African Population Studies (UAPS) / Etude de la Population Africaine (UEPA)
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What can we learn about South African households by comparing the national Census 2011 with the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System data in rural northeast Mpumalanga?
No full textHouseholds are central to demographic processes; fertility, mortality and migration. In South Africa, households are important socio-economic units that are at the core of service-delivery planning. While the concept of a household in the country is not in dispute across surveys – it is a socio-economic unit based on shared resources and co-residency - household definitions vary by enumeration methodology. Researchers have, however, not taken full advantage of the availability of the multiple data sources for measuring demographic phenomena. Among the sources of household data in the country are health and demographic surveillance systems and the national census, which are used together in this study to examine the population and household dynamics in a rural sub-district of South Africa. Key findings are that there are obvious differences in the population and household estimates between the two data sources, largely explained by the variations in household definition and data collection procedures.
The connection between non-communicable disease risk factors and risk perception among urban slum dwellers in Nairobi, Kenya
No full textNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging as a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper examines the relationship between the risk of NCDs and perceptions about such risk among urban slum population in Nairobi, Kenya. The analysis is based on data collected between 2008 and 2009 as part of a cross-sectional survey that was designed to assess linkages between socioeconomic status, perceived personal risk, and risk factors for cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases in urban slums of Nairobi. A total 5,190 study participants were included in the analysis. Low risk perception about NCDs in spite of the presence of NCD risk factors suggests the need for programmes aimed at creating awareness about the diseases and promoting the adoption of preventive healthy lifestyles among the urban poor populations of Nairob
Domestic violence by women against their intimate partners in Nigeria
No full textVictims of domestic violence (DV) are more often than not, women and children. However, studies have shown that men are also victims of DV. The main objective of this article is to assess the predictors of DV against men in Nigeria. Data were generated from the 2013 NDHS. Using SPSS version 21 and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the findings indicated that region, education, marital and employment status, experience of violence and partners’ alcohol consumption were significant predictors of DV against men. Highly educated, divorced and separated, employed women, those respondents whose husbands/partners drank alcohol, women who had experienced domestic violence and those who resided in the North-East (OR=7.967; p<0.001), North-Central (OR=1.623, P<0.05), South-East (OR=2.161; p<0.001) and South-South (OR=1.936 p<0.001) zones were more likely than women from the South West to perpetrate violence against their husbands/partners. We recommend that couples should be counselled and educated about the dangers of domestic violence and vulnerable men should be encouraged to speak out
Analyse Multiniveau des Facteurs Associés au Retard dans la Vaccination des Enfants au Burkina Faso et au Mali
No full textPlusieurs études effectuées dans les pays développés et les pays anglophones d’Afrique montrent que le contexte influence le statut vaccinal des enfants ainsi que l’administration de certains vaccins spécifiques. Cependant, peu d’études ont porté spécifiquement sur les pays d’Afrique francophone, particulièrement ceux du Sahel comme le Burkina Faso et le Mali. En analysant les données provenant des enquêtes démographiques et de santé du Burkina Faso (2010) et du Mali (2006) à travers une approche de régression logistique multiniveau, cet article évalue dans quelle mesure le contexte influence le respect du calendrier vaccinal des enfants de 12 à 59 mois. Les résultats montrent que les variances contextuelles demeurent significatives dans le modèle final même si le respect du calendrier vaccinal reste surtout tributaire des caractéristiques individuelles de l’enfant. Notamment, au Mali, plus le niveau de vie moyen du district de recensement augmente, plus le risque pour un enfant de recevoir un vaccin en retard diminue. Ces résultats invitent les acteurs de la santé publique à mettre en œuvre des approches communautaires ciblant les barrières locales qui empêchent une vaccination correcte des enfants dans ces deux pays
“Let’s live together first”: A longitudinal investigation into whether cohabitation is a precursor to marriage among young urban South Africans.
No full textThe prevalence of cohabitation is increasing globally. Often studied as an alternative to marriage, cohabitation practices are rarely studied as a precursor to marriage. In identifying if cohabitation is a step leading to marriage, we are better able to understand the popularity of this union type. Using longitudinal data from the Cape Area Panel Survey (CAPS 2002- 2006), this study examines if cohabitation is a precursor to marriage among youth in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and regression models are used. A sample of 7,305 youth in cohabiting relationships in 2002 was followed up. In 2006, only 87 of these youth reported being married. Cohabitation was found to produce lower odds (OR=0.21; p-value<0.05) of marriage in 2006. Females and unemployed youth were more likely to get married than males and employed youth in the study. Therefore, cohabitation is not a precursor to marriage among youth in the short-term. A longitudinal study with a longer duration is recommended as it is possible that this study is limited by the short duration between waves of data collection.
Reporting results back in Health and demographic surveillance systems (HDSS): an ethical requirement and a strategy for improving health behaviours
Get PDFThis paper addresses the issue of reporting results back in Health and demographic surveillance systems (HDSS). In these particular research platforms, populations are constantly solicited through the longitudinal demographic follow-up and additional surveys. Therefore, reporting results back directly to participants should be considered as a strong ethical requirement. However, like in most health oriented research, results are mostly disseminated among decision makers and local authorities. Therefore, HDSS residents increasingly question the objectives of these studies. Using a participatory approach, 3 days were organized in 2015 to report back findings based on 50 years of research on population, health and environment in the Niakhar HDSS in Senegal. Drawing from the evaluation conducted among a sample of participants to the event, we show that beyond the ethical dimension, such activities may also contribute to change populations’ attitudes to research practices and further influence individuals’ health behaviors at the local level.
An analysis of calendar data: examining contraceptive use dynamics in Uganda
No full textThe analysis of contraceptive calendar data offers a valuable and useful approach to enhancing our understanding of patterns of contraceptive use in the developing world. Effective use of modern contraception is believed to be the surest way to plan for births and avert unwanted fertility. Despite the role that contraception plays in reducing fertility, sexually active women (especially those in sub-Saharan Africa), continue to grapple with unwanted and mistimed pregnancies. In many instances, this results in unsafe induced abortion, with its attendant risks to maternal health. Sub-optimal use of contraception is likely to attenuate fertility transition in the region. Using calendar data from two Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Uganda, we adopt a longitudinal approach to examine method discontinuation and switching patterns following stopping use of a contraceptive method. Discontinuation of methods was more pronounced among women using the pill and injection. The findings provide a basis for a discussion on the implications of reproductive behaviour in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Prospects of Enhancing Food Security in Kenya through the Demographic Dividend
No full textKenya is starting to enter its window demographic dividend, under the assumption of declining fertility rates over the next several decades. The country has the opportunity to exploit the first demographic dividend by attracting and retaining youth in farming. However, studies show that Kenya is deriving very little demographic dividend in agriculture with an increasing proportion of the country’s working age population being inactive. The main objective of this paper is to theoretically examine the demographic dividend, and how this window of opportunity can be utilized to enhancing food security in Kenya. Specifically, it examines the relationship between population growth and increasing food security, with reference to theories against, supporting and neutral. It further, describes Kenya’s youth bulge, and how the bulge can be utilized to enhance food security. We also identify a number of mechanisms that can be applicable to propel the youth for food security in Kenya. The paper benefited immensely from secondary data sources and desk review for evidenc
An Exploratory Study into Menstrual Hygiene Management amongst Rural High School for Girls in the North West Province, South Africa
No full textMenstruation remains a taboo subject and presents many challenges to girl learners in South Africa. Cultural taboos about menstruation also have a negative impact on the dignity, school participation and health of girl learners. This study explores the menstrual hygiene practices and knowledge of girls at 10 rural government high schools in the North West Province. The study focuses on themes related to knowledge, practices, beliefs, and challenges related to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and the use of the menstrual cup. The findings identified a knowledge deficit on MHM amongst girl learners between the knowledge base of girls and the information reportedly taught in schools by educators and passed on by parents. The inadequate toilet facilities and knowledge deficit on MHM contributes to school absenteeism
The psychological costs of being different and ways of coping among sexual minority students in a South African University
No full textHomo-normative behaviour is socially not accepted in Africa and therefore such individuals are highly stigmatized. This places a burden on individuals who do not identify themselves as heterosexuals. Sexual minorities include homosexuals, bi-sexuals, trans-sexuals who suffer discrimination and victimization on campuses, so tend to falsify their self-identities. In the absence of a localized study among sexual minorities in South African universities, this study investigated whethersexual minority students in the university will report poor mental health, multiple identities and are able to reside in their environment. The study used a qualitative research design that allowed the researchers to dig deeper into the life experiences of the students from both individual and collective perspectives. Data was analysed thematically and feelings, values and meanings were connected through ideas and personal view points. Snowball sampling was used. The sample consisted of 11 African students (four gays and seven lesbians) with ages ranging between 19 and 24 years. Participants were recruited from different faculties and levels of study. Two major themes were extracted during analysis and the principal outcome of the study was that homosexuals have a major challenge in their future work industry, have some identity crisis, poor psychological wellbeing and moderate resilience. The need to educate the public, university administrators and lecturers of sexual dynamics on campus amongst others were recommended