Masters Degrees (Nursing and Midwifery)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Nursing and Midwifery) by browse.metadata.advisor "Boshoff, E. L. D."

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    Awareness, knowledge and experiences of women regarding cervical cancer in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Ndlovu, Beauty Hlengiwe; Boshoff, E. L. D.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Title: Awareness, knowledge and experiences of women regarding cervical cancer in rural Kwa- Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Background: Cervical cancer has been identified as the second most common cancer in women and contributes to the high mortality rate in women. Among all cancers in women, cervical cancer is rated the second most common cancer in women worldwide. In poorly resourced settings, access to services offering cervical screening is still a challenge and it is estimated that more than 50% of women in developing countries have never had a single screening test for cervical abnormalities. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess women’s awareness, attitudes and experiences regarding cervical smear testing and for cervical cancer in rural KwaZulu-Natal and to better understand factors influencing access to and utilization of cervical cancer screening services by rural women. Methods: The method employed was a descriptive study using a questionnaire to collect quantitative data. The sample consisted of 69 women aged 30 years and above, was taken from women who were enrolled in the on-going Microbicide Clinical Trial and attending follow-up clinic visits between July and August 2009. The primary outcome measure for the analyses was who has been screened for cervical cancer and this was assessed from the previous history reports of the women. The secondary outcome measure was to investigate knowledge and perceptions regarding cervical cancer and screening. Socio-demographic factors associated with having been screened were also explored. Results: Out of 69 women, only N=13 (18.8%) reported ever screening for cervical cancer. More than half of women who had never screened reported lack of information as a barrier to screening N=50 (71.4%). Older women aged 35-45, 45 and above were less likely to screen compared to women aged 30 to 34 years of age (OR: 0.06). Having an educational background seemed to increase the likelihood to screen, twice if a woman had primary education (OR 2.0) and almost three times (OR 2.67) if a woman had a secondary or a higher education. More than half of the respondents considered themselves at risk for cervical cancer N=42 (60.8%) and almost all showed a willingness to screen in the future N=64 (93%). Conclusion: Most of the women in this study had never been screened for cervical cancer in their lifetime as reflected by n=55 (82%) while only n=14 (18%) ever screened for cervical cancer. The results of this study cannot be generalised to the population due to the small sample size. However, there is need to facilitate comprehensive health education and the implementation of cervical screening programmes to target women in rural communities to contribute to the success of the cervical screening programme. The results of this study showed that 60% of respondents were informed by health care professionals on cervical cancer screening. Health care workers also should play a vital role in educating communities on cervical cancer and on the benefits for cervical cancer screening, through reaching all patients who utilise health care services with cervical cancer information and also communities through outreach programmes.
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    The knowledge of the registration of the role of the doula in the facilitation of natural child birth
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Kaibe, Nonkululeko Veronica; Boshoff, E. L. D.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research was an attempt to investigate the role of the doula during labour and the promotion of natural childbirth as well as the assessment of the effect of the presence of the doula during natural childbirth. There has been a shift from home-based deliveries to hospital-based deliveries, which does not sufficiently provide for optimal care and emotional support to the women during labour. The registered midwives in the maternity units in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape region in both private and public hospitals displayed some reluctance in using the doulas during labour. The design for this study utilised a quantitative approach which is non-experimental, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The data -collection method used was only the statistical data from the registered midwives’ questionnaire designed as per the format from the University of Stellenbosch. Research ethics implemented were confidentiality, informed consent, privacy, protection, information and debriefing. Validity and reliability had to be observed on this study as it was observed that the content of the study had to be closely related to what was measured, as well as consistency of the data –gathering instrument in obtaining the same results in similar situations The study took place at the Port Elizabeth Maternity Units in the Eastern Cape with registered midwives (40 in the Public Sector and 45 in the Private Sector),and 45 in the private sector of the maternity units of the selected hospitals. The results of this study and the interpretation thereof assisted the researcher to confirm that there was indeed a great need for the doulas during natural childbirth in the maternity units in the public sector, where there is a shortage of registered midwives and care workers to attend to the basic needs of the patients. The value of the contributions of the doula to support and provide comfort measures to women during labour should not be underestimated; and registered midwives should be informed about the important role of the doula and how the doula can complement the obstetrical care rendered by the midwife.