Nothando Ngwenya
Biographic Data
| ID | 3886603 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Nothando Ngwenya |
| GIVEN NAMES | Nothando |
| FAMILY NAME | Ngwenya |
| SIGNATURE | NGWENYA N |
| AFFILIATIONS | Africa Health Research Institute |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-5630-6389 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 24 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 7 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 24 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2018 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
Pathways of onward HIV disclosure in relationships among young people living with vertically acquired HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy
For young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) navigating their status since birth, managing onward disclosure of a potentially stigmatising condition in relationships is challenging, and may or may not lead to social support, with implications for wellbeing. In a clinical trial setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we investigate how young people living with vertically acquired HIV navigate onward disclosure. Data were from the qualitative componen…
Scientists under fire
Scientists face growing pressure to share their research with the public — an ethical and professional duty that can sometimes lead to public hostility when addressing sensitive, controversial, or unpopular topics. Negative reactions from society, often worsened by social media, threaten not only the scientists themselves but also public trust in science and the integrity of knowledge systems. This commentary presents a case study of two scientis…
Navigating HIV status disclosure
We examined how adolescents living with HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, navigate privacy boundaries in disclosure-related issues. We conducted small group discussions with 31 adolescents (aged 16-19 years) recruited from three HIV clinics. Reflexive thematic data analysis was conducted through the lens of communication privacy management theory. Three major themes emerged: (1) ownership and control of private information, in which adole…
The role of parents and caregivers in motivating adolescents with HIV to participate in a long-acting injectable ART clinical trial in South Africa and Uganda
In this paper, we describe the central role of caregivers in shaping adolescent engagement with long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI-ART) within the Long-Acting Treatment for Adolescents (LATA) trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda. Adolescents' participation in HIV care is embedded within emotional, moral, and cultural relationships rather than individual decision-making. Drawing on the bioecological model of human development…
Living in the shadows
Young people living with HIV still face persistent HIV stigma and discrimination. • Practising secrecy can create barriers to care and support for youth. • Treatment adherence is inextricably linked to fears about disclosure. • Youth develop different strategies to maintain secrecy over time
“It felt like a weight was being taken off of my shoulders”
In South Africa, many young people relocate from rural to urban areas for education, attending day schools while residing in rented accommodation. Migration exposes them to risk, including alcohol and drug abuse, sexual exploitation and violence. We developed and assessed a support system for young migrants, aged 14-24 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Five trained peer navigators conducted needs assessments for 283 young internal migrants between …
The effect of multi-level HIV prevention interventions on common mental disorders among adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa
This study evaluated the effect of multi-level HIV prevention interventions delivered through DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Motivated, and Safe) program on common mental disorders (CMD) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in rural South Africa. We used longitudinal data from two cohorts of AYA aged 13–35 years (N = 2184 for cohort 1 and N = 3067 for cohort 2), recruited between May 2017 and December 2018, with data col…
Understanding the mental health of adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa through participatory research
Most mental health problems in adulthood begin during adolescence. Factors such as poverty, violence, and unemployment contribute to the high burden of mental health problems. In Africa, the lack of resources for diagnosis, treatment, and management exacerbates the situation. Research on adolescent mental health has mostly focused on negative psychological effects, while positive attributes like coping, resilience, and emotional growth have been …
Sexual and reproductive health interventions for mobile adolescents and young people in sub-Saharan Africa
Research exploring SRHR interventions for mAYP is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Future research and interventions should be underpinned by an understanding of young people's health and wellbeing more broadly, and foreground the social, cultural, religious and economic factors shaping mAYP's SRH needs
Challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable development goal 3 in KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure health and well-being for all. However, in rural provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, structural inequalities, socio-cultural challenges, and environmental stressors hinder progress. This study synthesises findings from qualitative research conducted at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) to explore the challenges and opportunities in meeting SDG …
Examining the resilience of mobile youth in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The accessibility and availability of protective resources offered support and provided strength to young people. This fostered resilience for these young people and in a way incorporated aspects of the collectivist communities they live in. Considering resources that are easily available in resource limited settings is important as young people may be more comfortable and confident to access and use. These protective factors may help curb some o…
Are concepts of adolescence from the Global North appropriate for Africa? A debate
Adolescence is widely defined as a distinct phase in the life-course during which an individual completes their biological development and transitions from childhood to adulthood. This article presents a debate, conducted in 2018 at a scientific symposium in Mwanza, Tanzania, of the appropriateness of this for Africa, and by extension whether health interventions and global health policy that are shaped by such concepts can be universally applica…
Making sense of uncertainty
This study aims to examine the experiences of young migrants and the role of uncertainty in their precarious lives. Drawing on data from individual interviews and a workshop with young migrants aged 16-24 years old in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we use uncertainty as a theoretical lens, to illustrate the ways in which young migrants' experiences provide meaning for them and give them an opportunity to assess, and plan for better opportunities de…
Influences on decision-making about disclosure of HIV status by adolescents and young adults living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Background: Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYA) are faced with the challenge of living with a life-long chronic condition. We investigated the influences on the decisions by AYA to disclose their HIV status to family, intimate partners and friends. Methods: Twenty AYA aged between 15 and 24 years were purposely selected through local community-based organisations in eThekwini municipality and uMkhanyakude district in KwaZulu-Natal …
Living in ‘waithood’
Research on quality of life (QoL) is important for public policies and human development programmes. Given the high proportion of youth within the South African population, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, the aim of the study was to investigate the socio-economic living conditions of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement and their perceived impact on their QoL. Guided by the Integrated Theory of Quality of Life and a blend of H…
The ethics of conducting observational tobacco research without providing treatment to people who use tobacco
Introduction Replication of the nuclear genome is an essential step for cell division. Pathogenic variants in genes coding for highly conserved components of the DNA replication machinery cause Meier-Gorlin syndrome (MGORS). Objective Identification of novel genes associated with MGORS. Methods Exome sequencing was performed to investigate the genotype of an individual presenting with prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, a craniofacial gest…
Investigation of post-trial access views among study participants and stakeholders using photovoice and semistructured interviews
PURPOSE: We examine the levels of post-trial responsibility ascribed to different stakeholders, following a community-based clinical trial and how the 'responsibility' is understood. METHODS: We employed photovoice, unstructured observations and key informant interviews to gain insights into contexts of access to care following transition to the public health system post trial. We used an inductive narrative analysis to explore experiences and un…
The sexual and reproductive health needs of school-going young people in the context of Covid-19 in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Background : The impact of school closures due to COVID-19 raised widespread concerns about children's health and well-being. We examine the impact on the sexual health needs of learners in the context of COVID-19 related lockdowns in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods : In july-November 2020 and August-November 2021 we conducted 24 in-depth interviews and 8 group discussions with teachers and learners from 4 schools, community members an…
This is what is going to help me’
Young migrants in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to HIV-acquisition. Despite this, they are consistently under-served by services, with low uptake and engagement. We adopted a community-based participatory research approach to conduct longitudinal qualitative research among 78 young migrants in South Africa and Uganda. Using repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops we sought to identify their specific support needs, …
Complex trauma and its relation to hope and hopelessness among young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Informed by an existing hope scale, we explored the roles of hope, happiness, and life satisfaction in adolescent risk behaviours in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a setting with high HIV prevalence. In 2016 data were collected from two resource-limited communities using in-depth interviews, group discussions and lifeline-drawings with 53 young people (aged 15 to 17 years). Applying both deductive and inductive approaches, thematic analysis w…
Lives Interrupted
We examine data from young women and men in South Africa and young female sex workers in Uganda to explore the inequalities and hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the opportunities and ability presented to navigate in a virtual world to build an inclusive supportive future for young people on the move. We argue that against the backdrop of a fragile past, young people who see their today disturbed, tomorrow reshape…
Being young and on the move in South Africa
The period between childhood and adulthood has been characterised as a period of ‘waithood’ in which structural conditions may disable young people’s access to basic resources to become independent adults. We consider the specific implications of this experience for newly migrant young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We conducted repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops over a 12-month period with 38 young people on their exp…
Value and Limitations of Broad Brush Surveys Used in Community-Randomized Trials in Southern Africa
We describe and reflect on a rapid qualitative survey approach called "Broad Brush Survey" (BBS) used in six community-randomized trials (CRTs)/studies in Zambia and South Africa (2004-2018) to document, compare, classify, and communicate community features systematically for public health and multidisciplinary research ends. BBS is based on a set sequence of participatory qualitative methods and fieldwork carried out prior to a CRT intervention …
Community perceptions of the socio-economic structural context influencing HIV and TB risk, prevention and treatment in a high prevalence area in the era of antiretroviral therapy
Following calls for targeted HIV prevention interventions in so-called "hotspots", we explored subjective perceptions of community members in places considered to be high HIV and tuberculosis (TB) transmission areas and those with low prevalence. Although more people now have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), some areas are still experiencing high HIV transmission rates, presenting a barrier to the elimination of HIV. A rapid qualitative as…
Value and Limitations of Broad Brush Surveys Used in Community-Randomized Trials in Southern Africa
We describe and reflect on a rapid qualitative survey approach called "Broad Brush Survey" (BBS) used in six community-randomized trials (CRTs)/studies in Zambia and South Africa (2004-2018) to document, compare, classify, and communicate community features systematically for public health and multidisciplinary research ends. BBS is based on a set sequence of participatory qualitative methods and fieldwork carried out prior to a CRT intervention …
Being young and on the move in South Africa
The period between childhood and adulthood has been characterised as a period of ‘waithood’ in which structural conditions may disable young people’s access to basic resources to become independent adults. We consider the specific implications of this experience for newly migrant young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We conducted repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops over a 12-month period with 38 young people on their exp…
Living in ‘waithood’
Research on quality of life (QoL) is important for public policies and human development programmes. Given the high proportion of youth within the South African population, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, the aim of the study was to investigate the socio-economic living conditions of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement and their perceived impact on their QoL. Guided by the Integrated Theory of Quality of Life and a blend of H…
Complex trauma and its relation to hope and hopelessness among young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Informed by an existing hope scale, we explored the roles of hope, happiness, and life satisfaction in adolescent risk behaviours in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a setting with high HIV prevalence. In 2016 data were collected from two resource-limited communities using in-depth interviews, group discussions and lifeline-drawings with 53 young people (aged 15 to 17 years). Applying both deductive and inductive approaches, thematic analysis w…
Community perceptions of the socio-economic structural context influencing HIV and TB risk, prevention and treatment in a high prevalence area in the era of antiretroviral therapy
Following calls for targeted HIV prevention interventions in so-called "hotspots", we explored subjective perceptions of community members in places considered to be high HIV and tuberculosis (TB) transmission areas and those with low prevalence. Although more people now have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), some areas are still experiencing high HIV transmission rates, presenting a barrier to the elimination of HIV. A rapid qualitative as…
Value and Limitations of Broad Brush Surveys Used in Community-Randomized Trials in Southern Africa
We describe and reflect on a rapid qualitative survey approach called "Broad Brush Survey" (BBS) used in six community-randomized trials (CRTs)/studies in Zambia and South Africa (2004-2018) to document, compare, classify, and communicate community features systematically for public health and multidisciplinary research ends. BBS is based on a set sequence of participatory qualitative methods and fieldwork carried out prior to a CRT intervention …
Being young and on the move in South Africa
The period between childhood and adulthood has been characterised as a period of ‘waithood’ in which structural conditions may disable young people’s access to basic resources to become independent adults. We consider the specific implications of this experience for newly migrant young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We conducted repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops over a 12-month period with 38 young people on their exp…
This is what is going to help me’
Young migrants in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable to HIV-acquisition. Despite this, they are consistently under-served by services, with low uptake and engagement. We adopted a community-based participatory research approach to conduct longitudinal qualitative research among 78 young migrants in South Africa and Uganda. Using repeat in-depth interviews and participatory workshops we sought to identify their specific support needs, …
Complex trauma and its relation to hope and hopelessness among young people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Informed by an existing hope scale, we explored the roles of hope, happiness, and life satisfaction in adolescent risk behaviours in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, a setting with high HIV prevalence. In 2016 data were collected from two resource-limited communities using in-depth interviews, group discussions and lifeline-drawings with 53 young people (aged 15 to 17 years). Applying both deductive and inductive approaches, thematic analysis w…
Lives Interrupted
We examine data from young women and men in South Africa and young female sex workers in Uganda to explore the inequalities and hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the opportunities and ability presented to navigate in a virtual world to build an inclusive supportive future for young people on the move. We argue that against the backdrop of a fragile past, young people who see their today disturbed, tomorrow reshape…
The ethics of conducting observational tobacco research without providing treatment to people who use tobacco
Introduction Replication of the nuclear genome is an essential step for cell division. Pathogenic variants in genes coding for highly conserved components of the DNA replication machinery cause Meier-Gorlin syndrome (MGORS). Objective Identification of novel genes associated with MGORS. Methods Exome sequencing was performed to investigate the genotype of an individual presenting with prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, a craniofacial gest…
Investigation of post-trial access views among study participants and stakeholders using photovoice and semistructured interviews
PURPOSE: We examine the levels of post-trial responsibility ascribed to different stakeholders, following a community-based clinical trial and how the 'responsibility' is understood. METHODS: We employed photovoice, unstructured observations and key informant interviews to gain insights into contexts of access to care following transition to the public health system post trial. We used an inductive narrative analysis to explore experiences and un…
The sexual and reproductive health needs of school-going young people in the context of Covid-19 in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Background : The impact of school closures due to COVID-19 raised widespread concerns about children's health and well-being. We examine the impact on the sexual health needs of learners in the context of COVID-19 related lockdowns in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods : In july-November 2020 and August-November 2021 we conducted 24 in-depth interviews and 8 group discussions with teachers and learners from 4 schools, community members an…
Are concepts of adolescence from the Global North appropriate for Africa? A debate
Adolescence is widely defined as a distinct phase in the life-course during which an individual completes their biological development and transitions from childhood to adulthood. This article presents a debate, conducted in 2018 at a scientific symposium in Mwanza, Tanzania, of the appropriateness of this for Africa, and by extension whether health interventions and global health policy that are shaped by such concepts can be universally applica…
Making sense of uncertainty
This study aims to examine the experiences of young migrants and the role of uncertainty in their precarious lives. Drawing on data from individual interviews and a workshop with young migrants aged 16-24 years old in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we use uncertainty as a theoretical lens, to illustrate the ways in which young migrants' experiences provide meaning for them and give them an opportunity to assess, and plan for better opportunities de…
Influences on decision-making about disclosure of HIV status by adolescents and young adults living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Background: Adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYA) are faced with the challenge of living with a life-long chronic condition. We investigated the influences on the decisions by AYA to disclose their HIV status to family, intimate partners and friends. Methods: Twenty AYA aged between 15 and 24 years were purposely selected through local community-based organisations in eThekwini municipality and uMkhanyakude district in KwaZulu-Natal …
Living in ‘waithood’
Research on quality of life (QoL) is important for public policies and human development programmes. Given the high proportion of youth within the South African population, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, the aim of the study was to investigate the socio-economic living conditions of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement and their perceived impact on their QoL. Guided by the Integrated Theory of Quality of Life and a blend of H…
Living in the shadows
Young people living with HIV still face persistent HIV stigma and discrimination. • Practising secrecy can create barriers to care and support for youth. • Treatment adherence is inextricably linked to fears about disclosure. • Youth develop different strategies to maintain secrecy over time
“It felt like a weight was being taken off of my shoulders”
In South Africa, many young people relocate from rural to urban areas for education, attending day schools while residing in rented accommodation. Migration exposes them to risk, including alcohol and drug abuse, sexual exploitation and violence. We developed and assessed a support system for young migrants, aged 14-24 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Five trained peer navigators conducted needs assessments for 283 young internal migrants between …
The effect of multi-level HIV prevention interventions on common mental disorders among adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa
This study evaluated the effect of multi-level HIV prevention interventions delivered through DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Motivated, and Safe) program on common mental disorders (CMD) among adolescents and young adults (AYA) in rural South Africa. We used longitudinal data from two cohorts of AYA aged 13–35 years (N = 2184 for cohort 1 and N = 3067 for cohort 2), recruited between May 2017 and December 2018, with data col…
Understanding the mental health of adolescents and young adults in rural South Africa through participatory research
Most mental health problems in adulthood begin during adolescence. Factors such as poverty, violence, and unemployment contribute to the high burden of mental health problems. In Africa, the lack of resources for diagnosis, treatment, and management exacerbates the situation. Research on adolescent mental health has mostly focused on negative psychological effects, while positive attributes like coping, resilience, and emotional growth have been …
Sexual and reproductive health interventions for mobile adolescents and young people in sub-Saharan Africa
Research exploring SRHR interventions for mAYP is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Future research and interventions should be underpinned by an understanding of young people's health and wellbeing more broadly, and foreground the social, cultural, religious and economic factors shaping mAYP's SRH needs
Challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable development goal 3 in KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure health and well-being for all. However, in rural provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, structural inequalities, socio-cultural challenges, and environmental stressors hinder progress. This study synthesises findings from qualitative research conducted at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) to explore the challenges and opportunities in meeting SDG …
Examining the resilience of mobile youth in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The accessibility and availability of protective resources offered support and provided strength to young people. This fostered resilience for these young people and in a way incorporated aspects of the collectivist communities they live in. Considering resources that are easily available in resource limited settings is important as young people may be more comfortable and confident to access and use. These protective factors may help curb some o…
Pathways of onward HIV disclosure in relationships among young people living with vertically acquired HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy
For young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) navigating their status since birth, managing onward disclosure of a potentially stigmatising condition in relationships is challenging, and may or may not lead to social support, with implications for wellbeing. In a clinical trial setting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we investigate how young people living with vertically acquired HIV navigate onward disclosure. Data were from the qualitative componen…
Scientists under fire
Scientists face growing pressure to share their research with the public — an ethical and professional duty that can sometimes lead to public hostility when addressing sensitive, controversial, or unpopular topics. Negative reactions from society, often worsened by social media, threaten not only the scientists themselves but also public trust in science and the integrity of knowledge systems. This commentary presents a case study of two scientis…
Navigating HIV status disclosure
We examined how adolescents living with HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, navigate privacy boundaries in disclosure-related issues. We conducted small group discussions with 31 adolescents (aged 16-19 years) recruited from three HIV clinics. Reflexive thematic data analysis was conducted through the lens of communication privacy management theory. Three major themes emerged: (1) ownership and control of private information, in which adole…
The role of parents and caregivers in motivating adolescents with HIV to participate in a long-acting injectable ART clinical trial in South Africa and Uganda
In this paper, we describe the central role of caregivers in shaping adolescent engagement with long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI-ART) within the Long-Acting Treatment for Adolescents (LATA) trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda. Adolescents' participation in HIV care is embedded within emotional, moral, and cultural relationships rather than individual decision-making. Drawing on the bioecological model of human development…
Medicine (13 works) · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (12 works) · Sociology (10 works) · Psychology (9 works) · Qualitative research (9 works) · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions (8 works) · Nursing (8 works) · Political science (8 works) · Psychological intervention (8 works) · Environmental health (6 works)