Research Articles (School of Public Health)

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Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adolescents in Cape Town, South Africa: a cross-sectional analysis comparing five diagnostic criteria to explore suitability
(Elsevier Ireland Ltd, 2026) Wentzel, Annalie; Mchiza, Zandile June Rose; Nguyen, Kim Anh
Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) among adolescents is a growing public health concern globally, yet data from sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce. Variability in diagnostic criteria further complicates surveillance efforts. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of MetS among adolescents in Cape Town, South Africa, using five diagnostic criteria, to assess the agreement between definitions and explore criteria suitability. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 489 adolescents aged 13–18 years, sampled from coeducational public high schools in Cape Town's Metro South district. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and fasting biochemical measurements were collected. MetS prevalence was assessed using the Cook, Ford, de Ferranti, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and Agudelo criteria. Agreement between definitions was evaluated using unweighted Kappa statistics. Results: The MetS prevalence with four criteria were similar, ranging from 4.7 % (IDF) to 5.7 % (Ford), while one criterion differed significantly with 17.8 % (de Ferranti). Central obesity and raised blood pressure were the most prevalent MetS components across criteria. Females exhibited higher MetS prevalence than males across the five criteria. Very good agreement was observed between Cook, Ford, and Agudelo definitions (κ > 0.85), while agreement involving IDF and de Ferranti definitions was fair to moderate (κ = 0.33–0.42). Conclusions: Our results underscore the need for locally validated, population-specific MetS criteria and diagnostic thresholds to support early identification of adolescents at risk of cardiometabolic disease (CMD). In the absence of such criteria, the Cook and Ford definitions appear particularly suitable for identifying MetS among South African adolescents, while the Agudelo definition is appropriate when waist circumference (WC) measures are unavailable. Finally, our findings reveal a concerning CMD risk profile among adolescents in Cape Town, South Africa, with a particularly high burden observed in females.
Quantifying the fatal and non-fatal burden of disease associated with child growth failure, 2000–2023: a systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2023
(Elsevier B.V., 2026) Okonji,Osaretin Christabel; Troeger, Christopher E; Arndt, Michael Benjamin
Background: Child growth failure (CGF), which includes underweight, wasting, and stunting, is among the factors most strongly associated with mortality and morbidity in children younger than 5 years worldwide. Poor height and bodyweight gain arise from a variety of biological and sociodemographic factors and are associated with increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 to estimate CGF prevalence, the risk of infectious diseases associated with CGF, and the disease mortality, morbidity, and overall burden associated with CGF. Methods: In this analysis we estimated the all-cause and cause-specific (diarrhoea, lower respiratory tract infections, malaria, and measles) disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost and mortality associated with stunting, wasting, underweight, and CGF in aggregate. We combined the burden associated with mild, moderate, and severe forms of CGF: stunting was defined as height-for-age Z scores (HAZ) less than –1, underweight was defined as weight-for-age Z scores (WAZ) less than –1, and wasting was defined as weight-for-height Z scores (WHZ) less than –1, according to WHO Child Growth Standards. Population-level continuous distributions of HAZ, WAZ, and WHZ were estimated for 2000 to 2023 using data from surveys, literature, and individual-level study data. The risk of incidence of, and mortality due to, diarrhoea, lower respiratory infections, malaria, and measles was separately estimated in a meta-regression framework from longitudinal cohort data for Z scores less than –1. Finally, fatal outcomes associated with these diseases were estimated with vital registration, verbal autopsy, and case-fatality data, while non-fatal outcomes were estimated with surveys as well as health-care utilisation and case reporting data. The exposure prevalence and relative risk estimates were from continuous distributions, allowing for direct assessment of the attributable fractions for mild, moderate, and severe stunting, underweight, wasting, and the combined impact of child growth failure within populations.
Behavioural and Social Drivers (BeSD) of HPV vaccination in Zimbabwe: a rapid scoping review of literature
(Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention, 2025) Adjagba, Alex Olateju; Chuma, Denford Munyaradzi; Machacha, Ransom
Background: Regardless of the World Health Organization’s recommendation for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, Zimbabwe still faces challenges in achieving optimal vaccination coverage among female adolescents and young adults. Objectives: This rapid scoping review of literature aims to identify the behavioural and social drivers (BeSD) influencing HPV vaccination uptake in Zimbabwe over the past ten-year period. Methods: A scoping review of published and grey literature from 2014 to 2024 was conducted. Data analysis was guided by theoretical frameworks. Eligibility criteria: English language published and grey literature relevant to public health, vaccination, and social and behavioural sciences from Zimbabwe from 2014 to 2024. Sources of evidence: Ministry of Health & Child Care archives, African Journals Online, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Charting methods: Tables with author information, year of publication, and relevant findings were used to chart the results. Results: Twenty-eight articles and grey literature sources were included. Key themes encompassed knowledge and attitudes, costs, vaccine uptake, healthcare provider perspectives, and feasibility of delivery methods. High knowledge levels regarding HPV and vaccination coexisted with misinformation and fears, impacting uptake. Socioeconomic factors and religious beliefs influenced HPV vaccination decisions. School-based vaccination was deemed feasible but faced challenges such as misinformation. Communication strategies, including a “Communication for Development” (C4D) approach, were crucial for addressing barriers and fostering community engagement. Discussion: The findings align with numerous theoretical frameworks including the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and Social Ecological Model. Addressing barriers at multiple levels, promoting cultural competence, and integrating HPV vaccination into existing healthcare activities are recommended. Conclusion: To enhance HPV vaccination uptake in Zimbabwe, tailored health literacy campaigns, leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure, increased political commitment, and integration into national immunization programmes are crucial. Implementation should draw on existing policies and guidelines to ensure sustainability and equity in vaccination efforts.
Mapping health policies for optimum service delivery to adolescents on HIV treatment in Zambia: a document review
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Moomba, Kaala; Crowley, Talitha; van Wyk, Brian Eduard
Introduction: Despite significant advances in HIV treatment regimens, adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) report lower rates of viral suppression compared to other age groups, reflecting sub-optimal adherence and lower engagement in care. In Zambia, adolescents lag behind in meeting the 95-95-95 targets for HIV care, when compared to adults. It is imperative that the specific needs of ALHIV are addressed in health policies that direct service delivery. This paper reports on Zambian health policies (policy documents and guidelines) that direct the provision of HIV care and treatment services for ALHIV, by assessing their alignment with recommendations for global best practice as presented in global health policies. We contextualize the policy review within the problem that exists in Zambia with respect to poor performance of the adolescents on the HIV cascade. Methods: We conducted a document review of national health policies and guidelines (N = 10) that relate to HIV service delivery for ALHIV in Zambia and assessed these against the global health policies (N = 6) of which Zambia is a signatory using the four-step READ methodology for document review in health policy research. We used thematic content analysis to develop key themes that describe the components of health service delivery according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) health systems framework, and comparative analysis to map national health policy against global health policies. Results: The Zambian policies are aligned with global recommendations for health service delivery for ALHIV by including psychosocial support, peer support, mental health services and sexual and reproductive health education in their offering. In addition, Zambian health legislation advocates for a change in the age of consent for health services and comprehensive sexual education in schools, as globally recommended. However, there is a lack of deliberate involvement of adolescents, caregivers and community stakeholders in policy development. With respect to health financing, the national policies promote the integration of HIV financing with other health financing mechanisms but lack dedicated funding for adolescent HIV services. While community involvement is emphasised through youth advisory boards, training, and support groups, there is a notable absence of intentional adolescent engagement at the high-level program design stage. Conclusions: Zambian health policies and guidelines align with global recommendations to optimize health service delivery for ALHIV in four of the six WHO Health Systems building blocks, as evidenced in the relevant global health policies. However, significant gaps remain in areas such as health legislation, financing and community engagement.
The influence of heat exposure on birth and neonatal outcomes in Mombasa, Kenya: a pooled time series analysis
(Elsevier Masson s.r.l., 2025) Jackson, Debra; Brimicombe, Chloe; Mungatia, Aquinius
Introduction: The African continent has been identified as an area of high risk to increasing exposure of heat and has higher levels of social vulnerability. Heat exposure can lead to a rise in certain perinatal and maternal adverse health conditions. We explored the association of heat on seven perinatal and maternal health outcomes. Material and Methods: In this study, data is from Aga Khan University Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. We evaluated the influence of heat exposure metrics on the outcomes of caesarean sections, low birth weight, low apgar score, preterm birth, stillbirth, assisted vaginal deliveries and long duration of stay in hospital. We carried out pooled time series regression using distributed-lag nonlinear models (lag 0–9 months). Results: We observed an increased odds of caesarean sections with heat exposure at lag 0 indicated by maximum daily Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) between the 50th and the 95th percentile (relative risk 1.21 (1.01,1.46, 95 %CI)) and maximum daily temperature (1.25 (1.03,1.53)). There were increased odds of Low-Birth-Weight Births for lag 0 mean and maximum UTCI. We did not find any significant responses for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). Discussion and Conclusion: Our results show different risk responses for different heat exposure metrics for all perinatal and maternal health outcomes, significantly increasing for low-birth-weight births and caesarean sections. Further research is warranted for Kenya regarding maternal mortality and higher blood loss sometimes associated with caesarean deliveries. In addition, more research is needed on socioeconomics and heat exposure, especially in low– and middle income countries.
Disease burden attributable to intimate partner violence against females and sexual violence against children in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
(Elsevier B.V., 2026) Adebiyi, Babatope Oluwadamilare; Flor, Luisa S; Spencer, Cory N
Background Violence against women and against children are human rights violations with lasting harms to survivors and societies at large. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence against children (SVAC) are two major forms of such abuse. Despite their wide-reaching effects on individual and community health, these risk factors have not been adequately prioritised as key drivers of global health burden. Comprehensive x§and reliable estimates of the comparative health burden of IPV and SVAC are urgently needed to inform investments in prevention and support for survivors at both national and global levels. Methods We estimated the prevalence and attributable burden of IPV among females and SVAC among males and females for 204 countries and territories, by age and sex, from 1990 to 2023, as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2023. We searched several global databases for data on self-reported exposure to IPV and SVAC and undertook a systematic review to identify the health outcomes associated with each of these risk factors. We modelled IPV and SVAC prevalence using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, applying data adjustments to account for measurement heterogeneity. We employed burden-of-proof methodology to estimate relative risks for outcomes associated with IPV and SVAC. These estimates informed the calculation of population attributable fractions, which were then used to quantify disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to each risk factor. Findings Globally, in 2023, we estimated that 608 million (95% uncertainty interval 518–724) females aged 15 years and older had ever been exposed to IPV, and 1·01 billion (0·764–1·48) individuals aged 15 years and older had experienced sexual violence during childhood. 18·5 million (8·74–30·0) DALYs were attributed to IPV among females and 32·2 million (16·4–52·5) DALYs were attributed to SVAC among males and females in 2023. IPV and SVAC were among the top contributors to the global disease burden in 2023, particularly among females aged 15–49 years, ranking as the fourth and fifth leading risk factors, respectively, for DALYs in this group. Among the eight health outcomes found to be associated with IPV, anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder were the leading causes of IPV-attributed DALYs, accounting for 5·43 million (–1·25 to 14·6) and 3·96 million (1·71 to 6·92) DALYs in 2023, respectively. SVAC was associated with 14 health outcomes, including mental health disorder, substance use disorder, and chronic and infectious disease outcomes. Self-harm and schizophrenia were the leading causes of SVAC-attributed burden, with SVAC accounting for 6·71 million (2·00 to 12·7) DALYs due to self-harm and 4·15 million (–1·92 to 13·1) DALYs due to schizophrenia in 2023. Interpretation IPV and SVAC are substantial contributors to global health burden, and their health consequences span a variety of individual health outcomes. Importantly, mental health disorders account for the greatest share of disease burden among survivors. Investing in prevention of these avoidable risk factors has the potential to avert millions of DALYs and considerable premature mortality each year. Our findings represent strong evidence for global and national leaders to elevate IPV and SVAC among public health priorities. Sustained investments are needed to prevent IPV and SVAC and to implement interventions focused on supporting the complex social and health needs of survivors. Funding Gates Foundation.
Antimicrobial resistance and Its impact on food safety determinants along the beef value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa—a scoping review
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Mano, Oscar; Musuka, Godfrey; Machakwa, Jairus
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to human, animal, and public health, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the beef sector is vital to food security and livelihoods. We conducted a scoping review to explore the determinants and impacts of AMR within the beef value chain in SSA, highlighting the challenges and progress in mitigating AMR risks in livestock production. This review identifies key factors contributing to AMR, including the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials, inadequate veterinary oversight, and weak regulatory frameworks. These practices are prevalent across various stages of the beef value chain, from farm to slaughterhouse, and are exacerbated by informal markets and insufficient infrastructure. Our findings also highlight the role of environmental factors, such as contamination of feed, water, and manure, in the spread of resistant pathogens. Additionally, gaps in AMR surveillance, education, and enforcement limit effective control measures in the region. While efforts to combat AMR have gained momentum in some countries, including the development of national action plans and surveillance systems, substantial challenges remain. These include poor adherence to antimicrobial guidelines, insufficient veterinary training, and the lack of integration between sectors. There is a need for targeted research to better understand antimicrobial misuse, socio-economic drivers, and the environmental pathways of AMR, as well as the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and cross-border cooperation. Addressing these challenges will be essential to safeguarding food safety, public health, and the sustainability of the beef industry in SSA.
The 2025 report of the Lancet Countdown to 2030 for women's, children's, and adolescents' health: tracking progress on health and nutrition
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Kinney, Mary; Amouzou, Agbessi; Barros, Aluisio J D
In line with previous progress reports by Countdown to 2030 for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health, this report analyses global and regional trends and inequalities in health determinants, survival, nutritional status, intervention coverage, and quality of care in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) and nutrition, as well as country health systems, policies, financing, and prioritisation. The focus is on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) where 99% of maternal deaths and 98% of child and adolescent deaths (individuals aged 0–19 years) occur, with special attention to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Multi-level factors affecting adolescent and youth engagement in HIV-research in low- and middle-income countries: a qualitative evidence synthesis
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) Schmidt, Bey-Marrié; Späth, Carmen; Morar, Neetha Shagan
Objectives: This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (qualitative). The objectives are as follows:. To explore the views and experiences of adolescents and youth who engaged with (i.e. were approached for participation) or participated in HIV research in low-and middle-income countries. To develop a logic model or visual representation that depicts the variety of factors affecting adolescent and youth engagement in HIV-related research, and how these factors potentially work together.
Food and nutrition security of adolescents and young adults NEETs and non-NEETs in two low socioeconomic urban settlements in South Africa
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Siro, Sicelosethu S; Sayed, Nazeeia; Swart, Elizabeth Catherina
Introduction Adolescents and young adults not yet in employment, education, or training (NEETs) account for a sizable fraction of the global population. In South Africa, 34.3% of young individuals aged 15 to 24 were classified as NEETs in 2022. Lack of work in low-income areas may lead to poverty and food insecurity, negatively impacting diet quality. Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare the anthropometric status, dietary intake, and food security of NEET and non-NEET adolescents and young adults (aged 18–24 years) in Langa and Fisantekraal, two low socioeconomic settlements in South Africa. Methods Participants were recruited through door-to-door visits. Standardized instruments including a sociodemographic questionnaire, household hunger score, lived poverty index, anthropometric assessments, and 24-hour dietary recalls were used for data collection. Results There were no significant differences in the prevalence of household hunger (p = 0.496), the lived poverty index (p = 0.111) and the prevalence of low micronutrient intakes between the NEETS and non-NEETs (p > 0.05). The prevalence of inadequate daily iron intake had the lowest prevalence while the prevalence of inadequate calcium intake was highest in this group of adolescents and young adults. The insufficient intake of micronutrients among adolescents and young adults can be attributed to the diets consumed by this demographic group.
Effective coverage measurements and cascade for maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in high-income countries: systematic review
(University of Edinburgh, 2025) Jackson, Debra J.; Zanette, Marianna; Konstantinou, Georgia
Background The concept of ‘effective coverage' (EC) aims to combine the j concept of coverage with the quality of care delivered and, ultimately, the health benefits received by the population in need. To date, systematic rej views of EC of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH) have focused on low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). No review has j examined whether and how the concept has been applied in high-income j countries (HICs). To address this gap, this systematic review investigated the application of EC measures in MNCAH care in HICs. Methods This was a systematic review that followed the Preferred Report-jing Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting j guidelines. The search strategy was developed from previous EC reviews conducted in LMICs and further adapted to the HIC setting. Additional search terms were identified through discussion with experts from the Life Stage Quality of Care Metrics Technical Working Group subgroup on EC. We searched three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, over 10 years. We conducted additional searches in Google Scholar and by con-j sulting members of the Life Stage Quality of Care Metrics Technical Work-j ing Group. We did not pose any language or type of article limits. Results The database search identified 18 976 studies for screening. Of these, 672 abstracts were screened, and none of the full texts considered met our inclusion criteria (e.g. human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis c virus continuum of care cascade, intervention type, qualitative search-interviews/questionnaire type studies). Thirty-two articles were retrieved through the additional search strategies, and none were included because of LMIC-focused research. Therefore, examples of EC of MNCAH care ap-j plied in HICs were not identified. Conclusions Further investigation should be conducted into the application of the EC concept for assessing MNCAH care in HICs. This research will help us understand how this concept can be used to support health system effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in HICs. Registration The study protocol was registered at the Open Science Frame-j work: https://doi-org.ezproxy.uwc.ac.za/10.17605/OSF.IO/FMCG8.
Telemedicine contraceptive counselling through whatsapp in South African abortion care: a mixed-methods acceptability study
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Knight, Lucia C.; Weinryb, Maja; Larsson, Elin Charlotte
Introduction: While telemedicine contraceptive counselling may enhance access and uptake, particularly in low-resource settings, the evidence for its acceptability as an alternative to in-person counselling remains limited. We therefore assessed the acceptability of PlanUrFam, a comprehensive WhatsApp-based contraceptive counselling tool, among women seeking abortion care in South Africa. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study at two public health clinics. Women seeking abortion care (n = 31) used PlanUrFam for contraceptive counselling and were followed-up at two weeks (n = 28). The primary outcome was a composite measure acceptability, informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). The secondary outcome was choice of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and preference for future counselling. In-depth interviews with a nested subgroup (n = 8) explored experiences of the tool using the TFA and content analysis. Results: There was high acceptability (89%, n = 25/28) across framework domains. Qualitative results confirmed that PlanUrFam was acceptable, easy to use, understand and reduced judgement experienced in in-person care. Comprehensive information increased perceived confidence and agency in contraceptive decision-making. After using PlanUrFam, most participants chose LARC methods (64%, n = 18/28), chose a different contraceptive than previously used (96%, n = 27/28), and preferred either PlanUrFam alone (54%) or in combination with in-person counselling (36%) for future contraceptive care. Discussion: This pilot demonstrates high acceptability of PlanUrFam in abortion care and supported informed decision-making and choice of LARC. The effectiveness of PlanUrFam or similar interventions compared to standard care should be explored in randomised controlled trials measuring method initiation, continuation, recurrent pregnancy and abortion.
Representation, activism, health promotion, and communication: the role of art in advancing global health and social justice
(Public Library of Science, 2025) Orth, Zaida; Reñosa, Mark; Perry, Kelly
This viewpoint advocates for the inclusion of art in global health discourse and practice. We explore four areas in which art can be leveraged to improve global health: to amplify disenfranchised voices, to advance social justice activism, to strengthen communities and individuals, and to improve global health communication. Drawing on community-driven art initiatives, we argue for an inclusive approach that respects diverse cultural perspectives and uplifts marginalized voices. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical engagement, our framework invites global health discourse and practice to integrate art in order to foster empathy, challenge systemic inequities, and envision sustainable futures. By centering art, we seek to enrich the global health discipline with insights and transformative potential grounded in human experiences, cultural diversity, and shared humanity.
Care mobilities and associated contexts of hospital-based informal caregiving in Nigeria: towards an explanatory framework
(Public Library of Science, 2025) Somefun, Oluwaseyi Dolapo; Adebayo, Kudus; Omobowale, Mofeyisara
Hospital-based informal caregiving in Nigeria is shaped by care mobilities and contextual factors such as policy contradictions and normative care philosophies. This study explores how these factors influence caregiving practices in a Nigerian tertiary health facility. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through interviews and observations, involving 75 participants, including 36 in-depth interviews with caregivers and inpatients, and 39 key informant interviews with staff like nurses, doctors, security guards, and ad-hoc caregivers. Findings showed that many informal caregivers traveled long distances to assist hospitalized relatives, often “hanging around” the hospital and engaging in micro-mobilities, such as running errands. Geographical distance, policy contradictions, and the financial costs of hospitalization significantly affected caregiving dynamics. Care mobilities caregivers moving within the hospital environment emerged as a critical aspect of the caregiving process. Understanding these mobilities and how they intersect with contextual factors is essential to improving caregiving experiences. The study highlights the need for policies that support informal caregivers and enhance patient outcomes, especially in terms of reducing the burdens caregivers face due to long travel distances, hospital policies, and financial challenges.
Key stakeholders’ views on the causes of medicine stock-outs in Mauritania: a qualitative study
(Public Library of Science, 2025) Ravinetto, Raffaella M.; Ag Ahmed, Mohamed Ali; Coulibaly, Issa
The number of medicine stock-outs is increasing globally. In Mauritania, they are recurring, although, to our knowledge, no study has yet been conducted to determine the causes. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to explore the views of key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector to identify the main local or national causes of stock-outs. It will thus provide a common understanding and guide policy-makers towards corrective action. The study was carried out in five health districts and at the regional and central levels. The samples were purposive. Two focus groups and twenty semi-structured individual interviews were held with 38 participants, including health professionals, managers from the Central Purchasing Office for Essential Medicines and Consumables, the Pharmacy and Laboratory Department and the Ministry of Health. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. A thematic content analysis was carried out. Our findings indicate the national causes of medicine stockouts at three healthcare system levels (operational, regional, and central). They were grouped into five categories: insufficient human resource capacity (number of staff, training, retention), communication and coordination problems between stakeholders, logistical constraints (transport, storage), financial constraints, inadequate forecasting of needs, and complex procurement procedures. These causes of medicine stockouts are interconnected, and many could be addressed locally through solutions initiated and led by the Mauritanian authorities. To address medicine stock-outs sustainably, we suggest and discuss some possible actions, including reforms to improve Central Purchasing Office for Essential Medicines and Consumables’s governance and accountability and, more broadly, to strengthen the various pillars of the local health and pharmaceutical system.
“I-we-I”: visualizing adolescents’ perceptions and apprehension to transition to adult hiv care at a supportive transition facility in the Cape Town metropole, South Africa
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Petinger, Charné; van Wyk, Brian Eduard; Crowley, Talitha
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) (10–19 years) make up approximately 4.2% (320,000) of people living with HIV in South Africa. Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by pervasive biological, social and psychological changes, which challenges adherence and retention in care for ALHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Further, as ALHIV grow “older”, they are expected to transition to the adult HIV treatment programme, where they should assume greater responsibility for managing their chronic condition and healthcare pathway. Whereas it is imperative that ALHIV are transitioned when they are ready, little is known about the challenges and experiences of ALHIV before and during transition. The aim of this paper was to report on the experiences and challenges of transition for ALHIV who received ART at an adolescent-friendly service that is adjunct to a public primary healthcare facility in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Methods: Photovoice methods were employed to explore the transition experiences of ALHIV on ART at a “supportive transition” public health facility in the Cape Town Metro in South Africa. Participants took pictures that depict their experience pre- and during transition to adult care and discussed these in groups with peers. Audio data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic analysis using Atlas.Ti version 24. Results: The emergent themes described their apprehension to transitioning to adult care; self-management; challenges to adherence; the need for psychosocial support; and how adolescent-friendly services were filling the gap. Conclusions: We illuminate the “I-We-I” configuration, to reflect (the first “I”) individual ALHIV experiences as isolated before being transferred to the supportive facility; how they experience a sense of belonging and family (“we”) in the supportive facility; but face apprehension about transitioning to adult care in the local clinic, where they have to self-manage (final “I”).
Menstrual hygiene management practices and associated factors among adolescent schoolgirls in rural Tanzania: a school-based cross-sectional study
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Ngilangwa, David Paul; Cooper, Diane; Lembani, Martina
Poor menstruation hygiene management (MHM) is an outcome for a majority of adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries while in school due to limited knowledge; water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities; and social support. This study aimed to assess practices and factors associated with poor MHM among schoolgirls in the rural district of Kilindi in northeastern Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a sample of 490 adolescent schoolgirls gathered through a two-step stratified random sampling approach. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect MHM data. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The mean age of participants was 13.7 (SD = 0.8). Overall, 44.5% had good menstruation knowledge. Factors associated with good knowledge of MHM include being 12 years old (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–0.2); having a grandmother as a source of menstrual information (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9); ever having missed school due to menses (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9); and coming from households with more than seven family members (AOR = 6.4, 95% CI: 4.0–10.2). Poor MHM practices were reported by 62.7% of schoolgirls. A factor associated with poor MHM practices was using media as the source of information (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9). Findings shows that there were low rates of knowledge of MHM and a high prevalence of poor MHM practices among rural schoolgirls in Kilindi district, suggesting the importance of designing and implementing interventions to ensure access to adequate MHM facilities, education, and social support in schools to facilitate MHM among schoolgirls.
“The dream of justice”
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) van Marle, Karin
In the piece below the author, inspired by David Scott (Stuart Hall 2017), writes a letter to the late Drucilla Cornell. She starts off by drawing on Scott’s invocation of “An ethics of receptive generosity” in relation to Hall and attributes such ethics also to Cornell. Cornell, did not only give but also knew how to receive from others. Her engagement with her own context, the different legal theoretical positions in the US legal academy at the time, in The Philosophy of the Limit (Cornell 1992) is unpacked and also used as a way for the author to reflect on the different perspectives on the constitution in South Africa. The author regards Cornell’s renaming of deconstruction to the “philosophy of the limit” and its implications for legal interpretation, as well as her framing of ethical feminism as foundational to a critical jurisprudence, and a feminist jurisprudence, a jurisprudence that is feminist. She focuses on Cornell’s work on/ in South Africa, her view of revolution and her “rethinking of ethical feminism through ubuntu”.
Immunization coverage, equity, and access for children with disabilities: a scoping review of challenges, strategies, and lessons learned to reduce the number of zero-dose children
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Mano, Oscar; Musuka, Godfrey; Cuadros, Diego Fernando
Background: Children with disabilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), face heightened risks of vaccine-preventable diseases due to a range of systemic and social barriers. Although immunization is a fundamental human right and a proven public health intervention, this vulnerable group is often overlooked in policy and practice. Understanding the factors compromising vaccine equity for these children is critical to reducing zero-dose prevalence and improving health outcomes. Methods: This scoping review examined peer-reviewed, gray literature from 2010 to 2024. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant organizational reports (WHO, UNICEF). Studies addressing children with disabilities and focusing on immunization barriers, interventions, or lessons learned were selected. English-language publications were screened in title/abstract and full-text stages. Key data extracted included population, barriers, and immunization outcomes. Since this review focused on articles in English, this is a key limitation. Results were synthesized thematically to identify recurring patterns and to guide improved interventions and policies. Results: Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers identified were inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient provider training, limited follow-up services in rural regions, societal stigma, and pervasive misconceptions around both disability and vaccines. Factors such as maternal education, logistical support for caregivers, and using low-sensory, inclusive vaccination settings were consistently linked with better outcomes. Effective strategies included mobile vaccination units, tailored interventions (e.g., distraction or sedation techniques), school-based immunization programs, and robust community engagement to address stigma. Lessons learned underscored the importance of flexible, individualized care plans and empowering families through transparent communication. Conclusions: Children with disabilities continue to experience significant gaps in immunization coverage, driven by intersecting barriers at the individual, health system, and societal levels. Scaling tailored interventions, inclusive policies, strengthened infrastructure, and ongoing research can help ensure these children receive equitable access to life-saving vaccinations.
The perspectives of key informants on programs and policies pertaining to HIV prevention and treatment for farm workers in rural South Africa
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) Lembani, Martina; Mlangeni, Nosimilo; Adetokunboh, Olatunji
Introduction: Farm workers are one of the subpopulations with poor progress toward the 95-95-95 targets in South Africa. The transient nature of farm workers results in treatment disruptions and affects the continuity of care. This study aimed to explore program implementers’ and program experts’ perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in providing HIV prevention and care to people working on farms. Methods: The study was conducted in three provinces of South Africa, using an exploratory qualitative study design. Policy document analysis was performed followed by key informant interviews with HIV program implementers and program experts. Key informants were purposively selected based on their roles in the HIV program at health facilities and other settings. An inductive approach was used to analyze data. Results: Eight policy documents were analyzed, and eight key informants were interviewed. Emerging themes included challenges in providing HIV services to farm workers, effective strategies employed by service providers, and program and policy recommendations. Several challenges in providing HIV care to farm workers were presented, including their high mobility which leads to treatment interruptions and loss to follow-up. As a result, farm workers easily get lost to follow-up and are likely to have poor treatment outcomes. Some of the effective strategies included community-based prevention, treatment and support services, and the use of health passports to improve linkages to care. Community health workers, mobile clinics, and community-based pick-up points improve access to HIV counselling and testing, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and retention in care. Program and policy recommendations included customized HIV services and designing sector-specific HIV policies. Conclusion: The study reveals ongoing structural barriers that limit sufficient HIV prevention and retention in care for farm workers who are on treatment. Models of care that include patient-held records, workplace-provided services, and mobile healthcare are recommended.

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