Browsing by Author "Mangena, Sibongile"

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    Assessing the knowledge and perceptions of the Road to Health Booklet by caregivers in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12) Mangena, Sibongile; Koornhof, Hilletjie Elizabeth; Mbhenyane, Xikombiso Gertude; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: Malnutrition, specifically under-nutrition in conjunction with infectious diseases, vitamin A and zinc deficiency, is one of the main causes of death in children under five years of age, globally. The Road to Health Booklet (RtHB) as a tool for Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP), empowers caregivers to ensure that infants and young children achieve optimum growth and nutrition. Aim: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of caregivers on the RtHB as a tool for GMP at Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, South Africa. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was employed at four different clinics and quantitative-sociodemographic information was collected, through qualitative-in-depth interviews. Audio-recorded data was transcribed and analysed using ATLAS.ti 8 and the socio-demographic data and responses to closed-ended questions were imported into Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheets. Results: A total of 170 caregivers were interviewed from four different clinics, the majority (98%, n=66) were female between the ages of 24 and 35 years. Regarding the level of education, the majority (71% n=120) of the caregivers have completed secondary education (Grade 8-12). Many (63%, n=107) of the caregivers were unemployed. The study reported that caregivers were previously educated on the contents of the RtHB at birth or at the first clinic visit, and they found a lot of the information quite valuable and useful to support optimal care and growth of their child. This study also reported that there were some aspects that caregivers did not fully understand, specifically the inclusion of important information such as the HIV status of both the caregiver and child, DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, immunisations, and developmental screening of infants and young children. The caregivers understood the importance of being able to understand the contents of the RtHB and most of them who had secondary education were able to interpret the weight-for-age growth chart and are also able understand the length-for -age growth curves adequately. Conclusion: The study reported that caregivers were previously educated on the contents of the RtHB, they found a lot of the GMP information valuable. The caregivers understood the importance of being able to understand the contents of the RtHB and the results that the growth curves present. This study revealed that there was no link between education level and caregivers’ ability to understand and interpret the growth curves, therefore there not need to have an advanced education level but basic literacy along with thorough health education is sufficient.