Health Psychology Division (HPD)

In this episode we speak to qualitative research specialist Dr Zoe Duby about the interaction between mental health, and sexual and reproductive health. Dr Duby describes how mental health narratives turned out to be a prominent feature in a study she was involved in that initially aimed to explore sexual and reproductive health outcomes among young South African women and girls, and how the interconnected and bidirectional nature of these realms of health was made clear: Participants' mental health both influenced, and was influenced by, negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes such as HIV diagnosis and early / ‘unintended’ pregnancy. We also look at why this topic is particularly pertinent among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa, and some of the recommendations Dr Duby and her research team propose based on their findings.

In this podcast we speak with Collins Ndlovhu of Waterfall, Midrand about his experience living with type 2 diabetes. Collins discusses the fear and stigma associated with the condition, as well as the concerning lack of information and education he has encountered in the healthcare system. We also explore the social, psychological, and economic toll of the condition, and some of the ways Collins is able to manage these difficulties.