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Faculty of Health Sciences

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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.Attitudes

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    Knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers regarding Vitamin A supplementation in children below five years old in Ugu District
    (2024) Mazeka, Sithabile Noxolo Perseverance; Sokhela, Dudu Gloria
    Background: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for the health and well-being of infants and children, and is mainly responsible for good vision growth and development. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) occurs due to a diet that lacks sufficient amount of vitamin A, and is common in developing countries where there is food insecurity. Vitamin A deficiency can result in night blindness, xeropthalmia, increased morbidity and mortality of children under five years old. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends supplementation with a high dose of vitamin A supplementation (VAS) oral drops to children from 6 to 59 months, in countries where deficiency is a concern. However, the programme is not reaching all targeted children, leaving them at risk of suffering from preventable illnesses. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers regarding VAS for children below five years old, in selected primary health care (PHC) facilities in Ugu District. Primary health care facilities were stratified according to different municipalities, and then those with the highest headcount of children under five years old were purposively sampled. Respondents from those PHCs were sampled using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire and checklist and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Respondents’ level of knowledge was limited and they lacked vital information regarding VAS. Respondents indicated a positive attitude towards VAS as they perceived it to be an important and effective strategy for their children. Overcrowding and long queues of health facilities were noted as a challenge that could contribute towards low coverage of VAS. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, there is a need for effective and comprehensive health education on VAS. Use of mass media to accentuate critical aspects of VAS as it reaches large audience at a faster rate, and is commonly used by young mothers. One of the recommendations is for task shifting from professional nurses to integrated management of childhood illnesses by using Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses trained enrolled nurses to relieve the heavy load from professional nurses and reduce the long queues so that mothers do not forego this service.
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    The knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care workers regarding the occupational exposure to blood and bodily fluids in a public hospital, KwaZulu-Natal
    (2023-05) Govender, Nakita; Ghuman, Shanaz; Niranjan, Ivan
    The risk of exposure to BBF amongst health care professionals may be considered a consequential yet vastly unexplored field of study in the medical setting, particularly in the developing world. In South Africa, knowledge and practices to safeguard health care workers (HCWs) from blood borne infections (BBI) proved substandard in necessitous health care facilities. Ideally, hospital management should be provided with data to guide and inform procedures for prevention and control for potential infections arising in the work environment. An extensive review of South African literature showcased finite research data published on blood and bodily fluid (BBF) exposures and factors affecting infection prevention and control (IPC). In the KwaZulu Natal province, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of HCWs, regarding occupational exposure to BBF, as well as the HCWs perceptions on the barriers to IPC, in a public hospital, has yet to be studied, with no recently published research encountered thus far, in South Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the KAP of HCWs regarding occupational exposure to BBF in a public hospital of KwaZulu-Natal. An institutional based, observational-descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted, in order to determine the association between the knowledge and attitudes of HCWs and behavioral risks for occupational exposure, as well as the perceptions of HCWs, on the barriers to IPC in a public hospital of KwaZulu Natal. This study utilised a simple-random sampling technique from a total number of 199 HCWs. The minimum sample size was calculated at 166, by a statistician, in which the margin of error is set at 5%. This study found a correlation between profession as well as work department and risk of exposure to BBF. Level of education was found to play a significant role in HCW knowledge of PEP. Work practices were found to greatly influence the likelihood of an NSI. Post exposure prophylaxis amongst a substantial amount of HCWs who did experience an accidental exposure, was distressingly low. Underreporting seemed to have been associated with profession. The age of the respondents did play a significant role in terms of the needle recapping practices of HCWs, with the middle age category between 36 to 40 years most often engaged in needle recapping behaviour. As per the active belief of the HCWs themselves, lack of knowledge, feedback on monitoring and training on IPC, as well as lack of availability of infection prevention and control guidelines were considered to be barriers to IPC in the hospital. Respondnets in this study also displayed a potential lack of awareness on the infrequent or absence of regular infection prevention and control committee meetings. Additionally, more than half of the total sample exhibited complete ignorance in terms of cost requirements for IPC interventions as a likely impedance of IPC. A disquieting amount of HCWs were found to have received training more than 24 months ago which deviated from the recommended annual refresher training as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993).
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    The knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa regarding the other professional practice
    (2022) Ravidutt, Micaela; Maharaj, Sonill Sooknunan; Prince, Cleo
    Chiropractors and physiotherapists treat patients that present with similar conditions. Arising from this, a sense of competition is perceived between these professionals, as both professions use similar methods of treatment when providing care to their patients. However, chiropractors and physiotherapists may belong to different health paradigms which influences how each profession approaches patient management. There is also an overlap between the roles of each profession in providing healthcare, as the methods of managing patients seem to be similar. This requires an investigation into the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa regarding the other professional practice. This could potentially determine possible misconceptions and myths that the two professions have of each other’s practice. If identified and corrected, this could influence awareness within a multidisciplinary setting to enhance and promote holistic patient-centred care. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa regarding the other professional practice. Methodology The research conducted was a quantitative study with a descriptive design which targeted qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa. The research tool was an online questionnaire administered through an online platform named the QuestionPro Survey, which included questions and statements relating to the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the two professions regarding the other professional practice to meet the objectives of the study. The minimum sample size required for this study comprised of 116 chiropractors and 128 physiotherapists. The data obtained from each group were analysed separately and then a comparative analysis was done. An alpha value of 0.05 and a margin of error of 0.085 were assumed. Results Chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa generally demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and positive perceptions toward the other profession. Both professions were familiar with the other profession’s scope of practice. Chiropractors achieved a mean knowledge score of 75.7%, whereas physiotherapists obtained 59.7% on their knowledge of the examinations performed by the other profession. Chiropractors obtained an average score of 85.3% and physiotherapists achieved 72.0% on their knowledge of the treatment modalities that the other profession may perform for a patient. Both professions had good knowledge about the conditions that the other profession may treat, with chiropractors having achieved a mean knowledge score of 82.4% and physiotherapists having obtained a score of 77.3%. A total of 75.0% of chiropractors and 72.1% of physiotherapists considered the other profession to be competent in examining neuromusculoskeletal conditions. More chiropractors (82.8%) than physiotherapists (70.0%) believed the other profession to be competent in treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Each profession acknowledged the role of the other profession within the South African healthcare system. Of the sampled professions, 81.9% of chiropractors and 55.3% of physiotherapists had referred patients to the other profession. It was found that 69.8% of chiropractors, compared to 32.1% of physiotherapists, had patients referred to them by the other profession. A total of 69.0% of chiropractors and 55.3% of physiotherapists were in agreement that they would like to work closely with the other profession. Conclusion In South Africa, chiropractors and physiotherapists had good knowledge and positive attitudes and perceptions of each other’s practices. There also appeared to be a referral relationship between these professions. However, the challenges between the professions were limited and there was insufficient inter-professional awareness and exposure when practicing within the different health paradigms. Therefore, inter-professional education between chiropractors and physiotherapists of their practices as part of the university curriculum within a multidisciplinary team should be enhanced and encouraged. This would enhance and encourage inter-professional relationships between the two professions, thus promoting the delivery of holistic patient-centred care.
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    Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Black African males towards the use of sun protection : a case study of a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal
    (2021-12-01) Mayeza, Zamani Effort; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Makgobole, Mokgadi Ursula
    Background Although there may be some Black African males who are informed about sun protection and may be practicing it, there is still a lack of information amongst many Black African males on sun protection. It is generally recognised that some still think that it only applies to females. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Black African males towards the use of sun protection at a University of Technology in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology This study was guided by a quantitative research design. A quantitative research approach is methodical and unbiased research that utilises numerical information from a selected sample from a universe or population to generalise the findings only to the population that is being studied. The quantitative research design was selected for this study as it the most suitable, scientific, more controllable, less biased and deals with larger samples to provide more accurate information/results. The study was conducted at a University of Technology. The participants comprised of Black African male students. The sample size of the study was 409 participants. Descriptive statistics, in the form of tables and graphs, were used to describe the data graphically. In order to test for significant trends in the data, inferential statistics were applied. These included Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, Analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Where the conditions were not met for the application of these tests, non-parametric equivalent tests or exact tests were used. Throughout, a p-value of 0.05 was used to indicate significance. The analysis was carried out using SPSS, version 26. Results Results revealed that black communities, especially males need to be taught about sun protection. A certain percentage of the participants displayed that they have knowledge about sun protection, but they do not practice it. The study showed that there is still a lot to do in terms of educating the South Africans, especially those that are dark-skinned, about the vitality of sun protection. Conclusion In conclusion, skincare sun protection is vitally important for everyone to practice. It is not made for a specific gender; therefore, it is advised to be practiced by everybody, regardless of gender and/or race. Even though black skin has its natural shield (melanin) to protect against harsh sun’s ultraviolet(UV) rays, it is still important for Black people to protect themselves from UV radiation. This will help in reducing the chances of developing skin cancer in the long run.
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    Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of biopuncture and its use in clinical practice by registered homoeopaths
    (2021-05-27) Mbokazi, Nonhlakanipho Sinenhlanhla; Hall, Cornelia Maria
    Introduction Biopuncture is an injectable therapy which employs ultra-diluted biotherapeutic regulators. The proposed means by which biopuncture induces healing is by stimulating the immune system to heal the body. Biopuncture is currently used worldwide in the health sector for treating a variety of diseases, the most common being musculoskeletal complaints. Biopuncture has recently become a popular adjunctive therapeutic method which has been integrated into many homoeopathic healthcare practices in South Africa. There is currently limited literature on biopuncture in a South African context. Most of the existing literature needs to be translated into English. This study allowed homoeopaths to provide useful information about their level of awareness and practical uses of biopuncture. This study also identified existing misconceptions about biopuncture amongst homoeopaths in South Africa. Aim of the study The study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of registered homoeopathic practitioners regarding biopuncture treatment, and their management of clinical cases with biopuncture as a treatment modality. Methods Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Self-report techniques are the most effective way to gather factual information about participants’ perceptions, knowledge levels, and experiences. This quantitative study employed a convenience sampling method. The participants were homoeopaths who were registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and were practising in South Africa. There were about 500 homoeopaths who were registered with the Council at the time of the study. The study's desired sample size was n = 225. The questionnaires were distributed electronically with the assistance of AHPCSA. The participants were expected to fill in the forms within two weeks but there was a time extension. The researcher received and collected the responses of the questionnaire forms by email. The data was coded and captured into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the results were analysed using SPSS version 25®. Results The response rate was 35% (n = 77) of the initial sample size. The results showed 72% of the participants understood and had a knowledge of biopuncture. The overall attitude was positive that biopuncture is an appropriate complimentary adjunctive therapy in a homoeopathic practice. The majority (62%) of the participants were using biopuncture in their practice. Chi-squared analysis found that the number of years practised and the use of biopuncture are dependent. The finding was that all of the practitioners who were in practice for less than two years were using biopuncture. Biopuncture has been effectively used as a treatment and to manage clinical cases. A minority of participants (4%) perceived biopuncture to be unhomoeopathic and responded that it should be eliminated from homoeopathic practice. The importance and need for biopuncture technique training before applying it in practice came through as a strong finding, and, therefore, recommendation.