African Journals OnLine
South African Family Practice

Volume 25 Number 1, 2002
Abstracts

Otitis Media in high-risk infants

Abstract

Background:

Delayed communication development is the most common symptom of developmental disability in children under three. Recurrent otitis media is an important contributing factor to a developmental communication delay. Young children under the age of three years who have a

communication delay due to biological risk factors, for example prematurity, or established risk factors such as Down Syndrome, may be further at risk for developmental delays as a result of recurrent otitis media.

Methods

A retrospective study analysed the results obtained from individual hearing assessments conducted on 67 high-risk infants and toddlers ranging from 4 weeks to 37 months in age, over a 20-month period.

Results

68,6% of the subjects experienced otitis media at the time of testing, while the condition was undetected by 70,1% of the parents, even though 56,7% of the subjects had a history of otitis media.

Conclusions

Otitis media and its' far reaching sequelae can be treated effectively and preventatively in all young children, using a team approach. A series of activities are outlined to illustrate how this goal can be reached.

Practices of Primary Caretaker of children aged 1-5 years before attending Peri-Urban and Urban clinics in Thaba Nchu

Abstract

Background:

The basic philosophy of Primary Health Care (PHC) is self-reliance and community participation. In South Africa PHC is free, and there is a perception that the service is misused. Before embarking on health promotion and health education campaigns to foster self-reliance, it is necessary to determine the current self-care practices of community members.

Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted among caretakers of sick or injured children aged between 1 and 5 years, attending peri-urban and urban clinics in Thaba Nchu, Free State Province, South Africa. Clinics were grouped according to their service hours, and a random sample of clinics was chosen. For these clinics a random sample of days were selected. On these days one researcher (SINY) interviewed caretakers using a structured questionnaire. Nursing staff at the clinics served as translators where necessary.

Results:

Of the 151 respondents, the majority was female (90.1%) and the child's mother (74.2%). Approximately half (51%) had completed standard 8 or higher. The majority (79.5%) had sought advice from a relative or neighbour for the illness in question. In 80.8%, the respondents were advised to go to the clinic. The median duration of illness before taking the child to the clinic was 3 days. Cough was the major presenting complaint in 66.9% of the children. At the clinic the majority of the children (78.8%) received treatment with no follow-up.

Conclusion:

In most cases advice was sought before going to the clinic. There are ample opportunities for patient education, which should be extended to include other family members. Self-care needs to be encouraged and facilitated.

Medical student's perspective of problem based learning (PBL) curriculum at the
University of Traskei

Abstract

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Transkei has completed the first 5 years of its problem-based community oriented teaching curriculum. The use of SWOT analysis to evaluate current and future directions can lead to the successful evolution of any organization. The aim of this study was to obtain a students' appraisal of the PBL Curriculum at the University of Transkei's Faculty of Health Sciences. Fourth-year Medical students were divided into 4 groups and were asked to describe the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the PBL. The data of each group was prioritised. A majority of the student groups indicated that in terms of quality, the strengths of the system were stronger than its weaknesses. They also pointed out that there were more opportunities than threats. It was concluded that the PBL curriculum empowers the students by increasing skills that are relevant to existing health problems in the community. It also gives them the opportunity to meet the outcomes of the program in due time.