Introduction: In the South African public health system, children with cancer are admitted to specialised oncology units for the duration of their treatment. These units therefore become the children's temporary living environment for varying periods of time, which may disrupt their participation in daily activities and consequently their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Aim: The purpose of the study was to determine the HRQoL of children admitted with cancer from both their own and their parents' perspective. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng with a specialist oncology unit. Structured interviews were conducted with the children aged 8-12 years using the PedsQL TM Generic Core Scale (4.0) and Cancer Module (3.0). The parent's perspective was explored using the Parents proxy forms of both instruments. Results: Twenty-five children and their parents participated in the study. Most children in the sample were males with Leukaemia. All children and parents reported the children's functioning at an intermediate level which suggests that these children may be at risk for HRQoL deficits. Children's HRQoL was impacted by psychosocial functioning and change in schooling on the PedsQL TM Generic Core Scale (4.0), while parents felt physical functioning played a greater role in determining the child's HRQoL. On the PedsQL TM Cancer Module (3.0) both the children and parents felt that 'procedural anxiety' had an effect, although from the parents' perspective, 'worry' accounted for the greatest deficits in their children's HRQoL. Conclusion:This study indicates that occupational disruption is experienced by children during the long-term treatment of cancer. It is suggested that occupational therapists use available instruments to monitor and provide support for the effect of an impaired HRQoL.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes a chronic condition that impacts the immune system resulting in infections and lifelong dependence on medication for survival. The growth and health as well as the economic and food security, psychosocial care, education and family composition of children with the virus are also affected 1. The estimated number of children living with HIV globally in 2018 was 2.1 million 2 and at the time, it was estimated that 260 000 of these children (aged 0 to 14) were living in South Africa, with only 58% on treatment 2. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNIAIDS) new infections in South African children declined from 25,000 in 2010 to 13,000 in 2017 2. This could largely be due to the increase in the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) which reduced vertical HIV infections at birth from 3.6% in 2011 to 1.3% in 2017 3. The National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs 2017-2022, aims to renew the focus on children with HIV and their families to reduce this rate even further 2. Although not yet optimal, the increase in the number of children in South Africa receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is due to the revision of the ART guidelines in 2013 and 2015 by the South African National Department of Health 4. These revised guidelines specified that for children between the ages of 5-10 years, ART should commence either when symptomatic or when CD4 < 500 cells/μl
Clinical education is essential to the development of clinical and professional competencies in occupational therapy Focus groups were used to collect the data. The purpose of the focus groups was for the participants to discuss and reflect on their experiences and to identify the factors that framed those experiences and perceptions. The three groups of eight participants from each of the following: the final year students (n=32), the on-site clinical educators who had supervised final year students (n=43) and from the university clinical educators (n=12), were invited to participate.Data from the focus groups were analysed within and across the focus groups using open and then axial coding. Three themes emerged.
Introduction This study explored the impact of HIV on the functional recovery of personal activities of daily living of stroke survivors. This assisted in identifying possible implications for the rehabilitation of stroke survivors who are also HIV-positive. Method A quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal comparative research design was used to determine the change in personal activities of daily living scores of HIV-negative and HIV-positive stroke survivors from admission to 1 month after discharge. Data were collected at a rehabilitation unit using the South African Database Functional Measure. Results There was no difference in the rate and nature of functional recovery of personal activities of daily living between the two groups between admission and discharge. A difference was noticed during the period from admission to 1 month after discharge, during which the HIV-negative group continued to show improvement, while the HIV-positive group showed little improvement or a decline in personal activities of daily living scores. Conclusions While the rate and nature of functional recovery related to personal activities of daily living for HIV-positive and HIV-negative stroke survivors is similar during inpatient care, discharge planning for the HIV-positive group needs to consider the decline in personal activities of daily living functioning post discharge. Regular follow-ups and the inclusion of the stroke survivors in an outpatient treatment programme is recommended.
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