Explore publications.

This study explored the work-life balance experiences of nurse educators at a nursing education institution in Gauteng, South Africa. Using a qualitative, descriptive design, 16 purposively sampled nurse educators participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes: Transition Challenges and Work-Life Balance Interference. Participants faced difficulties adapting to academic roles, leading to strained relationships and social isolation. Academic demands also led to neglect of personal and social obligations, disrupting the work-life balance. The findings highlight the complex challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to academia, which can negatively impact well-being. The study emphasises the need for institutions to implement supportive strategies to improve nurse educators’ work-life balance.

Mental health disorders remain a major public health concern, affecting individuals across diverse populations. Family caregivers play a critical role in the care and support of individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders, with their level of knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviours influencing the effectiveness and urgency to which care is provided. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviour among family members of people diagnosed with mental health disorders in the Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. A cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 377 family caregivers in district hospitals using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated items adapted from the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule to assess knowledge, the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill scale to evaluate attitudes, and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale to assess help-seeking behaviours. Data were analysed using Stata version 17. The findings revealed that 63.23% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of mental health care, while 65.61% expressed positive attitudes toward individuals living with mental health disorders. Despite this, 60.05% of family caregivers showed reluctance in seeking professional psychological help and often resorted to a combination of medical and traditional treatment approaches. Although most caregivers were knowledgeable about mental health conditions, some lacked awareness of available mental health services and relied heavily on traditional healing practices, delaying access to professional care. Cultural beliefs and stigma were found to significantly influence caregivers’ help-seeking behaviours, highlighting the need for interventions that focus on mental health education, stigma reduction, and increased awareness of professional support services.

Geophagic practise amongst women of reproductive age remains a major public health concern that is associated with perinatal and postpartum mortalities and morbidities that requires critical interventions to mitigate the practise. Despite the available interventions such as administration of oral iron and folic acid supplementation and intravenous iron therapy, geophagic women of reproductive age do not adhere to the prescribed treatment. Geophagic practise is mostly common and prevalent amongst women of reproductive age worldwide, irrespective of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, age, and social status. An exploratory qualitative research method was used to conduct the study to explore the perceived barriers to accessing treatment for geophagy among women of reproductive age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. The study was conducted in the antenatal care and family planning units in the public healthcare facilities of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. The findings indicate that absence of geophagy health education and screening of iron deficiency in the antenatal care units, as part of the antenatal care. addiction, dependency syndrome, influence from peers, fear of judgement and shame to disclose to healthcare providers about their geophagic practise status, lack of awareness regarding the benefits of taking oral and intravenous iron therapies were stressed as the main barriers influencing the uptake of treatment for geophagy amongst women of reproductive age. The implementation of iron and folic acid supplementation and intravenous iron therapy for geophagic women of reproductive age is not adequately yielding positive results if this initiative is not coupled with geophagy health education particularly in the antenatal care units to enhance treatment uptake and adherence.

This study explored the lived experiences of nyaope users who are HIV-positive in Mogale City, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Nyaope is a commonly used drug that is highly addictive. The study employed an exploratory and descriptive qualitative research method to gain in-depth insights into the health-related, psychosocial, and systemic challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Nyaope users who are HIV-positive were recruited from a local Non-Profit Organisation.  A sample size of 25 was reached, and data were analysed using Nvivo Software was utilised following thematic content analysis. The findings demonstrate that poor treatment at healthcare facilities, attitude and behaviour of healthcare providers, stigma, discrimination, withdrawal symptoms, and lengthy clinic processes were some of the challenging experiences encountered by nyaope users who are HIV positive. Despite, the reported unpleasant experiences, some participants revealed that they adherence to their HIV treatment and they are virally suppressed. Furthermore, other participants expressed their willingness to recover and engage in treatment if more inclusive, compassionate, and coordinated services were made available. The study emphasized the urgent need for integrated public health interventions that combine HIV care, mental health, and harm reduction within a rights-based framework, to improve their experiences when accessing HIV treatment in the healthcare facilities. The efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 goal in alleviating HIV spread and the overall health promotion of nyaope users who are HIV Positive must be strengthened, to improving accessibility amongst the group that is marginalised.

This study investigates the prevailing barriers to the development of cultural tourism to become an inclusive and participatory agent of local economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Using a mixed methods study approach, researchers collected data by giving structured questionnaires and conducting semi-structured interviews in eleven culturally rich areas of the province. Quantitative findings indicate the COVID-19 pandemic significantly eroded tourism growth, followed closely by the lack of local engagement, primarily among the youth and women, largely resulting from the unavailability of information and the lack of support for small businesses. Qualitative findings endorse the stated barriers, indicating the lack of sufficient strategic planning, under-marketing of the culture of tourism, and the lack of integration of such aspects of culture, such as traditional foods and arts, into the touristic products. The study calls for inclusive policies to empower the marginalised communities, the widening of community engagement, and the utilisation of KZN’s cultural resources to drive economic transformation. The study concludes by providing recommendations for responsive governance, strategic marketing, and development paradigms that can reposition the culture of tourism as a viable path for inclusive development in the province.

Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a key part of socio-economic development in South Africa by providing employment, generating incomes, and alleviating poverty. Despite their significance, South African SMEs continue to register high failure rates, low growth rates, and short lifespan, particularly in unstable industries. Existing research has consistently cantered on the determinants of firm performance but has been remiss in considering the combined effect of firm size, financial turnover, and performance on lifespan in SMEs—specifically in diversified industrial settings. Bridging the research gap in extant research, the present research considered the interrelationship between the aforementioned variables in the best-performing and poorest-performing industries in South Africa, Manufacturing and Construction industries. The study used a correlational research design and collected data from 204 SMEs using structured questionnaires to gauge the number of employees, turnover per year, and operation period in years. Pearson correlation analysis established that in the Manufacturing industry, longevity was weakly and significantly interrelated with turnover and size but in the Construction industry was weak or statistically non-significant. Contrastingingly, when both industries were combined together, weak but statistically significant interrelationship was established between longevity and both turnover and size, but a strongly positive interrelationship was established between turnover and size. The results conclude that firm size and financial performance are key drivers of the lifespan of SMEs, especially in more stable industries.

The aim of this study is to assess educational engagement as a mediator of familial and school-based social care on psychological well-being of school students in India. Cross-sectional survey of students of Kashmir-Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India was taken using validated self-report measures to assess educational engagement, social care within home and school contexts, teamwork dynamics, and psychological well-being. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized to determine mean values along with corresponding standard deviations. A structural equation model (SEM) was also employed to assess direct and indirect effects of determinants on psychological well-being considering that neither multi-group nor univariate conditions of normality had been met. A robust maximum likelihood estimator (RMLE) was, therefore, utilized accordingly. Students display moderate levels of engagement (M = 20.95, SD = 5.91), friendship support (M = 16.39, SD = 6.78), familial support (M = 15.82, SD = 4.64), and institutional support (M = 14.99, SD = 4.63). The inner team climate (M = 28.35, SD = 8.01) is also moderately supportive. Psychological well-being (M = 52.26, SD = 12.68). The structural model indicated good fit, indicating good explanatory power regarding psychological well-being (R² = 0.71) and engagement (R² = 0.61). Family support (p < 0.001), institutional support (p = 0.002), and inner team environment (p = 0.040) were identified to have a positive associative relationship with engagement. For psychological well-being, friendship support had a positive associative relationship with engagement (p = 0.002). Finally, within psychological well-being, engagement functioned as a mediator of the impacts of family support (Indirect effect = 0.18, p < 0.001) and of institutional support (Indirect effect = 0.12, p = 0.017). This research calls for better mental health care to improve students' engagement and resilience. Future researchers need to give priority to these issues.

The Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) program aimed to improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes by initiating immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, UTT faced challenges, including high attrition rates and loss to follow-up (LTFU), particularly in South Africa, where implementation has sometimes led to increased treatment discontinuation. This study investigated HIV UTT program uptake and LTFU rates among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Moretele Sub-district, South Africa. A quantitative, observational retrospective design evaluated UTT effectiveness in rural HIV care. Adult clients initiating ART between January 2020 and January 2022 across nine clinics in Moretele Sub-district were included. A random sample of 500 medical records was analyzed using Tier.net and DHIS software for record identification. Data analysis using STATA 18.0 included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression to identify factors influencing retention. Of 203 records analyzed, (30.8%) were aged 30–39, and 52.8% were female. Most clients were single (61.8%) and employed (51.6%). Same-day ART initiation was high (83.8%), yet 70% were LTFU, 25% transferred, 4.4% stopped treatment, and 0.6% died. Clients aged 30–39 had higher odds of LTFU (adjusted OR = 1.77; p=0.007). Gender, marital, and income status showed no significant association. While UTT enables rapid ART initiation, high LTFU rates, especially among younger, male, and employed individuals, hinder success. Strategies to improve retention should focus on same-day initiators and community engagement. This study highlights critical challenges in UTT implementation, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address LTFU and enhance retention in HIV care programs.

The growing prevalence of mental health issues, particularly depression and suicidal thoughts, points to the need to develop automated tools capable of detecting such sentiments from online communication. This study addresses some critical challenges by introducing a novel sentiment analysis framework for Bangla text, aimed at classifying content into non-depressive, depressive, and suicidal categories. We propose a hybrid deep learning model leveraging the strengths of transformer-based architectures, designed to manage long textual sequences effectively, a critical aspect in the context of natural language processing. Our model integrates RoBERTa (Robustly Optimised BERT Pre-Training Approach) with a Self-Attention Network (SAN), creating a synergistic framework for nuanced sentiment detection in Bangla social media posts, comments, and articles. This method addresses the scarcity of Bangla specific datasets by utilising a dataset curated for the study. The results demonstrate the superiority of our model, achieving an accuracy of 82.58%, alongside precision, recall, and F1-scores of 82%. Subsequently, it emphasises the potential for the proposed model to support early identification of mental health concerns, thereby enabling timely interventions and contributing to mental health awareness and prevention efforts. In the future, deploying the model as a real-time chatbot or browser extension could scan Bangla social media for depressive, non-depressive, and suicidal content and alert professionals to the risk factors.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services (HTS) are as important as any other healthcare service; hence clients should be encouraged to use them. The Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) initiative is one of the ways for improving HIV outcomes by commencing rapid antiretroviral medication (ART). An explorative-descriptive qualitative study was followed to understand the motivation for accepting and utilization of HTS through the UTT strategy. The study was conducted in three selected PHC facilities around North-West province, Bojanala district, Kgetleng sub-district. Data was analysed using thematic content with the support of NVivo 12 software. Four main themes with supporting sub-themes emerged. The study findings showed that the majority of participants were not knowledgeable about or aware of the strategy until they tested positive in their clinics. HTS are still underused as participants presented to the facilities only when seriously ill, had symptoms or were pregnant. Some participants accepted their status and treatment because they were already sick and had no choice but to take treatment. Despite the different emotions, others were able to accept their treatment and status. Some disclosed and received support from family, partners and friends, while others had not. Fear of stigmatisation when seen frequently at the clinic was also noted. This article's findings can influence policymakers involved in HIV testing and UTT methods.

Caregivers play an essential role in the prevention and management of childhood illnesses. The experiences caregivers encounter when utilizing healthcare services for children under-five years of age profoundly influence their propensity to use these services in the future. This paper aims to explore the positive experiences of caregivers utilizing under-five child healthcare services in Vhembe district healthcare facilities. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used for this study. Sixteen caregivers were purposefully sampled, and in-depth individual interviews were conducted. Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis steps were followed to analyze the data. Trustworthiness criteria were observed, and ethical approval was obtained for the study. The findings show that caregivers had positive experiences with the service they received. The care was of good quality, as reflected in timely service provision, availability of medicines, nurses' competence and professionalism, and person-centred care. The healthcare environment was welcoming; communication was effective, and nurses portrayed a positive attitude, resulting in caregivers' satisfaction with the care received. Caregivers felt Supported and empowered as they were involved in childcare. Positive experiences are crucial for the optimal utilization of healthcare services and improved health outcomes. The findings highlight the need to enhance staff competency and professionalism by mandating IMCI training.

Intellectual disability is a developmental disorder that markedly affects cognitive and adaptive functioning. Learners with mild intellectual disability are capable of engaging in various occupations, including activities of daily living, leisure, social interactions, and employment. Employment is frequently regarded as a critical measure of successful outcomes following education. Nonetheless, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities often exit the educational system lacking the workforce readiness skills—such as communication, social skills, self-management, responsibility, problem-solving, decision-making, and job-specific competencies—essential for sustained employment in the open labour market. Low intelligence quotients restrict community engagement. The researcher noted that South Africa does not have adequate systems to facilitate the successful transition of these learners from school to the workplace. This research investigates the experiences of educators and occupational therapists to delineate concepts related to facilitating school-to-work transitions for learners with mild intellectual disabilities. A qualitative exploratory research design was utilised. Fifteen educators and eight occupational therapists from schools for learners with mild intellectual disabilities in the Gauteng province, Tshwane region, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via five focus group discussions until saturation was achieved and analysed thematically. Five primary themes were identified: challenges associated with the Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (DCAPS), accomplishments within the DCAPS framework, collaborative initiatives, resource deficiencies, and learnership placement. Educators and occupational therapists could support learners in specific domains; however, they encountered systemic challenges. This study generated significant data for policymakers, the Department of Education, occupational therapists, and vocational skills training educators in schools for Learners with Special Education Needs, aimed at facilitating a successful school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disabilities.

Teenagers' ignorance and reckless decision-making lead to poor consequences for their sexual and reproductive health. This could be exacerbated by teenagers looking for information from unreliable sources such as the internet and social media. This emphasizes the importance of communication between parents and teenagers about sexual health practices. There is an increasing number of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV among teenagers in South Africa. This study aimed to explore the measures to improve parent-teen sexual health communication in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa. This qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research was conducted using individual in-depth interviews. Purposive sampling was used to select parents who had teenagers aged 12 to 19 years. Content analysis by Tesch’s approach was used for data analysis. The research process was guided by ethical principles which were applied throughout the study. The study findings revealed four themes such as setting up a forum for parent-teen engagement at health centres, open family communication, community sexual health support structures and sexual and reproductive health education. There is a need to improve sexual reproductive health communication between parents to teenagers. The study findings revealed suggestions to improve communication for the future and this will encourage parents to communicate with their teenagers in future such as concerning sexual health. Ensuring that teenagers have access to sexual and reproductive health services contributes to fulfilling their sexual and reproductive rights, providing them with more choices to best suit their needs and empowering them.

This qualitative study explores the barriers to quality nursing documentation at a mental health institution in South Africa.  Nursing documentation forms a fundamental part of care as it ensures continuity of care and collaboration amongst mental health care providers on the mental health of the persons being treated. Thus, the need to obtain an in-depth understanding of the hindrances mental health nurses face in producing high-quality nursing documents arose. Using in-depth interviews and reflexive thematic analysis, the researchers identified that mental health nurses face challenges such as workforce constrains, resource limitation, leadership and supervision deficits as well as lack of quality assurance mechanisms. Subsequently, suggestions to enhance documentation excellence through capacitation, strategic oversight and standardization of documentation practices were made. The study highlights the importance of ensuring high quality of nursing documentation. Therefore, the findings offer valuable insights applicable to mental health globally, where there are concerns related to the quality of nursing documentation