Abstract
Nurses are responsible for improving family and community component of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy [1] by providing counselling and health education to caregivers of children under-five years [2]. However, some caregivers still delays seeking healthcare for their children. The delay results from lack of recognition of disease severity, cultural and religious beliefs regarding child health and illnesses [3]. The aim of the study was to explore nurses' involvement of caregivers in the prevention and management of childhood illnesses in Vhembe district, South Africa.
A qualitative exploratory description design was applied in the study. A sample of 15 nurses trained in IMCI strategy were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The data were analysed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained and measures to ensure trustworthiness of the study were applied.
The findings revealed that nurses applied the IMCI strategy to involve caregivers during each consultation by providing health education and counselling. Nurses perceived that some caregivers were willing and actively involved in child healthcare as reflected by compliance with the educational information to prevent childhood illness and promote health of the children. Nurses acknowledged factors impeding caregiver involvement, including caregivers' knowledge and attitudes towards childcare services, discontinuity in care, and challenges within the healthcare system. Challenges within the healthcare system included shortage of nurses and medication. Nurses emphasized the need for support to enhance caregivers’ involvement in IMCI implementation by increasing capacity of nurses and expanding the community outreach to include childminders at pre-schools and creches.
It is important that health facilities have adequate human resources that can provide effective health education and counselling while also reducing waiting times. Effective communication using materials in local languages and the improvement of community outreach programs could improve caregiver participation in child healthcare care. Improving community living conditions, particularly water and sanitation, is crucial as they pose health risks to children and the community.
Notes
References:
1. Carai S, Kuttumuratova A, Boderscova L, Khachatryan H, Lejnev I, Monolbaev K, et al. The integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) and its potential to reduce the misuse of antibiotics. J Glob Health [Internet] 2021 [cited 2024 Nov 13];11:04030. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8141328/
2. Garner A, Yogman M. Preventing childhood toxic stress: Partnering with families and communities to promote relational health. Pediatrics 2021;148(2).
3. Moloko SM, Livhuwani Tshivhase ;, Sophie ;, Mogotlane M. Determinants of healthcare-seeking behaviour amongst guardians of under-five-year-old children in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Gender & Behaviour [Internet] 2023;21(1). Available from: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Descriptive/Correlational
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Primary Care, Public and Community Health, Acute Care, Childhood Illness, South Africa
Recommended Citation
Moloko, Sophy Mogatlogedi, "Nurses' Involvement of Caregivers in Managing Childhood Illnesses in Vhembe District, South Africa" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 265.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/265
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Nurses' Involvement of Caregivers in Managing Childhood Illnesses in Vhembe District, South Africa
Seattle, Washington, USA
Nurses are responsible for improving family and community component of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy [1] by providing counselling and health education to caregivers of children under-five years [2]. However, some caregivers still delays seeking healthcare for their children. The delay results from lack of recognition of disease severity, cultural and religious beliefs regarding child health and illnesses [3]. The aim of the study was to explore nurses' involvement of caregivers in the prevention and management of childhood illnesses in Vhembe district, South Africa.
A qualitative exploratory description design was applied in the study. A sample of 15 nurses trained in IMCI strategy were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The data were analysed using Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained and measures to ensure trustworthiness of the study were applied.
The findings revealed that nurses applied the IMCI strategy to involve caregivers during each consultation by providing health education and counselling. Nurses perceived that some caregivers were willing and actively involved in child healthcare as reflected by compliance with the educational information to prevent childhood illness and promote health of the children. Nurses acknowledged factors impeding caregiver involvement, including caregivers' knowledge and attitudes towards childcare services, discontinuity in care, and challenges within the healthcare system. Challenges within the healthcare system included shortage of nurses and medication. Nurses emphasized the need for support to enhance caregivers’ involvement in IMCI implementation by increasing capacity of nurses and expanding the community outreach to include childminders at pre-schools and creches.
It is important that health facilities have adequate human resources that can provide effective health education and counselling while also reducing waiting times. Effective communication using materials in local languages and the improvement of community outreach programs could improve caregiver participation in child healthcare care. Improving community living conditions, particularly water and sanitation, is crucial as they pose health risks to children and the community.
Description
The study explored nurses' involvement of caregivers in IMCI strategy in Vhembe district, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 IMCI-trained nurses. The findings showed nurses' involvement of caregivers during consultations and caregivers' active participation in childcare. Knowledge gaps, discontinuity in care, and healthcare system challenges hindered caregivers' involvement. Increased nursing capacity and expanded community outreach programs is required.