Health SA Gesondheid最新文献

{"title":"Emergency nurses' disaster preparedness competencies: A focused mapping review and synthesis.","authors":"Tshepo L Motsepe, Shelley Schmollgruber","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2770","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Emergency nurses are at the front line of a health institution and are deemed competent to manage various situations, with disaster being one of them. Preparing for disaster is crucial as it will eliminate delays in providing care in conditions that would be abnormal in the daily running of an emergency department.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To identify emergency nurses' disaster preparedness competencies in caring for patients during a disaster.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in emergency departments and trauma centres that respond to disasters and mass casualty incidents.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A focused mapping review and synthesis was conducted where, articles published between 2006 and 2022 were searched utilising keywords relating to emergency nurses' disaster preparedness through the following databases: SCOPUS, Sabinet, EBSCO host, ProQuest, PubMed and Google Scholar. Data were extracted from articles that met the inclusion criteria and placed into an extraction table where themes were developed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 38 articles identified, duplicates were removed and 15 remained after an abstract review and full-text download. The review yielded five themes: communication, preparation and planning, incident management system, safety and security and intervention, the most dominant disaster competencies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Communication, incident management, safety and security, preparedness and planning are the most identified integral domains within other identified domains. Integrating these aspects in nurses' continuous training and curricula is recommended to emphasise and enhance disaster preparedness and management knowledge.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This review has emphasised emergency nurses' disaster preparedness domains, enhancing disaster preparedness and management knowledge and further influencing education and training for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2770"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450399","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":"Stress factors among physiotherapy students at a university in Gauteng, South Africa.","authors":"Zander I Collins, Chané Siepker, Kelebogile J Ralehlaka, Boitshoko C Molefe, Tiisetso C Phala, Simphiwe A Vilankulu, Makwena M Sibuyi, Thembelihle S Ntuli","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2803","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physiotherapy students are highly susceptible to experiencing burnout during training. Prolonged exposure to stressful environments predisposes students to psychological morbidities.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study assessed the perceived level of stress and stressors among a cohort of final-year physiotherapy students, registered at a medical university in Gauteng province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at a single medical university in Gauteng province with registered final-year undergraduate physiotherapy students for the 2024 academic year.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study with a total population sample of 42 physiotherapy students. Data were collected through an online anonymised self-administered questionnaire. The Cronbach alpha coefficients for each subscale were 0.99 for physical, 0.72 for interpersonal relationships, 0.85 for academic and 0.81 for environment. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM Corp's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 25.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median age of participants was 22 years (iqr ± 3.8) with 69.0% of them being females. Perceived stress levels ranged between low (<i>n</i> = 24, 57.14%) to moderate (<i>n</i> = 18, 42.85%) with females being at risk, as measured by the Student Stress Inventory. Academic and environmental factors contributed to perceived moderate to severe stress levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found the severity of stress levels to be slightly below what has been reported in other studies. However, attention needs to be directed to female students to develop emotional self-efficacy skills. Early identification of psychosomatic disorders could indicate the need for interventions to prevent psychological and physiological morbidities.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study adds to the body of knowledge pertaining to the mental health of students at higher institutions of learning.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2803"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450592","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":"Impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health in firefighters: Scoping review.","authors":"Ghaleelullah Achmat, Charlene Erasmus, Jill Kanaley, Rucia November, Lloyd Leach","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2713","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Firefighters' duties include fire response, emergency medical treatment and rescue operations. Noncompliance with physical activity (PA) guidelines increases adverse health behaviours and the risk of on-duty fatalities. While PA is known to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD), its impact on risky health behaviours in firefighters is under-researched.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This scoping review aimed to evaluate PA's effects on firefighters' cardiovascular health.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The review followed PRISMA-ScR and PRISMA Protocol standards, involving a comprehensive search across databases like Cochrane, PubMed, Medline, EbscoHost, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL (EBSCO), SAGE Journals, ScienceDirect and Scopus, covering publications up to June 2023. The purpose was to compile evidence on PA programs' effects on fire and rescue services (FRS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five intervention studies were included, examining PA effects on firefighters with smoking habits, poor diet, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles. These interventions recommend 150 minutes per week of aerobic, flexibility and strength activities. Firefighters should be guided to initiate and maintain 150 minutes of PA weekly to promote health strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study concludes that integrating lifestyle changes with low- and moderate-intensity PA into fire services is crucial for improving health risk behaviours (HRBs). Implementing multilevel interventions is necessary to drive policy changes supporting firefighters facing HRBs.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Educating firefighters about these behaviours is essential, fostering an understanding of healthy alternatives.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2713"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450488","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":"Availability of support systems for youth who left child and youth care centres during COVID-19.","authors":"Fadzaishe B Zingwe, Maditobane R Lekganyane","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2745","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Youth who left child and youth care centres (CYCCs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were exposed to unique scale of challenges compared to their peers. Their transition period required them to have solid plans for their uncertain future towards independence. In further compounding their challenges was their being indeterminate given the uncertainties associated with COVID-19. It was therefore, essential for them to have the necessary support systems to aid them both during their period in care as well as when they left these centres.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study sought to explore available support systems for youth who left care during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The setting of this study was Ekurhuleni metro municipality in Gauteng province of South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a qualitative study. A total of 12 youth who left care centres during the COVID-19 were recruited through purposive sampling to participate in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis strategy, and trustworthiness was guided by credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed the existence of support from various systems including the CYCCs themselves, social workers from both the CYCCs and the communities, sponsors, primary caregivers as well as friends.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Youth who leave CYCC develop relationships from the care centres. These relationships form the basis of their support, upon which they rely even after their departure from these centres.</p><p><strong>Contributions: </strong>The study highlighted the importance of considering the impact of COVID-19 on the CYCCs and significance of supporting youth leaving them during pandemics such as COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2745"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830873/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450446","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":"Nursing students in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study.","authors":"Vistolina Nuuyoma, Frieda Makambuli","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2805","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2805","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Isolation as a public health practice encompasses physical and social separation of individuals from others, and it was key in preventing human-to-human spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus. Yet, experiences of patients in isolation have been mostly studied in the general population and qualified health professionals, excluding nursing students who were also part of the frontliners and therefore, part of the population at risk of infections.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study explored how nursing students who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus have experienced the process of being in isolation and understanding their source of resilience.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Northeastern Namibia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected from 14 nursing students via face-to-face and telephone interviews, while recruitment was conducted through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data were analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five themes that emerged from data analysis are the physiological spectrum, psychosocial spectrum, the value of isolation, source of resilience and coping mechanisms and the impact of isolation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Students experienced isolation as a period of reflecting on how their symptoms commenced and progressed from minor to major. Students' sources of resilience and coping mechanisms were to remain opportunistic, learn new skills and lean on family support. Moreover, isolation negatively affected students' academic life and human connectedness.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings have implications in preparation for future pandemics, promoting the resilience and mental health of nursing students. Moreover, they may assist in developing a coordinated counselling and psychological support system for nursing students.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2805"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830874/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450531","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":"Coping with COVID-19 using traditional medicine: perspectives from Joe Morolong, Northern Cape.","authors":"Masego M Motsumi, Livhuwani D Nemakonde","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2773","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2773","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) have long been central to African communities, providing critical solutions to health and disaster challenges. Traditional medicine, a significant component of IKS, continues to play a vital role in addressing health needs, especially in rural areas.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study sought to gain insights on the use of traditional medicine to address the COVID-19 pandemic in five rural villages in the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in Joe Morolong Local Municipality, Northern Cape, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>By adopting a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach, the study investigated participants' lived experiences. Focus group discussions were conducted with 100 participants, conveniently sampled based on availability. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, uncovering key themes and patterns..</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings revealed that most participants and their households relied on traditional medicine to treat COVID-19 symptoms. This study identified seven key medicinal plants commonly used in the community and their detailed preparation and administration methods. The findings demonstrate the essential role of traditional medicine in fostering community resilience during the pandemic, complementing conventional healthcare services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the potential of IKS, particularly traditional medicine, in addressing biological hazards such as COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study highlights the importance of integrating traditional practices into disaster risk reduction strategies to enhance health and resilience in vulnerable communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2773"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830840/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450462","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":"Food security and dietary intake of a cohort of South African students during COVID-19.","authors":"Juanita Jonker, Corinna Walsh","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2711","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2711","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food insecurity among students was a global concern even before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Food security comprises having access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times. The COVID-19 containment measures negatively influenced economies, impacting citizens' food security.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the food security of a cohort of South African students during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The sample included Health Science students from a university in Central South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-method study was performed using questionnaires and focus group discussions. The questionnaire and focus group discussions investigated similar areas and were supported by literature. Ethical clearance was obtained.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Food insecurity existed among 84% of questionnaire participants. Dietary intake changed, with mainly a decrease in sugary and salty snacks. Focus group participants indicated an increase in the intake of starchy foods and reverted to binge eating. Dietary intake changes were attributed to poor availability and limited resources, for example money and electricity. Few participants were aware of or utilised available support services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The isolated, confined and extreme (ICE) environment that resulted from COVID-19 negatively impacted students' dietary intake and food security. Institutions should implement measures to support students' intake of healthy foods during ICE events.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides significant insights into the dietary intake and food security of a cohort of Health Science students during COVID-19. It highlights the need for improved institutional and government food relief interventions during future pandemics. Therefore, this study contributes to the second sustainable development goal namely: zero hunger.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2711"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830843/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450561","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":"Exploring the mental well-being of Ekurhuleni primary healthcare clinic managers during COVID-19.","authors":"Sanele E Nene, Siyabulela N Wopula","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2786","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic extensively disrupted the management dynamics and stretched the mental well-being of Ekurhuleni primary healthcare clinic managers. Their workload was increased, and they also had to deal with the grief of losing colleagues, family members and patients in large numbers as a result of the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study sought to explore and describe the mental well-being of Ekurhuleni primary healthcare clinic managers during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>This study was conducted in the primary healthcare clinics of Ekurhuleni region in Gauteng province.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was adopted in this study. The sample size comprised 14 clinic managers. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants, and in-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to collect data. The descriptive thematic analysis method was used to analyse data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged from the study: (1) unbearable level of stress because of the new management dynamics, (2) fear and anxiety because of a sudden escalating death rate, (3) unresponsive employee wellness programmes and (4) lack of support from senior management.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The senior management of primary healthcare clinics should safeguard the mental well-being of clinic managers during the pandemic by giving support and ensuring that the existing employee wellness system is responsive.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study revealed that a strong support from senior management and responsive employee wellness programmes can strengthen the mental health of the primary healthcare clinic managers. Thus, this enables them to be future ready for possible pandemics like COVID-19.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2786"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450554","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":"Risk factor clusters for non-communicable diseases in adolescents in Eastern Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Avela Mathe, Maya M van Gent, Rudolph L van Niekerk","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2855","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2855","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents in South Africa is a growing public health concern.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To examine the clustering of NCD risk factors, with a focus on gender, socio-economic status (SES) and perceived stress among adolescents.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study involved adolescents from eight schools in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and Amatole district, Eastern Cape.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A stratified random sample of 266 adolescents (aged 12 years-18 years) was assessed for anthropometric, physiological, and perceived stress measures. Data included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, glucose levels, and perceived stress (via the Perceived Stress Scale). Analysis involved descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, <i>t</i>-tests, and k-means clustering.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Females (<i>n</i> = 155) showed a higher prevalence of NCD risk factors, with 80.2% classified as overweight or obese compared to 19.8% of males, and 77.2% had elevated cholesterol versus 22.8% of males. Perceived stress was higher in affluent schools (59.8%) despite fewer metabolic risks. K-means analysis identified four health profiles with significant SES and health differences (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Cluster 1 (high SES) showed elevated BP, BMI, and stress, while Clusters 2-4 (low SES) varied in risks, with Cluster 4 showing the highest BP and metabolic risks despite low stress.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results highlight unique health profiles and risk factors across socio- economic contexts, with female adolescents from lower socio-economic backgrounds facing greater metabolic risks.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This Study provides original insights into the interplay between gender, SES and perceived stress in shaping NCD risk among South African adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2855"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11830833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450590","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":"Self-reported meal planning practices among households in the Tshwane North area, Gauteng.","authors":"Lindiwe J Ncube, Mashudu Manafe, Reno E Gordon","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2750","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2750","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Meal planning is crucial for households to improve food choices and promote healthier eating habits.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aims to assess meal planning practices in households in Tshwane area, Gauteng province.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in households, north of Tshwane, Gauteng province.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey questionnaire was administered to 368 households. Descriptive statistics were analysed, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between categorical variables. The Spearman-Rho correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between variables. A <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant and a Spearman Rho correlation coefficient (<i>r</i>) ≥ 0.25 signified a positive relationship.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-one per cent of the participants regarded meal planning as important. A total of 137 participants (37%) reported that they planned their meals before cooking and 64% (<i>n</i> = 235) never used recipes. There was statistical significance (<i>p</i> <0.05) between the options considered when buying food and the age of the participants. A positive association (<i>p</i> < 0.05) between the options considered when planning meals and employment status were obtained. The Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient showed a positive relationship between the options considered when planning meals and buying groceries (<i>r</i> = 0.377, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Meal planning was considered important by participants but was not fully practised in households. Therefore, interventions through practical sessions are recommended to improve household's meal planning and meal preparation practices, including household's cooking skills.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Community-based nutrition education intervention strategies will empower households to opt for healthier meals through meal planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"29 ","pages":"2750"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143013717","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}