South African Family Practice最新文献

{"title":"Emergency medical services in the Limpopo province: Is there a need for change and is trauma different?","authors":"Samson N Phaleng, Timothy C Hardcastle","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6227","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) may reduce morbidity and mortality. Trauma systems may improve survival. The objectives of this study were to determine response times of primary and secondary calls in the Limpopo province and to compare primary and secondary calls with international and South African standards. The goal is to make recommendations on improving policies governing the transportation of emergency patients, specifically addressing the transfer of major and polytrauma patients to tertiary facilities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective observational cross-sectional study of EMS transports to and from three EMS stations in the Limpopo province between 01 January 2020 and 31 December 2020. Data collection included demographics, medical category of patients, response, patient treatment and mission times.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 1040 patients, with a similar distribution of male to female, most (62%) aged between 16 and 54 years. Medical cases constituted 30.5%, followed by maternity (25.6%), then trauma (20.7%). Primary calls constituted 79.9%, while secondary calls encompassed 20.1%. The mean response time of all patients was 28 min. The mean response time for trauma patients was 40 min, while for non-trauma patients, it was 24 min. In linear regression analysis, the type of call was found to be statistically significant in predicting response time with a p-value of 0.022.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The mean response time overall and for trauma is far longer than international standards and longer than for non-trauma patients. Efforts should aim to reduce response time for trauma patients.Contribution: The research highlights the difference in response between trauma and non-trauma cases in a rural setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869810/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond magnesium sulphate - Rethinking magnesium's impact on maternal and foetal health in low to middle-income countries: A scoping review.","authors":"Naeera Abdul, Vinogrin Dorsamy, Chauntelle Bagwandeen","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6196","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), contribute greatly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), undermining progress towards reducing maternal mortality. While magnesium sulphate is established for seizure prophylaxis, magnesium's physiological and epidemiological significance in HDPs is underexplored. This scoping review mapped current evidence on maternal magnesium homeostasis and HDP association.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Electronic databases were searched for studies reporting maternal magnesium levels, magnesium physiology in pregnancy or, magnesium supplementation in HDP. Eleven studies met the eligibility inclusion criteria. Data was charted for study design, magnesium biomarkers, outcomes and contextual factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Observational evidence demonstrated lower magnesium levels among women with HDP against normotensive controls and linked low magnesium with adverse foetal outcomes. Mechanistic studies supported this, highlighting magnesium's role in endothelial function, vascular tone regulation and oxidative stress. Randomised trials evaluating magnesium supplementation showed inconsistent findings and were influenced by variations in formulation, dosage, timing and, underlying nutritional status. Contextual factors, such as HIV, obesity, renal function, and socioeconomic disadvantage, impacted magnesium homeostasis and HDP risk, particularly in LMICs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Magnesium insufficiency may contribute to HDP and adverse perinatal outcomes in LMICs, though causal pathways remain unconfirmed. Improved biomarker standardisation, mechanistic studies, and targeted supplementation trials in high-risk or deficient populations are needed.Contribution: This review highlights key inconsistencies in magnesium measurement, identifies contextual modifiers relevant to LMICs, and outlines priority areas for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breast cancer survivorship in South Africa: A holistic primary care approach.","authors":"Mareike Rabe, Nita M Robinson","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6200","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As breast cancer incidence increases and survival improves, an increasing number of breast cancer survivors (BCS) require long-term follow-up and support. Primary care providers play a central role in maintaining continuity of care, promoting endocrine therapy adherence, managing complications such as lymphoedema and supporting psychosocial well-being. This article aims to provide a structured approach to breast cancer survivorship care, aligned with national cancer care policies and guidelines and international best practices, focused on primary care integration. A case vignette aims to bridge theory and practice, contextualise decision-making and encourage patient-centred care as it relates to breast cancer survivorship in the South African context.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869804/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transforming higher education: Embracing gender diversity for an inclusive future.","authors":"Indiran Govender, Ramprakash Kaswa, Arun Nair","doi":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6232","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v68i1.6232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p></p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"68 1","pages":"e1-e2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12869841/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146107389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The microbiome in mind: Reflections on antibiotic prescription in primary care.","authors":"Nicolas D B Roos","doi":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6238","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this opinion piece, the author critically reflects on his own antimicrobial stewardship practices in primary care and the complex factors influencing antibiotic prescription, specifically in children.Contribution: In light of emerging evidence of the role of the microbiome in both health and disease, this piece raises a key question: Are we doing more harm than good?</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"67 1","pages":"e1-e4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brief behaviour change counselling in the South African context.","authors":"Zelra Malan, Robert Mash","doi":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6122","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6122","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"67 1","pages":"e1-e2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diabetes knowledge levels among patients in Mhlontlo, South Africa: A quantitative study.","authors":"Zimkhitha Diniso, Nongiwe L Mhlanga, Monwabisi Faleni","doi":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6183","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is a high prevalence of diabetes in South Africa and a related increase in poor treatment outcomes among people with diabetes. Poor glycaemic control is often associated with a lack of knowledge of self-management. The study aimed to assess diabetes knowledge levels among patients in the Mhlontlo Municipality in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study used a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design. A convenience sample was taken of patients ≥ 18 years of age with Type 2 diabetes at a Community Health Centre and a district hospital. Data were analysed using SPSS 29, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 172 respondents were surveyed. Most respondents (57.6%) were female and most (54.2%) obtained information from healthcare facilities. Respondents demonstrated a moderate level of diabetes knowledge, with an overall median score of 62.5% across all question categories. A total of 41.3% respondents had a high level of knowledge, 29.1% had moderate knowledge levels and 29.6% had low knowledge levels. Using chi-square tests of association, tertiary-level education, younger age (between 18 and 29 years) and being employed were significantly associated with high knowledge levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Health facilities in Mhlontlo should focus on providing health education for people aged more than 50 years to improve diabetes self-management.Contribution: This study contributes to previously unavailable context-specific information on diabetes knowledge levels among patients in Mhlontlo.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"67 1","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817040/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rebuttal to: Brief behaviour change counselling in the South African context.","authors":"Olufemi B Omole, Deidré Pretorius, Klaus B Von Pressentin","doi":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6215","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p></p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"67 1","pages":"e1-e2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817026/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary care nurses regarding human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis in Mhlontlo sub-district municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Olugboyega O Akingbohungbe, Parimalaranie Yogeswaran, Olukayode A Adeleke","doi":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6204","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is key for preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, but uptake is limited, especially in rural areas of South Africa. Nurses in primary healthcare (PHC) play a vital role in delivering PrEP, yet little is known about their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in this area.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 178 nurses from three healthcare facilities in the Mhlontlo sub-district of the OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess demographic variables, PrEP-related knowledge, attitudes and practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 78.7% of participants were aware of PrEP, only 43.3% demonstrated comprehensive knowledge, and just 46.6% had ever initiated a client on PrEP. Community health centre (CHC) nurses demonstrated significantly better knowledge and practice than those in district hospitals (p  0.001). Attitudes were generally positive, with 91.4% agreeing that PrEP is an effective HIV prevention method. However, 73.1% believed it could lead to increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The study identified barriers to PrEP implementation, including lack of training (57.9%), protocol shortages (25.3%) and insufficient time (40.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Primary care nurses demonstrate a high level of awareness and positive attitudes towards PrEP; however, knowledge and practice gaps persist. Primary care providers' capacity building through targeted training, integration and improved human and healthcare resources is vital to enhancing PrEP implementation for national HIV prevention.Contribution: This study highlighted the frontline primary care providers' vital roles in the PrEP for prevention of HIV infection in resource-limited rural healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"67 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the implementation of group empowerment for people with type 2 diabetes at Grassy Park Community Day Centre, Cape Town: A convergent mixed-methods study.","authors":"Zahraa Saban, Darcelle Schouw, Robert J Mash","doi":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6192","DOIUrl":"10.4102/safp.v67i1.6192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes is a major contributor to the burden of disease in South Africa, but glycaemic control is poor. Group empowerment and training (GREAT) for people with type 2 diabetes is a cost-effective intervention in our setting. The aim was to evaluate the implementation of GREAT for diabetes at a primary care facility in Cape Town.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convergent mixed-method study evaluated implementation outcomes over 6 months. A programme theory model was used to prospectively plan implementation. Semi-structured individual interviews were held with healthcare workers, focus group interviews with patients and sessions were observed to evaluate adoption, feasibility, fidelity and sustainability. Quantitative data evaluated reach, cost and aspects of fidelity. Qualitative data analysis used ATLAS.ti and the framework method. Data were analysed deductively according to the pre-determined implementation outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key stakeholders agreed that GREAT was acceptable and appropriate and encouraged adoption. Initial implementation reached 35 patients in four groups and 65% of those invited attended. Only 29% attended all four sessions. Fidelity of the intervention to the training manual was good. Several contextual factors influenced the feasibility of implementation (e.g. support of management, space for group sessions, integration with appointment system, effect on number of walk-in patients, streamlined referral system). Incremental operational costs were trivial (R30/month), while opportunity costs were higher (R26 252/month). Sustainability will be related to ongoing managerial and staff buy-in and adjustment of the implementation strategies to overcome some of the barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study identified 30 determinants of successful implementation outcomes.Contribution: Can guide future implementation in similar contexts as GREAT for diabetes is scaled-up in Cape Town and scaled-out to other provinces in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":22040,"journal":{"name":"South African Family Practice","volume":"67 1","pages":"e1-e13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12817004/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145985684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}