BackgroundMaternal and infant mortality remains a huge public health problem in developing countries. One of the strategies to minimise the risks of both maternal and infant mortality is access to and utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) services.AimThis study aimed to investigate the accessibility factors that influence the use of ANC services in Mangwe district.MethodsA qualitative approach using explorative design was adopted to target women who have babies under 1 year of age. The study was conducted in Mangwe district, Matabeleland South province, Zimbabwe. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations. Data saturation was reached after 15 women who were conveniently sampled were interviewed. Field notes were analysed thematically using Tech’s steps. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria ensured trustworthiness of the study findings.ResultsAccessibility factors such as lack of transport, high transport costs and long distances to health care facilities, health care workers’ attitudes, type and quality of services as well as delays in receiving care influence women’s utilisation of ANC services in Mangwe district, Zimbabwe.ConclusionThe study concluded that women were still facing problems of unavailability of nearby clinics; therefore, it was recommended that the government should avail resources for women to use.RecommendationsMangwe District Health Department should provide mobile clinics rendering ANC services in distant rural areas.

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Background:The increasing prevalence and incidence of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is as a result of the defaulting of treatment by patients. Worldwide, several factors that contribute to patients defaulting to tuberculosis treatment protocol have been identified. This paper aims to develop guidelines to minimise the defaulting rate of MDR-TB patients in MDR unit of Limpopo Province.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Tesch’s open coding method of data analysis was adopted to analyse the data obtained. Reasoning strategies were employed in the development of the guidelines. These include analysis, synthesis, deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning. Synthesis strategy was used to construct relational statements.Results:The factors contributing to patients’ default from MDR-TB treatment were identified and organized into four themes. Guidelines were developed to address each factor and give recommendations on possible solutions.Conclusion:The guidelines that were developed concluded that co-operation amongst the Department of Health, health practitioners, patient, and family members can help in preventing the defaulting of treatment.