Peer-reviewed article
Strengthening Child Health through Caregiver Engagement: Advancing Universal Health Coverage in South Africa
Livhuwani Tshivhase, Idah Moyo, Limkile Mpofu ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5This study looked at how nurses in South Africa view the role of caregivers in caring for children under five at home and in the community. Researchers interviewed 15 nurses in Vhembe District about their experiences. The nurses said that teaching caregivers helps them make better decisions about their children's health. They also noted that traditions and low literacy among grandmothers can make it harder for caregivers to get involved. The study suggests that better support for caregivers could help more children get good health care.
Key points
- 15 professional nurses from two primary healthcare centres were interviewed using semi-structured interviews.
- Empowering caregivers with knowledge improved their ability to make health decisions for children.
- Active caregiver participation included recognising danger signs and using the Road to Health booklet.
- Traditional health beliefs and literacy challenges among grandmothers were identified as barriers to engagement.
- Nurses were seen as key facilitators in promoting caregiver involvement to advance universal health coverage for children under five.
Limitations
The study is based only on nurses' perspectives from two facilities in one district, so it may not reflect caregivers' own views or apply to other regions.
Abstract
Child mortality and morbidity remain significant public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, with universal health coverage (UHC) for children under five identified as a critical strategy for addressing these issues. This study explored professional nurses’ perspectives on the engagement of caregivers in community- and home-based care practices as a pathway to advancing UHC in Vhembe District, South Africa. A qualitative descriptive explorative design was employed. It involved 15 purposefully selected professional nurses from two primary healthcare centres. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews conducted between March and June 2022 and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Three overarching themes and seven sub-themes emerged. The first theme highlighted the empowerment of caregivers through knowledge dissemination and enhanced decision-making capacity. The second theme emphasised active parental participation in child health, including involvement in assessments, recognition of danger signs, and utilisation of the Road to Health booklet (RtHB). The third theme addressed barriers to effective caregiver engagement, notably the influence of traditional health beliefs and literacy challenges among grandmothers. Findings revealed the pivotal role of nurses in facilitating caregiver involvement and suggest that strengthening community-based strategies may contribute significantly to achieving UHC for children under five, particularly in low- resource settings. Tailored interventions addressing cultural and educational barriers are essential to optimise caregiver participation and improvement of child health outcomes.