Experiences of nurses studying towards post-basic qualifications during COVID-19 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused abrupt closure of schools including higher education institutions. The transition from in-person to virtual teaching platforms caused challenges for frontline nurses in post-basic programmes. Nurses were forced to divide their efforts between responding to the pandemic and their studies.

Exploring the Interrelationships Between Physical Function, Functional Exercise Capacity, and Exercise Self-Efficacy in Persons Living with HIV.

Purpose: To determine if there were differences between the subjective and objective assessments of physical activity while controlling for sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics.

Setting/sample: A total of 810 participants across eight sites located in three countries.

Measures: Subjective instruments were the two subscales of Self-efficacy for Exercise Behaviors Scale: Making Time for Exercise and Resisting Relapse and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, which measured physical function.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of sharps waste disposal by diabetic patients in rural South Africa.

Background: Sharps waste is hazardous, and it should be disposed of in a proper manner, as it can contribute to transmission of diseases and create a negative impact on the environment. The aim of this investigation was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sharps waste disposal of diabetic patients who inject themselves at home in uMzinyathi District Municipality, a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted using a self-administered questionnaire.

Factors related to functional exercise capacity amongst people with HIV in Durban, South Africa.

Background: People with HIV (PWH), who engage in regular physical activity, have improved fitness, muscular strength, body composition, health-related quality of life and mental health symptoms, but PWH have amongst the lowest physical activity levels of those with any chronic health condition. Furthermore, there is scant evidence examining these relationships in PWH in Africa.

Aim: To address these critical gaps, this cross-sectional descriptive research study examined the relationships between demographic, HIV-related, anthropometric factors, neighbourhood walkability and physical activity, amongst PWH in Durban, South Africa.

Experiences of community caregivers in the assessment of malnutrition using mid-upper arm circumference measurement in children under 5 years old.

Background:  Malnutrition is a major public health challenge in developing countries. It has been identified as an important cause of child mortality and morbidity and leads to inadequate physical and cognitive development in children. The South African government implemented a strategy for malnutrition assessment in children under 5 years by community caregivers (CCGs), who would then refer children at risk or those having developed malnutrition to primary health care clinics.

Experiences of homosexual patients' access to primary health care services in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Background: Homosexual patients are affected by social factors in their environment, and as a result may not have easy access to existing health care services. Prejudice against homosexuality and homosexual patients remains a barrier to them seeking appropriate healthcare. The concern is that lesbians and gays might delay or avoid seeking health care when they need it because of past discrimination or perceived homophobia within the health care thereby putting their health at risk.

Experiences of Fast Queue health care users in primary health care facilities in eThekwini district, South Africa.

Background: Comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC), based on the principles of accessibility, availability, affordability, equity and acceptability, was introduced in South Africa to address inequalities in health service provision. Whilst the Fast Queue was instrumental in the promotion of access to health care, a major goal of the PHC approach, facilities were not prepared for the sudden influx of clients. Increased access resulted in long waiting times and queues contributing to dissatisfaction with the service which could lead to missed appointments and non-compliance with established treatment plans.