Review
Urology & Nephrology
Nicola Wearne, Bianca Davidson, Tsepo Motsohi, Mignon Mc Culloch, Rene Krause
Summary: The incidence of end-stage kidney disease is rising globally, but access to kidney replacement therapy is limited in South Africa due to resource constraints. Rationing of dialysis is deemed appropriate by the South African Constitutional Court, leading to patients being placed on a palliative care pathway. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to manage symptoms effectively and provide support for patients with ESKD.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ronita Mahilall, Leslie Swartz
Summary: Hospices in South Africa face challenges in providing spiritual care services due to cultural differences, religious diversity, and language barriers. Despite resource constraints, each center has adopted robust approaches to provide spiritual care services.
BMC PALLIATIVE CARE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tsakane M. A. G. Hlongwane, Burcu Bozkurt, Maria C. Barreix, Robert Pattinson, Metin Guelmezoglu, Valerie Vannevel, Ozge Tuncalp
Summary: This article discusses the implementation of updated antenatal care recommendations in South Africa, showing an increase in the number of antenatal care contacts and improvement in appropriate actions for women with hypertension. The experiences in South Africa emphasize the importance of commitment from all stakeholders for the success of antenatal care programs. Training and readiness are crucial in identifying and managing complications during pregnancy and ensuring accessibility to antenatal care for all women.
BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Keita Tagami, Kento Masukawa, Akira Inoue, Tatsuya Morita, Yusuke Hiratsuka, Mamiko Sato, Katsura Kohata, Noriaki Satake, Yoshiyuki Kizawa, Satoru Tsuneto, Yasuo Shima, Mitsunori Miyashita
Summary: Appropriate timing for SPC referrals for advanced cancer patients and their families is associated with the quality of death, with findings suggesting that the appropriate timing is at the time of diagnosis or during anti-cancer treatment.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicholas C. Galuszynski
Summary: Over-grazing in South Africa has caused degradation of succulent thicket ecosystems, resulting in reduced coverage of the dominant succulent shrub Portulacaria afra. Active reintroduction of this species has proven effective in restoring ecosystem function, although recruitment barriers remain poorly understood.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
S. W. Lee, E. H. Jung, H. J. Kim, C. Min, S. H. Yoo, Y. J. Kim, S. Y. Rha, D. K. Yon, B. Kang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the comprehensive association between delirium and various risk factors among patients with advanced cancer in an acute palliative care setting. The results showed that delirium in patients with advanced cancer was associated with age, gender, chemotherapy, hearing impairment, underweight, opioid medication, and a history of delirium and mental illness. Therefore, physicians should pay attention to delirium in patients with advanced cancer admitted to the acute palliative care unit with the above risk factors.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Romel Jonathan Velasco Yanez, Ana Fatima Carvalho Fernandes, Samuel Miranda Mattos, Thereza Maria Magalhaes Moreira, Regia Christina Moura Barbosa Castro, Erilaine de Freitas Corpes, Luis Carlos Lopes-Junior
Summary: This study aims to map and synthesize the available evidence on palliative care for women with breast cancer and to discuss the review results with stakeholders. It will consist of a scoping review phase and a focus group discussion phase with stakeholders.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Stephen Greenberg, Scott Drimie, Bruno Losch, Julian May
Summary: Despite the existence of policies and plans to support sustainable agriculture, the transformation of agroecological food systems in South Africa is still limited. This is due to inadequate funding, fragmented interventions, and a lack of coordination. This paper provides a case study of agroecological transitions in the Overberg District in the Western Cape and highlights the potential of multi-actor coalitions.
Article
Immunology
Sarah Leavitt, Karen R. Jacobson, Elizabeth J. Ragan, Jacob Bor, Jennifer Hughes, Tara C. Bouton, Tania Dolby, Robin M. Warren, Helen E. Jenkins
Summary: South Africa decentralized treatment for rifampin-resistant tuberculosis in 2011 to reduce hospitalization durations and enable local treatment. A study in Western Cape Province found that patients from Cape Town had shorter hospitalizations and travel distances to TB hospitals compared to those from other areas.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Ramy Sedhom, Lindsey MacNabb, Thomas J. Smith, K. Robin Yabroff
Summary: The disruption caused by increasing cancer treatment costs is a growing clinical problem, with the existential question of how healthcare teams should address the distress and uncertainty from financial toxicity. The principles and practice of palliative care can alleviate this often overlooked component of human suffering.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thandi Conradie, Maria Charumbira, Maryke Bezuidenhout, Trudy Leong, Quinette Louw
Summary: This paper describes the ten-year process of including rehabilitation referral recommendations in South Africa's primary health care standard treatment guidelines. The main lesson learned is that collaboration among rehabilitation professionals can significantly improve service delivery and increase referrals from primary health care.
BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shu Ran, Tianrong He, Shengpeng Li, Deliang Yin, Pan Wu, Yiyuan Xu, Jiating Zhao
Summary: In this study, selenium and sulfur-modified montmorillonite materials were designed and synthesized to effectively reduce mercury levels in crops and avoid excessive selenium enrichment. The results showed that these materials significantly reduced mercury concentrations in water spinach and hybrid Pennisetum without causing excessive selenium bioaccumulation. This approach is easy to prepare, requires small amounts, and has high environmental and economic potentials.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ramya Tadipatri, Amir Azadi, Madison Cowdrey, Samuel Florian Fongue, Paul Smith, Evangelia Razis, Maria Boccia, Yumna Ghouri, Paula Zozzaro-Smith, Ekokobe Fonkem
Summary: The survey among physicians in Sub-Saharan Africa revealed that about 48% of them felt comfortable in providing palliative care consultations. However, 52% believed that palliative care is only appropriate when there is irreversible deterioration, and 49% do not have access to liquid opioid agents. Cultural beliefs held by patients or families were identified as a barrier to adequate palliative care treatment.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Evangelos Mantzaris, Pregala Pillay
Summary: The article empirically examines the corrupt involvement of legal practitioners in illegal and fraudulent acts, particularly in litigations regarding medical negligence. Utilizing qualitative research methods such as content analysis and personal interviews, it identifies key findings and modus operandi of corrupt individuals and groups, shedding light on the monetary, financial, and social repercussions of their actions.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Assegid G. Hellebo, Liesl J. Zuhlke, David A. Watkins, Olufunke Alaba
Summary: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a neglected disease of poverty in developing countries, including South Africa. This study estimated the cost of RHD-related health services in a tertiary hospital in South Africa, finding an annual average per-patient cost of USD 3900, with surgery costs accounting for 65% of the total costs.
Article
Oncology
Jeniffer Rwamugira, Johanna E. Maree, Nokuthula Mafutha
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2019)
Article
Oncology
Johanna E. Maree, Mary Kampinda-Banda
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Agatha Ogunkorode, Lorraine Holtslander, Linda Ferguson, Johanna E. Maree, June Anonson, Vivian R. Ramsden
Summary: The research indicates that women in Southwest Nigeria tend to seek divine interventions when faced with breast cancer, and that prayer and spirituality are associated with high levels of optimism among the study participants.
Article
Oncology
Samuel Alloss Mbale Bingo, Johanna Elizabeth Maree, Jacoba Johanna Maria Jansen van Rensburg
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Johanna E. Maree, Lorraine Holtslander, Johanna E. Maree
Summary: Women living with cervical cancer in Africa experience a life of suffering, from the onset of symptoms to well after completing treatment. Nurses should be aware of cervical cancer, use limited resources to prevent and detect early, and provide religious and support interventions to alleviate suffering.
Article
Nursing
Oluchukwu Loveth Obiora, Johanna Elizabeth Maree, Nokuthula Gloria Nkosi-Mafutha
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oluchukwu Loveth Obiora, Johanna Elizabeth Maree, Nokuthula Gloria Nkosi-Mafutha
Summary: Despite efforts to curb Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), healthcare workers in South-Eastern Nigeria still face challenges in caring for genitally mutilated females. Participants in a qualitative study expressed the need for education programs and enforcement of anti-FGMC laws to eradicate this harmful practice.
Article
Oncology
Owens Mgawi, Johanna E. Maree
Summary: The survey conducted among men in a South African community revealed a gap in knowledge and understanding of cancer and healthcare-seeking behavior. Most participants were able to identify possible warning signs of cancer, but had limited understanding, indicating the need for further education and awareness.
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Wilfred Ngwa, Beatrice W. Addai, Isaac Adewole, Victoria Ainsworth, James Alaro, Olusegun Alatise, Zipporah Ali, Benjamin O. Anderson, Rose Anorlu, Stephen Avery, Prebo Barango, Noella Bih, Christopher M. Booth, Otis W. Brawley, Jean-Marie Dangou, Lynette Denny, Jennifer Dent, Shekinah N. C. Elmore, Ahmed Elzawawy, Diane Gashumba, Jennifer Geel, Katy Graef, Sumit Gupta, Serigne-Magueye Gueye, Nazik Hammad, Laila Hessissen, Andre M. Ilbawi, Joyce Kambugu, Zisis Kozlakidis, Simon Manga, Lize Maree, Sulma Mohammed, Susan Msadabwe, Miriam Mutebi, Annet Nakaganda, Ntokozo Ndlovu, Kingsley Ndoh, Jerry Ndumbalo, Mamsau Ngoma, Twalib Ngoma, Christian Ntizimira, Timothy R. Rebbeck, Lorna Renner, Anya Romanoff, Fidel Rubagumya, Shahin Sayed, Shivani Sud, Hannah Simonds, Richard Sullivan, William Swanson, Verna Vanderpuye, Boateng Wiafe, David Kerr
Summary: Urgent action is needed to address the growing crisis of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Recommended actions include developing or updating national cancer control plans, improving access to medication and psychosocial support, investing in cancer registries and diagnostics, and learning from approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase access to cancer care.
Article
Nursing
Tinalipi S. Ketlogetswe, Jacoba J. Jansen Van Rensburg, Johanna Elizabeth Maree
Summary: This study aimed to describe the experiences of caregivers of cancer patients admitted to a hospice in South Africa. The findings revealed that caregivers faced significant emotional and financial burdens in caring for cancer patients during the last phase of life. However, faith and religious practices served as coping mechanisms for some caregivers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALLIATIVE NURSING
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Jacoba J. M. Jansen van Rensburg, Tikondwe K. Sichinga, Johanna E. Maree
Summary: Despite being the most common cancer in South African men, there is little knowledge about the lives of men living with prostate cancer. This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of men treated with hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. The findings showed that hormonal therapy affected all HRQoL domains, with differences observed between age groups and treatment duration. Nurses can enhance the HRQoL of these men through questioning, assessment and timely intervention.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Marie Goretti Uwayezu, Bellancille Nikuze, Johanna E. Maree, Lori Buswell, Margaret Fitch
Summary: Psychosocial care is an important component of quality cancer care, particularly in Africa where there is a high level of unmet supportive care needs and emotional distress reported for patients. Nurses play a crucial role in providing psychosocial care, but face challenges in gaining the necessary education due to varying program offerings. This article presents competencies for nurses in Africa to enhance their ability to deliver effective psychosocial care for individuals with cancer and their family members.
JCO GLOBAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Agatha Ogunkorode, Lorraine Holtslander, Linda Ferguson, Johanna E. Maree, June Anonson, Vivian R. Ramsden, Deborah T. Esan, Isaiah D. Owoeye
Summary: This study explores the use of the health belief model as a framework for assessing women with late-stage breast cancer in Nigeria. Findings suggest that participants perceived breast cancer as a significant threat, both spiritually and physically, with some benefits seen in traditional and medical treatment options. Interventions targeting cultural and individual perceptions can enhance the comprehensive assessment of breast cancer patients and improve treatment outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH AND REPRODUCTION SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Oluchukwu Loveth Obiora, Johanna Elizabeth Maree, Nokuthula Gloria Nkosi-Mafutha
Summary: This study used qualitative interviews to describe the experiences of girls who have undergone FGM/C, highlighting themes of fear, pain and helplessness. The findings can be used as evidence to scale up efforts toward ending this harmful practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Anastasia Mitema, Lize Maree, Annie Young
ECANCERMEDICALSCIENCE
(2019)