The experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizing child health services

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Member states of the United Nations accepted eight Millennium Development Goals in 2000.Millennium Development Goal number four addresses the improvement of child health. Thepurpose of goal number four is to decrease the child mortality rate by 60% for the period1990 to 2015. South Africa is one of twelve countries where the incidence of child mortalityincreased during this period.Guided by the research question 'What are the experiences and perceptions of mothersutilizing child health services, a study was done. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenologicalmethodology was applied to explore the experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizingchild health services for children younger than two years.The goal of this study was to determine the experiences and perceptions of mothers utilizingchild health services.The objectives were to explore their experiences and perceptions, with specific reference tothe service they receive regarding:- immunization- nutrition assessment- the growth of the child- the growth chart- other underlying illnessesEthical approval was obtained from Stellenbosch University and various health authorities.Validity was assured by adhering to the principles of trustworthiness, namely credibility,transferability, dependability, and conformability.The population for this study was mothers who utilized ten clinics in a demarcated area ofCape Town for child health services. Purposive sampling was utilized to consciously selectthree clinics (N =10), and at each of the clinics four mothers were purposively selected toparticipate. A total of seventeen mothers participated in the study.An interview guide was used to conduct interviews with participants. The researcherconducted and recorded the interviews after obtaining written informed consent from eachparticipant. A field diary was kept for notation of observations.Data analysis involved the transcribing of digitally recorded interviews, the coding of thedata, the generating of themes and sub-themes, interpretation and organization of data andthe drawing of conclusions.The Modeling Role-Modeling Nursing theory of Erickson, Tomlin and Swain were utilized asconceptual theoretical framework to facilitate application to the broad population.Findings of the study indicated varied experiences. All mothers did not receive informationabout the RtHB or RTHC. Not all mothers developed a relationship of trust with caregivers orwere afforded the respect of becoming part of the child's health care team. According to themothers integrated child health care services were not practised.The consequences were missed opportunities in immunization, provision of Vitamin A,absence of growth monitoring, feeding assessment and provision of nutritional advice.Hospitals and private practitioners equally did not provide immunization services or offeredholistic care.Simple interventions such as oral rehydration, early recognition and treatment of diseases,immunization, growth monitoring and appropriate nutrition are not diligently offered; thatcould reduce the incidence of child morbidity and mortality.The following recommendations are made: determine why hospitals do not immunizechildren. The root causes must be addressed to change practice. Rendering of child servicesmust happen in an integrated approach. Staff must be empowered with skills regardingprocurement, in particular regarding vaccines.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University