Publications by authors named "S Lye"
Background: As part of the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative in South Africa, the Bukhali health promotion intervention is being implemented by community health workers (CHW's) with young women in urban Soweto. The perspectives of these CHW's have not been fully explored.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to describe CHW's perspectives and experiences of delivering the Bukhali intervention.
Article Synopsis
- * Researchers analyzed fecal samples from four langur species using advanced sequencing techniques, finding significant differences in microbial diversity, with Presbytis femoralis showing the highest diversity and P. robinsoni being the healthiest due to fewer pathogenic bacteria.
- * The findings suggest that diet, behavior, and habitat impact gut microbiota, and there is a concern that the presence of pathogenic bacteria in these langurs could pose health risks to humans.
Background: Evidence is needed to understand factors that influence child development and caregiving experiences, especially in marginalized contexts, to inform the development and implementation of early childhood development (ECD) interventions. This study explores caregiving practices for young children in an urban informal settlement with Kenyans and embedded refugees, and identifies factors shaping these caregiving experiences, to inform the design and development of potentially appropriate ECD interventions.
Methods: A qualitative formative study, which included 14 focus group discussions (n = 125 participants), and 13 key informant interviews was conducted between August and October 2018.
Article Synopsis
- Pregnancy termination is a significant aspect of reproductive healthcare in Southern Africa, with 23% of pregnancies ending this way, highlighting the need to understand the various influencing factors, including personal and social contexts.
- A study conducted in Soweto used in-depth interviews with ten women aged 18-28 who had undergone termination to explore reasons and decision-making influences, employing a socio-ecological framework for analysis.
- Results showed that key reasons for termination included financial insecurity and lack of support, while broader socio-ecological factors such as social support networks and access to services also played crucial roles in the decision-making process, particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A qualitative analysis of community health worker perspectives on the implementation of the preconception and pregnancy phases of the Bukhali randomised controlled trial.
PLOS Glob Public Health
March 2024
Article Synopsis
- Community health workers (CHWs) are crucial in supporting health systems in low-to-middle-income countries, particularly through interventions like Bukhali aimed at improving young women's health in Soweto, South Africa.
- The study investigated how CHWs implemented the Bukhali intervention, identifying six key factors that influenced their roles, including interactions with the healthcare system, health literacy, socioeconomic barriers, and the importance of community perceptions.
- Findings highlighted the significance of trust between CHWs and participants, and suggested adaptations such as enhanced training, better follow-up on referrals, and ongoing community engagement to improve intervention effectiveness and address health-related stigma.