted in this study were those of beneficence, maleficence, justice and respect while applying the strategies of permission, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality and anonymity.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Knowledge, attitudes and practises of professional nurses working with patients with tuberculosis in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Nxumalo, Avela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Patients -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Primary health care -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Professional Nursing -- Dissertations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33715 , vital:32994
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health problems worldwide, and includes the development of drug resistant TB. Tuberculosis is reportedly the second most common infectious cause of death worldwide and thus a global threat. In 2014, 9.6 million people were estimated to have TB and 1.5 million people died of the disease worldwide. South Africa is one of the African countries with the highest burden of TB with 1% of the population of about 50 000 000 who develop the TB disease each year. The research study explored and described the knowledge, attitudes and practices of professional nurses working with patients with TB in primary health care clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). A quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used to operationalise the research objectives. The target population comprised professional nurses in primary health care clinics. Consecutive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling, was used in this study. Descriptive data analysis was applied to analyse and describe the data using the data analysis software programme Statistica Version 11. The majority of the participants (99%) had a high level of knowledge about the cause of TB as well as the question about contracting TB (94.9%). On the TB diagnostic tests: biopsy and sputum culture and sensitivity scored the lowest (22.2% and 36.4% respectively). Regarding the duration of TB treatment and the drug used to prevent TB most participants responded positively (97% and 91.9% respectively). Most of the participants had a positive attitude regarding TB (79.8%) confirming their willingness to wear masks although it makes them uncomfortable. Furthermore, most participants (99%) would like to be screened for TB if they have signs and symptoms suggestive of TB. The majority of participants (99%) responded positively to completing TB treatment if they were to be diagnosed with TB. The practices of professional nurses regarding TB were generally low (18.2%) in the areas of when to wear a mask, ventilation in the clinics and infection control. The results are displayed graphically using bar graphs and tables. Recommendations to the NMBHD were made and also for nursing practice, education, and research. Ethical principles have been maintained throughout the study.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Perceptions of registered nurses regarding implementation of clinical practice guidelines in intensive care units in public hospitals
- Authors: Nondywana, Precious Nosindiso
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Intensive care nursing -- South Africa , Intensive care units Nurses -- South Africa -- Attitudes Hospitals -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33464 , vital:32876
- Description: An intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialised section of the hospital that provides comprehensive and continuous care for people who are critically ill and can be admitted for more individualised and intense monitoring. The decision-making process in the intensive care unit requires clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to assist practitioners’ and patients’ decisions about the appropriate healthcare for specific clinical circumstances. The major benefit of CPGs is to improve the quality of care received by patients and has a potential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Although CPGs are popular for health care decision making by health care providers, there is a general lack of implementation in the nursing sphere. The aim of this study therefore, was to explore and describe the perceptions of registered nurses with regard to the implementation of CPGs in intensive care units in public hospitals and to make recommendations for the implementation thereof. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted. The research population were registered nurses who are employed in intensive care units in three public hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth. Purposive sampling was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data and Tesch’s steps of data analysis were used. An independent coder analysed the raw data. Themes were identified and grouped together to form new categories. The researcher ensured the trustworthiness of the study by adhering to Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness, which consists of the following four constructs, namely: credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, confidentiality and justice.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Risk factors of cardio-metabolic diseases among student nurses at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London, South Africa
- Authors: Mkanzi, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Risk assessment Cardiovascular system -- Diseases Human physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12924 , vital:39404
- Description: Background: Non-communicable diseases are a growing public health concern and its prevalence is escalating exponentially, with a high frequency of morbidity, premature mortality, disability and loss of productivity. Since health education has become an important part of medical care, student nurses are potentially well suited to assist with the combat of these diseases. Early identification and treatment of modifiable risk factors among young adults would reduce the risk of developing cardio-metabolic diseases, thus, promoting health, prolonging life as well as saving costs related to healthcare. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors among student nurses. Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, involving a convenience sample of 228 students during the educational year of 2017-2018 at Lilitha Collegeof Nursing in East London, South Africa. The WHO STEPwise standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic data (age, gender, year of study) and behavioural characteristics (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and dietary intake) of the participants. Anthropometric screening included measurement of height, weight and waist circumference. The biochemical screening included measurement of blood pressure and determination of fasting blood glucose concentration. Only students with complete data set were included in the data analysis. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0 was employed for descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: About half (41.7 percent) of the study participants were between the ages of 21 to 25 years and majority were females (67.5 percent).The prevalence of overweight and obesity were found to be 33 percent and 44 percent respectively. The prevalence of overweight was higher in males (44.6 percent), while females (53.9 percent) had higher prevalence of obesity. Female gender and increasing age are the only independent predictors of obesity. Results on blood pressure measurement showed that 25 percent of the participants had elevated blood pressure, and 22 percent were on stage 1 of hypertension while 2 percent were on stage 2. According to Joint National Committee on hypertension (JNC)’s criteria for defining hypertension, 44 percent of the participants had pre hypertension and 11percent had hypertension, diabetes and vegetables consumption were statistically associated with hypertension. The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes was 6 percent and 7 percent respectively. Only abdominal obesity measured by waistto- hip ratio had a significant relationship with diabetes. Just 4.8 percent of the participants smoked daily and 33.3 percent consumed alcohol. Regarding physical activity, males were more active (60.8 percent) compared to females (54.8 percent). Conclusion: A high burden of overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity was observed among student nurses in East London. Screening for cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs) among nursing students and implementation of intervention programs are recommended. Programs to raise awareness about CMRFs, encourage young adult students to adopt a healthy dietary behaviour and promote physical exercise should be initiated.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college
- Authors: Luzipo, Nomawabo Lessie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Academic achievement - -South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30897 , vital:31211
- Description: The study sought to discover the determinants of the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Poor academic performance results in a number of consequences, for example: an increased cost for students and their parents when the study period is prolonged; a larger number of discontinuations; an increase in students who repeat modules, which has cost implications for institutions; and many personal effects on students, such as depression, demotivation and lack of confidence. Paucity was found regarding the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paucity led to this study being conducted.The aim of the study was to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in order to develop strategies to assist nursing college management and staff to manage the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of these students. The researcher utilized a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The second phase included the development of strategies for managing the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at the public nursing college. The research population consisted of 304 second-year nursing students. A census sampling method was used to select 293 respondents. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and existing questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was comprised of three sections: demographic information (Section A), social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section B), and additional relevant information on social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed a number of factors that negatively affect students’ academic performance for instance, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism and stress were discussed in Chapter Four. The findings were used to develop strategies for educators and managers to manage the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college. The limitations and recommendations were identified and can be found in the closing chapter. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college
- Authors: Luzipo, Nomawabo Lessie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: College students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Nursing students -- South Africa , Academic achievement -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30902 , vital:31210
- Description: The study sought to discover the determinants of the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Poor academic performance results in a number of consequences, for example: an increased cost for students and their parents when the study period is prolonged; a larger number of discontinuations; an increase in students who repeat modules, which has cost implications for institutions; and many personal effects on students, such as depression, demotivation and lack of confidence. Paucity was found regarding the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This paucity led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, in order to develop strategies to assist nursing college management and staff to manage the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of these students. The researcher utilized a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The second phase included the development of strategies for managing the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at the public nursing college. The research population consisted of 304 second-year nursing students. A census sampling method was used to select 293 respondents. The data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review and existing questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was comprised of three sections: demographic information (Section A), social factors that contribute to the poor academic performance (Section B), and additional relevant information on social factors that contribute to the poor academic v performance (Section C). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, with the assistance of a statistician. The study revealed a number of factors that negatively affect students’ academic performance for instance, drug and alcohol abuse, absenteeism and stress were discussed in Chapter Four. The findings were used to develop strategies for educators and managers to manage the social factors that contribute to poor academic performance of second-year nursing students at a public nursing college. The limitations and recommendations were identified and can be found in the closing chapter. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence were upheld throughout the study.
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- Date Issued: 2018