The challenges experienced by student nurses regarding delivery of babies whose mothers tested HIV-positive at a tertiary hospital in Limpopo province, South Africa

Background HIV infection among pregnant women poses a risk to their babies, families and the midwives. Student nurses constitute a sub-group of health care providers exposed to occupational risk of HIV infection due to contact... [ view full abstract ]

Background
HIV infection among pregnant women poses a risk to their babies, families and the midwives. Student nurses constitute a sub-group of health care providers exposed to occupational risk of HIV infection due to contact with blood and body fluids during experiential learning. The occupational risks faced by these students affect them negatively due to limited experience and proficiency in midwifery clinical skills.
Aim and objectives
The study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by student nurses regarding delivery of babies whose mothers have tested HIV-positive, at a tertiary hospital in Limpopo province, South Africa. The objectives were to describe the challenges experienced by these students and develop guidelines to reduce these chalenges.
Method
Qualitative phenomenological, explorative and descriptive designs were used. The population comprised all student nurses registered for levels 3 and 4 Nursing Science degree at a University in Limpopo province. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 student nurses who participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Tesch's open coding method was used for data analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University Ethics Committee. A signed informed consent was obtained from participants.
Findings
The study revealed that student nurses experienced psychological problems due to fear of contracting HIV while conducting delivery of babies. These students also over-used protective clothing such as using double surgical gloves.
Conclusions and implications
The study concluded that student nurses experience various challenges during experiential learning in the maternity units. These challenges impacted negatively to student'learning and the care provided to pregnant women.