PhD in Nursing a Dream Come True for Eswatini Graduate
Securing a doctoral degree in Nursing was a dream come true for Dr Baliwe Dlamini who says she now has a newfound belief in her capabilities and views the achievement as a stepping stone towards her aspiration of becoming a postdoctoral fellow.
Dlamini’s research focused on adolescent HIV self-disclosure in Eswatini, revealing that youngsters living with the disease often struggle to disclose their status due to fear of stigma, discrimination, and rejection.
It further highlighted the need for structured support in guiding adolescents through the disclosure process, ensuring they understood its importance, and helping them choose the right moment and approach. Alarmingly, nurses caring for these adolescents cited the absence of formal self-disclosure guidelines as a major obstacle to adequately prepare adolescents for self-disclosure.
Her research is expected to have a profound impact on public health by reducing new adolescent HIV infections. By empowering nurses and community health workers with tools to assist adolescents in the self-disclosure process, the study paves the way for better HIV management and prevention strategies. The self-disclosure model Dlamini developed is the first of its kind in Eswatini, filling a critical gap in adolescent HIV care.
Her interest in adolescent HIV research stemmed from recognising that adolescent HIV/AIDS is a distinct epidemic requiring tailored treatment and management strategies. Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) have unique health needs that differ from those of children and adults.
Dlamini believes that prioritising adolescent health is key to improving the well-being of entire communities.
Her research journey was not without challenges. Conducting the study across geographically scattered locations involved extensive travel and difficulty in recruiting participants. However, she strategically collected data from two sites a day to minimise costs and used persuasive communication to encourage participation by emphasising the study’s potential benefits.
Dlamini credits UKZN’s supportive environment for enriching her academic journey with positive interventions such as periodic research workshops and one-on-one meetings with her supervisor, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, who played a crucial role in providing guidance, instruction and encouragement.
Born and raised in Eswatini, Dlamini’s passion for nursing developed from a young age through the work of compassionate nurses in her community. This admiration never wavered, leading her to pursue Nursing as her first-choice career.
She says her greatest support system throughout her PhD journey was her family, whose prayers and belief in her abilities pushed her to achieve her goals.
Outside of her professional endeavours, she enjoys reading, watching TV, and taking long walks to clear her mind. As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her career, she remains committed to improving adolescent health outcomes, shaping healthcare policies, and mentoring future nursing professionals.
Words: Maryann Francis
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
