African Adults Research Articles

Flourishing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study in South Africa.

In this longitudinal study, we examine changes in psychological distress and multidimensional well-being from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among South African adults. As a secondary purpose, we explore whether pre-pandemic flourishing is protective against subsequent psychological distress during the public health crisis. The analytic sample (n = 293; Mage = 44.27, SD = 14.28; female = 65.19%) completed measures of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and well-being shortly before the stringent nationwide lockdown started in South Africa (T1). A follow-up assessment was completed approximately 6months later (T2). Paired samples t-tests supported very small improvements in anxiety (d = -0.09) and depression symptoms (d = -0.13). For domains of well-being, small increases were found in close social relationships (d = 0.25) and financial and material stability (d = 0.19). Positive changes in the domains of character and virtue (d = 0.10) and meaning and purpose (d = 0.07) were very small. Changes in physical and mental health (d = -0.03) and life satisfaction and happiness (d = 0.02) were more negligible. Results from the generalized linear models indicated that continuous scores of secure flourishing assessed before the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with lower subsequent psychological distress (particularly depression symptoms) during the public health crisis. We discuss the implications of the findings for the development and delivery of interventions to promote and sustain human flourishing during public health crises, especially in contexts of social-structural vulnerability.

Socioeconomic status and social capital as predictors of happiness: evidence and gender differences

Understanding socioeconomic status (SES) and social capital as predictors of life outcomes has remained central to humanitarian, health and social research. This current study explores how socioeconomic status and social capital (community solidarity, locus of control and generalised trust) predict happiness among a sample of South African adults. Possible gender differences were also considered. Cross-sectional data from (n = 1049) South Africans on SES, social capital, happiness and sociodemographic characteristics were collected using an online questionnaire between January 2021 and September 2021. A correlation matrix was calculated to explore bivariate associations between the variables. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictive influence of SES and social capital indices on happiness and the gender differential in these relationships. SES and all social capital variables were significantly correlated with happiness. The model, including SES and social capital, accounted for 25% of the variance in happiness. Gender differences were found regarding the relationship between SES and all social capital variables (except locus of control) and happiness. The results confirm that efforts to facilitate individual social capital correspond to greater happiness among South Africans. Furthermore, it highlights the need for further empirical exploration of social predictors of life outcomes. The current analysis provides a framework for developing and implementing policies that promote happiness and other life outcomes.

Regression equations for stature reconstruction from the lower limb bones of contemporary White South Africans

ABSTRACT In 2008, Dayal and colleagues generated regression equations to estimate the total skeletal height (TSH) of White South Africans. However, the validity of these equations has been questioned. The magnetic resonance imaging scanograms of 74 White South African adults were used to assess the reliability of these equations. The physiological lengths of the femur (FEPL) and tibia (TPL) were measured from these scans and input into the appropriate equations by Dayal and colleagues to calculate TSHD. Paired t-tests, mean differences (MD), and mean absolute differences (MAD) were used to compare TSHD with the measured TSH (TSHMeas) taken directly from the scanograms and ELS were compared with the measured stature (LSM) taken of participants prior to their scans. Although there were no significant differences between TSHMeas and TSHD for males and TSHMeas and TSHD(TPL) for females, all ELSL were significantly different to LSM, and the ELSC using the FEPL were significantly different to LSM. These significant differences and associated large MD and MAD conclude that the equations by Dayal and colleagues are no longer valid. New stature estimation equations were derived for the estimation of stature of White South Africans, characterized by strong correlations and low SEEs.

Neuropsychological Test Norms for the Assessment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Among South African Adults

Reliable and valid neurocognitive (NC) test batteries that assess multiple domains of cognitive functioning are vital tools in the early detection of HIV-associated NC impairment. The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center’s International Neurobehavioral Battery (HNRC Battery) is one such diagnostic tool and has shown cultural validity in several international neuroHIV studies. However, no published norms are currently available for the full HNRC Battery in South Africa. To accurately interpret NC test results, appropriate reference norms are required. In light of this challenge, data were collected from 500 healthy, HIV-uninfected participants to develop demographically corrected South African norms. When demographically corrected United States of America (U.S.) norms were applied to the performance scores of our neurologically intact, HIV-negative sample, an impairment rate of 62.2% was observed compared to a 15.0% impairment rate when the newly generated South African norms were applied. These results reiterate the findings of other low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for localized, country-specific norms when interpreting NC performance.

Improvements in Hypertension Control in the Rural Longitudinal HAALSI Cohort of South African Adults Aged 40 and Older, From 2014 to 2019.

Over half of the South African adults aged 45 years and older have hypertension but its effective management along the treatment cascade (awareness, treatment, and control) remains poorly understood. We compared the prevalence of all stages of the hypertension treatment cascade in the rural HAALSI cohort of older adults at baseline and after four years of follow-up using household surveys and blood pressure data. Hypertension was a mean systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure >90 mm Hg, or current use of anti-hypertension medication. Control was a mean blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg. The effects of sex and age on the treatment cascade at follow-up were assessed. Multivariate Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios along the treatment cascade at follow-up. Prevalence along the treatment cascade increased from baseline (B) to follow-up (F): awareness (64.4% vs. 83.6%), treatment (49.7% vs. 73.9%), and control (22.8% vs. 41.3%). At both time points, women had higher levels of awareness (B: 70.5% vs. 56.3%; F: 88.1% vs. 76.7%), treatment (B: 55.9% vs. 41.55; F: 79.9% vs. 64.7%), and control (B: 26.5% vs. 17.9%; F: 44.8% vs. 35.7%). Prevalence along the cascade increased linearly with age for everyone. Predictors of awareness included being female, elderly, or visiting a primary health clinic three times in the previous 3 months, and the latter two also predicted hypertension control. There were significant improvements in awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension from baseline to follow-up and women fared better at all stages, at both time points.

Beliefs and knowledge related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among African Americans and African immigrants young adults.

Despite the disparate human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rates among sexually active Black young adults, HPV vaccine uptake remains low among this population. This study aimed to explore HPV beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge among Black young adults and provide recommendations on ways to improve vaccine uptake. We used a mixed-method, convergent design to conduct five focus groups and administered a 40-item electronic survey that was developed with health belief model (HBM) constructs. We assessed HPV and vaccine knowledge, barriers, and attitudes toward vaccination. We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics and bivariate methods. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Results were integrated to obtain a better understanding of the topic. Forty individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 22.2 ± 4.5years and 55% identified as African immigrants. Integrated data revealed themes mapped to relevant HBM constructs. Almost one third (32.5%) of participants were unaware of their susceptibility to HPV infection and its severity. From focus group discussions, the majority (75%) believed that vaccines are beneficial. Major cues to action include promoting HPV vaccine uptake via community wide informational sessions, provider recommendation, and social and mass media campaigns. Barriers to vaccine uptake, limited HPV knowledge, and lack of vaccine recommendation are important factors contributing to low vaccine uptake among Black young adults. Interventions to decrease barriers to HPV vaccination, increase HPV knowledge, address misconceptions, and unfavorable beliefs are needed to promote HPV vaccine uptake.

Nutrient Patterns and Body Mass Index: A Comparative Longitudinal Analysis in Urban Black South African Adolescents and Adults.

We set out to evaluate the association between nutrient patterns and general adiposity in black South African adolescents and adults and to determine whether the interactions are longitudinally sustained over 24 months. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to derive the nutrient patterns of 750 participants (250 adolescents between 13 and 17 years old and 500 adults who were 27 years or 45+ years old). PCA was applied to 25 nutrients, computed from the quantified food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) over a 24 months period. The nutrient patterns between adolescents and adults were similar over time; however, their associations with BMI were different. Among the adolescents, only the "plant-driven nutrients pattern" was significantly associated with a 0.56% (95% CI (0.33; 0.78); p < 0.001) increase in BMI. Among the adults, the "plant-driven nutrient pattern" (0.43% (95% CI (0.03; 0.85); p < 0.001) and the "fat-driven nutrients pattern" (0.18% (95% CI (0.06; 0.29); p < 0.001) were significantly associated with a BMI increase. Furthermore, the "plant-driven nutrient pattern", "fat-driven nutrient pattern" and the animal-driven nutrient pattern revealed sex differences in their association with BMI. Urban adolescents and adults had consistent nutrient patterns, but their BMI relationships changed with age and gender, an important finding for future nutrition interventions.

Impact of diabetes on longevity and disability-free life expectancy among older South African adults: A prospective longitudinal analysis

AimsWe seek to understand the coexisting effects of population aging and a rising burden of diabetes on healthy longevity in South Africa. MethodsWe used longitudinal data from the 2015 and 2018 waves of the “Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa” (HAALSI) study to explore life expectancy (LE) and disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) of adults aged 45 and older with and without diabetes in rural South Africa. We estimated LE and DFLE by diabetes status using Markov-based microsimulation. ResultsWe find a clear gradient in remaining LE and DFLE based on diabetes status. At age 45, a man without diabetes could expect to live 7.4 [95% CI 3.4 – 11.7] more years than a man with diabetes, and a woman without diabetes could expect to live 3.9 [95% CI: 0.8 – 6.9] more years than a woman with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes lived proportionately more years subject to disability than individuals without diabetes. ConclusionsWe find large and important decrements in disability-free aging for people with diabetes in South Africa. This finding should motivate efforts to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts for diabetes and its complications for older adults in this setting.

Perceived Stress and Association with Sociodemographic, Interpersonal Relationship and COVID-19 Lockdown Related Stress in South Africa

Background: COVID-19 pandemic was declared a global public health emergency in March 2020. South Africa, like many countries, was not spared from this pandemic. In March 2020, the president announced a nationwide lockdown with social restrictions aimed to curb the spread of the virus. Such lockdown restrictions disrupted the normal day to day life for South Africans, leading to personal stress. Objective: The current study aimed to explore perceived stress and lockdown related stress among South African adults during the first wave of COVID 19. Methods: This study was cross-sectional in nature, using a sample of 203 adult males and females who were selected using a convenience sampling method on online social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Participants completed an online survey that assessed socio-demographic information, perceived stress and lockdown related stress. Results and Discussion: A significant statical difference between males and females regarding their experience of lockdown related stress t (281) = 1.35, p &lt; .004 was found. Relationship status was also significant for lockdown related stress t (281) = -2.02, p&lt; .001 and perceived stress t= (281) = -.08, p&lt; .000. No significant statistical difference between young and older adults in their experience of lockdown related stress and perceived stress was found. Conclusion: Male participants reported more lockdown related stress, while female participants reported more perceived stress. There were no age differences in lockdown related stress and perceived stress. People without intimate relationships reported more lockdown related stress and perceived stress than people with intimate relationships.

Anti-merozoite antibodies induce natural killer cell effector function and are associated with immunity against malaria.

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effectors that can be activated via antibody-mediated Fc receptor engagement. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we found that NK cells degranulate and release IFN-γ upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK (Ab-NK) activity was largely strain transcending and enhanced invasion inhibition into erythrocytes. Ab-NK was associated with the successful control of parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in African adults. In an independent cohort study in children, Ab-NK increased with age, was boosted by concurrent P. falciparum infections, and was associated with a lower risk of clinical episodes of malaria. Nine of the 14 vaccine candidates tested induced Ab-NK, including some less well-characterized antigens: P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200. These data highlight an important role of Ab-NK activity in immunity against malaria and provide a potential mechanism for evaluating vaccine candidates.

Vascular dysfunction and body mass index in African adults with HIV

BackgroundImpaired vascular compliance is common among persons with HIV (PWH) and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), though many studies documenting this are from regions with a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. The prevalence and characteristics of impaired vascular compliance among PWH with low body mass index (BMI) is not well described, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where the majority of PWH live, a low BMI is more common, and the burden of CVD is rising.AimTo assess non-invasive vascular compliance measurements, including augmentation index (AIX), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse waveforms, in underweight, normal weight, and overweight PWH on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) in SSA.MethodsA cross-sectional study among PWH on ART at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. All participants had been on a regimen of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for five or more years. Carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV), carotid-radial PWV (crPWV), and the corresponding augmentation indexes (cfAIX and crAIX), were measured in all participants, in addition to aortic pressure waveforms, classified as type A, B, C and D according to reflected wave timings and amplitude. Multiple linear regression assessed relationships between demographic and clinical factors with vascular measurement endpoints.ResultsNinety one PWH on long-term ART were enrolled; 38 (42%) were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), 43 (47%) were normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and 10 (11%) were overweight (> 25 kg/m2). Median age was 41, 40 and 40 years, among the three groups, respectively, and the proportion of women increased with BMI level. Overweight participants had a 39% higher cfAIX compared to normal-weight participants, while being underweight was associated with 27% lower cfAIX, after adjusting for age, sex and blood pressure (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively), but measurements of cfPWV, crPWV and crAIX did not differ.ConclusionUnderweight PWH in SSA had lower cfAIX measurements compared to normal weight individuals, indicating less arterial stiffness. However, similar cfPWV, crPWV and crAIX values among the underweight and overweight PWH suggest a low BMI may not confer substantial protection against impaired vascular compliance as a contributor to CVD risk among individuals on ART.

Screening for HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment: Development and validation of an abbreviated neuropsychological test battery for use in South African clinical settings.

The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center International Neurobehavioral Battery is a culturally valid battery sensitive to the neurocognitive (NC) effects of HIV-infection. However, its lengthy administration time makes the battery impractical in resource-limited settings, like South Africa, which are often faced with an overwhelming disease burden, a lack of neurological and neuropsychological (NP) expertise, and staff shortages. The present study therefore sought to develop an abbreviated version of the HNRC Battery and validate this battery in a sample of people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa. The present study therefore sought to develop an abbreviated version of the HNRC battery and validate this battery in a sample of people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa. Six measures were selected based on the NC test performances of 103 HIV-positive and 135 HIV-negative South African adults. For the validation, a subgroup of 103 PWH completed the full version of the battery, while the other subgroup of 52 PWH completed only the abbreviated version. Deficit scores of each participant were calculated. These scores were used as the gold standard against which the abbreviated battery was compared. There was a reduction of 81% in administration time when compared to the full version of the battery. The abbreviated battery demonstrated good sensitivity (75.0%) and excellent specificity (94.9%) when compared with the full version. The abbreviated battery showed good diagnostic accuracy in identifying NC impairment in an HIV-positive South African sample with a significant reduction in administration time, making it a more practical option in busy South African clinic settings. The results of this study may facilitate the growth of neuroAIDS research and aid initial identification of HIV-related NC impairment in resource-constrained settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Mapping Evidence on the Epidemiology and Cost Associated with Maxillofacial Injury among Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol.

(1) Background: Maxillofacial injury (MI) occurs universally, for it disregards preference for age, gender, and geographical region. The global incidence and prevalence of facial fractures rose by 39.45% and 54.39%, respectively, between the years 1990 to 2017. Projections indicate that the burden of injuries will persist in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the next twenty years. This scoping review aims to map the literature on MI epidemiology and the economic burden on society in SSA. (2) Methods: The methodology presented by Arksey and O'Malley and extended by Levac and colleagues will be employed in the scoping review. The researcher will report the proposed review through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The review will include studies encompassing MI in sub-Saharan African adults 18 years and above. (3) Results: This will be presented as a thematic analysis of the data extracted from the included studies, and the Nvivo version 12 will be employed. (4) Discussion: We anticipate searching for related literature on the prevalence, incidence, risk factors, mortality, and cost associated with MI in the adult population of SSA. The conclusion from the review will assist in ascertaining research gaps, informing policy, planning, authorizing upcoming research, and prioritizing funding for injury prevention and management.

Demographic profile of HIV and helminth-coinfected adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Helminth and HIV infections are endemic among poor populations. Studies investigating the socio-demographic and economic risk factors associated with dual HIV and helminth coinfection are scarce. This study aimed to describe risk factors associated with HIV and helminth coinfections among peri-urban South African adults residing in poorly developed areas with high poverty levels, lack of sanitation and a clean water supply. Adult participants (n = 414) were recruited from clinics in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants' demographic, socio-economic, sanitation and household information, anthropometric measurements and HIV status were collected. Stool samples were donated for coproscopy to detect helminths using the Kato-Katz and Mini Parasep techniques. Blood was collected to confirm participants' HIV status and to determine Ascaris lumbricoides-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels to improve microscopy sensitivity. Overall coinfection was 15%, and single helminth and HIV prevalence were 33% and 52%, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was predominant (18%). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that coinfection was 11.9% and 19.8%, respectively, among the 18-34 years and 35-59 years age groups (p = 0.0006), 16.4% and 19.9%, respectively, for the no income and < R1000.00 groups (p = 0.0358) and 22.8% and 17.1%, respectively, for the pit or public toilets and toilets not connected to sewage groups (p = 0.0007). Findings suggest that the dual infection with HIV and helminth infections among adults residing in under-resourced areas with poor sanitary conditions is frequent. Older age, poor toilet use and low income are associated with coinfection. More attention is required to break the cycle of coinfections and possible disease interactions. The study highlights the importance of determining and treating helminth infections among adult population during HIV and helminth coinfection and the influence of poor sanitation and socioeconomic status on disease transmission.

PS-C24-12: HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, AND OUTCOMES IN ADULTS WITH HEART FAILURE: AGE AND SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES AND THE ROLE OF HYPERTENSION

Objective: Hypertension is the commonest cause of heart failure. Heart failure is a pandemic and major driver of mortality; limiting disease progression and improving health related quality of life remains the cornerstone of management. There is dearth of information on quality of life in Africans with heart failure. This study examined age and sex related differences and the role of hypertension in the profile, health related quality of life, and clinical outcomes in African adults with heart failure. Design and method: A cross sectional study conducted at the outpatient cardiology clinics of Jos University Teaching Hospital. Two hundred adults with stable heart failure were enrolled using a simple random method. Relevant history, functional class, Charlson comorbidity index were obtained. Physical examination which included electrocardiography, echocardiography, 6 minutes walk distance were done using standard guidelines. Health related quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire and graded as good, moderate or poor. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Simple descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression to determine predictors of moderate and poor quality of life were done. Results: The participants comprised of 104 females and 96 males. More males belonged to higher social class, 21% of the males had health insurance compared to 17% of the females. 48% of the males had atrial fibrillation compared to 33% of the females. About 50% of the participants have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there was significant difference in heart failure aetiology below 45 years versus above 45 years in both sexes. The burden of comorbidities was significantly higher in the males and those above 45 years old. There were differences in the individual domain scores of MLHF scores across age groups and sex, the males have a statistically significant poorer quality of life similarly for above 45 year old compared to below 45 year old. The females had higher numbers of hospital admission within the past 12 months and higher hospitalization frequency. functional class 3 or more, 6MWT below 300metres, ejection fraction above 50% and above 6 classes of medication emerged as predictors of moderate/poor MLHF scores in both males and females. Conclusion: This study found significant age and sex-related differences in clinical profile, HRQOL, and clinical outcomes in African adults with HF. Hypertension was the commonest cause of HF. Improved control of hypertension and periodic health related quality of life assessment in patients with HF are advocated to improve outcomes.

Abstract A093: Cancer risk factors awareness and cancer perceptions among African Americans and Sub-Saharan African immigrants

Abstract Background: Cancer risk factors awareness and cancer perceptions may influence individuals’ engagement or lack of engagement in preventive health behaviors including cancer screening and lifestyle changes. Blacks in the US have disproportionately higher death rates and the shortest survival rates than any ethnic or racial group for most cancers. Many factors may contribute to the elevated cancer burden, including level of awareness of cancer lifestyle risk factors and negative cancer perceptions. However, further research is needed to know more about cancer risk awareness and perceptions among ethnic sub-groups of Blacks. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess awareness of cancer risk factors and cancer perceptions among African Americans and sub-Saharan African immigrant adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional self-administered survey of 109 African Americans and 88 sub-Saharan African Black adults recruited from a medium size city in the Southeastern US and surrounding towns. Data collected included sociodemographics, measures of cancer risk awareness, and cancer perceptions. Linear regression models evaluated associations among sociodemographics and cancer risk factor awareness and cancer perceptions variables. Results: Participants’ average age was 41.5 years (SD=12.9), the majority were female (59%), and (45%) self-identified as sub-Saharan African immigrants. Based on a list of 13 cancer risk factors, the average number identified correctly was 6.5 (SD = 3.3). For cancer risk perceptions, with higher scores reflecting more negative cancer perceptions, scores were moderate (M = 13.8, SD = 2.8; potential range 5-25). Age, insurance status, education, and financial comfort were significantly associated with cancer risk factor awareness. For cancer risk perceptions, insurance status, education, and financial comfort were significant in the unadjusted analysis. Education was the only significant predictor for each outcome. Every one-level increase in educational attainment was associated with a 0.5-point increase in cancer risk factor awareness (b = 0.499, SD = 0.229; p = .031) and a 0.5-point decrease in cancer risk perception scores (b = -0.500, SE = 0.201; p = .014). Age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, insurance status, and financial comfort were not associated with either outcome in the adjusted model. Conclusion: Additional research is needed to improve cancer awareness and perceptions among Black adults. Future research should target women at higher risk of low awareness of cancer risk factors and negative cancer perceptions due to lower educational attainment. Increased attention to health promotion using different avenues and ensuring literacy may improve awareness of cancer risk factors and cancer risk perceptions. Citation Format: Adebola Adegboyega, Adaeze Aroh, Amanda Wiggins, Mark Dignan. Cancer risk factors awareness and cancer perceptions among African Americans and Sub-Saharan African immigrants [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A093.

Supplemental Material for Measurement and Structural Invariance of a Neuropsychological Battery Among Middle Eastern/North African, Black, and White Older Adults

Supplemental Material for Measurement and Structural Invariance of a Neuropsychological Battery Among Middle Eastern/North African, Black, and White Older Adults

Patterns of biopsy-proven kidney disease amongst South African adults from 1995 to 2017

Introduction: Little data is available on biopsy-proven kidney disease in African countries. In this study, we have described the patterns of biopsy-proven kidney disease amongst South African adults encountered over a 23-year period and report whether these have changed over time.

The Difference in Parental Financial Socialisation Across Parental Income Level

Purpose: The effect of parental income on parental financial socialisation is increasingly becoming important. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in parental financial socialisation across parental income levels. This study was guided by financial socialisation theory which is not only about learning financial skills, attitudes, standards, norms, and behaviours from childhood through adolescence, but is more concerned about what the socialisation process contributes to the overall financial well-being of individuals. Design/methodology/approach: Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among 500 young adults in South Africa. Descriptive statistics, Levene’s test, Welch robust test, Tukey HSD test and ANOVA were used to analysed data. Four hypotheses were tested. Parental financial socialisation was measured through parental financial behaviour, parental financial monitoring, parental financial discussions, and parental financial communication. Findings: The results showed that there was a significant difference in Parental financial behaviour, parental financial monitoring, parental financial discussions, and parental financial communication across Parental income. Therefore, the overall results indicated that there was a significant difference in Parental financial socialisation across Parental income. Research limitations/implications: Due to the low levels of general literacy among the respondents, which negatively affected data collection; some young adults did not understand the questionnaire and withdrew from participating in the study. Furthermore, even though confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed, respondents were reluctant to participate in the study. They feared exposing their financial position and displayed a lack of trust. Originality/value: The current study contributed to the body of knowledge differently to the previous studies because it focused on parental financial socialisation of young black African adults in rural and low-income area This study is the first to investigate the difference in parental financial socialisation across parental income levels. This makes this study so important and warrant that it should be carried out to provide the much-needed results that could help to improve parental financial socialisation across all income levels.

The impact of parental financial socialisation on financial attitude of young black African adults in rural and low-income area in South Africa

This study investigated the impact of parental financial socialisation on financial attitude of young black African adults in rural and low-income area in South Africa through quantitative research approach, survey design and self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected from young black African adults in Fetakgomo Tubatse and Intsika Yethu local municipalities, low-income and rural areas in South Africa. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between parental financial behaviour, parental financial monitoring, parental financial discussion, parental financial communication, and parental financial teaching with financial attitude. The results showed that parental financial communication and parental financial teaching had a significant positive relationship with financial attitude. While parental financial behaviour, parental financial monitoring and parental financial discussion had no significant positive relationship with financial attitude. Therefore, the overall results indicated that parental financial socialisation has no impact on financial attitude of young black African adults in rural and low-income area in South Africa. This study provided recommendations to parents, young black African adults, financial educators, financial services institutions, financial counsellors and the government.