Research Articles (Nursing Science)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/3526

For inquiries regarding this collection or items in the collection, please contact : Mike Volschenk
Tel.: +27 12 354 1435

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 400

Perspectives of primary healthcare nurses on cultural practices contributing to late antenatal booking in South Africa
Maluleke- Ngomane, Sharon H.; Ramavhoya, Thifhelimbilu I. (AOSIS, 2025-09-17)
BACKGROUND : Primary health care (PHC) nurses are crucial in reducing late antenatal booking and early detection of pregnancy-related conditions to enhance the best perinatal outcomes. Research confirms that early antenatal care is a key intervention to safe motherhood, aimed at preventing perinatal adverse events; however, cultural practices of pregnant women have a role to play in late antenatal booking. AIM : This study explored and discussed the cultural practices of antenatal clients that contribute to late antenatal booking as related by PHC nurses. SETTING : This study was conducted at PHC facilities in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. METHODS : Following qualitative phenomenological design, PHC nurses’ perceptions of cultural practices of antenatal clients contributing to delayed antenatal booking were explored and described. Purposeful sampling was followed to sample PHC nurses with three or more years of experience to respond to in-depth, open-ended questions. Colaizzi’s thematic data analysis was used to facilitate emerging themes and sub-themes. Measures of trustworthiness were ensured for this study. RESULTS : Results show that PHC nurses believe that antenatal clients intentionally book late and use herbs and religious interventions. Furthermore, PHC nurses neglect the cultural practices of antenatal clients. CONCLUSION : Primary health care nurses may encourage trusting relationships by making cultural adjustments and increasing cultural competency, which may increase early antenatal booking, reduce the use of harmful interventions and improve positive perinatal outcomes. CONTRIBUTIONS : This study contributed to an awareness of cultural inertia among PHC nurses, which may be averting clients from openness to health promotion provided at PHC facilities.
Strategies for incorporating indigenous placenta disposal methods in public healthcare : a Delphi study in Tshwane District, Gauteng, South Africa
Moeti, Cecilia; Mulaudzi, Fhumulani Mavis; Rasweswe, Molatelo M. (AOSIS, 2025-11-28)
BACKGROUND : Indigenous placenta disposal strategies are essential to bridge clinical protocols with indigenous worldviews, allowing for safe and respectful handling without compromising health standards. Using Appreciative Inquiry in the Dream and Design phases, stakeholders collaboratively developed draft strategies that honour indigenous values while aligning with clinical protocols. These strategies further need inputs from a wider group of stakeholders to ensure that they fit both hospital rules and indigenous traditions. AIM : To refine and validate the draft strategies that incorporate indigenous placenta disposal methods for women birthing in the Tshwane District, Gauteng, South Africa. SETTING : The Delphi process was conducted remotely with subject-matter experts based in Gauteng province, South Africa. METHODS : Three iterative rounds of feedback using a modified e-Delphi technique were employed to ensure reliability. Twenty homogeneous experts were recruited to enrich validity. Of these, 14 participated in rounds one and two, while 10 participated in round three. For anonymity, questionnaires which included a 4-point Likert scale with five principles were sent through blind emails to the expert for them to rank the draft strategies. The consensus was set at 70% and the draft strategies that experts agreed on were repeated in the next rounds for further ranking until consensus was reached. RESULTS : Five strategies that focused on fostering collaboration between midwives and indigenous women, infection prevention and control on indigenous placenta disposal, the development of culturally competent policies and guidelines in the healthcare facilities, the provision of culture competency training and awareness on cultural maternal care were refined and validated. CONCLUSION : These strategies may facilitate the safe indigenous placenta disposal while creating a harmonious space between midwives and indigenous women. CONTRIBUTION : This study underscores the convergence of cultural values, healthcare policy, and sustainability, advancing culturally competent care by integrating Indigenous practices within contemporary medical frameworks.
Registered nurses' experiences regarding clinical virtual learning during COVID-19 in Gauteng
Simelane, Neliswa L.; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica; Mashao, Kapari Constance (AOSIS, 2025-11-05)
BACKGROUND : Virtual clinical learning variedly impacted newly registered nurses’ confidence. For some, it led to a lack of confidence in performing specific procedures, while for others, effective virtual learning fostered a high confidence level. This dynamic is likely to be even more complex when newly qualified nurses transition from education to practice, as healthcare facilities have high expectations, anticipating a certain level of knowledge and competence despite the challenges posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). AIM : The study explored newly registered nurses’ virtual experiences of learning clinical skills during COVID-19 and its impact on their transition into professional practice in the Tshwane District of Gauteng province in South Africa. SETTING : The study was conducted in two selected hospitals in the Tshwane District of Gauteng province. METHODS : Using unstructured interviews, a qualitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was executed to collect data. Purposive and snowballing sampling were utilised to reach to the sample of 12 registered nurses. RESULTS : Three themes emerged in this study, namely: (1) Impact of virtual learning on confidence in clinical practice, (2) Challenges of transitioning from virtual learning to practical application and (3) Recommendations for enhancing virtual learning in nursing education. CONCLUSION : The study revealed both potential benefits and drawbacks of virtual clinical teaching on registered nurses’ transition into professional practice. CONTRIBUTION : The findings may guide strategies to help nursing education institutions design virtual learning that ensures competent, practice ready nurses.
Psychosocial needs of women undergoing perinatal intimate examinations
Tshabalala, Ntsoaki M.; Yazbek, Mariatha; Maree, Carin (AOSIS, 2025-11-21)
BACKGROUND : Intimate examinations are a vital part of midwifery care during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period. Women’s experiences of these procedures vary greatly, and poor communication can lead to significant distress, particularly for first-time mothers. Despite its importance, psychological health during such examinations is often overlooked. AIM : The study aims to explore the psychosocial needs of women undergoing perinatal intimate examinations. SETTING : Data were gathered in postnatal wards and Midwife Obstetric Units (MOUs) of level 1/district hospitals within the Tshwane District, Gauteng province, South Africa. METHODS : Telephonic semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 postnatal mothers from two district hospitals and four MOUs located in community health centres in the Tshwane District. RESULTS : Women expressed the need for competent, empathetic health care providers who create a respectful, safe, and dignified environment. Minimising the frequency of intimate examinations reduced both physical and emotional discomfort. The use of alternative, less invasive assessment techniques enhanced women’s comfort and alleviated anxiety. Emotional and practical support from health professionals and significant others also improved women’s overall experience, decreasing fear and embarrassment. CONCLUSION : Intimate examinations often evoke fear and embarrassment due to privacy concerns and past trauma. Women require psychosocial support during these procedures. Midwives should receive training to conduct examinations with sensitivity and care to ensure women’s comfort and emotional safety. CONTRIBUTION : The study provides South Africa-specific guidelines promoting holistic, respectful perinatal intimate examinations that emphasise communication, consent, and women’s psychosocial well-being.
Nurse educators’ experiences implementing workintegrated learning in the R171 nursing program at a college
Moremi, Moloko J.; Rasweswe, Molatelo M.; Nesengani, Tintswalo Victoria; Legodi, Modiehi H. (AOSIS, 2025-12-19)
BACKGROUND : The global call for nursing education transformation is gaining momentum. South Africa’s R171 nursing programme, revised since 1984, aims to produce generalist nurse practitioners with required competencies. This research aims to explore nurse educators’ experiences in implementing the R171 nursing programme. AIM : To explore the experiences of nurse educators implementing R171 work-integrated learning (WIL). Setting: The interviews took place at a nursing college in a private room with no interruptions. Unstructured interviews were used. METHODS : The study utilised a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design to investigate the experiences of nurse educators implementing the R171 nursing programme. The participants were selected through non-probability purposive sampling from the Gauteng College of Nursing (GCON) campuses. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data were collected through unstructured interviews. RESULTS : The study identifies five themes: WIL allocation in the R171 nursing programme, challenges faced by nurse educators, consequences of these challenges, identified strengths and recommendations made by these educators for implementing the R171 WIL programme. CONCLUSION : The study revealed challenges in student nurse placements, including access to clinical practice areas, discipline time, assessments, staff shortage and resource limitations. CONTRIBUTION : The study recommends revising the R171 programme, phasing it out over a year, increasing WIL hours, starting the primary healthcare (PHC) module in the second year, improving infrastructure and re-establishing the Clinical Education and Training Unit (CETU).
Knowledge and attitude of nurses in primary health care regarding climate change in Mpumalanga
Mabena, Marriot Mmama; Mooa, Ramadimetja Shirley; Masenge, Andries; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica (AOSIS, 2025-08-28)
BACKGROUND : Climate change is increasingly recognised as a critical public health challenge, a perspective reinforced by its inclusion as Sustainable Development Goal 13. Given its significant disease burden, climate change should be reframed as a leading health priority, demanding an immediate and coordinated response from the health sector. AIM : The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of professional nurses in primary health care regarding climate change. SETTING : The study was conducted in Nkangala District, Mpumalanga province. METHODS : A non-experimental, descriptive and quantitative research design, employing a self-administered questionnaire, was used to collect data. A comprehensive sampling of the entire population was conducted in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Nkangala District, Mpumalanga, because of the small population size. RESULTS : About 82% of the professional nurses in primary health care had knowledge regarding the effects of climate change, and 23% did not link climate change to diseases. Regarding nurses’ attitudes and perceptions, approximately 66.2% strongly agreed that understanding the issue is crucial to providing effective patient care. In support, 29.8% agreed that it is essential to understand the issue to help patients, 3.3% were neutral, while 0.7% strongly disagreed and 0% disagreed. CONCLUSION : The findings of the study highlighted the importance of educating registered nurses about the mental health effects of climate change. It also emphasised the need to formally include climate change in the nursing curriculum, as many nurses currently depend on informal education to understand its implications. CONTRIBUTION : The results of the study will contribute new knowledge regarding climate change, its impact on health and its implications for the nursing profession. In addition, the study emphasised the importance of incorporating climate change into the nursing curriculum.
Holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations : an integrative review
Tshabalala, Ntsoaki M.; Yazbek, Mariatha; Maree, Carin (AOSIS, 2025-12-19)
BACKGROUND : Intimate examinations are vital in midwifery, but without proper care and communication, they can cause distress, especially for first-time pregnant women. A holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual needs is essential for ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care. AIM : To review existing literature on holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations. METHOD : An integrative review was conducted across relevant databases, which included Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Elton Bryson Stephens Company (EBSCO) host to identify original research articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. In total, 67 articles which met the inclusion criteria were reviewed: 32 were international, 30 were from sub-Saharan Africa and 5 were from South Africa. RESULTS : This study highlights two key aspects of holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations: biological and psychosocial. These aspects include health education, informed consent, decision-making involvement, emotional support, communication, counselling, social support, cultural competence and infection prevention to enhance women-centred care. CONCLUSION : Most studies focus on pregnancy-related interventions rather than holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations, and there are no maternity guidelines for such examinations in Africa. This review highlights the need for further research and outlines the biological, psychosocial and ethical considerations for improving perinatal care. CONTRIBUTION : This study highlights the importance of holistic perinatal care during intimate examinations, emphasising biological, psychological and social aspects to enhance women’s experiences. It identifies gaps in maternity guidelines, particularly in Africa, and calls for further research to ensure comprehensive, women-centred care.
Building community capacity in diabetes care : perspectives of community health workers
Heyns, Tanya; Muvhungu, Mukhethwa A.; Mathete, Sehlale; Filmalter, Cecilia Jacoba; Piotie, Patrick Ngassa (AOSIS, 2025-09-16)
BACKGROUND : Diabetes is a global public health concern. Approximately, 79% of people living with diabetes reside in low- and middle-income countries. Community healthcare workers (CHWs) provide basic care to communities, including people living with diabetes in South Africa; however, their contribution still needs to be explored. AIM : To explore the perceptions of CHWs regarding their roles in diabetes care. SETTING : This study was conducted at primary healthcare clinics in the Tshwane District, located in the northern part of Gauteng province in South Africa, where CHWs form part of ward-based outreach teams. METHODS : Using a descriptive qualitative research design, four focus group interviews were conducted with 32 CHWs with 5 or more years of experience and involved in providing care to people living with diabetes. The Dynamic reading, Engaged code book development, Participatory coding, Inclusive reviewing and summarizing of categories, Collaborative analysis, Translating (DEPICT) approach for collaborative qualitative data analysis was used. RESULTS : The participants indicated that their roles focused on health education, specifically related to diet, lifestyle changes, medication, involving family and self-care, support and monitoring. CONCLUSION : CHWs play an important role in the screening, continuous monitoring and referral of people living with diabetes. It is important that training and support for CHWs are aligned and informed by evidence and the needs of the communities they serve. CONTRIBUTION : The results may assist in the development of appropriate competencies, to inform programs and in-service training topics and regulate the practices of CHWs.
Dignity of the nurse : a hermeneutic literature review
Combrinck, Yvonne; Van Wyk, Neltjie C. (Sage, 2026)
The dignity of the nurse is a value that remains to be fully embedded in the nursing profession. It is a hidden concept that nurses tend to overlook. Regard for the dignity of the nurse is crucial because it enables nurses to fulfil their duties to the best of their potential. This literature review aimed to explore and better understand the meaning of the dignity of the nurse as it appears in education and nursing practice. A hermeneutic approach underpinned the methodology in the search, acquisition, and analysis of 16 studies. Dignity of the nurse as conceptualised in this review resulted in answering the following questions: in what ways is it defined; in what context does it appear; how is it sensed, and why does it matter? The review results confirmed the impact of dignity and indignity encounters on nurses. It is crucial to prioritise the dignity of the nurse as a value of equal importance in nursing.
The societal impact of Ubuntu in Vhembe communities
Tshivhase, Shonisani E.; Mashau, Ntsieni S.; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Mulaudzi, Fhumulani Mavis (AOSIS, 2026-01-28)
Ubuntu is regarded as a concept of humanity towards others. It embodies values and ethical principles that guide how individuals should conduct themselves in their daily lives, particularly in their interactions with others. Ubuntu is often cited as a foundational African philosophy, yet its practical application in postcolonial South Africa remains contested. The purpose of this study was to present a reflective narrative on the societal impact of Ubuntu values and principles, and the study was conducted in selected communities in the Vhembe District. The study utilised a community-based participatory research approach, gathering data through interviews and focus group discussions centred on participants’ personal experiences. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with participants from various communities. These included males and females aged 18 to 76 years and above, with older participants considered a vulnerable group because of age-related factors. Throughout the study, the research team remained committed to safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of participants from these selected communities. The research population was accessed through the support of the traditional authority, which facilitated contact between the researchers and community members. The findings indicate that Ubuntu-based projects have positively impacted the communities, as expressed by participants during the data collection process. The participants affirmed that they now offer mutual support and assist one another without expecting any monetary reward. The study further revealed that projects based on Ubuntu have aided in reducing social isolation by forming various community-support networks, showing the necessity for community members to continue to support each other and nurture the spirit of collaboration. TRANSDISCIPLINARY CONTRIBUTION : The study provides a comprehensive understanding of Ubuntu values and their societal impact as it integrates a variety of disciplines – philosophy, sociology, psychology, education, law, developmental studies, environmental ethics and community engagement – to ensure that research is coproduced with communities, rather than being carried out on them without their active involvement.
An international interdisciplinary commentary on the revised guidelines for music-based interventions checklist, elaboration guide and validation study
Magee, Wendy L.; Bhana-Pema, Varshika; Carr, Catherine E.; Ettenberger, Mark; Fancourt, Daisy; Garrido, Sandra; Kwan, Melanie; Lichtensztejn, Marcela; Marinho, Valeska; Sarkamo, Teppo; Sundar, Sumathy; Yoo, Ga Eul; Zhang, Jingwen (Oxford University Press, 2026-02)
No abstract available.
Exploring the lived experiences of children in relation to trauma and violence exposure in the Vhembe district
Tsheole, Petunia; Makhado, Lufuno; Maphula, Angelina; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica (BioMed Central, 2025-11-17)
BACKGROUND : Violence and trauma exposure among children remain critical public health issues, particularly in under-resourced regions such as the Vhembe district, South Africa. Although much is known about the prevalence of child abuse, limited research explores children’s lived experiences and coping mechanisms from their own perspectives. OBJECTIVE : This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of children exposed to trauma and violence in the Vhembe district, focusing on their emotional responses, coping strategies, and perceived sources of support. METHODS : A qualitative research design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen children aged 9–17 years who had experienced trauma or violence and were receiving counselling services at the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme. RESULTS : Participants reported multiple forms of violence: physical, sexual, emotional, and community-based, often perpetrated by trusted caregivers. Themes included fear, isolation, physical and psychological pain, and reliance on avoidance or social coping strategies. CONCLUSION : Exposure to violence profoundly shapes children’s emotional well-being and coping capacity. These findings emphasize the need for trauma-informed, child-centered mental health services and school-based psychosocial interventions. Future research should expand to explore gender-specific experiences and community-level prevention strategies within rural South African contexts.
Considerations for sociocultural adaptations of a mindfulness-based program within a low socioeconomic setting in Cape Town, South Africa
Foale, Sarah; Seedat, Soraya; Heyns, Tanya (BioMed Central, 2025-12-30)
BACKGROUND : The effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs in cultivating a sense of well-being has been demonstrated in many populations globally. However, mindfulness research is lacking in low socioeconomic contexts. This study explored how a mindfulness-based program may be adapted to be feasible, acceptable, and accessible to participants in a low socioeconomic setting in Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS : Using purposive and snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews, the perspectives of 14 stakeholders in the field of mindfulness were explored. The data were thematically analyzed. FINDINGS : Stakeholders agreed that MBPs could be adapted to increase acceptability, accessibility, and feasibility for participants. The themes that emerged included strategies to encourage attendance and retention, program structure, program content, trauma sensitivity, the qualities and training of the facilitator, communication strategies, the language used, and the approach to translation. CONCLUSION : Stakeholders agreed that adapted mindfulness-based programs may be beneficial to participants in low socioeconomic contexts if appropriately and sensitively adapted to the needs of the population and context. Further research is invited into the nuances of what, where, when, and how mindfulness-based programs are offered in low-resource and especially high-risk trauma environments, such as those in South Africa.
Facilitators and barriers influencing resilience amongst critical care transport professionals in a fixed-wing air ambulance environment
Basson, Karien; Coetzee-Prinsloo, Isabel M.; Van der Wath, Anna Elizabeth; Greenberg, Letitia (Elsevier, 2026-01)
OBJECTIVE : This study describes the facilitators and barriers influencing resilience in a fixed-wing air ambulance environment. METHODS : Self-reported interview guides were used to explore and describe the facilitators and barriers influencing resilience among critical care transport professionals in a fixed-wing air ambulance environment. RESULTS : The findings revealed 12 facilitators and 8 barriers influencing resilience among critical care transport professionals in a fixed-wing air ambulance environment in South Africa. CONCLUSION : The findings revealed 12 facilitators and eight barriers influencing resilience among CCTPs in the fixed-wing air ambulance environment in South Africa.
Voices of surgical wards nurses on barriers hindering acute post-operative pain management at Tshwane municipality, South Africa
Makou, Nnene Melia; Rasweswe, Melitah Molatelo; Mooa, Ramadimetja Shirley (Public Library of Science, 2025-02-21)
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND : Acute pain is expected following a surgery, but it is often inadequately managed by health care providers. However, little is known about the barriers that hinder acute post-operative pain management among surgical wards nurses. OBJECTIVE : Uncovering barriers that hinder the surgical wards nurses to manage acute post-operative pain at the selected public hospital in Tshwane municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. METHODS : This study utilized a qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from a purposive sampling of 13 professional nurses. Data collected were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim by the first author. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. An independent co-coder assisted with data analysis. FINDINGS : The barriers described by the participants include: 1) Organisational/ management related barriers; 2) Personnel related barriers, which were discussed as shortage of nurses, inadequate skill competency to manage acute post-operative pain, and interprofessional communication; and 3) Patient related barriers. CONCLUSION : This paper comes to the conclusion that, due to a number of stated barriers or obstacles, the nurses employed in the surgical wards of the selected hospital in South Africa are not adequately managing the acute post-operative pain. As a result, hospital management must devise practical solutions to the stated obstacles.
Placental findings in term singleton stillbirths in a public hospital in Emalahleni Sub-District in Mpumalanga Province : a descriptive study
Vilane, Ouma; Yazbek, Mariatha; Musie, Maurine Rofhiwa (Wiley, 2025-05)
OBJECTIVE : This study was carried out to investigate the macroscopical and microscopical placental findings in term singleton stillbirths at a selected public hospital. METHODS : A quantitative non-experimental observational descriptive study was conducted by examining the placentas of 89 term singleton stillbirth babies in the labor ward for macroscopic lesions. A data collection tool was used to capture clinical data from patient files on variables of interest related to placental lesions for stillbirth cases. The IBM SPSS Statistics version 28 package was used to analyze the data. RESULTS : A significant relationship was found between the following variables (p < 0.05): stillbirth and number of antenatal care visits (p = 0.0035); birth weight and mid-upper arm circumference (p = 0.013); birth weight and maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) (p = 0.001); birth weight and birth attendant (p = 0.034); type of stillbirth and birth attendant (p = 0.033); type of stillbirth and previous obstetric history (p = 0.038); cord insertion and smoking/substance abuse (p = 0.012); cord insertion and hemoglobin (p = 0.029); cord length and meconium histiocytes (p = 0.031); cord diameter and syphilis (p = 0.030); placental weight and onset of labor (p = 0.012); placental weight and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) (p = 0.004); color of membranes and maternal inflammatory response (MIF) (p = 0.002); color of membranes and meconium histiocytes (p = 0.000), and color of membranes and syphilis (p = 0.053). CONCLUSION : The study provides essential insights into the placental findings associated with term singleton stillbirths in the Emalahleni Sub-District. Examination of the placenta may help to define the causes in more than 90% of stillbirth cases, inform the research, and decrease stillbirth rates.
From student to nurse : exploring transition shock through stress, locus of control, and coping strategies in newly graduated nurses
Ibrahim, Rasha Kadri; Safi, Mirna; Darwish, Amani; Alsalamah, Yasir S.; Babkair, Lisa; Abdullahi, Nasiru Mohammed; Maher, Basma; Alotaibi, Manar Nasser; Alfalaij, Monerh Abdullah; Alahmedi, Shorok Hamed; Abdelaliem, Sally Mohammed Farghaly; Hendy, Abdelaziz (BioMed Central, 2025-08-22)
BACKGROUND : Newly graduated nurses often face a difficult transition from academic training to clinical practice, commonly experiencing "transition shock." This period is characterized by heightened occupational stress, reduced coping capacity, and uncertainty about role identity. AIM : This study aimed to investigate the effects of occupational stress, coping strategies, and work locus of control on transition shock among newly graduated nurses. It also examined how marital status and clinical unit (critical vs. non-critical care) moderate these relationships. METHODS : A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was adopted. The study was conducted in governmental and private hospitals in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 395 newly graduated nurses (with less than one year of clinical experience) participated. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and four validated instruments: the Transition Shock Scale, the Occupational Stress Scale, the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Work Locus of Control Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS software. Statistical techniques included Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and a moderated mediation analysis. Occupational stress was tested as a mediator, and marital status and unit of assignment were examined as moderators. RESULTS : Transition shock showed a strong positive correlation with occupational stress (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) and external WLOC (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with positive coping (r = -0.39, p < 0.01). Mediation and moderation models confirmed occupational stress as a mediator and marital status and unit assignment as moderators of stress-to-shock pathways. The model explained 64.6% of the variance in transition shock (R² = 0.646). CONCLUSION : Enhancing positive coping and internal locus of control, while reducing stress, can help mitigate transition shock. Supportive workplace programs are essential for nurse retention and well-being.
Community perceptions towards children living with albinism in Africa : an integrative review
Mokwele, Tumisho; Mooa, Ramadimetja Shirley; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica (AOSIS, 2025-10)
BACKGROUND : Community perceptions of children with albinism often influence their inclusion, safety and access to education, violating their basic human rights. Children with albinism in Africa encounter social challenges because of myths, superstitions and discrimination because of a lack of knowledge about albinism, making it difficult for the mother who has given birth to a child with albinism. OBJECTIVES : To synthesise the existing literature on community perceptions of children with albinism in Africa. Method: An integrative review process was used, which involved five steps to review the literature: problem identification, literature search and data collection, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of findings. Electronic searches were performed in multiple databases, including EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Proquest and grey literature. RESULTS : Community perceptions of children with albinism are embedded within their cultural beliefs and spirituality. Children with albinism continue to be alienated in their communities as their existence is associated with shame, judgement from God or ancestors and superpowers. CONCLUSION : Awareness campaigns should be continuous in communities to dispel the myths surrounding albinism. This can be achieved by involving community leaders, religious organisations and organisations that advocate for people with albinism to ensure that our communities create a safe environment for these children. CONTRIBUTION : This review may help understand perceptions of albinism and may assist in developing community-based interventions to support caregivers of children with albinism.
Midwifery models of care in the context of increasing caesarean delivery rates
Doherty, Tanya; Clow, Sheila; Wibbelink, Margreet; Yazbek, Mariatha; Downe, Soo (World Health Organization, 2025-06)
Clinicians and researchers have used the concepts of too little too late, and too much too soon for almost a decade to describe disparities in access to and levels of use of clinical procedures in maternity care worldwide.1 The case of caesarean delivery is the most widely debated of these procedures. In many countries, rates are below safe levels in particular geographies or population groups, indicating that mothers and babies may be experiencing adverse outcomes due to a lack of access to the operation. On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that, while low caesarean delivery rates indicate poor coverage of essential maternity care, no public health benefit exists when the rate exceeds 10–15% at a population level.
Psychosocial interventions for families caring for mental health care users : a nominal group technique
Mbedzi, Takalani Ellen; Van der Wath, Anna Elizabeth; Moagi, Miriam Mmamphamo (Wiley, 2025-10)
INTRODUCTION : In light of the rising global prevalence of mental illness and the need for deinstitutionalised care, families are required to provide community-based care to mental healthcare users. Family members need to be prepared and supported to undertake this role. AIM : The aim was to develop psychosocial interventions to ease the burden of family caregivers of mental healthcare users. METHOD : Using convenience sampling, 21 stakeholders were selected. The participants had at least 2 years' experience and/or expertise in the care of family members of mental healthcare users. During a workshop, a nominal group technique was used to collect data. The six steps of Braun and Clarke guided the data analysis. RESULTS : Three themes were identified, namely, interventions to provide mental health education, interventions to promote social support for families and interventions to ensure effective psychological support for families and mental healthcare users. DISCUSSION : The nominal group technique allowed healthcare and community stakeholders to become aware of their role in supporting family caregivers of mental healthcare users. Healthcare providers need to be empowered to use basic family counselling skills. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : Implementation of the developed interventions might lead to a reduction in relapse rates and relieve the caregiver burden. SUMMARY What is known on the subject? ○ Deinstitutionalisation and community-based mental health care shifted the burden of care to family caregivers. ○ Family caregivers of mental healthcare users are prone to physical and psychological health problems. What does the paper add to existing knowledge? ○ Family members and mental healthcare users are not receiving adequate psychological and social support from their extended family members, healthcare professionals and the community at large. ○ Healthcare providers and community leaders developed psychological, educational and social interventions to address the psychosocial burden experienced by family caregivers in under-resourced areas. What are the implications for mental health nursing practice? ○ Family caregivers' psychological, educational and social challenges should be considered when designing psychosocial interventions. ○ Individual and family psychotherapy is recommended to facilitate family caregivers coping with their caregiving role. ○ Community leaders to be at the forefront in raising awareness campaigns about mental illness, to increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma and discrimination.

Browse

Recent Submissions