http://hdl.handle.net/10386/177 2026-04-11T14:47:21Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5446 Contributory factors leading to non-attendance for ante-natal care by pregnant women in a selected public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa Kgorane, Makgaka Rebecca Background: Ante-natal care, especially early booking, is key to ensuring that pregnant women receive optimum care during pregnancy and delivery. It is essential in preventing pregnancy-related complications. However, the frequency of pregnant women presenting at the selected regional hospital for delivery with no prior history of ante-natal care remains high. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the contributory factors leading to non-attendance for ante-natal care. Objectives: The study explored and described the contributory factors leading to non-attendance for ante-natal care by pregnant women in a selected regional hospital in Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: The study was conducted in a selected regional hospital. A qualitative research approach and exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design were adopted. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants. The data were collected through in-person semi-structured interviews and analysed using a thematic analysis technique. A total of 16 participants were interviewed until data saturation was reached. Measures to establish trustworthiness—credibility, conformability, dependability and transferability—were implemented and ethical principles adhered to. Results: The current study found that the most reported factors contributing to non-attendance for ante-natal care were linked to the following themes that emerged from the study’s findings: socio-demographic factors, personal barriers, and system provider factors. Inaccessible healthcare, financial constraints, a low level of education, lack of knowledge of ante-natal care, lack of support, and poor nurse-patient relationships were identified as sub-themes of the current study. The least frequently reported factors—initial denial of pregnancy, late recognition of pregnancy symptoms, considered abortion, long queues/slow service, and operating hours—were also sub-themes emerging from the study. Conclusions: Although maternal services are offered free of charge, women persistently reach full term without seeking ante-natal care. Factors such as insufficient funds, inadequate support from family members, attitudes of healthcare personnel, and denial of pregnancy had a negative impact on attendance for ante-natal care by pregnant women. To mitigate these factors, the study recommended mass media outreach initiatives (TV, radio, newspaper, and social media) to educate the public on the importance of ante-natal care and spousal support. With the help of home-based carers, women can be tested for pregnancy at their homes and encouraged to attend ante-natal care. Thesis (M. Nursing (Nursing Science) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5397 Evaluation of nursing' antimicrobial prescribing practices and use in selected public primary health care facilities in the North-West Province, South Africa Motseatsea, Valentia Pretty Mosima Background: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, primarily driven by inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) activities at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. The primary aim was to evaluate the appropriateness of nurses’ antimicrobial prescribing practices and determine the availability of antimicrobial stewardship activities in PHC settings. Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, analysing 366 prescriptions for appropriateness in Phase 1. Descriptive data analysis was performed using SPSS. In Phase 2, fifteen (15) In-depth interviews were conducted with professional nurses, but only twelve (12) were included for analysis. These were analysed verbatim to derive themes related to their understanding of antimicrobial prescribing practices. A pilot study and cross-checking were conducted to ensure the validity and trustworthiness of the results. Results: The majority (89%, n = 326) of the prescriptions were deemed inappropriate. Identified issues included incomplete diagnoses (65%, n = 211) and unjustified use of antimicrobials (7%, n = 23). The identified matters included undocumented dose strengths (86%, n = 438), incorrect dosing (10%, n = 34), and undocumented therapy duration (85%, n = 434) among the 509 prescribed antimicrobials. Qualitative findings revealed six key themes: nurses' understanding of antimicrobial resistance, challenges in antimicrobial prescribing, health education and patient interaction, professional training and confidence, access to resources and guidelines, and awareness of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Additional concerns emerged, including the personal use of antimicrobials by nurses and non-adherence to the Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Drug List Guidelines, which suggested treatment durations. While some nurses reported clinical support and accessibility to pharmacists, this was inconsistent and often limited to stock management, with the underutilisation of pharmacists for clinical guidance noted. Conclusions: The study concludes that inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing is prevalent in PHC due to systemic and personal challenges that nurses face, potentially contributing to antimicrobial resistance.Recommendations: Key recommendations include expanding the role of Sub-District Pharmacists and infection control practitioners (ICP) to include surveillance, incorporating antimicrobial discussions in pharmaceutical and therapeutics committee meetings, initiating AMS activities at the PHC level, prioritising nurse training on antimicrobials and guidelines, and addressing staffing issues to alleviate workload pressures. Thesis (M. Pharm. (Pharmacology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5392 Clinical and dermoscopic features of acral melanocytic nevi in African Patients, Pietersburg Hospital Molapo Ramolapo Antony Background: Acral melanocytic nevi (AMN) of volar skin are common in Asians, Africans, Caucasians and Indians. Some cutaneous melanomas arise from AMN, and it is difficult to determine which nevus will become malignant clinically. Dermoscopic evaluation of nevi has been used to describe various patterns, some of which have been found to be associated with melanoma. Most of these studies were conducted in Caucasians and hence a paucity of literature in Africans. Objective: To describe the clinical and dermoscopic features of acral melanocytic nevi in African patients at Pietersburg Hospital. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional method was used in the study. A total of 269 adult African patients with AMN were examined. The findings were recorded photographically, and descriptive statistics were used to organise the data. The Chi-squared test was used to test for associations. Results: A total of 269 patients were enrolled. The age ranged between 18 and 87 years and the mean was 37.1 years. Females were 67%, and males 33%. Majority (99.26%) AMN were macules, more commonly observed on the right palm (54.6%). Commonest colours were brown (84.4%) and black (14.9%). Dermoscopically, the commonest patterns were: parallel furrow pattern (59.9%), globular pattern (10.0%), fibrillar pattern (9.7%) and homogeneous pattern (8.6%). The fibrillar pattern was found to be higher in females (p=0.016), than in males. Conclusion: The parallel furrow pattern was most prevalent, followed by the globular and homogeneous patterns in the study. A rare arciform clinical morphology was reported in two AMN (0.74%). Thesis (M. Med. (Dermatology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5378 The experiences of caregivers on the use of herbal medicine among children at a local district hospital in Mopani District, Limpopo Province Masete, Judith Background Children under the age of five are frequently treated with herbal remedies, a grim reality that can occasionally be lethal. Although herbal therapies are widely regarded as safe treatments, their effectiveness is unknown, and their negative effects particularly for children are likely to differ from person to person. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of caregivers on the use of herbal medicine among children at a local district hospital in Mopani District, Limpopo Province . Study methods The study employed non-purposive probability sampling . one-to-one semi-structured interviews using an interview guide were conducted on 14 participants and the collection of field notes via consented audio recordings were the methods employed in this qualitative study. Interpretive phenomenology design was used for data analysis. This study has illustrated a phenomenological aspect of caregivers' attitudes towards the use of herbal medicine among children that is influenced by cultural customs, perceived advantages, and risk awareness. Results Most participants highlighted the effectiveness of herbal medicines, particularly in treating childhood illnesses such as “lekone” and headaches, often turning to these alternatives when modern medicine proves to be insufficient. Although most caregivers are aware of the risks and benefits, the regulatory issues remain a concern. Conclusion The study has proven that most caregivers rely on herbal medicines for the well-being of their children and for the treatment of ailments. Therefore , the mass illegal accessibility of herbal medicine specifically in rural areas, should be prevented by establishing and updating the rules and regulations on herbal medicines distribution. Thesis (M. Nursing) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z