The use of mobile phone technology as an assistive tool for emotional support of adolescents orphaned by AIDS in South Africa

The majority of adolescents in developing countries own and use cell phones. Given the number of adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS in South Africa; use of mobile phones to monitor their progress; and provide emotional support seems a feasible and cost effective option to provide support. The purpose of the study was to solicit caregivers' views on the use of mobile phone technology as an assistive tool in providing emotional support to adolescents. Three focus group interviews were conducted among caregivers working in an AIDS Awareness Centre which is visited regularly by adolescents orphaned by AIDS. Contrasting views on the use of mobile technology as an assistive tool in providing emotional support were raised by the caregivers. Two major themes emerged: Doubts about the efficacy of using mobile phones for counselling and providing emotional support were expressed based on the fact that there will be a lack of direct physical interaction and communication. The second theme; in direct contrast with the first theme illustrated that the majority of caregivers acknowledged the potential and positive application in supporting adolescents. If appropriately applied; mobile phone technology could be helpful as a supportive tool for adolescents in a primary health care context

Cross border mobility of nurse educators: Case studies from Botswana and South Africa

Migration of nurses across the borders is an ongoing phenomenon that stimulated debates nationally and internationally. The debates were mostly concerned with the nurses working with patients and in the communities. Very little was a concern for nurse educators especially in the two countries studied. Currently, there is acute shortage of nurse educators in these countries with an average age of 50 years for those currently employed. The purpose of the study was to raise awareness on cross border mobility of nurse educators and draw on Foucault's analysis to conceptualise the means by which cross border migration of nurse educators could be revisited. A case study design of seven nurse educators who had migrated and came back to their countries of origin was explored. Data were generated in three phases using telephonic qualitative interviews. All data were analyzed by constant comparison. The study concluded that the quality of nurse education is undermined by shortage of nurse educators and high student ratios partly as a result of issues concerning cross border migration. Three main themes emerged from the study: family disintegration, lack of recognition and shortage of nurse educators. The study findings have implications for health care policy regarding nurse educators and a change of mindset on cross border mobility of nurse educators