UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Pedro, Athena"

Browsing by Author "Pedro, Athena"

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Coping with infertility: An explorative study of South African women’s experiences
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2015) Pedro, Athena
The expectation of getting married and having children is for many individuals a natural part of adult life. Many young people anticipate the prospect of becoming biological mothers and fathers. This expectation of parenthood emanates as individuals and couples are socially groomed to aspire to this social norm. Therefore, infertility can be a very traumatic and tormenting time for many men and women who aspire to conform to these socio-cultural conventions of normative parenthood and who believe that childbearing is central to their lives. Infertility is medically defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after a period of at least twelve months of regular sexual intercourse without contraception. For both men and women infertility may present pervasive feelings of incompleteness, a sense of failure and inadequacy. However, infertile women tend to endure a myriad of feeling losses and high levels of suffering and sorrow as a result of their inability to have children. This study explored a sample of South Africa women’s experiences of coping with infertility. Utilising a qualitative methodology, a diverse group of 21 married women who were diagnosed with primary infertility were recruited. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the study indicated that the women reported emotional turmoil characterised by emotions such as disappointment and shock, anger and frustration, a deep sense of sadness and then progressed to experience a sense of acknowledgement that a problem existed. The findings of this study suggest that severe psychological and emotional strain accompany infertility. The coping strategies employed by these women in the study included social withdrawal and women isolating themselves from social events and social gatherings, avoiding pregnant women and women with children, engaging in escapism strategies on both a psychological level and a physical level. Employing an escapism strategy on a psychological level would involve deliberately thinking about strategies to avoid thinking about infertility, pregnancy or babies. Escapism on the physical level would include engaging in activities like shopping, working longer hours, sleeping more than usual, engaging in activities that would occupy an individual to the extent that they cannot think about anything else except the activities they are currently engaged in.
Experiences of father carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An exploratory study
(National Inquiry Services Centre (NISC), 2016) Pottas, Antoinette; Pedro, Athena
This study aimed to explore the carer experiences of fathers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A total of eight South African fathers between the ages of 38 and 45 years were the interview informants. They cared for at least one child with ASD each and their children with ASD were within the age range of five to nine years (n=9, males=7, females=2, Low functioning=4, Moderately functioning=4, High functioning=1).The father carers completed a semi-structured interview. The data were analysed thematically. Four primary themes emerged from the analysis pertaining to aspects of rescoping their futures to include the care of a child with ASD, relationship issues, access to and management of resources, information and support, and carer compassion and satisfaction. The fathers shared a view that caring for their children with ASD was both stimulating and enriching, and that with time, they were able to adapt, and better respond, to the specific needs of their child
An exploration of a sample of South African caregivers’ experiences of apartheid
(University of Western Cape, 2019) Pretorius, Jené; Pedro, Athena
Apartheid created deep-rooted emotional scars of inequality, discrimination, and racial tension within the South African population. Literature regarding the population of contemporary South Africans remains, to some extent, divided by racial lines (Naidoo, Stanwix, & Yu, 2016; Harris, 2016). Since caregivers are the main socialisation agents influencing adolescents this research study sought to explore caregivers’ experiences of apartheid as a means to create an understanding of the views and perspectives of apartheid that are relayed by South African caregivers to their children.
Exploring a bio-psychological intervention for painful diabetic neuropathy
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Adzika, Vincent Agbemenya; Pedro, Athena
Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a major clinical manifestation of diabetes associated with damage to the nerves. The etiology and prognosis of PDN is multi-dimensional, needing a multi-faceted approach for management. The chronic pain associated with PDN is considered a painful crises that involves psychological complications in addition to the mere sensations. A repeated attempt to solve the problem of pain from a biomedical perspective has resulted in a cycle of low health quality of life, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety and pain catastrophizing. An effective treatment of PDN would require pharmacotherapies supplemented by non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and hypnosis (HYP).
Exploring a sample of university students’ perceptions of menstruation
(National Inquiry Services Centre (NISC), 2016) Ismail, Kulthum; Pedro, Athena; Andipatin, Michelle
This study aimed to explore how a sample of young South African women constructed their perceptions of menstruation. The sample comprised 16 racially/ethnically diverse female university students (blacks = 4, whites = 2, coloured = 8; Christians = 11; Muslims = 5; aged 18 to 23 years). They participated in one of three focus group discussions on their constructions of menstruation. Findings from the discourse analysis indicated that the women perceive social control experiences of their menstruation—even in the context of medical understandings.
Exploring foundation phase teachers’ experiences and perceptions of the challenges that impede school readiness
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Vilanculo, Keila; Pedro, Athena
Several studies concur that children from a disadvantaged background are as prepared for formal schooling, compared to their advantaged peers who have access to attend good quality pre-schools. This is particularly true regarding the literature aimed at understanding the challenges that impede school readiness of Foundation Phase learners and the consequences of poor school readiness on learner’s school performance. The overall aim of the study was to explore Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences and perceptions of the challenges that impede school readiness.
Exploring intrinsic religiosity as a means to militate against risky sexual behaviour in adolescents from Christian faith-based schools
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Bomester, Olivia; Pedro, Athena
Adolescent sexual development forms a crucial role in the process of identity formation and the establishment of healthy romantic and social relationships. However, some adults are uncomfortable with the notion of adolescent sexuality, and would choose to remain in a state of denial or ignorance. It is pivotal that adults address the topic of adolescent sexuality. Numerous adolescents are not adequately guided by parents, educators, and church leaders. Hence, their lack of basic sexual knowledge or simply having erroneous ideas appertaining to sexuality may cause them to make very unwise sexual decisions. A number of adolescents routinely engage in behaviours that unknowingly put their health at risk. Amongst South African adolescents, sexual risk-taking behaviours including early coitarche, unprotected sex, multiple sex-partners and low contraceptive use are quite common.
Exploring the lived experiences of individuals in a substance abuse treatment programme in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Benjamin, Fatiema; Davids, Charl; Pedro, Athena
Substance use is a worldwide health concern that has received significant attention as it is often related to deleterious outcomes. Various treatment programmes have been made available to assist people and their families who misuse substances, to aid rehabilitation and equip people with the necessary tools with the aim of preventing possible relapse. The Western Cape Province has been identified as experiencing the highest increase of substance use, with Cape Town being disproportionately affected. Substance use treatment and prevention programmes are therefore an increasingly important means of addressing substance use and related harms. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of individuals in relation to the treatment they received at a treatment facility in the Cape Town area. As such, the researcher made use of the phenomenological approach as a theoretical framework as it aims to describe the lived experiences of individuals in relation to a particular phenomenon. Furthermore, a qualitative methodological framework was utilised to explore the experiences of individuals who received substance use treatment. Ten participants were purposively selected from an outpatient substance use treatment facility in Cape Town. Focus group discussions were used to collect data and the data were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings suggest that there were various reasons participants sought treatment. This includes the challenges they experienced in both their personal and occupational lives as well as the realization of the negative effects substance use had on them physiologically. Findings also revealed that the environmental setting individuals were in fostered their treatment; the various aspects of the programme provided by the treatment facility had a significant contribution to their recovery and improved relationships with others; receiving support from family and friends were important in service providers treatment retention as well as individuals ability to identify the changes within themselves since receiving treatment. Overall, results indicate that the treatment programme helped participants in their recovery and enhanced personal relationships, self-perception as well as personal and occupational growth. Findings suggest that there are various reasons as to why people seek treatment and although this may differ, the treatment modality they were provided with contributed substantially to their recovery. Furthermore, this study will contribute to the literature and understanding the ways in which treatment fosters recovery, personal growth and relationships.
Exploring the lived experiences of infertility treatment and care by involuntarily childless women
(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Pedro, Athena; Faroa, Brendon D.
This study explored the lived experiences of fertility treatment and care by South African women with infertility . A total of 21 women from different age and ethnic groups (age range = 26 to 41; whites = 53%, coloured = 47%) were interviewed for the study . The women responded to semi-structured interviews on their lived experiences of fertility treatment and care whilst undergoing treatment . The data were analysed using thematic analysis . Four main themes were identified in the study; including: lack of compassionate care from treatment care providers, the need for infertility clinics to integrate psychosocial support care, a need for continuing education for fertility staff, as well as financial support resourcing . Participants expressed a need for health care staff at fertility clinics to be more attentive to their emotional and psychological needs . In addition, participants perceived a need for psychosocial care as a result of the distressing nature of the treatment process . The women also felt that some health care staff lacked technical knowledge about the fertility treatments and this left them deprived of crucial information . The costly nature of fertility treatment presented as an added burden for participants . Overall, participants seemed to require a more individualised and patient centred form of fertility care.
Exploring the psychosocial and emotional challenges faced by 11–15-year-old muslim adolescents studying at Hifth schools in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Toefy, Faiza; Pedro, Athena
In compliance with the Constitution, the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 requires that every child attend school from age 7 (or grade 1) to age 15 (or grade 9, whichever occurs first). The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the constitutional custodian of education in the Western Cape Province, requires that all informal institutions accommodating learners of school-going age register their learners for an educational curriculum. It is an essential requirement that all learning institutions (religious or otherwise) provide the necessary academic support for their learners. A growing number of Hifth schools are introducing secular academic studies into their curriculum, with programmes consisting of hifth studies, English, and Mathematics. The implementation of these programmes varies, however, and they are offered to the learners in conjunction with the hifth programme. In South Africa, there is a dearth of research associated with hifth schooling, and absolutely no documented research could be located regarding the integrated hifth programme and its impact and effects on learners
Exploring the subjective experience and the psychosocial interventions mothers utilise in managing a child presenting with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/Dyspraxia.
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Ganci, Lorenza; Pedro, Athena
Developmental Coordination Disorder, often also referred to as Dyspraxia, can be described as a marked impairment in the development of motor coordination affecting daily activities, in the absence of neurological or intellectual dysfunction. Developmental Coordination Disorder is prevalent among 5 to 6% of the population of 5 to 11-year-old children. Primary studies report on psychosocial interventions for children presenting with DCD/Dyspraxia, however there is limited research available. The current study consisted of two phases: a systematic review (Phase 1) and a qualitative research study (Phase 2). The aim of the review was to systematically review previous research regarding psychosocial intervention strategies utilised with children presenting with Dyspraxia. This information was used to inform our understanding for the qualitative study (Phase 2) in terms of how parents manage this disorder in the home environment. The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the subjective experience of mothers who have children presenting with Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia and the psychosocial interventions they use to manage the disorder in their home.
Exploring the subjective experience and the psychosocial interventions mothers utilise in managing a child presenting with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/Dyspraxia.
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Ganci, Lorenza; Pedro, Athena
Developmental Coordination Disorder, often also referred to as Dyspraxia, can be described as a marked impairment in the development of motor coordination affecting daily activities, in the absence of neurological or intellectual dysfunction. Developmental Coordination Disorder is prevalent among 5 to 6% of the population of 5 to 11-year-old children. Primary studies report on psychosocial interventions for children presenting with DCD/Dyspraxia, however there is limited research available. The current study consisted of two phases: a systematic review (Phase 1) and a qualitative research study (Phase 2). The aim of the review was to systematically review previous research regarding psychosocial intervention strategies utilised with children presenting with Dyspraxia. This information was used to inform our understanding for the qualitative study (Phase 2) in terms of how parents manage this disorder in the home environment. The aim of this qualitative research study was to explore the subjective experience of mothers who have children presenting with Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia and the psychosocial interventions they use to manage the disorder in their home.
How the experiences of Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF -ET) are understood by South African women attending fertility clinics
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Pedro, Athena; Mwaba, Kelvin
Infertility is currently a serious problem that is escalating, not only in South Africa, but also worldwide. In Cape Town, a culturally diverse, urban community of approximately 1000 couples are referred to the Groote Schuur Hospital Infertility Clinic annually. Although infertility is primarily regarded as a medical condition, the treatments have emotional effects on infertile couples due to the recurring highs and lows that often accompany treatments. This study aimed to qualitatively explore and understand the emotional and psychological experiences of infertility and its treatments (specifically In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer). Social constructionism is based on the premise that realities are not constructed in a vacuum but rather undergo a process whereby the subjective and inter-subjective experiences over time and through cultural processes come to be regarded as truths. These truths become internalised and function as lenses through which we see ourselves, compose and invent ourselves accordingly, making sense of what would otherwise have been chaotic and meaningless experiences. Additional aims were to examine women's experiences of infertility care whilst undergoing treatment and describe their experiences of coping with infertility and In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET). Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 21 women presenting with primary infertility at a fertility clinic. This study utilised an ethnographic case study design. The results of the study suggested that women perceived themselves as not conforming to a dominant belief system that promotes motherhood as the most important role for women. The women described their 'failure' to fulfill socio-cultural expectations as emotionally turbulent. Some of the psychological responses to infertility included feelings of disappointment, shock, denial, devastation, anger, frustration, sadness, inadequacy, poor self-image and self-esteem. The women's personal accounts of their experiences of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) revealed that they found the treatment to be highly stressful, with emotional bouts of anxiety, nervousness, excitement and optimism. A psychological synopsis of infertility and IVF-ET is presented. This diagrammatic representation shows the intensity of the emotional rollercoaster that infertility and IVF-ET presents. The findings in this study suggest the need for the incorporation of presented. This diagrammatic representation shows the intensity of the emotional rollercoaster that psychosocial intervention into infertility management. Greater attention to the psychological and emotional repercussions of infertility treatment could lead to a more personalised approach which, in turn, would optimise patient satisfaction and also prepare couples for the demands of the program by informing them about better ways of coping.
How the experiences of Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF -ET) are understood by South African women attending fertility clinics.
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Pedro, Athena; Mwaba, K
Infertility is currently a serious problem that is escalating, not only in South Africa, but also worldwide. In Cape Town, a culturally diverse, urban community of approximately 1000 couples are referred to the Groote Schuur Hospital Infertility Clinic annually. Although infertility is primarily regarded as a medical condition, the treatments have emotional effects on infertile couples due to the recurring highs and lows that often accompany treatments. This study aimed to qualitatively explore and understand the emotional and psychological experiences of infertility and its treatments (specifically In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer). Social constructionism is based on the premise that realities are not constructed in a vacuum but rather undergo a process whereby the subjective and inter-subjective experiences over time and through cultural processes come to be regarded as truths. These truths become internalised and function as lenses through which we see ourselves, compose and invent ourselves accordingly, making sense of what would otherwise have been chaotic and meaningless experiences. Additional aims were to examine women's experiences of infertility care whilst undergoing treatment and describe their experiences of coping with infertility and In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET). Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 21 women presenting with primary infertility at a fertility clinic. This study utilised an ethnographic case study design. The results of the study suggested that women perceived themselves as not conforming to a dominant belief system that promotes motherhood as the most important role for women. The women described their 'failure' to fulfill socio-cultural expectations as emotionally turbulent. Some of the psychological responses to infertility included feelings of disappointment, shock, denial, devastation, anger, frustration, sadness, inadequacy, poor self-image and self-esteem. The women's personal accounts of their experiences of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) revealed that they found the treatment to be highly stressful, with emotional bouts of anxiety, nervousness, excitement and optimism. A psychological synopsis of infertility and IVF-ET is infertility and IVF-ET presents. The fmdings in this study suggest the need for the incorporation of presented. This diagrammatic representation shows the intensity of the emotional rollercoaster that psychosocial intervention into infertility management. Greater attention to the psychological and emotional repercussions of infertility treatment could lead to a more personalised approach which, in turn, would optimise patient satisfaction and also prepare couples for the demands of the program by informing them about better ways of coping.
Neuro-feedback intervention efficacy for treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
(National Inquiry Services Centre, 2018) Krynauw, Johann; Pedro, Athena
This study explored practitioners perceptions of a neuro-feedback intervention in treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder’s (ASD). Informants were a convenience sample of ten South African neuro-feedback practitioners registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The data on their views on neuro-feedback treatment efficacy, with children with ASD, were collected by means of semi-structured in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis of the data suggest practitioners to perceive neuro-feedback treatment to enhance the social, mood, behaviour, academic life, and family functioning of children with ASD. Additionally, the practitioners perceived neuro-feedback treatment to assist in reducing anxiety among children with ASD.

Browsing by Author "Pedro, Athena"

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