Indiran Govender - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Indiran Govender

South African Family Practice, 2020

South African Family Practice, Feb 21, 2022

No abstract available.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Apr 1, 2016

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is ten times more prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients than the ... more Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is ten times more prevalent in HIV/AIDS patients than the general population. HIV/AIDS has also been shown to be a hypercoagulable state which is worsened by conditions like malignancies, opportunistic infections, some auto-immune diseases and chemotherapeutic agents. Methods & Materials: This was a cross sectional, descriptive study looking at all HIV/AIDS patients admitted to level one wards at the hospital without DVT.

South African Family Practice, Jul 1, 2010

To the editor: Through your journal I would like to implore all young and not so young doctors to... more To the editor: Through your journal I would like to implore all young and not so young doctors to please move away from relying totally on technology to manage patients but rather to take a good history and examine patients.

South African Family Practice, Aug 24, 2021

South African Family Practice, Jun 8, 2023

South African Family Practice, Dec 9, 2019

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Apr 1, 2014

Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among the world's prison populations. Pris... more Background: Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among the world's prison populations. Prisons are reservoirs of TB and threaten inmates, prison staff, visitors and the community in the area. This study was done to explore factors associated with Pulmonary TB treatment outcomes at Potchefstroom Prison. Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional record review of 202 TB inmates and whose treatment outcomes as of March 2010 were known was conducted. Data on sex, racial group, level of education, weight, smoking, existence and type of co-morbidity, diagnostic classification, treatment regimen, treatment initiation date, treatment completion date, treatment outcome, use of directly observed treatment (DOT), allergy, and hospitalization was captured. Results: The majority, 142(70.3%) belong to the age group 21-37 years while those aged 38-53 years was 48(23.8%). There were 198(98%) male and 4(2.0%) female. Education level in this studystandard 5 to standard 7, 55 (47.7%), 68 (33.7%) were in standard 8-standard 10, 55(27.3%) were standard 4 or below. 158 (78.2%) had occasional visits. 121(59.9%) of the patients were smokers. Adverse outcomes were significantly increased in inmates of young age (<37), HIV co-infection, smokers and those lacking support and those not on DOT. Conclusion: Inmates who receive less visits and social support must be supported through community volunteers, counsellors and psychologists in order to motivate them and enhance favourable treatment outcomes. Smokers need to stop smoking. Younger patients need peer support groups.

South African Family Practice, Oct 28, 2019

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common and lifethreatening emergency. 1,2 In any give... more Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common and lifethreatening emergency. 1,2 In any given population, the incidence of UGIB can range from 50 to 150 per 100 000 adults per year with a mortality rate between 2.5% and 15%. 1,3,4 Elderly patients are more prone to UGIB and there is a higher incidence in males. 2,4 UGIB is defined as significant bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract proximal to the Ligament of Treitz, 5,6 the anatomical landmark located between the proximal two thirds and the distal one third of the duodenum. The oesophagus, stomach and duodenum have a rich vascular supply, 7 shown in Figure 1, and, if compromised, can result in life-threatening haemorrhage. Causes Acute UGIB is classified into two broad categories viz non-variceal and variceal, with the former being more common and including oesophagitis, oesophageal ulcers, oesophageal cancer, Mallory-Weis tear, gastritis, gastric ulcer, gastric cancer, Dieulafoy's lesion, vascular ectasias (angiodysplasia), duodenal ulcer, aorto-enteric fistula, haemobilia and haemosuccus pancreaticus. 8

South African Family Practice, Mar 31, 2023

South African Family Practice, Nov 2, 2022

Progestin-only contraceptive implants are cheap, easily reversible and long-acting. They offer hi... more Progestin-only contraceptive implants are cheap, easily reversible and long-acting. They offer highly proficient reversible contraception with sterilisation-like efficacy. 4 The contraceptive implant has also been listed by the United Nations Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children as one of its 13 Life-Saving Commodities. 5 The South African contraception experience over the years has been dominated by oral hormonal contraceptives, progestogen-only injectable methods and permanent methods such as tubal ligation. 6 In this vein, the National Department of Health introduced a new addition to the long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) methods in Background: In 2014, the South African National Department of Health introduced a new addition to the long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) options available in the country. This was a single rod subdermal progestogen implant (Implanon ® NXT) which provided 3 years of effective contraception cover. However, the new contraceptive device uptake and general acceptance amongst women quickly diminished, with a slew of requests for its removal. The aim of this study was to explore the reasons given by women for discontinuing the use of their progestogen implants at Koster Hospital, North West province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews. Thirteen women were purposively selected and interviewed at Koster Hospital Family Planning Unit. The transcriptions of the audio-taped interviews were analysed thematically. Results: The following themes emerged from the interviews as reasons the women discontinued their progestogen implants: side effects such as menstrual problems, arm discomfort and weight gain. Other themes were family or social factors and the desire to conceive. Conclusion: The reasons for discontinuation of Implanon by women at Koster Hospital were the undesirable side effects they experienced whilst using the contraceptive device. These side effects were mainly menstrual problems, arm discomfort and weight gain. Family and other social dynamics also influenced some of the participants' decision to discontinue their contraceptive implants.

South African Family Practice, Feb 10, 2023

International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Aug 1, 2018

Background: Young adults in the age group 18-24 years have the highest incidence of HIV in South ... more Background: Young adults in the age group 18-24 years have the highest incidence of HIV in South Africa. University students who fall in this age group, have poor knowledge about HIV and engage in risky sexual behaviours such as not always use condoms during sexual intercourse. This study sought to explore health sciences students' selfreported beliefs, attitudes and knowledge about HIV/AIDS at the University of Limpopo. Methods & Materials: This was mixed methods study using a questionnaire and stratified sampling of students. Results: There were 143 participants. Most of the respondents (77%) were in the age range of 18 to 20 years, female (56%) and had good knowledge about risky sexual behaviour, with 86% of the students knowing that having sex with someone who has another sexually transmitted infection increases the risk and 93% of the students knew that there is an increased risk if an individual has multiple partners. Although most (93%) knew that using a condom can prevent the spread of AIDS, 31% said that they would feel uncomfortable buying condoms even though the majority reported knowing how to use a condom (78%). Most knew about safe sexual behaviour, with 65% stating that it is not too much trouble to practice safe sex, 88% said they knew how to have safe sex and 85% plan on being very careful with whom they have sex with in the future. Many students (71%) believe that Black homosexuals are more likely to have HIV/AIDS and 39% believe that once a person gets sexually excited, he or she loses all control of what happens next. The only significant difference between males and females was that more women thought that their friends knew that practicing safer sex decreases the spread of HIV/AIDS (p = < 0.018) which may imply that males think their friends engage in high risk sexual behaviours. Conclusion: Although students have good knowledge about HIV transmission and high risk sexual behaviour, almost a third feel uncomfortable about buying condoms so they may not actually be using condoms. More males than females seem to think that most of their friends do not practice safe sexual behaviours.

South African Family Practice, Oct 23, 2018

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem globally, but espe... more Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a public health problem globally, but especially so in sub-Saharan Africa. They contribute significantly to the burden of disease in South Africa and are recognised as major contributors to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, with other potential complications when not managed properly. First-line doctors play a critical role in the management of persons suffering from STIs, and need to comply with the national guidelines for STI management. Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of doctors working in Jubilee District Hospital, Metsweding region, Tshwane, regarding the STI syndromic management (SM) guidelines. Setting: Jubilee District Hospital in Tshwane North, Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted. Results: Forty-three of the 50 doctors employed at the hospital participated in the study. Fourteen (32.6%) of the doctors were in the 36-40-year age group. Most of the doctors (36 or 83.7%) had only the basic bachelor's degree, and only 4 (9.3%) attended additional STI training. Only 2 respondents (4.6%) had correct knowledge concerning management of male urethritis syndrome and 10 (23.3%) regarding management of genital ulcer syndrome. In compliance with the national SM guidelines for STIs, 22 (52.4%) of the doctors said they made a diagnosis of STIs using history and physical examination. Only 7 (16.7%) said they asked their patients during every consultation about the number of sexual partners, 21 (51.7%) said they always counsel/ screen patients with STIs for HIV infection, and only 4 (9.5%) said they always filled in partner notification slips after attending to the index patient with STIs. This study demonstrated a relationship between doctors' knowledge of the SM guidelines for STIs and their age. Conclusion: Overall the knowledge and practices of doctors at Jubilee District Hospital were suboptimal, and training on the SM of STIs should be made available to address this. Management should introduce regular monitoring, evaluation and supportive services for the doctors regarding their management of STIs according to the guidelines.

Curationis, Nov 14, 2018

Literature review Contact sports like rugby and football often lead to injuries (Maite, Nel & Gov... more Literature review Contact sports like rugby and football often lead to injuries (Maite, Nel & Govender 2016). Athletes usually continue participating in a game for some time after sustaining a bloody injury (Hoogenboom & Smith 2012). The level of attention after a bloody injury is not as high in amateur sports as it is in professional sport. These factors significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission when an injury occurs. In addition, there has been a debate over mandatory Background: Sport has the capability to unite a country. To achieve winning teams, athletes have to rely on each other and often have close physical contact. Disclosure of a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status may be problematic for athletes in contact sports as they may suffer discrimination and stigmatisation which may impact their relationship behaviours. This may impact frontline nursing and medical staff dealing with on-field 'blood' injuries. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if individuals who participate in football and rugby are aware of the risk of HIV infection in contact sports and their perceptions and reported behaviour towards HIV-positive athletes. Method: A cross-sectional survey design with a qualitative element. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Non-proportional quota sampling was used for male rugby (n = 23) and football (30) players registered at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop campus). Results: The results supported previous research in that there are gaps in HIV knowledge. For instance, not knowing that anal sex may cause HIV infection and believing that saliva can transmit HIV and that blood transfusions are unsafe. Conclusion: Problematic findings were that a portion of the sample believed that having sex with a virgin could cure HIV and the majority of the sample believed that being 'bewitched' could cause HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The Open Public Health Journal

Background: The use of illicit drugs affects people globally. The use of nyaope (whonga) has been... more Background: The use of illicit drugs affects people globally. The use of nyaope (whonga) has been increasing in South Africa amongst the youth, especially university students. Its use is associated with a wide range of negative consequences, such as poor academic performance, theft, rape, risky sexual behaviours, and social dysfunctionality. Aim: This study sought to explore the self-reported experiences of students who use nyaope. Setting: The setting was the University of Limpopo. Methods: The health belief model (HBM) was used as a theoretical paradigm in this study. A qualitative research approach with a phenomenological, exploratory design was used. The researchers wanted to obtain first-hand in-depth information. The sample of six participants was purposively selected. Criteria of trustworthiness were used to ensure the rigour of the findings. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. This study was conducted from 01 March 2019 to June 2019. Results: Four major themes emerge...

South African Family Practice, Sep 7, 2022

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are... more Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are overwhelming health issues globally. They have caused many devastating and draining health issues, which have escalated a critical need for a well-trained and sustainable healthcare workforce in order to meet the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Health science students are the future healthcare providers who will implement proper preventive measures, as well as health educational and promotional sessions to promote information and knowledge among the public regarding HIV and AIDS in Eswatini. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 140 final-year undergraduate nursing students in three nursing universities in Eswatini. A questionnaire adapted from Othman and Ali in Malaysia with closed-ended questions was modified and used to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of questions on the virus structure, transmission, prevention and management of HIV and AIDS. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was utilised to analyse the data. Results: The level of knowledge about HIV and AIDS was high, as evidenced by a mean score and standard deviation of (91.02 ± 5.00). However, there were low scores on questions related to the transmission of the disease. Conclusion: Across all three universities in Eswatini, there were good nursing education programmes on HIV and AIDS, evidenced by the high knowledge level about HIV and AIDS. However, there are still some knowledge gaps on HIV and AIDS transmission and management that need to be attended to. Contribution: This study contributed by providing knowledge of undergraduate nursing students' HIV and AIDS training and management of PLWHA.