UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Strebel, Anna"

Browsing by Author "Strebel, Anna"

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Adolescent girls’ perceptions of breastfeeding in two low-income periurban communities in South Africa
(Routledge, 2019) Zweigenthal, Virginia; Strebel, Anna; Hunter-Adams, Jo
In South Africa, exclusive breastfeeding rates are low, and rates of teenage pregnancy are high. Educational policy enables mothers’ return to school, which conflicts with policy emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding. We elicited adolescent women’s perceptions and experiences of infant feeding choices, and conducted six focus groups (N ¼ 57) in two periurban settlements. Participants knew arguments in favor of and against breast and formula-feeding, but in practice, mixed feeding occurred early after birth. While completion of high school was emphasized, exclusive breastfeeding was viewed as impractical. Congruent education policies and infant feeding policies/guidelines must address the constraints and contexts of adolescent mothers.
Deconstructing the 'sugar daddy': A critical review of the constructions of men in intergenerational sexual relationships in South Africa
(Routledge, 2013) Shefer, Tamara; Strebel, Anna
Since a recent Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) prevalence study highlighted the relationship between intergenerational sex and risk of HIV infection, a range of studies in Southern Africa have documented the commonality of sexual relations between older men and young women. For the most part, these studies have focused on the material and status benefits for the young women, and on their vulnerability to HIV, violence and unwanted pregnancies, within the context of gender power inequalities to negotiate safe and equitable sex. In this Focus we review this literature and argue that there is a relative absence of focus on attempting to understand the older men's positions. We suggest the need for research that offers a more nuanced account of the complexities of men's performances of sexuality, which will move beyond depicting older men as inevitable perpetrators of unequal sexual relationships with younger women. In order to better understand and address the complexities of intergenerational sexual relationships, men's constructions of their sexuality and their gains and investments in such relationships require more critical analysis.
Experiences of mentorship with academic staff doctoral candidates at a South African university
(Taylor & Francis, 2016) Strebel, Anna; Shefer, Tamara
Given the growing emphasis on academic research output and the challenges encountered in expediting completion of doctoral studies especially, mentorship is increasingly being utilised as a capacity development strategy for supporting scholars to complete post-graduate studies. This article reports on a mentorship project aimed at academic staff enrolled for doctoral studies in a health sciences faculty at a South African university, based on reflections drawn from annual feedback from the mentees and the annual report of the mentor, as well as a focus group conducted with mentees by an independent researcher. Participants found the mentorship, with its combination of individual and group meetings, as well as regular residential writing retreats, to be extremely helpful. A number of key features that enable the mentorship process emerged, and issues relating to supervision and mentorship were highlighted, especially regarding power dynamics.
The extent of psychological distress among battered women attending Nicro women's support centre
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Normand, Jennifer; Strebel, Anna
The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency with which battered women attending Nicro Women's Support Centre (NWSC) present with symptoms of psychological distress. The literature centres on debates around the presence or absence of psychological problems amongst battered women. The psychopathological model tends to view women as being in some way responsible for their abuse, Iinking pathology with their personality or characteristics. The feminist perspective places the blame for such violence with the patriarchal nature of society, so that women's responses rue seen as adaptive to their experience of trauma. While recognising the social roots of violence against women, research evidence points to the presence of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in women who have a history of abuse. The risks these symptoms pose to women's mental health cannot be ignored. In this study a survey of a random sample of the 1995 intake files at the NWSC focused on symptoms recorded, using DSM IV criteria as a guide. Evidence of a history of, or referral for psychological treatment, and certain demographic data, were also recorded. More than a third of the women were found to have symptoms of psychological distress, suggestive of a need for resources for their treatment. Recommendations for the assessment and management of these women were made, including the provision of longer term counselling so as to reduce the need to refer women elsewhere.
Investigating the disjoint between education and health policy for infant feeding among teenage mothers in South Africa: a case for intersectoral work
(BMC, 2022) Hunter‑Adams, Jo; Strebel, Anna; Corrigall, Joanne; Zweigenthal, Virginia
Background: Many low-and-middle-income countries, including South Africa, have high rates of teenage preg‑ nancy. Following the World Health Organisation recommendations, South African health policy on infant feeding promotes exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age, with gradual weaning. At the same time, South Africa’s education department, in the interest of learners, promotes adolescents’ early return to school post-partum. Yet infant feeding at school is currently not perceived as a realistic option. Methods: Recognising his this policy tension, we aimed to explore how policies are interpreted and implemented by the health and education sectors through interviews with key informants who produce, interpret and implement these policies. Using an interview guide developed for this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 24 health policy makers, managers in both sectors, school principals and nursing staf who manage adolescent mothers (aged 16-19) and their babies. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Informants from both sectors expressed discomfort at pregnant learners remaining in school late in preg‑ nancy and were uncertain about policy regarding when to return to school and how long to breast-feed. Educators reported that new mothers typically returned to school within a fortnight after delivery and that breastfeeding was not common. While health professionals highlighted the benefts of extended breastfeeding for infants and mothers, they recognised the potential confict between the need for the mother to return to school and the recommenda‑ tion for longer breastfeeding. Additionally, the need for ongoing support of young mothers and their families was highlighted. Conclusions: Our fndings suggest educators should actively encourage school attendance in a healthy pregnant adolescent until delivery with later return to school, and health providers should focus attention on breastfeeding for the initial 4-6weeks postpartum, followed by guided support of formula-feeding. We encourage the active engage‑ ment of adolescents’ mothers and extended families who are often involved in infant feeding and care decisions. Edu‑ cation and health departments must engage to facilitate the interests of both the mother and infant: some exclusive infant feeding together with a supported return to school for the adolescent mother
Lessons from the evaluation of a public out-patient substance abuse treatment programme in the Western Cape
(Dept. of Social Work, Stellenbosch University, 2013) Strebel, Anna; Shefer, Tamara; Stacey, Maria; Shabalala, Nokuthula
Substance abuse is widely regarded as a major health and social problem in South Africa, and particularly in the Western Cape (Corrigall, Ward, Stinson, Struthers, Frantz, Lund, Flisher & Joska, 2007; Myers, Fakier & Louw, 2009). The complex nature of patterns of substance abuse, as well as the particular problems associated with this abuse, has implications for the development and implementation of treatment interventions. The most common primary drug of abuse in the Western Cape amongst patients admitted to treatment programmes is methamphetamine (known locally as “tik”) (Dada, Plüddemann, Parry, Vawda & Fourie, 2012). The previous decade saw a dramatic rise in methamphetamine (hereafter indicated as MA) use, particularly among youths, with over half the patients in treatment for MA abuse being younger than 25 years (Plüddemann, Parry, Dada, Bhana, Bachoo & Fourie, 2010). MA is also often used in combination with other drugs, and this prevalence of poly-substance abuse needs to be taken into account in the planning of services (Harker, Kader, Myers, Falkier, Parry, Flisher, Peltzer, Ramlagan & Davids, 2008).
'She's a slut ... And it's wrong': Youth constructions of taxi queens in the Western Cape
(SAGE Publications, 2013) Strebel, Anna; Shefer, Tamara; Potgieter, Cheryl; Wagner, Claire; Shabalala, Nokuthula
Recent research on young women�s sexuality highlights the transactional nature of relationships among young people, as well as the increase in intergenerational sexual relationships. These unequal and often coercive sexual practices may increase young women�s vulnerability to unsafe sexual practices. Within this context, while there have been some media reports on the relationship between girls and taxi drivers, there has been little documented research on the phenomenon of �taxi queens�. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the understandings and constructions of taxi queens among local youth. A qualitative study involving 13 focus groups were held with youth in the Cape Town Metropole and the southern Cape region and analysed thematically. In general, there was widespread recognition among participants of transactional relationships between young women and usually older drivers. Taxi queens were strongly stigmatised, but their behaviour was also constructed as normative, especially in poor communities, and reflecting contradictory notions of vulnerability and power. However, taxi drivers were less stigmatised. Such constructions allow for the �othering� of these young women, which may undermine their ability to seek help in negotiating safer sexual relationships. At the same time, their concerns need to be understood within the larger context of challenges facing youth, especially in poor South African communities.
Simulated patients ratings of sexually transmitted disease care in primary health care clinics
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Ndlazi, Malala Kgwanyapa.; Strebel, Anna
is a major health concern internationally and nationally. The sub-Saharan region. South Africa in particular, has some of the highest prevalence rates in the world. This region is also one of the least economically developed regions, and in addition to the HIV/AIDS epidemic it is faced with the challenge of developing the economy for the citizens while maintaining high social services standards. Available literature suggests that the link between STDs and the spread of HIV. and the economic status of most developing countries influenced the world health organization's decision to recommend the syndromic case management approach to STD care. Moreover, literature evaluating the quality of STD care indicates that poor communication, counselling and history taking skills, long waiting periods and lack of support for staff contribute to poor quality of care. This study aimed at evaluating the quality of care that sexually transmitted disease patients receive at primary health care clinics from a simulated patients' perspective. Four post-graduate students, two of whom were females and the other two males, visited 24 clinics. After each visit they each completed a semi-structured questionnaire and recorded their experiences in a journal. Results indicate that health care providers are competent in some aspects of service provision, for example with regard to diagnosis and offering appropriate medical treatment. Other aspects of the service that were seen as influencing service provision included poor counselling, condom education and partner notification. It was recommended that future research should evaluate the impact of factors such as motivation and time management skills of health care providers on service provision. Further recommendations included- the possibility of offering continuous support and training to health care providers.
Simulated patients' ratings of sexually transmitted disease care in primary health care clinics
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Ndlazi, Malala Kgwanyapa; Strebel, Anna
HIV/AIDS is a major health concern internationally and nationally. The sub-Saharan region. South Africa in particular, has some of the highest prevalence rates in the world. This region is also one of the least economically developed regions, and in addition to the HIV/AIDS epidemic it is faced with the challenge of developing the economy for the citizens while maintaining high social services standards. Available literature suggests that the link between STDs and the spread of HIV. and the economic status of most developing countries influenced the World Health Organization's decision to recommend the syndromic case management approach to STD care. Moreover, literature evaluating the quality of STD care indicates that poor communication, counselling and history taking skills, long waiting periods and lack of support for staff contribute to poor quality of care. This study aimed at evaluating the quality of care that sexually transmitted disease patients receive at primary health care clinics from a simulated patients' perspective. Four post-graduate students, two of whom were females and the other two males, visited 24 clinics. After each visit they each completed a semi-structured questionnaire and recorded their experiences in a journal. Results indicate that health care providers are competent in some aspects of service provision, for example with regard to diagnosis and offering appropriate medical treatment. Other aspects of the service that were seen as influencing service provision included poor counselling, condom education and partner notification. It was recommended that future research should evaluate the impact of factors such as motivation and time management skills of health care providers on service provision. Further recommendations included- the possibility of offering continuous support and training to health care providers.
Student accounts of space and safety at a South African university: implications for social identities and diversity
(SAGE Publications, 2018) Shefer, Tamara; Strebel, Anna; Ngabaza, Sisa; Clowes, Lindsay
Transformation efforts in South African higher education have been under increased scrutiny in recent years, especially following the last years of student activism and calls for decolonization of universities. This article presents data from a participatory photovoice study in which a group of students reflect on their experiences of feeling safe and unsafe at an urban-based historically disadvantaged university. Findings highlight the way in which historical inequalities on the basis of social identities of race, class, and gender, among others, continue to shape experiences, both materially and social-psychologically, in South African higher education. However, and of particular relevance in thinking about a socially just university, participants speak about the value of diversity in facilitating their sense of both material and subjective safety. Thus, a diverse classroom and one that acknowledges and recognizes students across diversities, is experienced as a space of comfort, belonging and safety. Drawing on feminist work on social justice, we argue the importance of lecturer sensitivity and reflexivity to their own practices, as well as the value of social justice pedagogies that not only focus on issues of diversity and equality but also destabilize dominant forms of didactic pedagogy, and engage students� diverse experiences and perceptions.
Taxi �sugar daddies� and taxi queens: male taxi driver attitudes regarding transactional relationships in the Western Cape, South Africa
(Taylor & Francis Open, 2012) Potgieter, Cheryl; Strebel, Anna; Shefer, Tamara; Wagner, Claire
Media reports are emerging on the phenomenon of young girls who travel with older mini-bus taxi drivers, and who are thought to have sex with the drivers in exchange for gifts and money. The extent to which such relationships might facilitate unsafe sexual practices and increased risks for both the men and the young women, often referred to as taxi queens, remains an important question in the light of the current challenges of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. However, very little research has been undertaken on this issue, especially regarding the perceptions and experiences of taxi drivers. Thus this paper aims to provide some preliminary findings on taxi drivers� attitudes and beliefs about taxi queens and their relationships with taxi drivers. A 22-item questionnaire was administered to 223 male taxi drivers in two regions in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Taxi drivers in this study largely saw the relationship between taxi drivers and the young girls who ride with them as providing status for both the girls and drivers, and there seemed to be recognition of the transactional nature of the relationship between taxi drivers and taxi queens. The stigmatisation of young girls who ride with taxi drivers was evident. Drivers had knowledge and awareness of the risks of unsafe sex and supported condom use, although there appeared to be some uncertainty and confusion about the likelihood of HIV infection between drivers and girls. While taxi drivers recognised the role of alcohol in relationships with young girls, they seemed to deny that the abuse of drugs was common. The study highlights a number of key areas that need to be explored with men in the taxi industry, in order to address risk behaviours for both taxi drivers and the girls who ride with them.

Browsing by Author "Strebel, Anna"

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