Pregnant Women’s Unacceptability of Tuberculosis Health Information in Vhembe and Mopani Districts in Limpopo, South Africa: Perspectives of Midwives

Rachel Tsakani Lebese; Seani Adrinah Mulondo; Lunic Base Khoza

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/17183

Authors

Rachel Tsakani Lebese University of Venda
Seani Adrinah Mulondo University of Venda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6636-637X
Lunic Base Khoza University of Venda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1368-8759

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/17183

Keywords:

health information, midwives, perspectives , pregnant women, tuberculosis, unacceptability

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women are expected to accept and implement health-related information during antenatal care. Financial constraints and personal practices, however, are some of the reasons hindering pregnant women from accepting health information, for instance, tuberculosis information. Financial constraints usually relate to transport costs, while cultural practices surrounding pregnancy hinder them from attending antenatal services.
Aim: This study explores midwives’ perspectives on the unacceptability of tuberculosis health information by pregnant women in ten selected primary healthcare facilities in the Vhembe and Mopani districts of Limpopo, South Africa.
Methods: Data were collected using unstructured interviews guided by one central and subsequent questions, making observations, and taking field notes. Thirty participants (three per facility) working in primary healthcare facilities were purposefully sampled as determined by data saturation. Tesch’s eight steps were used to thematically analyse the collected data.
Results: The findings revealed that several concerns associated with organisational, personnel, and patient-orientated factors have negatively influenced pregnant women’s acceptance of tuberculosis health information. COVID-19 has resulted in the neglect of other health concerns like tuberculosis, as the healthcare delivery system has focused on combating the aftermath of the pandemic. This has disrupted emphasis on the acceptance of, adherence to, and hence effectiveness of, tuberculosis health information.
Conclusion: The study recommended that midwives also focus on sharing tuberculosis information when providing services to pregnant women, and that all healthcare providers and stakeholders work out a way to enhance the acceptability of tuberculosis health information.

Author Biographies

Rachel Tsakani Lebese, University of Venda

Prof. Rachel Tsakani Lebese (PhD, MCur, BCUR Iet A, RN, RM) is a research professor and coordinator of all research activities in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Venda. Prof. Lebese is a professional nurse registered for the following qualifications with the South African Nursing Council: Diploma in General Nursing (1982), Diploma in Midwifery (1984, Elim Hospital), and BA Cur Degree (1989, UNISA), majoring in Nursing Administration and Community Health Nursing Science, Diploma in Nursing Education (1992, UNISA), and BA CUR Hons in Nursing Education (1996, UNISA). She completed her master’s degree in Nursing Science at the University of Venda, with the dissertation titled “Cultural health practices of South African Vatsonga people on the home care of children with measles,” with one publication. She subsequently completed her doctorate with the same university, with the thesis titled “A model to promote dialogue about sexual health between teenagers and parents/teachers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province,” and has published eight articles from this work. To date she has supervised 21 masters and 11 doctoral students, and published 72 articles in accredited journals.

Seani Adrinah Mulondo, University of Venda

Department of Advanced Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa.

Lunic Base Khoza, University of Venda

Lunic Base Khoza completed her doctorate at the University of South Africa. She is currently serving as Dean and Senior Professor in the School of Health Sciences. Her area of speciality is nursing education, nursing management, and health promotion. She has published more than 40 articles in reputable journals, has previously served as an editorial board member of the national Journal Curationis, and is involved in peer review of manuscripts for national and international journals. She is a National Research Foundation C3-rated researcher.

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