scholarly journals Engaging study participants in interpreting results: lessons from the TRIO study in Kenya and South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol Volume 11 ◽  
pp. 395-403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kawango Agot ◽  
Alexandra Minnis ◽  
Kgahlisho Manenzhe ◽  
Erica N Browne ◽  
Khatija Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Study Participants

scholarly journals Exploring the feasibility and acceptability of integrating screening for gender-based violence into HIV counselling and testing for adolescent girls and young women in Tanzania and South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Colombini ◽  
◽  
Fiona Scorgie ◽  
Anne Stangl ◽  
Sheila Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Clinical Staff ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Hiv Counselling And Testing ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background Gender-based violence (GBV) undermines HIV prevention and treatment cascades, particularly among women who report partner violence. Screening for violence during HIV testing, and prior to offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to HIV uninfected women, provides an opportunity to identify those at heightened HIV risk and greater potential for non-adherence or early discontinuation of PrEP. The paper describes our experience with offering integrated GBV screening and referral as part of HIV counselling and testing. This component was implemented within EMPOWER, a demonstration project offering combination HIV prevention, including daily oral PrEP, to young women in South Africa and Tanzania. Methods Between February 2017 and March 2018, a process evaluation was conducted to explore views, experiences and practices of stakeholders (study participants and study clinical staff) during implementation of the GBV screening component. This article assesses the feasibility and acceptability of the approach from multiple stakeholder perspectives, drawing on counselling session observations (n = 10), in-depth interviews with participants aged 16–24 (n = 39) and clinical staff (n = 13), and notes from debriefings with counsellors. Study process data were also collected (e.g. number of women screened and referred). Following a thematic inductive approach, qualitative data were analysed using qualitative software (NVivo 11). Results Findings show that 31% of young women screened positive for GBV and only 10% requested referrals. Overall, study participants accessing PrEP were amenable to being asked about violence during HIV risk assessment, as this offered the opportunity to find emotional relief and seek help, although a few found this traumatic. In both sites, the sensitive and empathetic approach of the staff helped mitigate distress of GBV disclosure. In general, the delivery of GBV screening in HCT proved to be feasible, provided that the basic principles of confidentiality, staff empathy, and absence of judgment were observed. However, uptake of linkage to further care remained low in both sites. Conclusion Most stakeholders found GBV screening acceptable and feasible. Key principles that should be in place for young women to be asked safely about GBV during HIV counselling and testing included respect for confidentiality, a youth-friendly and non-judgmental environment, and a functioning referral network.

scholarly journals Immunogenicity of Novel DosR Regulon-Encoded Candidate Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Three High-Burden Populations in Africa

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1203-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian F. Black ◽  
Bonnie A. Thiel ◽  
Martin O. Ota ◽  
Shreemanta K. Parida ◽  
Richard Adegbola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
South African ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Protein Antigens ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Dosr Regulon ◽  
Interferon Responses

ABSTRACT Increasing knowledge about DosR regulon-encoded proteins has led us to produce novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens for immunogenicity testing in human populations in three countries in Africa to which tuberculosis (TB) is endemic. A total of 131 tuberculin skin test-positive and/or ESAT-6/CFP10-positive, human immunodeficiency virus-negative adult household contacts of active pulmonary TB cases from South Africa (n = 56), The Gambia (n = 26), and Uganda (n = 49) were tested for gamma interferon responses to 7 classical and 51 DosR regulon-encoded M. tuberculosis recombinant protein antigens. ESAT-6/CFP10 fusion protein evoked responses in >75% of study participants in all three countries. Of the DosR regulon-encoded antigens tested, Rv1733c was the most commonly recognized by participants from both South Africa and Uganda and the third most commonly recognized antigen in The Gambia. The four most frequently recognized DosR regulon-encoded antigens in Uganda (Rv1733c, Rv0081, Rv1735c, and Rv1737c) included the three most immunogenic antigens in South Africa. In contrast, Rv3131 induced the highest percentage of responders in Gambian contacts (38%), compared to only 3.4% of Ugandan contacts and no South African contacts. Appreciable percentages of TB contacts with a high likelihood of latent M. tuberculosis infection responded to several novel DosR regulon-encoded M. tuberculosis proteins. In addition to significant similarities in antigen recognition profiles between the three African population groups, there were also disparities, which may stem from genetic differences between both pathogen and host populations. Our findings have implications for the selection of potential TB vaccine candidates and for determining biosignatures of latent M. tuberculosis infection, active TB disease, and protective immunity.

Rethinking Structural Mechanisms for Improving Rapid Identification of Transnational Child Victims of Trafficking in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajwang' Warria
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rapid Identification ◽  
Access To Justice ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Child Trafficking ◽  
Social Mobilisation ◽  
Structural Mechanisms ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
And Training

Child trafficking is a multiple child rights violation that affects the lives of millions of children worldwide. However, the identification of victims of trafficking continues to be a challenge in the fight against trafficking, yet it is the first step towards recovery for victims. This article reflects the outcomes of a study that aimed to identify mechanisms for the rapid identification of victims of trafficking in South Africa. A qualitative approach was applied to get rich details from the study participants. Purposive sampling was used to select 32 study participants, including key informants and trafficked children, who were individually interviewed for the study. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Possible mechanisms suggested for improving the rapid identification of child victims of trafficking by the study participants included policy reforms, social mobilisation in communities, strengthening access to justice, and the development and training of practitioners. In the application of these mechanisms, a child-centric, victim-centred and time-sensitive approach needs to be adopted. The lack of rapid identification leads to invisibility of trafficked children that subsequently perpetuates the exploitation of children. To increase the identification and visibility of trafficked children and thereby improve psychosocial assistance, the walls of silence need to be broken down.

scholarly journals A culture-sensitive quantitative food frequency questionnaire used in an African population: 2. Relative validation by 7-day weighed records and biomarkers

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
UE MacIntyre ◽  
CS Venter ◽  
HH Vorster
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nitrogen Excretion ◽  
Food Record ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Weighed Food Record ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Urinary Nitrogen Excretion ◽  
Urinary Nitrogen

AbstractObjective:To determine the relative validity of the culture-sensitive quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) developed for the Transition, Health and Urbanisation in South Africa (THUSA) study by 7-day weighed food records, urinary nitrogen excretion and basal metabolic rate (BMR).Design:A cross-sectional study.Setting:A community-based study in a population stratified according to level of urbanization.Subjects:Residents of the North West Province, South Africa, aged between 15 and 65 years. The weighed food record study comprised 74 participants while 104 participants collected 24-hour urine samples.Methods:All participants were interviewed using the QFFQ. For the weighed food record study, participants kept detailed weighed food diaries for seven consecutive days. For the urinary nitrogen study, participants made one 24-hour urine collection. Completeness of the urine collections was checked against 240 mg para-aminobenzoic acid. BMR was estimated by the Schofield equations.Results:Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the QFFQ and weighed food record ranged between 0.14 (fibre) and 0.59 (vitamin C). The QFFQ tended to underestimate intakes compared with the weighed records. Quintile distributions were similar for both methods. The correlation between urinary nitrogen excretion and dietary intake was poor. Possible underreporting was identified for 43% of the participants with the QFFQ and 28% with the weighed food record.Conclusions:The QFFQ appeared to be a relatively valid instrument for the assessment of dietary intakes of the population of the North West Province. The use of biomarkers in this population was difficult and needs further investigation.

scholarly journals Attitudes towards nutritional supplement use amongst adult gymnasium users in Johannesburg North

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
X Mc Creanor ◽  
Y Coopoo ◽  
G Gabriels
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Statutory Body ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Nutritional supplements refer to a product ingested to increase the nutritional content of a normal diet, to fill a dietary need and/or presumed deficiency. The usage and popularity of nutritional supplements, however, raises concerns from a health benefit and risk perspective. In South Africa, there is currently no adequate regulatory framework of enforcement for nutritional supplement products and undeclared constituents by the statutory body, the Medicines Control Council (MCC). Education awareness programmes by organisations that should take consumer protection and the general public health and wellness as a right, needs to be improved. Objectives: To investigate the attitudes toward nutritional supplements by adult gym users from commercial gymnasiums in the Johannesburg North region of South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design, using a selfadministered questionnaire was applied to 364 recruited study participants who attended commercial gymnasiums in Johannesburg North. Results: One hundred and fifty users (41%) claimed that they ‘always’ read the information about the nutritional values, benefits, and side effects of the supplements on the labels prior to use. Three hundred and three users (83%) indicated that the number of users of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums is on the increase. Two hundred and seventy-three (75%) of main information sources for nutritional supplements may be found on the internet, while 292 (80%) indicated the need for gymnasiums to provide educational programmes pertaining to nutritional supplement consumption. Conclusion: Gymnasium users are aware of the increase in nutritional supplement use in commercial gymnasiums. Many of the users were unaware of the potential mislabelling and health concerns regarding these supplements. Therefore there is a need for improved nutritional supplement education programmes and diligence at multiple levels.

Prenatal Exposure To Ddt For Malaria Control And Anogenital Distance Among Vhembe Study Participants, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 (1) ◽  
pp. 1752
Author(s):  
Riana Bornman ◽  
Jonathan Chevrier ◽  
Stephen Rauch ◽  
Madelein Crause ◽  
Muvhulawa Obida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Anogenital Distance ◽  
Study Participants

scholarly journals Myths, misconceptions, othering and stigmatizing responses to Covid-19 in South Africa: A rapid qualitative assessment

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0244420
Author(s):  
Tenielle Schmidt ◽  
Allanise Cloete ◽  
Adlai Davids ◽  
Lehlogonolo Makola ◽  
Nokubonga Zondi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Civil Society Organizations ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
High Level ◽  
Study Participants

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of virus in the Coronavirus family that has not been previously identified. Since SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus, everyone is at risk of catching the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). No one has immunity to the virus. Despite this, misconceptions about specific groups of people who are immune to Covid-19 emerged with the onset of the pandemic. This paper explores South African communities’ misconceptions about who is most vulnerable to Covid-19. A rapid qualitative assessment was conducted remotely in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Recruitment of study participants took place through established relationships with civil society organizations and contacts made by researchers. In total, 60 key informant interviews and one focus group discussion was conducted. Atlas.ti.8 Windows was used to facilitate qualitative data analysis. The qualitative data was coded, and thematic analysis used to identify themes. The results show a high level of awareness and knowledge of the transmission and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. Qualitative data revealed that there is awareness of elderly people and those with immunocompromised conditions being more vulnerable to catching Covid-19. However, misconceptions of being protected against the virus or having low or no risk were also evident in the data. We found that false information circulated on social media not only instigated confusion, fear and panic, but also contributed to the construction of misconceptions, othering and stigmatizing responses to Covid-19. The study findings bring attention to the importance of developing communication materials adapted to specific communities to help reduce misconceptions, othering and stigmatization around Covid-19.

scholarly journals Dairy farmers’ knowledge and perception of climate change in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanga Simamkele Diniso ◽  
Leocadia Zhou ◽  
Ishmael Festus Jaja
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Farm Workers ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dairy farmers about climate change in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted following a cross-sectional research design (Bryman, 2012). The study was conducted mainly on dairy farms located on the south-eastern part of the Eastern Cape province in five districts out of the province’s six districts (Figure 1). These districts include Amathole, Chris Hani, OR Tambo and Cacadu; these regions were not included in a recent surveying study (Galloway et al., 2018). Findings In all, 71.7% of dairy farm workers heard about climate change from the television, and 60.4% of participants reported that they gathered information from radio. Eighty-two out of 106 (77.4%) correctly indicated that climate change is a significant long-term change in expected weather patterns over time, and almost 10% of the study participants had no clue about climate change. Approximately 63% of the respondents incorrectly referred to climate change as a mere hotness or coldness of the day, whereas the remainder of participants correctly refuted that definition of climate change. Most of the study participants correctly mentioned that climate change has an influence on dairy production (92.5%), it limits the dairy cows’ productivity (69.8%) and that dry matter intake of dairy cows is reduced under higher temperatures (75.5%). Research limitations/implications The use of questionnaire to gather data limits the study, as respondents relied on recall information. Also, the sample size and study area limits use of the study as an inference for the excluded parts of the Eastern Cape Province. Also, it focused only on dairy farm workers and did not request information from beef farmers. Practical implications This study imply that farmers without adequate knowledge of the impact of climate change keep complaining of a poor yield/ animal productivity and changing pattern of livestock diseases. Hence, a study such as the present one helps to bridge that gap and provide relevant governing authority the needed evidence for policy changes and intervention. Social implications Farmers will begin to get help from the government regarding climate change. Originality/value This a first study in South Africa seeking to document the knowledge of dairy farm workers about climate change and its impacts on productivity.

scholarly journals Attitudes towards nutritional supplement use amongst adult gymnasium users in Johannesburg North

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
X Mc Creanor ◽  
Y Coopoo ◽  
G Gabriels
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Statutory Body ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Nutritional supplements refer to a product ingested to increase the nutritional content of a normal diet, to fill a dietary need and/or presumed deficiency. The usage and popularity of nutritional supplements, however, raises concerns from a health benefit and risk perspective. In South Africa, there is currently no adequate regulatory framework of enforcement for nutritional supplement products and undeclared constituents by the statutory body, the Medicines Control Council (MCC). Education awareness programmes by organisations that should take consumer protection and the general public health and wellness as a right, needs to be improved. Objectives: To investigate the attitudes toward nutritional supplements by adult gym users from commercial gymnasiums in the Johannesburg North region of South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design, using a selfadministered questionnaire was applied to 364 recruited study participants who attended commercial gymnasiums in Johannesburg North. Results: One hundred and fifty users (41%) claimed that they ‘always’ read the information about the nutritional values, benefits, and side effects of the supplements on the labels prior to use. Three hundred and three users (83%) indicated that the number of users of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums is on the increase. Two hundred and seventy-three (75%) of main information sources for nutritional supplements may be found on the internet, while 292 (80%) indicated the need for gymnasiums to provide educational programmes pertaining to nutritional supplement consumption. Conclusion: Gymnasium users are aware of the increase in nutritional supplement use in commercial gymnasiums. Many of the users were unaware of the potential mislabelling and health concerns regarding these supplements. Therefore there is a need for improved nutritional supplement education programmes and diligence at multiple levels.

scholarly journals Resilience of Pregnant and Parenting Learners to Pursue Educational Aspirations Within a Stigmatising School Setting in Rural South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Tawanda Runhare ◽  
Eunice Kanaga-Majanga ◽  
Rifumuni Nancy Mathebula
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Educational Aspirations ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Community Environments ◽  
Study Participants

This study was premised on the increased demand for enrolment of pregnant and parenting learners (PPLs) at ordinary or conventional schools in South Africa due to the democratisation of access to education after the 1994 democratic dispensation. The study investigated how pregnant and parenting schoolgirls were resilient to continue with their educational aspirations at formal schools despite the social challenges that they faced in the school, family and community environments. A qualitative case study design was employed, and for confidentiality of the study participants, a face to face key-participant individual interview was the main data gathering instrument. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select a total of 8 PPLs, 4 learners from each of the two schools who were either pregnant or had given birth at the time of data gathering to express their coping strategies within a formal school setting. Study results revealed that setting new goals after pregnancy, desire to achieve self-efficacy, strategies against hate language and support from their significant others were key contributors to the resilience for the continued pursuit of the PPLs’ educational aspirations. The main recommendation from the study is for school management teams to help build a safe, child friendly and inclusive social environment among the school-based education duty bearers.    Received: 4 March 2021 / Accepted: 6 May 2021 / Published: 8 July 2021

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