The provision of psychological services is vital considering the complex nature of psychosocial issues facing people today. Nevertheless, the provision and utilization of psychological services has not been given due recognition in most African countries, including Botswana. Botswana is one of the countries faced by the challenges of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other mental health problems, as well as poverty and unemployment. To date statistics on the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana, published annually by the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) reflect an increased rate of mental illness and psychosocial problems. Considering the complex nature of issues that impact negatively on people in Botswana, there is a need for awareness and the provision of psychological services in the primary health care system. There is little research on the place of psychology and psychological services in Botswana. The availability of such information is crucial for the planning of effective community-based psychological services. The present study employed a quantitative research method to explore and describe awareness and attitudes towards psychological services and referral practices in relation to psychological problems, of health care providers in Botswana. The participants in the study were chosen, based on a non-probability, purposive sampling method. The sample consisted of ninety-six persons and constituted medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and clinical social workers from governmental and non-governmental institutions from Gaborone and Francistown in Botswana. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics in order to identify the mean, ranges and standard deviations. Frequency counts and percentages of the participants’ responses were computed. The results of the study revealed an awareness of available psychological services, positive attitudes towards psychology and psychological services and a reasonable percentage of referrals to psychological services. The results also revealed that available psychological services were limited and not easily accessible to patients. There was also an indication of a shortage of trained professionals to offer psychological services in health care centres, which resulted in psychological problems being referred to social workers.

Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Background:Patient satisfaction is an important means of measuring the effectiveness of health care delivery and medical care. Patient satisfaction provides a picture of the extent to which the general health care needs of the patient provided by health care professionals are met to the satisfaction of the patient. Administration of patient satisfaction surveys provide an opportunity to identify and resolve potential problems before they become serious. Enhancing quality of service delivery in public health facilities is a prerequisite for the increased utilisation and sustainability of health care services to the population. The aim of the study was to investigate the level of patient satisfaction regarding service delivery provided by the doctors and nurses at a hospital in Botswana. Purpose:The study’s aim was to investigate the level of patient satisfaction regarding service delivery at a hospital in Botswana. Methods:Aquantitative approach using a self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data regarding patient satisfaction regarding service delivery at hospital was used.A consecutive sampling technique was used to select patients who fulfilled the study’s inclusion criteria. A sample size of 360 patients was required for the study, which was calculated based on the Taro Yamane formula. Data was analysed using SPSS version V.21.0. Results:The mean age of the outpatients was 38.5(SD ±15.6) years while,for the inpatients, the mean agewas 33.3(SD±12.4) years. The greater proportion of respondents in both groups was females. Nearly half (47%) of the outpatients were employed, whereas more than half (53%) of the inpatients were unemployed. The majority of the participants had a low level of education. The mean satisfaction level was 58.9 (SD±7.9)for outpatients, while for in patients, the mean satisfaction level was 70.3 (SD±12.5). A large proportion (65%) of the outpatients were satisfied compared to the inpatients (54%), however, the results were not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between the age, gender, employment status, level of education of the outpatients and their level of satisfaction. For inpatient variables, age, gender, and level of education were not associated with level of satisfaction (p>0.05). Conclusion: Inconclusion, regardless of the fact that certain aspects of care provided a t this hospital were unsatisfactory, the results of the present study revealed that, overall,more than half of the patients were satisfied with the inpatients and outpatient aspects of the xiv care they were provided.

Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Science)

Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Science)

A needs assessment during 2000 guided the design of a buddy system in Botswana. Implementation of this care and support system for and by 39 HIV+ve female buddy-client pairs started in 2002. During April and November 2002, levels of disclosure, self-care, support and quality of life of buddy-client pairs and the controls (n = 38) were compared. Orem's self-care theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Cohen and Syme's conceptualisation of social support formed the theoretical framework. By November 2002, clients' disclosure levels, self-care for TB, and antiretroviral therapy adherence had improved. Higher income, higher education and older age predicted higher levels of self-care for antiretroviral therapy. The social support survey reported satisfaction with types of support available in November 2002 (N = 112). Clients' scores for self-care for TB, antiretroviral therapy and social support improved more than those of controls over the study period. The personal resource questionnaire measured perceptions of support: buddies' scores increased more than those of clients. Women on antiretroviral therapy completed the adherence attitudes inventory in April and November 2002 and reported a downward trend in adherence. Findings of the quality of life (SF 36) instrument showed that during the six-month study period, physical and mental health component summary scores improved but remained low (N = 112). During 2003 Botswana's community-based buddy-support programme was adopted by four other countries in Southern Africa in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of HIV+ve women in these countries. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

A needs assessment during 2000 guided the design of a buddy system in Botswana. Implementation of this care and support system for and by 39 HIV+ve female buddy-client pairs started in 2002. During April and November 2002, levels of disclosure, self-care, support and quality of life of buddy-client pairs and the controls (n = 38) were compared. Orem's self-care theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Cohen and Syme's conceptualisation of social support formed the theoretical framework. By November 2002, clients' disclosure levels, self-care for TB, and antiretroviral therapy adherence had improved. Higher income, higher education and older age predicted higher levels of self-care for antiretroviral therapy. The social support survey reported satisfaction with types of support available in November 2002 (N = 112). Clients' scores for self-care for TB, antiretroviral therapy and social support improved more than those of controls over the study period. The personal resource questionnaire measured perceptions of support: buddies' scores increased more than those of clients. Women on antiretroviral therapy completed the adherence attitudes inventory in April and November 2002 and reported a downward trend in adherence. Findings of the quality of life (SF 36) instrument showed that during the six-month study period, physical and mental health component summary scores improved but remained low (N = 112). During 2003 Botswana's community-based buddy-support programme was adopted by four other countries in Southern Africa in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of HIV+ve women in these countries. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)