African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Experiences of human immunodeficiency virus-positive postpartum women in Angola: Challenges and opportunities in preventing vertical transmission.","authors":"Paulo N Solari, Joana C Pires, Pedro M Aguiar, Ana R Goes, Gonçalo F Augusto","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5471","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5471","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Despite advances in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), challenges persist in retention in care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and follow-up of HIV-exposed infants, particularly postpartum. In Angola, qualitative evidence on women's lived experiences remains limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> To explore the experiences of HIV-positive postpartum women and identify opportunities to strengthen PMTCT services in Angola.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> The study was conducted at Lucrécia Paim Maternity Hospital, a major maternal and child health referral centre in Luanda, Angola.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A qualitative study with an experiential orientation informed by phenomenological sensitivity was conducted between April 2025 and July 2025. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 women up to 6 months postpartum, recruited through purposeful sampling from institutional records. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke, supported by qualitative data analysis (MAXQDA) software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Four themes emerged: discovery and acceptance of diagnosis, marked by emotional distress and gradual adaptation; pregnancy and childbirth, characterised by supportive care and episodes of stigmatisation; postpartum and baby care, involving heightened responsibility and challenges with medication and infant feeding; and infant testing, experienced with anxiety until confirmation of serological status. Post hoc comparisons by age group and partner status suggested variations in psychosocial needs and care experiences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Postpartum PMTCT is influenced by emotional, relational and institutional determinants affecting continuity of care. Strengthening integrated, woman-centred models with psychosocial support, consistent communication and stigma reduction is essential.Contribution: This study provides context-specific qualitative evidence to improve postpartum PMTCT services in Angola and similar settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13444247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670850","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":"Implementation evaluation of the COVID-19 vaccination: Speed, equity and mortality trends.","authors":"Ilona Matthew, Michelle Viljoen, Jane McCartney","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5248","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination campaign in South Africa constituted the most significant public health intervention in recent history, occurring against the backdrop of a prevailing quadruple burden of disease.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> To evaluate the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, focusing on rollout speed and geographic equity and to examine the temporal associations between vaccination coverage and mortality trends.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> All South African residents aged 12 years and older who were eligible for COVID-19 vaccination during the study period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A retrospective, ecological population-based time-series analysis to assess vaccination rollout trends and geographic equity, and to examine the association between vaccination coverage and excess mortality. The Logic Model and the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework were applied to interpret implementation performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The vaccination campaign expanded rapidly in the early phases, but vaccination activity declined significantly over a three-year period (p  0.001). By February 2024, approximately 49.7% of the eligible population had received at least one dose, below the national target of 67%. Coverage was higher in metropolitan than in district municipalities (p  0.05). Statistically significant non-causal temporal associations were observed between vaccination coverage and excess mortality.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Early vaccine coverage was achieved, but uptake was insufficient to meet national coverage targets. Geographic disparities suggest potential inequities in access, offering empirical insights to strengthen primary health care integration, equitable service delivery, and data-driven implementation strategies.Contribution: This study supports dual-framework implementation science for evaluating large-scale public health interventions to inform health system strengthening and emergency preparedness.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670899","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":"Co-designing the 'Empower Community Health' programme: A capacity-building initiative to support community health workers' non-communicable disease health promotion in Ethiopia.","authors":"Melaku K Yenit, Prajwal Gyawali, Tracy L Kolbe-Alexander","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5326","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. However, community health workers' (CHWs') capacity in NCD health promotion is sometimes limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study aimed to co-design a contextually appropriate intervention with and for CHWs to support their NCD health promotion services.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> This co-design study was conducted in Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia. The workshops were held in the meeting hall at the University of Gondar.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A qualitative participatory action research design, guided by the PRODUCES (Problem, Objective, Design, User, Co-creators, Evaluation, and Scalability) framework, was employed. Sixteen participants, including CHWs (n = 6), community-dwelling adults with (n = 3) and without NCD diagnoses (n = 3), and health system managers (n = 4) were recruited using convenience and purposive sampling. Participants attended three workshops. In workshop 1, participants discussed the roles of CHWs in health promotion and areas for improvement. Workshop 2 focused on intervention components and delivery approaches. A draft of the intervention was reviewed during workshop 3. Discussion notes and artefacts were thematically analysed in NVivo.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> A 6-week, multicomponent intervention, 'Empower Community Health', was co-designed. Key themes included: (1) knowledge capacity building, (2) personal behaviour change, and (3) community-outreach initiatives. Proposed intervention topics included: (1) learning about NCDs; (2) skill motivational interviewing; and (3) behaviour change for diet and physical activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The involvement of intervention users and stakeholders allowed for the sharing of experiences and fostered ownership in the 'Empower Community Health' programme.Contribution: The meaningful engagement of stakeholders ensures that the intervention is tailored to their needs, fosters ownership and enhances intervention buy-in. This study provides practical guidance for future co-designed health promotion programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670912","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":"Factors influencing improved adherence and retention among men living with human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.","authors":"Lebogang G Matonyane, Andrew Ross","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5309","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), men are more likely than women to experience numerous treatment interruptions after receiving a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis and starting treatment. As this can lead to poor adherence and retention in care, there is a need to address it to achieve epidemic control.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This scoping review aimed to synthesise current evidence on the factors influencing improved adherence and retention to care among men living with HIV in SSA.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple electronic databases to identify studies published from 2019 to 2024. The authors independently analysed the titles and abstracts before exporting the articles to Endnote. Of the 550 studies identified in the peer-reviewed literature, 474 remained after removing 76 duplicates, with only nine being included after reading the full article.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The findings revealed three themes and six sub-themes related to improving adherence and retention: support for men (improve men's HIV knowledge and peer support), digitalisation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme (appointment reminders) and improving access to ART services (community-centred services, differentiated model of care and flexible accessible services).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Improving adherence and retention in care for men living with HIV requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique social, structural, family challenges and psychological barriers they face. Strategies should include targeted health education, stigma reduction and the integration of gender-sensitive services that resonate with men's health-seeking behaviours.Contribution: This study summarised the strategies that can be put in place to improve adherence and retention in care among men living with HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13444037/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670880","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":"Adapting a United States cancer education programme for South Africa: A participatory, culturally tailored approach using Card's Seven-Step adaptation framework.","authors":"Usangiphile Buthelezi, Buhle Lubuzo, Martha Tingen, Hlolisile Chiya, Sithabisile G Gigaba, Bridgette Goeieman, Sibongile Ramotsela, Zamasomi Luvuno","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5442","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5442","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> South Africa faces a growing cancer burden characterised by late-stage presentation, limited screening uptake and disparities in access to cancer education. While evidence-based cancer education programmes developed in high-income countries demonstrate effectiveness, direct transfer without contextual modification may compromise relevance and acceptability within resource-constrained health settings.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> To systematically adapt the United States (US)-based Cancer-Community Awareness Access Research Education (c-CARE) programme as a multi-cancer education intervention for implementation within the South African primary health care (PHC) context using Card et al.'s seven-step adaptation framework.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> The adaptation was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal (iLembe District) and Gauteng (Johannesburg), South Africa, in collaboration with provincial Departments of Health, community health workers, traditional health practitioners and faith-based leaders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> This implementation science study employed Participatory Action Research integrated with Card's framework to guide a structured adaptation process (January 2023 - January 2024). Thirty-eight consultative meetings were conducted to review programme materials, identify linguistic, cultural and structural mismatches and implement iterative revisions while preserving core intervention components.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Key adaptations included the addition of cervical cancer as a priority module; incorporation of South African epidemiological data and referral pathways; translation into isiZulu and Sesotho; integration of mental health, spirituality and palliative care content; and restructuring of delivery to align with the South African Health System. Core evidence-based content, modular design and interactive pedagogical strategies were retained.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Framework-guided adaptation enabled contextual recalibration of c-CARE while maintaining fidelity to core components.Contribution: This study provides a transparent model for adapting evidence-based cancer education interventions for culturally diverse, resource-constrained PHC systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13444397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670864","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":"From local challenges to local solutions: Insights from the 2025 Diabetes Summit Innovation Showcase.","authors":"Atiya Mosam, Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Kibachio J Mwangi, Melanie Pienaar","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i2.5563","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i2.5563","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p></p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 2","pages":"e1-e3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13444361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670902","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 review on prospects, challenges, stakeholders and strategies for the implementation of school feeding programme in developing countries towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.","authors":"Esther Adekunle, Ferdinand Ottoh, Goddy Osimen, Adedotun Akinola","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5348","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5348","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>School feeding have become increasingly important because of their contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). This study reviews literature on prospects, challenges, stakeholders and strategies for implementation of the SFP in developing countries to attain SDG 4. School feeding in developing countries improved learning and attendance, as well as nutrition. Major implementation challenges involved logistics, costs and political instability. The SFP could be implemented successfully if there were integrity of policy, community engagement and sustainable resources. This study adds to the literature by highlighting prospects, challenges, stakeholders and strategies confronting the implementation of school feeding in developing countries. Furthermore, the study will provide valuable information for researchers and policymakers in realising SDG 4.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13632917/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670923","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":"Building capacity for clinical practice guideline development: Experiences from Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa.","authors":"Idriss I Kallon, Elodie A S Besnier, Tamara Kredo, Sara Cooper, Willem Odendaal, Carmen Späth, Emmanuel E Effa, Ekpereonne B Esu, Dachi Arikpo, Simon Lewin, Nyanyiwe M Mbeye, Retsedisitsoe P Mazibuko, Denny Mabetha, Roselyn Chipojola, Ameer Hohlfeld, Michael McCaul, Anke C Rohwer","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5159","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Within the Global Evidence, Local Adaptation (GELA) project, we offered training to guideline development group (GDG) and steering group (SG) members in Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa, to build capacity in clinical practice guideline (CPG) development.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study aimed to evaluate the capacity development of GDG and SG committee members within GELA.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> Guideline development group members were mainly based at health or academic institutions, while SG members were mostly linked to the health ministries in Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> We used mixed-methods for our summative evaluation, comprising a document analysis, online surveys, semi-structured, in-depth interviews and a structured reflection. For the survey, respondents rated their confidence in knowledge, skills and behaviour before and after GELA. Data were analysed with R studio. We interviewed selected participants from all countries and analysed qualitative data through framework analysis. The author team met in-person to reflect on activities, survey findings and interview data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Confidence in CPG development skills and related behaviour increased during GELA. Qualitative themes showed an enhanced understanding and valuing of a rigorous guideline development process that should be sustained and institutionalised. The intensive nature of training, limited internet connectivity, time constraints and unmet expectations, were some reported challenges. Participants appreciated increased collaboration and opportunities for future networking. Reflections highlighted the importance of learning by doing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Global Evidence, Local Adaptation built capacity of GDG and SG members to participate in rigorous CPG development through a multifaceted approach. Continued networking and collaboration of various stakeholders is key to sustain learning.Contribution: Capacity for rigorous CPG development can be built through a strategic multifaceted capacity development programme and learning by doing.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443780/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding prevention of diabetic eye complications among people living with diabetes in Limpopo province of South Africa: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Khisimusi D Maluleke, Saajida Mahomed","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5411","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of avoidable vision loss, yet public awareness is low, hindering early detection and treatment. Many people living with diabetes are unaware of their risk for DR and the need for screening.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living with diabetes regarding DR prevention.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> Ten primary health care clinics in the Maruleng sub-district in Limpopo province of South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A cross-sectional study utilised a self-reported questionnaire with yes/no questions to measure knowledge and practices, and attitudes were assessed with a 5-point Likert scale. Scores above the median for knowledge, attitudes and practices were indicative of good knowledge and practices and positive attitudes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Almost two-thirds of participants (n = 255; 65.6%) were female. Approximately 268 participants (61.2%) knew that uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to DR. The majority (n = 355; 86.1%) showed positive attitudes towards their eye health, while 216 (55.8%) had good practices towards DR prevention. Higher education and duration of diabetes were associated with good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.9; p  0.05) and (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2-2.9; p  0.05), respectively, while good knowledge about diabetic eye complications was associated with positive attitudes (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-3.1; p  0.05). Patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus for more than five years were more likely to attend regular eye exams (AOR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.5-3.6; p  0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Although participants had high median scores for knowledge and attitudes, important deficiencies were noted that could hinder effective DR screening.Contribution: These findings provide the baseline evidence on the need for ongoing patient education in primary care to enhance DR prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13443742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670894","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 existing infection prevention and control measures used by nurses in water-scarce healthcare in a global setting: A scoping review.","authors":"Makhotso M Ralehike, Fhumulani M Mulaudzi, Nombulelo V Sepeng, Sinethemba Nyandeni","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5429","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5429","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Water service in primary healthcare clinics is nearly impossible, especially in remote areas, because of poor infrastructure and ineffective municipal service delivery compliance. The health risk to patient care and safety makes basic cleanliness and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in primary healthcare clinics difficult.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study mapped and synthesised the existing Infection Prevention and Control measures used by nurses in water-scarce healthcare facilities in a global setting.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases: EBSCOhost, Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE EBSCO Web of Science. Each database search employed algorithm-specific strategies and combinations. Eligible studies were those addressing IPC measures in water-scarce healthcare settings, published in English, between 2020 and 2025, and with accessible full text. Data were extracted using manual tables and thematically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> This review identified 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria from South Asian and African countries. This review employed a descriptive qualitative methodology using thematic analysis to determine and describe the main themes that emerged from the research findings. Four themes emerged: Social behavioural strategies, good governance systems, incorporating digital and technology in healthcare systems and community participation approaches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> This scoping review indicates that water scarcity challenges the IPC standards in healthcare facilities, adversely affecting basic hygiene practices, sanitation and overall cleanliness.Contribution: Its findings serve as a valuable resource for nurses, stakeholders, and policymakers working to improve IPC measures in primary healthcare clinics experiencing water scarcity.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":"e1-e12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13444775/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148406128","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}