Orapuh Journal

The Allopathic Practitioners’ Awareness, Knowledge, and Use of Traditional Child Healthcare Practices in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Eugene Musiwa Makhavhu, Sophy Mogatlogedi Moloko — Sat, 31 May 2025 14:45:44 +0200

Introduction

Traditional healthcare practices, including cultural rituals and the use of traditional medicine, are common among Africans. Some caregivers use both traditional and allopathic medicine for child health; however, they are reluctant to disclose this to allopathic practitioners, fearing negative judgment. This lack of openness causes tension between the two systems and creates a barrier to successful and safe integration.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore allopathic healthcare practitioners' awareness, knowledge, and utilization of traditional child healthcare practices in a township setting in South Africa.

Methods

A quantitative exploratory and descriptive design was employed in this study. An all-inclusive sampling technique was applied to select 70 allopathic practitioners; however, only 54 participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS.

Results

Most (98.1%) practitioners were nurses, with one medical officer (1.9%). Results revealed that 77.4% of practitioners were aware of traditional healthcare practices used for child health, with 72.2% identifying specific childhood conditions, such as hlogwana (sunken fontanelle), believed to be treatable only by traditional methods. Practitioners with 0–10 years (25.9%) and 11–20 years (27.7%) of experience knew of children’s illnesses that are believed to be treatable only by traditional health practices, χ²(12, N = 54) = 28.018, p = .021.^1 Notably, 56.6% of respondents reported having used traditional practices themselves, with utilisation significantly associated with older age, χ²(12, N = 53) = 24.143, p = .019.^2

Conclusion

The findings show allopathic practitioners’ knowledge, awareness, and use of traditional health practices. They reveal the coexistence of traditional and allopathic healthcare systems in South Africa, driven by cultural familiarity, accessibility, and generational practices. However, tensions persist due to allopathic practitioners' lack of knowledge about potential herb–drug interactions and the stigmatization surrounding traditional medicine. To enhance allopathic practitioners' cultural competence, there is a need to integrate traditional healthcare practices into medical and nursing curricula; develop continuous professional development programmes on traditional medicine's benefits and risks; and create forums for exchanging knowledge between traditional healers and allopathic practitioners to ensure patient safety.

Need for nurses’ education on pressure ulcer prevention in bedridden patients at the General Reference Hospital, Kinshasa, DRC

Sat, 31 May 2025 15:31:23 +0200

Introduction

The Provincial General Reference Hospital of Kinshasa, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to face challenges in preventing pressure ulcers among bedridden patients. These wounds compromise not only patient comfort and safety but also reflect the overall quality of nursing care delivered in intensive care settings. Despite the availability of basic prevention guidelines, pressure ulcers remain a frequent issue, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU), where patients are more vulnerable. Strengthening the capacity of nurses to apply preventive measures is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose

This study aimed to address the following research question: What are the learning needs of ICU nurses in preventing pressure ulcers? Identifying these needs is essential for developing targeted training interventions that are responsive to the realities of ICU nursing practice. The objective was to explore and describe these learning needs in a way that informs practical, context-adapted strategies for enhancing prevention efforts at the hospital level.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six ICU nurses selected via purposive sampling to ensure relevant experience with bedridden patients. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically to identify common patterns and expressed needs. This method enabled a rich, contextual understanding of the nurses’ perspectives.

Results

Three main learning needs emerged from the analysis: (1) a clearer understanding of the stages of pressure ulcer development, (2) effective repositioning techniques, and (3) proper use of specialised equipment. Nurses also reported gaps in translating knowledge into consistent practice, primarily due to lack of training. Additionally, they expressed interest in regular, structured sessions to reinforce best practices and update skills. These findings suggest that ongoing training could directly reduce the incidence of preventable ulcers.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, two priority actions are recommended: (1) implementation of monthly in-service training workshops tailored to pressure ulcer prevention, and (2) provision of appropriate repositioning aids to support evidence-based nursing practices. These interventions are expected to strengthen clinical competencies, promote proactive care, and reduce complications associated with immobility—ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of care.

Impact of dyslipidemia on cochleovestibular disorders in diabetic patients attending ENT Services at Boyambi Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 19:06:25 +0200

Introduction

Cochlear and vestibular disorders, particularly hearing loss, represent a public health concern in diabetic patients. Several factors may be responsible for this condition, including dyslipidemia (blood lipid imbalance).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dyslipidemia on cochleovestibular disorders in diabetic patients attending ENT services at Boyambi Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with analytical aims was conducted. All subjects underwent a thorough ENT examination to screen for cochleovestibular disorders and assess lipid levels. The collected data were analysed using SPSS 26.0 software.

Results

A total of 179 diabetic patients were included in this study, of whom 145 (81%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus and 34 (19%) had type 1 diabetes. Females were more represented (107; 59.8%). The mean patient age was 53±14 years. Hearing loss was the most common cochlear disorder (93.3%), while vertigo was the most prevalent vestibular disorder (20.7%). The Barany caloric test was abnormal in 12.8% of patients.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus characterised by a blood sugar level from 226 mg/dl and a glycated haemoglobin level greater than 7% is correlated with the occurrence of cochleovestibular disorders.

Comparative in vitro dissolution profiles of marketed Artemether–Lumefantrine adult-dose tablets in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:32:01 +0200

Introduction

Despite advances in clinical care, therapeutic strategies, and governmental interventions, malaria remains a significant public health concern—particularly in Africa, which consistently ranks highest in global morbidity and mortality reports from the World Health Organization. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), malaria is one of the leading causes of medical consultations. This is largely due to the ineffectiveness of some antimalarial medications, which are often of substandard quality, contributing to therapeutic failures and the emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium strains. Artemisinin derivatives are the mainstay of antimalarial therapy, with artemether–lumefantrine being the most commonly used oral formulation.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro dissolution profiles of various artemether–lumefantrine brands available on the Congolese pharmaceutical market.

Methods

Fourteen brands of artemether–lumefantrine tablets at 80/480 mg and two at 20/120 mg dosage strengths were subjected to pharmaceutical quality control tests, including mass uniformity, friability, and disintegration. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Dissolution testing was conducted in 0.005 M HCl with 2% Myrj 52 at pH 1.2. Comparative dissolution profiles were assessed using similarity (f₂) and difference (f₁) factors.

Results

All samples complied with pharmaco-technical standards and demonstrated dissolution profiles comparable to the reference formulation (f₁ < 15; f₂ ≥ 50).

Conclusion

The artemether–lumefantrine generics available on the Kinshasa market exhibit similar in vitro dissolution characteristics to the reference product, supporting their potential interchangeability.