Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2847
Noxolo C M Zwane
{"title":"The push and pull factors: Adverse childhood experiences and their association with homelessness.","authors":"Noxolo C M Zwane","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2847","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A widespread global risk for children is homelessness, often caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and leading to dire living conditions. Children may be compelled to live and work on the streets because of economic, social and psychological factors. Knowledge of the patterns of ACEs and their association with homelessness remains unknown in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study explores the patterns of ACEs contributing to childhood homelessness in South Africa to identify immediate causes and underlying factors that sustain the issue.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A qualitative document analysis was used as the primary method to review and interpret relevant academic publications. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data, providing a structured approach to organising, categorising and examining the material, enabling the identification of key patterns and themes that guided the study's interpretation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified push and pull factors such as family dysfunction, substance use, street culture, peer influence and poverty that shape child displacement and contribute to pathways into homelessness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It was evident that family challenges, abuse and poverty push children from unsafe homes, while peer influence and street culture pull them into prolonged street life. Addressing the push-pull factors associated with ACEs requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the reasons why children leave their homes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This article explores ACEs leading to child homelessness and offers insights for families, communities and policymakers to reduce the issue in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2847"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223993/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561512","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2883
Elizabeth Brits, Layla Moosa, Muhammad Kola, Osman Cassim, Zafeerah Khan, Rummanah Cajee, Aslam Salie, Muhammed Peer, Mohammed S Hoosen, Joseph B Sempa
{"title":"Hirschsprung disease at a tertiary hospital: Patient profile, management and outcomes.","authors":"Elizabeth Brits, Layla Moosa, Muhammad Kola, Osman Cassim, Zafeerah Khan, Rummanah Cajee, Aslam Salie, Muhammed Peer, Mohammed S Hoosen, Joseph B Sempa","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2883","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2883","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hirschsprung disease (HD), a congenital condition marked by absent ganglion cells in the colon, causes serious digestive problems. It affects 1 in 5000 newborns worldwide, predominantly males. Delayed diagnosis and limited resources influence outcome. The clinical profile, management, and outcomes of HD at Universitas Academic Hospital Complex (UAHC), a tertiary hospital in central South Africa, were investigated.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim was to identify healthcare challenges and enhance patient care in a resource-restricted setting.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>UAHC, Bloemfontein, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cross-sectional study of all 65 paediatric surgical patients treated for HD during 2010-2021 was conducted. Data extracted from electronic medical records were analysed regarding demographics, disease presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches and postoperative outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 65 patients, mostly male (83.1%), with a median age at diagnosis of 87 days, were analysed. Symptoms included abdominal distension and difficulty passing stool; 30.8% developed Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC). Diagnostic methods mainly used rectal suction biopsies. Surgery often required multi-stage procedures due to late diagnosis and extensive disease. Postoperative complications were common (e.g. ileus, surgical site infections, HAEC and hypomotility). Many patients needed additional surgeries. Follow-up indicated not only a high survival rate but also significant loss to follow-up and long-term complications.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Managing HD in resource-limited settings presents major challenges, where late diagnosis and scarce diagnostic resources affect outcomes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Managing HD is challenging because of delayed diagnosis, limited resources, complications and loss to follow-up, necessitating better perioperative care. Early diagnosis and structured follow-up can improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2883"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561487","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2859
Anita Padmanabhanunni, Tyrone B Pretorius
{"title":"Stress to stability: Sense of coherence as a buffer against pandemic-related psychological distress.","authors":"Anita Padmanabhanunni, Tyrone B Pretorius","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2859","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Identifying protective factors in mental health-related outcomes is crucial, offering insights into the vulnerabilities and strengths individuals harness against psychological distress. There has been limited focus on exploring complex mediation and moderation models, which can uncover the relationships between stressors, protective factors and wellbeing.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study investigated the interrelationship between perceived stress, sense of coherence (SOC), and psychological distress.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>South African university students (<i>N</i> = 322) completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale-13, Beck Hopelessness Scale-9 and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Moderation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro to examine the role of SOC in moderating the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress. Where moderation was not significant, mediation analysis was conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sense of coherence demonstrated multiple roles in mental health, exhibiting direct effects on indicators of psychological distress. Sense of coherence moderated the relationship between perceived stress and hopelessness. Under heightened stress conditions, individuals with low to medium SOC displayed more profound feelings of hopelessness compared to those with high SOC. Mediation analysis showed that SOC served as a bridge between perceived stress and both depression and anxiety. The identification of a potential SOC threshold offers a novel perspective on assessing risk levels, suggesting that individuals with low to moderate SOC are particularly vulnerable under high stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings emphasise the need for targeted approaches to strengthen SOC as a resilience-enhancing factor.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study advances theoretical discussions on stress-buffering models and offers guidance for mental health practitioners working in high-stress environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2859"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609916","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-16eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2819
Mumsy E Chibe, Carin Napier, Heleen Grobbelaar
{"title":"Panel experts in shaping the nutrition and food safety guidelines for CYCWs in KwaZulu-Natal, SA.","authors":"Mumsy E Chibe, Carin Napier, Heleen Grobbelaar","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2819","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2819","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The study is based on the view that food contamination and limited knowledge of health and hygiene are some challenges Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) face. The South Africa Nutrition Education Programme (NEP) was a conceptual framework within which the study is embedded. Despite the existence of relevant legislation and processes on food preparation, safety and healthy eating, South Africa's CYCCs are still characterised by practice limitations.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study explores the use of expert panels in the review of newly developed guidelines for child and youth well-being.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>South African Experts in the field of CYCC and Academia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative approach was utilised to select three experts in Child and Youth Care, Child and Youth Care Education and Training and Food, Nutrition, and Community Research Education and Training. They were given 58 pages of guidelines to review and submit input. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study's findings included six main themes and related sub-themes. The main themes include nutrition terminology and words, healthy eating plans, menu planning, food safety and hygiene, food preparation and the layout of the guidelines. In general, the study findings can be highlighted as inclusion of low-cost, widely available, cost-effective meals, utilising SA-acceptable terminology and focussing on SA sources rather than global literature.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The guidelines are critical because CYCCs in South Africa currently lack such guidelines. Furthermore, the expert reviewers acknowledged that the guidelines were applicable and necessary in South African child and youth care facilities.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Child and Youth Care Centres in South Africa will be able to incorporate the guidelines into their everyday food handling and preparation procedures.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2819"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561509","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-11eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2836
Zamadonda N Xulu-Kasaba, Firdous B Hoosen, Tina Mlanji, Naadira Moosa, Sthembile Ngcobo, Idani B Nelwamondo, Olivia B Baloyi
{"title":"Optometry preceptors' perceptions of clinical supervision at a South African university.","authors":"Zamadonda N Xulu-Kasaba, Firdous B Hoosen, Tina Mlanji, Naadira Moosa, Sthembile Ngcobo, Idani B Nelwamondo, Olivia B Baloyi","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2836","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Effective clinical teaching in tertiary institutions relies heavily on clinical preceptors who supervise undergraduate students. While many health science disciplines have explored clinical supervisors' perceptions of their roles, limited evidence exists in optometry.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore optometry clinical supervisors' views on their effectiveness as clinical teachers.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>One-on-one interviews were conducted online via Zoom.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Interviews were conducted in English and transcribed verbatim. Using a social constructivist paradigm and the inductive approach of content analysis, the data were analysed. Twelve of 22 eligible clinical supervisors (aged 21 years -50 years; 75% female) participated in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two main categories emerged: (1) Roles and responsibilities of optometry preceptors, and (2) Intervening conditions that facilitate or hinder effective supervision. Participants described the clinic as a nurturing learning environment, with supervisors modelling professional behaviour, prioritising learning, and fostering psychological safety. Supervisors supported students in developing higher-order thinking. Facilitating factors included collaboration with academic staff and institutional support. However, high workloads, lack of adequate remuneration, and human resource challenges were identified as barriers to effective supervision.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Optometry clinical supervisors were committed to delivering effective preceptorship and creating a supportive clinical learning environment. Addressing workload, remuneration, and administrative challenges could enhance the supervision experience and sustain high-quality clinical teaching.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study identifies key enablers and barriers to effective clinical supervision, offering insights to improve the clinical training experience for undergraduate optometry students.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2836"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561508","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":"Metagenomic evaluation of food hygiene practices in the National School Nutrition Programme in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.","authors":"Sithembile S Madlala, Nokuthula Mchunu, Monica Dalasile, Rian Pierneef, Poovendhree Reddy","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2814","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2814","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) provides meals to schools in low-income areas in South Africa, implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) with food safety monitored by Municipal Health Services.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess compliance of school kitchens with general hygiene requirements (R638 of 2018) and detect food pathogens on food contact surfaces using amplified metagenomics.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in quintile 1 and 2 primary schools in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative cross-sectional study assessed the safety compliance of food preparation and storage areas in 33 primary schools against national legislation standards. Fifteen samples of food contact surfaces were collected from four schools and analysed using Illumina sequencing to identify prevalent bacterial genera.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>None of the schools possessed a Certificate of Acceptability. Significant structural issues include poor pest control, inadequate sanitary facilities, a lack of food safety training and inadequate waste management. Taxonomic analysis revealed several dominant bacterial genera, including <i>Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter</i> and <i>Pantoea</i>, indicating potential routes for food contamination and subsequent risks for foodborne illnesses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlighted critical inadequacies in food preparation and storage areas requiring urgent intervention to ensure safe meal preparation. It emphasised the need for improved food safety monitoring and compliance in schools in low-income areas. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques identified a broad spectrum of pathogens, offering a robust method for assessing environmental hygiene.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides insights into food safety risks in the NSNP, informing policies and interventions to improve food safety and reduce foodborne illnesses in schools.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2814"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224060/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561488","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-10eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2904
Kristofina T Nakatana, Hans Justus Amukugo, Salomo Salomo
{"title":"Occupational hazards: Perceptions of nurse managers at Intermediate Hospital Onandjokwe.","authors":"Kristofina T Nakatana, Hans Justus Amukugo, Salomo Salomo","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2904","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2904","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Managing occupational health hazards (OHH) in the nursing profession is crucial for improving nurses' quality of life. Nurses are facing OHH while delivering patient care. These hazards can lead to morbidity, mortality and compromised patient care.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study explored and described the perceptions of nurse managers regarding the management of OHH among nurses at the Intermediate Hospital Onandjokwe.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in the state healthcare facility at the Intermediate Hospital Onandjokwe.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative approach with phenomenological, descriptive, exploratory and contextual designs was adopted. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed, and sample size was determined by data saturation. The study utilised an interviewer guide, field notes and an audio recorder as instruments for data collection. The data were analysed using a thematic approach. The criteria for ensuring data trustworthiness were applied, and fundamental ethical principles were followed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three major themes and their corresponding sub-themes emerged from the data, such as: (1) perceived factors associated with the management of OHH, (2) experiences of OHH and (3) challenges faced by nurses in managing OHH.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The nurse managers perceived poor management of OHH in the hospital, which exposed nurses to physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial health hazards.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study supports the sustainable development goals by improving health and safety practices for nurses and enhancing their working conditions. It aligns with Vision 2023 by promoting a healthier, safer workforce to improve nurses' health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2904"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561490","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-10eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2924
Nthuseni T Munzhedzi, Khathutshelo G Netshisaulu, Dorah U Ramathuba
{"title":"Student midwives' experiences of Ubuntu principles in midwifery care at Vhembe District.","authors":"Nthuseni T Munzhedzi, Khathutshelo G Netshisaulu, Dorah U Ramathuba","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2924","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2924","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ubuntu, a philosophy of human dignity, moral high ground, compassion, interconnectedness and community, significantly enhances ethical and caring practices in nursing and midwifery.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study explored student midwives' experiences in applying Ubuntu principles in midwifery services in Vhembe District, Limpopo province.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at the Vhembe District in Limpopo province, focusing on Level 4 student midwives learning at two tertiary nursing education institutions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive approach. The study was conducted in three selected hospitals of Vhembe District, which were purposively selected. Thirty Level 4 student midwives from two tertiary nursing education institutions were purposefully selected from three district hospitals. Data were collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, and thematically analysed using Tesch's eight-step approach. Credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability ensured trustworthiness. Ethical principles were rigorously followed throughout the research process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed both positive and negative experiences. Student midwives reported patient support, mutual respect and collegiality, alongside discrimination and abuse. These contrasting accounts point to a disconnect between Ubuntu principles and actual clinical practice, highlighting the gap between ethical ideals and the lived realities of midwifery care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While some areas of clinical practice support Ubuntu values, there are significant gaps. Student midwives are exposed to positive and negative experiences in the practice of Ubuntu in midwifery services. The study recommends Ubuntu principles in midwifery practice and education to promote human-oriented and ethical care.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study advocates for the consistent affirmation of Ubuntu in midwifery practice and education to promote ethical integrity and enhance the quality of maternal care.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2924"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224010/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561511","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-09eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2985
Mphambanyeni J Mugwari, Neltjie C van Wyk, Ndivhaleni R Lavhelani
{"title":"Nursing students' appreciation of clinical supervision during work-integrated learning.","authors":"Mphambanyeni J Mugwari, Neltjie C van Wyk, Ndivhaleni R Lavhelani","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2985","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Effective clinical supervision in learning-conducive environments is required to enhance students' work-integrated learning. Conversely, ineffective clinical supervision can jeopardise students' learning and skills development.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to explore and describe the aspects of clinical supervision during work-integrated learning that students of a designated nursing education institution appreciated.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at an institution in South Africa that offered a 3-year diploma programme in nursing science. The students took part in work-integrated learning at five public hospitals and 20 clinics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Descriptive qualitative research with an appreciative inquiry approach was done. Second and third-year students were purposively selected and took part in four focus group discussions. Data saturation determined the sample size of 45 participants. The 5-D Appreciative Inquiry Model applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants appreciated opportunities to learn how to integrate theory in practice under the supervision of professional nurses in learning-conducive clinical environments and enabling relationships with facilitators and lecturers. They wished for ongoing cooperation between the institutions involved to ensure well-resourced facilities and manuals for standardised nursing procedures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nursing students require clinical supervision to benefit optimally from work-integrated learning. The supervision should be provided by hospital and clinic staff, as well as clinical facilitators and lecturers in learning-conducive environments created through cooperation between the institutions involved in the students' training.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The research findings indicate the support that students require to use learning opportunities to become clinically skilled in integrating theory and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2985"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224021/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561489","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}
Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2025-06-05eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2899
Bhekithemba Vellem, Karien Jooste
{"title":"Preceptors inspire students to be competent in nursing practice in a psychiatric public unit.","authors":"Bhekithemba Vellem, Karien Jooste","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2899","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2899","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The preceptor's role in nursing education remains important for its relevance in the professional development of student nurses and their advancement to becoming competent practitioners. Psychiatric nursing units address the management of complex mental health conditions that necessitate specific competencies from student nurses. It was unclear how the preceptors' supportive role was experienced by student nurses placed in a psychiatric hospital.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to gain insight into the supportive role of preceptors in inspiring fourth-year student nurses to become competent in clinical practice at a South African public psychiatric hospital.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at one of South Africa's largest psychiatric public hospital, where fourth-year student nurses were placed to complete their psychiatric clinical nursing practice hours.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The research employed a descriptive phenomenological design with individual interviews. Homogeneous purposive sampling was followed and 11 interviews with an interview guide were conducted at which stage data and meaning saturation were obtained. Interviews lasted between 30 min- 45 min and data analysis followed seven-step method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Students experienced preceptors as unreplaceable in providing support during clinical practices. Professionalism, respect and inclusivity were the defining characteristics of the welcoming learning atmosphere that preceptors provided. Student nurses praised the preceptors' willingness to respond to questions, treat them like professionals and support their required learning opportunities.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, participants reported a positive experience with preceptors, noting no challenges encountered.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study contributes to the understanding of the critical supporting role of preceptors to student nurses in a psychiatric hospital.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2899"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224020/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144561510","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}