Magister Artium (Social Work) - MA(SW) / Primary Health Care (PHC) is the cornerstone of health care globally, nationally and locally and, therefore, should be regarded as the foundation of health care provision. In South Africa, Community Day Clinics (CDCs) are part of the bouquet of services that is being offered at a PHC level. There are various factors that generate inconsistency in the provision of care to people accessing these CDCs. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore how these factors impact on the care practices that health care professional’s provide. Research suggests that the majority of health care workers are women, who play a double role as carers in their professional and private lives. Therefore, the political ethics of care, a feminist theoretical approach, was utilized to understand care practices in these health settings. The aim of the study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the care practices of health care workers at two CDC facilities on the Cape Flats. A qualitative research methodology was used to explore and identify the phenomenon under study. The research project followed an explorative and descriptive research design, as the researcher sought to understand the care practices of health care workers and how their values and ethics further influenced care practices at these two CDC settings. The data was gathered using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and later analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. The research findings were grouped in terms of the values entrenched in the political ethics ofcare, which are attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness and trust. The research findings identified various aspects that, either negatively or positively, impact on these values. Finally, recommendations were made to management, as well as care workers. These recommendations were in terms of implementing care services that are attentive to service-users and care-workers; providing a service that takes into consideration the value of responsibility; the provision of competent services; and finally creating trusting relationships within the CDC.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2011 / INTRODUCTION: The human immune deficiency virus (HIV) leads to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS was first identified in the 1980’s and since then has spread globally causing one of the most dreaded pandemics of modern time. The issue of stigma is very important in the battle against HIV/AIDS as it affects attendance at health centres for obtaining ARV and regular medical check-ups, adherence of patients to ARV treatment. The fear of stigma further helps to fuel a culture of secrecy, silence, ignorance, blame, shame and fear of victimization. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine if there was any external stigmatization of HIV positive patients by health care workers (HCWs) at King Edward VIII Hospital. OBJECTIVES: To determine if the knowledge of HCWs regarding HIV/AIDS and its transmission affect the way they supply a service towards HIV positive patients at King Edward VIII Hospital and to determine the comfort level and the attitude of the HCWs in rendering care to a HIV positive patient. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross sectional survey where data was collected using an anonymous selfadministered structured questionnaire with closed ended questions on personal and professional characteristics, disease knowledge, and discriminatory practices such as attitudes and comfort levels towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). A total of three hundred and thirty four HCWs from different units at the King Edward VIII hospital participated in this study. FINDINGS Overall the HCWs have an above average knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its transmission with only 1.8% scoring below average in the knowledge questions regarding HIV and its transmission, although some knowledge gaps were identified regarding occupational exposure risks. Evidently from the results is that HCW with higher levels of education are more knowledgeable on issues relating to HIV/AIDS. The implication is that a HCW with a better education is better equipped with the cognitive knowledge to deal with HIV/AIDS, highlighting the importance of education related to external stigmatization. Even though HCWs were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS most still felt uncomfortable in performing some occupational duties on PLWHA like assisting a woman in labour and performing invasive surgical operations. Most of the HCWs showed a positive attitude towards PLWHA believing that they are not to be blamed for their condition but that individuals in the community who are perceived to be promiscuous men or women are the ones responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS. Procedures like patients being tested without their consent and patients required to do a HIV/AIDS test before surgery that could be perceived as stigmatization have been observed in King Edward VII hospital. Patient confidentiality is also compromised in that gossiping by HCWs about the HIV/AIDS results of patients has been noted. Fortunately a significant number of HCWs are willing to report their colleagues to a higher authority if any form of stigmatization or discrimination towards PLWHA is seen at King Edward VIII Hospital. CONCLUSION Although the knowledge, attitude and comfort of the HCWs at King Edward VIII Hospital was above average continuing medical education and continuing professional development should be mandatory in the management of HIV/AIDS so that HCWs can have the needed knowledge to keep up with the changing world of HIV/AIDS medicine and also about universal precautions to take so as to reduce occupational exposures. Psychological support to the HCW is needed in dealing with PLWHA so that patients can be provided with quality and compassionate care irrespective of their HIV/AIDS status as this will eventually help in the reduction of stigma.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by health care workers caring for patients diagnosed with Tuberculosis at Tertiary 1 Military Hospital, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The quantitative research study was conducted and data was collected from 56 respondents who participated in this study conducted at Tertiary 1 Military Hospital, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents through a self-administered questionnaire. Data was then analysed using statistical STATISTICA 7, Software SPSS 23, as well as Microsoft Excel for presentation of tables and graphs. Respondents consisted of 59% females, compared to 41% of males. Majority of respondents (76.4%) were between the ages of 23-32. Respondents who were single were 66% compared to 32.1% married and 1.8% widowed. The findings of this study indicates that the health care workers, work in challenging environment with a lack of resources and need to be supported, as they experience more negative than positive experiences whilst caring for patients diagnosed with TB, further, revealed that, the health care workers did not get support from management. The analysis of the data has shown that management seemed not to understand fully what health care workers at grass-roots level are experiencing. Furthermore, findings of this research revealed that health care workers have never received any formal training on management of patients diagnosed with TB, wherein at times they have questions they have to ask their colleagues/friends, which at times they felt frustrated, the findings of this study furthermore revealed the lack of in-service training. The study concluded that, the respondents fears contracting TB from patients diagnosed of TB: there is compromised TB infection control measures, such as failure to wear protective masks (N95), and lack of adequate resources was also revealed by several respondents. The general findings of this research demonstrate that there should be adequate resources allocated to healthcare workers caring for TB, there should also be an initiatives to establish the health care worker‟s training regarding TB management and regular in-service training especially on TB management. This was also demonstrated in the study conducted by Chung et al, 2005, on the experiences of nurses while caring for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) patients, the findings revealed a variety of emotions that were experienced, whereby, health care workers considered themselves vulnerable and at risk of contracting the disease themselves especially airborne diseases.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017. / Background: Ante natal care (ANC) service is a very important intervention to track the progress and to identify complications that might arise during pregnancy. The first ANC visit at a health facility is even more important as health providers are able to identify whether there are any risks to the mother and the unborn child and it should be initiated at the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Objectives: The study aim was to establish the knowledge and perceptions about ANC services among pregnant women in the Julesburg Local Area in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional research approach was used at six primary health care facilities in the Julesburg Local Area of the Mopani District in Limpopo Province. Stratified random sampling was used. Data were collected from 293 pregnant women using a self-administered questionnaire. . Data analysis was done using the International Business Management Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23 (SPSS 23). Results: The results reveal that a high percentage of pregnant women have adequate knowledge with regard to ANC services. The results further show that knowledge level of pregnant women has no association with educational level (P=0.488). With regard to perception, half of the respondents have positive perceptions of ANC services, while a further half have negative perceptions of these services. Conclusion: ANC service is of great importance to further reduce maternal and neonatal deaths as most of these deaths are avoidable. There is a need to strengthen the training programme of staff by providing further training exposure and health information to pregnant women with regard to the important of early ANC initiation and frequency of ANC visit need to be intensified. Keywords: Health care workers, antenatal care, knowledge, perception, initiation, utilization.

Violence and threats of violence is described as a common and relevant issue in various care units. Mental health care workers often feel frustrated and unsatisfied in their work with mentally ill patients. Experienced mental health care workers find that learning how to treat and cope with violent patients is beneficial. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge and understanding of mental health care workers experiences and perspectives on workplace violence. The method used was qualitative semi-structured interviews with mental health care workers ofdifferent care facilities. The results found that the patients’ illness appear to be the source of the violence. The environment can also be a source of violence. Violence was common in caring situations, particularly when mental health careworkers were physically close to their patients. The mental health care workers experienced feelings of anger, humiliation, remorse, and helplessness. The participants expressed that they questioned their own abilities and at times believed that their ability to communicate with patients and relax them was inadequate. Colleagues, relatives, and friends were perceived to be the most supportive, and the most common way of coping with violence in the workplace. Furthermore, the conclusion of the study is that the environment must be adjusted to meet the needs of the mental health care workers in meetings with threatful and violent patients. Mental health care workers need education and guidance on how to proceed as well as encouragement to report violent incidents.

Bakgrund: En god munhälsa är av stor vikt för att uppehålla en adekvat näringstillförsel samt förebyggandet av eventuella sjukdomar till följd av förändringar i munnen. Patienten kan eventuellt drabbas av smärta, parodontit, påverkan av smak och aptit samt sjukdomar som exempelvis lunginflammation om munhälsan bortses av vårdpersonal. Syfte: Syftet är att beskriva vårdpersonals attityd till och kunskap om munhälsa vid den kirurgiska akutvårdsavdelningen (KAVA) i Skaraborgs sjukhus Skövde. Metod - En enkätstudie med mixad metod. Resultat: I resultatet framkom tidsbrist, ansvarsfördelning, möjligheten att med klinisk blick bedöma en patients munhälsa samt aspekten om resursfördelning. Konklusion - Studien visar att kunskap om tidsbrist, ansvarsfördelning och material kan generera en bättre munvård för KAVAS patienter. / Background: A good health of the mouth is essential for nutrition status and the prevention of possible diseases due to changes in the mouth. The patient can suffer pain, periodontitis, change of taste and appetite, and pneumonia if the health care workers neglect mouth care. Aim: This study investigates the attitudes and knowledge of the health care workers at the emergency surgical ward (KAVA) at Skaraborg hospital. Method: a mixed-method survey study. Result: In the result, the findings of lack of time, division of responsibilities, the nurse's clinical eye to assess a patient's mouth status, and the allocation of resources. Conclusion: The study shows that knowledge about lack of time, division of responsibilities, and the knowledge about materials can generate better mouth care for the patients of KAVA.

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Yes / Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection with their efforts while protecting the greater community and also exposed to hazards, such as psychological distress, fatigue, and stigma. This study aimed to explore the perception of frontline HCWs on barriers of managing COVID-19 in Fiji. Methods: A qualitative study method was approached to conduct this study among the HCWs who worked on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic based at ten purposively selected health facilities in the Suva subdivision in the Central Division of Fiji. The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), the Fiji Centre for Communicable Diseases (Fiji CDC), Twomey hospital laboratory, and CWMH laboratory did the main control and most of the operations of other divisions were monitored from these settings. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data using in-depth interviews. The participants' responses were audio-recorded and were later transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: A total of twenty-nine HCWs took part in the in-depth interview and the responses were grouped into four themes, which include: workload, poor communication, lack of resources, and hindrance to education. It was also found through this study that some of the HCWs felt tired, frustrated, got rude to patients, and found it difficult to handle situations, which affected them mentally and physically stressed. Conclusion: Managing the COVID-19 cases has been attributed to the presence of many barriers, such as workload, tiredness, frustration, and sometimes difficult-to-handle situations, and the HCWs were indeed affected mentally and physically. Regular training for HCWs and more awareness programs would help the general public to follow the preventive measures, which reduces the cases and would help the HCWs manage COVID-19 well. / Research Development Fund Publication Prize Award winner, Aug 2022.

This study sought to explore the views of healthcare workers regarding paediatric anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence in Nigeria. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used to identify and describe healthcare workers’ views in Kano and Lagos, Nigeria. Three focus group discussions were held. The transcribed data was analysed using the framework approach of data analysis. Healthcare providers perceived poverty, illiteracy, stigma and discrimination, inappropriate care approaches, and parental dynamics as factors influencing ART adherence. Recommendations for enhancing paediatric ART adherence levels in Nigeria included: mainstreaming adherence counselling in paediatric ART and adopting a comprehensive family centred care approach were identified as measures for improving paediatric ART adherence. Other measures included free ART services, quality improvement in paediatric ART services, parental empowerment and stigma and discrimination reduction programmes. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Health care associated infections cause major challenges to the provision of health care. This isdue to the burden placed on individuals, their families, and health services. Hand hygiene actions are cost effective measures towards reducing the spread of health care associated infections and have proven very effective in preventing microbial transmission during patient care. It has beenproven that health care workers hands are the main routes of transmission of health care associated infections. Despite this, hand hygiene is still frequently overlooked by health careworkers especially in settings with limited resources. This paper therefore explores hand hygieneknowledge and behaviours of public and private health care workers in The Gambia with focuson the health belief model. The required information has been gathered from 4 public and 2 private health care facilities through the use of a questionnaire based on the WHO evaluation toolkit. Hand hygiene knowledge of health care workers corresponded with their hand hygiene behaviour. Inadequate hand hygiene performance was noted in many health care workers as wellas limited availability of hand hygiene resources from health care facilities. Private health care facilities provided better hand hygiene opportunities for their health care workers yet neither private nor public health care facilities offered adequate hand hygiene training and feedback on hand hygiene performances to their health care workers.