http://hdl.handle.net/10386/59 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:33:15 GMT 2026-04-29T16:33:15Z 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 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5446 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 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5378 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5361 Challenges experienced by midwives regarding the management of obstetric emergencies at a public hospital in Bojanala District, North West Province Mogadima, Tumisho Magohlo Background: Obstetric emergencies are life threatening emergencies that require midwives to have adequate knowledge, skills, resources and support from the management team. The lack in one or more of these components subjects midwives to a lot of stress, reducing their productivity and in turn results in subpar patient care. Aim of the study: The study aimed to investigate the challenges experienced by midwives in managing obstetric emergencies at a public hospital in Bojanala District, North West Province. Objectives: The study's objectives explored and described the challenges midwives experience regarding managing obstetric emergencies at a public hospital in Bojanala district, North West province. Methodology: Exploratory and descriptive research designs were used in this qualitative study. The study employed a non-probability purposive and convenient sampling technique tochoose a sample of midwives employed in the maternity hospital. The study was conducted at Moses Kotane Hospital (MKH). Pilot study was conducted to pretest the research method applied in the main study with a total of 6(six) participants at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Mogwase. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, and an interview guide was used. The data saturation was reached with a total of 13 (thirteen) participants. Tesch's open coding method was used to examine the data and themes, and sub-themes were created with the independent coder's approval. The study included procedures to guarantee credibility, reliability, conformability, transferability, and trustworthiness. The study was conducted with adherence to all ethical guidelines. Findings: Six topics and twenty-one sub-themes arose from the investigation. The study documented midwives' experiences managing obstetric cases, as well as the challenges they faced in relation to lack of resources, nursing care, management, and the consequences of these challenges. Recommendations were also made to enhance midwives’ ways of managing obstetric emergencies in public hospital. Conclusions and recommendations: Midwives in the selected public hospital encounter challenges with the management of obstetric emergencies leading to poor quality patient care. The study recommends the provision of adequate human and material resources, skill improvement through continuous in-service training, effective EMS, and adequate infrastructure Thesis (M. Nursing) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5361 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5192 The experiences of fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders at the selected special school in the Limpopo Province Nkgaphela, Mokgadi Rosinah Background Autism spectrum disorder has a negative impact on the fathers of children with ASD as they come across several challenges while raising their children with ASD, which include stress, financial problems, and stigma. Fathers of children with ASD need to cope with having a child with ASD. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of fathers of children with ASD at the selected special school in the Limpopo province. Study methods This was a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive research design. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select 15 fathers of children with ASD at the selected special school in the Limpopo Province. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Tesch's steps for data analysis. Results Four themes and 17 sub-themes were formulated from the data gathered by using Tesch's 8 steps of data analysis. Fathers of children with ASD were found to have various experiences of diagnosing and caring for a child with ASD. The fathers were found to be playing different roles in caring for the ASD child such as the caregiving role, family provider role, and protective and supportive role. However, fathers of children with ASD experienced challenges related to ASD, service provision, socially and psychologically. Several coping strategies were used to overcome the challenges. Conclusion The experiences and challenges faced by fathers of children with ASD highlighted in this study can be integrated to develop an intervention programme that will serve as a guide to support fathers of children with ASD. Thesis (M. (Nursing)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5192 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z