The Love Hormone and Seizure Control: A Review of Oxytocin’s Impact on Epilepsy Management

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which can significantly impact patient’s quality of life. While current management strategies for epilepsy, such as antiepileptic drugs and surgery, are effective for many patients, there is a need for novel therapies that can provide better seizure control and improve patients’ outcomes. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known for its role in social bonding and trust, has emerged as a promising therapy for epilepsy. Preclinical studies have shown that oxytocin can reduce seizure activity and improve seizure outcomes in animal models of epilepsy. In contrast, clinical studies have suggested that oxytocin may reduce seizure frequency and severity in some epilepsy patients. This chapter reviews the current knowledge of oxytocin and epilepsy, including the potential mechanisms of oxytocin’s antiepileptic effects, the limitations and challenges of clinical studies, and future research directions and implications. The chapter also discusses the broader impact of oxytocin research on understanding social behaviour and neurological disorders. Overall, the chapter highlights the potential of oxytocin as a novel therapy for epilepsy management and underscores the need for further research

Perspective Chapter: Stigma and Its Impact on People Living with Epilepsy in Rural Communities

Epilepsy is a neurological condition affecting millions worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This condition is poorly understood, and various misconceptions surround it, leading to stigma toward people living with epilepsy (PLWE). In rural areas, cultural beliefs and practices significantly shape attitudes toward health and illness, exacerbating the stigma associated with epilepsy. This proposed book addresses the pervasive stigma experienced by individuals living with epilepsy in rural communities. Through a review of relevant literature and case studies, this chapter examines how stigma affects the lives of people with epilepsy in rural areas. The chapter also explores strategies for reducing stigma, including community-based education and awareness programmes and the role of healthcare providers in promoting understanding and acceptance of epilepsy. In general, this chapter aims to highlight the need for increased awareness and understanding of epilepsy and its impact on those living with the condition in rural communities. It is believed that by tackling the stigma associated with epilepsy and promoting inclusivity, the quality of life of people living with epilepsy may be improved

Psychological management intervention guidelines for rape survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) : a brief exploratory systematic literature review

This exploratory systematic literature review aimed to characterise the current evidence on psychological management intervention guidelines for use with rape survivors with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. For the data searches we accessed the following electronic databases: Google Scholar, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, and PsychInfo. We utilised search terms with variations of the following key words: psychological management guidelines of PTSD*, rape survivors*. Inclusion criteria were guidelines for rape survivors with PTSD that consider referral, treatment, and preventive and health promotion in an international setting. We excluded guidelines that did not address PTSD resulting from rape in an international setting. We employed a narrative synthesis data analysis approach to integrate the evidence from across studies. Findings suggest prevalent guidelines for rape survivors with PTSD focus on cognitive behavioural therapy and other psychological management interventions in highly specialised areas and Primary Health Care (PHC) settings in international countries, but not in other countries such as South Africa. Emerging guidelines are needed for PTSD psychological management interventions in rape care clinics situated in South Africa.https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rpia202020-05-05hj2020Nursing Scienc

Perspective Chapter: Enhancing the Nurse-Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Therapy Training and Implementation - A Conceptual Framework

Task shifting of nurse-initiated management of antiretroviral therapy (NIMART) rather than doctors is crucial to meet the increasing demand for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in primary health care in low and middle-income countries with limited healthcare resources. This chapter will furnish cooperation between the NIMART conceptual framework, National Department of Health policies and guidelines, and empirical findings regarding the management of ART and tuberculosis (TB) in South Africa and globally through pre-service and in-service training and continuous professional development (CPD). It will also include regulations and WHO guidelines on task shifting, application in a healthcare setting, the HIV continuum of care use in identifying gaps, and the development of appropriate interventions to improve patients and population health outcomes. The training and health care systems or structural challenges or barriers and strategies or enablers to enhance effective training and implementation, including the role and responsibilities of NIMART nurses, will be explored and discussed in detail. The focus will mostly be on the primary health care (PHC) setting as the first level of care and entry into the healthcare system to decentralize healthcare services and facilitate access to HIV services by the community

Nurses’ Coping Strategies When Caring for Mental Health Care Users Diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders

Caring for Mental Health Care Users (MHCUs) diagnosed with Substance User Disorders (SUDs) is challenging and demanding as nurses reported that these users are untrustworthy. This leaves the nurses emotionally and physically drained. Some of these MHCUs are violent, aggressive, suicidal or homicidal. However, there is no literature found on the nurses’ coping strategies when caring for MHCUs diagnosed with SUDS. The purpose of this chapter was to explore and describe the current literature on the nurses’ coping strategies when caring for MHCUs diagnosed with SUDs. A narrative literature review was used in this chapter. JSTOR, Google Scholar, Sabinet Online, African Journals and Science Direct databases were used to search relevant and current literature using the following keywords: coping, coping strategies, nurses, care, caring, mental health care users, psychiatric patients, substance abuse, substance-related disorders and substance use disorders. Six themes emerged in this chapter namely nurses’ resilience, peer support, management support, strengthening the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, open-door policy as well as education and training. The findings and recommendations of this chapter may assist nurses of all categories to provide quality care, treatment and rehabilitation services when caring for MHCUs who are diagnosed with SUDs

A professional nurse’s understanding of quality nursing care in Limpopo province, South Africa

Background: Quality has increasingly become a critical part of life in every aspect. Patients are today continuously looking for good quality services from health professionals. Professional nurses are expected to render quality care to fulfil the patients’ healthcare needs. Poor nursing care has led to several litigations and the loss of patients’ lives. It is essential to explore professional nurses’ viewpoints regarding quality nursing care. Objectives: To explore and describe the understanding of professional nurses regarding quality care rendered to patients in the selected hospitals of Limpopo Province. Method: This study utilised a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Participants comprised 35 professional nurses who were purposely selected. Data collected were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Tech’s eight-step data coding process, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability. Results: Three themes emerged: professional nurses’ descriptions, meanings, and expectations of quality nursing care. The findings highlight that quality nursing care means meeting patients’ needs through advocacy, empathy, fulfilment of patients’ needs, good interpersonal relationships and teamwork. Challenges experienced included the lack of resources and staff shortage. Conclusion: Hospital management needs to develop effective ways to support professional nurses in delivering quality nursing care. In discussion with the Department of Health (DoH), hospitals should be fully equipped with resources to render quality care to patients. Evaluation of service quality and patient satisfaction should be ongoing for improving the quality of patient care. Contribution: The study reveals that professional nurses perceive quality nursing care differently. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of maintaining and promoting quality nursing care as the cornerstone of healthcare

Perspective Chapter: Practical Approaches to Enhance Successful Lives among People Living with Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neglected noncommunicable condition in this era. Therefore, it is imperative that practical approaches to enhance the management of epilepsy for the success of people living with epilepsy (PLWE) be analyzed and described. The chapter will encompass the challenges faced by people living with epilepsy, their needs, the PLWE resilience and coping strategies, epileptic seizure first-aid management, and support for people living with epilepsy. The issues aforementioned can potentially shape the future of the people living with epilepsy if attended to effectively. It is high time that epilepsy and people living with epilepsy are given the attention they require to reduce the stigma attached, misconceptions, maltreatment, mismanagement, and negative cultural and religious beliefs, as this will encourage the people living with epilepsy to accept themselves and partake in the family, community, school, and societal engagements without any fear

Perspective Chapter: Perspectives toward Overcoming Depression and Anxiety to Enhance Educational Success among Students in a Rural University Context

Depression and anxiety among the youth are serious mental health problems leading to suicide and causing unmeasurable negative long-term impacts, not only for the individual but also for family and friends. This chapter aims to unpack current perspectives on overcoming depression and anxiety to enhance educational success among the youth. A literature review was conducted to thoroughly address relevant content to bring forth short and long-term practical steps that might enhance educational success among youth who are continuously dealing with depression and anxiety. Given the magnitude of depression and anxiety among youth, the current trends of depression among the youth, and factors leading to anxiety and depression were unpacked. In addition, the perspectives on how family members, friends, and community members can identify signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, guidelines about overcoming anxiety and depression, tailor-made practical guidelines to enhance educational success, and recommendations were explained. In conclusion, it is clear that in rural areas, there is a knowledge gap about mental illness in general. It is, therefore, recommended that the government focus must be on educating the community to provide knowledge and understanding. Consequently, families and friends will better identify depression and anxiety and consequently provide the necessary support

As New Challenges Emerge, Africa is Still Faced with Sociocultural and Health System Challenges Leading to Maternal Mortality

Globally, the most crucial element of development strategies is a decrease in maternal mortality. Every 2 minutes, a pregnant woman dies from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. According to studies, the majority of pregnancy and delivery difficulties are mostly influenced by sociocultural and health system factors. PUBMED, Google Scholar, National EDT, EBSCOHost, and Science Direct databases were used to find relevant articles. The process for choosing relevant and qualified articles was based on a PRISMA flowchart. The standard of the accepted articles was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP) checklists. This study employed a thematic analysis, and in the articles on sociocultural and healthcare system factors influencing maternal mortality, six themes and 23 subthemes were found. It was determined that most women choose to consult traditional experts during pregnancy or childbirth rather than health facilities, and that there is little interaction between societal expectations and the healthcare system, which further contributes to problems and maternal mortality. This study found that social, cultural, and health system factors may directly and indirectly contribute to maternal mortality. It is also recommended that cultural norms and health system norms collaborate together to reduce maternal mortality

Perspective Chapter: Integrating Follow-up Care Management for Assessment and Management of Rape Survivors Diagnosed with PTSD and Depression in Primary Health Care Settings

Rape is very high in South Africa. It predisposes rape survivors to many health care problems, including the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmitted infections, falling pregnant, and long mental health effects. PTSD and depression are regarded as the most common mental health effects diagnosed among rape survivors, and they require long term mental health care management. In the current era, follow-up care management for rape survivors is mostly done at Thuthuzela Care Centres. However, rape survivors do not often go for follow-up care, because these centres are mostly far from them. Thus, this problem can be addressed by integrating the management of these long-term disorders within the primary health care settings in South Africa, because most people have access to their nearby clinics. This chapter aims to describe ways of integrating follow-up care management for continuous assessment and management of rape survivors diagnosed with PTSD and depression through task-shifting these duties to nurses working within the primary health care settings in South Africa. The chapter focuses on the mental health care status of rape survivors diagnosed with PTSD and depression. Training of nurses is essential to manage rape survivors diagnosed with PTSD and depression in primary health care