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.

In this episode we speak with Dr Marlise Richter and Constance Mathe of Sex Worker Education & Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) about the health of sex workers in South Africa and other sub-Saharan countries. They discuss the legal context of sex work in SA and the discrimination sex workers face, as well as the numerous barriers encountered when accessing healthcare. We then go on to consider the possible effects these issues may have on sex workers’ physical and mental health, as well as the effects this may have on broader society. Lastly, Marlise and Constance explore the possibility of decriminalisation of sex work, as well as other interventions which show promise in reducing the negative outcomes experienced by such individuals.