Strengthening Child Health through Caregiver Engagement: Advancing Universal Health Coverage in South Africa

Livhuwani Tshivhase; Idah Moyo; Limkile Mpofu

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/20821

Authors

Livhuwani Tshivhase University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7544-9393
Idah Moyo University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6122-8151
Limkile Mpofu University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9505-5279

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/20821

Keywords:

caregiver, child health, empowerment, engagement, strengthening, universal health coverage

Abstract

Child mortality and morbidity remain significant public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, with universal health coverage (UHC) for children under five identified as a critical strategy for addressing these issues. This study explored professional nurses’ perspectives on the engagement of caregivers in community- and home-based care practices as a pathway to advancing UHC in Vhembe District, South Africa. A qualitative descriptive explorative design was employed. It involved 15 purposefully selected professional nurses from two primary healthcare centres. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews conducted between March and June 2022 and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework.

Three overarching themes and seven sub-themes emerged. The first theme highlighted the empowerment of caregivers through knowledge dissemination and enhanced decision-making capacity. The second theme emphasised active parental participation in child health, including involvement in assessments, recognition of danger signs, and utilisation of the Road to Health booklet (RtHB). The third theme addressed barriers to effective caregiver engagement, notably the influence of traditional health beliefs and literacy challenges among grandmothers.

Findings revealed the pivotal role of nurses in facilitating caregiver involvement and suggest that strengthening community-based strategies may contribute significantly to achieving UHC for children under five, particularly in low- resource settings. Tailored interventions addressing cultural and educational barriers are essential to optimise caregiver participation and improvement of child health outcomes.

Author Biographies

Idah Moyo, University of South Africa

Research fellow in the Department of Health studies

Limkile Mpofu, University of South Africa

Research Fellow, Department of Psychology

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