Self-leadership of nurses in a critical care outreach service: The development of a conceptual framework

Background: Globally, critical care outreach services (CCOS) were implemented in health care facilities; however, compliance with guidelines is poor. The authors have noticed that a gap exists in the literature on how self-leadership might influence nurses' implementation of CCOS. Self-leadership is about leadership applied to oneself. Critical care outreach services assist nurses with the nursing care of a patient whose health is declining. Leadership is needed for the successful implementation of CCOS. Aim: This article aims to outline the method the authors followed for developing the conceptual framework for how self-leadership amongst nurses influenced the functioning of CCOS. Setting: The research was conducted at a private hospital in Pretoria. Methods: A qualitative approach was followed to provide an accurate description of nurses' experiences on their self-leadership in a CCOS. The practice-oriented theory of Dickoff (1968) was the reasoning map for developing and constructing the conceptual framework. Results: Bedside nurses experienced the following self-leadership strategies: constructive thought patterns, natural rewards and behaviours focused on their implementation of CCOS. Conclusion: The conceptual framework was part of another study and provided the authors with a rationale that guided the authors with the development of self-leadership strategies in a CCOS. Contribution: The conceptual framework provided the authors with an understanding of how nurses' self-leadership influenced the implementation of CCOS. The conceptual framework can also assist in developing training programmes for nurses to improve their self-leadership and ultimately improve nurses' competence in providing quality nursing care to patients.

Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students

Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education

Self-Care Symptom-Management Strategies amongst Women Living with HIV/AIDS in an Urban Area in Kwazulu-Natal

People living with HIV and AIDS experience a number of symptoms such as fatigue; nausea and vomiting; fever and anxiety during the various stages of the illness. This has a negative effect on their quality of life. Women are the most commonly infected group and are at greater risk of acquiring HIV than men. In addition to their vulnerability; women have other responsibilities in society and expectations from society to fulfil. Women's health-seeking and health practice behaviours are often hindered by a number of factors; including family responsibilities; poverty and fear. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study aimed at exploring the self-care symptom-management strategies used by women living with HIV and AIDS in an urban area in KwaZulu- Natal in 2006. Eleven participants were selected through a purposive sampling method until saturation was reached. Individuals were assessed in depth; using the symptom-management strategy interview. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine the transcribed interviews; using a deductive approach based on the categories of self-care symptom-management strategies. Various physical and psychological symptoms and a number of self-care symptom-management strategies were reported by the participants and these included taking medication and seeking help. The study makes recommendations on how to improve women's ability to employ a self-care strategy in managing their HIV- and AIDS-related symptoms

The use of medicinal plants in self-care in the Agonlin Region of Benin

The interview was carried out to collect information on the first stage of the therapeutic itinerary. The questionnaire survey examined the extent and type of medicinal plants used in self-care by the Agonlin community. One thousand mothers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The prevalence of the use of herbal drugs in self-care was found to be 47.6. 114 plant species belonging to 69 families were reported; each with local names; methods of preparation; and parts used. Medical indications were reported for the use of these plants in traditional medicine. The most frequent ailments reported were fever; headache; abdominal pain; and vomiting. The highest usage was reported for the treatment of malaria (22). The part of the plants most frequently used was the leaves. This study showed that self-care using medicinal plants is a major part of health care in the Agonlin area