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Knight L, Humphries H, Van der Pol N, Ncgobo N, Essack Z, Rochat T, van Rooyen H. 'A difficult conversation': community stakeholders' and key informants' perceptions of the barriers to talking about sex and HIV with adolescents and young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1725-1740. [PMID: 36803644 PMCID: PMC10439967 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2178674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence and young adulthood are important periods of transition and therefore for action and intervention to ensure future sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Caregiver-adolescent communication about sex and sexuality is a protective factor for SRH, but there are often barriers to this. Adults' perspectives are limited within the literature but important as they should lead this process. This paper uses exploratory qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 40 purposively sampled community stakeholders and key informants to explore their insights into the perceived, experienced or expected challenges adults' experience when having these conversations within a high HIV prevalence, South African context. Findings suggest that respondents recognised the value of communication and were generally willing to try it. However, they identified barriers such as fear, discomfort and limited knowledge and perceived capacity to do so. They show that in high prevalence contexts adults grapple with their own personal risks, behaviours and fears that may affect their ability to have these conversations. This demonstrates the need to equip caregivers with the confidence and ability to communicate about sex and HIV, alongside managing their own complex risks and situations to overcome barriers. It is also necessary to shift the negative framing of adolescents and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Knight
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Belville, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Hilton Humphries
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Natasha Van der Pol
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Nkosinathi Ncgobo
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Zaynab Essack
- Human and Social Capabilities, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- South African Research Ethics Training Initiative (SARETI), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Tamsen Rochat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, SAMRC/WITS Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Heidi van Rooyen
- The Impact Centre, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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2
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Duby Z, Verwoerd W, Isaksen K, Jonas K, Maruping K, Dietrich J, Lovette A, Kuo C, Mathews C. 'I can't go to her when I have a problem': sexuality communication between South African adolescent girls and young women and their mothers. SAHARA J 2022; 19:8-21. [PMID: 35443869 PMCID: PMC9037167 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2022.2060295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Parent–adolescent sexuality communication, the process in which parents and their adolescent children discuss sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, is a key component for adolescents’ protective behaviours. Open communication with parents, particularly mothers, enables informed sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decision-making amongst adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). As part of a qualitative study evaluating a South African combination HIV prevention intervention for AGYW, we explored perspectives on SRH communication among AGYW and mothers of AGYW, and the effects of the intervention on sexuality communication as perceived by AGYW, mothers of AGYW, intervention facilitators and implementers, and community leaders. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 185 AGYW aged 15–24 years who had participated in the intervention, seven mothers of AGYW intervention recipients, 14 intervention facilitators, six community leaders, and 12 intervention implementers. Key themes that emerged in analysis were (1) Barriers to Sexuality communication, (2) Implications of Gaps in Sexuality Communication, and (3) Addressing Barriers to Sexuality communication. Barriers to sexuality communication included inability or unwillingness to discuss sex, a generation gap, proscriptive socio-cultural guidelines, and mothers’ discomfort, lack of knowledge and self-efficacy, and fear of encouraging promiscuity. AGYW described making poorly-informed SRH decisions alone, expressing a desire for more open communication with and support from parents/mothers. Framed within the social cognitive theory, these findings can help to guide efforts to address barriers around parent–adolescent sexuality communication, inform interventions aimed at targeting SRH issues amongst AGYW, such as unintended pregnancy and HIV, and support meaningful engagement of parents in supporting AGYW in navigating pathways to achieving their SRH goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Duby
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wilmé Verwoerd
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences in the School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katja Isaksen
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kim Jonas
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kealeboga Maruping
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janan Dietrich
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ashleigh Lovette
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Caroline Kuo
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Catherine Mathews
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Gumede D, Meyer-Weitz A, Zuma T, Shahmanesh M, Seeley J. A qualitative investigation of facilitators and barriers to DREAMS uptake among adolescents with grandparent caregivers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000369. [PMID: 36962500 PMCID: PMC10022343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents with grandparent caregivers have experienced challenges including the death of one or both parents due to HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. They may be left out of existing HIV prevention interventions targeting parents and children. We investigated the facilitators and barriers to DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) programme uptake among adolescents with grandparent caregivers across different levels of the socio-ecological model in rural South Africa. Data were collected in three phases (October 2017 to September 2018). Adolescents (13-19 years old) and their grandparent caregivers (≥50 years old) (n = 12) contributed to repeat in-depth interviews to share their perceptions and experiences regarding adolescents' participation in DREAMS. Data were triangulated using key informant interviews with DREAMS intervention facilitators (n = 2) to give insights into their experiences of delivering DREAMS interventions. Written informed consent or child assent was obtained from all individuals before participation. All data were collected in isiZulu and audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Thematic and dyadic analysis approaches were conducted guided by the socio-ecological model. Participation in DREAMS was most effective when DREAMS messaging reinforced existing norms around sex and sexuality and when the interventions improved care relationships between the adolescents and their older caregivers. DREAMS was less acceptable when it deviated from the norms, raised SRH information that conflicts with abstinence and virginity, and when youth empowerment was perceived as a potential threat to intergenerational power dynamics. While DREAMS was able to engage these complex families, there were failures, about factors uniquely critical to these families, such as in engaging children and carers with disabilities and failure to include adolescent boys in some interventions. There is a need to adapt HIV prevention interventions to tackle care relationships specific to adolescent-grandparent caregiver communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumile Gumede
- Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thembelihle Zuma
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Atujuna M, Montgomery ET, Hartmann M, Ndwayana S, Browne EN, Sindelo S, Bekker LG, Minnis AM. The Role of Families in Adolescent and Young Adults' PrEP Use. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1618-1632. [PMID: 34716835 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03514-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key HIV prevention tool for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), its initiation and sustained use is shaped by AYAs' unique social contexts, including family. We explored the role of families in AYAs' PrEP use through qualitative in-depth interview (IDI) data from iPrevent, an end-user study designed to identify factors that could optimize PrEP adherence among South African youth (18-24 years old). These data were collected using a semi structured guide and were analysed using an inductive approach. Several themes describing family influence on AYAs' PrEP use emerged including family support; family attitude towards PrEP; and the family's ability to obviate PrEP disclosure challenges. In addition, dimensions of family closeness, categorized as 'close', 'in-between' and 'loose-knit,' appeared important in contextualizing family influence on AYAs' PrEP use. We found that family remains a proximal and fundamental social system in which AYA are socialized and greater family engagement could aid PrEP implementation in this priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent Atujuna
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Level 1, Wernher Beit North Building, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa.
| | | | - Miriam Hartmann
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Erica N Browne
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Brault MA, Christie S, Aquino S, Rendin A, Manchia A, Curry LA, Linnander EL. Project Last Mile and the development of the Girl Champ brand in eSwatini: engaging the private sector to promote uptake of health services among adolescent girls and young women. SAHARA J 2021; 18:52-63. [PMID: 33685358 PMCID: PMC7946024 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2021.1894224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In eSwatini and across sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at significantly higher risk of HIV infection and poorer sexual and reproductive health (SRH) than their male counterparts. AGYW demonstrate low demand for SRH services, further contributing to poor outcomes. Strategic marketing approaches, including those used by multinational corporations, have potential to support demand creation for SRH services among AGYW, but there is limited empirical evidence on the direct application of private-sector strategic marketing approaches in this context. Therefore, we examined how Project Last Mile worked with eSwatini's Ministry of Heath to translate strategic marketing approaches from the Coca-Cola system to attract AGYW to SRH services. We present qualitative market research using the ZMET® methodology with 12 young Swazi women (ages 15-24), which informed development of a highly branded communication strategy consistent with other successful gain-framing approaches. Qualitative in-depth interviews with 19 stakeholders revealed receptivity to the market research findings, and highlighted local ownership over the strategic marketing process and brand. These results can inform similar efforts to translate strategic marketing to support demand generation in pursuit of public health goals to reduce HIV risk and improve SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A. Brault
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah Christie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Leslie A. Curry
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erika L. Linnander
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Health Leadership Initiative, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Donenberg G, Merrill KG, Atujuna M, Emerson E, Bray B, Bekker LG. Mental health outcomes of a pilot 2-arm randomized controlled trial of a HIV-prevention program for South African adolescent girls and young women and their female caregivers. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2189. [PMID: 34847908 PMCID: PMC8630514 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) report significant mental distress and sexual and reproductive health concerns. Mental health problems and trauma symptoms are consistently associated with sexual and reproductive health behavior. Despite their intersection, few interventions address them simultaneously or engage female caregivers (FC) as collaborators. This study presents findings from a pilot test of an empirically supported culturally adapted family-based HIV-prevention program, Informed Motivated Aware and Responsible Adolescents and Adults- South Africa (IMARA-SA), on AGYW anxiety, depression, and trauma. Methods Sixty 15–19-year-old AGYW (mean age = 17.1 years) and their FC from outside Cape Town were randomized to IMARA-SA or a health promotion control program. AGYW reported their anxiety using the GAD-7, depression using the PHQ-9, and trauma using the PC-PTSD-5 at baseline and follow-up (6–10 months post). Both interventions were delivered by Xhosa-speaking Black South African women in groups over 2 days for approximately 10 h. We examined intervention effects using zero-inflated negative binomial regression for anxiety, multinomial logistic regression for depression, and logistic regression for trauma. Results At baseline, groups did not differ in demographic characteristics but AGYW randomized to IMARA-SA had higher depression scores than controls (p = 0.04) and a greater proportion screened positive for PTSD (p = .07). Controlling for baseline mental health scores, AGYW who received IMARA-SA compared to controls had significantly fewer anxiety symptoms at follow-up (adjusted incidence rate ratio for count model = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.29–0.99, p = 0.05), were less likely to report at least one depressive symptom relative to no symptoms (relative risk ratio = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.95, p = 0.04), and were less likely to report symptoms of PTSD relative to no symptoms, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Mental health is implicated in risky sexual behavior, and reducing emotional distress can mitigate exposure to poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This pilot study yielded promising findings for the mental health impact of IMARA-SA, justifying replication in a larger randomized trial. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT04758390, accepted 17/02/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geri Donenberg
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Katherine G Merrill
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | - Erin Emerson
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Bethany Bray
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Donenberg GR, Atujuna M, Merrill KG, Emerson E, Ndwayana S, Blachman-Demner D, Bekker LG. An individually randomized controlled trial of a mother-daughter HIV/STI prevention program for adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: IMARA-SA study protocol. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1708. [PMID: 34544403 PMCID: PMC8454166 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11727-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has the world's largest HIV epidemic, but South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) acquire HIV at twice the rate of and seroconvert on average 5-7 years earlier than their male peers. Female caregivers (FC) are an untapped resource for HIV/STI prevention in South Africa and offer a novel opportunity to strengthen AGYW prevention efforts. This study will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an evidence-based mother-daughter HIV/STI prevention program tested in the United States and adapted for South Africa, Informed Motivated Aware and Responsible Adolescents and Adults (IMARA), to decrease STI incident infections and increase HIV testing and counseling (HTC) and PrEP uptake in AGYW. METHODS This is a 2-arm individually randomized controlled trial comparing IMARA to a family-based control program matched in time and intensity with 525 15-19-year-old Black South African AGYW and their FC-dyads in Cape Town's informal communities. AGYW will complete baseline, 6-, and 12-month assessments. Following randomization, AGYW-FC dyads will participate in a 2-day group workshop (total 10 h) that includes joint and separate mother and daughter activities. Primary outcomes are AGYW STI incidence, HTC uptake, and PrEP uptake at 6 months. Secondary outcomes are AGYW STI incidence, HTC uptake, and PrEP uptake at 12 months, sexual behavior (e.g., condom use, number of partners), HIV incidence, and ART/PrEP adherence and intervention cost-effectiveness. AGYW who test positive for a STI will receive free treatment at the study site. HIV positive participants will be referred to ART clinics. DISCUSSION Primary prevention remains the most viable strategy to stem new STI and HIV transmissions. HIV and STI disparities go beyond individual level factors, and prevention packages that include supportive relationships (e.g., FC) may produce greater reductions in HIV-risk, improve HTC and PrEP uptake, and increase linkage, retention, and adherence to care. Reducing new HIV and STI infections among South African AGYW is global public health priority. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT04758390 , accepted 02/16/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geri R Donenberg
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | | | - Katherine G Merrill
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Erin Emerson
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | - Dara Blachman-Demner
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Simmonds JE, Parry CDH, Abdullah F, Burnhams NH, Christofides N. "Knowledge I seek because culture doesn't work anymore … It doesn't work, death comes": the experiences of third-generation female caregivers (gogos) in South Africa discussing sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:470. [PMID: 33750336 PMCID: PMC7941880 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to promote safer sexual choices. In many South African households, third-generation female caregivers, often grandmothers or other older females, locally known as gogos, are primary caregivers of children due to parents being deceased or absent. Subsequently, the responsibility of talking about sex and related issues has shifted to these gogos. This study explored the experiences of gogos living in Alexandra, Johannesburg on talking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children aged 10–18 years that are in their care. Methods Ten primary caregivers were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Thematic analysis was performed and inductive codes and themes identified. Results All gogos selected found it difficult to discuss sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS due to culture and traditional values impacting on personal experiences as well as generation and gender barriers. Perceived low self-efficacy due to low levels of knowledge and limited skills in speaking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS also contributed to low levels of sexual reproductive health communication. Conclusions This study highlights the need for interventions that focus on improving gogos’ knowledge about sexual reproductive health in addition to providing them with the skills to talk about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10494-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Simmonds
- Office of AIDS and TB, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa. .,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Charles D H Parry
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Fareed Abdullah
- Office of AIDS and TB, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nadine Harker Burnhams
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicola Christofides
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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9
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Muravha T, Hoffmann CJ, Botha C, Maruma W, Charalambous S, Chetty-Makkan CM. Exploring perceptions of low risk behaviour and drivers to test for HIV among South African youth. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245542. [PMID: 33481878 PMCID: PMC7822253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence among South African youth is high, yet HIV testing remains suboptimal. We explored how perceptions of HIV risk and behaviours informed decisions to test for HIV. This study was conducted from April 2018 to March 2019 in Ekurhuleni district, Gauteng Province with males and females aged between 15–24 years. Twenty-five youth with unknown HIV status participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs); while four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with those that previously tested for HIV. Probes used in the guides included types of incentives that youth would value when testing for HIV or receiving treatment; barriers and motivators to HIV testing; enablers and challenges to using cellphone technology and preferences on type of social media that could be used to create awareness about HIV testing services. IDIs and FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. QSR NVIVO 10 was used for the analysis. The majority of the youth perceived that their risk of HIV infection was low due to factors such as being young, lacking physical signs of HIV, being sexually inactive and parents not being HIV positive. However, youth identified high risk behaviours such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, excessive drinking of alcohol, being victims of sexual abuse, road accidents and violent behaviour as increasing their vulnerability to HIV. Most youth highlighted cues to action that would motivate them to test for HIV such as support of parents, receiving incentives, improved confidentiality during HIV testing and receiving information about HIV via social media (Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp). Despite perceptions of low risk to HIV, youth remain vulnerable to HIV. Disseminating HIV information via digital platforms; giving youth options to choose between testing locations that they consider to be private; providing incentives and equipping parents/guardians to encourage youth to test could optimise HIV testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wellington Maruma
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Candice M Chetty-Makkan
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Johannesburg, South Africa
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10
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Parent-child sexual and reproductive health communication among very young adolescents in Korogocho informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Reprod Health 2020; 17:79. [PMID: 32487239 PMCID: PMC7268390 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-020-00938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parents are an important source of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information for very young adolescents and are likely to have a significant influence on adolescents’ sexual attitudes, values, and risk-related beliefs. This study explored the nature and content of parent-child communication about SRH issues. Methods Thirty-two parents and 30 adolescent boys and girls aged between 11 and 13 years participated in narrative interviews in a resource-poor urban setting in Nairobi, Kenya. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and uploaded on Atlas.ti software for coding and analysis. Results Findings from the study show gender differences in parent-child communication. More girls than boys reported that they had talked with their parents about romantic relationships. Four approaches—no communication, fear-based communication, supportive communication, and involving an external person were used by parents in SRH communication. Parents hostile attitudes towards romantic relationships during adolescence discouraged adolescents from disclosing their relationship status. While communication did occur, it was mainly reactive, one-sided, and authoritarian, often initiated by parents. Conclusions Parents need to be empowered with adequate and factual SRH information and effective communication strategies to enhance communication with very young adolescents. There is a need for further research to identify the most effective parent-child communication approaches to improve SRH outcomes among adolescents.
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Nilsson B, Edin K, Kinsman J, Kahn K, Norris SA. Obstacles to intergenerational communication in caregivers' narratives regarding young people's sexual and reproductive health and lifestyle in rural South Africa. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:791. [PMID: 32460806 PMCID: PMC7251858 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08780-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statistics from South Africa show the world's highest HIV prevalence with an estimated seven million people living with the virus. Several studies have pointed to communication about sexuality between parents/caregivers and children as a protective factor. However, communication between generations has been described as problematic, especially due to discomfort in discussing sexual matters. The aim of this study was to explore how caregivers in a poor, rural part of South Africa talked about young people in general, their sexuality, and their lifestyle practices. A particular interest was directed towards central discourses in the caregivers' narratives and how these discourses were of importance for the caregivers to function as conversation partners for young people. METHODS In this qualitative study convenience sampling was used to select and invite participants. Information was collected from nine one-on-one interviews conducted with caregivers from rural areas within South Africa. The interview guide included nine main questions and optional probing questions. Each interview took place in an uninterrupted setting of choice associated with the caregivers' home environment. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using discourse analysis. RESULTS Interview narratives were characterized by three central discourses - demoralized youths in a changing society, prevailing risks and modernity and a generation gap. The youths were discursively constructed as a problematic group relating to specific prevailing risks such as early pregnancies, modern technologies, STI/HIV and contraceptives. The interview narratives illustrated that caregivers tried to impose their views of a respectable lifestyle in young people. At the same time caregivers expressed a morality of despair mirroring a generation gap which counteracted their ability to communicate with their children and grandchildren. CONCLUSIONS The findings add to the body of earlier research illustrating that rural South African caregivers and their children/grandchildren hold different moral standards. The interview material reflected a 'clash' between generations relating to their differing perceptions of a desirable lifestyle. To overcome the generational gap, we recommend further research about how a well-founded national and community collaboration linked to school-based programs can support family participation in order to empower adults in their communication with young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Nilsson
- Department of Culture and Media Studies, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Kerstin Edin
- Department of Nursing, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - John Kinsman
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health & Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shane A Norris
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Harling G, Gumede D, Shahmanesh M, Pillay D, Bärnighausen TW, Tanser F. Sources of social support and sexual behaviour advice for young adults in rural South Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2018; 3:e000955. [PMID: 30498588 PMCID: PMC6254751 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-000955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction While young people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are at greatest risk of HIV acquisition, uptake of HIV prevention interventions among them has been limited. Interventions delivered through social connections have changed behaviour in many settings, but not to date in SSA. There is little systematic evidence on whom young SSA adults turn to for advice. We therefore conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study from whom young rural South Africans received support and sexual behaviour-specific advice. Methods We asked 119 18–34 year olds in rural KwaZulu-Natal about the important people in their lives who provided emotional, informational, financial, physical, social or other support. We also asked whether they had discussed sex or HIV prevention with each contact named. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to analyse support and advice provision patterns. Results Respondents named 394 important contacts, each providing a mean of 1.7 types of support. Most contacts were relatives, same-gender friends or romantic partners. Relatives provided most informational, financial and physical support; friends and partners more social support and sexual advice. Respondents reported discussing sexual matters with 60% of contacts. Sources of support changed with age, from friends and parents, towards siblings and partners. Discussion Sexual health interventions for young adults in rural South Africa may be able to harness friend and same-generation kin social ties through which sex is already discussed, and parental ties through which other forms of support are transmitted. The gender-segregated nature of social connections may require separate interventions for men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Harling
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Dumile Gumede
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Till W Bärnighausen
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Department of Global Health and Development, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa - CAPRISA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, South Africa
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What Messages are Adolescent Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Clients Getting and How? Findings From an Observational Study in Tanzania. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1383-1393. [PMID: 27557986 PMCID: PMC5378739 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Uncircumcised adolescent males in sub-Saharan Africa are an important group to reach with voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services due to high HIV burden occurring among this age group. Appropriateness of the content and delivery of sexual health and HIV prevention messages to adolescent VMMC clients has not been extensively described. A study was conducted in Tanzania to examine quality, delivery and content of messages provided to adolescent (aged 15-19) and adult (aged 20+) VMMC clients (n = 320). Results show that counseling of mixed age groups during group education lacked selected key messages, compared to more age-homogeneous groups. Additionally, adolescents received more comprehensive information in individual counseling compared to group education. We recommend that health care providers are provided with skills and job aides to assist them to segment VMMC clients by age; provide age-appropriate messages; and increase use of individual counseling as a means to communicate with adolescent clients.
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Shrivastava SR, Shrivastava PS, Ramasamy J. Exploring the role of communication barriers in healthcare. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2014.977039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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