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

{"title":"Using places of worship to recruit and retain couples for the 'Diabetes Together' intervention.","authors":"Cathryn Pinto, Thandi Puoane, Darcelle Schouw, Buyelwa Majikela-Dlangamandla, Cynthia Paka, Kenneth Muhali, Ishaaq Datay, Peter Delobelle, Naomi Levitt, Nuala McGrath","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4947","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4947","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> There is a growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in South Africa and a high proportion of people have poor glycaemic control.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> Having developed 'Diabetes Together', a couples-based intervention to support diabetes self-management, we explored places of worship as potential options for recruiting couples in the community.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> Places of worship in low-income settings in Cape Town, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> Community entry involved approaching leadership of each place of worship to discuss the programme and our target of recruiting 15-20 eligible couples, where one partner was living with T2D. The research team and study were introduced to each congregation. Enrolment took place at the first of three intervention sessions. Attendance, participant feedback and facilitator observations were recorded. Recruitment and retention outcomes were summarised using descriptive statistics. Participant and facilitator feedback was deductively coded based on the evaluation questions and overarching themes identified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The intervention was conducted in two churches and one mosque after engaging with leaders of six places of worship. A total of 37 people living with T2D were screened; 34 were eligible and had a self-reported T2D diagnosis, 32 partners were screened. Twenty-nine couples were eligible, and 24 couples enrolled. Retention was good across all three places, minimum 75% by session three. Participant and facilitator feedback revealed that participants gained new knowledge, reported having a positive attitude towards diabetes management and valued group interaction and open communication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Recruitment of couples from places of worship in low-income settings in Cape Town was feasible under certain conditions. The intervention was acceptable and retention of couples for repeated sessions was high.Contribution: As there is limited evidence on using community settings like places of worship for diabetes management programmes, we present practical considerations for successful recruitment from these settings in South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144800587","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":"Evaluating referrals between rural district hospitals and a regional hospital in South Africa.","authors":"Kambola D Ngoie, Louis Jenkins, Johann Schoevers","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4956","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Efficient referral systems are essential for improving healthcare and patient outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings where access to public specialist care is limited by too few specialists, growing populations and constrained resources impacting non-emergency and emergency referrals. District hospitals (DHs) must ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care. High-quality referral systems are necessary for the cost-effective flow of patients between district and regional hospitals (RHs).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study aimed to evaluate emergency and non-emergency patient referral processes between DHs and the RH in two districts in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> Ten DHs and the RH in the Garden Route and Central Karoo districts in South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A mixed-methods design incorporated quantitative survey data and qualitative thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of referral processes. The study population included all doctors working at 10 DHs and the RH, with 120 voluntary participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Key findings revealed disparities in referral satisfaction between emergency (66%) and non-emergency (59%) referrals. Communication breakdowns and systemic barriers hindered timely access to specialist care, mismatched expectations and understanding, coupled with inconsistent referral guidelines. Inadequate capacity building increased inappropriate referrals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Communication breakdowns and differing expectations between DHs and the RH regarding available resources and services negatively impacted referrals. Improved communication, targeted outreach, capacity-building initiatives, stronger collaborative relationships and standardisation of processes could enhance patient referral efficiency.Contribution: This work adds new knowledge to patient referrals between rural district and regional hospitals in resource-limited contexts, highlighting the complexity of the referral process.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339770/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144800581","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":"Caregivers' lived experiences of childhood probable pneumonia through a gendered lens in western Kenya.","authors":"Sarah Hawi Ngere, Charles Olang'o, Kennedy Ochola, Patience Oduor, Caleb K Sagam, Benard Ochieng, Dickens Omondi, Norbert Peshu, Erick Nyambedha","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4758","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4758","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Gender intersects with multiple forms of socio-cultural, economic and health system factors to influence the overall care-seeking experiences of caregivers.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study aimed to understand the multiple gendered intersecting factors that shape women caregivers care-seeking experiences for children with probable pneumonia.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> The study was conducted in Karemo, Siaya County in western Kenya.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> In-depth interviews (IDI), participant observation and informal interviews were utilised. The IDI was conducted among purposively selected 12 caregivers out of which 11 were enrolled in participant observation. Data were managed and analysed using Dedoose and hermeneutic phenomenology, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Women juggle household chores, caregiving and income-generating activities, which sometimes led them to decline child's hospitalisation because of competing household responsibilities. At the hospital, women experienced long waiting times, poor communication, unfavourable conditions, unfriendly staff and lack of drugs. Some women reported challenges in accessing money from their husbands for their child's healthcare. They were often required to make difficult choices, such as prioritising work because of financial constraints, prioritising other children because of lack of external support, or opting for over-the-counter medication because of convenience, drug shortages or long waiting times at the hospital.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Lived experiences are shaped by women's daily realities and constraints. To improve women's caregiving experiences, a holistic approach that considers the multiple dimensions of caregivers' lives and gendered dynamics is recommended.Contribution: This study's findings emphasise the necessity of a holistic approach when developing intervention geared towards improving healthcare-seeking behaviour by considering the subtler factors beyond structural, social and economic influences.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144800580","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 cancer knowledge and sources of information among the public: An analytical study.","authors":"Flemmings F Ngwira, Lusizi Kambalame, Wellman Kondowe, Jessie Mkandawire","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4820","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4820","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Malawi faces a heavy cancer burden because of high incidence and late-stage diagnoses, largely driven by low public awareness of cancer risk factors and early warning signs.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study aimed to explore the cancer knowledge of cancer risk factors and early warning signs, and sources of information among the public.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> This study was conducted in four districts within the Southern Region of Malawi.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> The study used a cross-sectional approach to elicit knowledge of cancer and sources of cancer information among a sample of 305 participants. Data were collected using a previously standardised Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM). Statistical data analyses were conducted using IBM® SPSS® statistics version 22.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Awareness of cancer risk factors and early warning signs was found to be low, indicating a significant lack of public knowledge about cancer. The radio emerged as the most common medium of cancer information through which Malawians receive cancer information, followed by clinics and hospitals. Interestingly, many individuals perceived clinics - not the radio - as the primary source where they gained a clearer understanding of cancer information.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The study concludes that public knowledge of cancer in Southern Malawi is low and although radio is the main information source, clinics are more effective because of expert guidance.Contribution: This study identifies critical gaps in cancer awareness and understanding in Malawi, highlighting the need for improved and targeted communication strategies, particularly among vulnerable populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12339872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144800582","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":"Thyroid testing in primary hypothyroidism.","authors":"Anshula Ambasta, Guillaume Grenet, Jessica Otte, Wade Thompson, Kenneth Bassett, Thomas Perry","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.5043","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.5043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thyroid hormones regulate essential metabolic processes and development. The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis regulates hormone production, with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels being a key indicator of thyroid function in primary hypothyroidism. This therapeutics letter emphasises a TSH-centred approach to the diagnosis and management of primary hypothyroidism (dysfunction at the level of the thyroid gland) in adults. It discourages routine thyroid function screening in asymptomatic individuals due to a lack of demonstrated benefit and potential harm from overdiagnosis and overtreatment. It outlines appropriate diagnostic strategies, including when to use TSH, free T4 (thyroxine), and free T3 (triiodothyronine) tests, and outlines indications for antibody testing. Special considerations are provided for subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e4"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545400","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":"Interventions for reaching men to improve HIV Testing Services in sub-Saharan Africa: A narrative review.","authors":"Lebogang G Matonyane, Andrew Ross, Sandra Qolesa, Zandile Sibeko","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4869","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4869","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The HIV Testing Services (HTS) are a vital component of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention initiatives, and the essential first step to healthcare. Men in South Africa have been shown to test for HIV at a lower rate than women, with a resulting higher mortality rate.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This narrative review aimed to describe the approaches used to improve the uptake of HTS by men both at the facility and community level in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> Online databases were used to search for relevant studies published from 2019 to 2024 in English. A total of 475 records were identified, with 426 being included after duplicates were removed. After reviewing the abstracts, only 13 studies were included in the review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> This findings revealed three themes and seven sub-themes related to improving HTS uptake: improved access to testing (HIV self-testing, community-based testing and workplace testing), motivation and support (stakeholder involvement and creating a demand for testing) and health facility services (facility-based testing and services provided by male healthcare workers).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The limited number of studies highlights the need for more research into developing and testing interventions to encourage men to utilise HTS. A multipronged approach that includes various role-players can be beneficial. This needs to be supported by continuous demand creation utilising platforms such as social media, radio and local newspapers.Contribution: The study collates the interventions intended to encourage men to undertake HTS in SSA.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545397","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":"Integrating emergency medical services and palliative care: A nominal group technique.","authors":"Caleb H Gage, Liz Gwyther, Julia Ambler, Jan Burke, Katya Evans, Linley Holmes, René Krause, Kaleb Lachenicht, Danielle Lincoln, Kerene Payne, Mpho Ratshikana-Moloko, Charnelle Stander, Willem Stassen","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4891","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4891","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The need for integrated healthcare has been increasingly recognised because of mounting challenges associated with the proliferation of injuries and noncommunicable diseases. A developing example of integration is between Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and palliative care. Despite recommendations for integration in South Africa (SA), these services remain segregated.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> This study aimed to develop and prioritise approaches facilitating EMS and palliative care system integration within SA.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> An online meeting was held with SA EMS and palliative care experts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A nominal group technique was employed to answer the question, 'What do you think should be done to most effectively integrate EMS and palliative care services in SA?' Answers were categorised, awarded scores by participants, and ranked according to impact and feasibility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The following categories were generated: Awareness, Education, Community Engagement, Communication and Information Sharing, Stakeholder Collaborations, Alternative Pathways and Approaches, Research, Funding, Policy Development and Governance. The top five individual approaches were: (1) enable EMS to administer already prescribed medications, (2) Emergency Medical Services undergraduate training in palliative care, (3) improve EMS recognition of signs of dying at the end-of-life, (4) palliative care awareness for the EMS community, and (5) palliative care awareness for in-hospital healthcare providers, particularly those in emergency medicine.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The categories developed in this study should be used to guide EMS and palliative care integration in SA. Future research should aim at establishing the safety and efficacy of these interventions.Contribution: This study provides a structured approach to integrating EMS and palliative care in SA, enhancing holistic care for patients with palliative needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545396","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":"Acceptability of patient education for hypertension self-management among healthcare providers and beneficiaries in South Africa, 2024: A qualitative study.","authors":"Xoliswa Simelane, Juliana Kagura, Athini Nyatela, Samanta T Lalla-Edward","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4801","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4801","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) is increasing among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Self-management is vital for improving health outcomes and preventing disease progression. While education for HTN self-management has been implemented in South Africa, little is known about its acceptability.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> The study aims to explore the acceptability of patient education for self-management of HTN among people living with HIV (PLWH) and HTN, and healthcare providers in Integrating HIV and hEART health in South Africa (iHEART-SA) intervention clinics.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> The study was conducted in six primary health care facilities in Johannesburg.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A qualitative study design using in-depth interviews (IDIs) was conducted with 18 healthcare providers and 13 PLWH and HTN. Data were gathered using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were conducted in English and audio recorded for transcription and analysis. MAXQDA was used for analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The use of simple language, empowerment through knowledge and perceived health improvements were identified as facilitators of acceptability. Emotional discomfort attributable to booklet colours, diagnosis denial and staff shortages, were barriers. Ongoing training was the preferred strategy to enhance acceptability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Acceptability of patient education among participants was high and can be enhanced via continuous trainings. Future research should further explore these aspects to refine and tailor interventions for diverse populations.Contribution: The study contributes to the body of literature about the acceptability of patient education for HTN self-management among healthcare providers and people with HIV and HTN. Findings can be used in improving education interventions using innovative approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223999/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545394","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":"Training in the speciality of General and Family Medicine in Angola: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Clara T L Da Silva Fernandes, Isabel N Da Mata Ferreira, Manuel F D Dos Santos, Paulo Santos","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4812","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4812","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Primary healthcare plays a crucial role in health system, acting as the first line of assistance in preventing, treating and caring for diseases. In Angola, primary healthcare is a recent and developing reality.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Angolan General and Family Medicine speciality training programme, identifying areas for improvement and promotion of medical education quality.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> Primary healthcare doctors in Angola, including General and Family Medicine specialists and residents in training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to June 2024 using an online structured questionnaire. The survey was distributed via email and messaging platforms to all primary care doctors practising in Angola. Participants were asked about their opinions regarding the education process and training conditions. Two open-ended questions complemented the data collection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> A total of 584 doctors responded (61.1% females), with a mean age of 40.6 years. The most positively evaluated dimensions were faculty and mentoring, supervision, resident guidance, and programme evaluation. Conversely, the quality of infrastructure and access to educational resources were identified as major weaknesses in the training process.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Despite limitations in teaching materials and infrastructure, the overall perception of General and Family Medicine training in Angola is positive. There is a recognised opportunity to expand and strengthen the programme nationally.Contribution: These findings reflect the perspectives of primary care doctors in Angola and provide valuable insights for policymakers and medical institutions to reinforce a speciality essential to national health system development and population health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12223969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545411","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":"Partner notification and STI patient experiences in Ekurhuleni East, Gauteng, South Africa.","authors":"Noluthando Mpobole, Raikane J Seretlo, Mathildah M Mokgatle","doi":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4904","DOIUrl":"10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4904","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a widespread public health concern, disproportionately impacting young adults. This group is at higher risk due to factors like limited knowledge, misconceptions about sexual health, inconsistent condom use, multiple sexual partners, and barriers to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Partner notification (PN) strategies are critical in STI control. Effective notification and communication with sexual partners can help break the infection chain and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. However, the dynamics of PN in young individuals remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong> To explore PN practices and experiences of STI-diagnosed patients with their sexual partners in the Ekurhuleni East sub-district, Gauteng, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong> The study was conducted in five healthcare facilities in Ekurhuleni East.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong> Thirty participants were selected purposively, using an exploratory design. A semi-structured interview guide and in-depth face-to-face interviews were used. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, following Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach: familiarisation, coding, theme identification, theme review, theme definition, and report production.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The study identifies key areas for improving STI prevention and PN. Low understanding and cultural attitudes around STIs highlight the need for culturally relevant health education. PN presents emotional and relational issues, including intimate partner abuse and casual relationships, indicating the need for supportive and adaptable notification methods.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The study highlights the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and cultural beliefs about STIs and promoting open communication in relationships.Contribution: This study contributes insights to healthcare policymakers and practitioners to improve STI management and safer sexual practices among young people.</p>","PeriodicalId":47037,"journal":{"name":"African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine","volume":"17 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224000/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545398","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}