scholarly journals Evaluation of selected aspects of the Nutrition Therapeutic Programme offered to HIV-positive women of child-bearing age in Western Cape Province, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tine T. Hansen ◽  
Marietjie Herselman ◽  
Lisanne Du Plessis ◽  
Luzette Daniels ◽  
Tirsa Bezuidenhout ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Hiv Positive Women ◽  
Nutritional Advice ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Therapeutic Programme

Background: The Nutrition Therapeutic Programme (NTP) involves the provision of food supplements at primary health clinics (PHCs) to correct nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable groups. Although previous studies have identified problems with implementing the programme at PHCs, assessments of its efficiency have been scarce.Objective: To evaluate implementation of the NTP at PHCs that provide antiretroviral therapy.Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at 17 PHCs located within 3 districts of Western Cape Province. Two target groups were chosen: 32 staff members working at the sites and 21 women of child-bearing age enrolled in the NTP. Questionnaires were used to obtain data.Results: Only 2 women (10%) lived in food-secure households; the rest were either at risk of hunger (29%) or classified as hungry (61%). Most of the women knew they had to take the supplements to improve their nutritional status, but the majority only recalled receiving basic nutritional advice, and the information was mainly given verbally. Ten of the women had shared their supplements with others, mostly with their children. The study identified lack of clearly defined NTP responsibilities at the PHCs, causing confusion amongst the staff. Although many staff members expressed problems with the NTP, only 38% of them reported having routine evaluations regarding the programme.Conclusion: Several aspects compromised the effectiveness of the NTP, including socio- economic factors leading to clients’ non-compliance. The strategic organisation and implementation of the NTP varied between different PHCs offering antiretroviral therapy, and staff experienced difficulties with the logistics of the programme.

scholarly journals Location of community pharmacies and prevalence of oral conditions in the Western Cape Province

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feroza Amien ◽  
Neil G. Myburgh ◽  
Nadine Butler
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Community pharmacists are approached regularly for oral health advice; most commonly for ulcers which could be indicative of oral cancer, HIV, and various systemic diseases. Community pharmacists should know how to manage these conditions yet they have very limited training to manage these conditions appropriately. The area location and socioeconomic status (SES) of the pharmacy should be considered as it may influence patient management. A study of this nature has not yet been conducted in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. To determine the prevalence and frequency of oral complaints at community pharmacies and if these parameters differ by metropolitan location and SES. A cross-sectional survey of 162 randomly-selected private sector pharmacies was conducted. The sample (n = 121) was stratified by SES and metropolitan location. An open-ended structured questionnaire was faxed to pharmacists. A telephonic interview was conducted a day later. Community pharmacists were asked about the frequency and type of oral health problems they encountered. Most pharmacists (91%) dealt with oral health problems frequently, most commonly for ulcers (55.8%), thrush (49.2%), and toothache (33.3%). The results did not differ by metropolitan location and SES (Chi-squared, Fisher’s Exact, p > 0.05), with the exception of toothache and mouth sores. Community pharmacists are an important part of an interdisciplinary team, and play a definite role in the early detection of oral health conditions, namely, caries, HIV and oral cancer. Training on common oral health conditions should be included in undergraduate pharmacy curricula and continuous professional development courses.Gemeenskapsaptekers word gereeld genader vir advies rakende mondgesondheid, hoofsaaklik mondsere wat ’n aanduiding kan wees van mondkanker, MIV en verskeie sistemiese siektes. Gemeenskapsaptekers moet weet hoe om hierdie kwessies te hanteer. Die ligging van die area en die sosio-ekonomiese status (SES) van die apteek moet in ag geneem word aangesien dit ’n invloed mag hê op die hantering van die pasiënt. ’n Studie van hierdie aard is nog nie in die Wes-Kaap Provinsie van Suid-Afrika onderneem nie. Die doel van hierdie studie is om die voorkoms en herhaling van klagtes oor mondsiektes by gemeenskapsapteke te bepaal en of hierdie parameters verskil na gelang van metropolitaanse ligging en SES. ’n Deursnee-opname van 162 ewekansig geselekteerde privaat sektor-apteke is onderneem. Die steekproef (n = 121) is gestratifiseer ten opsigte van SES en metropolitaanse ligging. ’n Oopeinde gestruktureerde vraelys is aan apteke gefaks. ’n Telefoniese onderhoud is ’n dag later gevoer. Gemeenskapsaptekers is gevra na die herhaling van en die tipe mondgesondheidsprobleme wat hulle teëgekom het. Die meeste aptekers (91%) het dikwels met mondprobleme te doen gekry, meestal mondsere (55.8%), mondsproei (49.2%) en tandpyn (33.3%). Die bevindinge het nie verskil na gelang van metropolitaanse ligging en SES (Chi-kwadraat, Fisher se eksakte toets, p > 0.05) nie, met die uitsondering van tandpyn en mondsere. Gemeenskapsaptekers vorm ’n belangrike deel van ’n interdissiplinêre span, en speel ’n definitiewe rol in die vroeë opsporing van mondgesondheidstoestande, naamlik tandverrotting, MIV en mondkanker. Opleiding in algemene mondgesondheidstoestande behoort deel te vorm van voorgraadse aptekerskurrikulums en voortgesette professionele ontwikkelingskursusse.

scholarly journals Maternal experiences of caring for preterm infants in a vulnerable South African population

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Buys ◽  
Berna Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Continued Education ◽  
Maternal Coping

Background: Caring for a preterm infant is known to be a stressful experience as these infants are at a high risk of medical sequelae and developmental delays. Early intervention is imperative for the best developmental outcome for the infant. Such interventions are often delivered through the mother or primary caregiver; however, healthcare professionals are seldom aware of all the factors that influence maternal well-being, potentially influencing her ability to provide optimal care.Aim: To explore the experiences of a group of vulnerable women, namely, isiXhosa-speaking mothers of preterm infants living in low socio-economic circumstances in the Western Cape province of South Africa, regarding having, caring for and feeding their preterm infants within the first 6 months of the infant’s life.Setting: A follow-up clinic for preterm infants and their mothers at a public tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.Methods: The study employed a qualitative, cross-sectional design that was explorative and contextual in nature. A discussion schedule was used to guide 15 in-depth interviews with mothers that were later thematically analysed.Results: Social support and religion positively influenced maternal coping. The infant’s medical stability was the main concern for mothers and concerns regarding the infant’s development did not arise. Prematurity influenced mothers’ decisions to use traditional medicines and hospital care affected some traditional practices.Conclusion: The study findings highlighted the influence of traditional and religious beliefs, the importance of the cultural education of medical staff members and a support system to improve maternal experiences.Contribution: The findings provide insights into maternal experiences with implications for healthcare practitioners’ continued education in an ethnically diverse setting.

scholarly journals Effect of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Treatment on Pregnancy Rates in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 221 (12) ◽  
pp. 1953-1962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leigh F Johnson ◽  
Themba Mutemaringa ◽  
Alexa Heekes ◽  
Andrew Boulle
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Hiv Positive Women ◽  
Hiv Negative

Abstract Background Previous studies suggest that untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with a reduced incidence of pregnancy, but studies of the effect of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on pregnancy incidence have been inconsistent. Methods Routine data from health services in the Western Cape province of South Africa were linked to identify pregnancies during 2007–2017 and maternal HIV records. The time from the first (index) pregnancy outcome date to the next pregnancy was modeled using Cox proportional hazards models. Results During 2007–2017, 1 042 647 pregnancies were recorded. In all age groups, pregnancy incidence rates were highest in women who had started ART, lower in HIV-negative women, and lowest in ART-naive HIV-positive women. In multivariable analysis, after controlling for the most recent CD4+ T-cell count, pregnancy incidence rates in HIV-positive women receiving ART were higher than those in untreated HIV-positive women (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–1.67) and those in HIV-negative women. Conclusion Among women who have recently been pregnant, receipt of ART is associated with high rates of second pregnancy. Better integration of family planning into HIV care services is needed.

scholarly journals Student nurses’ perceptions of their educational environment at a school of nursing in Western Cape province, South Africa: A cross-sectional study

Curationis ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katlego D.T. Mthimunye ◽  
Felicity M. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing Students ◽  
School Of Nursing ◽  
Undergraduate Nursing

Background: Educational environments have been found to bear a substantial relationship with the academic performance and success, as well as the retention, of students.Objectives: The study objectives were to (1) evaluate the educational environment as perceived by undergraduate nursing students at a school of nursing (SON) in Western Cape province and (2) investigate whether the educational environment, or components thereof, is perceived negatively or positively among undergraduate nursing students of different year level, gender, home language and ethnicity.Method: A quantitative research method with a cross-sectional design was implemented. Data were collected from 232 undergraduate nursing students from a SON at a university in Western Cape province, South Africa. The subscales and the items of the educational environment questionnaire were compared among undergraduate nursing students. Data were analysed by means of the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS-24) using analysis of variances (ANOVAs), independent-sample t-tests, mean scores, standard deviations and percentages.Results: The mean score attained for the entire participant group was 195 (standard deviation [SD] = 24.2) out of 268 (equivalent to 72.8% of maximum score), which indicated that the educational environment was perceived substantially more positively than negatively. The overall mean score was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for male students (M = 202; SD = 21) and for black students (M = 202; SD = 21). The digital resources (DR) subscale was the only subscale with a statement or item that was rated as absolute negative (M = 1.9; SD = 0.9).Conclusion: The educational environment at the institution concerned was perceived as predominantly positive by its undergraduate nursing students. Although the educational environment was predominantly perceived as positive, the results of this study also indicated that enhancements are required to improve the physical classroom conditions, skills laboratories, DR and the implemented teaching and learning strategies. It is vital for university management to prioritise the creation of an educational environment which would ensure that quality learning takes place.

scholarly journals The Dual Burden of Malnutrition and Associated Dietary and Lifestyle Habits among Lebanese School Age Children Living in Orphanages in North Lebanon

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Germine El-Kassas ◽  
Fouad Ziade
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Institutionalized Children

Childhood is a crucial period affecting physical and intellectual development. Although children living in orphanages are among the most vulnerable groups at risk of malnutrition, there is scarcity of data concerning their nutritional status in Lebanon. To investigate these data, a cross-sectional survey was conducted including a sample of 153 institutionalized children aged 5–14 years from all orphanages in Tripoli. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric, clinical, and dietary tools. Interpretation of anthropometric data showed that 13.8% were stunted while the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 9.2% according to the World Health Organization (WHO) reference criteria. Physical signs suggesting nutritional deficiencies were detected in about 25% of the sample. Dietary intake evaluation showed that about half of the participants had inadequate dietary intakes of proteins, fruits, and vegetables and 92% had inadequate milk and dairy intakes recommended for their age specific needs. Multivariate regression analysis revealed statistically significant positive association of age, skipping breakfast, and increased screen time with stunting while it showed statistically significant negative association of inadequate protein intake with overweight/obesity. The coexistence of under- and overnutrition among institutionalized children calls for implementation of comprehensive intervention strategies committed to reducing undernutrition while simultaneously preventing overnutrition through improving diet quality and physical activity of these children.

scholarly journals The Effect of Mathematics and Physical Science on Matriculants’ Overall Performances: Analysis Using Multilevel Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 28-42
Author(s):  
M. E. Letsoalo
Keyword(s):  
Correlated Data ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Science Educators ◽  
Adjusted Model

 This comparative, cross-sectional, quantitative and ex-post-facto designed study used secondary and correlated data to compare the likelihood of passing matric between learners from Gauteng and Western Cape provinces, even after adjusting for subject-type. This study attempted to assess the relation between school resources input, subject offered, learner’s gender and learners’ academic achievements. The data used in this study were supplied by the Umalusi Council. The dataset contained 145783 matric learners (65245 [44.75%] males and 80538 [55.25%] females) who wrote the matric examinations in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces in November 2009. The unadjusted model indicated that learners in Western Cape were significantly 1.193 more likely to pass matric than learners in Gauteng province (p < 0.001, OR = 1.193, 95%CI: 1.164 - 1.223). The adjusted model results indicated that learners in the Western Cape province were 1.5122 more likely to pass matric when compared to learners in Gauteng province (p < 0.001, OR = 1.512, 95%CI: 1.471 - 1.555). These results indicate that the odds of passing matric, after adjusting for science subjects, increased in favour of learners in the Western Cape Province. It can be concluded that the Western Cape Province provides more enabling conditions to ensure matriculants’ superior performance. It is suggested the strategies to improve the quality of mathematics and science educators need to be implemented, especially in Gauteng province. Also, the policy that advocates for the differentiation approach should be adopted, as opposed to the current policy that advocates for a more general, rigid approach that does not recognise the inherent differences in the provinces. 

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