Health SA GesondheidPub Date : 2026-09-30eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3290
Maurine R Musie, Sibonginhlanhla P Mdanda, Fhumulani M Mulaudzi, Sinethemba Nyandeni, Adolphina M Thema, Felicia O Meno
{"title":"Scaling up implementation of the E-MOTIVE bundle for early detection and management of postpartum haemorrhage emergencies: A scoping review.","authors":"Maurine R Musie, Sibonginhlanhla P Mdanda, Fhumulani M Mulaudzi, Sinethemba Nyandeni, Adolphina M Thema, Felicia O Meno","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. Effective management of PPH demands the implementation of E-MOTIVE bundle for early detection and management of PPH as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The scoping review aimed to map evidence on the implementation of the E-MOTIVE bundle for early detection and management of PPH emergencies globally.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review adopted the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework (2005). Six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest) were searched for sources. The inclusion criteria consisted of full-text articles in English published between 2015 and 2025.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 14 articles were selected. The review revealed: 1. Types of PPH bundles, 2. Implementation strategies of E-MOTIVE bundle. 3. Barriers to effective implementation of the E-MOTIVE bundle.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A bundled care approach for the management of PPH following vaginal delivery has been shown to reduce adverse maternal outcomes because of PPH.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The review addresses a critical gap in the implementation and suggests implementation strategies of the E-MOTIVE bundle, including objective blood loss estimation, scalable training, adoption to national policies and teamwork among the obstetric team.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116393","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 : 2026-09-29eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3281
Tebatso J Mathobela, Andrew R Mosiane, Tshikani L Khoza, Nombeko Mshunqane
{"title":"Experiences of emergency care practitioners on pre-hospital rapid sequence intubation in South Africa.","authors":"Tebatso J Mathobela, Andrew R Mosiane, Tshikani L Khoza, Nombeko Mshunqane","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-hospital Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) is a complex, high-stakes and time-sensitive procedure performed in unpredictable resource-constrained environments. Successful execution of pre-hospital RSI demands coordinated teamwork, thorough preparation and clear communication.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This qualitative study explored the experiences of Emergency Care Practitioners (ECPs) during pre-hospital RSI.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted across three South African provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study adopted a descriptive qualitative design, using focus group discussions (FGDs) to understand ECPs' experiences during prehospital RSI. Six FGDs were conducted online via Microsoft Teams. All discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative data analysis software, NVivo 13 (2020 R1).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 39 ECPs voluntarily participated in six FGDs, representing both public and private sectors. The following themes emerged; system-driven administrative demands and procedural complexity, resource and workforce constraints affecting RSI performance and communication-related challenges and information gaps affecting clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The ECPs voice concerns about challenges that require Emergency Medical Services (EMS) management to implement supportive measures, including improved access to resources and equipment during pre-hospital RSI. Additionally, they argue that practitioner proficiency promotes the effective execution of pre-hospital RSI.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings of this study and the insights gained can guide EMS leadership and policymakers in formulating targeted strategies that will ensure the availability of essential resources and strengthen operational support to enhance the safety and quality of care delivered to critically ill or injured patients requiring RSI.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636368/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116235","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 : 2026-09-29eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3464
Charné Petinger, Bernard N Mabuza, Brian van Wyk
{"title":"Peer navigation to support psychosocial well-being and HIV treatment among adolescents: A rapid review.","authors":"Charné Petinger, Bernard N Mabuza, Brian van Wyk","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3464","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3464","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience poorer outcomes across the HIV care cascade than other age groups because of intersecting developmental, psychosocial and structural barriers. Peer navigation has emerged as a promising strategy to support engagement in care, yet evidence on its effectiveness and implementation for ALHIV remains fragmented.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To synthesise evidence on peer navigation and peer-led psychosocial support interventions for adolescents living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A rapid review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 principles. PubMed and EBSCOhost databases were searched for qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies published between 2013 and 2025.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen studies conducted across eight countries were included. Peer navigation interventions were typically delivered by young adults living with HIV who were stable on treatment and trained to provide psychosocial, adherence and health system navigation support. Most studies reported improvements in antiretroviral therapy adherence, retention in care and viral suppression, although effects varied by context and were not always sustained. Psychosocial benefits included reduced stigma, strengthened trust and improved self-efficacy. Implementation findings indicated high acceptability and feasibility, supported by structured training and supervision, alongside challenges related to sustainability and structural barriers such as transportation costs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Peer navigation is a valuable component of adolescent-friendly HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly when integrated within responsive clinical systems and complemented by strategies addressing structural vulnerability.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This review consolidates regional evidence on peer navigation for ALHIV and provides implementation-relevant insights to inform the integration and scale-up of peer-led models within public sector HIV services.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3464"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636419/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116215","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 : 2026-09-28eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3302
Nomthandazo M Sululu, Allison H Du Plessis
{"title":"Perspectives on substance abuse among nursing students and educators in Eastern Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Nomthandazo M Sululu, Allison H Du Plessis","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Substance abuse in nursing raises ethical and legal concerns, with 10% - 20% of students affected. Research indicates these behaviours often continue into professional practice and need to be addressed.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore and describe the perceptions of nurse educators and student nurses regarding substance abuse and to make recommendations to address substance abuse at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A public nursing college education institution, comprising five main campuses and 18 sub-campuses in the Eastern Cape.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design was used. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and data were collected through three nurse educator focus groups and three student nurse focus groups. Nurse educator focus groups consisted of four participants each, and student focus groups consisted of six participants each. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was established using Guba and Lincoln's criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Three themes emerged: (1) Nurse educators and nursing students perceive substance abuse as a complex issue influenced by diverse personal and environmental factors, (2) Substance abuse impacts student nurses across three domains of their well-being and (3) The management of substance abuse within the education institution lacks comprehensive, structured and consistent strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Substance use among nursing students is fundamentally a health and well-being issue that requires professional and structured interventions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Describing the perceptions of nurse educators and nursing students led to a set of recommendations to address substance abuse among student nurses.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3302"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636405/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116245","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 : 2026-09-25eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3385
Martins Nweke, Julian Pillay
{"title":"Risk factors of hypertension in South Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis to inform the development of a clinical prediction model.","authors":"Martins Nweke, Julian Pillay","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is a major cause of preventable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and remains a significant public health challenge in South Africa. Most existing risk prediction models were derived from high-income populations and may not perform well in low- and middle-income settings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To synthesise pooled evidence on risk factors of hypertension in South Africa and use the findings to inform the development of a clinical prediction model.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, Web of Science and African Journals (SABINET) from 1990 to March 2025. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool odds ratios for eligible risk factors. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), while predictor selection for model development was guided by risk weight and geotemporal trend.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-four studies, including cross-sectional, case-control and cohort designs, were included. The studies covered multiple South African provinces, with 15 national studies spanning all nine provinces. Strong pooled associations were observed for dyslipidaemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-7.80), age > 50 years (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.82-6.70), diabetes (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.86-3.53), obesity (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.89-2.91) and gold mine dust exposure (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.70-3.25). These findings informed the final prediction model.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Age, metabolic factors, environmental exposures and selected social determinants were important predictors of hypertension. The resulting model may support early screening in primary care, although external validation is required.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study synthesises South African evidence on hypertension risk factors and translates the findings into a context-specific clinical prediction model.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3385"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116278","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 : 2026-09-25eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3378
Ernest A Bekoe, Tawagidu Mohammed, Bashir Bello, Nontembiso Magida
{"title":"Prevalence of physical activity involvement among older adults in Africa: A scoping review.","authors":"Ernest A Bekoe, Tawagidu Mohammed, Bashir Bello, Nontembiso Magida","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global rise in the population of older adults has significant health implications, particularly in Africa, where demographic transitions are accelerating. Reduced participation in physical activity (PA) is a key determinant of chronic disease burden, functional decline and poor quality of life. Despite its importance, evidence on PA participation among older adults in Africa remains fragmented.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To synthesise evidence on the prevalence of PA involvement among older adults in Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Peer-reviewed studies were systematically searched across PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar. Search terms combined prevalence, older adults, physical activity and participation. Eligible studies included studies of older adult populations that reported PA prevalence. Three reviewers independently screened and appraised the studies. Data were charted and synthesised narratively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven studies revealed significant variability in physical activity levels among older adults in Africa, with low engagement in South Africa and Ethiopia, while Ghana showed higher levels of vigorous activity. The main barriers included advanced age, low income, obesity and a lack of awareness, whereas encouragement from family and healthcare professionals helped enhance participation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In general, physical activity levels among older adults remain low and are influenced by contextual factors, underlining the importance of addressing social and economic challenges.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This review contributes by consolidating evidence on physical activity among older adults in Africa, exposing research gaps and practical needs. Based on these insights, healthcare providers should encourage activity, give clear advice and work with communities to strengthen support systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3378"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116226","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 : 2026-09-23eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3423
Hayley K Langley, Izanne S Human, James P Odendaal
{"title":"A longitudinal quantitative study of the effects of training on food handlers' hygiene knowledge and practices in the National School Nutrition Programme, Western Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Hayley K Langley, Izanne S Human, James P Odendaal","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3423","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3423","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) provides food to approximately 9.7 million learners across South Africa. Children are more vulnerable to foodborne disease, especially if food is prepared unhygienically. Although foodborne disease outbreaks occur in South African schools, few studies have examined the knowledge and practices of food handlers in the NSNP.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to determine whether food hygiene knowledge training intervention at schools offering the NSNP will improve food handlers' knowledge and practices regarding food hygiene and safety.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at 10 schools within a Cape Winelands sub-district municipality offering the NSNP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative longitudinal design was employed, utilising a pre-test-post-test intervention study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to assess knowledge, and an observation checklist was used to assess the practices of the food handlers before and after training.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pre-training findings showed that most food handlers have a high baseline food hygiene knowledge, yet observations found poor compliance with required practices. After the training intervention, no statistically significant differences (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were found between pre- and post-training questionnaire results. However, post-training observations found clear improvement in hygiene practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite improvement, the study revealed that a lack of resources is the main challenge in implementing safe food handling practices in the NSNP.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study underscores the need to strengthen compliance and routine inspections and prioritise food safety within the NSNP. Future studies should explore behavioural and attitude factors that influence these food handlers.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3423"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636356/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116228","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 : 2026-09-21eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3457
Ayehu M Belay, Hulisani Matakanye, Mokgadi C Matlakala
{"title":"Uptake of antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A qualitative exploratory study.","authors":"Ayehu M Belay, Hulisani Matakanye, Mokgadi C Matlakala","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3457","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3457","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Unsuppressed viral load despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a major challenge to effective HIV treatment in Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa, retention in care and adherence remain problematic despite the widespread implementation of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To explore ART uptake among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Addis Ababa from the perspectives of PLHIV and healthcare providers, using a qualitative exploratory approach.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in eight selected public health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative exploratory study design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 36 participants: 20 people living with HIV and 12 healthcare providers (including ART nurses, pharmacists and HIV programme coordinators). Data were analysed thematically to investigate key barriers and facilitators influencing ART uptake.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six themes emerged: (1) structural and systemic barriers, including drug shortages and transportation challenges; (2) psychosocial-related barriers, such as stigma and fear of disclosure; (3) variable awareness and perceptions of DSD models; (4) adherence motivators, including health preservation and social support; (5) provider-patient relationship dynamics; and (6) recommendations focusing on health-system reforms and community engagement. Limited awareness of DSD options and inconsistent implementation reduced the effectiveness of DSD models.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Improving ART delivery in Addis Ababa requires integrated interventions that address structural, economic and psychosocial barriers, strengthen patient-provider communication and enhance community engagement.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study provides actionable, context-specific evidence on barriers and facilitators to ART uptake, supporting efforts to improve adherence and retention and to advance progress towards global HIV targets and Sustainable Development Goals 3.3 and 3.8.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3457"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636436/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149116372","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 : 2026-08-31eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3275
Bongani V Miya, Ntagi G Mariri, Chevon Clark
{"title":"The correlation between depression and haemodialysis adequacy in chronic kidney disease patients in South Africa.","authors":"Bongani V Miya, Ntagi G Mariri, Chevon Clark","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3275","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3275","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern projected to be the fifth most prevalent chronic disease by 2040, associated with high mortality and significant psychosocial burdens.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to explore and describe the correlation between depression and haemodialysis adequacy in CKD patients.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Research was conducted across five units in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This quantitative, cross-sectional, prospective analytic study included 78 patients selected via convenience sampling, and trustworthiness and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. A biostatistician analysed the raw data using the statistical analysis system (SAS). Data collected over 3 months involved objective measurements of online dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) and pathology (creatinine, urea), alongside subjective depression assessments using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median BDI score was 17 (Interquartile range [IQR]: 13-22), reflecting mild-to-severe depressive symptoms. The median online Kt/V was 1.04. A significant inverse association was found between BDI scores and Kt/V (<i>p</i> = 0.0231), indicating that higher depressive symptoms correlate with lower adequacy. No significant relationships were observed between depression and creatinine or urea levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Lower dialysis adequacy is significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. Findings highlight the urgent need to integrate mental health screening and psychosocial support into routine renal care to improve patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings highlight the necessity of psychosocial support, patient compliance, and education to improve employment and nutritional security, and advocate for comprehensive medical insurance coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898005","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":"Patients' satisfaction in positron emission tomography/computed tomography departments in Gauteng province, South Africa.","authors":"Themba Tshabalala, Padidi Louisa Mokoena, Lucky Chipeya","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3280","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v31i0.3280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patient satisfaction is a subjective metric, yet an important one used for evaluating healthcare performance and identifying areas for improvement. Since the introduction of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in South Africa in 2005, limited information is available on patient satisfaction in PET/CT departments. Understanding patients' experiences in this setting is essential to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study assessed patients' satisfaction with care when undergoing PET/CT examinations.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at three selected academic public hospitals in the Gauteng province of South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research design to collect data from 226 randomly selected respondents between March 2022 and September 2022. A structured, closed-ended, adapted questionnaire utilising a 5-point Likert scale was used to collect data through telephone surveys.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study had a predominance of female respondents (62.4%) over male respondents (37.6%). Overall, the study reported high satisfaction levels regarding staff's professionalism (92.5%), the privacy provided in the examination rooms (94.2%), the cleanliness of the examination rooms (88.9%), reception areas (90.3%), and toilets (93.8%), while only 0.4% expressed no satisfaction at all because their appointments were not kept at the scheduled times.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that the majority of patients were satisfied with the level of service and care they received during PET/CT examinations. However, there is a need to improve patient appointment adherence for achieving better clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Positron emission tomography/computed tomography staff should advise patients with appointment choices and provide service at the scheduled times.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"31 ","pages":"3280"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13543132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148897991","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}