Patient aggression experienced by professional nurses in acute psychiatric ward: South Africa

Background

Aggression of patients in hospital wards has become an endemic problem and professional nurses are particularly at high risk.

Aim

This article presents the types of patient aggression experienced by professional nurses working in an acute psychiatric ward in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Setting

Vhembe District, South Africa.

Methods

A qualitative approach using exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used. Four hospitals were purposively selected and 10 professional nurses were conveniently sampled to participate in the study. Individual interviews were used to collect data, which were then analysed through Tesch Open Coding Method. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study.

Results

This study shed some light on the professional nurses' lived experiences regarding the types of aggression from patients in an acute psychiatric ward in Vhembe District. The types of aggression are physical aggression, destructive behaviour and verbal aggression.

Conclusion

The findings show that the types of aggression to which professional nurses are exposed are overwhelming and the consequences are shocking. As a result, the health of professional nurses is compromised. Therefore, this study recommends further studies to determine the kind of support needed by professional nurses working in an acute psychiatric ward and to investigate the impact of aggression from patients in acute psychiatric ward with regard to the quality of care.

Contribution

This article contributes to the body of knowledge regarding patients' aggression in acute wards in Vhembe District, South Africa.

Facilitation of the mental health of adolescents abusing substances: A concept analysis

Background

The use and abuse of substances, especially among the youth, continues to be of serious concern within the international community. This behaviour affects them as individuals, their families, the community in which they live, and society at large. Findings from a study conducted by the researcher indicate that adolescents who abuse substances experience a range of emotional, physical, academic and social setbacks, and challenges. Ultimately, the mental health of these adolescents is affected.

Aim

The study aims to identify and define the central concept 'facilitation of mental health' of adolescents abusing substances.

Setting

The researcher's minor dissertation, whereby the lived experiences of adolescents abusing substances were explored. The basic elements, structure and functions were examined and analysed.

Methods

The concept's basic elements, structure and functions were examined, followed by an analysis and reasoning strategies to define the central concept. The process was implemented over two phases.

Results

The central concept 'facilitation of mental health' of adolescents abusing substances was identified and defined using dictionary and subject definitions.

Conclusion

The identification and definition of the central concept is an important part of developing a model as a frame of reference for psychiatric nurses to facilitate the mental health of adolescents abusing substances.

Contribution

The findings of the study would assist in the development of a model as a frame of reference for psychiatric nurses to facilitate the mental health of adolescents abusing substances.

Professional Nurses' Experiences of Student Nurses' Absenteeism during Psychiatric Clinical Placement in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

Psychiatric clinical placement is as essential as other placements in any discipline in nursing education as it allows student nurses to correlate theory to practice. Several research studies have been conducted on nurses' experiences of the clinical supervision of students, but absenteeism is still a challenge globally. In this study, professional nurses' experiences of student nurses' absenteeism from psychiatric clinical placements in Limpopo Province, South Africa, were examined. Three designated specialty mental institutions in Limpopo Province were the sites of the study. Explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs were used in a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach was used because the study sought professional nurses to narrate their experiences through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which could only be achieved through a qualitative approach. A total of eleven professional nurses, four from two specialized psychiatric hospitals and three from one specialized psychiatric hospital, were purposively sampled and interviewed. These nurses participated in in-depth interviews that were used to gather data, which were then thematically analyzed. One theme and three sub-themes on professional nurses' experiences of the absenteeism of student nurses during psychiatric clinical placement were revealed. The theme was student factors leading to absenteeism, while the sub-themes were fear of mental health care users, negative attitudes towards psychiatric nursing science, and students' lifestyles. Based on the findings, student nurses' absenteeism can be caused by many factors. A qualitative study should be conducted to seek strategies to mitigate the absenteeism of student nurses during clinical placement in the psychiatric hospitals of Limpopo Province.

‘Not my dream’: Mother’s challenge of raising intellectual disability child in Vhembe district

Background: The birth of a child with an intellectual disability in a family brings confusion, depression and frustrations, especially to the mother. Activities required by these children place a heavy burden on mothers in terms of support and care, as most mothers are the ones who take full care in the well-being of a child, regardless of whether a child has an intellectual disability or not. Challenges include feeding, bathing, dressing, finance and assisting with elimination, especially when the child is a teenager, where one expects the child to be able to do everything for himself or herself.Aim: To explore and describe the challenges experienced by mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.Setting: The study was conducted in the selected hospitals of the Vhembe district in Limpopo province.Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was adopted. A nonprobability purposive sample comprised 13 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities such as down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Data were collected through unstructured interviews until saturation was reached. Data were analysed by the open-coding method.Results: Study findings revealed that mothers of children with intellectual disabilities experienced feelings of fear, embarrassment and financial burdens because of children’s special needs and initial awareness of the diagnosis.Conclusion: It is imperative that mothers of children with intellectual disabilities be supported by family, relatives, health care professionals and the community.Contribution: The study’s contribution was to strengthen psychological intervention and support to mothers and awareness to accept children with intellectual disability.