https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/issue/feedSouth African Family Practice2024-03-19T06:00:02+01:00AOSIS Publishingsubmissions@safpj.co.zaOpen Journal Systems<a id="readmorebanner" href="/index.php/safpj/pages/view/journal-information" target="_self">Read more</a> <img style="padding-top: 2px;" src="/public/web_banner.svg" alt="" />https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5794Investigating causes of the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in Du Noon2024-03-19T06:00:02+01:00Azhaar B.F. Dookhithafaatimahd@gmail.comAdil Razackadil.razack@westerncape.gov.zaAbdul-Aziez Isaacsabdul.isaacs@westerncape.gov.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> In South Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant public health issue. Sexually transmitted infections contribute significantly to the burden of disease in South Africa and are recognised as one of the main causes of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential causes of the high prevalence of STIs in the Du Noon population.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A mixed methodology study involving 40 participants between the ages of 18 years and 45 years was conducted at Du Noon community health centre from 01 May 2021 to 15 May 2021. Both structured questionnaires and one-on-one patient interviews with open-ended questions were utilised to collect data.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Cultural beliefs, having multiple partners, a lack of partner notification, alcohol consumption, and a lack of condom usage were found to be the main contributing factors to the high incidence of STIs. Sex education appears to be lacking. Our findings reflected the other well-known cultural and socioeconomic issues confronting South African communities, for example, poverty, age-disparate relationships, and polygamous relationships.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The cultural perspectives and understandings of sexual interactions of older men appear to have an impact on younger generations; as do peer pressure, social media and other socio-economic factors. There is an urgent need to shift cultural ideologies and norms among the youth. More research is needed to understand the views and misconceptions of the general public about STIs.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study highlighted how health education challenges, interpersonal relationships, and socioeconomic barriers are still important factors in STI transmission.</p>2024-03-19T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Azhaar B.F. Dookhith, Adil Razack, Abdul-Aziez Isaacshttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5816Emergency care visits at a South African hospital: Implications for healthcare services and policy2024-03-18T23:59:56+01:00Jacob A. Adewolejaadewole@gmail.comJohn M. Tumbotumbo@lantic.netHenry I. Okontaokonta@mweb.co.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> A robust knowledge on the pattern of use of emergency care resources not only serves as an indicator of universal access to care but also provides a basis for quality improvement within the health system. This study was undertaken to describe the pattern of emergency room visits at Brits District Hospital (BDH) in North West province, South Africa. The objectives of this study were to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of emergency department (ED) users and other patterns of ED use.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was conducted at a district hospital. All patients who reported for emergency care in the ED in 2016 were eligible for the study. Data were extracted and analysed from a systematic sample of 355 clinical notes and hospital administrative records.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The age group that visited the ED most frequently (25.3%) was 25–34 years old. A high proportion of the ED users (60%) were self-referred, and only 38% were transported by the emergency medical response services (EMRS). Few (5.6%) presentations were of a non-urgent nature. Trauma-related conditions accounted for the most frequent presentation at the ED (36.5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Although most ED users were self-referred, their clinical presentations were appropriate and underscore the need for policy strategies to reduce the burden of trauma in the catchment population</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The study findings may have an impact on future health policies by providing decision-makers with baseline information on the pattern of use of ED resources, ensuring better resource deployment and greater access to care.</p>2024-03-18T07:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Jacob A. Adewole, John M. Tumbo, Henry I. Okontahttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5823The lived experiences of HIV-positive women in rural Zimbabwe: A qualitative focus group study2024-03-18T07:00:02+01:00Limkile Mpofuleempofu@gmail.comMakombo Ganga-Limandogangam@unisa.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> The study explored and described the meaning attached to the lived experiences of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the rural context of Zimbabwe. Stigma and discrimination negatively impact one’s ability to perform the expected social roles, the quality of life, and the efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and reduce HIV-related mortality. Thus, the study aims to understand the meaning attached to the lived experiences of HIV-positive women living in rural areas or villages of Matabeleland South province in Zimbabwe.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study used a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design. Four focus group discussions were conducted with 24 HIV-positive rural women living in Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted to explore and describe the meaning attached to the lived experiences of women living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Two interconnected themes were identified in the analysis with their sub-themes. These were: (1) struggle for social belonging, with subthemes – loss of social belonging and reduced access to community-based empowerment opportunities and (2) struggle for maintaining the quality of life with subthemes – lack of need-based community healthcare and food insecurity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Being a woman living with HIV in rural Zimbabwe means a perpetual struggle to maintain one’s humanness and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> This study’s results will support the efforts of the Zimbabwean government to improve the quality of life of HIV-positive women living in rural areas.</p>2024-03-18T07:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Limkile Mpofu, Makombo Ganga-Limandohttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5849A community service doctor’s experiences of mental healthcare provision in rural Eastern Cape2024-03-16T23:59:44+01:00Divan Ralldivanrallphd@gmail.comLeslie Swartzlswartz@sun.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> Literature shows that in South Africa there are insufficient resources to meet mental healthcare needs. At general or district hospital level, the non-specialist doctor is often responsible for the holistic assessment and management of mental health service users. Such situations inevitably increase doctors’ care load as they are required to treat across disciplines. We highlight the particular challenges faced by a community service (CS) doctor in this context.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The presented case study formed part of a larger project that investigated public mental healthcare provision in the Eastern Cape province. Data were collected through a once-off semi-structured interview with the participant. The interview was transcribed and data analysed by utilising thematic analysis to yield results.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The study suggests that the CS doctor experiences being overloaded with duties, and feels overwhelmed in a healthcare context that lacks resources needed for service provision, which may lead to inadequate mental healthcare provision to public health service users.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Healthcare facilities in rural parts of the Eastern Cape province are in need of assistance. This in-depth account highlighted the consequences of working on the front line of a disadvantaged and under-resourced health system. The presented account can be interpreted as a cry for help by CS doctors for relevant authorities to improve access and provision of mental healthcare in the area.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> The paper provides an exploration of the circumstances wherein mental healthcare is provided in rural parts of South Africa.</p>2024-03-15T09:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Divan Rall, Leslie Swartzhttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5922Corrigendum: Diabetes Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in adults with type 2 diabetes at primary health care clinics in Kimberley South Africa2024-03-13T23:57:39+01:00Moses Alenbalumozzibest1@gmail.comChika K. Egenasiegenasick@ufs.ac.zaWilhelm J. Steinbergsteinbergwj@ufs.ac.zaOmololu Alukoalukoos@ufs.ac.za<p><span style="font-size: small;">No abstract available.</span></p>2024-03-13T14:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Moses Alenbalu, Chika K. Egenasi, Wilhelm J. Steinberg, Omololu Alukohttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5833Innovative approaches to neonatal jaundice diagnosis and management in low-resourced settings2024-03-04T13:23:43+01:00Haroon SaloojeeHaroon.Saloojee@wits.ac.za<span>Persistent challenges in addressing severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia in resource-constrained settings have led to ongoing and often unacceptable rates of morbidity, disability and mortality. These challenges stem from limitations such as inadequate, inefficient or financially inaccessible diagnostic and therapeutic options. However, over the past decade, noteworthy innovations have emerged to address some of these hurdles, and these innovations are increasingly poised for broader implementation. This review provides a concise summary of these novel, economically viable diagnostic solutions, encompassing point-of-care assays and smartphone applications, as well as treatment modalities, notably more effective phototherapy and filtered sunlight. These advancements hold promise and have the potential to meaningfully reduce the burden of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, signifying a promising shift in the landscape of neonatal healthcare.</span>2024-02-29T07:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Haroon Saloojeehttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5785Psychological distress and PTSD among clinicians in Roma, Lesotho during the COVID-19 pandemic2024-03-04T13:23:43+01:00Muila Kambulandudedekambulandu@gmail.comRadiance M. Ogundipedocradiance@gmail.comMariel Brydenmariel.bryden@gmail.comLebohang Saolebohangchere@gmail.comDave M. Thompsondavid-thompson@ouhsc.eduChelsea M. McGuirechelsea.mcguire@gmail.comBrian W. Jackbjack@bu.edu<p><strong>Background:</strong> Since 2020, the world has been battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The mortality and morbidity at the height of the pandemic sparked generalised fear and uncertainty about the future. Concerns were raised about the psychological impact of the pandemic on workers in healthcare systems globally. This study was conducted to establish the degree of psychological impact of the pandemic on frontline health workers in Lesotho.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> The study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. The Kessler psychological distress screening tool (K-10) and the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) checklist for civilians (PCL-C) were administered to screen for psychological distress among clinical staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Roma and its four Health Centres. Additional open- and closed-ended questions were added for context. Data were analysed using Fisher’s exact tests, Pearson chi-square tests and correlation studies.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Of the 101 participants, 42 (41.6%) scored ≥ 24 on the K-10 scale (95% CI: 32.0% – 51.2%) indicating moderate to severe psychological distress and 32 (31.7%) scored ≥ 50 on the PCL-C checklist suggesting severe PTSD (95% CI: 24.5% – 42.9%). High scores on the K-10 were found more among men than women (17 [37.8%] vs. 4 [7.1%]; <em>p</em> ≤ 0.001). Post-traumatic stress disorder was more in the younger age group (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.03), in those reporting anxiety (<em>p</em> = 0.005) and those with more co-morbidities (<em>p</em> ≤ 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> This study revealed the grave psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline clinical health workers in Lesotho.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> These data will assist health leaders and policymakers to implement mental health support interventions for health workers in future.</p>2024-02-29T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Muila Kambulandu, Radiance M. Ogundipe, Mariel Bryden, Lebohang Sao, Dave M. Thompson, Chelsea M. McGuire, Brian W. Jackhttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5798Challenges and opportunities in adolescent intellectual disability care and rehabilitation2024-03-04T13:23:43+01:00Rakgadi G. Malapelaemalapr@unisa.ac.za<p><strong>Background:</strong> There have been mounting concerns over the lack of proper facilities for adolescents living with intellectual disability (ALWID), and the struggles particularly of the developing world to provide care and rehabilitation services for this population. Care and rehabilitation services are needed to improve this population’s normal functioning but have been scarce or non-existent in most communities.</p><p><strong>Objectives:</strong> This study aimed to solicit and describe nurse managers’ views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering care and rehabilitation services to ALWID. The study was based on Julian Rappaport’s empowerment theory, which provided a framework for organising essential knowledge while rendering care and rehabilitation services for ALWID.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> A qualitative, explorative design was used to solicit nurse managers’ views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID in Tshwane District, Gauteng province, South Africa. Thirteen participants were purposively selected from three rehabilitation centres.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-step method. Five themes emerged relating to challenges and opportunities in rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID. Two themes focussed on challenges, namely inadequate age-appropriate rehabilitation services and a lack of material and non-material resources. Strengthened support systems, partnerships with outside stakeholders, and the promotion of physical activities emerged as opportunities for rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Nurse managers believe rehabilitation services empower ALWID towards autonomy, enhancing their societal function and quality of life with a crucial strong support system.</p><p><strong>Contribution:</strong> Nurse managers should lead in creating collaboration platforms for ALWID care, promoting partnerships, sharing best practices, and overcoming challenges in treatment and rehabilitation.</p>2024-02-29T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Rakgadi G. Malapelahttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5900From the President’s Desk: Part 1, 20242024-03-04T13:23:43+01:00Andrew Rossrossa@ukzn.ac.zaNo abstract available.2024-02-29T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Andrew Rosshttps://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5934Health budget cuts will be paid for by the most vulnerable2024-03-04T13:23:43+01:00Jenny Nashstevejennash0@gmail.comAndrew J. Rossrossa@ukzn.ac.zaMergan Naidoonaidoom@ukzn.ac.zaTasleem Rastasleem.ras@uct.ac.zaHanneke Britsbritsh@ufs.ac.zaSheena Mathewdr@bloubergfp.co.zaNo abstract available.2024-02-29T06:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Jenny Nash, Andrew J. Ross, Mergan Naidoo, Tasleem Ras, Hanneke Brits, Sheena Mathew