Experiences of occupational nurses regarding non-adherent mineworkers with chronic illnesses

Background: Occupational nurses continue to provide service to mineworkers diagnosed with chronic illnesses, however, non-adherence to medication is prevalent, cause overcrowding, long queues and admission at hospitals as they become sick. Aim: This study aimed to describe the experience of occupational nurses (ONs) regarding non-adherence to medication among mineworkers diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Setting: The study was conducted at a selected mine in Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive design that is contextual in nature, was used with a phenomenological approach. Thirteen ONs were purposively sampled and individual face-to-face interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti 24 software was applied to analyse the data collected. The researcher and the independent coder held a consensus discussion and agreed on the themes and the sub-themes. Results: Two themes and various sub-themes emerged along with Care-related challenges linked to the mineworkers and challenges related to the provision of service to mineworkers. Data analysed indicated that the ONs had varying but often similar perspectives regarding non-adherence to medication among mineworkers diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Conclusion: Non-adherence to medication is prevalent among mineworkers diagnosed with chronic illnesses and improving the mineworkers’ outcomes requires addressing the issue of non-adherence to primary medication. Contribution: This study highlights the importance of adhering to prescribed medication among mineworkers diagnosed with chronic illnesses to ensure quality of life.