Medicine Knowledge and Purchasing Behaviour in a South African Township: Lessons Learnt From a Pilot Study on Awareness of Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Liu ◽  
Susanne Lundin ◽  
Thumakele Gosa ◽  
Elmi Muller ◽  
Paul Roviss Khambule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Medical Products ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Complex Processes ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Purchasing Behaviour

Abstract Background: Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are available in informal as well as formal markets globally. South Africa has a large formal, regulated pharmaceutical sector but there has been limited attention to the existence of SF medical products and the risks posed to people in need of medication. Little is known about individuals’ medicine consumption behaviour, especially from a social sciences perspective. This study presents findings on knowledge and awareness of medicine risks amongst residents in a lower-income community in Khayamnandi in the Western Cape province of South Africa. We also reflect on challenges and lessons learnt from the data collection process.Results:Quantitative and qualitative data, using a mixed-methods approach, were collected from 41 adult (≥18 years) respondents through a survey and audio-recorded discussions around the survey questions. Comparison of the two types of data through bricolage and mixed-methods revealed inconsistencies in responses. We argue that multi-disciplinary research using a mixed-methods approach, including reflexivity regarding empirical observations, not only provides a broader knowledge, but that it also brings insights into the complex processes and ambivalent statements collected from research participants. In addition, research participants were not always open about their health-seeking behaviour and provider choices due to concerns about potential conflict of interests among different types of medical care providers in the local community. Conclusions:This is one of the few studies focusing on demand-side attitudes with regards to medicine purchasing behaviour and the potential risks this behaviour holds for the use of SF medical products in South Africa. Multi-disciplinary research using a mixed-methods approach can bring insights into the complex processes and ambivalent statements collected from research participants.

scholarly journals Ethical misconduct by registered physiotherapists in South Africa (2007–2013): A mixed methods approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem A. Hoffmann ◽  
Nico Nortjé
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Unethical Conduct ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Ethical Misconduct ◽  
Patient Consent

Background: The role of ethics in a medical context is to protect the interests of patients. Thus,it is critically important to understand the guilty verdicts related to professional standard breaches and ethics misconduct of physiotherapists.Aim: To analyse the case content and penalties of all guilty verdicts related to ethics misconduct against registered physiotherapists in South Africa.Methods: A mixed methods approach was followed consisting of epidemiological data analysis and qualitative content analysis. The data documents were formal annual lists (2007–2013) of guilty verdicts related to ethical misconduct. Quantitative data analysis focused on annual frequencies of guilty verdicts, transgression categories and the imposed penalties. Qualitative data analysis focused on content analysis of the case content for each guilty verdict.Results: Relatively few physiotherapists (0.05%) are annually found guilty of ethical misconduct. The two most frequent penalties were fines of R5000.00 and fines of R8000.00–R10 000.00. The majority of transgressions involved fraudulent conduct (70.3%), followed by performance of procedures without patient consent (10.8%). Fraudulent conduct involved issuing misleading, inaccurate or false medical statements, and false or inaccurate medical aid scheme claims.Conclusion: Unethical conduct by physiotherapists in South Africa occurs rarely. The majority of penalties imposed on sanctioned physiotherapists were monetary penalties.

scholarly journals Health and Wellbeing Needs and Priorities in Mining Host Communities in South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Approach For Identifying Key SDG3 Targets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Health and wellbeing needs and priorities in mining host communities in South Africa: a mixed-methods approach for identifying key SDG3 targets

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rice ◽  
Delia Boccia ◽  
Daniel J. Carter ◽  
Renay Weiner ◽  
Lebohang Letsela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Priority Areas ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa. Methods To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action. Results A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors. Conclusions We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.

scholarly journals Identifying Quality Indicators Used by Patients to Choose Secondary Health Care Providers: A Mixed Methods Approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic King ◽  
Sameer Zaman ◽  
Saman Sara Zaman ◽  
Gurnaaz Kaur Kahlon ◽  
Aditi Naik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Secondary Health Care

missional appropriation of human trafficking for the sex-work industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kotze ◽  
Cornelius JP Niemandt
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Human Trafficking ◽  
Sex Work ◽  
Human Dignity ◽  
Sex Trafficking ◽  
Social Ethics ◽  
Church Leaders ◽  
Complex Issue ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach

This article explores the possibility of the involvement of the ecumenical church in addressing the complex issue of sex trafficking. It is done through a glocal theological theory built on missional theology and social ethics as human trafficking is reinterpreted to be a theological issue which could lead to a life-giving mission. Research takes place within the transformative paradigm using a mixed-methods approach, and the theory and praxis are examined with the fullness of life, human dignity, hope, justice and healing in mind. As a destination for sex trafficking, empirical research was done in Rustenburg, South Africa, among victims and survivors, missional workers and church leaders, and experts in the field. This assisted the investigation into the viability and content of this theory. It is then argued that a missional appropriation based on hope, liberation and justice adds a new dimension to being church and leads to a transformative mission to victims.

scholarly journals 457A mixed methods approach to understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Munsieville, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Quinn ◽  
Colleen Cummings ◽  
Jill Stinson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
World Health ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Trauma Informed

Abstract Focus of Presentation Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been shown to increase health risk behaviors and negative health outcomes. ACE surveys have been well documented in high income countries, but have been less widely used in low and middle-income countries. The current project included three phases and used a mixed methods study design to understand ACEs in Munsieville, South Africa. The first phase included focus groups to modify the World Health Organization’s ACE International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) for cultural competence and relevance. The second phase included a community wide survey using the adapted ACE-IQ. The third phase closed the feedback loop and disseminated the findings to the community to identify steps to build a trauma-informed community. Findings Focus groups identified 23 questions and four response options for modification and two questions for deletion. Survey results (N = 917) showed ACEs are common in Munsieville: 53.7% had a guardian die, 30.1% lived with someone who abused substances or alcohol, 54.7% experienced emotional abuse, 41.4% physical abuse, 11.5% reported sexual abuse. Most people did not report their abuse (74.6%). Community violence was common with 75.3% witnessing someone being beaten up and 58.7% witnessing someone being stabbed or shot. Conclusions/Implications The community recommended providing training on trauma, creating a center that would serve as a safe, centralized location for services, and identifying key stakeholders and partners in the community to build a trauma-informed system of care. Key messages The mixed methods approach proved valuable to understand and describe the prevalence of ACEs, provide feedback to the community, and determine community driven next steps.

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