CurationisPub Date : 2025-06-26DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2544
Magdeline N Poto-Rapudi, Thembekile E Masango, Masenyani O Mbombi
{"title":"Challenges in implementing new nursing qualifications (Regulation 174) in South African public nursing colleges: Principal perspectives.","authors":"Magdeline N Poto-Rapudi, Thembekile E Masango, Masenyani O Mbombi","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2544","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2544","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The criticism levelled against the legacy nursing programmes has transformed the health education and training system and the preparation of nursing students to meet society's needs. The prevailing practice in nursing education (NE) change is orientated towards increasing professionalisation, which necessitates expanding nursing programmes to provide universal health coverage. The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has mandated NE institutions to curriculate and institute the new qualifications in nursing.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This article explores the challenges attendant to the implementation of the new qualifications in nursing at selected public nursing colleges (PNCs) in North-West, Gauteng, Limpopo and Free State provinces.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A qualitative research design approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 13 purposively sampled participants that were transcribed verbatim. Tesch's eight-step data analysis method was utilised for the development of the study findings framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The findings revealed challenges such as lack of essential human and infrastructural resources, infrastructural and material limitations, logistical and service constraints and mixed perceptions on the support system available to PNCs ahead of implementing the new qualifications in nursing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The perspectives of the principals' show various challenges that can be categorised into human, institutional, and structural factors. These challenges suggest a need to strengthen the academic support and collaboration between internal and external stakeholders of NE institutions for effectively implementing the new programmes in nursing.Contribution: The study findings create awareness for the SANC, Council on Higher Education and Department of Health about the progress of the new nursing programme implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224069/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546540","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-06-11DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2667
Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo
{"title":"Ubuntu philosophy as a strategy to promote access to under-five child healthcare services.","authors":"Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2667","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2667","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Inaccessibility of healthcare services for children under five contributes to child morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Children are reportedly dying at home from treatable conditions, hence the need for this study.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> The study aimed to exploring and synthesising the barriers in accessing under-five child healthcare services through the lens of ubuntu philosophy in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> An integrative literature review was conducted. Several databases were searched utilising a combination of phrases such as: 'access', 'barriers', 'child healthcare services' and 'sub-Saharan Africa'. Qualitative and quantitative studies, published between 2014 and 2024 in sub-Saharan Africa, were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Study findings revealed that there were parental- or guardian-related factors, healthcare provider factors and healthcare environment factors that can hinder access to healthcare services for children under the age of five.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Intervention measures to address the barriers to access of healthcare services by children under five should embed ubuntu values by all healthcare providers and policymakers. Continuous health education to empower parents and guardians on childcare practices is recommended.Contribution: The study provides insights into challenges of accessing child healthcare services. These findings are key for nurse managers, nurse educators and policymakers to better plan for comprehensive quality service provision. Leveraging on Ubuntu philosophy would be pivotal to making a critical analysis of these challenges and how to address them.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12224017/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546541","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-30DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2706
Calvin Mabaso, Ramasela Mokonyama, Jeremy Mitonga-Monga
{"title":"Attitudes and readiness of nurses towards digitalisation.","authors":"Calvin Mabaso, Ramasela Mokonyama, Jeremy Mitonga-Monga","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2706","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2706","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> This study examines nurses' attitudes and readiness to integrate digital technologies, particularly electronic medical records (EMR), in a South African private hospital group. Understanding these perspectives is vital as healthcare increasingly digitises.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> The research aimed to assess the state of readiness of healthcare professionals before the implementation of an integrated EMR system within a multidisciplinary private hospital environment.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A qualitative exploratory design was used, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 participants. The data were thematically analysed, reaching saturation at 14 participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Six key themes emerged: effective communication, implementation reasons, training support, overall employee perceptions, technology literacy and limitations of EMR. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to bridge knowledge gaps and foster a supportive environment for digital healthcare integration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The shift from manual to electronic health records is crucial for improving efficiency, patient care and sustainability in healthcare. However, this transition requires careful consideration of human factors, such as behaviour, attitudes and readiness.Contribution: The study underscores the need for a strategic approach to technology adoption, emphasising the benefits of EMR implementation, tailored training and continuous communication, alongside addressing emotional support, technology literacy and network stability.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135108/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210430","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-26DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2732
Julia L Mafumo, Maria S Maputle
{"title":"Limited resources in clinical facilities: Experiences of nursing students during placements.","authors":"Julia L Mafumo, Maria S Maputle","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2732","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2732","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Students need resources in the clinical areas to integrate theory and practice. When healthcare facilities have limited resources, students encounter momentous challenges that negatively affect their learning and supervision.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To explore the experiences of nursing students during placements in limited-resourced clinical facilities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was used. The setting was four hospitals, where students were placed for clinical experience. The population was nursing students in the third and fourth levels of their study who were sampled purposively. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed using a coding method. Thematic analysis was done.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Limited staff led to poor student supervision and evaluation and absenteeism, and students were used as the working force, whereas limited resources led to the disintegration of theory and practice and procedures flawed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Resources in healthcare facilities are significant in student supervision. Therefore, the management in those facilities needs to ensure that the resources are always available.Contribution: The study contributes to bringing to light how the limited resources impact students' learning and how this can impact future nursing practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135119/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210492","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-22DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2737
Nkhensani F Mabunda, Itumeleng G Masondo, Andile G Mokoena-de Beer
{"title":"Nurses' understanding of quality documentation: A qualitative study in a Mental Health Institution.","authors":"Nkhensani F Mabunda, Itumeleng G Masondo, Andile G Mokoena-de Beer","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2737","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2737","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Nursing documentation is an integral part of nursing practice that is planned and delivered to individual patients by qualified nurses to provide evidence of the standard of care. The quality of nursing documentation is the inscriptions of all categories of nurses, including students, to record nursing care to facilitate continuity of care and patients' safety.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to explore and describe the psychiatric nurses' comprehension of the quality of nursing documentation in the selected mental health institution in Gauteng province.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> The qualitative, explorative-descriptive and contextual design was used. The target population was all nurses directly involved in patient care. Individual face-to-face semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Braun and Clarke's (2022) six steps of the thematic descriptive analysis method were adopted to allow the second author to identify themes and recapitulate data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The two themes and subthemes that emerged from the findings include nurses' understanding of the impact of quality documentation on patient care outcomes and support needs to improve the quality of nursing documentation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Understanding the quality of nursing documentation is an essential element for producing continuous clinical communication and reflection on the everyday activities of nursing care that are planned and implemented on individual patients' progress reports.Contribution: The study contributes to nursing practice, as its results can be used to measure the quality of the primary source of clinical information improvements, allowing healthcare professionals to communicate with each other about a patient's care.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135162/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210493","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-16DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2677
John J Musafiri, Million Bimerew, Jennifer Chipps
{"title":"Knowledge of mental disorders in primary healthcare nurses in the Western Cape, South Africa.","authors":"John J Musafiri, Million Bimerew, Jennifer Chipps","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2677","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2677","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Mental disorders remain a global health burden. The integration of mental health services into primary healthcare (PHC) can contribute to reduction of this burden. However, studies have reported PHC nurses' lack of knowledge of mental disorders, which leads to their negative attitudes towards people with mental disorders preventing them from seeking help.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge levels of PHC nurses regarding mental disorders in the Western Cape, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 246 PHC nurses in the Cape Town metropole. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests and independent sample tests. A cut-off value of ≥ 80% was used to determine the sufficient levels of knowledge.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The average knowledge score (15.6; 78.0%) was below the cut-off value of ≥ 80%, indicating insufficient levels of knowledge. Sufficient levels of knowledge were found for over half of the respondents (139, 59.4%). Most of the respondents were knowledgeable about the symptoms of depression (221, 94.4 %), bipolar (217, 92.7%), schizophrenia (213, 91.0%) and anxiety disorders (209, 89.3%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Over half of the PHC nurses could identify the signs and symptoms of common mental disorders. However, the knowledge of dysthymia and psychosis requires more attention.Contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in nursing practice and education related to mental disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135166/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210491","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-09DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2685
Fhulufhelo Mulaudzi, Charlene Downing
{"title":"Frontline nurses' adherence to COVID-19 policies in care delivery at a Johannesburg Academic Hospital.","authors":"Fhulufhelo Mulaudzi, Charlene Downing","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2685","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2685","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Nurses' adherence to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) policies significantly impacts infection rates, yet various factors, including communication gaps, lack of policy involvement and insufficient training, hinder compliance.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study investigated the availability of COVID-19 infection control policies and frontline nurses' adherence to these policies at an academic hospital in Johannesburg.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> A quantitative, descriptive-comparative design was employed, using stratified random sampling across three phases: policy document analysis, adherence assessment and observation. Phase one evaluated the comprehensiveness of policies from National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Department of Health (DoH) (SA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers ffor Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> National Institute for Communicable Diseases, DoH and academic hospital policies were 100% adequate, while CDC and NIH policies met 82% of assessed attributes. Phases two and three assessed adherence using questionnaires and observations. Results revealed higher adherence during direct patient contact (median 5/7; 70%) compared to pre- and post-contact behaviours (median 3/6; 50%). Principal component analysis showed a strong correlation (r = 0.903) between adherence and general precautionary measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Despite partial compliance, findings highlight a need for enhanced in-service training and improved communication strategies to promote policy adherence and minimise infection risks.Contribution: Recommendations are provided to strengthen nursing practice, education and policy development, empowering nurses with knowledge and strategies for effective infection control.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210490","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-07DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2735
Donald Mazibu, Charlene Downing, Richard Rasesemola
{"title":"Experiences of critical care nurses infected with COVID-19 in a Saudi Academic Hospital.","authors":"Donald Mazibu, Charlene Downing, Richard Rasesemola","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2735","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely impacted nursing services, with thousands of ICU nurses infected with potentially fatal respiratory infections. Saudi Arabian studies suggest psychological implications, with loneliness and social isolation linked to higher depression and anxiety levels. Pandemic preparedness should focus on workforce protection and mental well-being promotion.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> This study aimed to understand the experiences of critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia who contracted COVID-19, with the goal of formulating recommendations to empower them, increase resilience, and help the profession thrive post-pandemic.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> This study used an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual approach, conducting unstructured interviews with 11 Critical Care Unit (CCU) Registered Nurse (RN) who contracted COVID-19, and analysing the data using Colaizzi's seven-step method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Three themes emerged from the data: (1) physical isolation led to loneliness and psychological separation, lacking emotional support and freedom of choice; (2) reintegration into the work environment increased stress and loneliness and (3) Coronavirus disease 2019 exposure provided essential insight into patient care and increased awareness of adaptive skills. These themes highlight the challenges participants faced during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> This research study indicated the experiences of ICU nurses who contracted COVID-19, revealing feelings of loneliness, depression and stress. Despite reintegration into their work environment, these feelings persist.Contribution: The study indicates that nurses in social isolation or quarantine also require open communication, social interaction, personal autonomy and emotional support to boost their resilience and mental health, and to increase their job satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135194/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143999986","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-05-06DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2698
Laralyn L Naidoo, Jed L Davidson
{"title":"Perceived stress and lower back pain amongst nurses during the SARS-CoV-2, across hospitals in Durban, South Africa.","authors":"Laralyn L Naidoo, Jed L Davidson","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2698","DOIUrl":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic strained the healthcare sector and workers. Nurses experienced stress and burnout because of strain in resources, limited staff and exposure risk. Resultant lower back pain was prevalent. Nurses were poorly equipped to manage these conditions physically and psychologically.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> The study aims to investigate lower back pain and stress levels during COVID-19. It also aims to provide data describing any association between both.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> Pain and stress were determined using questionnaires. Quantitative, descriptive design and convenient sampling were used. The Chi-square goodness-of-fit-test tests significant Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS) responses (12 daily activities lower back pain) and determines the relationship between pain and stress before and during COVID-19 related to the current time. Chi-square test of independence is used on cross-tabulations to determine the relationship between stress and lower back pain. Fisher's exact test was used for conditions not met. The Binomial test was used for the significance check of yes/no response to medication use. A questionnaire was provided on exercise levels and provision by workplace.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> Higher pain and stress were noted during versus prior to COVID-19. Back Pain Functional Scale showed no difficulty performing the majority of activities. A small percentage used medication, showing no significant change. Majority did not perform exercise for reducing lower back pain prior to or during COVID-19. Exercise intervention was not provided by workplaces for the majority, during or prior to COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Lower back pain and perceived stress levels increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Provision of lower back pain education and exercise intervention in preventing and managing lower back pain in hospital nurses was needed. This study adds to the stress and lower back pain knowledge base in South Africa.Contribution: The findings assist in understanding the effects of Covid-19 on stress and lower back pain in nurses, linkage of the two, and possible interventions to reduce these effects using knowledge enhancement and prescribed exercise interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135097/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144011229","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}
CurationisPub Date : 2025-04-30DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2633
Idah Moyo, Livhuwani Tshivhase
{"title":"Accessing HIV care services by key populations - An Ubuntu philosophy reflection.","authors":"Idah Moyo, Livhuwani Tshivhase","doi":"10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2633","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v48i1.2633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong> Key populations are disproportionately affected by HIV despite the significant decrease in new HIV infections in Africa. They experience challenges like stigma and discrimination as they interface with the healthcare system. This results in reduced access to HIV care services for key populations. Therefore, the attainment of HIV epidemic control may not be easily realised if these gaps are not addressed.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong> To explore and synthesise factors associated with accessing HIV care services by key populations, as well as make a reflection of this process using Ubuntu philosophy.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong> An integrative literature review was conducted on studies published between 2014 and 2024. An electronic search was performed on several databases. Examples of key phrases that were utilised for the search included Africa, HIV care services, key populations and Ubuntu. The studies included were qualitative and quantitative from peer-reviewed journals and restricted to Africa.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong> The following themes emerged: non-inclusive healthcare environment, attitudes of healthcare workers and stigma and discrimination. These findings illustrate the challenges and barriers affecting access to HIV care services for key populations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> The insights from this review call for a paradigm shift in the training programmes of healthcare providers in Southern Africa.Contribution: Given the challenges that affect key populations as they access HIV care services, in-service and pre-service training of healthcare providers should incorporate the humane values of Ubuntu.</p>","PeriodicalId":93959,"journal":{"name":"Curationis","volume":"48 1","pages":"e1-e8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144052062","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}