24 November 2021 Volume :9 Issue :51

PhD Study Focuses on Intimate Partner Violence

PhD scholarship recipient, Dr Mengistu Meskele Koyira.

Dr Mengistu Meskele Koyira was awarded a PhD in Public Health for his study on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against Women Living with and without HIV: Contexts and Associated Factors in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia.

The study was supervised by Dr Nelisiwe Khuzwayo and Professor Myra Taylor.

Koyira said that this was the first study to compare IPV among HIV positive and HIV negative women and health care workers’ screening for IPV in Ethiopia. ‘The research identified various factors associated with IPV and women’s terrifying experiences of violence. The findings highlight the urgent need for interventions such as more gender-equitable policies. Healthcare worker and health system-related challenges were also identified in screening for IPV.

‘I am extremely happy to receive this apex degree. I plan to continue to conduct research and supervise students to assist the community by identifying health and health-related problems and preventing disease,’ he said.

Koyira is an academic staff member at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia. ‘Teaching in a Higher Education Institution demands a PhD. I also wanted to hone my research skills and pass these on to my students. The skills I gained will enable me to apply for research grants to further my research and serve poor communities in Africa. I want to thank UKZN for the PhD scholarship,’ he added. He also thanked the University for hosting an online graduation ceremony as COVID-19 would not have allowed him to travel to South Africa.

‘I am grateful to my supervisors; they taught me superbly. They were both supportive and helped me in all aspects of my PhD journey. Communication at every UKZN office was excellent and supportive,’ said Koyira.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied

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