African Mothers Research Articles

A mixed-methods study of resilience and return to school among adolescent mothers in South Africa

ABSTRACT Up to two-thirds of South African adolescent mothers drop out of school, which increases their HIV risk and other poor health outcomes. Despite variability in adolescent mothers’ schooling trajectories, we have a limited understanding of their re-enrollment in school following the life-changing circumstance of childbirth. In this paper, we draw on qualitative interviews (n = 16) and quantitative surveys (n = 109) with adolescent mothers (aged 14–19) who had recently given birth to describe how access to individual and social resources contributes to their resilience following childbirth and thus affects their ability to re-enroll in school. Nearly all the adolescent mothers in our study expressed a desire to return to school, and most of their families also emotionally supported adolescent mothers in these goals. Despite mothers’ high hopes and familial emotional support, only half of the adolescent mothers re-enrolled in the first six months following childbirth. Adolescent mothers’ re-entry trajectories were strongly affected by institutional support and by family members’ provision of instrumental support. To a lesser extent, support from partners and peers also played a role in re-enrollment. Multilevel interventions to maximise resilience following the onset of early motherhood may facilitate return to school and positively influence adolescent mothers’ health and well-being.

Microbial profile of placentas from Tanzanian mothers with adverse pregnancy outcomes and periodontitis.

To investigate microbial profiles in placentas from a population of East African mothers with and without adverse pregnancy outcomes and with regard to their periodontal status. Thirty-six placentas from pregnant women from Tanzania were classified into three groups according to both pregnancy outcome and the mother's periodontal health. The microbial composition in each group was then compared using 16S rRNA metagenomics. Additionally, placenta specimens were analyzed histologically for chorioamnionitis by a single pathologist blinded to the clinical data. The greatest differences were observed in the group of mothers with periodontitis. The microbial load was low in all three groups of mothers. Periodontitis had a notable influence on the structure of the placental microbiota. Three phyla and 44genera were associated with periodontitis, whereas only the Tenericutes phylum was associated with the adverse pregnancy variable. Streptococcaceae and Mycoplasmataceae families were associated with both periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Finally, although the differences for chorioamnionitis were not significant, this intra-amniotic infection was more frequent in the placentas from mothers with periodontitis. Our findings suggest that bacteria from the oral cavity may involve the feto-placental unit, and that periodontitis may be a modulating factor of the microbial community present in this niche.

Nutrition Education Programs Aimed at African Mothers of Infant Children: A Systematic Review.

Background: Child malnutrition is a major epidemiological problem in developing countries, especially in African countries. Nutrition education for mothers can alleviate this malnutrition in their young children. The objective of this study was to make a systematic review to assess the effect of intervention programs in nutrition education for African mothers on the nutritional status of their infants. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the PubMed database for clinical trials between November 2012 and 2021. The studies should contain educational programs to evaluate the impact on the infant’s nutritional indicators in children under 5 years (food consumption, anthropometry and/or knowledge of nutrition in caretakers). Results: A total of 20 articles were selected, of which 53% evaluated infant’s food consumption, 82% anthropometric measurements and 30% nutritional knowledge. In general, nutritional education programs are accredited with some significant improvements in food and nutrient consumption, knowledge and dietary practices in complementary feeding, but only those studies that implemented strategies in agriculture, educational workshops and supplementation obtained reductions in chronic malnutrition figures. Limitations: There is high heterogeneity in the articles included, since the intervention programs have different approaches. Conclusions: Programs that implemented actions of national agriculture or nutritional supplementation reap the greatest benefits in curbing infant malnutrition.

Fictionalized Accounts of African Migrant Mothers in And Breathe Normally and Anchor Baby

Representations and discourses about migrants have excluded the narratives of African migrant mothers. Often, discussions about these group of women tend to rely on stereotypes, which consequently trivializes the complexities and nuances that characterize the lives of these women. Adopting an intersectional approach, this article centers the African immigrant mother by exploring the narratives of African migrant mothers in two films. In this article, I explore how institutional systems combine to oppress African migrant mothers in their host nations. While And Breathe Normally (2018) challenges the notion of female passivity—which shapes numerous mainstream Hollywood films—Anchor Baby (2010) perpetuates some patriarchal norms associated with motherhood. However, both films demonstrate the multiple layers of oppression that African migrant mothers encounter in the host country. Through the individual narratives of all the female characters (black and white) in both films, we can see each one of them has personal battles imposed on them by their societies, thereby highlighting how interconnected the lives of women are.

Understanding South African mothers’ challenges to adhere to exclusive breastfeeding at the workplace: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of South African working mothers in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding when returning from maternity leave. MethodsThe data of the study was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Eight breastfeeding mothers were purposefully selected from two primary health care clinics in Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa. The data were coded, categorized, and clustered into themes using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis. Ethical considerations and measures of trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the study. ResultsThe findings revealed three themes: a desire for working mothers to continue the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, workplace support for breastfeeding mothers in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, and an unsuitable workplace environment for the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding. Six sub-themes were identified: the need to return to the workplace soon after baby’s birth, psychological responses in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, lack of support from employers and co-workers in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, lack of or partial implementation of breastfeeding policies in the workplace, the workplace not being supportive for mothers’ having to express and the workplace not being supportive for mothers’ having to store breastmilk. ConclusionBased on the findings, South African government should revisit employment policies to support working mothers who need to continue with exclusive breastfeeding after returning from maternity leave.

The impact of an educational forum intervention on East African mothers’ HPV vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to vaccinate their adolescent children

ObjectiveHPV vaccine uptake in U.S. East African adolescents is low. We developed and evaluated a culturally-targeted interactive educational intervention for East African immigrant mothers to increase HPV-vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to vaccinate adolescent children. MethodsEligible mothers had ≥ 1 11–17-year-old child and reported all children’s HPV vaccination status as unvaccinated or unknown. The intervention was delivered via 10 dinners in the Seattle metropolitan area (8 with the Somali community, 2 with the Ethiopian community). Educational presentations and pre/post-tests on knowledge, attitudes, and intentions were conducted in the participants’ native language by a co-ethnic physician. Pre/post differences in responses were evaluated with McNemar’s tests and GEE models. HPV vaccination uptake 6-months post-intervention was evaluated using state immunization registry data. ResultsOf 115 participating mothers, most (84%) were Somali and < 40 years of age (60%). Median years of formal education was 8 (range 0–16), and 61% reported a household income <$25,000. Knowledge of HPV/HPV-vaccines was low pre-intervention, with correct responses ranging from 4% to 39% (61%-91% of responses were “not sure”); correct post-intervention responses ranged from 29% to 97%. Pre-intervention, only 12% of mothers thought they had enough information to make a decision about vaccination, compared to 90% post-intervention. Pre-intervention, only 16% of mothers reported that they were somewhat or very likely to vaccinate their child, compared to 83% post-intervention. All pre/post comparisons were statistically significantly different (p < 0.0001). Although mothers were more likely to report correct HPV-related knowledge and positive vaccine attitudes and intentions post-intervention, only two mothers’ children initiated HPV vaccination within 6 months after the intervention. ConclusionsResults illustrate that a culturally targeted educational intervention effectively increased East African mothers’ HPV vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, and intentions to vaccinate their adolescent children. Future research should identify additional intervention components that can bridge the gap between intention and behavior to facilitate HPV vaccine uptake.

Images of the Mother in Selected 2020 Mother’s Day WhatsApp Postings in Zimbabwe

This paper looks at the image of the mother as depicted in selected messages sent on the occasion of Mother's Day of 2020 via WhatsApp which is the most widely used social medium platform in Zimbabwe. The study is confined to a few selected pictorial messages circulated on this special day which was however celebrated under lockdown in most countries of the world due to the Covid 19 pandemic.The restrictions imposed by the pandemic may also have contributed to the avalanche of messages as movement was restricted and many could only express their feelings to their mothers virtually. The researcher belongs to a variety of WhatsApp groups that provide a rich vein of the said raw materials. It should be noted that the aforementioned groups rarely solely stick to the core-business of their original formation as their membership 'strays' outside to smuggle messages outside their 'mandates'.This is understandable since group members assume a multiplicity of roles in real life necessitating multiple group affiliations making 'message importation' inevitable. The result is a mega-net and wide currency of 'trendy' messages. The study adopts an Africana Womanist approach to the analysis of the selected postings since the concoctions of signs sent were on or targeted at the African mother from her African chidren at home or abroad therefore read and understood in an African setting. The study notes that the pictures seem to celebrate mothers as architects of the infrastructure of a child's character and springboard of his/her eventual achievements.She is depicted as an important cog of the family machinery that is often unacknowledged.

Development and evaluation of an online continuing education course to increase healthcare provider self-efficacy to make strong HPV vaccine recommendations to East African immigrant families

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate an online continuing education (CE) course designed to improve healthcare provider self-efficacy to make strong adolescent HPV vaccine recommendations to East African immigrant families. MethodsFocus groups with providers and East African immigrant mothers informed course development. Providers serving East African immigrant families were recruited to view the course and complete pre-/post-test and two-month follow-up surveys. Pre-/post differences were compared with paired t-tests. Results202 providers completed the course and pre-/post-test; 158 (78%) completed two-month follow-up. Confidence to make strong HPV vaccine recommendations to East African families increased from 68% pre-test to 98% post-test. Confidence to address common parental concerns also increased: safety, 54% pre-test, 92% post-test; fertility, 55% pre-test, 90% post-test; child too young, 68% pre-test, 92% post-test; and pork gelatin in vaccine manufacturing, 38% pre-test, 90% post-test. Two-month follow-up scores remained high (97% for overall confidence, 94%–97% for addressing parental concerns). All pre-/post-test and pre-test/two-month follow-up comparisons were statistically significant (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe online CE course focused on culturally appropriate strategies for making strong recommendations and addressing specific parental concerns was effective for increasing provider self-efficacy to recommend HPV vaccination to East African families. Similar courses could be tailored to other priority populations.

Exploring how mothers of a child with a genetic disorder experience their couple relationship in a low socio-economic setting.

Having a child with a genetic disorder directly impacts a couple's relationship due to increased care demands. Most research on couple relationships in the context of having a child with a disability has been done in well-resourced, developed countries. In South Africa, the black South African population has been historically disadvantaged resulting in high rates of unemployment and poverty, and disruption of the family system. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of having a child with a genetic disorder on the couple relationship in a low socio-economic setting. Thirteen black South African mothers of a child with a confirmed or suspected genetic disorder participated in the study. All participants were recruited while waiting to be seen for a follow-up appointment by a medical geneticist at a Genetic Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa between 2016 and 2019. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews lasting between 25 and 60min and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings showed that mothers of a child with a genetic disorder in this low socio-economic setting frequently felt unsupported and carried the responsibility of childcare alone. The majority of participants wanted more tangible and emotional support from their partners and without this support they felt isolated and alone. The participants used many different coping strategies to deal with the distress of having a child with a genetic disorder but most frequently they described using 'acceptance'. Participants' partners were more often reported to use escape-avoidance strategies such as abandonment, denying paternity, withdrawal, and partner-blame. We suggest that mothers of a child with a genetic disorder should consult with a genetic counselor in addition to a medical geneticist to enable the provision of emotional support.

AN AFRICAN BASKETRY OF HETEROGENEOUS VARIABLES DAHOMEYDAHALO-DANDI

— In terms of scientific systems approach to the knowledge of human origins, human organizations, human histories, human kingdoms, human languages, human populations and above all the human genes, unquestionable scientific evidence with human dignity flabbergasted the European strong world of slavemasters and colonialist-policy-rulers. This deduces that the early Europeans knew nothing scientific about the mankind beforehand unleashing their one-up-man-ship over Africa and the Africans except that they were the white skinned flocks and so, not the kith and kin of the Africans in black skin living in what they called the ‘Dark Continent’! Of course, in later times, the same masters and rulers committed to not repeating their colonialist racial geo-political injustices. The whites were domineering and weaponized to the hilt on their own mentality, for their own interests and by their own logic opposing the geopolitically distant African blacks inhabiting the natural resources enriched frontiers. Those ‘twists and twitches’ in time-line led to the black’s slavery and white’s slave-trade with meddling Christian Adventist Missionaries, colonialists, religious conversionists, Anglican Universities’ Missions , inter-sexual-births, the associative asomi , the dissociative asomi and the non-asomi divisions within African natives in concomitance . And yet, an indelible African Awe Era (AWE) prevailed in the African Continent. How is it made possible by the Africans? No people or no language or no kingdom exists without some kind of moral, social and political framework and when this is not written-down, it may be strongest as the unwritten-down. A number of early European-written-down accounts in respect of the European-called ‘Black Africans’ boomeranged when the European scientific researchers discovered that the genetic roots of mankind exploded in Africa proclaiming African commonality superimposed. The first woman of all human beings is an African Mother indeed as confir

Mental health experiences of African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) mothers living with HIV in the context of infant feeding

BackgroundThe stressful duality of motherhood while living with HIV is often further compounded by inflexible infant feeding regimes in diasporic settings. National infant feeding guidelines for mothers living with HIV (LWH) are based on World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, which differ between low- and middle- vs. high-income countries and are more likely to contradict the cultural norms of sub-Saharan African communities. African, Caribbean, and Black mothers living with HIV (ACB- mothers LWH) often grapple with personal preferences and cultural norms vs. national guidelines for infant feeding, which often creates great tension at the intersection of these contradicting feeding protocols, subsequently leading to stressful motherhood experiences in the context of HIV. PurposeThe paper describes the mental health concerns and coping strategies of ACB mothers living with HIV in the context of infant feeding amidst contradicting cultural expectations and guideline. MethodsThis is a qualitative study drawn from a broader community-based participatory research (CBPR) Focused ethnography (FE) was used to understand infant feeding-related stressors and coping strategies of ACB- mothers living with HIV. In-depth interviews of 61 ACB-mothers living with HIV were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. An audit trail, peer/team debriefing, and member checking ensured data credibility. FindingsCommon stressors included cultural pressure toward certain feeding choices, fear of infecting the baby, and fear of inadvertent HIV disclosure and stigma; all of which could culminate in mental health crises if not properly managed. Coping strategies were deliberate effort to keep fit physically and mentally. Discussion and implicationCultural expectations of “good motherhood” play a strong role in how ACB women judge their own motherhood efforts. Thus, alignment of policies to cultural expectations is key to mitigating psychosocial distress and resultant mental health problems. ConclusionMental distress experienced by ACB- mothers living with HIV around infant feeding choices may negatively affect their well-being and consequently their ability to care for their infants. A combination of culturally responsive guidelines, provision of social and community support, and educational efforts is necessary to reduce the mental health burden on ACB- mothers living with HIV.

Book Review: English-Afrikaans Bilingual Building Dictionary

With originating roots scattered across the globe, this playful language derived its name from Africa. What is more unique to South Africa than Afrikaans? A communication medium amalgamated, adapted and applied by mothers from different cultures and continents who not only chose South Africa as their&nbsp;domicilium citandi et executandi,&nbsp;but also to raise their children through a unique South African mother tongue. By accommodating variety, this language tends to be inclusive against the norm, which might explain why Afrikaans is the preferred&nbsp;lingua franca&nbsp;in many parts of the country. Since the tower of Babel, building sites are recognised as a gathering of miscellaneous cultures and languages in dire need for a bridging communication medium. Phenomenally, evolved through time, building terms were and still are being born.

Factors Affecting the Decision of Postnatal Mothers to Donate Milk at a Government Satellite Human Milk Bank Site, in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

The need for donor human milk has accelerated both locally and globally. To remain sustainable, human milk banks need to maintain effective recruitment including frequent donations of adequate volumes. To determine (1) which factors influenced mothers' willingness to give or receive donor human milk, and the influence of (2) socio-demographics, (3) pregnancy, (4) breastfeeding history, (5) prior knowledge of human milk banks, and (6) general factors on milk donations. This was a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive study. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used (N = 148). Independent sample t-tests and one-sample t-tests were used to determining differences in variables. The sample population consisted of mainly single (n = 104, 70.3%) Black African mothers (n = 127, 85.8%) who identified as Christian (n = 97, 65.6%) with a mean age of 24.8 (SD = 5.63) years. The majority (n = 120, 81.1%) had no prior knowledge of human milk banks; however, most (n = 78, 52.7%) were significantly likely to donate. The main factors that influenced the participants' willingness to donate were altruism (n = 99, 66.9%), information provided by staff at hospitals/clinics (n = 92, 62.2%), amount of milk produced (n = 69, 46.4%), fear of not having enough milk for their own infant (n = 68, 45.9%), and support from family/friends/partner (n = 67, 45.3%). There is a strong need to increase visibility and information sharing with potential donor mothers to ensure a sustainable supply and system of human milk banks.

Pupillary and Attentional Responses to Infant Facial Expressions in Mothers Across Socioeconomic Variations.

Maternal responses to infant facial expressions were examined in two socioeconomically diverse samples of South African mothers (Study I, N=111; and Study II, N=214; age: 17-44years) using pupil and gaze tracking. Study I showed increased pupil response to infant distress expressions in groups recruited from private as compared to public maternity clinics, possibly reflecting underlying differences in socioeconomic status (SES) across the groups. Study II, sampling uniformly low-SES neighborhoods, found increased pupil dilation and faster orientation to expressions of infant distress, but only in the highest income group. These results are consistent with maternal physiological and attentional sensitivity to infant distress cues but challenge the universality of this sensitivity across socioeconomic diversity.

Book Review ENGLISH-AFRIKAANS BILINGUAL BUILDING DICTIONARY

With originating roots scattered across the globe, this playful language derived its name from Africa. What is more unique to South Africa than Afrikaans? A communication medium amalgamated, adapted and applied by mothers from different cultures and continents who not only chose South Africa as their domicilium citandi et executandi, but also to raise their children through a unique South African mother tongue. By accommodating variety, this language tends to be inclusive against the norm, which might explain why Afrikaans is the preferred lingua franca in many parts of the country. Since the tower of Babel, building sites are recognised as a gathering of miscellaneous cultures and languages in dire need for a bridging communication medium. Phenomenally, evolved through time, building terms were and still are being born.

Pregnancy outcomes, early separation, and psychiatric relapse experienced by South African women with peripartum psychosis: a descriptive exploration.

The peripartum is associated with increased incidence of severe mental illness (SMI), a greater occurrence of psychotic symptoms and psychiatric admissions. This study aimed to describe the psychiatric, medical and psycho-social risk factors affecting South African mothers who experienced peripartum psychosis. Using a prospective, descriptive design, we conducted a detailed interview and supplementary information was collected by review of clinical records. The study examined the accounts of forty mothers who experienced peripartum psychosis between 6 and 18 months postpartum. Descriptive statistics for demographic and clinical variables were completed with SPSS for Windows, version 25. Pregnancies were predominantly unplanned and more than half of participants reported prenatal substance use. Medical or psychiatric problems during pregnancy were common and the majority of dyads experienced periods of early separation. Socio-demographic factors exacerbated the challenges this group of women at high risk face, in providing nurturing care to their infants. Results highlight the need for close follow-up for women with SMI, with particular attention to substance screening and psychosocial stressors. Integrated maternal and infant mental health services are recommended.

Health effects of Muslim racialization: Evidence from birth outcomes in California before and after September 11, 2001.

Although researchers have made progress in understanding how discrimination affects health outcomes, challenges remain in efforts to analyze the distribution of discrimination-linked stress as a population-level risk factor. Discrimination often does not align with categorical comparisons but is racialized in practice. This study explicitly tests the effects of such racialized discrimination by using the increase in anti-Muslim discrimination following the attacks of September 11, 2001 as a natural experiment. Sociological scholarship suggests anti-Muslim discrimination has been racialized in a way that affects a variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian populations who are often targeted based on physical appearance, rather than religious identification. Using a name-matching algorithm to classify mothers based on name characteristics, I examine birth outcomes for mothers with ancestry from the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and a subset of South Asian Sikhs. I find that rates of low birth weight births increased for both Middle Eastern and North African (1.15 RR, 95% CI: 1.00- 1.31) and South Asian Sikh (1.61 RR, 95% CI: 1.06-2.40) mothers in the 37 weeks following September 11, relative to the same period one year prior. The results highlight how processes of racialization can distribute discrimination-linked stress as a risk factor in ways that are overlooked when relying on institutionalized racial, ethnic, or religious categories to study disparities.

Attitudes of Black South African Mothers towards the Use of Indigenous Healing and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Newborn Infants

While the infant mortality rate in South Africa has decreased, it remains a concern. Although there may not be any direct link between infant mortality and maternal infant-care practices, the health-seeking behaviour of mothers of newborn infants is a neglected area of research. Consequently, there is a need to understand the persons that mothers approach to prevent ill-health and restore and promote their infants’ health and well-being. The study therefore explored the attitudes of Black South African mothers regarding the use of indigenous and/or Western medicine for the treatment of childhood or infancy conditions. The study adopted a qualitative approach, guided by an Afrocentric perspective. Interviews were conducted with 18 participants and responses were analysed using thematic analysis. A key finding was that participants viewed monthly visits to Western-based healthcare clinics as necessary to monitor the development of their children. Consultations with traditional healers were intended to protect their infants against evil spirits. The main conclusion reached was that the use of traditional healing and Western medicine are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Mothers were able to see the value of both approaches, despite a preference for biomedicine.

Observing maternal sensitivity in a South African township: an exploratory study into behavioral features using different measures

ABSTRACT There is evidence that sensitive responsiveness is manifested differently in varying cultural contexts. This exploratory study examines a sample of 50 South African mothers in the context of a socioeconomically deprived Township, and investigates differences between the Ainsworth sensitivity scale (that does not specify particular manifestations of sensitivity) and the Maternal Behavior Q-sort (MBQ) mini, that assesses a more specified array of behaviors. Results showed a significant but modest association between the two measures, and maternal education was related to the MBQ-mini but not the Ainsworth scores. This pattern of results appears to be due to the higher salience of social games and verbal teaching in the MBQ-mini than in the Ainsworth scale. Such behaviors are less common in South African parenting, where more physical forms of responsiveness seem more typical. A local “South African” sort was developed to capture culture-specific manifestations of sensitivity.

Social Determinants of Breastfeeding Preferences among Black Mothers Living with HIV in Two North American Cities.

The study is motivated by the need to understand the social determinants of breastfeeding attitudes among HIV-positive African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) mothers. To address the central issue identified in this study, analysis was conducted with datasets from two North American cities, where unique country-specific guidelines complicate infant feeding discourse, decisions, and practices for HIV-positive mothers. These national infant feeding guidelines in Canada and the US present a source of conflict and tension for ACB mothers as they try to navigate the spaces between contradictory cultural expectations and national guidelines. Analyses in this paper were drawn from a broader mixed methods study guided by a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to examine infant feeding practices among HIV-positive Black mothers in three countries. The survey were distributed through Qualtrics and SPSS was used for data cleaning and analysis. Results revealed a direct correlation between social determinants and breastfeeding attitude. Country of residence, relatives’ opinion, healthcare providers’ advice and HIV-related stigma had statistically significant association with breastfeeding attitude. While the two countries’ guidelines, which recommend exclusive formula feeding, are cardinal in preventing vertical transmission, they can also be a source of stress. We recommend due consideration of the cultural contexts of women’s lives in infant feeding guidelines, to ensure inclusion of diverse women.