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Kutywayo A, Mabetha K, Naidoo NP, Mahuma T, Njobe P, Hlongwane R, Mullick S. Learner experiences of safety at public high schools in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the National School Safety Framework learner surveys. Gates Open Res 2024; 6:6. [PMID: 38144447 PMCID: PMC10739271 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13328.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite progressive policies and frameworks on school safety by the Department of Basic Education, safety remains a concern in South African schools. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) 152-question learner survey, exploring perceptions and experiences pertaining to eight safety domains: dangerous objects, drugs and alcohol, bullying, verbal abuse, physical violence, discrimination, sexual violence, and journey to and from school. Grade 9-11 learners from 15 government-funded high schools in the Girls Achieve Power trial in Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Thembisa townships were surveyed (March 2018 - April 2019), sampling 10% of the school population. Data analysis included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reducing correlated variables into fewer questions, then analysis on a scree plot by calculating eigenvalues; repeated PCA with those that had a minimum eigenvalue of 1 and Cronbach Alpha test for internal reliability. Eleven composite variables were included in the final analysis. Results In total, 1034 learners completed the NSSF learner survey; 52.9% were female and the mean age was 16 years (SD=1.36). Results show statistically significant associations between four of the 11 composite variables in relation to sex. Over half (55%) of males have experienced peer provocation and relational aggression (p<0.001). Fifty-eight percent of females reported feeling unsafe on their way to and from school (p<0.003). Over half of males reported that their school was not effective in enforcing discipline (p=0.002) while 58% of females noted they could comfortably report any form of experienced or witnessed violence at school, to their educators (p<0.000). Conclusions Violence continues to be a concern in South African schools. Interventions should work across the ecological model to effectively prevent and reduce violence at school and community levels. Strengthened NSSF implementation is critical to achieving this. We recommend NSSF learner survey adaptations to increase utility and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Khuthala Mabetha
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Nicolette P. Naidoo
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Tshepo Mahuma
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
| | - Paseka Njobe
- School Safety Directorate, National Department Of Basic Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ronelle Hlongwane
- School Safety Directorate, National Department Of Basic Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa
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Pleaner M, Milford C, Kutywayo A, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of adolescent learners from three South African townships: qualitative findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:60. [PMID: 37249954 PMCID: PMC10220247 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13588.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a time of psycho-social and physiological changes, with increased associated health risks including vulnerability to pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence. Adolescent learners, from three townships in South Africa, participated in a 44 session, after-school asset-building intervention (GAP Year), over 2 years providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. This paper explores adolescent learners' SRH, sexual risk and rights knowledge; perceptions about transactional sex; and contraceptive method preferences and decision-making practices. Methods: The intervention was conducted in 13 secondary schools across Khayelitsha, Thembisa, and Soweto, South Africa. A baseline survey collected socio-demographic data prior to the intervention. Overall, 26 focus group discussions (FGDs): 13 male and 13 female learner groups, purposively selected from schools, after completing the intervention (2 years after baseline data collection). Descriptive analyses were conducted on baseline data. Qualitative data were thematically coded, and NVivo was used for data analysis. Results: In total, 194 learners participated in the FGDs. Mean age at baseline was 13.7 years (standard deviation 0.91). Participants acquired SRH and rights knowledge during the GAP Year intervention. Although transactional sex was viewed as risky, some relationships were deemed beneficial and necessary for material gain. Negative healthcare provider attitudes were the main barrier to healthcare service utilisation. There was awareness about the benefits of contraceptives, but some myths about method use. The injectable was the preferred contraceptive method, followed by the implant, with equal preference for condoms and oral pill. Conclusions : An afterschool intervention at school is a viable model for the provision of SRH and rights education to learners. Recommendations include the need for risk reduction strategies in the curriculum, dealing with misconceptions, and the promotion of informed decision making. Endeavours to ensure health services are youth friendly is a priority to limit barriers to accessing these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Pleaner
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Milford
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, Kwa zulu Natal, 4001, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Nicolette Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2193, South Africa
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Pleaner M, Kutywayo A, Beksinska M, Mabetha K, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Contraception knowledge and uptake among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:67. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13636.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings. Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake. Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.
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Kutywayo A, Chersich M, Naidoo NP, Scorgie F, Bottoman L, Mullick S. Climate change knowledge, concerns and experiences in secondary school learners in South Africa. JÀMBÁ: JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK STUDIES 2022; 14:1162. [PMID: 35812831 PMCID: PMC9257758 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v14i1.1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Climate change poses a major threat to the future of today’s youth. Globally, young people are at the forefront of climate change activism. Their ability to engage, however, depends on the level of knowledge of climate change and concern about the topic. We sought to examine levels of knowledge and concerns about climate change among youth in South Africa, and their experiences of heat exposure. Ten questions on climate change knowledge, concerns and experiences were nested within a cross-sectional survey conducted in a cluster randomised trial among 924 secondary school learners in 14 public schools in low-income Western Cape areas. Learners’ mean age was 15.8 years and they were predominately female. While 72.0% of respondents knew that climate change leads to higher temperatures, only 59.7% agreed that human activity is responsible for climate change, and 58.0% believed that climate change affects human health. Two thirds (68.7%) said that climate change is a serious issue and 65.9% indicated action is needed for prevention. Few learners indicated climate change events had affected them, although many reported difficulties concentrating during hot weather (72.9%). Female learners had lower knowledge levels than male learners, but more frequent heat-related symptoms. Learners scoring high on knowledge questions expressed the most concern about climate change and had the highest heat impacts. Many youth seem unaware that climate change threatens their future. Heat-related symptoms are common, likely undermining educational performance, especially as temperatures escalate. More is needed to mainstream climate change into South African school curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kutywayo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Matthew Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicolette P. Naidoo
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fiona Scorgie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Likho Bottoman
- Director Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, Department of Basic Education, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Pleaner M, Kutywayo A, Beksinska M, Mabetha K, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Knowledge, uptake and patterns of contraception use among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13636.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings. Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8’s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake. Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex. Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.
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Pleaner M, Milford C, Kutywayo A, Naidoo N, Mullick S. Sexual and reproductive health and rights knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of adolescent learners from three South African townships: qualitative findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13588.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a time of psycho-social and physiological changes, with increased associated health risks including vulnerability to pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and gender-based violence. Adolescent learners, from three townships in South Africa, participated in a 44 session, after-school asset-building intervention (GAP Year), over 2 years providing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education. This paper explores adolescent learners’ SRH, sexual risk and rights knowledge; perceptions about transactional sex; and contraceptive method preferences and decision-making practices. Methods: The intervention was conducted in 13 secondary schools across Khayelitsha, Thembisa, and Soweto, South Africa. A baseline survey collected socio-demographic data prior to the intervention. Overall, 26 focus group discussions (FGDs): 13 male and 13 female learner groups, purposively selected from schools, after the intervention (2 years after baseline data collection). Descriptive analyses were conducted on baseline data. Qualitative data were thematically coded, and NVivo was used for data analysis. Results: In total, 194 learners participated in the FGDs. Mean age at baseline was 13.7 years (standard deviation 0.91). Participants acquired SRH and rights knowledge during the GAP Year intervention. Although transactional sex was viewed as risky, some relationships were deemed beneficial and necessary for material gain. Negative healthcare provider attitudes were the main barrier to healthcare service utilisation. There was awareness about the benefits of contraceptives, but some myths about method use. The injectable was the preferred contraceptive method, followed by the implant, with equal preference for condoms and oral pill. Conclusions: An afterschool intervention at school is a viable model for the provision of SRH and rights education to learners. Recommendations include the need for risk reduction strategies in the curriculum, dealing with misconceptions, and the promotion of informed decision making. Endeavours to ensure health services are youth friendly is a priority to limit barriers to accessing these services.
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Kutywayo A, Mabetha K, Naidoo NP, Mahuma T, Njobe P, Hlongwane R, Mullick S. Learner experiences of safety at public high schools in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the National School Safety Framework learner surveys. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13328.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite progressive policies and frameworks on school safety by the Department of Basic Education, safety remains a concern in South African schools. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed using the National School Safety Framework (NSSF) 152-question learner survey, exploring perceptions and experiences pertaining to eight safety domains: dangerous objects, drugs and alcohol, bullying, verbal abuse, physical violence, discrimination, sexual violence, and journey to and from school. Grade 9-11 learners from 15 government-funded high schools in the Girls Achieve Power trial in Khayelitsha, Soweto, and Thembisa townships were surveyed (March 2018 - April 2019), sampling 10% of the school population. Data analysis included Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reducing correlated variables into fewer questions, then analysis on a scree plot by calculating eigenvalues; repeated PCA with those that had a minimum eigenvalue of 1 and Cronbach Alpha test for internal reliability. Eleven composite variables were included in the final analysis. Results: In total, 1034 learners completed the NSSF learner survey; 52.9% were female and the mean age was 16 years (SD=1.36). Results show statistically significant associations between four of the 11 composite variables in relation to sex. Over half (55%) of males have experienced peer provocation and relational aggression (p<0.001). Fifty-eight percent of females reported feeling unsafe on their way to and from school (p<0.003). Over half of males reported that their school was not effective in enforcing discipline (p=0.002) while 58% of females noted they could comfortably report any form of experienced or witnessed violence at school, to their educators (p<0.000). Conclusions: Violence continues to be a concern in South African schools. Interventions should work across the ecological model to effectively prevent and reduce violence at school and community levels. Strengthened NSSF implementation is critical to achieving this. We recommend NSSF learner survey adaptations to increase utility and implementation.
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Kutywayo A, Frade S, Gordon K, Mahuma T, Naidoo NP, Mullick S. Who’s got the power? Expressions of empowerment among in-school adolescents enrolled in the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial in three peri-urban settings of South Africa. Gates Open Res 2021. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13336.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Empowerment is when a person gains mastery of their life and environment. This paper describes three central elements of empowerment (agency, resources, and institutional structures) expressed by adolescents, discussing implications for strengthening adolescent sexual reproductive health, HIV, and violence prevention programming. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted (April 2017 – May 2018) as part of the GAP Year trial among grade eight learners (12 – 18 years) from 26 lowest quintile public high schools in Khayelitsha, Soweto and Thembisa townships, South Africa. Data were on empowerment experiences using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey. Descriptive and chi-square test statistics were employed, assessing the association between sociodemographic and domains of empowerment. Results: A total of 2383 adolescents in 26 schools completed the baseline survey: 63.1% female, mean age 13.7 years, 96.9% Black African. Agency: Males (4.04 vs 3.94, p=0.008) and those 15 – 18 years (4.10 vs 3.95, p=0.027) expressed stronger decision-making capacity. Females (3.18 vs 2.92, p<0.001) indicated a greater sense of collective action. Females (0.77 vs 0.72, p=0.008), those aged 12 -14 years (0.76 vs 0.71, p=0.027) and those with at least one parent/guardian employed (p=0.014) had stronger leadership confidence. Resources: Those 12-14 years expressed higher self-esteem (2.18 vs 2.08, p=0.017). Males (2.24 vs 1.87, p<0.001) and those who had at least one parent/guardian employed (p=0.047) had a higher perception of freedom from gender-based violence. Males showed greater mobility (2.89 vs 2.66, p=<0.001). Institutional structures: Coloured participants showed more positive norms than their Black counterparts (5.38 vs 2.12, p=0.005). Conclusions: Males expressed greater empowerment around decision-making, gender-based violence and mobility; females expressed greater collective action and leadership. Working across the ecological model, interventions addressing sex differences, targeting adolescents of all ages, and parental unemployment may strengthen expressions of empowerment, especially adolescents’ safety, mobility, aspirations, and future hopes.
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