Health SA Gesondheid最新文献

{"title":"Development and evaluation of the Flourish Diabetes Programme.","authors":"Sylvia Kruger, Elmari Deacon, Esme van Rensburg, David Segal","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2923","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2923","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescents with type 1 diabetes face unique challenges in adapting to closed-loop technology. Positive psychology interventions may aid in promoting psychological adjustment, enhancing well-being and supporting the effective use of this technology.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study describes the development, content and evaluation of a positive psychology intervention, the Flourish Diabetes Programme, to facilitate adjustment to closed-loop technology among adolescents with type 1 diabetes.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The Flourish Diabetes Programme is an online, interactive intervention aimed at adolescents living with type 1 diabetes who use closed-loop technology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The development of the programme was informed by qualitative research with adolescents, qualitative document analysis and the design and development model. The Delphi method was used to evaluate the intervention, where 11 experts provided feedback to refine and enhance the programme.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Feedback from the Delphi panel informed the refinement and finalisation of the Flourish Diabetes Programme, contributing to an evidence-based and user-centred intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Flourish Diabetes Programme is a tailored online resource designed to support adolescents in adapting to closed-loop technology. Insights from the Delphi panel helped shape the programme into a practical tool for promoting positive adjustment.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This intervention is the first step in developing effective, evidence-based resources to help adolescents with type 1 diabetes manage new medical technologies, specifically closed-loop systems, using positive psychological principles.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2923"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067628/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144064754","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":"Home-based care for umbilical cords of neonates by family caregivers in Mpumalanga province, South Africa.","authors":"Happiness P Sabina, Ntsieni S Mashau, Bumani S Manganye","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2676","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Multiple substances have been applied to neonates' umbilical cords and have yielded detrimental results on neonates' health status.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The study aimed to explore and describe home-based care for umbilical cords of neonates by family caregivers.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at Waterval community, a village under Dr J.S Moroka local municipality in Nkangala district in the Mpumalanga province.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative exploratory, descriptive research study design was used to explore home-based care for neonates' umbilical cords. The target population was family caregivers who had been caring for the umbilical cords of neonates at home. Non-probability and purposive sampling were done, and individual in-depth interviews were used for data collection. The sample size of 18 participants was determined by data saturation. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The following main themes emerged during data analysis: substances applied on the umbilical cord, beliefs associated with umbilical cord care, the effectiveness of health education provided on discharge from the community health centre and the healing process.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of the study revealed that various harmful substances were applied to the umbilical cords of neonates, and these practices were influenced by cultural beliefs.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings of the study brought to light that indeed, the application of substances that have not been recommended by the South African guidelines on neonates' umbilical cord does lead to delayed umbilical cord separation and healing and has the potential to cause neonatal infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2676"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067492/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041443","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":"Nurse-led social entrepreneurship as a career.","authors":"Carolina S Meintjies, Jeanette E Maritz","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2700","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2700","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The transition from nursing to entrepreneurship introduces unique challenges and opportunities for nurses. This transition requires nurses to acquire knowledge of the complexities of business management, financial sustainability and healthcare regulations while maintaining a commitment to patient care and social impact.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to understand nurses' experience of nurse-led social entrepreneurship as a career.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The research context was Gauteng, South Africa, and the study focused on nurses who had made the career transition to social entrepreneurship.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative research design was employed for the study, with in-depth interviews being conducted with 12 nurse-led social entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to the challenges and facilitators of nurse-led social entrepreneurship.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two principal themes emerged. The first concerns gaps in business acumen, including orientation, experience, financing, marketing, as well as navigating healthcare, community, legislation and technology. Psychological issues such as fear and jealousy were noted. The second highlights support systems' role in overcoming barriers and fostering growth, advocating stronger support and networking for nurse social entrepreneurs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nurse-led social entrepreneurs demonstrate resilience in making the transition from clinical roles to business leadership, driven by a passion for healthcare and a desire for positive social change. The availability of support and mentorship significantly influences success in this endeavour.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study contributes insights into the difficulties faced by nurse-led social entrepreneurs and underscores the significance of support systems in facilitating successful entrepreneurial ventures.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2700"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067560/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144029689","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":"An interdisciplinary team's experiences of a university-led community engagement intervention in the Tshwane district.","authors":"Hafsa Essop, Eugene Machimana, Mable Kekana","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2831","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2831","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Bags of Hope (BoH) intervention is an interdisciplinary community engagement intervention bringing health professionals and students together towards uplifting the community. Through the project, abandoned newborn babies and mothers in need are provided with care packages. The project entails collecting, creating and distributing care packages within training hospitals.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of the interdisciplinary team as to how the BoH intervention impacted their working relationships and care towards the beneficiaries.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in three training hospitals within the Tshwane district of South Africa and University of Pretoria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a qualitative, exploratory study. The study population included radiography students (three), qualified radiographers (three), nurses (two) and social workers (two) involved in the BoH intervention. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the data analysis, four themes were generated: (1) The BoH intervention as a potential abandonment prevention strategy for hospital born infants, (2) psychological impact of the BoH intervention on the interdisciplinary team, (3) strengthening of interdisciplinary collaboration and service delivery through the BoH intervention, (4) sustainability strategies for the BoH intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The BoH intervention provided immediate relief to abandoned babies and mothers in need. The interdisciplinary team was emotionally impacted, experiencing a 'warm glow' effect. To sustain the intervention, increased public awareness, along with ensuring all healthcare professionals are well informed, is crucial for its long-term success.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The research highlights the value that interdisciplinary collaborations can have towards uplifting communities, improving working relations and bridging resources gaps.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2831"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067578/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024243","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":"A cross-sectional study on patient-centered care in a selected hospital in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.","authors":"Marcel Peruma, Waheedha Emmamally, Mildred Mooi, Uchenna B Okafor","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2913","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2913","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Clinical healthcare reform demands high-quality patient care, especially in emergencies. Patient-centred care (PCC) prioritises therapy based on health, characteristics, and needs.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study examines critical care nurses' views on PCC in a hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at a selected tertiary care facility in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study examined 119 conveniently selected critical care nurses from five units treating critically ill adult patients in a central tertiary care hospital in eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Personified patient care was measured using the Individualised Care Scale (ICS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean values for nurse-supported customised care ranged from 4.27 ± 0.66 to 4.44 ± 0.61. Fear and anxiety during patient discussions have the highest mean score (4.44 ± 0.61). The mean values for four personal life statements were 4.22 ± 0.72 to 4.29 ± 0.65. Hospitalisation experience was surveyed by 90.8% of people, with a mean score of 4.29 ± 0.61. Patients' desire to understand their illness was surveyed by nurses (91.60%) with a mean score of 4.39 ± 6.39. The majority (94.9%) of nurses encouraged patients to express care preferences, whereas 85.8% were inquired about their preferred bathing time. The majority (59.70%) scored average, while 38.70% high.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patient-centred care support was average among critical care nurses. Training and education in critical care should emphasise PCC. To strengthen PCC in clinical practice, execute PCC activities regularly.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study revealed PCC actions and indicated critical care nurses' average support.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2913"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781664","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":"Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among university young adults in Zambezi, Namibia.","authors":"Sylvia K Mahoto, Honoré K Mitonga, Eddy S Likando","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2725","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) are prevalent among young adults, particularly university students, increasing their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. While various studies have explored these behaviours in Namibia, limited research exists in the Zambezi region, presenting a gap that this study addresses.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study investigates the prevalence of RSBs, associated factors and the need for targeted interventions among university students in the Zambezi region.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted at the University of Namibia's Katima Mulilo Campus in the Zambezi Region, Namibia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 231 undergraduate students at the University of Namibia (Katima Mulilo Campus). The survey assessed sexual behaviour, STI knowledge and condom use practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 61% of participants reported being sexually active, with many initiating sexual activities before the age of 18. Condom use was inconsistent, with 40.7% reporting not using condoms in the past year. Additionally, 15.6% had contracted an STI in the last year, with 6% not seeking medical treatment. Key factors associated with RSBs included marital status and substance use, such as tobacco.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings reveal a concerning prevalence of RSBs among university students in the Zambezi region. This underscores the need for targeted interventions addressing social and behavioural determinants of sexual risk-taking.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study emphasises the importance of developing culturally sensitive interventions that promote consistent condom use and improve sexual health education to reduce STI risk and adverse sexual health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2725"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781390","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":"Waves of hurt faced by families due to a hospitalised relative with COVID-19 in the Cape Flats.","authors":"Mondli Chiya, Karien Jooste, Amy Williams","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2754","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2754","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Family members value each other, particularly during troubled times, and the consequences of a sudden disruption to their family environment could imply difficult adjustments, affecting their well-being. They did not expect that a family member would get severely ill due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It was unclear what the experiences of family members were on the sudden hospitalisation of a close relative diagnosed with COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To gain insight into the experiences of family members with a close relative unexpectedly hospitalised with COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Two health clinics in Cape Town, were identified that family members visited after the hospitalisation of a close relative with COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive phenomenological design was followed including 11 participants, heterogeneously purposefully sampled. Individual interviews lasted 30 min- 45 min, posing semi-structured questions - probing led to thematic saturation. Data coding resulted in four themes with 11 categories.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nursing communication with communities during COVID-19 could identify the presence of emotionally wounded states of family members. Nurses should be competent in techniques to relieve the fear of families around their isolated hospitalised relatives. Further research can explore family-orientated interventions needed to deal with fear of losing a hospitalised relative being critically ill.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The need of families for 'nearness' to a close relative needed to be understood - it meant more than physical proximity.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Mindful nurses should act as comforters to families to relieve fear around possible changes in an unknown future due to a critically ill family member.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2754"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966694/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781334","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":"Behind the scrubs: Psychological distress and resilience among nurses.","authors":"Jennifer Chipps, Ilze Steenkamp, Anita Padmanabhanunni, Petra Brysiewicz, Amanda Cromhout","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2820","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2820","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nurses are exposed to high levels of stress in the workplace. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, levels of stress were exacerbated, impacting on nurses' mental health.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to investigate psychological distress and resilience, and how nurses with different levels of education responded to stress.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in three hospitals (a psychiatric hospital, a general district hospital and a dedicated COVID-19 hospital) in the Western Cape province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was conducted with frontline nurses (<i>N</i> = 167 [71.8%]) in three hospitals in the Western Cape using six validated self-administered scales.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Respondents reported high levels of moral distress related to time (3.42/6, ± 1.6) and protection during COVID-19 (1.3/3, ± 0.7). Mild-to-moderate levels of fear of COVID-19 (19.4/35, ± 8.2) and a moderate perception of vulnerability to disease (60.7/105, ± 19.9) contributed to nurses' stress. High levels of psychological distress, especially during COVID-19 compared to current levels (27.2 vs 18.8; <i>W</i> = 8.9, <i>p</i> = < 0.001), with high levels of resilience (73.2/88, ± 17.9) were reported. Enrolled nurses reported significantly higher levels of stress during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Post COVID-19, there was reduction in the respondents who reported severe levels of psychological distress, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on nurses' mental health and the need to build resilience.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study enhances understanding of the factors that result in psychological distress in nurses and how nurses with different levels of education respond to stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2820"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781666","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":"Assessing the psychological distress and coping strategies among academic staff of a university during COVID-19.","authors":"Isaiah Owoeye, Toluwani Agunbiade, Adebanke Agboola, Oluwafemi Sanya, Babatope Adebiyi, Furaha Akimanimpaye","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2752","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2752","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with stress because of its disruption to normal lifestyle. While the resilience of people was challenged, some coping strategies were adopted to maintain balance in the face of the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess psychological distress and coping strategies among the academic staff.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Afe Babalola University located in the Southwest, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive-cross-sectional design was used on the population of 512 academics where a sample size of 248 was drawn using Taro Yamane with a 10% non-response rate. The instruments used were a modified Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and an adapted COPE inventory for coping strategies. The scale reliability of K10 was 0.866 while that of coping strategy was 0.610. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The results were presented in simple percentages, means and standard deviations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most respondents had severe psychological distress (185, 98.9%) with the most rated report 'Feel worthless' 4.8 ± 0.59. The most rated coping strategy was 'I try to lose myself for a while by drinking alcohol or taking drugs'3.8 ± 0.60 with overall coping scale mean, 2.3 ± 1.02.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was severe distress and substance used among academics. The study recommends teaching on effective coping styles and institution probable preparation for future pandemic.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study provides insight into the psychological state of the academic staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and unveils the adaptive strategies used. The results of the study are useful for the development of appropriate coping skills for the staff.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2752"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966654/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781665","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":"Emerging practices of healthcare waste management among private surgeries: A case of the City of Tshwane.","authors":"Tshepiso K Hlako, Thabiso J Morodi, Matodzi M Mokoena, Gomotsegang F Molelekwa","doi":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2845","DOIUrl":"10.4102/hsag.v30i0.2845","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study presents the emerging practices of healthcare waste (HCW) management prevailing in most private surgeries within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. This study examined the existing norms and standards of HCW management to unravel the minimum lawfully acceptable practices in South Africa and the world.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess the management of HCW in private surgeries within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng province, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed research methodology was employed in collecting and analysing data collected from 109 professional doctors, dentists, nurses, administrative staff and cleaners working in private surgeries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed that private surgeries generated 98.17% of infectious waste, while 1.83% was general waste. Most containers adhered to South African National Standards guidelines, but knowledge gaps were found regarding treatment and disposal methods. A total of 92.7% of private surgeries used private companies for waste collection, transport and disposal. Those who used private waste management companies were given Waste Manifest documentation as proof of disposal at an approved facility.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Private surgeries in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality managed hazardous HCW satisfactorily, but improvements in container usage and waste handling procedures are recommended.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The findings of the study can be used to develop comprehensive HCW management guidelines for private surgeries, to help them better manage the HCW they generate.</p>","PeriodicalId":45721,"journal":{"name":"Health SA Gesondheid","volume":"30 ","pages":"2845"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11966671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781270","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}