African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 6, June 2026 | pp. 31–41

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000136

Original Research Article

Title: Predictors of Turnover Intentions Among Specialized Oncology Nurses in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities

Names of Authors: Kofi A. Mensah¹, Zanele T. Ndlovu²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹School of Nursing, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana; ²Department of Nursing Science, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

Abstract:
The global shortage of oncology nurses is exacerbated by escalating attrition rates, severely compromising specialized cancer care pathways. This study examined the demographic, institutional, and psychological predictors of turnover intentions among oncology nurses in public tertiary hospitals. A multicenter descriptive cross-sectional design was deployed across four major referral centers. A sample of 188 oncology nurses completed standardized instruments including the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and the 6-item Turnover Intention Scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was executed to isolate standalone predictors. The aggregate prevalence of high turnover intention among the cohort reached 54.8%. Key regression models demonstrated that poor organizational leadership (beta = -0.34, p < 0.001), severe emotional exhaustion (beta = 0.42, p < 0.001), and chronic inadequacy of specialized nurse staffing ratios (beta = -0.29, p = 0.004) significantly predicted the desire to leave. Years of oncology experience did not moderate this relationship. High professional turnover among oncology nurses is predominantly fueled by toxic or unsupportive work environments and chronic systemic exhaustion rather than personal factors. Urgent policy interventions focused on safety culture, psychological counseling programs, and workload adjustments are critical for retention.

Keywords: Oncology Nursing; Turnover Intentions; Work Environment; Nurse Retention; Professional Burnout; Cancer Care.

Manuscript Timeline: Received March 12, 2026; Revised May 10, 2026; Accepted May 29, 2026; Published June 12, 2026.

Citation: Mensah, K. A., & Ndlovu, Z. T. (2026). Predictors of Turnover Intentions Among Specialized Oncology Nurses in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(6), 31–41.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 5, May 2026 | pp. 22–30

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000135

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of a Mobile Health Intervention on Breastfeeding Practices and Neonatal Health Outcomes

Names of Authors: Grace M. Mwangi¹, Sarah L. Tetteh²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Nursing, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; ²Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Abstract:
Suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices remain a significant driver of infant morbidity and mortality across Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the efficacy of an automated text-messaging mobile health (mHealth) intervention on EBF rates and neonatal outcomes among semi-urban mothers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 220 pregnant women recruited during their third trimester. The intervention group (n = 110) received three weekly SMS text messages covering breastfeeding techniques and infant care up to 12 weeks postpartum, while the control group (n = 110) received standard routine care. Data were collected via telephone interviews at 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis. At 12 weeks postpartum, the exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in the mHealth intervention group compared to the control group (74.5% vs 51.8%; p < 0.005). Infants in the intervention group had fewer reported episodes of diarrheal illness (4.5% vs 13.6%; p < 0.05) and fewer unplanned clinic visits. Automated, culturally tailored mHealth interventions provide an accessible, low-cost strategy to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices and enhance early neonatal health outcomes in resource-constrained environments.

Keywords: mHealth; Mobile Health; Exclusive Breastfeeding; Neonatal Health; Maternal Support; Randomized Controlled Trial.

Manuscript Timeline: Received February 02, 2026; Revised April 05, 2026; Accepted April 22, 2026; Published May 18, 2026.

Citation: Mwangi, G. M., & Tetteh, S. L. (2026). Efficacy of a Mobile Health Intervention on Breastfeeding Practices and Neonatal Health Outcomes. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(5), 22–30.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 4, April 2026 | pp. 12–21

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000134

Original Research Article

Title: Clinical Competence and Perceived Stress Among Newly Graduated Midwives in Rural Public Hospitals

Names of Authors: Amina O. Bello¹, Chinedu K. Okafor²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; ²School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract:
The transition from a student midwife to a practicing professional is often accompanied by significant stress, which can impact clinical performance. This study evaluated the relationship between clinical competence and perceived stress levels among newly graduated midwives deployed to rural public hospitals. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey design was utilized across 12 rural healthcare facilities. A total of 145 midwives within their first 12 months of practice completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and the Clinical Competence Evaluation Tool. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis. The results revealed that 68.3% of the participants experienced high stress levels, with a mean PSS score of 28.4 ± 4.2. Clinical competence scores were lowest in managing obstetric emergencies, with a mean score of 3.1 out of 5.0. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between perceived stress and clinical competence (r = -0.48, p < 0.01). Lack of senior mentorship and inadequate medical supplies were identified as the primary structural drivers of stress. Elevated stress significantly impairs the clinical confidence and competence of newly graduated midwives in rural settings. Targeted workplace orientation, institutionalized mentorship structures, and improved resource allocation are urgently required to mitigate stress and safeguard maternal healthcare delivery.

Keywords: Clinical Competence; Midwifery Graduates; Perceived Stress; Rural Hospitals; Maternal Health; Mentorship.

Manuscript Timeline: Received January 10, 2026; Revised March 14, 2026; Accepted March 28, 2026; Published April 15, 2026.

Citation: Bello, A. O., & Okafor, C. K. (2026). Clinical Competence and Perceived Stress Among Newly Graduated Midwives in Rural Public Hospitals. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(4), 12–21.

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN: 2756-3332 Vol. 14 (3), pp. 001-011, March, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Shifting the Narrative: Public Perceptions of the Nursing Image in South African Private Acute Care

Alida Van Tonder and Neltjie C. Van Wyk*

Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.

Accepted 08 October, 2025

The aim of this study was to determine and describe the perception that visitors to acute care units have, regarding the image of nurses and nursing and to make appropriate recommendations to raise the profile of nurses and to encourage more respect for the profession. The public’s image of nurses is tarnished by newspaper reports on poor patient care. A questionnaire was used to collect data from visitors of patients receiving acute care at two private hospitals in the Gauteng Province in South Africa. They were selected as a section of the public who were in contact with nurses and who were thus aware of what nurses do and the relationship between nurses and their patients, due to their family or friends being cared for by nurses. A convenience sample was used whereby the first 110 willing adults (18 years or older) who visited patients in two identified acute care units of two selected private hospitals in a specific week, during 16:00 and 20:00 h, were invited to participate in the study. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics by means of a computerized statistical program and presented as frequency tables, pie diagrams, figures and percentages. The participants described a positive image of nurses and nursing. The results contradict the negative image of nurses as portrayed by the media. This could be due to the fact that, the media focuses only on newsworthy events in society, unfortunately in the majority of cases with a negative meaning. The results of the study, indicating a positive image of nurses and nursing by the public, could serve as a means to enhance the image of nurses by communicating it to the media. In the event of the media becoming aware of negative incidents, a cooperative agreement between the hospital and newspaper management should ensure that the true facts are being reflected in the reports.

Key words: Public’s perception of nursing, status of nurses, nursing profession.
 

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN: 2756-3332 Vol. 14 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Voices of Care: Inpatients’ Perspectives on Quality Nursing Services in a Chinese Hospital

Shi H. Zhao¹* and Thitinut Akkadechanunt²

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Harbin Medical University, Peoples Republic of China.
²Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Accepted 11 November, 2025

The purpose of this study is to explore patients’ perceptions of quality nursing care. Under the changing health care environment, more emphasis is placed on patient-centered care. To meet patients’ needs and expectations, patients’ perceptions of quality nursing care must be given more concern; thus, 440 patients (purposive sample) in 18 inpatient nursing units in a China hospital were selected. A questionnaire on the perception of quality nursing care scale was distributed to patients to find out the level of quality care perceived by them. Using descriptive statistics to analyze patients’ data, the overall mean score and each category mean score of the quality of nursing care as perceived by patients were at a high level. Patients perceived the highest mean score in the category of progress of the nursing process, while they perceived the lowest in preconditions for care. Also, it was observed that quality nursing care presented a challenge for nursing administrators to develop strategies for improving nursing care in those categories where patients had lower quality nursing care than others, such as psychological support or the nurse’s sense of humor.

Key words: Patients’ perceptions, nursing care, quality nursing.
 

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN: 2756-3332 Vol. 14 (2), pp. 001-008, February, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessing the Efficacy of Digital Marketing Platforms in South Africa's Luxury Lodge Sector 

Corne Meintjes¹, Ilse Niemann-Struweg¹* and Danie Petzer²

¹School of Business and Economics, Monash, South Africa.
²Department of Marketing Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Accepted 5 September, 2025

The information-intensive nature of the tourism industry suggests that the Internet is important in marketing tourism destinations. This article evaluates the marketing related aspects of luxury lodge websites in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Through systematic sampling, 20 luxury lodge websites were selected from a population of 40 rated as four and five star lodges by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. The research design is a concurrent mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative data are collected concurrently with qualitative data leading the analysis and reporting. Websites were evaluated against criteria developed through a content analysis of existing website evaluation models. The study finds that the websites are generally of a high standard and appealing, but lack originality and uniqueness. The study highlights issues pertaining to the current web marketing approaches of luxury lodges that cater for up-market international tourism, but employs marketing approaches for a local market.

Key words: Websites, luxury lodges, evaluation criteria, marketing.