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With a shift in moving towards the 4th industrial revolution, digital storytelling has been identified as a novel way of facilitating teaching and learning. This paper will be aimed at offering an understanding of the experience and perspective of occupational therapy students in using digital storytelling as a reflective tool as an assignment as part of their undergraduate and masters occupational therapy curriculum at a university in South Africa. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken, and five participants were purposively recruited. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted as well as a focus group with participants. An inductive analysis revealed two themes: Reflections on relevance within the occupational therapy curriculum and Is technology the new direction? The findings conclude that digital storytelling as a medium to showcase reflections on identifying formation was an innovative and novel way of documenting the reflective experiences of occupational therapy students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how individuals living with multiple sclerosis experience their disorder in the South African working environment. In this paper we present the experiences of office-based workers living with multiple sclerosis, their challenges, and coping mechanisms. We purposively recruited seven participants who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the last five years. Participants were interviewed telephonically. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured interview schedule which was supplemented with additional probes. Interviews were analysed thematically using a qualitative software programme. We identified two superordinate themes: bringing multiple sclerosis into the workplace and adapting to multiple sclerosis in the workplace. The findings demonstrated the diverse manner in which participants chose to disclose their multiple sclerosis and manage co-workers' perceptions of multiple sclerosis. Participants employed practical strategies, such as making using of mobility aids, taking notes, conserving energy, and adapting responsibilities. Participants also negotiated accommodations, such as changing working hours, to overcome their unique challenges. Participants emphasised the importance of keeping a general positive attitude but showed reluctance to prepare for their future decline. Our findings indicate that participants manage the disclosure of their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in order to maintain a favourable relationship with the workplace. Further, despite various physical and psychological limitations, participants were mostly able to adapt to their work environment. Although further research is required, employers and clinicians should consider focusing on the current needs of individuals living with multiple sclerosis to mitigate work-related challenges, rather than planning for future decline. For individuals living with multiple sclerosis and in employment in South Africa, disclosure, management of perceptions and providing accommodations are key aspects in the experience of multiple sclerosis in the workplace. Finding ways to help those in employment disclose their MS diagnosis to employers and co-workers, is an important avenue and next step for intervention research in this field. Early adjustment and adaptation to MS in the workplace is challenging and further negotiation with line-managers regarding accommodations is often required. Employers and clinicians should focus on accommodating the needs of those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as they arise, rather than focusing solely on the accommodations needed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The impact of acquiring hearing loss might be exacerbated during adolescence, as this normal transition from childhood to adulthood is characterised by identity construction and social intensity. This study aimed to describe the lived experiences of South African adolescents with acquired hearing loss following aminoglycoside treatment for multidrug resistant tuberculosis. Design: The study adopted a descriptive phenomenological design and indepth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in English, isiZulu and Afrikaans. The data was managed and analysed according to a modified version of Hycner's framework. Study sample: Six participants aged 16-24 years with bilateral, mild to profound hearing loss acquired from aminoglycoside treatment were recruited from two South African provinces. Results: Three themes emerged which created a triple burden for participants. They endured socio-economic hardship encompassing limited economic and emotional support. Participants battled the consequences of life-threatening MDR-TB including illness, hospitalisation, stigma, and other challenges. Finally, participants were left with life-changing hearing loss. Conclusion: The findings indicate the necessity of holistic management of adolescents with aminoglycoside-related acquired hearing loss and serves as motivation to improve ototoxic monitoring practices and patient uptake of monitoring services and calls for the cessation, or at least cautious use, of aminoglycosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper that compares emigration to the process of uprooting. Topics discussed include systemic interconnectedness, the impact of emigration on the family life and social networks of South African emigrants, and social and interpersonal of impact of departure. Information on how to maintain relationship with extended family and friend following migration is offered.

Background: The incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 continues to escalate globally, with the consequence to quality of life, the economies of nations and various sectors of society. While there is substantial research on the impact and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, little remains known about the perceptions and lived experiences of families living with people diagnosed with COVID-19, particularly within the South African context. Purpose: To explore the perceptions and lived experiences of family members living with people diagnosed with COVID-19 in South Africa. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Data were collected from 15 participants who were family members of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in South Africa. Purposive snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit participants, and data were collected at community level in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng, South Africa. Individual in-depth interviews were used to collect the data, and an audio tape was used to record all interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a phenomenological data analysis processes. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Research Ethics Committee--reference number: BREC00003228/ 2021. Results: Four super-ordinate themes emerged in relation to the perceptions and lived experiences of family members living with people diagnosed with COVID-19 in South Africa. The superordinate themes were: (1) sources of information about COVID-19, (2) pandemic perceptions and experiences, (3) impact of diagnosis and related burden and (4) aftermath of living with a family member diagnosed with COVID-19. Discussion and conclusion: Family members' perceptions and lived experiences of COVID-19 are largely influenced by media, moreover, the impact of diagnosis has consequences for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of family members. Diagnosis disrupts family dynamics by depleting financial resources due to the caregiver burden experienced. The findings thus imply that provision of psychosocial support is imperative for families living with persons diagnosed with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to explore and describe health promotion strategies for adolescents orphaned by human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS), as well as the evaluation thereof. Introduction and Background Among the Sub- Saharan countries, such as Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho, South Africa is rated as fourth in the list of countries with the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS. Method The study employed phenomenological qualitative design. The population consisted of the purposively selected health promoters working in the Hammanskraal region, directly and indirectly involved with families with adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS. Following the focus group interviews, data were analysed using the seven steps of Colaizzi. Results Four categories and eight subcategories were concluded as the strategies for adolescents orphaned by HIV and AIDS as well as the evaluation thereof. The main categories identified were: the door-to-door outcome, workshop outputs, statistical data and community projects. Discussion It is evident that the health promotion strategies informed by the four themes will be implemented. The outcomes may raise an awareness in the community, support families and provide statistics on the impact of HIV and AIDS on families. Study Limitations The study was limited to one subdistrict and to health promoters in a rural area, therefore the results cannot be generalized to all other subdistricts including health promoters, especially those in urban areas. Conclusion The successful evaluation programme will pin out the strong points and challenges while assisting in improving the quality of work provided in the communities. Implication for nursing and health policy Continuing professional and practice development are required to maintain the standard of health care in South Africa. Therefore the policymakers need to include relevant information regarding health promotion strategies in reducing the statistics of people living with HIV and AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is an important public health problem. Individuals with ABI experience greater challenges with community reintegration and successful return to work (RTW) due to both personal and environmental factors. Empirical evidence has shown that women with brain injury are vulnerable to poorer functional outcomes and have demonstrated lower RTW rates post-injury. Therefore, further research is needed to gain greater insight on women with acquired brain injury's functional and work abilities as well as their experiences of RTW and entrepreneurial skills development. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore and describe women with acquired brain injury's experiences during their rehabilitation process, their resumption of their worker role, and entrepreneurial skills development. This qualitative exploration formed part of a study that resulted in an occupational therapy practice model to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of women with acquired brain injury living in the Cape Metropolitan, Western Cape, South Africa. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten females with acquired brain injury. A qualitative approach was employed to thematically analyse the data. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the study: (1) Barriers within the rehabilitation process, 2) ABI causes loss of a sense of self and financial strain, 3) Entrepreneurship and education as a strategy to empowerment. CONCLUSION: Unmet individual needs related to occupational engagement results in RTW challenges for women with ABI. ABI sequelae cause activity limitations and hinder gainful occupational participation. A holistic client-centred entrepreneurial skills development approach is a viable and needed strategy to facilitate economic empowerment for women with ABI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Community engagement is crucial for effective and sustainable sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) promotion. Community engagement in community-based health promotion initiatives is contextual and influenced by individual, community, and societal factors. In South Africa, community engagement in SRHR promotion is challenging due to numerous historical and contemporary factors including the socionormative community context and socionormative perceptions regarding SRHR matters. There is little empirical literature to guide community-based practitioners working in health promotion in understanding the contextual influences on community engagement with SRHR promotion generally or in South Africa specifically. Objective. This research aimed to explore the influences on community engagement in community-based SRHR promotion initiatives in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods. An ethnographic and multiqualitative study was conducted in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, involving 78 purposively and conveniently sampled participants. Findings. Three superordinate themes influence community engagement with SRHR promotion in South Africa (i) representations of the issues; (ii) perceived relevance of SRHR issues and SRHR promotion; and (iii) the relational environment, often operating in interactive ways. The themes are presented in a conceptual framework. Conclusions. Influences on community engagement in SRHR promotion in the Eastern Cape of South Africa are highly contextual. The conceptual framework arising from the study's findings could be used in community-based health promotion and primary health care in other settings to develop the understanding of factors influencing community engagement in SRHR or other sensitive or emerging health issues, and inform relevant and appropriate design and implementation of community-based initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring perinatal women's experience of nonfatal suicidal behaviour (NFSB) could help illuminate the contexts in which perinatal suicide occurs and new ways to conceptualise maternal suicide prevention. Our aim was to explore perinatal women's subjective experience of NFSB in South Africa. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with seven perinatal women hospitalised following NFSB. Thematic analysis showed how poverty and gender norms shape experiences of pregnancy and highlighted the need for eco-systemic interventions for perinatal women in resource scarce environments to increase social support, assist with childcare, improve educational retention, challenge gender norms and increase paternal involvement. Pregnancy can precipitate biographical disruption by disturbing women's view of themselves and their futures. An inability to reconstruct a coherent narrative and re-imagine the future impedes the transition to motherhood and provides a context for suicide. Using the concept of biographical disruption to frame perinatal suicide, could identify novel approaches to suicide prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Townships and rural areas endure difficult circumstances such as poverty, unemployment, low educational levels, unstable income sources, socioeconomic deprivation and the lack of transportation. Furthermore, psychosocial issues such as crime, violence and substance abuse are additional contextual factors prevalent within South African townships. There has been a paucity of research focussing on the impact of contextual and socioeconomic conditions on the dementia family caregiver experience. This qualitative study aimed to address this gap. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 family caregivers via purposeful sampling methods. Data analysis using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) generated four broad themes, namely – (1). Poverty, (2). Crime, Violence and Substance Abuse, (3). Practical Challenges and (4). A Sense of Normalcy. The findings of this study depict the socioeconomic conditions of family caregivers living in Soweto and its impact on dementia caregiving. The majority of the family caregivers in this study were unemployed and identified the financial aspects of caregiving as a significant strain. Beyond financial aspects, practical challenges that some family caregivers reported included spatial constraints and insufficient material resources. Caregivers raised safety concerns due to the dangers that this socioeconomic context posed. However, there was an implied sense of normalcy and a reluctance to identify challenges that caregivers endured. Recommendations for further research and its implications for public health policies and important initiatives to advocate for dementia caregivers and their family members are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a series of insights into the structures and scaffolding of militarising White South African adolescents during the 1980s, including the processes of militarisation from childhood up until induction into the former South African Defence Force. Although this article traces the process and presents personal accounts of militarised childhoods, it ultimately questions how these indeterminate memories attempt to navigate a contested present, namely, a post-apartheid space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the contribution that the telling of the life story makes in the advancement of a person's self-awareness, within a wellness program. Six participants, local to KwaZulu-Natal, admitted to the facility with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Purposive sampling aided recruitment, participants documented their life stories and engaged in a simultaneous process of reflection between the life story and unfolding therapy. Participants were interviewed once before discharge, and their experiences recorded. The following themes emerged: engaging the process of transformation, refining a skill set and self-sustaining toolbox and, emerging into the here and now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on the patient experience of receiving palliative care across a number of settings is increasing, but the majority of these investigations are situated within the context of developed countries. There is limited research from resource-limited countries, especially with regard to patients with cancer who receive hospice care. The present study explored the lived experience of attending hospice care facilities in South Africa to develop a bottom-up understanding from the perspectives of patients themselves. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was designed to examine how patients experienced receiving hospice care We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with thirteen, purposively selected patients living with terminal cancer and receiving in-patient or day care palliative services from a hospice organisation in South Africa. We used inductive thematic analysis to analyse the data. Results: We identified three themes that reflected a process of transformation that was experienced by participants during their engagement with the hospice services. The first theme describes participants' initial reluctance to be linked to the hospice as a result of the stereotypic perceptions of hospice as being associated with death and dying. The second theme presents the perceived positive impact on patients' physical and psychosocial wellbeing which resulted from the highly valued interactions with staff and other patients as well as patients' engagement with creative activities. The final theme delineates the transformation of hospice into a second 'family' and 'home' and the restoration of an identity that expands beyond the 'sick' role. Conclusions: Receiving hospice care that sensitively attends to patients' psychosocial and physical needs helps people to re-create a sense of homeliness within the world, re-orient themselves toward a meaningful life and re-configure their relationship with self. Patient experience of receiving hospice care in South Africa does not appear dissimilar to that reported by patients in resource-rich countries, suggesting underlying commonalities. There is a need for raising awareness and educating the public about what palliative care can offer to those in need. Public health campaigns could help reduce the stigma attached to palliative care, deflect negative perceptions, and communicate the benefits for patients, families and communities in culturally sensitive ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the experiences of South African patients living with head and neck cancer. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive design and conducted unstructured interviews with 18 (n = 18) purposive selected participants. Data saturation determined the sample size. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: The majority of the sample were Black males; on average, 50.8 years (SD ± 13.6) old. Two themes and eight subthemes arose from the data. The themes were living with the consequences of the illness and treatment, and coping with a changed life. The lives the participants knew before becoming sick changed and became a living hell; pain was a major problem as was eating and for some, communicating. The participants were stigmatised, ridiculed and rejected which added to their suffering. Receiving support from family and friends and their faith in God assisted them to cope with their changed lives. Conclusion: Our study poses various challenges to clinical practice. Pain management is of the utmost importance; the nutritional status of these patients should be monitored and best practices in terms of management applied. Raising awareness of cancer and its complications could improve knowledge and decrease blame, stigmatisation and rejection and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MMed in Family Medicine is a professional Master's qualification spanning 4 years of training. The outcomes were predetermined by national consensus. While these outcomes are measured in the form of a national exit examination, there has been no exploration of the experiences of registrars (residents) in this relatively new programme. To evaluate the experiences of registrars in one of the nine training programmes in South Africa and to identify areas for improvement. This study used purposive sampling to recruit registrar (n = 9) and supervisor (n = 8) participants into respective groups. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically, and consensus was built using the nominal group technique. Supervisors identified the strengths and weaknesses of the programme which will impact on further strategic planning. Data from registrar interviews yielded two themes: affirmation, referring to the positive social engagement and facilitation of professional identity formation; and frustrations, referring to structural aspects of the programme which hindered academic progress. Qualitative programme evaluation is a useful tool in understanding the learning environment. The student perspective helped to identify the unintended consequences of the programme. It was also shown that the nominal group consensus building technique worked well in a resource-constrained environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When midwives are not treated with respect and their professional competencies are not recognised, their professional dignity is violated. Objective: This study explored and described how the professional dignity of midwives in the selected hospital can be enhanced based on their experiences. Research design: A descriptive phenomenological research design was used with in-depth interviews conducted with 15 purposely selected midwives. Ethical considerations: The Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria approved the study. The research was conducted in an academic tertiary hospital with voluntary participants. Findings: To dignify midwives it is essential to enhance the following: 'to acknowledge the capabilities of midwives', 'to appreciate interventions of midwives', 'to perceive midwives as equal health team members', 'to invest in midwives', 'to enhance collegiality', 'to be cared for by management' and 'to create conducive environments'. Conclusion: The professional dignity of midwives is determined by their own perspectives of the contribution that they make to the optimal care of patients, the respect that they get from others and the support that hospital management gives them. With support and care, midwives' professional dignity is enhanced. Midwives will strive to render excellent services as well as increasing their commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most public hospitals in African countries are overpopulated with patients suffering from conditions related to HIV and AIDS. These patients increase the burden on healthcare providers, among which are enrolled nurses. Aim: To explore enrolled nurses' experiences of caring for patients living with HIV and AIDS at a public rural community hospital in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Design: The study was underpinned by the interpretative phenomenological design. Participants: A total of 11 purposively selected enrolled nurses who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. The sample size was based on data saturation. Method: Data were collected through semi‐structured individual face‐to‐face interviews guided by an interview guide. Interviews were audio‐recorded; and field notes were also taken. Data were analysed thematically following a framework for interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The study revealed that enrolled nurses are working without adequate resources. They also experience minimal support despite the negative circumstances they are exposed to in the process of caring for patients admitted with HIV‐related illnesses. Conclusions: A lack of resources, limited support and inadequate skills have a negative impact on the health care that enrolled nurses provide to patients admitted in hospital with HIV‐related ailments. Researchers recommend the importance of supporting and equipping enrolled nurses to provide quality care to patients living with HIV. Implications for nursing and health policy: The findings have highlighted the challenges faced by enrolled nurses while caring for patients with HIV. The identified gaps will assist the Department of Health in developing policies to enhance the support offered to enrolled nurses and improve the care provided to patients with HIV‐related conditions that are admitted to rural hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, researchers explored mothers’ coping strategies in dealing with birth by unplanned Caesarean section. Mothers’ experiences of a traumatic birth could be influenced by perceived strengths when coping with the stress related to the incident. Coping strategies resulted in reassessment of the birth process and were associated with a more positive and memorable experience. In-depth interviews with 10 women explored their lived experiences of childbirth. Data were analyzed thematically. Phenomenological theory served as a framework for the structuring, organizing, and categorizing of data. Mothers described several factors and coping strategies that they perceived to be effective in reducing the impact of their traumatic birth experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In a longitudinal phenomenological study, the lived experience of being a male intimate partner (MIP) of a female rape victim in Cape Town, South Africa, is presented. Nine men participated in four face-to-face, semistructured interviews. The authors describe changes in communication and sexual intimacy postrape and how these changes spiralled into a dysfunctional relationship. Participants were interested in interventions for both partners and particularly for education to improve their communication and sexual relationships postrape. Researchers need to reconsider existing policies related to training programs to develop interventions that can address the needs of couples postrape and, ultimately, enhance their recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report a study of emergency nurses' experiences of caring for survivors of intimate partner violence. Background Emergency nurses have the opportunity to intervene during the period following exposure to intimate partner violence when survivors are most receptive for interventions. The confrontation with the trauma of intimate partner violence can, however, affect emergency nurses' ability to engage empathetically with survivors, which is fundamental to all interventions. Design The research was guided by the philosophical foundations of phenomenology as founded by Husserl. Method A descriptive phenomenological inquiry grounded in Husserlian philosophy was used. The phenomenological reductions were applied throughout data collection and analysis. During 2010, concrete descriptions were obtained from interviewing 11 nurses working in emergency units of two public hospitals in an urban setting in South Africa. To arrive at a description of the essence, the data were analysed by searching for the meaning given to the experience of caring for survivors of intimate partner violence. Findings Emergency nurses in South Africa are often witnesses of the emotional and physical effects of intimate partner violence. Exposure to the vulnerability and suffering of survivors elicits sympathy and emotional distress. Emergency nurses are left with the emotional impact and disruptive and recurrent memories. Conclusion Exploring the tacit internal experiences related to caring for survivors of intimate partner violence revealed emergency nurses' vulnerability to the effects of secondary traumatic stress. The findings generated an opportunity to develop guidelines through which to support and empower emergency nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Successful administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires full adherence to the regimen by the patient. The introduction of ART needs a well-functioning health system with adequately trained health professionals, laboratory support, a constant supply of drugs and social systems to assist with patients' adherence and to prevent future treatment failure. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by nongovernmental organisations with regard to the roll-out of antiretroviral therapy. Design: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted to determine the challenges experienced by nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) with regard to the roll-out of ART in KwaZulu-Natal. Nine participants were included purposefully from the NGOs that participated in this study. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. Open coding for analysis was used. Results: The findings revealed four themes: challenges relating to sustainability, adherence, health infrastructure and behaviour. Conclusion: The results indicate a need for multisectoral collaboration in the roll-out of ART to ensure a concerted, comprehensive and sustainable programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher education system in South Africa transformed over the last two decades in response to societal changes and the new democratic order since 1994. Nursing education programmes in South Africa's higher education sector were also affected by these changes. Restructuring in nursing education led to the establishment of a novel undergraduate nursing programme delivery system in the Western Cape, known as a "common teaching platform" (CTP) for undergraduate nursing. The CTP necessitated collaboration between three higher education institutions in the region. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study conducted during 2010 to explore students' experiences of the CTP. The findings could have significance for strategic decisions regarding the future of undergraduate nursing in the Western Cape. Focus group discussions were conducted with registered undergraduate student nurses (n=81) to explore their CTP experiences and to identify their views on the success of the collaboration. The results of the study revealed students' positive and negative experiences of the CTP. Students' negative experiences revolved around unmet expectations of the collaboration, such as increased resources and exposure to the partner institutions. There were different opinions as to whether the collaboration was successful. Recommendations include a review of the management and process of the collaboration between the three institutions; workshops for stakeholders to establish a common understanding of the purpose of the collaboration; and a review of the administrative systems of the universities to ensure access by partners and to improve student access to the resources of all three institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth crime is, both nationally and internationally, a dilemma affecting the social environment of a country. On the one hand, community factors contribute to the occurrence of youth offending and, on the other, the community is responsible for taking corrective action against those youth who commit crimes. The purpose of this article is to present findings from a South African study on this dual role of the community. Although much information exists on juvenile crime, there is still a limited amount of information available on the effectiveness of community-based intervention programs, specifically in the South African context. Not only is the discussion directed at contributing factors to youth crime originating in the community, but the complexities of community-based diversion programs in the South African context are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]