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Background Against the backdrop of increasing international calls for the development and implementation of integrated person-centered care that address both quality and access issues to improve adolescent and youth health services, this paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for integrating Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) prevention into pregnancy prevention routine services in Vhembe District, to improve teenagers’ health outcomes. Methods A convergent triangulation mixed methods design was used for comparing and contrasting of quantitative and qualitative data to determine the extent of agreement between the two data types to generate contextual findings. In this study, employing both quantitative data were collected through questionnaires on a sample of healthcare workers ( n  = 112) providing Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services to evaluate programme effectiveness on the high rate of teenage pregnancy and HIV infection among youth in Vhembe District. Qualitative data were collected using face-to-face interviews with nurses ( n  = 24) and teenagers aged 14–19 yrs ( n  = 28). For a richer understanding of dynamic family planning and HIV programs, face-to-face interview was conducted to explore more deeply the experiences and challenges of teenagers between the ages of 14–19 years. Nurses were interviewed on the barriers and facilitators of integrating HIV, STI and pregnancy prevention services in the rural facilities of Vhembe District. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The findings of the study point out that the integrated HIV, STIs and pregnancy prevention service uptake among adolescents is likely to be influenced by social and institutional factors. It is also evident from this study that adolescents face challenges when it comes to obtaining PrEP, PEP and contraceptives in primary healthcare clinics. Provider competency reveals a disparity, with a majority 67.0% of healthcare providers trained in effective communication with adolescents with 95% Confidence Interval of [0.57–0.75] ( n  = 112), suggesting a high level of adoption in the population. In comparison, significantly fewer have received specific training in AYFS 16% with 95% Confidence Interval of [0.09–0.24] ( n  = 112) or on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 25.9% with 95% Confidence Interval of [0.18–0.35] ( n  = 112), underscoring the need for a more balanced approach to training focus. Conclusions The empirical findings provide evidence on challenges unique to low-resource, rural settings, contributing to global discourse on HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) integration. Consequently, 95% of the key stakeholders and experts approved the feasibility and applicability, while 92% approved the acceptability and sustainability of the proposed framework. It is recommended in this study that policy changes be implemented through an integrated health policy that recognizes the interconnectedness of HIV, STIs, and teenage pregnancy prevention to improve access to quality healthcare and education for youth.

Background The reasons for men not to seek healthcare seem similar across the world. They avoid going for regular medical check-ups, and preventive care and often disregard symptoms or delay seeking medical attention when sick, in pain, or even when their lives are in danger. Methods This study sought to explore the views of men on factors contributing to poor health-seeking behavior among men in Mopani, Vhembe, and Capricorn district municipalities in Limpopo Province. A qualitative descriptive design was used and individual semi-structured interviews were used to collect data in May and June 2024 from 21 men who were purposively selected. Collected data were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis. Tech’s eight steps were used to analyse data and guide the development of emerged main themes and sub-themes. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Venda research ethics committee with Ethics Approval Number: FHS/21/PH/26/1215. Results Self-medication, fear of knowing own health status, peer and community elders’ influence, stigma, and masculinity beliefs were among the reasons participants avoided utilizing health services. Educational and health promotional campaigns, challenging societal norms, and employing more nurses were suggested as strategies to improve men’s health-seeking behaviour. Conclusions It is evident from the findings that several factors contribute to men’s poor health-seeking behaviour including visiting health facilities to seek needed healthcare services. Self-treating of disease at hand, fear of knowing own health status, use of traditional healers, and sticking to cultural values are among the factors that contribute to men’s poor health-seeking behaviour. There is a need to challenge societal norms and how men are raised as factors that contribute to poor health-seeking behaviour among men.

Children living with epilepsy face significant stigma in school settings, particularly in rural South Africa, where misconceptions linking epilepsy to witchcraft, evil spirits, or unpredictability lead to fear, shame, and exclusion. This study explored how primary school learners perceive and experience epilepsy-related stigma within the classroom context and examined how such perceptions may influence the mental health and self-conception of peers living with epilepsy. A descriptive–exploratory qualitative design was employed, involving six focus group discussions with 36 learners aged 9–14 years from Grades 4 to 7 in rural schools across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software (version 22). Findings revealed that epilepsy was commonly described as a “falling disease,” associated with ancestral spirits or supernatural causes, contributing to peer mockery, isolation, and emotional distress. While some learners expressed empathy and willingness to help, most lacked accurate knowledge about the condition. This study concludes that integrating culturally grounded, age-appropriate epilepsy education into life skills curricula can promote empathy, reduce stigma, and support inclusive identity formation. Embedding such programs in school health policies and teacher training frameworks can strengthen mental health promotion and contribute to equitable health education within the goals of Universal Health Coverage.

Introduction The orphan and vulnerable children crisis has raised the need for alternative solutions to their problems. These new alternatives gave prominence to the growth of community-based organisations and their interventions. Community-based interventions are a crucial component of the response to ensure that the demands of orphans and vulnerable children are mitigated as they offer initial support and act as well-being nets. Methods A qualitative exploratory-descriptive and contextual design was used to explore possible approaches to psychosocial support for orphans and vulnerable childen from community-based workers. This study was conducted in four municipalities in the Vhembe district: Thulamela, Makhado, Collins Chabane, and Musina. The population consisted of community-based workers working with vulnerable and orphaned children in the Vhembe district. Data were collected in focus group discussions with the community-based workers using a focus group discussion guide with open-ended questions. The data were analysed according to Tesch’s open analysis guide to analyse qualitative data. The measures to ensure trustworthiness included transferability, conformability, credibility, and dependability. Results Data analysis generated the following theme and subthemes: Psychosocial interventions provided included Physical support, educational support, psycho-educational support, activities and socialisation, caregivers support and involvement and inter-professional referral. Conclusion These findings provide an insight into the types of psychosocial support interventions provided by Community-based organisations to orphans and vulnerable children. Conversely, the study also revealed that community–based organisations are experiencing challenges when delivering those services to orphans and vulnerable children.

In developing countries, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) continue to experience high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Several healthcare services are avail- able at the primary level of healthcare to address the sexual and reproductive needs of adolescents in South Africa. Healthcare providers often face challenges such as limited resources, inadequate funds, and inadequate training, which hinder their ability to provide integrated care. Furthermore, cultural stigma and a lack of privacy prevent adolescents from seeking care. In response to increasing international calls for developing and implementing integrated person-centered care, which addresses both quality and access to care, this paper aims to develop and validate an integrated HIV/STI, and pregnancy prevention program for adolescent girls and young women in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. Multiphase mixed methods were employed in this study. This study consisted of three interconnected phases. As part of phase 1 of this study, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. In phase 2, an empirical study conducted using a concurrent triangulation strategy to collect and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data as a form of confirmation, dis-confirmation, cross-validation or corroboration of the findings. Consequently, a conceptual framework was developed using qualitative and quantitative analysis by merging, comparing, and interpreting the results. The findings of phase 2 interface were analyzed using the Political, Environmental, Social, and Technological (PEST) and Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analyses. Additionally, the outcomes of the Logical Framework Analyses (LFA) informed the development of an integrated programme aimed at preventing HIV, STIs, and teenage pregnancy. Several stakeholders and experts (n equivalent 35) were consulted as part of the Reduce the Risk (RTR) Coalition to validate the proposed integrated programme with an average of 94.3% on acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness. In the Vhembe District of Limpopo province, there has been no published study that has developed an integrated HIV, STIs, and pregnancy prevention programme to improve the sexual health outcomes of adolescent girls and young women.

Background/Objectives: Childhood trauma significantly hinders the developmental and academic outcomes of learners, particularly in under-resourced schools such as those in Limpopo province, South Africa. Teachers in these settings often face challenges in supporting trauma-exposed learners due to a lack of knowledge, training, and appropriate resources. Addressing this gap requires the development of structured, trauma-informed educational support systems. Methods: This study forms the final phase of a multi-phase research project aimed at developing a trauma-informed curriculum for primary school teachers. A multi-phase mixed method design was adopted across four phases: (1) a global scoping review to identify effective trauma-informed interventions; (2) empirical interviews with primary school teachers, trauma center managers, clinical psychologists, and social workers to understand local needs and experiences; (3) development of a conceptual framework grounded in theoretical and empirical findings; and (4) curriculum development guided by El Sawi’s curriculum design model. The curriculum was validated using structured questionnaires with a panel of stakeholders including educators, mental health professionals, and curriculum experts. Results: The study identified critical issues, including teachers’ limited understanding of childhood trauma, lack of standardized training, and inadequate classroom strategies. Key curriculum components were developed to address these gaps, including modules on the nature of trauma, early identification of symptoms, trauma-informed teaching practices, and collaboration with mental health professionals. Validation results indicated strong agreement on the curriculum’s clarity, relevance, and potential impact. Conclusions: The developed trauma-informed curriculum provides primary school teachers in Limpopo with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support trauma-exposed learners. It emphasizes early identification, responsive classroom strategies, and inter-professional collaboration. This curriculum has the potential to enhance learning environments and promote better educational and psychosocial outcomes for trauma-affected learners.

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may result from a genetic condition and occurs mainly in children, especially at a primary level. Most people living with Epilepsy suffer from stigma and discrimination because of a lack of knowledge regarding Epilepsy. This study aims to develop life skills education guidelines for primary school learners of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces to educate learners about Epilepsy, thus decreasing stigma and discrimination. A multimethod research approach will be used in this study to fulfil its purpose. Both stages 1 and 2 of the empirical phase (phase 1) will employ an exploratory-descriptive study design focusing on the primary school teachers, life skills educational advisors and learners to obtain their perceptions or views regarding the need to include Epilepsy in life skills education. Data will be collected using individual interviews for life skill educational advisors and focus group discussions for teachers and learners at the sampled primary schools in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phase two will conceptualise the phase 1 findings into the conceptual framework, and phase 3 will develop and validate the life skills guideline. This study will adhere to both internal and external ethical considerations. Recommendations will be made based on the findings of the study.

Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) and HIV co-infection remain major contributors to morbidity and mortality, particularly in high-burden settings. HIV-related clinical factors, including viral suppression, CD4-defined immune status, HIV drug resistance, virological failure, and ART failure, may influence RR-TB treatment response; however, existing evidence remains fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol aims to synthesize evidence on the impact of HIV viral suppression, immune status, and HIV drug resistance/ART resistance status on RR-TB treatment outcomes. This protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. Published peer-reviewed studies and relevant grey literature from January 2005 to December 2025 will be searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and other relevant sources. No language restriction will be applied at the search stage. Where feasible, non-English records will be translated for title/abstract and full-text screening. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data, and assess study quality, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Study-level risk of bias will be assessed using design-appropriate tools, and the certainty of evidence for each outcome will be evaluated using GRADE. Evidence will be synthesized narratively and, where studies are sufficiently homogeneous, quantitatively through meta-analysis. Outcomes of interest will include treatment success, treatment failure, mortality, treatment completion, microbiological cure, and adverse events. Subgroup analyses will be considered by viral suppression status, CD4-defined immune status, HIV drug resistance/ART resistance status, geographic region, and treatment regimen where data permit. This review will provide evidence on how HIV viral suppression, immune status, and HIV drug resistance/ART resistance influence RR-TB treatment outcomes. The findings may inform integrated TB/HIV care, clinical monitoring, and treatment strategies for individuals co-infected with HIV and RR-TB.

Rapid changes in health care, innovative technologies, and the emergence of new knowledge globally led to a need for enhancement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for nurses in public hospitals of Limpopo. However, they need to be empowered with updated knowledge and skills to adapt to these changes to enable them to render quality care to patients, resulting in fewer lawsuits. To explore and describe the experiences of professional nurses regarding CPD opportunities in the public hospitals of Limpopo Province. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilized in this study. Individual semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Participants comprised 35 professional nurses who were purposely selected. Data collected were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using Tech’s eight-step data coding process, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability. Four themes emerged: Professional nurses’ understanding of CPD, Professional nurses’ views about necessary support needed for CPD, Professional nurses’ related to in-service training being offered, and Identified measures to resolve the challenges. Findings highlight that professional nurses value CPD and view it as important in learning new skills and improving standards of patient care and their self-esteem. Findings included challenges such as poor attendance of CPD activities and, lack of understanding of CPD, lack of access to CPD training, shortage of staff, and lack of funding and support by managers. Offering CPD opportunities regularly enhances knowledge and skills personally and professionally. However, more effective strategies are needed to address the identified challenges. Nurse Managers, Human Resources Departments, and the Department of Health need to be informed and updated on what is required in order to create and sustain effective and attainable CPD opportunities in the public hospitals of Limpopo Province.

Background: Management of Mental Health Care Users is a critical component of the overall health care system, yet it is not given the serious attention it deserves due to stigma and discrimination against those living with mental health challenges. These results in mental health care users being readmitted to the hospital frequently, despite the poor resources and overburdened health care system. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of Psychiatric Nurses regarding the care of Mental Health Care Users in the selected hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative study was followed, where explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs were used. The researcher purposefully selected thirty-four Psychiatric Nurses who have been working in mental health units. Data was collected through unstructured interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed significant challenges, such as poor mental health structures or no mental health unit at all, and this forces Psychiatric Nurses to mix critically ill medical patients with psychotic patients. Furthermore, there is a shortage of staff and treatment to manage users. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study showed that psychiatric nurses face serious emotional and resource-related challenges in caring for mental health care users. This highlights the urgent need for support from institutions, ongoing training, and better working conditions to improve the quality of mental health care. The success of the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental health care users depends on the support of MHCUs by family and management.