Sex Work and Parenthood: The Experiences of Female Sex Workers Who Are also Parents or Caregivers: A Scoping Review.

Complex interactions exist between sex work and parenthood, impacting the lives of those in sex work who also provide care for others. This scoping review aims to review the experiences and challenges of female sex workers who are parents or caregivers, highlighting the socioeconomic, psychological, and legal dimensions of their dual roles. The rationale for this review stems from the recognition that sex workers who are also parents face unique and multifaceted challenges that significantly impact their wellbeing and that of their children. The five stages of a scoping review suggested by Arksey and O'Malley were followed in this study. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across electronic databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. This study covered publications written in English from 2010 to 2023. Studies were selected based on their focus on sex workers who are parents or caregivers. Both qualitative and quantitative research articles were included. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings across the selected studies. Studies published prior to 2013, studies that were not published in English, and studies that did not address the experiences of female sex workers who are parents or caregivers were excluded from this study. The review identified 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Five key themes emerged from this study: (1) social stigma and healthcare discrimination; (2) legal challenges; (3) mental nexus; (4) risk behaviors and exposing children to a hazardous environment; and (5) social support. Sex workers who are also parents or caregivers navigate a multifaceted landscape of challenges and resilience. Policy reforms are needed to reduce stigma, provide financial support, and ensure legal protections for this key population.

A Scoping Review of Mental Health Needs and Challenges among Medical Students within South African Universities.

The mental health of medical students is a growing concern worldwide, with studies indicating high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among this population. In a South African context, this review aims to review the existing literature on mental health needs and challenges among medical students in South Africa. The rationale for this review is crucial to identify gaps, understand unique contextual factors, and inform the development of targeted interventions and support tailored to the specific needs of South African medical students. This review followed a scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley which consists of five stages. The review was initiated in December 2023. The search process was conducted on the following electronic databases: PubMed, Psych-info, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The search terms of this review were "Medical students" OR "Mental health", OR "Challenges", OR "South Africa", OR "Universities" OR "Needs", OR "Support systems", OR "Mental health interventions". This study included articles published in English between 2010 and 2023. After a thorough review of the literature, only eight articles met the inclusion criteria. This study excluded articles that were not published in English, articles published before 2010, full-text articles that could not be retrieved, and studies that did not address the mental health needs and challenges faced by medical students and risk factors contributing to mental issues among South African medical students. The review yielded only three themes utilizing Creswell's Tesch method of data analysis. (1) Prevalence of mental health disorders, (2) risk factors contributing to poor mental health, and (3) available university support systems and interventions. Therefore, the unique aspect of our review lies in shedding light on the underexplored intersections between mental health and the unique context of medical education in South Africa. This includes examining the impact of historical, cultural, and institutional factors on the mental health and well-being of medical students, which has not been comprehensively addressed in previous literature in terms of the South African context. The findings of this review highlight the importance of implementing comprehensive mental health support programs within medical education institutions to address the needs of students and promote their well-being.