scholarly journals All Bad? Experiences of Aging Among LGBT Elders in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Finn Reygan ◽  
Neil Henderson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Social Belonging ◽  
Agency Support ◽  
Bisexual And Transgender ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

There is an almost complete dearth of research on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders in South Africa. This study was a qualitative exploration through focus group discussions of the lived experiences of 22 LGBT people over 50 years of age in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. Given high levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa, findings from a thematic analysis of participants’ narratives foregrounded surprisingly strong themes of inclusion and belonging despite the structural challenges faced by many in South Africa. While narratives of marginalization and exclusion were present, these were juxtaposed with reports of belonging and inclusion in families, communities, through friendship networks, and in health care. Findings indicate that, while experiences of homophobia and transphobia are real among LGBT elders in South Africa, participants experience agency, support, and relatively high reported levels of social belonging as they age.

scholarly journals Spiritual care practices in hospices in the Western cape, South Africa: the challenge of diversity

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronita Mahilall ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
African Context ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Background South Africa is a very diverse middle-income country, still deeply divided by the legacy of its colonial and apartheid past. As part of a larger study, this article explored the experiences and views of representatives of hospices in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the provision of appropriate spiritual care, given local issues and constraints. Methods Two sets of focus group discussions, with 23 hospice participants, were conducted with 11 of the 12 Hospice Palliative Care Association registered hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa, to understand what spiritual care practices existed in their hospices against the backdrop of multifaceted diversities. The discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two prominent themes emerged: the challenges of providing relevant spiritual care services in a religiously, culturally, linguistically and racially diverse setting, and the organisational context impacting such a spiritual care service. Participants agreed that spiritual care is an important service and that it plays a significant role within the inter-disciplinary team. Participants recognised the need for spiritual care training and skills development, alongside the financial costs of employing dedicated spiritual care workers. In spite of the diversities and resource constraints, the approach of individual hospices to providing spiritual care remained robust. Discussion Given the diversities that are largely unique to South Africa, shaped essentially by past injustices, the hospices have to navigate considerable hurdles such as cultural differences, religious diversity, and language barriers to provide spiritual care services, within significant resource constraints. Conclusions While each of the hospices have established spiritual care services to varying degrees, there was an expressed need for training in spiritual care to develop a baseline guide that was bespoke to the complexities of the South African context. Part of this training needs to focus on the complexity of providing culturally appropriate services.

scholarly journals Towards a safer and more efficient neonatal transfer system in South Africa: A qualitative inquiry with advanced life support paramedics

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Ashokcoomar ◽  
Raisuyah Bhagwan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Transfer Process ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Advanced Life Support ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Introduction The inter-healthcare transfer of the critically ill neonate is a critical aspect of larger neonatal intensive care, as it influences the safe transport of neonates from the receiving to the referring hospital. It is crucial then that the transfer process be safe and efficient so as not to compromise the already fragile condition of the neonate. The aim of the study was to understand the challenges advanced life support (ALS) paramedics face during neonatal transfers and to understand how the process could be made safer and more efficient. The objectives related to understanding the transfer process, the challenges linked to the critically ill neonate and the difficulties associated with the ambulance vehicle and equipment. Methods Using a qualitative research approach we sought the views of ALS paramedics at the forefront of transfers nationally. In-depth interviews were held with eight paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal and four focus group discussions with ALS paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape in South Africa. A total of 35 ALS paramedics were involved in these group discussions. Results The study uncovered several challenges that paramedics face related to poor organisational preparation for transfer of the critically ill neonate, and other crucial issues that compromise the transfer such as inadequate or defective equipment. Conclusion There is a need for greater scrutiny of the transfer process and a commitment from stakeholders to begin addressing the challenges confronting the safe transfer of critically ill neonates.

scholarly journals HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS’ EXPERIENCES OF GANGSTERISM IN HANOVER PARK

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mufaro Magidi ◽  
Rinie Schenk ◽  
Charlene Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Community Life ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Exploratory Approach

The culture of gang violence has become deeply entrenched in South Africa. The present study explored the experiences of non-gang school-going adolescents regarding gangs and gangsterism in Hanover Park in the Western Cape. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Data collection instruments were focus group discussions supported by qualitative semi-structured interviews involving 18 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 from two secondary schools in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The data were thematically analysed. The results have shown that the presence of gangs affects the learners’ school attendance, restricts their mobility, increases bullying at school and seriously disrupts family and community life.

scholarly journals Spiritual care practices in hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa: The challenge of diversity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronita Mahilall ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
African Context ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Background: South Africa is a very diverse middle-income country, still deeply divided by the legacy of its colonial and apartheid past. As part of a larger study, this article explored the experiences and views of representatives of hospices in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the provision of appropriate spiritual care, given local issues and constraints. Methods: Two sets of focus group discussions, with 23 hospice participants, were conducted with 11 of the 12 Hospice Palliative Care Association registered hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa, to understand what spiritual care practices existed in their hospices against the backdrop of multifaceted diversities. The discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results:Two prominent themes emerged: the challenges of providing relevant spiritual care services in a religiously, culturally, linguistically and racially diverse setting, and the organisational context impacting such a spiritual care service. Participants agreed that spiritual care is an important service and that it plays a significant role within the inter-disciplinary team. Participants recognised the need for spiritual care training and skills development, alongside the financial costs of employing dedicated spiritual care workers. In spite of the diversities and resource constraints, the approach of individual hospices to providing spiritual care remained robust.Discussion:Given the diversities that are largely unique to South Africa, shaped essentially by past injustices, the hospices have to navigate considerable hurdles such as cultural differences, religious diversity, and language barriers to provide spiritual care services, within significant resource constraints. Conclusions:While each of the hospices have established spiritual care services to varying degrees, there was an expressed need for training in spiritual care to develop a baseline guide that was bespoke to the complexities of the South African context. Part of this training needs to focus on the complexity of providing culturally appropriate services.

scholarly journals Messaging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Inequities: A Qualitative Exploration

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Israel M. Mendez ◽  
Paige E. Averett ◽  
Joseph G. L. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Health Inequities ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Media Advocacy ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Lgbt Community ◽  
Bisexual And Transgender ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
Future Work

Background. There are substantial health inequities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people compared to their straight/cisgendered counterparts. As evidence of these inequities has become unequivocal, better strategies to address them are needed. One approach is to leverage communications and media advocacy efforts to raise awareness about inequities. However, some research suggests that highlighting health inequities can have negative consequences. This study aimed to explore how LGBT leaders view communication about health inequities. Method. We used an inductive qualitative approach and conducted 12 semistructured phone interviews with LGBT community leaders in North Carolina between September and October 2017. Results. Four themes emerged in the data. There was support for reporting health differences between LGBT and straight/cisgendered people to raise awareness of health issues facing LGBT communities. However, participants were concerned about the stigmatizing effects of messages and worried about their effectiveness. Conclusion. Emphasizing health differences between LGBT and straight people can be problematic; our findings suggest that health educators (1) must be cautious, (2) must be aware of the audience, and (3) should consider focusing messages on finding a solution to the identified problem. Future work should explore how to best craft messages that address health inequities for LGBT communities.

scholarly journals Factors and impacts of informal settlements residents' sanitation practices on access and sustainability of sanitation services in the policy context of Free Basic Sanitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-248
Author(s):  
Christophe Muanda ◽  
Jacqueline Goldin ◽  
Rainer Haldenwang
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sanitation Services ◽  
Policy Context ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Basic Sanitation ◽  
Generous Support

Abstract Through the Free Basic Sanitation (FBSan) service policy, many informal settlements in South Africa have been provided with basic sanitation facilities. However, access to these facilities remains challenging for many residents. These challenges have compelled residents to adopt a range of alternative sanitation practices. Through interviews, observation and focus group discussions in five informal settlements in the Western Cape, South Africa, 383 randomly selected respondents identified factors that shape their sanitation practices and how these practices impact on access to, and sustainability of sanitation services in the policy context of the FBSan. Residents' sanitation practices include the use of buckets, porta-potties, plastic bags, and existing facilities within and outside their settlements for either defecating or discharging the bucket contents and open defecation. These sanitation practices are informed by factors including safety concerns, poor conditions of the facilities, lack of privacy and choice. These findings suggest that the provision of facilities through the FBSan policy should consider the multiple and varied needs of residents, practices and conditions of their settlements prior to the selection and deployment of facilities to informal settlements in South Africa. This article has been made Open Access thanks to the generous support of a global network of libraries as part of the Knowledge Unlatched Select initiative.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Occupational Heat, Sun Exposure, and Health Risk Prevention: A Qualitative Study of Forestry Workers in South Africa

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna-Andrea Rother ◽  
Juanette John ◽  
Caradee Y. Wright ◽  
James Irlam ◽  
Riëtha Oosthuizen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Risk Prevention ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Forestry Workers ◽  
And Coping

Occupational exposure to heat and solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) threatens the health and wellbeing of outdoor workers. These threats are likely to increase as a result of climate change. This study examined the perceptions of occupational heat and sun exposure and health risk prevention among forestry workers removing alien invasive vegetation in the Western Cape, South Africa. The linkages between workers’ perceptions of heat, solar UVR, and herbicide exposure and impacts under the current climate were investigated to better understand potential adaptation needs under a changing climate. Using focus group discussions and participatory risk mapping, heat stresses identified by workers were either environmental (e.g., lack of shade) or work-related (e.g., wearing required personal protective equipment). Several heat and solar UVR health impacts were reportedly experienced by workers; local indigenous knowledge and coping mechanisms, such as wearing ochre for sun protection, were used to prevent these impacts. Despite workers’ current efforts to protect their health, existing gaps and opportunities to improve working conditions were identified. Institutional structures for improved reporting of adverse events are imperative, together with awareness and education campaigns about the risks associated with working in hot and sunny environments.

scholarly journals Spiritual Care Practices in Hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa: The Challenge of Diversity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronita Mahilall ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
African Context ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Background: South Africa is a very diverse middle-income country, still deeply divided by the legacy of its colonial and apartheid past. As part of a larger study, this article explored the experiences and views of representatives of hospices in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the provision of appropriate spiritual care, given local issues and constraints. Methods: Two sets of focus group discussions, with 23 hospice participants, were conducted with 11 of the 12 Hospice Palliative Care Association registered hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa, to understand what spiritual care practices were at play in their hospices against the backdrop of multifaceted diversities. The discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results:Two prominent themes emerged: providing relevant spiritual care services in a religiously, culturally, and racially diverse setting, and the organisational context impacting such a spiritual care service. Participants agreed that spiritual care is an important service and that it plays a significant role within the inter-disciplinary team. Participants recognised the need for spiritual care training and skills development, alongside the financial shortfalls. In spite of the diversities and resource constraints, the approach of individual hospices to providing spiritual care remained robust.Discussion:Given the diversities that are largely unique to South Africa, shaped essentially by past injustices, the hospices have to navigate considerable hurdles such as cultural differences, religious diversity, and language barriers to provide spiritual care services, within significant resource constraints. Conclusions:While each of the hospices have established spiritual care services to varying degrees, there was an expressed need for training in spiritual care to develop a baseline guide that was bespoke to the complexities of the South African context. Part of this training needs to focus on the complexity of providing culturally appropriate services.

scholarly journals Attitude shifts and knowledge gains: Evaluating men who have sex with men sensitisation training for healthcare workers in the Western Cape, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Scheibe ◽  
Zoe Duby ◽  
Ben Brown ◽  
Eduard J. Sanders ◽  
Linda-Gail Bekker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa experience discrimination from healthcare workers (HCWs), impeding health service access.Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of an MSM sensitisation training programme for HCWs implemented in the Western Cape province (South Africa).Methods: A training programme was developed to equip HCWs with the knowledge, awareness and skills required to provide non-discriminatory, non-judgemental and appropriate services to MSM. Overall, 592 HCWs were trained between February 2010 and May 2012. Trainees completed self-administered pre- and post-training questionnaires assessing changes in knowledge. Two-sample t-tests for proportion were used to assess changes in specific answers and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for overall knowledge scores. Qualitative data came from anonymous post-training evaluation forms completed by all trainees, in combination with four focus group discussions (n = 28) conducted six months after their training.Results: Fourteen per cent of trainees had received previous training to counsel clients around penile–anal intercourse, and 16% had previously received training around sexual health issues affecting MSM. There was a statistically significant improvement in overall knowledge scores (80% – 87%, p < 0.0001), specifically around penile–anal intercourse, substance use and depression after the training. Reductions in negative attitudes towards MSM and increased ability for HCWs to provide non-discriminatory care were reported as a result of the training.Conclusion: MSM sensitisation training for HCWs is an effective intervention to increase awareness on issues pertaining to MSM and how to engage around them, reduce discriminatory attitudes and enable the provision of non-judgemental and appropriate services by HCWs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document