Browsing by Author "Jonker, Linda"
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- ItemThe experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizing child health services(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Jonker, Linda; Stellenberg, E. L.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Nursing Science.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Member states of the United Nations accepted eight Millennium Development Goals in 2000. Millennium Development Goal number four addresses the improvement of child health. The purpose of goal number four is to decrease the child mortality rate by 60% for the period 1990 to 2015. South Africa is one of twelve countries where the incidence of child mortality increased during this period. Guided by the research question “What are the experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizing child health services”, a study was done. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological methodology was applied to explore the experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizing child health services for children younger than two years. The goal of this study was to determine the experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizing child health services. The objectives were to explore their experiences and perceptions, with specific reference to the service they receive regarding: - immunization - nutrition assessment - the growth of the child - the growth chart - other underlying illnesses Ethical approval was obtained from Stellenbosch University and various health authorities. Validity was assured by adhering to the principles of trustworthiness, namely credibility, transferability, dependability, and conformability. The population for this study was mothers who utilized ten clinics in a demarcated area of Cape Town for child health services. Purposive sampling was utilized to consciously select three clinics (N =10), and at each of the clinics four mothers were purposively selected to participate. A total of seventeen mothers participated in the study. An interview guide was used to conduct interviews with participants. The researcher conducted and recorded the interviews after obtaining written informed consent from each participant. A field diary was kept for notation of observations. Data analysis involved the transcribing of digitally recorded interviews, the coding of the data, the generating of themes and sub-themes, interpretation and organization of data and the drawing of conclusions. The Modeling Role-Modeling Nursing theory of Erickson, Tomlin and Swain were utilized as conceptual theoretical framework to facilitate application to the broad population. Findings of the study indicated varied experiences. All mothers did not receive information about the RtHB or RTHC. Not all mothers developed a relationship of trust with caregivers or were afforded the respect of becoming part of the child’s health care team. According to the mothers integrated child health care services were not practised. The consequences were missed opportunities in immunization, provision of Vitamin A, absence of growth monitoring, feeding assessment and provision of nutritional advice. Hospitals and private practitioners equally did not provide immunization services or offered holistic care. Simple interventions such as oral rehydration, early recognition and treatment of diseases, immunization, growth monitoring and appropriate nutrition are not diligently offered; that could reduce the incidence of child morbidity and mortality. The following recommendations are made: determine why hospitals do not immunize children. The root causes must be addressed to change practice. Rendering of child services must happen in an integrated approach. Staff must be empowered with skills regarding procurement, in particular regarding vaccines.
- ItemMissed opportunities in child healthcare(AOSIS Publishing, 2014-08) Jonker, Linda; Stellenberg, Ethelwynn, L.Background: Various policies in health, such as Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses, were introduced to enhance integrated service delivery in child healthcare. During clinical practice the researcher observed that integrated services may not be rendered. Objectives: This article describes the experiences of mothers that utilised comprehensive child health services in the Cape Metropolitan area of South Africa. Services included treatment for diseases; preventative interventions such as immunisation; and promotive interventions, such as improvement in nutrition and promotion of breastfeeding. Method: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach was applied to explore the experiences and perceptions of mothers and/or carers utilising child healthcare services. Thirty percent of the clinics were selected purposively from the total population. A convenience purposive non-probability sampling method was applied to select 17 mothers who met the criteria and gave written consent. Interviews were conducted and recorded digitally using an interview guide. The data analysis was done using Tesch’s eight step model. Results: Findings of the study indicated varied experiences. Not all mothers received information about the Road to Health book or card. According to the mothers, integrated child healthcare services were not practised. The consequences were missed opportunities in immunisation, provision of vitamin A, absence of growth monitoring, feeding assessment and provision of nutritional advice. Conclusion: There is a need for simple interventions such as oral rehydration, early recognition and treatment of diseases, immunisation, growth monitoring and appropriate nutrition advice. These services were not offered diligently. Such interventions could contribute to reducing the incidence of child morbidity and mortality.