Browsing by Author "Dikweni, Lulama"

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    An assessment of the health channel broadcasting multimedia for communication and dissemination of information in the health sector
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-12) Dikweni, Lulama; Groenewald, C. J.; Mbananga, N. D.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Sociology and Social Anthropology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study reported on here was conducted between December 2003 and April 2004. The aim of the study was to assess the use of Health Channel Broadcast Multimedia (HCBM) in order to maximise its success. The HCBM is an Information Technology method that was used to disseminate health information in public health facilities. HCBM was installed in health facilities and was used as an education tool. This was done by further developing the clinical skills of the health care workers (HCWs) and to inform the patients, including the community members on HIV/AIDS and related communicable diseases. The study was conducted in eight health facilities in seven provinces where HCBM was piloted. Facilities and forty-nine health professionals (HCWs) were selected conveniently and one hundred and twenty-eight patients were sampled using a systematic random method. The convenient sampling method was relevant since these were key facilities with HCBM. There were very few HCWs who did view HCBM and they were drawn into the study. HCBM used programmes disseminating messages in Afrikaans, English, sePedi, seSotho, siSwati, isiXhosa and isiZulu. The Rapid Assessment Response (RAR) approach was used to give a quick appraisal of the study. The report focuses on the cross-sectional reporting of the quantitative technique of the RAR. Of the HCWs, 86% had viewed the broadcast content, 70% were satisfied with the broadcast mode of service delivery; 56% indicated that the messages were good and added educational value to their professional work, while 52% chose to use the IP box content with HIV/AIDS topics. Ninety-two percent of HCWs stated that HCBM targeted patients and young people, 48% said HCBM had the ability to convey information and 48% said it was capable of addressing health problem. When HCBM was being set up, 62% HCWs engaged in decision making. Patients mentioned that HCBM as a method of information dissemination was educative (62%) and informative (52%). They reported that they did hear messages on HIV/AIDS telling them that medication was available for free to treat within 72 hours after being raped (72%); they had the right to say no to unsafe sex (92%); and 76% said the broadcast had the ability to change people’s behaviour. Respondents reported that the messages were easily understood (44%). The conclusion is that the findings will be useful to inform the government and managers of HCBM programmes on how to maximise the success of HCBM, especially at the implementation phase.