Masters Degrees (Population Studies)

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African immigrants in Durban : a case study of foreign street traders' contribution to the city.
(2011) Sidzatane, Ndumiso Justice.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
This dissertation explores the livelihood activities of Durban's African migrant street traders. The study also seeks to gain insight into the challenges that confront them as well as the perceptions that local street traders have of them. The researcher argues that migrant street traders make a contribution towards the economic development of the city. Migrant street traders are attracted to Durban because of the economic opportunities that the city offers as well as the fact that it has a lower crime rate than cities such as Johannesburg. The concept of livelihood strategy was used to develop the theoretical framework that guides the research. The study makes use of the qualitative research method. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with migrant and local street traders, who were a mixture of male and female. Of the fifteen interviewees, ten were migrant traders (five females and five males) and five were local street traders (three females and two males). The research was conducted in the Central Business District (CBD) in the vicinity of the Workshop Shopping Centre. The findings of the study suggest that migrants make an economic contribution (albeit not a substantial one) to the development of the city. Some of the local street traders recognise this contribution while others do not. Migrant street traders encounter difficulties in accessing the finance and capital necessary to start their entrepreneurial businesses. The other major problems experienced by the migrant traders in the city are to do with crime, the metropolitan police, local government officials, securing of a suitable accommodation, and accessing trading sites, education and healthcare. The research concludes by recommending that the business-training sessions that are arranged by the municipality of local street traders be open to migrant street traders as well. Local communities should also be educated about the positive role of the migrants in the city.
Alcohol use at universities: a case study of young students in Durban.
(2021) Bhengu, Akhona Presentia.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Alcohol use is a global concern because of the health risks it poses that contributes to the overall burden of disease. Alcohol use among young people, especially university students, is concerning and a major public health issue because of the increasing levels of use. Excessive alcohol use can affect a young individual’s general health, emotional wellbeing, and their social development. There is a dearth of literature that focuses exclusively on the use of alcohol by male university students. This study aimed to fill this gap by providing insights into alcohol use by male university students by drawing on the qualitative research approach. In total, 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with students at the University of KwaZulu- Natal. The findings of this study suggest that there is a high prevalence of alcohol use among the study sample. Students revealed that they first started using alcohol when they were at high school. In addition, the study revealed that individual, environmental and demographic factors contribute to alcohol use. Although students were aware of the adverse effects of alcohol use, they were also aware of and used various strategies to deal with these alcohol-related challenges. Similarly, the interviews suggest that male students had negative attitudes towards alcohol because of the bad experiences they encountered when they consumed alcohol. This study recommends that future research explores the factors that encourage and help students responsibly decrease alcohol use. Universities need to strengthen their responsibility to manage their students’ drinking patterns. Student driven alcohol awareness and education programmes by universities is also recommended to prevent alcohol use at campuses.
An analysis of the extent of migration and its impacts on the sending household in a rural area in South Africa.
(2014) Dzomba, Armstrong.; Casale, Daniela Maria.
The aim of this study is to analyse the extent and nature of labour migration and its impacts on the sending households in a rural area in South Africa, namely Agincourt, Mpumalanga. This is achieved through a quantitative analysis of a cross-sectional dataset from the 2007 temporary migration module of the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Results indicate that most temporary migration in this area is related to the need to work elsewhere, i.e. labour migration, and that labour migrants are more likely to be men rather than women. Consistent with expectations, temporary labour migrants appear to maintain close ties with sending households, evidenced in three key features of migrants` behaviour, namely: method of communication with the household; pattern of return; and propensity to remit cash and goods to the household of origin. A number of the factors investigated here differ by the gender of the migrant, and whether children were left behind in the household by the migrant. The effect of labour migration on additional household composition changes, such as the co-migration of children, appears negligible in this sample, contrary to expectations. Interestingly, the study finds that a large percentage of migrants leave children behind in the sending households, and that more female migrants compared to male migrants leave behind at least one child in the household. These children tend to be cared for within the household by another female relative. These findings underscore the need for more inter-disciplinary and in-depth research on labour migration, yielding more refined results particularly on the impact of migration on the health and well-being of children left in the sending household.
An analysis of the impact of traditional initiation schools on adolescents sexual and reproductive health : a case study of rural Thulamela Municipality.
(2005) Malisha, Lutendo.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
There has been a great deal of focus on young people and how they obtain information about reproductive health matters in the era of HIV/AIDS. However, there has very limited research on role of traditional initiation schools in the era of HIVIAIDS. In some parts of South Africa, young men and women continue to attend traditional initiation schools. The primary aim of these schools is to disseminate information about sexuality and other reproductive health matters in order to ensure that young people are well prepared for their future social growth, societal responsibilities and conjugal matters. Interviews were conducted with young people who had attended traditional initiation schools. The study was conducted in three villages in the Limpopo Province in South Africa where traditional initiations are widely practices. The study examines the impact of traditional initiation schools on adolescent's sexuality and reproductive health behaviour. The findings of the study show that traditional initiation schools have an important role to play in imparting information about sexuality and reproductive health. Traditional initiation schools prepare young people for the transition to adulthood. It is believed that these schools produce men who are independent, brave and courageous and women who are good mothers, wives and daughter-in-Iaws. However, some young men and women feel that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities soon after attending traditional initiation schools. This is because there is massive use of sexually explicit language during the process of initiation. Some young people feel that traditional initiation schools have contributed to the increase in sexual activity and as a result, negative reproductive health outcomes. However, the main conclusion is that traditional initiation schools have an important role to play to shaping the sexual and reproductive health behaviour of Venda young men and women.
Ascertaining fertility replacement levels for Southern African countries.
(2014) Simelane, Portia Thandazile.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo Barbara.
The study set out to investigate the level of growth of populations of Southern African Countries by estimating the fertility levels, the mortality levels as well as the replacement fertility levels so as to establish if the generation of women in these countries are replacing themselves or not. This study focused on the following select countries; South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe and the Demographic Health Survey Dataset (DHS) ranging between 1998 and 2007 was used for these countries in investigating the levels of growth measured by TFR. This study was a comparative analysis between countries on their fertility and mortality levels and was done by utilizing one of the most comprehensive data sources, the Demographic Health Survey Data for the individual countries. The DHS data set that has been used for each of the Southern African Countries ranges between the years 1998 and 2007. This was done to ensure that the years at which these data sets for these Southern African Countries were collected are not too far apart so as to allow comparisons between countries and avoid bias. The findings of this study from the analysis revealed that Southern African countries still boast high fertility rate levels between 2.9 and 3.8 and that all the five countries forming part of this study have a Net Reproduction Rate (NRR) that is above 1.1 children per woman. Finally, The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) at replacement level for all these countries in Southern Africa is above 2.1, in fact, it ranges between 2.7 and 3.3 for all these five countries. Recommendations were made that Local and National Governments in these developing countries should track the replacement fertility levels for their countries from time to time. This will assist in avoiding a situation whereby many governments targeting total fertility rates of 2.1 find their population in decline if such a target was reached whilst replacement fertility remained above 2.1. In addition to that, during population conferences, demographers should make it a point that issues surrounding replacement fertility levels for developing countries are discussed. Replacement fertility for developed countries, which is set at 2.1 children per woman, should therefore be used as a guideline for tracking and reporting of developing countries replacement fertility levels.
Assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices of boys and young men with regard to the prevention of pregnancy and HIV infection.
(2006) Gqamane, Velile.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
This paper focuses on boys and young men's attitudes, knowledge and practices with regard to pregnancy and HIV infection. The objective of the study is to ascertain how boys and young men perceive the risks of pregnancy and HIV infection. The study further investigates the strategies which the sexually active respondents considered as appropriate, practical and effective in coping with these risks. The study was based on the secondary data which was extracted from the transitions to adulthood survey conducted in KwaZulu Natal during 2001. The analysis was restricted to young men aged 14 to 24 years. The major findings from the study revealed that young men did not perceive themselves at risk of HIV infection. Overall, respondents were fairly knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and knew where to access condoms, how HIV is contracted or transmitted etc. Findings also indicated that many respondents regarded pregnancy as a matter of great concern. Many respondents perceived pregnancy as highly problematic and were concerned to protect themselves against this risk. The major finding for this study revealed that the majority of sexually active young men used condoms for preventing both pregnancy and HIV/AIDS; while some also used various contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. A major factor promoting consistent condom use was the perception of pregnancy as highly problematic.
Attitudes to motherhood and working mothers in South Africa : insights from quantitative attitudinal data.
Robinson, Gail Susan.; Posel, Dorrit Ruth.
Motherhood ideologies are rooted in cultural and historical contexts, and encapsulate attitudes towards the roles and expectations of mothers. In South Africa, with many languages and deep racial and socio-economic divisions, it is likely that these attitudes are informed by a number of motherhood ideologies. This study explores the extent to which ‘intensive’ mothering ideology – intrinsic to the nuclear family ideal and predominant in Western literature – informs attitudes to mothering practice in South Africa. Within intensive mothering ideology the ‘good’ mother is positioned as exclusively responsible for the emotional and physical nurture of her child; and the centrality of the child supersedes her needs. This creates an inherent conflict for mothers who interpret their mothering role through this schema and undertake paid work, thus seemingly compromising on fulfilling their caring duty. However, research suggests that the ambivalence experienced by many Western women regarding engaging in paid work, may not have the same salience in societies whose cultural conception of motherhood embraces collective mothering, where responsibility for childcare is shared among family and community members. This is a hallmark often of extended, as opposed to nuclear, families. Thus it might be expected, in South Africa, that where African society has traditionally been characterised by extended family formation, intensive mothering ideology would not hold the same sway among Africans as qualitative South African research suggests it does for the White, middle-class. Furthermore, it might be expected that this would be balanced, among Africans, by extant support for collective mothering. In this analysis of quantitative attitudinal data, agreement with the statements ‘A child under five years suffers if his/her mother works’ and, ‘All in all, family life suffers when the woman works’, are used as indicators of intensive mothering ideology. The choice of a grant, paid to a friend or relative to care for the preschool child of a working single mother, as the best care option, is used as an indicator of support for collective mothering ideology. The findings of this study suggest that in South Africa, there is a higher prevalence of intensive mothering ideology among White women, and to a lesser extent men, than among Africans. The low level of support for a grant, paid to family members or friends for the care of a working single-mother’s pre-school child, suggests that a disjuncture might exist between the preference among Africans for collective mothering, and its assumed prevalence.
Awareness of reproductive cancers among students in Durban, South Africa.
(2017) Mambondiani, Liberty T.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Cancer is emerging as a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause of death in developing countries. In females, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and in males, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. However, studies on other cancers that affect the reproductive organs are limited. This study therefore investigates the awareness of reproductive cancers and screening related services among young people. Using a qualitative approach, which is a way of obtaining descriptions of the life world of the subject with respect to interpretation of their meaning, the study investigates the perceived severity of reproductive cancer, perceived barriers and benefits to routine screening for early diagnosis through in-depth interviews. Furthermore, the study aims for the depth of understanding of the awareness of reproductive cancers among young people. The findings of this study suggest that there is very low awareness of reproductive cancers among young people. This study reveals that students were more aware of cervical and prostate cancer than other reproductive cancers. Furthermore, the study found that there was very low awareness of HPV and knowledge and awareness of screening services were lacking greatly. An important finding of the study was that students did not know that there is a link between engaging in risky sexual behaviors and spreading of HPV and development of reproductive cancers. It was then recommended that intensive programmes informing and educating young people about their sexual and reproductive health are needed. The department of health together with other government departments as well as organizations dealing with cancer should work together in increasing awareness programmes.
Changing gender roles in the household: a case study of Lamontville in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.
(2021) Mofokeng, Puseletso Precious.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Gender roles are expectations that individuals, groups, and societies have of people based on their sex. These expectations are also based on each society's values and beliefs. Society is constructed in a way that traditional and cultural norms shape gender roles in societies, and these are expressed in households where men and women are not given equal roles. The overall aim of the study was to investigate the construction of gender roles and the factors that lead to gender inequality within households in townships, specifically in Lamontville in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The qualitative data used in this study was collected from indepth interviews with twenty men and women in Lamontville township, in the south of Durban. The findings of this study showed that women tend to be side-lined when it comes to decision making in the household. Participants noted that inequalities are deeply rooted after marriage and women are denied the opportunity of pursuing their studies to empower themselves. In addition, this tends to result in unequal power relations and gender inequities that originate from male domination and socio-cultural structures in the society. As much as there are minor improvements in gender relations in some parts of South Africa, women are still disproportionately burdened by the realities of gender inequality, gender stereotypes and structural violence within households. During the interviews, participants also showed that socio-cultural structures, education, geographical setting, poverty and economic status are major factors that reinforce the unbalanced gender roles in societies today. Additionally, the lack of education for some women has led to the exacerbation of gender inequality, as many households in Lamontville are headed by men. Experiences of gender-based violence and domestic abuse was also noted by a few female participants but they emphasized that they would not leave their husbands because they are financially dependent on them for survival and for those of their children. This study points to the importance of ensuring that the safety of women in households is maintained by promoting greater equality.
Childcare arrangements of migrants: a case study of mothers in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg.
(2018) Majola, Thobelani Nompilo.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Studies on migration focus on the various patterns of movements for individuals. These patterns were shaped by the colonial and apartheid-era policies, which channeled black male labour migration while women and children remained in rural areas. In recent years, more and more women have been entering the labour market. This has increased migration rates for women and as a result, permanent urban migration has been growing. This shift had implications for children who may migrate with their parents or may be left behind in rural areas. There is a great deal of literature on adult migration and temporary labour patterns in South Africa, but very little on how this has affected children. The aim of this study was to shed insight on the childcare arrangements made by women who internally migrate with their children to urban areas in search of economic opportunities. For this study, data was obtained from face to face in-depth interviews that were held with twenty migrant mothers from Imbali, Unit 13 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The findings of this study have indicated that migrant mothers had limited awareness of childcare facilities when they first migrated to Imbali. The majority of migrant mothers have highlighted that they have placed their children in formal facilities within the community and some of these facilities where not conducive for children as they believed it was not in their best interest due to a number of factors. Finances and distance were the main factors influencing selection of childcare arrangements. The study recommends that all stakeholders invest in facilities within the community as most parents suggested that facilities were not affordable. The involvement of both private and public stakeholders can assist in ensuring that when parents migrate, they properly make care plans for their children.
Cohabitation among young people in Durban, South Africa: exploring perspectives and experiences.
(2022) Mazibuko, Nondumiso Xolile.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Cohabitation has recently become a norm among young people. While it has been done even in the past, it was not as common as it is nowadays. The study explores the attitudes of young people towards cohabitation. The study draws on in-depth interviews conducted amongst young people residing in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. In total, there were 20 interviews that were conducted with both males and females. The findings indicate that cohabitation relationship among youth is becoming more prevalent and normal especially in the cities. Most cohabiting couples have different experiences as well as challenges. Both men and women have different attitudes when it comes to cohabitation. There are positive and negative impacts associated with being in a cohabiting relationship. Some couples get a chance to raise their children in an environment where there is a father and a mother as well. Other reasons for cohabitation include the high costs of lobola. The study suggested that people from rural areas should be educated about cohabitation in different ways, as the study has shown that in rural areas cohabitation is regarded as a taboo or disrespectful. There are some recommendations which were proposed such as there should be some facilities in rural areas where people will be taught more about cohabitation. There should also be some support groups that will accommodate people or couples who are facing challenges while cohabiting.
Communication about family planning on desired fertility among married people in Rwanda.
(2006) Willy, Gasafari Mpabuka.; Dungumaro, Esther W.
Complexities surrounding unpaid internships for historically disadvantaged students on Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu Natal.
(2020) Dlamini, Abahle Samkelisiwe.; Vawda, Mohammed Yacoob.
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the complexities surrounding internships among UKZN Westville students. This includes knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and behaviors towards internships (especially unpaid internships). To limit the scope of the relevant data and strengthen the study, this study draws from the employment relationship framework – under the larger umbrella of labour relations. This theoretical framework was instrumental in the entire study in terms of using the right research methods to better answer the research’s questions. The theoretical framework also limits generalisations by identifying the key elements and connections that inform the study’s direction. The framework is structured around four (4) elements or sub-theories: the unitarist, pluralist, Marxist and radical. This study adopted an explorative qualitative research approach for collecting the required data and the analysis thereof. In this qualitative research both semi-structured and in-depth interviews were used to evaluate the complexities surrounding internships among UKZN Westville students. A non-probability sampling method was used to recruit a total sample size of 15 participants. The findings from this study revealed that there are various factors influencing the complex relationship between unpaid internships and graduate employment within the studied population. Here, the results found that lack of compensation, social class, discrimination, favouritism, nepotisms, and lack of paid internships are some of the factors that impact on the complexities surrounding internships among UKZN Westville students. The results from this study further highlight that difficulties to get paid internships or work experience programmes is a challenge which restrict the potential for under-privileged groups to secure their first employment. In other words, the difficulties to find paid internships or work experience programme for under-privileged groups is related to the lack of work experience itself since they do not have the luxury of working for free while still taking care of their financial needs. In conclusion, the results from this study present a direct evaluation of the association between social class and graduates’ internships, and ultimately employability. The role of legal frameworks and stakeholders (such as government, higher institutions and employers) ultimately has the potentials to improving youths and/or graduates’ employability through the promotion of paid internships.
Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services for youth : a health sector priority.
(2011) Alli, Farzana.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Sexual and reproductive health care have become key priorities both within developing and developed nations. Young people have been identified as particularly vulnerable to negative health outcomes. South Africa is one such example of a country that presently faces significant challenges in addressing the unmet sexual and reproductive health needs of young people. With the enormous burden of reproductive health problems and the accelerating HIV epidemic, the provision of sexual and reproductive health services remains a challenge. Though various studies highlight the importance of comprehensive services targeted at youth, there is a lack of adequate research in evaluating the extent to which health services are addressing the health needs of clients. This study aimed to address this gap by examining a health care facility for students at one of the largest tertiary institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. The core objective was to determine the extent to which the health services are responding to the sexual and reproductive needs of young people by, exploring the experiences and perspectives of service providers and young men and women in relation to comprehensive, youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health care. This was assessed using a revised version of the Bruce-Jain quality of care framework. Information for this study was obtained using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods including: an inventory of the facility and services, in-depth interviews with staff and exit interviews with 200 clients aged 18 to 24 years. The findings of the study reveal that logistical constraints hindered effective implementation of comprehensive, youth-friendly services by providers. Providers missed opportunities to provide clients with much needed information and services due to staff shortage, client overload, lack of infrastructure, and poor continuity mechanisms. HIV, STIs and unwanted pregnancies were some of the most important health issues among young people visiting the health facility. Very few young men utilised the services. Some of the key findings were that clients continue to experience barriers in interpersonal relations while many expressed the need for more information from providers. In addition, many young women still have an unmet need for contraception. Policy makers need to incorporate the needs of young clients within sexual and reproductive health initiatives. Ideally young people should be involved in the design and implementation process of comprehensive, youth-friendly health initiatives. This would form a platform for addressing the barriers that hinder health service provision.
Computer literacy, employment and earnings : a cross-sectional study on South Africa using the National Income Dynamics Study 2008.
(2013) Govindasamy, Preston-Lee.; Casale, Daniela Maria.
In this study I explore the extent of computer literacy in South Africa, the correlates of computer literacy, and the relationship between computer literacy and labour market outcomes, namely the probability of employment and earnings among working-age South Africans. I use data from the first wave of the National Income Dynamics Panel survey of 2008, the first national household survey to collect information on computer skills. This study focuses on computer literacy as it has become an integral skill in today’s world of fast technological change. Understanding the unequal distribution of this form of human capital and the benefits it affords those in the labour market, is important particularly in South Africa, where there is a growing gap between the rich and the poor. I find that the distribution of computer skills in South Africa tends to mirror existing inequalities; females, Africans, those with low levels of schooling and those living outside of formal urban areas, for instance, are less likely to be computer literate. Further, I find that there is a positive association between computer literacy and the probability of employment among working-age adults, and a positive relationship between computer literacy and earnings among the employed in South Africa. These associations hold after controlling for a variety of demographic, human capital, family background, and in the case of the earnings regressions, job characteristics. The results also suggest that, as would be expected, those who are highly computer literate do better than those who have basic use skills. I also consider the limitations of my methods and the data I use, and the implications of the results for education and skills development policy in South Africa.
Consequences of gender based violence on reproductive health : a case study of female patients in Lemera Hospital.
(2010) Zihindula, Theo Ganzamungu.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
This study was conducted in order to explore the experiences of survivors of gender based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim was to determine the impact of gender based violence on the reproductive health of women. The study was carried out at a hospital in the eastern province of the country. In-depth interviews were conducted with women survivors of rape and informant interviews with staff at the hospital. A total of twenty one participants participated in the study. The findings show that women suffered humiliation, physical and psychological torture during their rape. Some women were raped by a number of men. The rape also had serious consequences for their sexual and reproductive health. Some of the effects of their rape were long-term: it resulted in an unwanted pregnancy or HIV/AIDS. Many of the women expressed their fears for the future. They were particularly worried about their children, especially those who were divorced following their rape and those who lived with HIV/AIDS.
Contemporary partnership patterns among the Zulu population: perceptions of University of KwaZulu-Natal students.
(2019) Ngobese, Sindisiwe Precious.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo.
The Zulu ethnic group is grappling with the contestations between tradition and modernity, where it is hard to find families that are purely traditional or completely modernized. The hybrid of the two is more prevalent, particularly in urban settings. Meekers (1992) asserts that most African countries have not completely abandoned traditional practices despite modernization taking place, hence marriage is one of the family formation types that persist among Africans. Marriage among the Zulu population involves numerous compulsory stages with negotiations being required for customary marriage. These stages consist of: Lobola, which involves negotiations of the bride price; Umembeso, where the groom’s family brings gifts for the bride's family; Umbondo, where the bride's family brings groceries to the groom’s family; wedding/umshado, which is the actual wedding day; and Umabo, where the bride's family gives gifts to the groom’s family after the wedding (Anarldo, 2011). All stages are very significant and are all perceived as an integral part of the marriage as a union. In light of this, this study explores the perception of the marriage process among the Zulu university students who are living in a modern space but are also bound by some aspect of their culture. Not many studies have explored how the marriage process may influence changes in partnership patterns, including but not limited to cohabitation and staying single. This study utilizes a qualitative approach to exploring partnership patterns within the selected sub-population. In-depth interviews were conducted among twenty (20) postgraduate students from the age 25 and above with an equal gender split. Findings revealed that marriage is not a priority for the Zulu postgraduate students. Rather, the focus is on education and accumulation of resources before marriage. The findings reveal the relationship between the marriage process and the contemporary partnership pattern; that the Zulu process is a valued process that plays a huge role in ensuring the couple becomes one unit. However, there are still negative connotations attached to the process which inhibit marriage, leaving people with no choice but to pursue other types of partnership patterns such as singleness, living apart together and cohabiting. Although cohabitation is culturally unacceptable, the stigma is slowly eroding in that there are circumstances where cohabiting is acceptable.
Contraceptive use amongst women of rural KwaZulu-Natal: a case study of Ntabamhlophe.
(2020) Mkhize, Ayanda Fozzia.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Sexual and reproductive health practices among women has been widely researched in South Africa. However, little is known about the contraceptive practices of older women in rural areas of South Africa as they are often excluded in research. The benefits of using contraceptives include the prevention of unintended pregnancies, limiting and spacing births as well the prevention of HIV and STIs. In developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan African countries, contraceptive prevalence rates are low. The latest results from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey indicate that contraceptive prevalence among South African women has gradually increased but remain critically low when compared to other countries. In addition, the statistics indicate that contraceptive use is lower in rural areas in comparison to urban areas. The aim of this study is to shed insights into contraceptive use in a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study relied on collecting qualitative data using in-depth, face-to-face interviews with women. Fifteen black women aged between 25 and 35 years from the rural area of Ntabamhlophe in KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed. The collected data was used to identify factors that promote or inhibit contraceptive use. The study found that awareness of contraception exists, however this does not translate into correct and consistent use of contraceptives. The collected data found that the majority of the women were not using any method of contraception. The study reveals that attitudes to contraception play a critical role in decision-making associated with contraceptive use among rural women. The desire to limit or space births and evade child mortality influences contraceptive use. Socio-economic factors such as educational level and employment have an influence on the use of contraceptives as these are seen to promote the use of contraceptives. Factors that inhibit the use of contraceptives include cultural beliefs and practices, myths and negative misconceptions, fear of contraceptive side effects, attitudes of health professionals, as well as the unavailability of a range of contraceptive methods. This study recommends the development of community intervention programmes that aim at educating selected groups on contraceptives. This study further stresses the need to increase male involvement in sexual and reproductive health issues as a means to increase contraceptive use. Additionally, more efforts should be made to increase the availability of contraceptives in rural areas.
Correlates of HIV perceived risks and protective strategies among adolescents in rural Malawi.
(2011) Manyamba, Christopher.; Maharaj, Pranitha.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo Barbara.
The study examined correlates of HIV perceived risks and protective strategies among adolescents in rural Malawi i.e. whether there was an association between socio demographic characteristics of adolescents and subsequent HIV perceived risks and protective strategies. Age at sexual debut is a variable of interest in this study. The objectives were to investigate whether age at first sexual intercourse does influence adolescents’ individual’s risk perceptions of HIV and protective strategies, i.e. does age at first sex set a precedence in the thinking of adolescentswith regards HIV risks and protective strategies such as condom use. Data: This study uses cross sectional data from Wave 3 of a wider study, the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project (MDICP).The MDICP is a joint collaboration between researchers from the Population Studies Centre at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Malawi‘s College of Medicine and Chancellor College. In this study, a multiple regression analysis on the cross sectional data from the 2004 wave 3of the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project was done. The focus of this study is on the relationship between age at first sexual intercourse and the individual‘s perception of risk of HIV/AIDS and protective strategies, it examines if there is an association between the two factors. Descriptive analysis: Descriptive statistics to obtain the frequencies of the main variables of interest such as the background characteristics of respondents (gender, marital status, mean age at sexual debut, education, economic status of household) were computed in order to better understand the population under study. Multivariate Analysis: Three separate models were employed; two multinomial regression analysis measuring worry and likelihood of infection against socio demographic variables and a binary logistic regression measuring condom use and the socio demographic variables. Relative Risk Ratios were used to interpret the multinomial logistic regression output while odds ratios were used to interpret the logistic output. Results: Consistent with existing literature, results indicate that early age at first sex is a predictor of HIV risk perceptions and protective strategies. Age at first sex does set a precedence in the future thinking of adolescents with regards to how they perceive HIV risks, as well as how they perceive protective strategies against HIV-particularly condom use. This study confirms that age at first sex alongside with other socio demographic variables are significantly associated with HIV risk perceptions HIV and condom use, while other factors may matter, such as gender, region, HIV knowledge, religion or educational level. Limitations: The information on age at first sexual encounter was based exclusively on respondent’s self–reports. This data collection method often has limitations that are attributed to the tendency for people to under-report socially unacceptable behaviours (e.g. having multiple sex partners) and to over-report socially acceptable behavior. The other limitation is that the study lacks longitudinal data to allow a more in-depth analysis of trends in HIV/AIDS-related indicators.
The demographic and human development indicators of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2020) Moodley, Wayne Roger.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo.
This study will explore Demographic and Human Development Indicators of the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from the 2016 Community Survey (CS) conducted by Statistics South Africa. Limited research has been conducted in the KZN context to outline an in-depth understanding of the population structures and human development progress within the province. Most literature available for Demographics and Human Development, which includes data for the province, are based on the entire country. There is limited information directed to the understanding of KZN as a target population group. This study uses a sample of 11 079 717 persons obtained from the 2016 CS, which was conducted by Statistics South Africa. It is imperative to understand the dynamics of KZN within districts from the entire country. South Africa reflects unique structures compared to other parts of the world, especially the developed world. This is due to past inequalities and the social transformation of the population, demographics and human development with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), increasing urbanisation, greater demand for education, increasing migration patterns and decreasing fertility rates, which reveal a more complex paradigm. The study uses quantitative techniques, performed through statistical software, namely, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and STATA, with the data set acquired from Statistics South Africa to observe the KZN population. The study therefore concludes that a reduction in fertility and an increase in educational attainment may prove to have a positive impact on the KZN population. Factors such as high HIV prevalence, high unemployment rates and a vast range of rural challenges may nevertheless have a significant impact and thereby influence the overall outcomes for the population in the province.

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