Infant and Young Child Feeding Knowledge among Caregivers of Children Aged between 0 and 24 Months in Seshego Township, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) involves the initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, introduction of complementary feeding at 6 months while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond. Adequate IYCF knowledge among caregivers is associated with improved practices, lowers risk of kids developing malnutrition, infection, morbidity, and mortality. Early introduction of solid foods, mixed feeding, inadequate breastfeeding, and complementary feeding are all prevalent in South Africa. These are related to caregivers' lack of IYCF knowledge. Hence, this study aims to determine the IYCF knowledge level of caregivers of children under 24 months in the semiurban Seshego Township, South Africa. METHODOLOGY: Quantitative and cross-sectional design was applied. A total of 86 caregivers were selected using simple random sampling, which is representative of a target population of 110. Structured questionnaire was utilised to gather data, and analysed through statistical software, using 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: Findings show that 67% of participants had good IYCF knowledge (a score of 81 to 100%) and there was a significant relationship between knowledge and education (p = 0.001). Moreover, 40.7% did not know that exclusive breastfeeding should be up to 6 months, and 90% mentioned that breastmilk protects the child against diseases. Most participants (82.6%) know that complementary feeding should be introduced at 6 months with continuation of breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers know that breastfeeding should begin immediately after birth, and that it protects against diseases. Moreover, they know that solid food should be introduced at 6 months. However, there is still a need to strengthen IYCF education, particularly on exclusive breastfeeding. Interventions to improve IYCF knowledge should be intertwined with improving educational and health literacy on breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

Navigating Mental Health: Community Members' Insights into Social Support and Inclusion in Matsafeni Village in Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province-A Qualitative Study.

Mental health illnesses are increasingly prevalent worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. The research investigates the vital significance of social support in enhancing the welfare of individuals dealing with mental disorders. An essential aspect involves comprehending the interplay of emotional and practical supports provided by both families and the larger community. This study aims to explore community perceptions regarding social support and the involvement of individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses in Matsafeni Village. The research employed the qualitative method and descriptive exploratory research design, enabling the researchers to explore social support and the involvement of individuals with mental health disorders. Data were collected through unstructured, open-ended interviews, and participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. A total of only 15 participants were enrolled in this study, with variations in their educational backgrounds. Notably, only two participants had firsthand experiences with family members facing mental disorders. The study underscored the critical roles of family and community supports for individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders. The participants emphasized the necessity of mentally ill individuals receiving support from their loved ones and the broader community. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance for including individuals with mental health disorders in community activities as a means of better managing their conditions. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for developing interventions to assist and support individuals affected by mental health disorders. Policymakers can also utilize the information to formulate strategies and best practices for promoting mental health awareness within the community.

Exploring Mental Health Awareness: A Study on Knowledge and Perceptions of Mental Health Disorders among Residents of Matsafeni Village, Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province.

The global rise in mental health disorders has significant social, economic, and physical impacts. Despite advancements in support, cultural beliefs attributing mental illnesses to spiritual causes persist, fostering discrimination and stigmatization. The study aims to explore the understanding and perceptions of mental health in Matsafeni Village, acknowledging the complexity of mental health issues. A qualitative method and a descriptive exploratory design were employed, enabling the researcher to describe, examine, and explore the knowledge and perceptions regarding mental health. Data collection was conducted through unstructured, open-ended interviews, with 15 participants selected through convenience sampling. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Measures of rigor were ensured through credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability. Participants demonstrated knowledge of mental health disorders, recognizing disruptions in thought patterns and diverse symptoms. They highlighted key signs and behaviors, emphasizing the need for spotting indicators such as untidiness. Perceptions of the causes of mental illness varied, including witchcraft and genetics. Participants unanimously advocated for seeking help from traditional healers, medical facilities, and therapies. Community members shared their views of mental health, covering their understanding, recognition of signs, personal interactions, and observations of behaviors in individuals with mental health conditions. Reported symptoms align with existing research, emphasizing the complexity of managing safety concerns in severe mental illnesses. The study highlights the need for community education to reduce stigma, considering cultural factors in mental health perceptions. Recommendations include early interventions, enhanced mental health services, and collaboration between western and traditional approaches for a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to mental health.

Attitudes of Caregivers of Children under Five Years Regarding Growth Monitoring and Promotion in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.

Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) is critical in tracking child growth to address widespread malnutrition and health status. Attitudes influence behaviour change, including attendance of GMP, and negative attitudes are linked to non-attendance. Moreover, negative attitudes correlate with low socioeconomic position. South Africa is characterized by inequality, which may lead to negative attitudes towards GMP among caregivers with a poor socioeconomic status. Hence, this study seeks to explore the attitudes of caregivers of children under five towards GMP. A qualitative exploratory study design was used. Caregivers of children under five were purposively sampled. Twenty-three participants were interviewed one-on-one, and the data were recorded using voice recorders and field notes. Tesch's eight steps and inductive, descriptive, and open coding techniques were used to analyse the data. Participants understood the significance of GMP and were confident their children would benefit from it; hence, they attended sessions out of love for their children. The inconsistent availability of GMP services and the behaviour of health workers affected participants' attitude. Despite these challenges, participants felt good about GMP. Caregivers' love for their children/grandchildren helped them overcome challenges experienced at the health facilities. Good feelings about GMP boosted caregivers' attitudes and aided in adherence. An intervention to address element impacting attitudes of caregivers is recommended.