Factors affecting female condom use in Buffalo City Metropolitan, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Bunu, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa Sexually transmitted diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12959 , vital:39411
- Description: Introduction: The female condom was introduced so many years after the male condom was introduced as an additional intervention to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the factors affecting female condom use in Buffalo City Metropolitan, Eastern Cape. Method: Quantitative descriptive and contextual research designs were used to enable the researcher to gain knowledge and insights on female condom use. The population of the study was sexually active women between ages of 15-49 years, living in Reeston community of Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Convenient sampling was used to recruit the respondents with 599-sample size and data was collected using questionnaires. Ethical considerations were considered throughout the study. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) and summarised using tables, graphs and descriptive statistics. Results: The findings of the study were minimal use of female condom because of poor marketing strategies towards female condoms despite the government intervention. The attitude of sexually active women towards female condom was positive, but minimal knowledge, inaccessibility and unavailability of female condoms hinder its use. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study recommended health education through campaigns and counselling about female condom use and their benefits to all age groups of women who are sexually active. The government and stakeholders should promote the condom uptake, accessibility and availability in every public place. Department of Health, Education should have empowered the community at large on how to promote female condom use and improve the distribution of both male/ female condoms to schools and public place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bunu, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa Sexually transmitted diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12959 , vital:39411
- Description: Introduction: The female condom was introduced so many years after the male condom was introduced as an additional intervention to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the factors affecting female condom use in Buffalo City Metropolitan, Eastern Cape. Method: Quantitative descriptive and contextual research designs were used to enable the researcher to gain knowledge and insights on female condom use. The population of the study was sexually active women between ages of 15-49 years, living in Reeston community of Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Convenient sampling was used to recruit the respondents with 599-sample size and data was collected using questionnaires. Ethical considerations were considered throughout the study. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) and summarised using tables, graphs and descriptive statistics. Results: The findings of the study were minimal use of female condom because of poor marketing strategies towards female condoms despite the government intervention. The attitude of sexually active women towards female condom was positive, but minimal knowledge, inaccessibility and unavailability of female condoms hinder its use. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study recommended health education through campaigns and counselling about female condom use and their benefits to all age groups of women who are sexually active. The government and stakeholders should promote the condom uptake, accessibility and availability in every public place. Department of Health, Education should have empowered the community at large on how to promote female condom use and improve the distribution of both male/ female condoms to schools and public place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Substance abuse effects on academic performance and professional behaviour of public nursing college students in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Madikizela, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11407 , vital:39069
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of substance abuse on the academic performance and professional behaviour of students at a public nursing college in order to develop guidelines for the prevention of substance abuse. The design that was chosen as most suitable for this study was the qualitative research design. The researcher chose this method as she sought to explore the effects of substance abuse on the participants in this study. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants on the basis of their knowledge of the phenomenon.The participants who were utilised were 3rd and 4th year level students in the four year diploma in nursing. A pilot study was conducted and participants with similar characteristicsto the study population were utilised. Individual interviews were used as the means to collect data during which participants were given an opportunity to discuss issues with the intention of eliciting their views and opinions. One broad, open ended question was used to gather information from the participants and subsequent questions were used to probe further for clarity. Data were collected until saturation pointwas reached. Transcriptions were done within two days of the interview. The researcher repeatedly listened to audio recordings of the data until completely satisfied with verbatim interpretation of data. Data analysis was done manually. The researcher used the process of bracketing during data analysis and remained neutral, setting aside previous knowledge and beliefs about the phenomenon under study. The participants were allowed freedom to conduct their lives as autonomous agents, without control, coercion or exploitation. The findings revealed that: firstly, substance abuse has a negative impact of on both the academic performance and professional behaviour of the public nursing college students; secondly, that guidelines are needed for the prevention of substance abuse amongst students so as to focus on a ‘substance abuse free college environment’. vi The academic performance is negatively affected as substance abuse results in cognitive impairment, failure to meet the 85% lecture attendance requirement resulting in them repeating a year of study or being excluded from the course, and resulting in a missed opportunity to acquire scientific knowledge in nursing. The students’ academic aspirations get derailed. Students also experience strained relationships with lecturers due to drunkenness and bunking classes. Studentlecturer strained relationships are incompatible with academic achievement. Students whose professional behaviour is negatively affected by substance abuse demonstrate unethical conduct and professional misconduct in the clinical setting for experiential learning. The students fail to inculcate the values of the nursing profession and thus tarnish the image of the profession. Such students behave unprofessionally as they either absent themselves from duty, come on duty drunk or continue taking substances while on duty. They are also rude and swear at colleagues, supervisors, other staff members and patients. The students steal from colleagues and display insubordination. Their dress code is unprofessional and they are incompetent with poor standards of care towards the patients. The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines to prevent substance abuse at the college and this has been achieved. The results show that the college environment should be made substance abuse free by: firstly, identifying and mitigating the predisposing factors or reasons for substance abuse, for example: establish a proper and aesthetic infrastructure conducive to learning and teaching at the students’ residences and classrooms, set up mentorship programmes and introduce the house-mother model at residences; secondly, developing a policy on prevention of substance abuse within college premises including disciplinary measures; thirdly, developing stress management programmes for students to prevent abuse of substances as a coping mechanism, e.g. decongest the curriculum, curriculum review to be consultative, develop support groups, grant mid-year breaks and provide recreational and sporting facilities; fourthly, engage the services of a vii professional therapist for students who are already abusing substances or referral to the therapist; fifthly, clinical accompaniment should be strengthened for effective correlation of theory and practice; and, lastly, engage the services of a financial advisor to give guidance on income and expenditure with regard to student stipend instead of spending it on substances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Madikizela, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11407 , vital:39069
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of substance abuse on the academic performance and professional behaviour of students at a public nursing college in order to develop guidelines for the prevention of substance abuse. The design that was chosen as most suitable for this study was the qualitative research design. The researcher chose this method as she sought to explore the effects of substance abuse on the participants in this study. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants on the basis of their knowledge of the phenomenon.The participants who were utilised were 3rd and 4th year level students in the four year diploma in nursing. A pilot study was conducted and participants with similar characteristicsto the study population were utilised. Individual interviews were used as the means to collect data during which participants were given an opportunity to discuss issues with the intention of eliciting their views and opinions. One broad, open ended question was used to gather information from the participants and subsequent questions were used to probe further for clarity. Data were collected until saturation pointwas reached. Transcriptions were done within two days of the interview. The researcher repeatedly listened to audio recordings of the data until completely satisfied with verbatim interpretation of data. Data analysis was done manually. The researcher used the process of bracketing during data analysis and remained neutral, setting aside previous knowledge and beliefs about the phenomenon under study. The participants were allowed freedom to conduct their lives as autonomous agents, without control, coercion or exploitation. The findings revealed that: firstly, substance abuse has a negative impact of on both the academic performance and professional behaviour of the public nursing college students; secondly, that guidelines are needed for the prevention of substance abuse amongst students so as to focus on a ‘substance abuse free college environment’. vi The academic performance is negatively affected as substance abuse results in cognitive impairment, failure to meet the 85% lecture attendance requirement resulting in them repeating a year of study or being excluded from the course, and resulting in a missed opportunity to acquire scientific knowledge in nursing. The students’ academic aspirations get derailed. Students also experience strained relationships with lecturers due to drunkenness and bunking classes. Studentlecturer strained relationships are incompatible with academic achievement. Students whose professional behaviour is negatively affected by substance abuse demonstrate unethical conduct and professional misconduct in the clinical setting for experiential learning. The students fail to inculcate the values of the nursing profession and thus tarnish the image of the profession. Such students behave unprofessionally as they either absent themselves from duty, come on duty drunk or continue taking substances while on duty. They are also rude and swear at colleagues, supervisors, other staff members and patients. The students steal from colleagues and display insubordination. Their dress code is unprofessional and they are incompetent with poor standards of care towards the patients. The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines to prevent substance abuse at the college and this has been achieved. The results show that the college environment should be made substance abuse free by: firstly, identifying and mitigating the predisposing factors or reasons for substance abuse, for example: establish a proper and aesthetic infrastructure conducive to learning and teaching at the students’ residences and classrooms, set up mentorship programmes and introduce the house-mother model at residences; secondly, developing a policy on prevention of substance abuse within college premises including disciplinary measures; thirdly, developing stress management programmes for students to prevent abuse of substances as a coping mechanism, e.g. decongest the curriculum, curriculum review to be consultative, develop support groups, grant mid-year breaks and provide recreational and sporting facilities; fourthly, engage the services of a vii professional therapist for students who are already abusing substances or referral to the therapist; fifthly, clinical accompaniment should be strengthened for effective correlation of theory and practice; and, lastly, engage the services of a financial advisor to give guidance on income and expenditure with regard to student stipend instead of spending it on substances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of student nurses regarding the negotiation of condom use at a Nursing College in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Rumbu , Nosiphiwo Matshele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11396 , vital:39068
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still one of the severe global public health problems and a considerable number of people are living with HIV and millions of these people die of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It has been found that women have difficulty in negotiating condom use. The study that was conducted in Tanzania revealed that when women lack selfconfidence to negotiate condom use with their sexual companions, they may be exposed to unprotected sex, thus being at danger of contracting STIs as well as HIV/AIDS and therefore being more susceptible to adverse sexual and reproductive health results (Exavery, Kanté, Jackson, Noronha, Sikustahili, Tani, Mushi, Baynes, Ramsey, Hingora and Phillips, 2012:9). A qualitative, descriptive, explorative, contextual design was used to describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use and a purposive sampling method was used to select fourth year students. Eleven students participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual face-to-face interviews with fourth year students. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch‟s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data analysis and were fully discussed. The results of the study indicated that students experienced difficulties in negotiation of condom use, although some participants felt that they were comfortable to negotiate. Health education and awareness campaigns were recommended as fundamental tools that could be used as strategies to enhance successful negotiation of condom use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rumbu , Nosiphiwo Matshele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11396 , vital:39068
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still one of the severe global public health problems and a considerable number of people are living with HIV and millions of these people die of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It has been found that women have difficulty in negotiating condom use. The study that was conducted in Tanzania revealed that when women lack selfconfidence to negotiate condom use with their sexual companions, they may be exposed to unprotected sex, thus being at danger of contracting STIs as well as HIV/AIDS and therefore being more susceptible to adverse sexual and reproductive health results (Exavery, Kanté, Jackson, Noronha, Sikustahili, Tani, Mushi, Baynes, Ramsey, Hingora and Phillips, 2012:9). A qualitative, descriptive, explorative, contextual design was used to describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use and a purposive sampling method was used to select fourth year students. Eleven students participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual face-to-face interviews with fourth year students. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch‟s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data analysis and were fully discussed. The results of the study indicated that students experienced difficulties in negotiation of condom use, although some participants felt that they were comfortable to negotiate. Health education and awareness campaigns were recommended as fundamental tools that could be used as strategies to enhance successful negotiation of condom use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing the six Ministerial priority standards of care in a Health care institution in O R Tambo Region in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Kula, Nokuseni
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health care standards -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/699 , vital:27770
- Description: The objective of this research study was to describe and explore challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing six ministerial priority standards of care in selected units of an identified institution in O.R. Tambo region. Nurses are trained and employed to provide nursing care to patients according to scope of practice set by their statutory body (South African Nursing Council). Setting of standards forms part of quality improvement in nursing care and standards need to be monitored and evaluated (Muller 2006:206). In South Africa, the Minister of Health has identified six priority areas to fast-track improvement and ensure quality in health services. These priority areas are as follows: attitudes and values of health workers, cleanliness of the facility, waiting times, patient safety and security, infection prevention and control, and availability of medicines (National Health Plan: Strategic plan 2010/2013). Standard of nursing care in OR Tambo region according to available statistics, is lower than the expected ministerial standards, regardless of continued monitoring and evaluation. Staff attitudes is an ongoing problem, long queues, linen shortages, low standards of cleanliness as well as shortage of medication remain a challenge in health care institutions. This study is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and contextual study that explored challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing the six ministerial priority standards of care. A purposive sampling of 10 professional nurses, meeting the selection criteria was utilised. In depth, semi structured interviews were used as a method of data collection. A digital voice recorder was used to record the interviews and consent from participants was obtained. Ethical considerations were adhered to. The interview question was: “What challenges are you facing in implementing expected standards of care with reference to the six ministerial priority standards of care?” Data was analysed using content thematic analysis approach. An independent coder with a Master’s degree and studying towards a doctorate helped with coding the results of the interviews. The Theory for Health Promotion in nursing as propounded by Botes (2006) was used to analyse the findings. The approach used was based on the external environment and its dimensions – social, physical and intellectual. v The findings of the research revealed the following themes: Lack of resources, demotivation of nurses, attitude of nurses, lack of monitoring and evaluation, environment and overcrowding, lack of patient safety, negligence, availability of policy and procedure manuals, and incompetency of health care professionals. The findings of this study revealed that nurses faced many challenges with regard to improving the standard of nursing care. According to Botes (2006), the purpose of nursing research is functional by nature, it provides guidelines for practice. Therefore in this study, a description of guidelines to improve nursing care has been done. Trustworthiness of the findings was ensured by utilising Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Limitations of the research are highlighted and recommendations for further and related studies are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kula, Nokuseni
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Health care standards -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/699 , vital:27770
- Description: The objective of this research study was to describe and explore challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing six ministerial priority standards of care in selected units of an identified institution in O.R. Tambo region. Nurses are trained and employed to provide nursing care to patients according to scope of practice set by their statutory body (South African Nursing Council). Setting of standards forms part of quality improvement in nursing care and standards need to be monitored and evaluated (Muller 2006:206). In South Africa, the Minister of Health has identified six priority areas to fast-track improvement and ensure quality in health services. These priority areas are as follows: attitudes and values of health workers, cleanliness of the facility, waiting times, patient safety and security, infection prevention and control, and availability of medicines (National Health Plan: Strategic plan 2010/2013). Standard of nursing care in OR Tambo region according to available statistics, is lower than the expected ministerial standards, regardless of continued monitoring and evaluation. Staff attitudes is an ongoing problem, long queues, linen shortages, low standards of cleanliness as well as shortage of medication remain a challenge in health care institutions. This study is a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and contextual study that explored challenges faced by professional nurses in implementing the six ministerial priority standards of care. A purposive sampling of 10 professional nurses, meeting the selection criteria was utilised. In depth, semi structured interviews were used as a method of data collection. A digital voice recorder was used to record the interviews and consent from participants was obtained. Ethical considerations were adhered to. The interview question was: “What challenges are you facing in implementing expected standards of care with reference to the six ministerial priority standards of care?” Data was analysed using content thematic analysis approach. An independent coder with a Master’s degree and studying towards a doctorate helped with coding the results of the interviews. The Theory for Health Promotion in nursing as propounded by Botes (2006) was used to analyse the findings. The approach used was based on the external environment and its dimensions – social, physical and intellectual. v The findings of the research revealed the following themes: Lack of resources, demotivation of nurses, attitude of nurses, lack of monitoring and evaluation, environment and overcrowding, lack of patient safety, negligence, availability of policy and procedure manuals, and incompetency of health care professionals. The findings of this study revealed that nurses faced many challenges with regard to improving the standard of nursing care. According to Botes (2006), the purpose of nursing research is functional by nature, it provides guidelines for practice. Therefore in this study, a description of guidelines to improve nursing care has been done. Trustworthiness of the findings was ensured by utilising Lincoln and Guba’s model of trustworthiness. Limitations of the research are highlighted and recommendations for further and related studies are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Experiences of R425 newly qualified professional Nurses during their first year of practice in 3 selected hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Qwaqwa, Nomathamsanqa P
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Student nurses practice -- Hospitals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/677 , vital:27767
- Description: Transition of the newly qualified nurses from an educational focus to professional practitioner has long been identified as a conflicted time of critical personal and professional adjustment and staggering reality shock. This study explored the experiences of newly qualified R425 professional nurses during their first year of practice in the Eastern Cape Province at three selected hospitals. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design using a phenomenological approach. The sample included newly qualified professional nurses in their first year of employment. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants. Data collection was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews from ten (n=10) participants. Each interview took about 45 minutes. Ethical codes of research were followed. Data was coded manually and analyzed using content analysis Four themes and seven subthemes emerged from the data collected The findings revealed positive experiences such as sense of belonging and feelings of independence; negative experiences such as feelings of rejection, as well as management challenges The study identified challenges which impacted on the performance of new nurses, namely shortage of human and material resources and inadequate support in the working environment Recommendation: Introducing mandatory education by service institutions on transition as well as extended, sequential and structured orientation and mentoring programs for newly qualified professional nurses as this will assist them in their career development Managers to use different strategies in enhancing quality environments in order to reduce frustration for these newly qualified nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Qwaqwa, Nomathamsanqa P
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Student nurses practice -- Hospitals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/677 , vital:27767
- Description: Transition of the newly qualified nurses from an educational focus to professional practitioner has long been identified as a conflicted time of critical personal and professional adjustment and staggering reality shock. This study explored the experiences of newly qualified R425 professional nurses during their first year of practice in the Eastern Cape Province at three selected hospitals. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design using a phenomenological approach. The sample included newly qualified professional nurses in their first year of employment. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants. Data collection was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews from ten (n=10) participants. Each interview took about 45 minutes. Ethical codes of research were followed. Data was coded manually and analyzed using content analysis Four themes and seven subthemes emerged from the data collected The findings revealed positive experiences such as sense of belonging and feelings of independence; negative experiences such as feelings of rejection, as well as management challenges The study identified challenges which impacted on the performance of new nurses, namely shortage of human and material resources and inadequate support in the working environment Recommendation: Introducing mandatory education by service institutions on transition as well as extended, sequential and structured orientation and mentoring programs for newly qualified professional nurses as this will assist them in their career development Managers to use different strategies in enhancing quality environments in order to reduce frustration for these newly qualified nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The experiences of non-psychiatric trained nurses caring for mental health care users on 72 hour observations in a listed Hospital in the O R Tambo District
- Authors: Dubo, Siyabonga
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Mental Health care -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/688 , vital:27769
- Description: Nurses are an integral part of the health care system and their job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including the promotion of health, prevention of illness and care for physically, mentally ill and disabled people. Nurses have a mandate to be responsible and accountable to the public they serve. For these reasons, it is crucial that nurses possess attitudes that allow them to provide optimal care in a supportive manner for patients. Despite the fact that considerable research on the experiences of nurses caring for the mentally ill in general hospitals has been done globally, none has been conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Additionally, no studies could be obtained from anywhere in the world on the experiences of non-psychiatric trained nurses caring for mental health care users on 72 hour observations. Studies indicated that nurses have different experiences when caring for mental health care users. It was therefore considered necessary to find out how non-psychiatric trained nurses perceive the caring of mental health care users during the 72 hour observations. The research design used to explore and describe their experiences was qualitative, descriptive, explorative, phenomenological and contextual in character. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight (8) participants who were purposively selected. This was done after necessary permission from the Department of Health and informed consent from the research participants. Steps were taken throughout the course of the study to ensure trustworthiness. Data were analysed using Tesch’s methods and the services of an independent coder were used. The results indicate that there are different experiences with regard to the caring for mental health care users during the 72 hour observations. The major themes identified are: feelings experienced by these nurses, lack of knowledge, challenges and strategies used for coping with a violent user, need for support from security staff and lack of policies. v Guidelines as a supportive action are suggested. From the results of the study recommendations are made in the areas of nursing education, nursing practice and nursing research. It is concluded that for non-psychiatric trained nurses to provide optimal care to mental health care users, the nurses need knowledge and skills in order to facilitate the promotion, maintenance and restoration of mental health of these patients as an integral part of health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dubo, Siyabonga
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Mental Health care -- Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/688 , vital:27769
- Description: Nurses are an integral part of the health care system and their job encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including the promotion of health, prevention of illness and care for physically, mentally ill and disabled people. Nurses have a mandate to be responsible and accountable to the public they serve. For these reasons, it is crucial that nurses possess attitudes that allow them to provide optimal care in a supportive manner for patients. Despite the fact that considerable research on the experiences of nurses caring for the mentally ill in general hospitals has been done globally, none has been conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Additionally, no studies could be obtained from anywhere in the world on the experiences of non-psychiatric trained nurses caring for mental health care users on 72 hour observations. Studies indicated that nurses have different experiences when caring for mental health care users. It was therefore considered necessary to find out how non-psychiatric trained nurses perceive the caring of mental health care users during the 72 hour observations. The research design used to explore and describe their experiences was qualitative, descriptive, explorative, phenomenological and contextual in character. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight (8) participants who were purposively selected. This was done after necessary permission from the Department of Health and informed consent from the research participants. Steps were taken throughout the course of the study to ensure trustworthiness. Data were analysed using Tesch’s methods and the services of an independent coder were used. The results indicate that there are different experiences with regard to the caring for mental health care users during the 72 hour observations. The major themes identified are: feelings experienced by these nurses, lack of knowledge, challenges and strategies used for coping with a violent user, need for support from security staff and lack of policies. v Guidelines as a supportive action are suggested. From the results of the study recommendations are made in the areas of nursing education, nursing practice and nursing research. It is concluded that for non-psychiatric trained nurses to provide optimal care to mental health care users, the nurses need knowledge and skills in order to facilitate the promotion, maintenance and restoration of mental health of these patients as an integral part of health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
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