Rural nurses' antiretroviral prescribing practices in children, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Background: Errors in antiretroviral therapy (ART) use are common in children living with HIV (CLHIV), but there is limited evidence from rural primary healthcare (PHC) facilities where trained professional nurses initiate and manage most CLHIV. Objectives: To assess antiretroviral prescribing practices of trained professional nurses in Mopani District's rural facilities and compare them to the 2015 national consolidated guidelines to evaluate the appropriateness of ART use. Method: A four-year (2015-2018) retrospective cross-sectional medical record review was conducted of CLHIV in 94 rural PHC facilities of Mopani District. Inclusion criteria were: age under 15 years, initiated on ART by nurses in 2015 and virally unsuppressed (viral load ≥ 400 copies/mL) by the end of December 2018. Results: A total of 16 669 antiretrovirals were prescribed from 7035 clinic visits. A correct ART regimen and dosage form was prescribed in 7045 (96%) and 15 502 (93%) of the cases. However, errors were common: 2928 (23%) incorrect doses, 15 502 (93%) incorrect dosing frequencies, and 4122 (61%) incorrectly dispensed antiretrovirals, and 3636 (28%) incorrect dosing frequencies. Conclusion: Antiretroviral prescribing errors in the form of drug omissions in ART regimens, incorrect dosing and dosing frequencies, lack of formulation considerations, and inadequate monthly supplies of antiretrovirals were commonly observed in this review. Antiretroviral stewardship programmes should be considered to develop and establish a fundamental strategy for improving quality in managing CLHIV.

Daily living activities' performance by male diabetics with sexual dysfunction in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common complication among men living with diabetes (MLWD), which adds to stresses induced by medical condition. Effect of stress on their daily living activities has been only poorly described. AIM: This study aimed to explore the behaviour and challenges of MLWD experiencing SD in respect of daily living activities. SETTING: Five clinics in Senwabarwana in Limpopo province. METHODS: Qualitative approach and phenomenological exploratory design were adopted to collect data from 15 male participants selected from five clinics using purposive homogeneous sampling. One-on-one interviews were conducted using voice recorders, and field notes were taken of non-verbal cues. Unstructured interview guide with principal question enabled instructive probing to be conducted. Data were analysed using eight steps of Tesch's inductive, descriptive and open coding technique. RESULTS: Participants reported stressful experiences, difficulty coping with diabetes and its accompanying complication of SD that led to fear of losing their wives. They indicated that as a result of stress and difficulty in coping with the condition, they were engaged in less physical activity than before their diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among male diabetics and often feel stressed and worried about losing their wives. They struggle to cope with conditions to the point where they are less capable of performing tasks than they were before diagnosis. These outcomes are critical issues that should be addressed in any diabetes treatment strategy.Contribution: Support-based collaboration of healthcare providers with spouses and revision of South African diabetes management strategy to incorporate healthy coping strategies are recommended.

Lived experiences of diabetic outpatients attending clinics in rural areas of Limpopo province in South Africa.

Background: Prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing in South Africa (SA), with many people unknowingly living with undiagnosed diabetes. Living with a long-term illness like diabetes significantly impacts every aspect of one's life. It is essential to understand the lived experience of patients to ensure better management and intervention. Aim: To explore the lived experiences of diabetic outpatients. Setting: Clinics of Senwabarwana, in Blouberg Local Municipality of the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo province of SA. Method: Qualitative phenomenological exploratory descriptive study design was adopted to collect data from 17 diabetic patients. Purposive sampling was utilised to choose respondents. Data were collected through one-to-one interviews using voice recorders and field notes for nonverbal cues. Data were analysed using the eight steps of Tesch's inductive, descriptive and open coding technique. Results: Respondents detailed difficulty disclosing their diagnosis due to feelings of shame. They also experienced stress and an inability to perform duties they used to perform before diagnosis. Male respondents detailed their experiences of sexual problems and a fear of losing their wives to other men as a result. Conclusion: Patients living with diabetes are unable to perform some tasks that they were able to perform before diagnosis. This could be attributed to poor dietary choices and a lack of social support, leading to patients missing critical elements of diabetes care. Quality of life of patients who are unable to perform their daily tasks should be assessed, with appropriate interventions introduced to curb further deterioration. Male diabetes patients experience sexual dysfunction and a fear of losing their wives, which exacerbates their stress. Contribution: This study encourages the adoption of a family-centred approach, partnering with family members in the care of diabetic outpatients since most of the care takes place at home. Further studies are also recommended to design interventions which would address the experiences of patients for better outcomes.

Do the parents of the youth abusing substances need to be supported? A literature review study.

BACKGROUND:  Substance abuse negatively affects the youth who use substances, their families and especially their parents. The use of substances impairs the health of the youth and is linked to an increase in noncommunicable diseases. Parents become stressed and they need help. Parents fail to carry out daily plans and routines because they are not sure what the substance abuser can do or what can happen to the substance abuser. When the parents' well-being is taken care of, they will be able to take care of their youth when they need help. Unfortunately, little is known about the psychosocial needs of the parents, especially when their child abuses substances. OBJECTIVES:  This article aims to review the literature to explore the need for support for parents of youth abusing substances. METHOD:  The study adopted the narrative literature review (NLR) methodology. Literature was retrieved from the following databases and search engines: electronic databases, search engines and hand searches. RESULTS:  Substance abuse has been found to affect the youth abusing substances and their families negatively. The parents, being the most affected, need support. The involvement of health professionals can assist the parents in feeling supported. CONCLUSION:  Parents need support programmes that will give support and strength to their existing abilities.Contribution: Focusing on the support needs of the parents of youth abusing substances will help to ensure parents are supported and mentally healthy.

Reflections on Digital Maternal and Child Health Support for Mothers and Community Health Workers in Rural Areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Digital health support using mobile and digital technologies, such as MomConnect and WhatsApp, is providing opportunities to improve maternal and child healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, the perspective of health service providers, pregnant women, and mothers as recipients of digital health support is under-researched in rural areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research approach was adopted to reflect on the experiences of mothers, community leaders, and community health workers on mobile health opportunities in the context of maternal and child health in rural areas. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 participants who participated in the two focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews for data collection about digital maternal and child health support. The thematic open coding method of data analysis assisted authors in making sense of the given reflections of mothers, community leaders, and healthcare workers about digital health support. RESULTS: Participants commented on different existing digital support apps and their importance for maternal and child health. For example, MoMConnect, Pregnancy+, WhatsApp, and non-digital resources were perceived as useful ways of communication that assist in improving maternal and child health. However, participants reported several challenges related to the use of digital platforms, which affect following the health instructions given to pregnant women and mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Participants expressed the significant role of digital support apps in maternal and child health, which is impacted by various challenges. Addressing the lack of digital resources could improve access to health instructions for pregnant women and mothers.

Screening and Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in the Limpopo Province, South Africa: Use of the Community Action Model.

The rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been attributed to economic growth in developing countries, shifts in societal norms, and behaviors such as dietary habits and physical activity. Up to 80% of NCDs could be prevented by eliminating shared risk factors, mainly tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and the harmful use of alcohol. The South African government's national strategic plan to control NCDs, which includes cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, places a strong emphasis on the need to improve the prevention, detection, early intervention, and management of NCDs. In line with the above recommendations, this study aimed to screen rural communities using the non-laboratory INTERHEART Risk Score tool (NLIRS) and develop relevant and suitable intervention strategies for a patient at moderate risk of developing a heart attack. A quantitative research approach applying a household-based design was used to conduct this study and the community action model (CAM). The difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention results were analyzed using a t-test and Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with age, smoke, hypertension, and diabetes as the covariates. The study found a significant difference in proportions between pre and post-intervention for raised Systole (SBP), obesity by body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). In rural communities, using CAM to improve knowledge and behavioral practices of NCD risk factors is feasible and effective. This basket of interventions will assist community members in reducing their risk of developing metabolic syndromes as well as their risk of developing CVDs. Continued investment and research in CVD prevention interventions are required to improve health, reduce costs, and have long-term benefits for conflict-affected individuals and communities.

Do Quality Reviews Play a Role during the Implementation of Health Sciences Programmes? A Document Analysis Study.

BACKGROUND: A programme review is a process that assesses the status, efficacy, and advancement of academic programmes and aids in determining their future needs, priorities, and direction. The purpose of the academic programme review is to demonstrate that the programmehas appropriate quality assurance processes and procedures in place in accordance with the applicable established criteria and to offer ongoing guidance for the development of academic programmes to ensure that they remain responsive and relevant. The study, therefore, sought to investigate the role of quality reviews during the implementation of health sciences programmes at a rural University in Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS: Data were collected using the document analysis review technique to assess the Self-Evaluation Review reports for three programmes in the faculty of health sciences. The study's descriptive qualitative data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach in six stages. All-inclusive purposive sampling was used to select the documents for review. RESULTS: Three health sciences programmes were reviewed; two of the programmes met the minimum standards whereas one needed improvement. The review showed inadequate staffing, poor student support, and inadequate marketing of the programmes among others. CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown that conducting a review is crucial for maintaining and enhancing quality provisioning of programmes. The quality gaps identified by the panellists while reviewing the programmes can be used to improve and enhance quality of the programmes to a higher level if properly implemented. Thus, quality review does play a significant role during the implementation of health sciences programmes.

Navigating through COVID-19 Pandemic Period in Implementing Quality Teaching and Learning for Higher Education Programmes: A Document Analysis Study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, has caused a swift change in the higher education system giving way to a rise in instituting multimodal teaching and learning approaches. These approaches have demonstrated an inadequate capacity for multimodal teaching, particularly through online instruction by many institutions. The Department of Higher Education in South Africa did its utmost best to equip the institutions with the required resources to continue with the provision of education. Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was followed in the study. The study data source included the South African government's COVID-19 regulations relating to higher education and training. The purposive sampling method was used to select (8) several government documents relating to the regulation of COVID-19 in higher education and training institutions Document analysis technique was used to collect data from the COVID-19 pandemic regulation documents. Results: the study showed that most HEIs in South Africa adhere to safety measures, ensure business continuity in teaching and learning, continued with the distribution of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances as allocated by the government, and followed procedures for returning certain categories of students on campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The study has evaluated the support for quality higher education teaching and learning during the pandemic period in South Africa. The study, therefore, recommends the continuing of online teaching as part of blended learning so that institutions could always be ready should situations like this occurs again in the future and above be in sync with digital transformation.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst patients with diabetes and their non-diabetic family members in Senwabarwana, Limpopo province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes remains a public health concern and the second cause of mortality in South Africa. Family history of diabetes increases risk of developing diabetes. Obesity amongst patients is associated with comorbidity, whilst amongst non-diabetic family members it is associated with developing diabetes. This study aimed at determining prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst patients with diabetes and non-diabetic family members. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 200 patients and 200 non-diabetic family members were selected using systematic random sampling from rural clinics of Senwabarwana. Data were collected using close-ended questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were measured and interpreted according to World Health Organization guidelines. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square test was used to calculate associations at 95% confidence interval where a p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most patients (75.5%) had comorbidities and hypertension was most prevalent (89.0%). Over half of the patients (57.0%) and 38.0% of family members were obese. Most patients (75.0%) and 58.0% of family members had abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes suffer from comorbidities are overweight and obese whilst evidence from various studies suggest that non-diabetic family members are at added risk of developing diabetes because of higher BMI and abdominal obesity. There is an urgent need to create a conducive environment that discourages sedentary behaviours through lifestyle modifications using the family centred approach, and involve family members in the care of patients.

Nurses' Experiences in Managing Cardiovascular Disease in Selected Rural and Peri-Urban Clinics in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 60% of all deaths that occur in rural and remote areas. Disease management programs are increasingly used to improve the effectiveness of chronic care. Nurses are a key component of the health workforce and have an important role to play in CVD prevention, treatment, and the care of sick people in remote areas. Due to the nature of their work, nurses are prone to working hard, and to experience burnout, sleep, or eating disorders. This is often exacerbated by a shortage of staff and equipment. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses in managing CVDs in South African rural and peri-urban clinics. A qualitative, explorative-descriptive design and a contextual research approach were adopted for the present study. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit nurses who were managing patients with CVD from 11 primary health care facilities. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using Tesch's open coding method. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for common themes. The following two major themes emerged from the data: perceived institutional challenges affecting the management of CVDs and nurses' perceptions of patient challenges that impede the effective management of CVD. The study concludes by highlighting that apart from a resource challenge, the shortage of nurses in rural clinics is the biggest reason behind overcrowding, waiting long hours for consultations, and an increase in the workload, resulting in medical errors and poor quality care. It is, therefore, recommended that, for improved care and management of CVD in rural populations, local governments need to employ more skilled nurses whilst availing the necessary material resources.

Hypertension Prevalence and Determinants among Black South African Adults in Semi-Urban and Rural Areas.

The burden of hypertension is reported to be on the rise in developing countries, such as South Africa, despite increased efforts to address it. Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed and compared the prevalence of and risk factors associated with hypertension amongst adults aged ≥18 years in semi-urban and rural communities (1187 semi-urban and 1106 rural). Trained community health workers administered the INTERHEART Risk Score tool and performed blood pressure assessments using the MEDIC Pharmacists Choice Blood Pressure Monitor. Hypertension was defined to be a systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors and determine their relationship with hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension amongst semi-urban and rural communities was 21% with no gender difference. In the semi-urban area, physical activity, family history, fruit intake, salty food, and eating meat were significantly associated with the odds of hypertension among women, whereas only the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), diabetic status, and salty food were the predictors for rural women. Factors such as fried food and low fruit intake were significantly associated with the odds of hypertension among men in the semi-urban area, whereas only the WHR was significant among men in the rural area. Hypertension was found to be prevalent among semi-urban and rural adults in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

The effects of absenteeism on nurses remaining on duty at a tertiary hospital of Limpopo province.

BACKGROUND:  Absenteeism is a global problem in the working force and this is no exception in the nursing profession. Much attention has been drawn to factors that contribute to absenteeism; however, little attention has been placed on the effects of absenteeism on nurses remaining on duty by their colleagues. Nurses absent themselves leaving behind their colleagues to execute their part of work. OBJECTIVES:  To investigate the effects of absenteeism on nurses who remained on duty at a tertiary hospital in Limpopo province. METHOD:  A quantitative descriptive research approach was chosen to enable the researchers to achieve the research aim. Data collected using structured questionnaires were analysed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS:  The findings indicated that absenteeism has an effect on both the nurses' psychological and professional well-being, as well as the quality of patient care provided as a result of psychological stress, low morale of nurses and increased workload. The study further revealed the provision of substandard care to patients by those nurses who are remaining on duty, resulting in risk of medical errors that could jeopardise their professional credibility. Therefore, absenteeism creates an unhealthy working environment for nurses remaining on duty. CONCLUSION:  Nurse managers should provide platforms to address psychological and professional problems experienced by nurses remaining on duty. The study further recommends the introduction of policies that would address absenteeism in the workplace and how nurses who remain on duty could be assisted with the workload of colleagues who continuously absent themselves.

Record-keeping: Challenges experienced by nurses in selected public hospitals.

BACKGROUND:  Patients' records provide a trace of care processes that have occurred and are further used as communication amongst nurses for continued management of patients. Nurses have the responsibility to ensure that records are accurate and complete in order to effectively manage their patients. In hospitals, nurses have to record a wide range of information in the patient's records and this leads to increased workload on the part of nurses that compromises accurate record-keeping. OBJECTIVES:  The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by nurses with regard to record-keeping at selected public hospitals in the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHOD:  A qualitative, explorative and descriptive research design was used. Nurses working in selected public hospitals were purposively selected and semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using the Tesch's open-coding method. RESULTS:  Nurses working in public hospitals experience record-keeping as a challenging activity owing to a variety of challenges which include lack of time to complete the records, increased patients' admission and shortage of recording material. CONCLUSION:  Record-keeping is not done properly which is problematic, and it is recommended that there should be continuous training, monitoring and evaluation of nurses on record-keeping issues, supply of adequate recording materials and proper time management amongst nurses to improve record-keeping challenges. The need for comprehensive record-keeping remains fundamental in public hospitals in order to improve patient care.

Challenges faced by professional nurses when implementing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at rural clinics in Capricorn District, Limpopo.

BACKGROUND: Immunisation is the cornerstone of primary healthcare. Apart from the provision of safe water, immunisation remains the most cost-effective public health intervention currently available. Immunisation prevents infectious conditions that are debilitating, fatal and have the potential to cause huge public health burdens, both financially and socially, in South Africa. AIM: To determine the challenges faced by professional nurses when implementing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) at rural clinics in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. SETTING: The study was conducted in selected primary healthcare clinics of Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. METHODS: A qualitative explorative descriptive contextual research design was used to gather data related to the challenges faced by professional nurses when implementing EPI at rural clinics in Capricorn District. RESULTS: The findings revealed that professional nurses had knowledge of the programme, but that they experienced several challenges during implementation of EPI that included staff shortages and problems related to maintenance of the vaccines' potency. CONCLUSIONS: The Department of Health as well as the nursing administration should monitor policies and guidelines, and especially maintenance of a cold chain for vaccines, to ensure that they are practised throughout Limpopo Province. The problem of staff shortages also needs to be addressed so that the EPI can achieve its targeted objectives.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIV and AIDS patients at the Kwa-Thema clinic in Gauteng Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has shown reduction in HIV-related mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV and AIDS. Since high levels of adherence of more than 95.0% is required to achieve effective suppression of viral load, researchers found it important to establish whether people are pursuing what is expected of them. AIM AND SETTING: The study was aimed at determining adherence to ART among HIV and AIDS patients at the Kwa-Thema clinic in Gauteng Province. METHODS: Quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Ethical clearance was sort from MEDUNSA Research Ethics Committee. Validity and reliability were maintained throughout the study. A non-probability systematic sampling was used. Data were collected using administered structured questionnaire, and a total of 290 respondents were involved. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The findings indicated that the adherence to ART was 77.0%. Factors that were significantly associated with adherence were gender ( χ2 = 3.78, df = 1, p < 0.05), level of education ( χ2 = 3.52, df = 3, p = 0.032), co-treatment of HIV and other infections ( χ2 = 5.46, df = 4, p = 0.019), ability to follow ART ( χ2 = 12.82, df = 1, p = 0.000 < 0.05), and types of antiretroviral drugs. RECOMMENDATION: The study recommends intensification of health education campaign against stigma and gender discrimination. Providing feedback to patients regarding benefits of ART is important. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that adherence to ART at the Kwa-Thema clinic was suboptimal (less than 95%) at 77%, but comparable with the adherence levels in other developing countries.

Turnover of professional nurses at Mokopane Hospital in the Limpopo Province, South Africa: Experiences of nursing unit managers.

BACKGROUND: Staff turnover of professional nurses remains a concern for public and private hospitals management because it has an impact on the morale of nurses and it may also lead to poor patient care. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the experiences of nursing unit managers with regard to the turnover of professional nurses who were under their supervision. METHOD: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive research design was used to determine the experiences of nursing unit managers related to the turnover of professional nurses. Data collection was done by using semi-structured one-to-one interviews with professional nurses .Two groups of participants were interviewed: Those working day duty (n = 9) and those working night duty (n = 3) who were at work on the anticipated days for data collection. RESULTS: The findings revealed that every unit was experiencing a shortage of professional nurses, which caused other nurses to work overtime with an inevitable increase in workload. That led to tiredness, conflict amongst professional nurses, job dissatisfaction, and absenteeism which compromised nursing care. This resulted in patient dissatisfaction and sometimes led to deaths that could have been prevented. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that staff turnover should be addressed by the hospital top management implementing several strategies. For example, top management could ensure that staff members work in a healthy environment with resources that they need during the provision of care, address the effects of the staff turnover, support the staff members and refrain from putting pressure on nursing unit managers whilst they are attending to problems.

Indigenous practices of pregnant women at Dilokong hospital in Limpopo province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous practices (IPs) are experiences generated by people who are living in a specific regional context and cultural group. IPs are shaped by cultural traits that are passed from one generation to the next. IPs practices are rooted and embedded in society and, therefore, the practices become part of the people's lifestyle. It is difficult to try and change these practices as people have adhered to them throughout their entire lives. The believe system plays a major role in health care seeking behaviour of individuals because they are informed by the IPs that are observed in their environment. OBJECTIVES: To explore and describe the IPs of pregnant women at Dilokong hospital in Limpopo province. METHOD: A qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual research design was used for the participants to describe the IPs used by pregnant women. Data were collected through unstructured one-on-one interviews. RESULTS: The following four themes with sub-themes emerged from the data: IPs based on ancestral knowledge; IPs based on spiritual diviners versus church principles; restricted practices versus instructions followed during pregnancy; and labour and IPs during labour and delivery. CONCLUSION: IPs are regarded as an honourable health intervention by traditional health practitioners (THPs), families and pregnant women. IPs like cords around women's waists are still observed during physical examinations. However, there is a reduction of prescribed indigenous oral medication used to accelerate labour because of their potential toxicity.

Indigenous Practices of Pregnant Women at Dilokong Hospital in Limpopo Province; South Africa

Background: Indigenous practices (IPs) are experiences generated by people who are living in a specific regional context and cultural group. IPs are shaped by cultural traits that are passed from one generation to the next. IPs practices are rooted and embedded in society and; therefore; the practices become part of the people's lifestyle. It is difficult to try and change these practices as people have adhered to them throughout their entire lives. The believe system plays a major role in health care seeking behaviour of individuals because they are informed by the IPs that are observed in their environment.Objectives: To explore and describe the IPs of pregnant women at Dilokong hospital in Limpopo province.Method: A qualitative; descriptive; explorative and contextual research design was used for the participants to describe the IPs used by pregnant women. Data were collected through unstructured one-on-one interviews.Results: The following four themes with sub-themes emerged from the data: IPs based on ancestral knowledge; IPs based on spiritual diviners versus church principles; restricted practices versus instructions followed during pregnancy; and labour and IPs during labour and delivery.Conclusion: IPs are regarded as an honourable health intervention by traditional health practitioners (THPs); families and pregnant women. IPs like cords around women's waists are still observed during physical examinations. However; there is a reduction of prescribed indigenous oral medication used to accelerate labour because of their potential toxicity

Factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo Province.

Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy of a woman of less than 19 years. It is found commonly amongst young people who have been disadvantaged and have poor expectations with regard to either their education or job market. Adolescents may lack knowledge of access to conventional methods of preventing pregnancy, as they may be afraid to seek such information. The study purpose was to identify factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in one village in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. A quantitative descriptive research approach was chosen. Population consisted of all pregnant teenagers attending antenatal care during June to August 2007 at one clinic in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. Simple random probability sampling was used to include 100 pregnant teenagers who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistical data analysis was used. Ethical considerations were ensured. Findings were classified as demographic data where 24% of the respondents were aged between 15-16 years and 76% were aged between 17-19 years. Findings further revealed that 60% of the respondents started to engage in sex at 13-15 years; 48% of the teenagers' partners were 21 years and above, 44% depended on a single parents' income; 20% father's income, 16% received a social grant and 8% lived on the pension fund of the grandparents. Pregnancy prevention strategies were recommended based on the results. The strategies focused on reproductive health services, male involvement and adult-teenager communication programmes.

Factors Contributing to Teenage Pregnancy in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province

Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy of a woman of less than 19 years. It is found commonly amongst young people who have been disadvantaged and have poor expectations with regard to either their education or job market. Adolescents may lack knowledge of access to conventional methods of preventing pregnancy; as they may be afraid to seek such information. The study purpose was to identify factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in one village in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. A quantitative descriptive research approach was chosen. Population consisted of all pregnant teenagers attending antenatal care during June to August 2007 at one clinic in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province. Simple random probability sampling was used to include 100 pregnant teenagers who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through structured self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistical data analysis was used. Ethical considerations were ensured. Findings were classified as demographic data where 24of the respondents were aged between 15-16 years and 76were aged between 17-19 years. Findings further revealed that 60of the respondents started to engage in sex at 13-15 years; 48of the teenagers' partners were 21 years and above; 44depended on a single parents' income; 20father's income; 16received a social grant and 8lived on the pension fund of the grandparents. Pregnancy prevention strategies were recommended based on the results. The strategies focused on reproductive health services; male involvement and adult-teenager communication programmes