Community health nurses’ experiences regarding provision of termination of pregnancy services in Johannesburg metro subdistricts clinics

Daphney D. Tlhabela, Mmapheko D. Peu, Sana M. Mataboge, Molatelo M. Rasweswe, Raikane J Seretlo, Ramadimetja S. Mooa

Abstract

Experiences of community health nurses contribute to access of termination of pregnancy (TOP) to be affected. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of community health nurses who provide termination of pregnancy in Johannesburg Metro sub districts clinics. This study was conducted in a natural setting namely the clinics where the community health nurses worked. The clinic was the natural setting for the community health nurses because it was where they provide termination of pregnancy services on a daily basis. The researcher conducted the study in 5 sub districts clinics in Johannesburg Metro. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive method was used in this study. The population comprised of community health nurses who were selected purposively. Data were collected amongst 11 participants using individual face to face interviews in a natural setting. Data were analyzed using the Tesch method of data analysis. Two themes emerged; attributes of termination of pregnancy providers as the first theme with sub-theme possess emotional stability, courage, self-worth, and selflessness. The second theme that emerged was a requirement for termination of pregnancy services with staff, equipment for termination of pregnancy, management support, training, and development needs were sub-themes of the second theme. Termination of pregnancy providers experienced stigma and discrimination by their colleagues and community. Though the community health nurses loved their job, lack of support from the supervisors contributed to them feeling neglected and this in turn caused them, to experience stress. The experiences of community health nurses who provided termination of pregnancy in Johannesburg Metro subdistricts clinics were explored and described. It was noted that the community health nurses were overwhelmed with work, doing everything on their own which resulted in them experiencing stress and burnout. Lack of equipment and consumables increased their stress levels because they had to improvise in order to keep the service going. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[8]: 112-122).

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