Curationis

Infant feeding and HIV positive mothers in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province

HIV-positive mothers who practise infant feeding of their choice at Mankweng clinic in the Limpopo province are experiencing specific problems with various feeding methods. This study was undertaken with the aim to explore and describe the socioeconomic and cultural experiences of HIV-positive mothers who practise infant feeding of their choice. The research design was exploratory, descriptive, qualitative and contextual in nature. A phenomenological approach was adopted to focus on the lived experiences of HIV-positive mothers. The study sample was purposely selected. Ten HIV-positive mothers volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected through in-depth unstructured interviews. All participants responded to an open-ended question: "Could you please tell me, in detail, your experience on infant feeding of your choice?" Interviews were conducted until saturation, as was reflected in repeating themes, was reached. The model of trustworthiness, as outlined in Guba and Lincoln (1985:301-318), to ensure credibility and dependability, was used in this study. The study adhered to the ethical standards as set by DENOSA (1998:2.3.2-2.3.4). Data were analysed according to Tesch's method, as outlined in Creswell (2003:192) and De Vos (1998:343). Literature control was performed to verify the results. Two main categories that emerged were guided by options for infant feeding; namely those that chose formula feeding for their babies and those participants who opted to breast-feed their babies. The study proposed to recommend guidelines for the development of relevent content for inclusion in health education programmes of registered midwives who, in turn, can use such information to educate mothers.

Knowledge and use of modern family planning methods by rural women in Zambia

The main aim of the study was to determine knowledge and use of modern contractive methods among reproductive age group rural women in Zambia. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 105 randomly selected rural women. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using EPI Info version 6 statistical packages. The findings revealed that 63% of the respondents were within the age group 21-35 years, 65% were married and 64% were peasant farmers. 90% of the respondents had heard about modern contraceptives and their main source of information was the Health worker (62%). 76% of the respondents stated that modern contraceptive methods could be obtained from public health facilities. 56% of the respondents were currently using modem contraceptive methods and 46% were not using modern contraceptive methods. Reasons for non use of contraceptive methods were religious beliefs (50%), partner disapproval (30%) and side effects (20%). The results showed a relationship between educational level and use of contraceptives (Chi-square 7.83, df = 3, P < 0.05) and spouse approval or support of contractive methods and use of contraceptive (Chi-square 5.9, df = 2, P < 0.05). Therefore, efforts to promote modem contraceptive use among the rural women should be intensified to overcome barriers to contraceptive use and should involve men.

Perceived basic needs and resources for the elderly in the peri-urban and rural communities in the Hhohho region in Swaziland

The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the basic needs and resources for meeting the needs of the elderly in the peri-urban and rural communities in the Hhohho region in Swaziland. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. The study population consisted of the male and female elderly aged from 60 years old and above, and key informants (health motivator, community leaders and members from welfare organizations that serve as advocates for the elderly in Swaziland). Purposive sampling was utilized to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using focus groups and individual in-depth face-to-face interviews till data saturation was achieved as evidenced by repeating information. Tesch's method of qualitative data analysis was utilised to identify themes. A total of 30 elderly persons and eight key informants participated in this research. From the study findings the researcher identified the following themes: need for resources because of poverty; need for support because of the burden of caring for others; need for health care because of health challenges; need for company because of loneliness, and need for protection because of abuse of elderly persons. Recommendations were made for community nursing practice, nursing education, nursing research and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Health education training needs of educators at Makapanstad schools in the North West Province

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the health education needs of educators at health promoting schools in Makapanstad in North West Province. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive paradigm was conducted. The population consisted of educators, at Makapanstad schools, who were directly involved with learners. The participants were purposively selected. Focus group interviews were conducted to collect relevant data from the participants. Tesch data analysis process was used to reach the findings of the research. FINDINGS: The following categories were identified and theoretically confirmed: The need for the support by the University for the training of educators; The need for the University's acknowledgement of educators' responsibilities; The need for basic knowledge of health promotion; Common health needs of learners; and indirect health problems. RECOMMENDATION: It was recommended that a health education package be developed to assist in empowering learners in Makapanstad schools.

Response to national policy imperatives for nursing education: A Western Cape case study

Since South Africa became a democratic country in 1994, the higher education sector has been faced with the challenge of transformation and restructuring. The Minister of Education in the Education White Paper 3 stated that "the higher education system must be transformed to redress the past inequities, to serve a new social order, to meet pressing national needs and to respond to realities and opportunities" (Department of Education, 1997:2). Higher education institutions were faced with the realities of impending mergers and collaborations across programmes and between universities and technikons. The Council on Higher Education (CHE) submitted a report to the Minister of Education in February 2002 which proposed the establishment of new institutional and organizational forms within regions (Department of Education, 2002: 7-8). The Minister announced changes in higher education based on his assessment of the proposals submitted by the CHE which resulted in the reduction of the number of higher education institutions from 36 to 21 (Department of Education, 2002:11-20). There were specific implications for nursing education in the Western Cape. In December 2002 the Minister of Education, Kader Asmal announced that with effect from 2005, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and a new institution, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) would be the only enrolling institutions for undergraduate nursing education in the Western Cape. The Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) instead proposed the establishment of a common teaching platform for nursing education in the region to meet the objectives of national and provincial government and to make optimal use of the combined strengths of the three universities and the technikon. This proposal was accepted by the minister and the common teaching platform, a unique form of collaboration, was established in 2005.