Browsing by Author "Dlungwane, Thembelihle Patricia."

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Health seeking behaviour in men presenting with sexually transmitted infections at Prince Mshiyeni Gateway Clinic and KwaMashu Community Health Centre in 2015.
(2015) Nyalela, Mpumelelo.; Dlungwane, Thembelihle Patricia.
Background: South Africa’s burden of disease due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is currently one of the largest in the world, with an estimated 11 million cases detected per year. There is evidence suggesting that early recognition of symptoms, and early presentation to health facilities with effective treatment would reduce the spread of treatable STIs. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the factors associated with the health seeking and sexual behaviour of men presenting with STIs at Prince Mshiyeni Gateway Clinic and KwaMashu Community Health Centre, eThekwini. Method: This was an observational, descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. Participants were systematically selected from patients who presented at the clinic with confirmed signs or symptoms of an STI, aged between 18 and 49 years, who agreed to participate. In total 134 questionnaires were collected. Results: Most of the participants were between ages of 26-35 (41%), the majority single (78.4%). Participants were knowledgeable about STIs, knew that they can get STIs by unprotected sex (88.1%) and through multiple partners (85.1%), and that to be protected a condom should be used at every sexual encounter (86.6%). The majority (68.7%), however, did not use a condom the last time they had sex, and 67.1% had more than ten lifetime partners. Over half of participants (53%) delayed presenting themselves to the clinic after noticing signs and symptoms of an STI, despite knowing about STIs. There was a significant association between delayed health seeking behaviour at the clinic and an initial visit rather to a traditional healer (p = 0.004). Participants at PMG clinic were less likely to delay seeking medical help than those from KCHC (OR 0.30; 95%CI: 0.15-0.62; p=0.001). Participants who visited traditional healers more than seven times a year were more likely to delay seeking medical help (OR 1.75; 95%CI: 1.07-2.89). When participants were asked “what would prevent them from coming to the clinic”, over half of participants (56.7%) reported fear of staff stigmatization and bad attitude. Importantly, most men stopped using condoms once they experienced erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: This study indicates the need to deal with men’s attitudes, because despite knowing about STIs and their prevention, men still engage in risky sexual behaviour. The health system needs to improve the standard of services provided, and to deal with health workers’ negative attitudes. Key words: Health seeking behaviour, delay health seeking behaviour, men, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV prevention, men’s roles, sexual health
Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pressure ulcer prevention in the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital Complex in 2016.
(2016) Malinga, Sanelisiwe.; Dlungwane, Thembelihle Patricia.
Introduction Pressure ulcers are a growing problem for health institutions worldwide. Increased length of stay, litigation, increased workload, and diminished quality of life of individuals are implications of pressure ulcers. Nurses require good knowledge, attitudes, and practices to implement effective pressure ulcer prevention strategies. The purpose of the study was to determine nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of pressure ulcer prevention in the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital Complex in 2016. Methods The study was quantitative in nature and an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive design with an analytical component was implemented. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The two-sample t-test and analysis of variance were used to determine the relationships between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pressure ulcer prevention. Results Nurses’ knowledge and practices of pressure ulcer prevention were unsatisfactory at 69.2% and 58.2% respectively whilst attitudes were satisfactory at 88.8%. The analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in knowledge in terms of rank, years of experience, previous PU knowledge and ward while the two-sample t-test revealed no significant difference in knowledge, attitudes and practices with gender. Conclusion Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding pressure ulcer prevention are limited while their attitudes are positive. An intervention is required to educate and empower nurses to improve care. Keywords: attitude; knowledge; nurse; practice; pressure ulcer prevention
Prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain among KwaZulu-Natal public sector oral health workers, 2016.
(2017) Govender, Treshina.; Dlungwane, Thembelihle Patricia.
Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a public health concern that affects millions of people in developed and developing countries. In 2015, MSP was ranked among the top ten leading causes of years of healthy life lost due to disability globally. In addition, the consequences of MSP include a wide range of negative effects such as absenteeism, increased work restriction and reduced productivity. Musculoskeletal pain is a major threat in the workplace among oral health workers (OHW). Studies that have been identified from South Africa focus mainly on OHW in the private sector. It remains unclear what the prevalence and risk factors of MSP are among OHW in the public sector. Aim: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain among oral health workers in public health facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods An observational, cross-sectional study with an analytical component was implemented. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized to determine the risk factors among dentists, dentist (specialists), dental therapists, oral hygienists, and dental assistants employed in the public sector in KwaZulu-Natal. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results A total of 266 questionnaires were analysed (response rate 83%). The prevalence of current MSP among OHW was 50.9% and the chronic prevalence of MSP reported for the previous 12 months was 60.6%. A higher prevalence of current (47.2%) and chronic (46.9%) MSP was reported among dentists when compared with dentist (specialists), dental therapists, oral hygienists, and dental assistants. The most common sites for MSP were the lower back, neck, and shoulder. Occupational, environmental, and psychological factors were strongly associated with MSP. Conclusion MSP is an occupational hazard for OHW. There is a need for educational programs and adoption of strategies to reduce occupational injuries. Key words: Musculoskeletal pain, prevalence, work-related, oral health workers, risk factors, dentist, dental therapist, oral hygienist.
Prevalence of low back pain amongst nurses at Edendele hospital.
(2010) Dlungwane, Thembelihle Patricia.; Voce, Anna Silvia.
Introduction. Low back pain is an important public health problem affecting 70-85% of the population worldwide and is a common cause of work-related disability. At Edendale Hospital, the physiotherapy nursing case load related to the management of low back pain increased from 30% to 45% over the past 3 years. The risk factors for low back pain at Edendale Hospital remain unclear and it is not clear whether low back pain is more prevalent in certain wards. Knowing the risk factors contributing to the prevalence of low back pain at the Hospital will assist nursing and hospital managers to plan appropriate interventions to minimize the occurrence. Methods. An observational cross sectional study with an analytic component was implemented. Data was collected utilizing a self- administered questionnaire to determine the prevalence of low back pain amongst nurses at the Hospital. Bivariate analyses and logistic regressions were performed to determine the risk factors associated with low back pain. Results. The point prevalence of current low back pain was 59%, of chronic low back pain was 47% and occupational low back pain was 57%. Logistic regression revealed bending and working in orthopaedic, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology is significantly associated with low back pain. Conclusion. Occupational factors are strongly associated with low back pain. Thus workplace interventions are required.