Ndamononghenda Malangu, Hans J Amukugo, Salomo Salomo
Nurses identified significant barriers to care, including a lack of specialised training, negative workplace relationships and systemic socio-economic challenges like poverty and gender-based violence. Issues with health worker relationships and the availability of childcare acts and guidelines were also identified. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Social Services needs to recruit additional staff and ensure sufficient resources.
BACKGROUND: Malnutrition in children under 5 years commonly presents as stunting, wasting or micronutrient deficiencies. These conditions lead to high admission rates and nursing burnout at Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia. Despite this impact, a significant knowledge gap exists regarding the perceptions and experiences of Namibian nurses in caring for these children.
AIM: This study explored and described the perceptions and experiences of nurses regarding the care of malnourished children under five in the paediatric ward.
SETTING: The study was conducted in the paediatric ward of Intermediate Hospital Katutura, Khomas region, Namibia.
METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and phenomenological design was employed. Data were collected from 11 nurses via purposive sampling through individual face-to-face interviews and analysed according to themes. Trustworthiness and ethical principles were rigorously applied.
RESULTS: Five themes emerged: (1) patient and caregiver-related factors; (2) experiences of health facilities or institution-related factors; (3) perceived health provider-related challenges; (4) health provider perceptions of facilitators and recommendations; and (5) perceived legal factors.
CONCLUSION: Nurses identified significant barriers to care, including a lack of specialised training, negative workplace relationships and systemic socio-economic challenges like poverty and gender-based violence. Issues with health worker relationships and the availability of childcare acts and guidelines were also identified. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Social Services needs to recruit additional staff and ensure sufficient resources.
CONTRIBUTION: This study identifies the need for specialised postgraduate paediatric training, providing a framework for the development of malnutrition management guidelines and establishing an evidence base for nurse-led community awareness programs.