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In this article, we highlight the religious rituals that characterize the Corinthian Church of South Africa based in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. We highlight that not only do these rituals express the unique identity of the members of the Corinthian Church but more importantly they act as tools through which the individual members strive to experience social/spiritual security. We also argue that more significantly the Corinthians use these rituals to reach out to their immediate communities. Thus through such activities the Corinthians contribute to the social cohesion of the local communities. doi: 10.7833/111-1-37 more...

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Background: The incidence of dual diagnosis (DD) (i.e. substance use disorders [SUD] and co-occurring mental disorders) is widespread; however, they vary widely in permutation and combination. As a result, establishing effective and empirically supported interventions for this clinical population remains challenging. Aim: This study aimed to examine current literature on the treatment outcomes for patients with DD. Method: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2009 and 2018 was conducted for two broad intervention categories identified by the literature: non-integrated and integrated treatment. Multiple electronic databases were searched using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). Results: The search generated a total of 743 studies, of which 11 satisfied the inclusion criteria. These studies were thematically synthesised into two main analytical themes: ‘treatment outcomes’ and ‘reported strengths and limitations of DD treatment’. Specifically, integrated treatment held an advantage over non-integrated treatment in significantly improving psychiatric symptomatology. However, no significant benefits were found between integrated and non-integrated treatment regarding substance misuse and treatment retention. Conclusion: Overall, the results provided insufficient evidence to support the enhanced efficacy of integrated or non-integrated treatment over the other in treating patients with DD. Contribution: The study’s findings were used to provide recommendations to inform the clinical psychological service delivery of dual diagnosis treatment in South Africa and also to identify gaps in the literature and highlight areas for future research. more...

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a critical global intervention aimed at optimising antimicrobial use and decreasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with pharmacists playing a pivotal role within AMS teams. However, AMS is not comprehensively taught in pharmacy curricula and little is known about the relevance of pharmacists’ training to meet AMS needs in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to explore the attitudes, knowledge and perceptions of clinical pharmacists towards AMS participation and training in South Africa. Setting: This study was conducted among clinically practicing pharmacists in public and private healthcare sectors in South Africa. Methods: A quantitative exploratory research design was selected for this study. The study was conducted using a self-administered structured survey. Categorical variables were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied to determine differences between variables. Results: Pharmacists demonstrated good attitudes knowledge and perceptions towards AMS (median 4.3). There was statistical significant differences in AMS participation between pharmacists of different years of experience (p = 0.005), sector of employment (p = 0.01), position of employment (p = 0.015) and presence of AMS programmes (p = 0.004). Pharmacists indicated that their Bachelor of Pharmacy undergraduate studies inadequately prepared them for their role in AMS (median 4.3). Conclusion: Pharmacists show positive attitudes, knowledge and perceptions towards AMS. Education and training in AMS principles is obtained through master’s programmes, short courses, Continued Professional Development (CPDs) and workshops and insufficiently incorporated in undergraduate programmes. Contribution: This study confirms that undergraduate pharmacy programmes inadequately prepare pharmacists for their role in AMS. more...

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes were introduced to combat healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance and to facilitate the implementation of IPC measures. The implementation of policies and guidelines results in effective service delivery. Aim: The purpose of the study was to explore nurses’ experiences and perceptions regarding the impediments to implementing the IPC measures. Setting: The study was conducted in three public hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was used, and 49 nurses were purposively selected from three public hospitals to understand their experiences and perceptions regarding the impediments to implementing the IPC measures. Five focus group discussions were conducted using semi-structured interviews. Tesch’s eight steps method was used to analyse data resulting in three main themes and seven sub-themes. Results: Three main themes emerged. Nurses experienced challenges regarding knowledge and attitudes towards IPC measures, inadequate hospital infrastructure and lack of management support. Conclusion: The lack of infection prevention control knowledge, infrastructure and management support impede the implementation of IPC measures. Consistent support in terms of training, resources and infrastructure is essential for implementing the measures. Contribution: The findings in this study will empower the nurses, doctors and managers with knowledge in implementing IPC measures to improve the infection prevention programme. more...

This in vitro study suggests that microspheres are a promising alternative that can be injected into soft tissue with minimal invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]