Health SA Gesondheid promotes communication, collaboration and teamwork between professions and disciplines within the health sciences to address problems that cross and affect disciplinary boundaries.

Introduction: The partial success of Anti-Retroviral treatment remains a challenge, therefore, contributory factors need to be addressed for treatment success. For instance, issues leading to ART non-adherence, that can be prevented, must be identified and addressed. Prevention of HIV has remained the best approach to controlling the spread of HIV, as there is no definitive cure yet. This study aimed at identifying predictors and barriers associated with ART non-adherence amongst HIV patients attending an adult antiretroviral clinic in Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients who were on antiretroviral treatment, were attending HIV and AIDS clinics, and whose ages ranged from 18 years and above; structured questionnaires were distributed to these respondents. Results: A total of 225 respondents participated in the study. There were more female (68%) respondents; most respondents (72%) were unemployed. They travelled more than 15 km to the treatment centers and over half (65%) of the respondents have been on ART treatment for less than five years. The financial cost, the long distance travelled, and forgetfulness were identified as some of the barriers to ART adherence. Respondents mentioned the provision of health education as one of the strategies that might assist in improving adherence. Conclusion: Non-adherence to ART poses a significant challenge in the study area. The study concluded that lack of knowledge regarding the urgency of follow-up and financial constraints were contributing to ART non-adherence, therefore, HIV education should form part of the curriculum in the basic education syllabus.

Background: Malaria is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa and affects the health and wealth of nations and of individuals. Malaria became a public health issue killing more than 627 000 people in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa, Malaria is endemic in 3 provinces namely: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Kwazulu Natal. Limpopo contributes more cases than the other provinces in the country. Objective: The study assessed the knowledge and preventive practices regarding malaria in a rural community in South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using systematic probability sampling to select 151 household members. All the households in each village were visited and the head of each household was interviewed. Data was collected through close-ended questionnaires and analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Science version 24. The analysed data is presented in tables, graphs, and percentages. Results: The findings revealed that most participants 103(67.8%) have secondary education, and all (100%) had heard about malaria. The main source of malaria information was nurses 48%. Most participants knew that malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites (86%) by an infected mosquito (77%.%). About 63% of the participants knew the basic signs of malaria such as headache, shivering, and high fever. About 59 (39%) said they used mosquito coils and wore long-sleeved clothes in their household to avoid mosquito bites. Conclusion: Malaria poses a threat to the lives of people living in malaria-endemic areas. Community members of Masisi Village know how malaria is transmitted, what causes it, and its signs and symptoms. However, malaria prevention practice is still cited as a public health challenge. Therefore, health education should emphasize methods of malaria prevention and control.

Challenges Contributing to Loss to Follow-up as Experienced by Glaucoma Patients in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Theatre involves expressing meaning in a collaborative art using words, movements, and visual elements. However, theatre remains poorly used as a viable teaching strategy or a method for communicating health messages. Instead, it is relegated to solemnly transmitting indigenous knowledge. Aim: To explore and describe communication of educational health messages through theatre using an appreciative inquiry approach. Setting: The study was conducted among the Ubuntu theatre group from a rural province in South Africa. The group is famous for using theatre to communicate educational health messages through the lens of Ubuntu philosophy. Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was followed. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select thirteen members of the Ubuntu theatre group. Data were collected by two moderators from the two focus group discussions through conference calls. Deductive thematic content data analysis was used to describe the 4-Ds of appreciative inquiry. Results: Theatre is a playful pedagogy that can cut through language and cultural barriers when used to communicate educational health messages. There is a need to formalise it as an alternative pedagogy within the health care sciences curriculum. Furthermore, the sustainability of theatre as an educational tool is dependent on expanding educational practices, documenting its success stories and periodical in-service training. Conclusion: Using Ubuntu innovation to communicate complex educational health messages through theatre can maximise learning. This study recommends that Ubuntu-infused health messages be conveyed using theatre. Contribution: The study adds to the body of knowledge by presenting Ubuntu innovation in communicating health messages through theatre.

Background: Child-headed households are homes where parents or guardians are absent, and the children support each other, with the eldest child usually becoming the head of the household. The care of children within African societies often extends beyond just the parents. The extended family plays a crucial role in the upbringing and support of children. It is, therefore, assumed that the extended family and the community would take turns caring for orphaned children; however, sometimes, that is not the case. Objective: This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by orphaned children living in child-headed households in a selected village in South Africa. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative approach using an exploratory phenomenological design. The sample size was comprised of 20 participants, which was determined by data saturation, and a thematic data analysis was performed on the collected data. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: food insecurity, sexual abuse, and the responsibility of staying alone; hence, children who live in child-headed households face different psychological and socio-economic challenges. Conclusion: The study found that child-headed families experience various challenges, such as psychosocial needs and lack of financial support. The study recommends that a longitudinal study should be conducted on these children to explore the impact of growing up without parental care on their adult lives.