Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society (CFS)

Permanent URI for this community

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/6150

Vision

The vision of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Family and Society is to provide highly skilled human capital in the field of child, youth, family, community and society development, health and well-being and thus build important bridges of learning with regard to the acquisition and application of knowledge to ultimately benefit individuals and communities everywhere.

Mission

The CISCFS is an interdisciplinary entity which aims to study families (including children and youth) and society (including communities and other environmental and contextual factors which may affect the family). Specifically, the Centre aims to provide a holistic understanding of the interplay between the South African family (and its members) and the diverse contexts and societal structures in which it is located and with which it interacts for the purposes of development, health and well-being as well as decision-making processes affecting each of these domains.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 36

Legacy beliefs across generations: Comparing views of older parents and their adult children
(SAGE, 2019) Meuser, Thomas M.; Mthembu, Thuli G.; Roman, Nicolette V.
This mixed-methods study examined legacy beliefs (i.e., anticipated remembrances and linkages to the self after death) as understood in 14 older parent and adult child pairs. This work validates and expands on a 2005 typology of legacy beliefs from gerontologists, Elizabeth Hunter and Graham Rowles. A structured interview was administered separately to parents and children, coded for legacy examples (i.e., those unique to the parent, overlapping, unique to the child), and analyzed with respect to expectations of similarity reported by each participant. Most predicted moderate to high overlap in mutual understanding of parent legacy. This was not the case, as there were far more unique legacy examples given than shared. Pairs agreed least with respect to material legacies, with half showing no agreement. All reported finding the structured discussion of legacy to be beneficial, with some indicating an intention to continue these discussions further. This work may constitute a new approach to intervention.
Legislative policies and culture on parenting practices: Improving the parent-child relationship in South Africa
(Universidade Federal do Maranhão, 2019) Rich, Edna G; Roman, Nicolette V.
Parent-child relationships are often described as unique and enduring bonds that take place between a caregiver/parent and their child. Several South African legislative policy documents have been implemented to guide service delivery to families and to strengthen the parent-child relationship in families. This paper aims to critically examine the current frameworks and explore what is required in South Africa in order to improve the parent-child relationship and overall child developmental outcomes. Utilising an ecological perspective, aspects identified as beneficial towards improving the parent-child relationship in South Africa are discussed on a micro-, meso- and macro-level. Cultural influences are considered, and recommendations are provided in order to improve the parent-child relationship in a South African context.
A review of early childhood in South Africa: The effects on maternal and child health
(2019) Sonn, Inge; Roman, Nicolette. Vanessa
Human development and the growth of strong societies are based on early childhood. Over 250 million children under the age of 5 years are not reaching their developmental potential in low-middle income countries due to adversities such as poverty, malnutrition, and infectious disease in pregnant women and children. The South African National Integrated Early Childhood development policy (2015) aims to invest in early childhood develop and is considered an effective long term strategy for poverty eradication and to address poor early childhood development. This essay focuses on maternal health and early childhood development in South Africa.
Nutritional knowledge, parenting styles and feeding practices of a South African sample of parents
(Routledge, 2019) Brown, Melissa; Roman, Nicolette V.
Parenting can be considered as being an all-encompassing network of development for children. Children learn about eating not only through their own experiences but also by watching others. Mothers and children show similar patterns of food acceptance and food preferences. Children’s intake of fruit and vegetables was positively related to parents’ intake of fruit and vegetables. The current study used self-reported data from parents/primary caregivers' children aged 3–18 covering sociodemographic characteristics, feeding style dimensions (‘control overeating’, ‘emotional feeding’, ‘encouragement to eat’ and ‘instrumental feeding’) and parenting style dimensions (‘involvement’ and ‘strictness’). The results suggest, that in general, parents were inclined to encourage balance and variety in the food intake of their children, modeling healthy eating behavior, as well as monitoring the food intake of children while restricting unhealthy foods. Further research is needed into whether parents’ diets affect children’s food choices feeding.
Determinants of adolescent Hookah pipe use: A systematic review
(Routledge, 2019) Kader, Zainab; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Crutzen, Rik
Adolescent hookah pipe use is increasing at a rapid rate, thus posing a major public health concern globally. The hookah pipe is a gateway substance to other substances that may be more harmful. Yet, at present, little is known about why adolescents are so drawn to this mechanism. It is this gap that this study attempted to fill. This study, therefore, aimed to review the determinants of adolescent hookah pipe use. An electronic search of 12 databases identified studies investigating determinants of adolescent hookah pipe use. Twentyfive studies sampling a total of 88,988 adolescents who use the hookah pipe were included. This study found that adolescent hookah pipe use is determined by an interplay of family factors, peer/friends factors, individual factors, school factors, the actual hookah pipe mechanism, advertisements, and awareness of hookah pipe lounges or bars. Prevention and early intervention strategies aimed at reducing adolescent hookah pipe use is needed.
Family-centered interventions for intimate partner violence: A systematic review
(AJOL, 2019) Ryan, Jill; Roman, Nicolette V.
The effect of intimate partner violence (IPV) has a spill-over effect on all family members, and as such, any intervention directed at IPV should include all family members directly affected. The spill-over effect indicates that if one part of the family system (e.g. parents) experiences discord or conflict, it may affect the other parts of the family system (through e.g. the parent-child relationship). The aim of this paper was to systematically review family-centered interventions aimed at addressing IPV. Intervention studies were systematically collected from data bases such as PubMed, BioMed Central, SABINET, SocIndex, PsycArticles, and Academic Search Complete for the time period 2005-2015. These studies were methodologically appraised, and results presented according to the RE-AIM framework. Familycentered interventions focused on IPV yielded long-term positive results in improving parent-child interaction, including reductions in IPV, trauma symptoms of mothers, and problematic child behaviours.
Exploring the perspectives of South African parents and primary caregivers living in low-income communities on what children need to thrive within the first 1000 days of life
(MPDI, 2020) Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Goldschmidt, Tessa; Roman, Nicolette V.
The first 1000 days is recognised as a critical period for the development of children. What children need to thrive in this particular phase of development may be different from any other phase. In South Africa, parents’ perception of children’s needs within the first 1000 days of life could be considered as emerging. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perspectives of South African parents and primary caregivers on what children need to thrive within the first 1000 days. An exploratory qualitative study design was used to explore the parents’ understanding of what children need to thrive in the first 1000 days. A purposive sampling approach was employed to select parents and primary caregivers in low-income communities. In all, thirty respondents participated in the study. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. During the analysis, four themes emerged. The themes included (1) the importance of parenting, care and support; (2) children’s need for holistic development; (3) parental roles; and (4) sharing responsibilities. Parents and primary caregivers living in low-income communities understand what children need to thrive within the first thousand days of life. The study could assist policymakers and service providers to design appropriate interventions for parents within these communities.
Using the RE-AIM framework to identify and describe nutritional feeding styles and intervention model best practices for primary caregivers in Africa: A narrative review
(SAGE, 2020) Brown, Melissa; Roma, Nicolette V
Current research shows that across the world people are eating poorly. This is leading to increased incidences of nutrition-related health problems.This paper aims to provide a synthesis of research on the nutritional feeding programs and nutritional models used by primary caregivers in Africa, in order to identify best practice models, programs, and processes from the field of nutritional and feeding intervention development.
Intervention to reduce adolescent hookah pipe use and satisfy basic psychological needs
(Cogent OA, 2020) Kader, Zainab; Crutzen, Rik; Roman, Nicolette
Background: Hookah pipe use is a public health concern and threat to adolescents’ health. self-determination theory asserts that satisfaction of basic psychological needs (BPN) will contribute to adolescents developing optimally. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design an intervention to reduce adolescent hookah pipe use and satisfy their BPN. Methods: A modified delphi approach was implemented using a two-phased approach. Phase 1 included reviews and empirical research that formed part of the needs analysis. Phase 2 was the development of the intervention in collaboration with stakeholders from academia, policy and practice (n = 25). The stakeholders formed the sample for this study. Phase 1 informed phase 2. Phase 2 was implemented through a 4-hour workshop with the stakeholders. The workshop was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Principal Results: The results indicated that a holistic four-pronged approach focusing on (1) the hookah pipe user, (2) the family, (3) after school recreation activities and (4) the teacher and community was needed as a model to intervene in adolescent hookah pipe use and satisfy their BPN. The intervention was described using the RE-AIM framework which considers reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the intervention.
Spiritual care – ‘A deeper immunity’ – A response to Covid-19 pandemic
(AOSIS, 2020) Roman, Nicolette V.; Mthembu, Thuli G.; Hoosen, Mujeeb
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented unprecedented health challenges across all strata in society throughout the world. The COVID experience has caused us to reflect on quality of life, health and well-being and, just as important, end of life. During this time, spiritual care forms a vital component of holistic health management, especially in terms of coping, coming to terms with illness, suffering and ultimately death. The relationship with the transcendent or sacred has a strong influence on a people’s beliefs, attitudes, emotions and behaviour. Populations, communities, families and individuals have always found solace through their religious or philosophical beliefs during times of personal adversity and widespread anxiety or disaster. Although spiritual care has always been a part of the domain of religious beliefs, a more contemporary perspective is that spiritual care forms part of the human psyche and thus forms part of human care, health and well-being for families, patients and healthcare workers. Spiritual care deals with the provision of compassion and empathy during periods of heightened stress, distress and anxiety within care. This article provides insights into the necessity of providing spiritual care as a means of coping and well-being for families, patients and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exploring the perspectives of South African parents and primary caregivers living in low-income communities on what children need to thrive within the first 1000 days of life
(MDPI, 2021) Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Goldschmidt, Tessa; Benjamin, Fatiema; Sonn, Inge K.; Roman, Nicolette V.
The first 1000 days is recognised as a critical period for the development of children. What children need to thrive in this particular phase of development may be different from any other phase. In South Africa, parents' perception of children's needs within the first 1000 days of life could be considered as emerging. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perspectives of South African parents and primary caregivers on what children need to thrive within the first 1000 days. An exploratory qualitative study design was used to explore the parents' understanding of what children need to thrive in the first 1000 days. A purposive sampling approach was employed to select parents and primary caregivers in low-income communities. In all, thirty respondents participated in the study. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. During the analysis, four themes emerged. The themes included (1) the importance of parenting, care and support; (2) children's need for holistic development; (3) parental roles; and (4) sharing responsibilities. Parents and primary caregivers living in low-income communities understand what children need to thrive within the first thousand days of life. The study could assist policymakers and service providers to design appropriate interventions for parents within these communities.
Developing a logic model of change for the determinants of parental nurturance in the first 1000 days: A mixed-method study protocol
(Public Library of Science, 2021) Goldschmidt, Tessa; Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Roman, Nicolette V.
Parents play a key role in providing nurturance and nurturing care to their child during the first 1000 days which is important for optimal child development. Various factors have been found to influence parenting but the contribution of these factors toward parental nurturance within the first 1000 days is not yet known in the South African context. This paper describes a protocol for a project that aims to develop a logic model of change for the determinants of parental nurturance in the first 1000 days in the South African context.
Mental health care services in rural South Africa: A human capabilities approach
(Routledge, 2021) Benjamin, Fatiema; Vickerman-Delport, Shelley A.; Roman, Nicolette V.
It is estimated that a significant proportion of people living in South Africa have a mental illness and do not have access to mental health services. This relates to barriers that contribute to help-seeking behavior. Semi-structured interviewers were conducted with a sample of 11 stakeholders and 35 parents. Data were thematically analyzed and results revealed that participants had limited knowledge of what mental health is. Also highlighted was the lack of structural and human mental health care resources, and stigmatization. Addressing the issues related to mental health care services could contribute to ensuring that people have access to good health.
A comparison of the relationship between parental efficacy and social support systems of single teen mothers across different family forms in South African low socioeconomic communities
(BCM, 2021) Coert, Samantha L.; Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Roman, Nicolette V.
Teenage parenting is recognised as one of the greatest health and social problems in South Africa. Research in South Africa has shown that by the age of 18 years, more than 30% of teens have given birth at least once. Teen mothers may feel disempowered because they are ‘othered’ and consequently, may develop forms of resistance which in most cases may inhibit their ability to parent. Social support is therefore, an imperative intervention for successful teen parenting but this is not clearly understood in South Africa. This study aimed to compare the relationship between parental efficacy and social support systems of single teen mothers across different family forms.
The role of spirituality and spiritual care in complementary and alternative medicine: A scoping review
(BanglaJOL, 2021) Hoosen, Mujeeb; Roman, Nicolette Vanessa; Mthembu, Thuli Godfrey
Spirituality has become more prevalent in health professions other than complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In CAM, spirituality appears to be part of a foundational component of the clinical practice, which is valued by many patients. Spirituality has gained popularity in healthcare education and practice; however, the contribution made by CAM remains minimal evidenced by the paucity of studies on the topic of spirituality in CAM. Therefore, there is need for a scoping review to: 1) to explore the focus and nature of research on spirituality in CAM; 2) to provide recommendations based on the relational aspects between spirituality and CAM. Methods: A scoping review was performed of all relevant articles found in Ebscohost (Academic Search Complete),
The challenges experienced by parents when parenting a child with hearing loss within a South African context
(Routledge, 2021) Davids, Ronel; Roman, Nicolette; Schenck, Catherina
The purpose of the current study was to explore the challenges experienced by hearing parents when parenting a child with hearing loss. Using a qualitative purposive sampling design, interviews were conducted with 13 parents (9 mothers, 4 fathers) residing in Cape Town, South Africa. Four salient themes emerged, namely: 1) communication is difficult, hard, and frustrating; 2) lack of knowledge and information about hearing loss makes it difficult to parent; 3) little or no support makes for a lonely journey; and 4) support identified by parents for parents. The findings of the study have important implications for collaboration and partnerships between parents and health and family practitioners within South Africa for the design and development of supportive interventions for parents parenting a child with hearing loss.
The structure of children's subjective well-being
(Frontiers Media, 2021) Savahl, Shazly; Casas, Ferran; Adams, Sabirah
Research on children’s quality of life and subjective well-being has advanced over the past decade largely as a result of developments in childhood theory, children’s rights legislation, and the shift toward positive social science. However, in line with the uncertainty regarding the conceptualization of subjective well-being, the structural configuration of children’s subjective well-being has not been considered in the literature. In the current study, we present and test a model of children’s subjective well-being, which includes global (context-free items assessing overall and general well-being, without reference to a specific aspect of life) and specific (domain-based items assessing a specific aspect of life) cognitive components, and positive and negative affect. We further test the fit structure of a hierarchical structural (second-order) model of children’s subjective well-being. Finally, we test the measurement invariance of the hierarchical model across age and gender. We use data from the third Wave of the Children’s Worlds Survey.
Prevalence of bullying victimisation among primary school children in South Africa: a population-based study
(BMC, 2021) Manuel, D.; Adams, S.; Mpilo, M.; Savahl, S.
Bullying victimisation (BV) among children in South Africa has been identified as a major public health concern. While several studies report on the prevalence rates of BV, there is currently a dearth of research that reports on the prevalence of BV among a national sample of primary school children. This study determines the prevalence rates of BV among a nationally representative sample of school-going children in South Africa across provinces, age, and gender. The sample comprised 7067 children (boys = 45.6%; girls = 54.4%) between the ages of 10–12-years attending 61 primary schools across the nine provincial regions of South Africa.
A pooled prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in South Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
(BMC, 2021) Adebiyi, Babatope O.; Mukumbang, Ferdinand C.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) remains a global public health problem. South Africa is estimated to have the highest recorded prevalence of FASD. However, no study has systematically evaluated the available prevalence studies to provide estimates that may facilitate effective planning and delivery of prevention and management services. Therefore, we propose to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to report a pooled estimate of the FASD prevalence among children, youth and adults in South Africa.We will include quantitative (cohort and cross-sectional) studies that reported on the prevalence of FASD in South Africa. We will search databases such as Academic Search Complete, Education Resource Information Center (ERIC), SocINDEX, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health and PsycARTICLES), Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, JSTOR, SAGE journals, PubMed, Web of Science and Sabinet. The references of included studies will be searched for additional studies on the prevalence of FASD. The search will be from inception to October 2021. Screening of (titles, abstracts and full text of the potentially relevant articles) will be done by two independent authors using software. All disagreements will be resolved by discussion. A standardised data extraction form will be designed for the extraction. Two authors will independently extract the data from the selected articles and all disagreements will be resolved by discussion. We will use a tool developed by Munn and colleagues to critically appraise all the included studies. The primary outcome will be the proportion of individuals with FASD in South Africa.
Integrating perinatal and infant care
(Springer, 2021) Eastwood, John; Anderson, Teresa; Roman, Nicolette
This chapter draws attention to the importance of creating a nurturing start to a child’s life and the role that families, neighbourhoods and society as a whole play in creating a “nest”. Often the care that is provided is focused solely on the physical health (medical) domain with neglect of the psychological, material and social needs. We have sought, therefore, to stress the importance of focusing on the whole family as partners in the care of mothers and their infants. We have also drawn attention to the benefits of an integrated multi-disciplinary and multi-agency approach to perinatal and infant health and wellbeing.

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