Lebogang L . Seutlwadi | Rhodes University (original) (raw)
Papers by Lebogang L . Seutlwadi
Health Promotion International, 2024
Children’s exposure to outlets selling, and outdoor advertisements marketing, unhealthy foods is ... more Children’s exposure to outlets selling, and outdoor advertisements marketing, unhealthy foods is an important risk factor for obesity. Yet few policies
address the food retail and/or outdoor advertising environment, and research about children’s perceptions is limited, especially in low- and
middle-
income countries. We used a participatory, multimodal visual/verbal approach to explore urban-dwelling South African primary school students’
perceptions of unhealthy food outlets and outdoor advertisements they encountered on their journeys to school. Forty-one grade 7 students
aged 11–14 years participated in drawing and/or photography activities and elicitation discussions. A mixed-methods, triangulated analysis involving
the content analysis and extraction of data from research artefacts (33 journey to school drawings and 10 food advertisement photo collages) and
thematic analysis of discussion transcripts was conducted. Drawings depicted 175 food outlets, two-thirds (64%) of which sold only unhealthy
foods and 125 advertisements, most of which marketed unhealthy food. Unbranded, deep-fried foods prepared and sold by informal traders
and independent shops were prominent. Informal and independent traders also sold unhealthy branded foods. Advertisements were primarily
for unhealthy foods, especially branded, sugar-sweetened beverages. Participants thought extensive advertising bans, regulation of the sale of
unhealthy food to children and other measures were needed to promote children’s health in urban contexts. The results point to the need for food
system-wide approaches that address multiple commercial determinants of health, including ‘big food’ advertising, unhealthy food sales by informal
and independent traders and programs to address socio-economic influences such as poverty, unemployment and parents’ poor work conditions.
Adolescents have become focal points of discussions and debates regarding sexuality and reproduct... more Adolescents have become focal points of discussions and debates regarding sexuality and reproductive health matters. However, little research has been done particularly in South Africa to examine their knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. Research indicates that a substantial proportion of adolescent pregnancies are unintended or unwanted. Abortion and emergency contraception are both time-sensitive services. Thus having accurate and comprehensive knowledge about both abortion and emergency contraception is pivotal, in the case of unintended or unwanted pregnancy or when engaging in unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure that could lead to pregnancy. The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) defined reproductive health rights for both men and women as the right to "decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so" (p. 60). That is, men and women should "have the right to make decisions concerning their reproduction free of discrimination, violence and coercion" (ICPD, 1994, p.60). Based on these definitions, it is rather evident that comprehensive and accurate knowledge are at the core of one's ability to make an informed consent. This is confirmed by Adler's (1992, p. 289) definition of informed consent or choice "a) access to sufficient information b) understanding the information c) competence to evaluate potential consequences d) freedom to make a choice and e) the ability to make and express that choice". It is from this framework that this study emerged. The aim of this study was to examine adolescents' knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. The participants were Grade 11 learners between the ages of 15-24 years from five different schools in the Buffalo City Municipality. A sample of 514 was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive cross-tabulation, chi-square and qualitative methods where appropriate. The results revealed that most of the participants did not have sufficient accurate knowledge concerning the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, consequences of legal abortion and emergency contraceptive pills to make informed decisions. Furthermore, data also revealed that the participants' schools playa role in their sexual activity, their knowledge about the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and about emergency contraceptive pills. Although this method made it feasible for the researcher to make general assumptions, non-responses were one of the limitations of the study. Similar research in various municipalities/cities in and outside the Eastern Cape is recommended so as to increase further awareness concerning the level of knowledge that adolescents have about contraceptive pills particularly emergency contraceptive pills, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and abortion in general. My Family and Friends-I would like to thank my mom, uncle, Nkululeko and my friends for all their prayers, for being there for me when I felt discouraged, for always believing in me and for keeping me sane and laughing especially when everything became daunting. My Supervisor-to Professor Catriona Macleod, there are no amount of words that can express my sincerely and deeply felt gratitude for supervising this research paper, for all you have done for me, for your advice and for never giving up on me even when the road got tough. Co-supervisor-thank you to Mr Gary Steele for never being too busy even for the 'not so challenging' questions, for being patient with me and for making stats fun. Participants-Last but not least, I am deeply indebted to all the principals that allowed me into their schools, to all the Life Orientation teachers for all their support, the parents that allowed their children to participate in this research and to all the Grade 11 learners that partook in this research because without your cooperation this research would not be possible. NRF-thank you to NRF for supporting and funding this research.
Contraception, Jun 1, 2013
The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recomm... more The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recommended for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The study aims to assess the prevalence and explore factors associated with the use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa. Factors associated with use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa were investigated by individual interviews. The final sample included 1127 males and 1007 females from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga) who reported to have ever had sex. The study found among men (18-24 years) 10.4% and among women (18-24 years) 15.4%, current use of dual or two methods was reported. In multivariate analyses, among women, lower poverty, not being unemployed, having concurrent sexual partners and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods, while for men, contraceptive methods knowledge, greater relationship control and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods. The use of dual or two methods remains low. Innovative ways are needed for the promotion and increased use of dual or two methods.
South African Medical Journal, Mar 29, 2012
The high rate of unintended pregnancies in South Africa, particularly among the youth, remains a ... more The high rate of unintended pregnancies in South Africa, particularly among the youth, remains a public health concern, as they indicate that young people are still engaging in unprotected sex. The South African Department of Health revealed that in 1998 about 35% of young South African women had been pregnant or given birth by the age of 19, and since then this number has almost doubled. 1 This increase was substantiated by the findings of a study on contraceptive use and pregnancy among 15-24-year-old South African women, which reported that 65% of pregnancies in this age group were premarital and unplanned. 2 Comparable results were found among South African HIV-positive women, who alone were reported to account for an estimated annual 220 000 unintended pregnancies. 3 Knowing about family planning and accessing it are the crux of safe, responsible sexual behaviour. They should have the effect of decreasing unintended and/or unwanted pregnancies, since contraceptives help women manage their reproductive health. 2,4 The 2003 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) indicated that about 97% of sexually active women in South Africa have knowledge of at least one contraceptive method. 5 However, in 2007 the prevalence of contraceptive use by young people aged 15-24 years was 52.2%. 2 These findings indicated that about half of these young people were not using contraceptives. The aim of this study was to investigate contraceptive use and associated factors among South African youth (aged 18-24 years). Methods Sample and procedure A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted using a multistage stratified cluster sampling approach. In each household all eligible members were invited to participate and interviewed. The survey included persons aged 18-24 years
BMC Women's Health, 2019
BackgroundDespite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a consid... more BackgroundDespite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a considerable number of adolescent girls and young women still face challenges in using them. This paper examines socio-demographic and behavioral predictors of using contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years.MethodsA secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2012 population-based nationally representative multi-stage stratified cluster randomised household survey. Multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine socio-demographic and behavioural factors independently associated with contraceptive use amongst AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa.ResultsOut of 1460 AGYW, 78% (CI: 73.9–81.7) reported using some form of contraceptives. In the model, contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary education [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2.7),p = 0.005], having a sexual partner within 5 years of their age [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2...
Health SA Gesondheid, 2014
Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act legalised abortion on request in So... more Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act legalised abortion on request in South Africa until up to 12 weeks of gestation and thereafter under specified conditions. Within the context of liberal legislation, accurate information is a necessary (although not sufficient) requirement for women to exercise their reproductive rights.Objectives: This research investigated Grade 11 learners’ knowledge of the CTOP Act and its stipulations.Methods: Survey research was conducted with respondents drawn from a range of schools in Buffalo City, South Africa. Multi-stage sampling was used, namely stratified random sampling of schools and purposive sampling of grades used within schools. The data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires in group situations.Results: Results indicate that knowledge of the legal status of abortion, as well as of the various stipulations of the law, was poor. Various misunderstandings were evident, including that spousal approval...
Gender & Behaviour , 2015
The study aims to investigate factors associated with sexual violence among South African female ... more The study aims to investigate factors associated with sexual violence among South African female youths (18-24 years) in a cross-sectional household survey. The final sample included 974 sexually active females from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga). Of those, 7.3% reported to have had sex because someone used physical force to make them have sex with him/her. In the bivariate analysis, low self-esteem, lack of partner risk self-efficacy, having had sexually transmitted infections in a lifetime , early sexual debut, not being employed and medium to high sexually permissive attitudes were associated with having experienced sexual violence. Programmes in combating sexual violence can utilize identified risk factors in interventions.
South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar 29, 2012
Background. Despite ongoing campaigns and intervention programmes promoting safe sex, contracepti... more Background. Despite ongoing campaigns and intervention programmes promoting safe sex, contraceptive use remains a controversial area among South African youth.
African Health Sciences, 2013
Background: Adolescent pregnancy, occurring in girls aged 10-19 years, remains a serious health a... more Background: Adolescent pregnancy, occurring in girls aged 10-19 years, remains a serious health and social problem worldwide, and has been associated with numerous risk factors evident in the young people's family, peer, school, and neighbourhood contexts.
Contraception, 2013
The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recomm... more The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recommended for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The study aims to assess the prevalence and explore factors associated with the use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa. Factors associated with use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa were investigated by individual interviews. The final sample included 1127 males and 1007 females from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga) who reported to have ever had sex. The study found among men (18-24 years) 10.4% and among women (18-24 years) 15.4%, current use of dual or two methods was reported. In multivariate analyses, among women, lower poverty, not being unemployed, having concurrent sexual partners and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods, while for men, contraceptive methods knowledge, greater relationship control and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods. The use of dual or two methods remains low. Innovative ways are needed for the promotion and increased use of dual or two methods.
Health SA Gesondheid, 2014
Health Promotion International, 2024
Children’s exposure to outlets selling, and outdoor advertisements marketing, unhealthy foods is ... more Children’s exposure to outlets selling, and outdoor advertisements marketing, unhealthy foods is an important risk factor for obesity. Yet few policies
address the food retail and/or outdoor advertising environment, and research about children’s perceptions is limited, especially in low- and
middle-
income countries. We used a participatory, multimodal visual/verbal approach to explore urban-dwelling South African primary school students’
perceptions of unhealthy food outlets and outdoor advertisements they encountered on their journeys to school. Forty-one grade 7 students
aged 11–14 years participated in drawing and/or photography activities and elicitation discussions. A mixed-methods, triangulated analysis involving
the content analysis and extraction of data from research artefacts (33 journey to school drawings and 10 food advertisement photo collages) and
thematic analysis of discussion transcripts was conducted. Drawings depicted 175 food outlets, two-thirds (64%) of which sold only unhealthy
foods and 125 advertisements, most of which marketed unhealthy food. Unbranded, deep-fried foods prepared and sold by informal traders
and independent shops were prominent. Informal and independent traders also sold unhealthy branded foods. Advertisements were primarily
for unhealthy foods, especially branded, sugar-sweetened beverages. Participants thought extensive advertising bans, regulation of the sale of
unhealthy food to children and other measures were needed to promote children’s health in urban contexts. The results point to the need for food
system-wide approaches that address multiple commercial determinants of health, including ‘big food’ advertising, unhealthy food sales by informal
and independent traders and programs to address socio-economic influences such as poverty, unemployment and parents’ poor work conditions.
Adolescents have become focal points of discussions and debates regarding sexuality and reproduct... more Adolescents have become focal points of discussions and debates regarding sexuality and reproductive health matters. However, little research has been done particularly in South Africa to examine their knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. Research indicates that a substantial proportion of adolescent pregnancies are unintended or unwanted. Abortion and emergency contraception are both time-sensitive services. Thus having accurate and comprehensive knowledge about both abortion and emergency contraception is pivotal, in the case of unintended or unwanted pregnancy or when engaging in unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure that could lead to pregnancy. The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) defined reproductive health rights for both men and women as the right to "decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so" (p. 60). That is, men and women should "have the right to make decisions concerning their reproduction free of discrimination, violence and coercion" (ICPD, 1994, p.60). Based on these definitions, it is rather evident that comprehensive and accurate knowledge are at the core of one's ability to make an informed consent. This is confirmed by Adler's (1992, p. 289) definition of informed consent or choice "a) access to sufficient information b) understanding the information c) competence to evaluate potential consequences d) freedom to make a choice and e) the ability to make and express that choice". It is from this framework that this study emerged. The aim of this study was to examine adolescents' knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. The participants were Grade 11 learners between the ages of 15-24 years from five different schools in the Buffalo City Municipality. A sample of 514 was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive cross-tabulation, chi-square and qualitative methods where appropriate. The results revealed that most of the participants did not have sufficient accurate knowledge concerning the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, consequences of legal abortion and emergency contraceptive pills to make informed decisions. Furthermore, data also revealed that the participants' schools playa role in their sexual activity, their knowledge about the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and about emergency contraceptive pills. Although this method made it feasible for the researcher to make general assumptions, non-responses were one of the limitations of the study. Similar research in various municipalities/cities in and outside the Eastern Cape is recommended so as to increase further awareness concerning the level of knowledge that adolescents have about contraceptive pills particularly emergency contraceptive pills, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and abortion in general. My Family and Friends-I would like to thank my mom, uncle, Nkululeko and my friends for all their prayers, for being there for me when I felt discouraged, for always believing in me and for keeping me sane and laughing especially when everything became daunting. My Supervisor-to Professor Catriona Macleod, there are no amount of words that can express my sincerely and deeply felt gratitude for supervising this research paper, for all you have done for me, for your advice and for never giving up on me even when the road got tough. Co-supervisor-thank you to Mr Gary Steele for never being too busy even for the 'not so challenging' questions, for being patient with me and for making stats fun. Participants-Last but not least, I am deeply indebted to all the principals that allowed me into their schools, to all the Life Orientation teachers for all their support, the parents that allowed their children to participate in this research and to all the Grade 11 learners that partook in this research because without your cooperation this research would not be possible. NRF-thank you to NRF for supporting and funding this research.
Contraception, Jun 1, 2013
The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recomm... more The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recommended for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The study aims to assess the prevalence and explore factors associated with the use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa. Factors associated with use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa were investigated by individual interviews. The final sample included 1127 males and 1007 females from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga) who reported to have ever had sex. The study found among men (18-24 years) 10.4% and among women (18-24 years) 15.4%, current use of dual or two methods was reported. In multivariate analyses, among women, lower poverty, not being unemployed, having concurrent sexual partners and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods, while for men, contraceptive methods knowledge, greater relationship control and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods. The use of dual or two methods remains low. Innovative ways are needed for the promotion and increased use of dual or two methods.
South African Medical Journal, Mar 29, 2012
The high rate of unintended pregnancies in South Africa, particularly among the youth, remains a ... more The high rate of unintended pregnancies in South Africa, particularly among the youth, remains a public health concern, as they indicate that young people are still engaging in unprotected sex. The South African Department of Health revealed that in 1998 about 35% of young South African women had been pregnant or given birth by the age of 19, and since then this number has almost doubled. 1 This increase was substantiated by the findings of a study on contraceptive use and pregnancy among 15-24-year-old South African women, which reported that 65% of pregnancies in this age group were premarital and unplanned. 2 Comparable results were found among South African HIV-positive women, who alone were reported to account for an estimated annual 220 000 unintended pregnancies. 3 Knowing about family planning and accessing it are the crux of safe, responsible sexual behaviour. They should have the effect of decreasing unintended and/or unwanted pregnancies, since contraceptives help women manage their reproductive health. 2,4 The 2003 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) indicated that about 97% of sexually active women in South Africa have knowledge of at least one contraceptive method. 5 However, in 2007 the prevalence of contraceptive use by young people aged 15-24 years was 52.2%. 2 These findings indicated that about half of these young people were not using contraceptives. The aim of this study was to investigate contraceptive use and associated factors among South African youth (aged 18-24 years). Methods Sample and procedure A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted using a multistage stratified cluster sampling approach. In each household all eligible members were invited to participate and interviewed. The survey included persons aged 18-24 years
BMC Women's Health, 2019
BackgroundDespite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a consid... more BackgroundDespite a variety of contraceptives being available for women in South Africa, a considerable number of adolescent girls and young women still face challenges in using them. This paper examines socio-demographic and behavioral predictors of using contraceptives among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years.MethodsA secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2012 population-based nationally representative multi-stage stratified cluster randomised household survey. Multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine socio-demographic and behavioural factors independently associated with contraceptive use amongst AGYW aged 15 to 24 years in South Africa.ResultsOut of 1460 AGYW, 78% (CI: 73.9–81.7) reported using some form of contraceptives. In the model, contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary education [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2.7),p = 0.005], having a sexual partner within 5 years of their age [OR = 1.8 (1.2–2...
Health SA Gesondheid, 2014
Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act legalised abortion on request in So... more Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act legalised abortion on request in South Africa until up to 12 weeks of gestation and thereafter under specified conditions. Within the context of liberal legislation, accurate information is a necessary (although not sufficient) requirement for women to exercise their reproductive rights.Objectives: This research investigated Grade 11 learners’ knowledge of the CTOP Act and its stipulations.Methods: Survey research was conducted with respondents drawn from a range of schools in Buffalo City, South Africa. Multi-stage sampling was used, namely stratified random sampling of schools and purposive sampling of grades used within schools. The data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires in group situations.Results: Results indicate that knowledge of the legal status of abortion, as well as of the various stipulations of the law, was poor. Various misunderstandings were evident, including that spousal approval...
Gender & Behaviour , 2015
The study aims to investigate factors associated with sexual violence among South African female ... more The study aims to investigate factors associated with sexual violence among South African female youths (18-24 years) in a cross-sectional household survey. The final sample included 974 sexually active females from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga). Of those, 7.3% reported to have had sex because someone used physical force to make them have sex with him/her. In the bivariate analysis, low self-esteem, lack of partner risk self-efficacy, having had sexually transmitted infections in a lifetime , early sexual debut, not being employed and medium to high sexually permissive attitudes were associated with having experienced sexual violence. Programmes in combating sexual violence can utilize identified risk factors in interventions.
South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar 29, 2012
Background. Despite ongoing campaigns and intervention programmes promoting safe sex, contracepti... more Background. Despite ongoing campaigns and intervention programmes promoting safe sex, contraceptive use remains a controversial area among South African youth.
African Health Sciences, 2013
Background: Adolescent pregnancy, occurring in girls aged 10-19 years, remains a serious health a... more Background: Adolescent pregnancy, occurring in girls aged 10-19 years, remains a serious health and social problem worldwide, and has been associated with numerous risk factors evident in the young people's family, peer, school, and neighbourhood contexts.
Contraception, 2013
The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recomm... more The use of dual (for pregnancy and disease prevention) or two methods of contraceptives is recommended for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and protection against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. The study aims to assess the prevalence and explore factors associated with the use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa. Factors associated with use of dual or two methods among young people aged 18 to 24 years in South Africa were investigated by individual interviews. The final sample included 1127 males and 1007 females from four provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga) who reported to have ever had sex. The study found among men (18-24 years) 10.4% and among women (18-24 years) 15.4%, current use of dual or two methods was reported. In multivariate analyses, among women, lower poverty, not being unemployed, having concurrent sexual partners and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods, while for men, contraceptive methods knowledge, greater relationship control and higher sexual intercourse frequency in the past month were associated with use of dual or two methods. The use of dual or two methods remains low. Innovative ways are needed for the promotion and increased use of dual or two methods.
Health SA Gesondheid, 2014