Abstract
Pregnancy in low socio-economic contexts in South Africa results in complex developmental and quality of life (QoL) challenges for women and their children. This study focuses on a needs assessment towards the development of a sustainable intervention to address the QoL of pregnant women using substances in a low SES rural community, in line with a social justice agenda of research practice and process. The study adopted a participatory action research approach incorporating the Citizenship framework. This framework expands on the traditional notion of recovery which are both social in nature; and adds a social-contextual emphasis embedded within the 5R’s (rights, responsibilities, roles, resources, and relationships). Using the framework, this study aims to recognise the women’s context and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to the development of a sustainable intervention. It comprised an exploration of the needs of the pregnant women in line with a strengths-based approach. The sample consisted of sixteen conveniently selected pregnant women from a rural community in the Western Cape. Data collection included in-depth interviews, focus groups and photovoice exercises analysed using thematic analysis through the Atlas Ti software. The findings provided the women with an opportunity to contribute to the development of an intervention. It facilitated a sense of belonging to a community and validated their contributions to their own QoL. Research efforts that encourage participation will go a long way to improving the quality of life and pregnancy outcomes as we strive toward developing a tailor made intervention for these women.
Presenters
Maria FlorenceAssociate Professor, Psychology, University of the Western Cape, South Africa Noluthando Mpisane
Student, Masters in Research Psychology, University of the Western Cape , Western Cape, South Africa Tracey Ann Adonis
Lecturer, Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Western Cape, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Civic, Political, and Community Studies
KEYWORDS
NEEDS ASSESSMENT, PREGNANCY INTERVENTIONS, SUBSTANCE USE, PARTICIPATION, RURAL, CITIZENSHIP, QUALITY OF LIFE
