THE CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED BY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF SCHOOL HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN TSHWANE SUB-DISTRICT, GAUTENG PROVINCE

Mmapheko Doriccah Peu; S Mataboge; R Ngunyulu; F M Mulaudzi; S S Moloko Phiri

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/304

Authors

Mmapheko Doriccah Peu Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria
S Mataboge Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria
R Ngunyulu Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria
F M Mulaudzi Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria
S S Moloko Phiri Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/304

Keywords:

school-going children, school health policy, healthcare providers, school healthcare

Abstract

ABSTRACT

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Children of school-going age are faced with multiple challenges that need professional interventions from educators and healthcare providers. These challenges are of social and economic dimensions. Due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, some of these school-going children are orphaned and live with guardians or grandparents. This topic has been investigated by some researchers, but a new way of looking specifically at these childrenâ€™s social and economic issues was needed.

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Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore and describe the challenges experienced by healthcare providers with regard to the provision of school healthcare services in Tshwane sub-district, Gauteng Province.

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A qualitative, descriptive phenomenology design was used. The group consisted of healthcare providers who were members of the surrounding community working in collaboration with the schools in Tshwane sub-district, Gauteng Province. Twenty-two healthcare providers were conveniently and purposefully selected and individually interviewed. Researchers followed an adapted version of Colaizziâ€™s seven steps of data analysis. All transcripts were repeatedly read and reviewed to select the essence of each statement. These were then formulated, organised and verified by the participants.

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Three themes emerged as challenges experienced by healthcare providers: the need for early and frequent school health visits, the lack of collaboration between school health programmes, and the care provided to HIV positive children of school-going age.

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By exploring and further discussing these challenges, the researchers recommended that adequate provision of resources should be maintained as stated by the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP).

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KEYWORDS: health service providers, school-going children, school healthcare, school health policy

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