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Item Adolescent mothers’ utilisation ot reproductive health services in the Gauteng Province of the Republic of South Africa.(AOSIS, 2000-09-01) Ehlers, V.J.; Maja, T.; Sellers, E.; Gololo, M.A financial grant was received from the World Health Organization (WHO) during 1998 to establish whether adolescent mothers (aged 19 or younger at the birth of their babies) utilized contraceptive, emergency contraceptive and termination of pregnancy (TOP) services in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). This report refers to data obtained from 111 questionnaires completed by adolescent mothers between January 2000 and May 2000 in the Gauteng Province; 61 in the Pretoria and 50 in the Garankuwa areas and excluding the 12 completed questionnaires used for pretesting the research instrument. The biographic data of the 111 adolescent mothers indicated that the minority were married, employed or earned sufficient income to care for themselves and their babies. However, the minority used contraceptives prior to conception, none used emergency contraceptives or termination of pregnancy (TOP) services. The minority attended ante-natal clinics five or more times during their pregnancies, and a negligible number indicated that they had ever been treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These findings indicate that the 111 adolescent mothers in Gauteng who participated in this survey did not make optimum use of the available reproductive health (RH) care services. Education about sex, pregnancy and contraceptives should commence at the age of 10, but no later than the age of 12 as the majority of respondents did not have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures. The accessibility of contraceptive, emergency contraceptive and TOP services for adolescents should be investigated in specific areas and attempts made to enhance such accessibility. This might necessitate offering these services over weekends or during evenings when schoolgirls could attend without fear of meeting their mothers, aunts or teachers at these clinics.Item Lived experience of persons with an amputation of the upper limb.(Elsevier Ltd., 2014-05-01) Ligthelm, Elizabeth J.; Wright, Susan C.D.Background: Amputations are done daily over the world in an attempt to save a person’s life, treat a disease symptomatically or to improve the functionality of a person. Amputation causes disfiguration, a mutilated body image and physical disability with multiple aspects that the person has to deal with. Objectives: This qualitative phenomenological study was designed to explore the lived experience of individuals with an amputation of an upper limb to provide an evidence base to support nursing interventions. Methods: A sample of eight participants with amputation of an upper limb, living in the southern sub-district of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa, took part in a semi structured interview. One open-ended central question was used to focus the interview: ‘‘Please tell me about your lived experience after losing your arm through an upper limb amputation’’. Data were analysed using content analysis with open coding. Seven themes were identified from the data. Results: The themes emerging from the interviews were: Initial reaction post amputation, support from immediate family, support facilitated adaptation and independence, amputation had financial implications, external response to disability, recurrent physical problems and acceptance is a process. Data have shown that effective communication between multidisciplinary team members; discharge information and ongoing support on an outpatient basis are needed to assist with the adaptation process of the individual to amputation. Discussion: Individuals with an amputation of an upper limb need an effective multidisciplinary approach to care, clear discharge information and ongoing support on an outpatient basis to accept amputation of an upper limb effectively.Item Lived experience of patients on tuberculosis treatment in Tshwane, Gauteng province.(Elsevier B.V., 2017-03-07) Akeju, Oluwafunmilayo Olabisi; Wright, Susanna C.D.; Maja, Todd M.Tuberculosis is one of the communicable diseases that still contributes substantially to the worldwide disease burden and is still a major health threat worldwide. In order to gain a better understanding of being a patient taking tuberculosis treatment and to improve adherence to treatment, this phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experience of patients on tuberculosis treatment. The population comprised patients in an identified tuberculosis clinic in Tshwane who had been on treatment for at least four months and who were able to communicate in English. The data gathering instrument was self-report by in-depth interview. Some of the main themes that emerged include influence of personal social situation, influence of good social support and disclosure, experience of taking medication daily and knowledge about tuberculosis treatment. Findings revealed that the personal social situations of the participants which include accommodation, unemployment and nutritional requirements influenced the adherence of the participants to treatment. It was discovered that good social support had an influence on adherence which could only be enjoyed when the treatment and diagnosis of tuberculosis is disclosed to the family members and friends. Some of the participants, who had been nonadherent in the past, attributed the reasons for their non-adherence to the side effects that they experienced. Lastly, participants also reported knowledge about tuberculosis, that is, knowledge about its causes, treatment and prevention, as crucial for adherence to treatment.Item HIV/AIDS symptom management in Southern Africa.(Elsevier, 2004-05-05) Sukati, Nonhlanhla A.; Mndebele, Sibongile C.; Makoa, Elsie T’sepiso; Ramukumba, Tendani Sara; Makoae, Lucy Nthabiseng; Seboni, Naomi Mmapelo; Human, Sarie; Holzemer, William L.We describe self-reported strategies used by persons living with HIV/AIDS in Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland to manage common HIV-related symptoms. A questionnaire asked participants to list three to six symptoms they had recently experienced, the care strategies they had used to make them better, where they had learned the strategy, and to rate the perceived effectiveness of the strategy. Data were collected in 2002 from 743 persons. The self-care management strategies were coded into eight categories: medications, complementary treatments, self-comforting, changing diet, seeking help, exercise, spiritual care, and daily thoughts/activities. Overall, participants reported medications as the most frequently occurring management strategy and the most effective. A very small inventory of behavioral strategies was available to participants to help them manage their HIV-related symptoms.Item Lifestyle risk factors in an urban South African community.(Aosis Publishing, 2008-03-01) Wright, S.C.D.; Ramukumba, T.S.The research question addressed in the study was to determine the prevalence of the following lifestyle risk factors: obesity, waist-hip ratio, physical inactivity, high blood glucose, and hypertension in an urban community. The research objective for the study was to determine the prevalence of specific risk factors in an urban community. Based on the results, a health intervention could be planned and implemented to reduce the prevalence of the risk factors and the possibility of chronic non-communicable diseases in later life. The design was a quantitative survey using physical measurement and a structured questionnaire. The target population of the study was black urban adults (n=218). The sampling method was convenient and purposive. The results of the study indicated that the prevalence of hypertension and obesity were higher than the national prevalence for South Africa. The waist-hip ratio revealed that 20% of the men and 49.7% of the women were at risk for cardiovascular disease. High blood glucose levels were demonstrated for 21.6% of the group. Physical activity was also shown to be inadequate. In conclusion, the potential for cardiovascular and metabolic health problems in future is high. It is recommended that an intervention, based on the results of the study, should and must be developed and implemented. The more challenging question is to know what to do and how to do it. A framework is suggested to guide the development of an intervention.Item Exploring the meaning of caring amongst student midwives, professional midwives and educators in Tshwane, South Africa.(Aosis Publishing, 2015-09-27) Masala-Chokwe, Mmajapi E.T.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.Background: In spite of caring being the core of midwifery and nursing, there is a constant public outcry about uncaring behaviours of midwives towards clients. Local media reports and recent discussion in the health system have highlighted the concerns regarding caring behaviours of midwives. Thus, there is a need to compare the meaning of caring from the perspectives of student midwives, midwives and educators. Aims: The aim of this article was to determine the meaning of caring from the perspectives of the undergraduate student midwives, the professional midwives, and the educators teaching midwifery in Tshwane. Setting: The study was conducted at healthcare institutions which the undergraduate student midwives attended for work integrated learning and at nursing education institutions in Tshwane, South Africa. Methods: The strategy was qualitative and exploratory in nature. The population comprised student midwives, professional midwives and educators. Purposive sampling was done. Focus group discussions were held with student midwives and professional midwives, whilst the naïve sketch form was used as data-collection instrument for educators. Content data analysis was done. The total sample realised was 38. Results: The findings revealed that ‘caring’ was taken to mean being well conversant, up-to-date and proficient in the field of work as well as considerate and respectful to others. The professional midwives indicated that they have seen colleagues demonstrate uncaring behaviour whilst educators emphasised respect as caring. Conclusion: The student midwives, professional midwives and educators described caring as being a competent nurse with compassion and respect for others.Item Health assessment of taxi drivers in the city of Tshwane.(Aosis Publishing, 2016-08-17) Ramukumba, Tendani S.; Mathikhi, Makwena S.Background: Taxi driving seems to be a strenuous occupation. There was evidence-based paucity of literature on health assessment of taxi drivers. Meanwhile taxi drivers of South Africa were burdened by communicable and non-communicable diseases including high-level exposure to injuries and criminal attacks. Health assessment of this cohort group enables mitigation to engage in appropriation of relevant interventions related to the occupational needs of taxi drivers. Objectives: The objective of the study was to conduct health assessment of taxi drivers in the city of Tshwane to identify health risk factors. Method: An exploratory, descriptive and quantitative survey was conducted and anthropometric measurements of blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference were monitored and recorded on a convenience sample of 69 taxi drivers in Tshwane Municipality. Consent was sought from individual taxi drivers who participated in the study, while taxi rank queue marshals assisted with smooth running of the process. Data were gathered using a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using statistical STATA II with the assistance of a statistician. Results: The study found that taxi drivers were obese, hypertensive, had type II diabetes related risk factors, including unhealthy life style practices. The results indicate that the general health of taxi drivers impacts their occupation. Conclusion: The findings implicate that the health status of taxi operators in Tshwane was a serious concern and urgent concerted effort is needed to engage in lifestyle modification of taxi drivers. The need for health promotion and formalised occupational health services was recommended.Item Prevalence of adolescent obesity at a high school in the City of Tshwane.(Aosis Publishing, 2017-02-27) Ngwenya, Nomusa A.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.Background: Obesity has been reported to be on the rise in the world and South Africa is no exception. In recent years obesity has been reported to contribute to the increasing number of people with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Africa has the fastest growing number of overweight and obese adolescents, with indications that in 2010, it had more than doubled since 1990. Some people might perceive being overweight as being round and healthy which might contribute to the increased rate of obesity in South Africa. Physical and psychological changes that occur during adolescence can also be observed earlier during the preteen years (ages 9–12 years). During this time, peer groups and external appearance are of importance. Physical changes, such as obesity, might be perceived negatively by adolescents, affecting their self-esteem. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of adolescent obesity at a high school in the City of Tshwane. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Stratified random sampling was used and data were collected from 30% of the total population as recommended by the statistician. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis. Validity and reliability were ensured through calibrating the weight-monitoring scale and the measuring tape, which are collection tools. Results: The results identified the prevalence of adolescent obesity at 8.57%. There is evidence of abdominal obesity and waist–hip ratio ≥ 1. The results show that there is a steady increase in obesity levels among adolescents. The poor response of parents was observed and could demonstrate the need to form stronger partnerships for weight reduction interventions. Conclusion: Evidence-based prevalence allowed for conceptualisation of the scope of the obesity epidemic and how children and young people are also affected. To enable proper planning for adolescent obesity interventions, the depth of consequences of obesity for the adolescent cohort should be well defined and clarified.Item The lived experiences and social support needs of first-time mothers at health care facilities in the City of Tshwane, South Africa.(Aosis Publishing, 2017-07-14) Masala-Chokwe, Mmajapi E.T.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.Background: Social support refers to the assistance people receive from others, and it is divided into four types of support. Given the increasing mortality and morbidity rates of mothers and neonates postpartum, this study intended to determine whether the social support needs of the first-time mothers were met after early discharge from health care facilities. Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the lived experiences and social support needs of the first-time mothers after an early discharge from health care facilities in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng. Method: A qualitative explorative study was conducted to explore the lived experiences and social support needs of the first-time mothers. The population were first-time mothers who had a vaginal delivery and were discharged within 6–12 hours of delivery from health care facilities. Purposive sampling was performed and 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted, with those mothers who came for the prescribed three postnatal check-ups at the three health care facilities identified according to maternity services provided. Saturation of data for the three health care facilities was reached at the 14th interview. Data analysis was performed using the hermeneutic interpretive approach. Results: Almost all participants had completed grades 11 or 12, but most were unemployed. The needs identified included the need for social support, lack of confidence, knowledge and skill to care for themselves and their newborn babies after early discharge. Conclusion: There is need to identify alternative types of social support for the first-time mothers, to ensure a normal adjustment to motherhood.Item Evaluation of letsoku and related Southern African clayey soils.(Elsevier, 2018-08-20) Morekhure-Mphahlele, Refilwe; Focke, Walter W.; Grote, Wiebke; Masuku, Grace M.; Dzikiti, Loveness; Motlotle, Ntikwe Pene; Ramukumba, Tendani S.The nature of letsoku and related clayey soils, traditionally used by indigenous Southern African communities for a wide range of purposes, was explored. Thirty nine samples were collected from Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa and Zimbabwe. They were analyzed to determine their composition and physical properties. Analyses involved BET surface area determinations, pH measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Structured interviews were used to establish the purpose of use and the location of sourcing sites. Most of the samples were in powder form and some were supplied as dry clay balls. Cosmetic applications were almost universally indicated. However, other functions, related to artwork, medicinal use, cultural symbolism and traditional beliefs were also mentioned. The letsoku samples covered a wide range of colors ranging from bright red to yellow but also from off-white to black with some having a light grey color. It was therefore not surprising that the mineral composition of the letsoku samples also varied widely. A black sample, and the yellow and reddish pastel colored samples, contained significant quantities of the corresponding, color imparting, iron oxides. As expected, clay minerals featured prominently although kaolinite was more often encountered than smectites as the dominant minerals. All samples contained silica and in some instances the content exceeded 90% m/m SiO2. The presence of high contents (40% m/m) of gibbsite in samples from Venda represents a new finding for clayey soils in traditional usage.Item Men’s reproductive health knowledge in Mankweng District, Limpopo Province.(Aosis Publishing, 2017-08-29) Rasesemola, Richard M.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.; Masala-Chokwe, Majapi; Nkosi, Zerish Z.Background: Gender roles influence men’s attitudes towards reproductive health, and society might assume that reproductive health issues, fertility and family planning are women’s responsibilities. Moreover, literature shows that men have insufficient knowledge about reproductive health matters and some misconceptions about modern contraceptive practices. Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe reproductive health knowledge of men in Mankweng District and was conducted in 2015. Methods: A descriptive research study was conducted by using quantitative approach. Data were collected by means of questionnaires. Cluster random multistage sampling was used to select villages in Mankweng District and convenient sampling was used to identify participants who met the inclusion criteria to participate on the study. Results: A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed and returned; 197 (98.5%) of the returned questionnaires were eligible for analysis. The findings indicated that the majority of participants, 74% (n = 145), considered their partners to be unclean during menstruation, and 84.77% (n = 167) of participants did not know how to perform self-testicular examination. More than half of the participants, 55.83% (n = 67), were not in favour of vasectomy and had strong opinions about it; some of those who reportedly knew what a vasectomy involves had some misconceptions. Conclusion: The findings showed that despite participants’ reported knowledge about some reproductive health matters their perceptions were unfavourable towards them. Despite men’s sufficient knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and ways to protect themselves against STIs men had limited knowledge about other male and female reproductive health matters.Item Compliance to the Integrated School Health Policy: Intersectoral and multisectoral collaboration.(Aosis Publishing, 2018-10-11) Rasesemola, Richard M.; Matshoge, Gert P.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.Background: Implementation of the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) requires strong intersectoral collaboration on the part of key role players such as the Department of Health, Department of Basic Education and Department of Social Development. These departments and educational structures such as school governing bodies, teacher unions and learner organisations, academic institutions, civil society and development partner organisations are also expected to contribute to the development of sustainable and comprehensive school health programmes. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the compliance of the schools in the City of Tshwane to the ISHP in 2015. Method: A quantitative, explorative and descriptive study was conducted in the City of Tshwane using a questionnaire to determine the extent of compliance to the application of the ISHP in selected schools. Results: The results indicated a widespread non-compliance to ISHP programmes. There was insufficient stakeholder integration in the school health programmes at schools in the City of Tshwane. Conclusion: The lack of collaboration with relevant stakeholders in school health service delivery will lead to a fragmented, uncoordinated and unsustainable approach to the execution of ISHP programmes. This might result in delayed or no detection and intervention in cases of, among others, mental, psychosocial and health challenges to learning, as well as development of nutrition-related conditions.Item The experience of professional nurses working with newly qualified nurses placed for community service in public health facilities in the City of Tshwane, South Africa.(Aosis Publishing, 2021-04-04) Mabusela, Paulina D.M.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.Background: The newly qualified nurses (NQNs) were mandated to work for one year as community service nurses before being registered. During the placement, NQNs were supposed to be supervised and supported by professional nurses. On the contrary, professional nurses expected NQNs to be hands-on and provide quality care on completion of their training. Expectations of professional nurses created misperceptions regarding the objectives of community service. Therefore, exploring their experience would identify skills gap that is needed to be addressed. Objectives: This study explored and described the experiences of professional nurses working with NQNs placed for community service in the City of Tshwane. Method: A qualitative exploratory design was conducted. Individual interviews were carried out with 22 professional nurses in various public healthcare settings, such as a hospital, a community health centre and a clinic. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the interviews. Creswell’s data analysis process was implemented. Results: Two themes emerged from this study, namely, experience of participants with NQNs and professional nurses. Participants experienced NQNs as not being competent to work independently and had to deal with unprofessional behavior of NQNs. Participants supported NQNs, even though they were not empowered as mentors to NQNs. Conclusion: Participants were disappointed that NQNs were not competent and confident to work independently. They expressed their frustrations in behaviours displayed by NQNs. However, participants acknowledged NQNs’ individual differences and were supportive towards them even though they were not empowered for such responsibility.Item Resilience and social support of young adults living with mental illness in the city of Tshwane, Gauteng province, South Africa.(Aosis Publishing, 2020-10-28) Hadebe, Nok’khanya F.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.Background: Young adults living with mental illnesses often experience a flood of powerful negative emotions, including anger, anxiety and depression. Some of these young adults remain trapped in their negative emotions long after the stressful events that caused them have passed, whilst resilient young adults without mental illness are able to quickly bounce back to their normal emotional state. Objectives: The objective of the study was to explore the social supports of young adults living with mental illness in the city of Tshwane. Methods: This was a qualitative explorative study conducted in the city of Tshwane in 2018 amongst young adults living with mental illness, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Results: Those young adults living with mental illness who had support from family and friends were able to cope with stressful challenges and had a better outlook for the future, whilst those who perceived their relationship with friends and family as not supportive reported low self-esteem and difficulties dealing with challenging and stressful situations in their lives. Conclusion: Resilience was seen in those young people living with mental illness with support from family and friends, who had positive future prospects, those with high self-esteem and those who were able to adapt to changing situations beyond their control.Item Patients’ lived experiences of the care provided before and after caesarean sections in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa.(Unisa Press, 2021-01-01) Mudau, Takalani A.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.; Masala-Chokwe, Tshidi M.E.A caesarean section is an incision of the abdomen and uterine walls to deliver the foetus. An emergency caesarean section may be performed if complications during pregnancy or labour arise. Various indications such as abnormal presentation, a previous caesarean section, and other related conditions may need an elective caesarean section. In South Africa, the national average caesarean section rate between 2015 and 2016 was 26.2per cent, whereas the rate in district hospitals was 24.1per cent. At a community hospital in the City of Tshwane, the caesarean section rate of 32per cent in 2015 was recorded as high. The aim of this research was to explore and to describe patients’ lived experiences of the care provided before and after a caesarean section in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. To achieve the aim of the study, a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted. The sampling method used was purposive, and the sample size was determined by data saturation. An interview schedule was used to collect the data. The study concluded that some women were satisfied with the care provided, whereas the majority were dissatisfied. The need for strategies to improve such care provided by nurses and midwives was highlighted. Multidisciplinary teams have to acknowledge gaps and develop effective strategies to motivate nurses and midwives in the workplace to provide quality care. Research should be conducted to design an effective nursing framework for caesarean section care.Item Learner pregnancies: views of parents in Madibeng Municipality, North West Province, South Africa.(Academic Journals (Commercial Publisher), 2022-06-01) Ramalepa, Tshiamo N.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.; Masala-Chokwe, Majapi ElizabethBackground: The learner pregnancy phenomenon is one of a variety of social phenomena faced by schools globally. In South Africa, the phenomenon has been increasing in intensity over the years, as shown in the increasing number of learner pregnancies reported by the Department of Basic Education. Due to its social consequences, learner pregnancy involves different stakeholders, such as teachers, parents and the community. Aims: The study aimed to explore the views of parents regarding learner pregnancy in schools of Madibeng Municipality, North West Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted using a purposive sampling method. Four focus group interviews were held with a total of 25 participants, and data were analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Findings: Parents reflected that parents have a responsibility to communicate and share sexual and reproductive information with their children so that the children can make informed decisions about their sexual practices. They further agreed that the responsibility for learner pregnancy management should extend to teachers, parents, nurses, school governing bodies, churches, the community and the government. Conclusion: Stakeholders such as parents, teachers and the community, as internal or external partners, should play a pivotal role in preventing and managing learner pregnancy in schools.Item Teenage pregnancies in Bapong schools, Madibeng local municipality: Teachers’ views.(AOSIS Publishing, 2021-05-01) Ramalepa, Tshiamo N.; Ramukumba, Tendani S.; Masala-Chokwe, Mmajani E.The South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 forbids discrimination against learners based on pregnancy, while the 2007 guideline document, Measures for Prevention and Management of Learner Pregnancy, stipulates teachers’ role in preventing and managing learner pregnancy. Teachers are, therefore, responsible for pregnant learners in the school environment. In the study, which was conducted in primary and secondary schools in Bapong, we aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of teachers regarding pregnancy of school learners. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive approach with purposive sampling was used. In-depth interviews were used for data collection and content analysis was done through Tesch’s approach using open coding. The findings suggest that, despite being against learner pregnancy, teachers are more concerned with the educational success of pregnant learners. They view learner pregnancy as a threat to teachers, other learners and the school environment because they are not trained to deal with pregnancy-related problems. The findings also indicate that the Departments of Health and Education should collaborate in order to initiate a partnership between teachers, school health nurses, and midwives regarding learner pregnancy in schools.Item Exploring patient referral practices of traditional healthcare practitioners in Soshanguve, Gauteng Province, South Africa.(Academic Journals, 2024-04-08) Makhavhu, Eugene Musiiwa; Masala-Chokwe, Mmajapi Elizabeth; Ramukumba, Tendani SaraIntroduction: It may be necessary for healthcare professionals to refer patients to other professionals and institutions that are able to provide the care needed by patients, depending on the severity each case presents, healthcare requirements, and resources available to offer care. In healthcare generally, patient referral is standard procedure; however, in South Africa, referral patterns between allopathic and traditional healthcare practitioners are unknown, and this is a problem yet to be addressed. Objectives: The study objective was to explore patient referral practices from the perspectives of traditional healthcare practitioners of South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design was employed to collect data from 11 traditional healthcare practitioners who were sampled using snowball sampling. An individual semi structured interview schedule was used to collect data. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Patient referral was common practice in traditional health practices, however not reciprocal between the traditional and allopathic healthcare. Several indications for patient referral to allopathic healthcare practitioners included management of chronic conditions amongst others. Discussion: Patient referral being an important part of healthcare practices should be promoted and regulation and traditional health practices improved to promote safe referral practices and curb unsafe self-referrals by patients.Item Perspectives of nurses regarding pain assessment and management during routine infant vaccination in Ghana.(Wiley, 2023-04-17) Annan, Emma; Ramukumba, Tendani S.; Stevens, Bonnie J.Aim: To explore the perspectives of nurses regarding pain and its management during routine infant vaccination at the Child Welfare Clinics in Ghana. Design: Qualitative descriptive design. Methods: Qualitative in depth, in-person interviews using a semi structured interview guide were conducted with 19 Registered Nurses who were were purposively sampled from three selected Child Welfare Clinics in hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, The Tesch cotent analysis procedure was followed for the analysis of interview data. Results: Nurses were aware that the injections they give infants are painful. They described how infants exhibit certain behaviours to express pain. Although nurses support infant pain management during vaccination, they rarely use evidenced-based pain interventions.Item Exploring the dilemmas, challenges, and opportunities of adolescent fatherhood: An exploratory case study.(SAGE Publications, 2022-12-05) Makhavhu, Eugene Musiiwa; Ramukumba, Tendani Sara; Masala-Chokwe, Mmajapi ElizabethTeenage pregnancy is a significant concern for society, and the effect on education is immense. In South Africa, policies were thus introduced allowing pregnant school-going children to continue attending class until the baby’s birth. However, research on adolescent pregnancy generally ignores teenage fathers and focuses mostly on teenage mothers. Parents of teenage girls are also encouraged to offer support to their children, but the same cannot be said about adolescent fathers. They confront numerous barriers in fulfilling their parenting roles. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted to explore adolescent fathers’ dilemmas, challenges, and opportunities. Interviews were conducted to collect data from 5 adolescent fathers in 1 township in South Africa. Findings indicate that adolescent fathers face various challenges and experience fatherhood differently. The phenomenon’s effects on education are immense and unavoidable, yet some opportunities accompany the fathering role. Adolescent fathers are exposed to several complex situations that impact their lives. To understand these, further research studies into adolescent fatherhood still need to be conducted, and reproductive health education efforts should equally be directed toward empowering boys to the same extent as girls.