Despite the implementation of global plans to end tuberculosis (TB), this disease remains a major cause of ill-health and is the second leading cause of death. In 2019, globally, an estimated 10.0 million people fell ill and about 1.4 million died of TB. During the same year, South Africa was among the eight countries with the highest tuberculosis burden, contributing to two-thirds of the world’s total. Due to the high burden of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, TB in South Africa is a major public health problem. Limpopo is amongst the provinces that are hardest hit by TB and HIV in South Africa. Therefore, using a quantitative descriptive design, this study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of TB and TB treatment amongst TB patients in the Limpopo Province. A systematic random sampling method was used to sample 207 TB patients who agreed in writing to be part of the study. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, however, about 3.9% of participants who could not read were assisted by the main researcher and health professional. About 33% of the participants with primary education were also assisted to clarify any questions that were not clear to them. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences^® version 26.0. Validity and reliability of the instrument was ensured, and ethical considerations were observed in this study. The research findings revealed that about 93.25% respondents only came to know they had TB after diagnosis. About 75% indicated that they had visited faith healers and only 2% acknowledged that they had visited traditional healers after diagnosis. A total of 76% of the respondents stated that they strongly believed in their culture and religion. These findings highlight the need for health education efforts to strengthen accurate information to improve TB knowledge and correct misconceptions about TB among patients within the community.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease which is caused by a relatively large, non-motile, rod-shaped pathogen called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is a major cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in Asia and Africa. Despite the fact that TB is a curable illness, the tragedy is that TB remains the biggest killer in the world as a single pathogen. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of nurses caring for TB patients at a regional hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive designs were used. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. The personal experiences of six nurses with more than five years’ experience caring for TB patients at a regional hospital were explored, and it was guided by data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Trustworthiness was ensured and ethical considerations were observed in this study. The research findings revealed six major themes from the raw data: challenges of the working environment, problems impacting on the quality of nursing care, fear, anxiety, stress and risk of contracting infection, nurses’ perceptions towards patients, support structure available in the hospital, and support needs for the nurses. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address the challenges experienced by nurses caring for communicable diseases through provision of a positive practice work environment.

Background: This review employs a non-empirical research design, specifically a systematic review, to investigate evidence-based factors influencing the adoption of isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) among eligible HIV patients. The objective is to contextualize these factors within an African setting, facilitating their accessibility for policymakers. Material and Methods: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search across various databases, including Google Scholar, Africa-wide information, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), Education Sources, Health Sources – Consumer Edition, Health Sources: Nursing/Academic Edition, Humanities and Social Sciences Index Retrospective Humanities Sources, MasterFILE Premier, MEDLINE, and SociINDEX was conducted. The inclusion criteria were met by a total of n=11 full-text articles from accredited peer-reviewed journals. Utilizing a quality assessment research instrument tool, the gathered data were synthesized and analyzed. The review spanned African sources from January 2019 to April 2023, revealing diverse factors affecting IPT uptake, encompassing influences from health workers, patients, and health system-related aspects. Results: The study revealed the interplay of various factors categories into four themes that influence IPT intake mostly at the facility level and include: Patient-related factors, healthcare care providers, and health facility factors and strategies to improve IPT uptake. Discussion: The study's findings underscore the significance of implementing Quality Improvement (QI) interventions comprising three essential components delivered as a cohesive package. Moreover, the study advocates for the incorporation of m-Health technology to send reminders to patients, thereby enhancing completion rates for IPT. Conclusion: The papers revealed patient, health care workers, and health system challenges that requires the adoption of strategies such as quality improvement interventions, coupled with data monitoring, improving supply chain management, supportive supervision, enhanced health care infrastructure, healthcare workers capacity building, Partnership, Community and patient engagement and the integration of m-health technology as effective strategies to improve IPT uptake.

Background: Substance use are associated with high discontinuation of tuberculosis treatment which is a barrier to tuberculosis control. Treatment discontinuation significantly increase the risk of poor treatment outcomes in both drug-susceptible and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. This study aimed to explore the impact of substance use on tuberculosis treatment adherence among tuberculosis patients in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Method: The study employed exploratory qualitative research design. Purposive sampling method was used to sample eight TB focal person and eight facility operational managers who were working in eight community health center within three selected districts in Limpopo province. Data were collected through key informant in-depth interviews and were analysed using Colaizzi’s method. Results: The study results show four individual major themes that emerged from data analysis: (1) Patients forget to take treatment, (2) Patients miss follow up visit and DOT support appointments (3) Patients refuse social support (4) Patients refuse to attend health education and counselling. Conclusion: The study highlighted serious impact of substance abuse on TB treatment adherence among TB patients. There is a need to integrate treatment for alcoholism and illicit drug users into primary health care to identify specific group of patients suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction on time, as a component of comprehensive TB treatment strategy.

BACKGROUND Concerns over the impact of digital device use on youth mental health have grown substantially in recent years. While existing research presents mixed findings, some highlighting negative effects on the well-being and others noting potential benefits, there remains a need to consolidate this body of evidence. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to map and synthesize the existing literature on the impact of screen time on the mental health and well-being of young people. The study further seeks to identify both risks and potential benefits associated with digital use, and to recommend evidence informed strategies for promoting healthy habits among youth, including adolescents and young adults. METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted across databases including PubMed, CINAHL Plus, APA PsychInfo, Medline, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and through manual searches. Twelve peer reviewed articles published between January 2019 and September 2023 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were selected based on their examination of the mental health impacts of screen time among young people, including both adverse and beneficial outcomes. Exclusion criteria included studies focusing exclusively on educational screen use or populations outside the youth age range. Data were extracted and evaluated using a quality assessment tool. RESULTS The findings of the current study disclosed various relationship between screen time and youth mental health categorised three major themes: mental health, poor physical health, and social implications. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the urgent need to foster balanced and mindful digital habits among young people. As digital engagement continues to grow, a comprehensive understanding of of its implications for mental health is essential. Collaborative action from educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and families are vital to creating supportive digital environments that promote youth well-being.