Reflections on qualitative research: Lessons learned to ensure research integrity

This article focusses on teaching medical students qualitative research in a practical setting of a study about sexual health. Insufficient training, research deviating from the proposal and context-related factors contributed to compromising trustworthiness of the study. The article provides a background to the study and reflects on factors that contributed to the breach of research integrity after the research supervisor questioned the credibility of findings. A semi-structured interview schedule was used, and data analysis exposed flaws. The team used Jasper’s reflective cycle to change a crisis into a learning opportunity. The action plan triggered round two of data collection, followed by another reflective cycle.Contribution: The supervision role and student knowledge and attitude contributed to the undergraduate research project. Until a research report is submitted or data published, researchers can learn from the process to produce reliable results and rigorous ethical research

A guide for arterial line insertion for the South African primary care practitioner

This article provides information on the reasons for inserting an arterial line, how to insert this line, the equipment required to insert an arterial line, and the possible complications that may arise from this procedure. It is hoped this information will guide primary care practitioners working in the South African environment and increase their confidence for inserting arterial lines

Knowledge, attitudes and practices on hypertension among patients in a district hospital

Background: Hypertension is a major global public health issue, with effective management relying heavily on patient adherence to lifestyle changes and medication. Understanding demographic influences on these behaviours is vital for targeted intervention. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to hypertension among patients at a district hospital in Tshwane, South Africa.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study used a structured, piloted questionnaire adapted from previous studies with 283 participants at a Tshwane district hospital.Results: The mean knowledge score was 55.2%, with gaps in understanding normal blood pressure (BP) values (46.29%) and risk factors (18.02%). Attitudes were positive, with 97.6% endorsing regular BP checks and 93.3% supporting salt reduction. Practices were moderate, with 70% never missing medication and 58% regularly monitoring weight. Higher education correlated with better knowledge and attitudes (p  0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Non-smokers and non-drinkers exhibited better health practices (p  0.001). Age negatively correlated with knowledge (r = –0.15, p = 0.010) and attitudes (r = –0.19, p = 0.002).Conclusion: While attitudes towards hypertension are generally positive, knowledge and practices remain suboptimal. Targeted educational interventions, tailored to diverse socio-demographic factors, are essential to enhancing adherence.Contribution: This study identified gaps in hypertension management in Tshwane, aiding in the development of more effective, patient-centred educational programmes

Examining the social determinants of HIV/AIDS in Madidi village in Bojanala District, North West province

Background: South Africa is experiencing a devastating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, with approximately 7.8 million people living with HIV. International health programs such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) have been assisting citizens in combating the epidemic, but social factors continue to contribute to its spread. The study sought to examine social factors that contribute to the transmission of HIV in Madidi Village, as little is known about this population.Methods: The study employed a qualitative design and non-probability sampling. Face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews using a schedule guide were used to obtain data. To capture all of the interviews, a tape recorder was utilised with the permission of the 12 participants with ages ranging from 18 to 49 years.Results: The study revealed that the majority of participants were aware of HIV transmission and understood that it cannot be cured. However, misconceptions about HIV transmission still exist; for example, one of the participants stated that HIV can be transmitted through Colgate, which has not been scientifically proven to be a transmitter of HIV.Conclusion: This study shows that people need to be educated more about HIV/AIDS and that the Department of Health officials should play a role in supporting rural areas like Madidi Village to curb the spread of HIV.Contribution: As women and young girls are the most vulnerable members of the society, they must be enabled to take control of their lives

Mastering blood gas interpretation: A practical guide for primary care providers

Accurate arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation is essential for primary care providers (PCPs), especially in emergency and inpatient settings where timely, informed decisions can significantly impact patient outcomes. This review guides PCPs from basic to advanced interpretation through a systematic five-step approach for ABG analysis, focussing on oxygenation, pH status, and metabolic and respiratory disorders. Emphasising the recognition of complex acid-base disorders that may coexist even when pH appears normal, it incorporates tools such as delta and osmolar gap calculations to address multiple concurrent metabolic disturbances and clarify the interpretation of mixed acid-base conditions. The article also briefly considers the use of arterial and venous blood samples in clinical practice

Primary care clinicians’ role in advocating for equitable healthcare access

No abstract available

Transition tips: How can we be better leaders as family physicians?

No abstract available

‘Gender affirming healthcare’ is not what the family physician needs to know

No abstract available

Emergency contraception in primary health care

Unplanned and unwanted pregnancies in South Africa cost women, government and families enormous physical, emotional and socioeconomic stress. These are further aggravated by the high rate of sexual assault cases in South Africa. In a setting such as this, easy access to emergency contraception (EC) becomes a key intervention and health system imperative. Primary health care clinicians are at the forefront of health care provision in South Africa and need to be well equipped with the necessary knowledge on EC to make informed management decisions. This article seeks to provide information and improve awareness and confidence of primary care clinicians when providing EC

Healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes on termination of pregnancy in eThekwini

Background: While the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act No. 92 was legalised in 1996 permitting termination of pregnancy (TOP) to be accessed at various public health facilities in South Africa, unsafe abortions continue to take place outside of legally designated facilities. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals regarding TOP services at public primary healthcare (PHC) centres in the central business district (CBD) of the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.Methods: This quantitative, descriptive analysis used a questionnaire to obtain data from the healthcare professionals on four areas: demographic details, knowledge of (8 questions), attitudes to (10 questions) and practices (10 questions) regarding TOP services.Results: Among the 91 participants (whose ages ranged from 32 to 48 years), 91.2% were female, 93.4% belonged to the Christian faith, 42.9% were professional nurses and 74.8% had more than 5 years’ work experience. The mean of the overall knowledge, attitude and practice score was 51.7%, 67.4% and 62.8%, respectively, which indicated poor knowledge, moderate attitude and unacceptable practice.Conclusion: While some healthcare professionals’ knowledge regarding TOP services was poor, their personal beliefs may have contributed to their attitudes and practices regarding whether to assist their patients to access such services, despite it being legal.Contribution: This study provides insight into the health worker barriers that impede TOP service provision and access in the CBD of eThekwini