UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Florence, Maria"

Browsing by Author "Florence, Maria"

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A qualitative exploration of the dimensions of family resilience in a rural community on the West Coast
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Twigg, Jennifer; Florence, Maria; Isaacs, Serena
Historically, families living in disenfranchised communities were viewed as being dysfunctional. This view led to the perpetuation of the challenges and adverse situations faced by these families. It is important to view the family holistically rather than just to focus on the risk factors and/or the dysfunctional nature of the family. This study endeavoured to explore how the family functions and copes with the challenges they face. The aim of the study was to qualitatively explore the dimensions of family resilience as perceived by families in a rural community on the West Coast, South Africa. Family resilience theory was used as the theoretical framework for the research study. Three family resilience dimensions were explored. These dimensions are family belief systems, family organisation and resources, and family communication patterns. Participants were selected by means of nonprobability sampling. The local NGO in collaboration with the researcher identified the participants. The participants were homogenous in terms of being parents who participated in a parent support programme and were from the same community. Six semi-structured, oneon- one interviews were conducted as the data collection method. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged, in congruence with the theoretical framework. These themes were the family's belief system, their organisational patterns when faced with adversity, as well as the communication patterns of the family. The participants all reported that their strong sense of faith was used as coping mechanisms through their adversities. They had varying reports on how their family organised themselves and how they communicated. Some participants reported that living in a small community could at times be challenging, especially when sharing adversities as they feared community gossip, which then acted as a barrier to seeking help. The researcher adhered to the ethics requirements of the study in terms of confidentiality, provided the participants with informed consent forms and informed them of their rights as participants. Participants were free to discontinue the research process at any point without prejudice.
An international, multidisciplinary consensus set of patient-centered outcome measures for substance-related and addictive disorders
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Black, Nicola; Florence, Maria; Chung, Sophie
In 1990, the United States’ Institute of Medicine promoted the principles of outcomes monitoring in the alcohol and other drugs treatment field to improve the evidence synthesis and quality of research. While various national outcome measures have been developed and employed, no global consensus on standard measurement has been agreed for addiction. It is thus timely to build an international consensus. Convened by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), an international, multi-disciplinary working group reviewed the existing literature and reached consensus for a globally applicable minimum set of outcome measures for people who seek treatment for addiction. To this end, 26 addiction experts from 11 countries and 5 continents, including people with lived experience (n = 5; 19%), convened over 16 months (December 2018–March 2020) to develop recommendations for a minimum set of outcome measures. A structured, consensus-building, modified Delphi process was employed. Evidence-based proposals for the minimum set of measures were generated and discussed across eight videoconferences and in a subsequent structured online consultation. The resulting set was reviewed by 123 professionals and 34 people with lived experience internationally.
Children’s interactions with family and friends in constrained contexts: Considerations for children’s subjective well‑being
(Springer Nature, 2021) Florence, Maria; Savahl, Shazly; Adams, Sabirah
The primary aim of the study was to determine the relation between the frequency of children’s interactions with family and friends and their subjective well-being amongst a sample of children residing in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Within this process, the study further aimed to determine the differential relation of interactions with family and friends across two age groups (10- and 12-year-olds) and gender. The study included a sample of 2252 children between the ages of 10-to 12-years (Mage = 11.01, SD = 1.00). The instrument comprised a revised version of the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale and six items representing the frequency of interactions with family and friends. We used confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to analyse the data, with multi-group structural equation modelling to analyse the data across the two age groups and gender. We found a significant relation between children’s frequency of interactions with family and friends and their subjective well-being. While each of the latent constructs made a significant contribution, ‘frequency of interactions with family’ made the highest contribution to subjective well-being for the overall sample. Multi-group structural equation modelling demonstrated evidence of scalar invariance across age (10- and 12-yearolds) and gender, which endorses comparisons across groups by correlations, regression coefficients and mean scores. The latent variable ‘frequency of interactions with family’ presented with a stronger contribution for both age groups, as well as for both boys and girls. The study highlights the importance of social relationships on children’s lives and well-being.
The differences between adolescent users and non-users of addictive substances in a low socio-economic status community: Contextual factors explored from the perspective of subjective wellbeing.
(Psychological Society of South Africa, 2011) Florence, Maria; Koch, Elize
This research aimed to explore the differences between adolescents from a low socio-economic Cape Town community who use addictive substances and those who do not, with regard to subjective wellbeing. The Kidscreen52 was used to measure subjective wellbeing in a sample of 179 Grade 10 and 11 learners; 41.3% of the sample was male. Thirty-five percent of the adolescents reported to be substance users, with significantly more males reporting substance use than females in both grades. Scores on four of the sub-scales were significantly different for the substance users and non-users (namely Feelings, General mood, Family and home life, School and learning). A post hoc analysis indicated that males and females differed significantly on General mood, but that this difference did not interact with substance use.
Evaluating the construct validity of the KIDSCREEN-52 Quality of Life questionnaire in a South African context
(Psychological Society of South Africa, 2012) Taliep, Naiema; Florence, Maria
The absence of a suitable measure to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents in South Africa, led to the use of the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire which was developed and standardised in Europe. The current study is part of a broader study conducted in the Western Cape, which used the KIDSCREEN-52 to explore the influence of exposure to community violence on the subjective HRQoL of a sample of South African adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the KIDSCREEN-52 in a South African context. The broader study employed stratified interval criterion sampling to select 565 Grade 9 learners, aged 14-18. Participants were selected from six public schools in areas specified by the South African government as comprising key nodal areas in terms of crime in the Western Cape. The dataset for the current study comprised all participants (N=565) of the primary study. As the initial step in validation of the KIDSCREEN-52 in South Africa, the current study examined its factor structure by means of exploratory factor analysis, using principal component analysis with oblimin rotations. It also assessed the internal consistency reliability of each of the scales, using Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory factor analysis extracted 10 factors as identified by previous studies, with some deviation in the loadings of the last three factors. Items of two scales (“Feelings” and “About Yourself”) divided into three scales, and “Bullying” items were not sufficiently presented in the factor solution. Internal consistency of the measure was shown to be acceptable to good, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 for the 10 scales.
Experiences of coloured heroin users in Metro South area of Cape Town: A social work perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Caswell, Dominique; Henderson, Neil; Florence, Maria
Heroin usage is on the increase in the Western Cape province of South Africa owing to globalization and to increased access to the drug in this province. The goal of this study is to explore the experiences of coloured heroin users in the Metro South area of Cape Town, which stretches from Simons Town and Muizenberg to Retreat, Lavender Hill, Grassy Park, Parkwood and Wynberg. These individuals have been found to congregate in the Wynberg CBD. The overarching theoretical framework for the purpose of this research is social constructionism and symbolic interactionism, using a qualitative means of inquiry. Snowball sampling was used to recruit prospective participants and data was collected by means of in-depth interviews, with a semi structures interviewing schedule. The questions informed the subsequent themes and categories that arise from the data collection process. Snowball sampling was employed in this case, a non-probability sample, in which participants were recruited via key informants. The sample distribution included 13 participants, 10 of which were heroin users (5 female, 5 male) and the remaining 3 were key informants which contributed to triangulation of the data. In terms of the findings, participants spoke of mostly being involved in intimate relationships, which according to participants had dual benefits. For female participants intimate relationships offered a form of protection on the often dangerous streets of Wynberg and for certain males, intimate relationships offered an opportunity to fund their habit, by trading their female partners to perform sexual favors for money to acquire heroin. While the study found females were mainly involved in trading sexual favors for money, heterosexual males were also implicated in having sexual relations with homosexual men for money. Furthermore, the study found that heroin users in Wynberg represented a surrogate family, where, because of their lifestyle, they were disconnected from their own family. This family surrogate was found to be supportive, caring to a large extent, shared a living space, protective of each other and shared a common language and understanding.
Experiences of coloured heroin users in Metro South area of Cape Town: A social work perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Caswell, Dominique; Henderson, Neil; Florence, Maria
Heroin usage is on the increase in the Western Cape province of South Africa owing to globalization and to increased access to the drug in this province. The goal of this study is to explore the experiences of coloured heroin users in the Metro South area of Cape Town, which stretches from Simons Town and Muizenberg to Retreat, Lavender Hill, Grassy Park, Parkwood and Wynberg. These individuals have been found to congregate in the Wynberg CBD. The overarching theoretical framework for the purpose of this research is social constructionism and symbolic interactionism, using a qualitative means of inquiry. Snowball sampling was used to recruit prospective participants and data was collected by means of in-depth interviews, with a semi structures interviewing schedule. The questions informed the subsequent themes and categories that arise from the data collection process. Snowball sampling was employed in this case, a non-probability sample, in which participants were recruited via key informants. The sample distribution included 13 participants, 10 of which were heroin users (5 female, 5 male) and the remaining 3 were key informants which contributed to triangulation of the data. In terms of the findings, participants spoke of mostly being involved in intimate relationships, which according to participants had dual benefits. For female participants intimate relationships offered a form of protection on the often dangerous streets of Wynberg and for certain males, intimate relationships offered an opportunity to fund their habit, by trading their female partners to perform sexual favors for money to acquire heroin. While the study found females were mainly involved in trading sexual favors for money, heterosexual males were also implicated in having sexual relations with homosexual men for money. Furthermore, the study found that heroin users in Wynberg represented a surrogate family, where, because of their lifestyle, they were disconnected from their own family. This family surrogate was found to be supportive, caring to a large extent, shared a living space, protective of each other and shared a common language and understanding.
Exploring experiences of “black tax” among emerging black middle class in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mpisane, Noluthando; Florence, Maria
“Black Tax” refers to the financial burden that is placed upon Black professionals to support their immediate and extended families. There is nascent and limited academic literature on “Black Tax”, and the available literature focuses mostly on the financial impact of “Black Tax”. Thus, the overall aim of this study was to explore the experiences of “Black Tax” amongst the emerging Black middle-class with regard to the emotional aspects of the practise. The Kinscripts Framework was used to explicate how the emerging Black middle-class experience “Black Tax”, in terms of the perceived financial obligation, and expectation towards their immediate and extended families.
Exploring the quality of life needs of pregnant women who use substances in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Thandeki, Hloni; Florence, Maria
Maternal substance use is a severe public health concern in South Africa. Low-income rural living presents unique challenges for pregnant women using substances. Consequently, the present study aimed to explore the quality of life (QoL) needs of pregnant women who use substances in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape; in particular, the environmental barriers and opportunities that could improve or hamper the women’s QoL and recovery. To do this, this study utilised an interpretive phenomenological analysis to conduct secondary data analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews collected for the parent project it forms part of. The parent project employed purposive sampling to select thirteen pregnant women who took part in the substance use support programme of a collaborating non-profit organisation. The data analysis of this study was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Theory and the QoL Framework. The study found that while community resources, social support, hope, and resilience offered opportunities for enhancing the QoL and supporting the recovery of the women in this study, contextual stressors and mental health issues functioned as barriers to QoL and recovery. The findings demonstrated the need for increased attention to the social determinants of health in maternal substance use and QoL research and interventions, as well as multi-level and multi-sectoral stakeholder involvement with a focus on resolving contextual impediments. The present study concluded that challenging maternal substance use and improving maternal QoL in low-income rural communities in the Western Cape requires a critically informed, locally relevant approach to understanding and addressing these issues.
Perceived purpose and sources of meaning as protective factors for substance use amongst emerging adults across South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Brogneri, Savannah; Florence, Maria
South Africa (SA) is afflicted with high rates of substance use disorders. Emerging adults are particularly vulnerable to engaging in substance use that has the potential to become harmful. Thus, there is a need to identify protective factors that can diminish an emerging adult's propensity for hazardous substance use. There is a growing body of research that has determined a correlation between purpose and meaning as protective factors; however, there is a lack of appropriate data on the relationship between these variables within SA. Therefore, this study investigated the correlation between life purpose, sources of meaning and substance use amongst emerging adults in SA. A descriptive correlational research design was employed. Secondary survey data collected through a parent study entitled the ‘Africa Long Life Study (ALLS)’ was analysed. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee and permission was granted by the ALLS’s principal investigators. Data representing the variables were drawn from a 152-item survey administered to a sample of emerging adults aged 18-23 (N=675). Results revealed significant relationships between items from the source of meaning dimension self-transcendence and life purpose. An association between illicit drug use and life purpose was also established. Conclusively, a correlation was found between alcohol addiction and the source of meaning dimension, ‘Relationship Status,’ alongside the self-transcendence item, ‘I am involved in community service.’ These findings contribute insights into protective factors against substance use within SA and can be utilised to guide future policy, practice and interventions.
The relation between children’s participation in daily activities, their engagement with family and friends, and subjective well-being
(Springer, 2020) Manuel, Donnay; Savahl, Shazly; Florence, Maria
The study aimed to ascertain the relation between children’s participation in daily activities, engaging with family and friends and their subjective well-being (SWB); and to ascertain the extent to which the nature of the relation differs across three age groups (8, 10 and 12), gender, and geographical context (urban and rural). The study used data from Wave 2 of the South African Children’s Worlds Study conducted with a random sample of 3284 children between the ages of 8 to 12-years. Three scales measuring children’s daily activities, engagement with family and friends, and their SWB using the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale were used. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling; with group comparisons assessed by means of multi-group structural equation modelling. The study found a significant relation between children’s engagement with family and friends and participation in daily activities and their SWB; with the combined influence of engagement with family and friends and participation in daily activities explaining 31% of the variance in SWB.
Scoping review protocol exploring the relationship between food insecurity, mental health and diet intake among adolescents across the globe
(BMJ, 2023) Nkwanyana, Akhona; Florence, Maria; Swart, Elizabeth Catherina
Introduction Studies, exploring the effect of food insecurity on physical and mental health, have shown that food insecurity is associated with lower self-reports of physical and mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity has increased leading to higher risks of poor mental health. Despite evidence of the negative implications of food insecurity on mental health, there is a paucity of research on these variables for adolescents specifically. The current evidence shows there is a gap in adolescent centred research linking mental health and food insecurity globally. Adolescence is a crucial period of development where habits, nutritional inadequacies linked to food insecurity and mental health problems formed due to these inadequacies can be conveyed into adulthood. The aim of this study is to systematically scope the literature exploring the relationship between mental health, food (in)security and/or diet intake of adolescents. Methods This review will be guided by Arksey and O'Malley's extended framework. The search strategy was developed by two of the authors and will be used to search literature from January 2012 to December 2022 in PubMed, Academic search complete, PsychARTICLES, Google, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of science core collection. Searching published and unpublished literature will be done in the chosen databases. References used in included literature will be reviewed for additional studies/sources. Articles will be assessed for eligibility by two reviewers, and any discrepancies reviewed by a third reviewer. The inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used for screening. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram will be used to document the selection process. A narrative summary and descriptive analysis will be used to summarise and report the extracted data. Ethics and dissemination Approval for this study has been granted by the University of the Western Cape Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BM21/8/3). Strict measures will be followed to ensure methodological rigour.
Scoping review protocol exploring the relationship between food insecurity, mental health and diet intake among adolescents across the globe
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2023) Nkwanyana, Akhona; Florence, Maria; Swart, Elizabeth Catherina
Studies, exploring the effect of food insecurity on physical and mental health, have shown that food insecurity is associated with lower self-reports of physical and mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity has increased leading to higher risks of poor mental health. Despite evidence of the negative implications of food insecurity on mental health, there is a paucity of research on these variables for adolescents specifically. The current evidence shows there is a gap in adolescent centred research linking mental health and food insecurity globally. Adolescence is a crucial period of development where habits, nutritional inadequacies linked to food insecurity and mental health problems formed due to these inadequacies can be conveyed into adulthood. The aim of this study is to systematically scope the literature exploring the relationship between mental health, food (in) security and/or diet intake of adolescents
Service providers’ perceptions of substitute addictions in the Western Cape, South Africa
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2024) Sinclair, Louise Deborah; Florence, Maria; Savahl, Shazly
Globally little is known regarding substance use service providers’ perceptions of substitute behaviours and this significant gap could hinder service provision and recovery outcomes. Semi-structured focus group discussions (including 22 service providers across five sites) were conducted in residential treatment facilities in the Western Cape, South Africa. Service providers recognised substances (e.g. cigarettes and caffeine) and behaviours (e.g. gambling, eating, love, sex, shopping, exercise, and gaming) as potential substitutes. Identified substitute motives included managing cravings; self-medication; filling the experiential void of the primary substance, and time-spending. Concurrent behaviours and addictions were believed to be a key mechanism underlying substitution however, service providers did not uniformly screen for co-occurring behavioural addictions. Substitute behaviours were primarily considered a pathway to relapse and service providers emphasised prevention, detection and family education. To suitably intervene, screening for co-occurring behaviours should be an integral part of the assessment of those presenting for substance use treatment.
Stress and nicotine dependence during pregnancy among women in Low-SES communities in the Western Cape: The mediating effects of social support
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Morkel, Jade; Florence, Maria
Health behaviours during pregnancy are of great significance due to its associated health consequences for both the woman and the developing foetus. There is a large body of existing knowledge demonstrating the profound harmful effects of cigarette smoking on maternal and foetal health. Given the significant smoking rates and the related negative birth outcomes and health impact on infants, understanding who smokes during pregnancy and the factors influencing this behaviour is imperative for the creation of effective intervention programs. The overarching aim of the study was to determine the relation between stress and nicotine dependence among a sample of pregnant women residing in low socio-economic status communities in the Western Cape. The study further aimed to determine the extent to which social support mediates this relation
Youths’ perceptions of the relation between alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour in the Western Cape, South Africa: a qualitative study
(Springer, 2021) Carels, Cassandra; Florence, Maria; Adams, Sabirah; Sinclair, Deborah Louise
The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that youth identify as contributing to alcohol consumption, and more specifcally its relation to risky sexual behaviour among youth. We employed an exploratory qualitative method using focus group discussions with 34 young people between the ages of 18-25-years-old in low socio-economic status communities in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Data were analyzed thematically utilizing Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step thematic analysis process. We identifed two thematic domains pertaining to alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviour, namely individual and social factors, each comprising three themes. The individual factors thematic domain comprises intrapersonal infuences, employment and educational attainment; while the social factors thematic domain includes interpersonal infuences, social infuences, and hope for the future. Youth living in low socio-economic status communities were thought to be at greater risk of alcohol misuse and subsequent risky behaviour, given the political and social history of marginalisation, systematic oppression, and social inequality. To address alcohol use and risky sexual behavior among youth, we recommend interventions with adolescents, parents or guardians, and the community. More specifcally, interventions aimed at adolescents should focus on the transition to young adulthood. Interventions with parents should focus on their role in modelling and potentially regulating alcohol consumption. Finally, community interventions should centre on drinking behaviors, levels of drinking, what constitutes harmful drinking, and how to identify when treatment and recovery support is likely to be required.

Browsing by Author "Florence, Maria"

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