Professor Mayra Taylor - Discipline of Public Health Medicine

Professor / Research Manager

Professor Mayra Taylor

Professor / Research Manager

Campus: Howard College

Biosketch

As a public health researcher/my career is largely focused on improving the health and development of children, adolescents and youth in developing communities where environmental conditions, infectious diseases, poverty and lack of resources negatively influence their social, emotional and cognitive development. I have been involved in the investigation and evaluation of education, health, and development programs for children in South Africa, and in promoting the use of research findings to guide policy and service provision. I have worked closely with health and education programs to reduce the burden of disease of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, STIs TB, and Helminth infections. I have also worked on school programmes to reduce substance abuse and teen pregnancy and improve sexual health, and am well positioned to advise on the feasibility of intervention programs that can improve the development trajectory of adolescents and youth.

Research Interests

Health & Development of Children and Youth

List of Publications

Kleppa E, Ramsuran V. Zulu S, Karlsen G, Bere A, Passmore J, Homen SD, Onsrud M, Gundersen SG, Taylor M, Kjetland EF. Effect of Female Genital Schistosomiasis and Treatment on Monocytes, CH+D$+ T Cells and CCR5 Expression in the Female Genital tract. Plos One 2014. DOI: 0.1371/journal.pone.0098593
Pillay P, Taylor M, Zulu SG, Gundersen SG, Verweij JJ, Hoekstra P, Brienen EAT, Kleppa E, Kjetland EF, van Lieshout L. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Schistosoma DNA in Small-Volume Samples Reflects Focal Distribution of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Primary School Girls in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014: 90(3):5-552.2013
Taylor M, Jinabhai C, Dlamini S, Sathiparsad R, Eggers MS, de Vries H. Effects of a Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programme in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Health Care for Women International 2014. DOI:10.1080/07399332.2014.910216. 2013
Taylor M, Naidu P. Challenges in Developing and Implementing Strategies to Facilitate Completion of their research by Postgraduate Students in the Discipline of Public health Medicine. Alternation 2013 (9):197-218.
Hegertun IEA, Sulheim Gundersen KM, Kleppa E, Zulu SG, Gundersen SG, TaylorM,Kvalsvig JD, Kjetland EF. S. haematobium as a Common Cause of Genital Morbidity in Girls: A Cross-sectional Study of Children in South Africa. Downs JA, ed. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2013;7(3):e2104.
Chhagan M, Mellins CA, Kauchali S, Craib MH, Taylor M, Kvalsvig JD, Davidson LL. Mental health disorders among caregivers of preschool children in the Asenze study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. J Matern Child Health; DOI 10.1007/s10995-013-1254-5
Narsai P, Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Stevens F. Variations in housing satisfaction and health status in four lower socio-economic Housing Typologies in the eThekwini Municipality. Development Southern Africa 2013. DOI:10.1080/0376835X.2013.817304
Naidoo S, Taylor M. Association between South African high school learners’ knowledge about tuberculosis and their intention to seek health care. Global Health Action 2013; Http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/gha.v610.21669.
Tathiah N, Moodley I, Mubaiwa V, Denny I, Taylor M. Overweight, obesity, underweight and stunting in female primary school learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SAMJ 2013, 103(10):718-23.
Eggers SM, Taylor M, Sathiparsad R, Bos AER, de Vries H. Predicting Safe Sex: Assessment of autoregressive and cross-lagged effects within the Theory of Planned Behavior. Journal of Health Psychology 2013;DOI:10.1177/1359105313512354.
Schaan M, Taylor M, Puvimanasinghe J, Busang L, Keapoletswe K, Marlink R. Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of HIV Positive Women in Botswana – a study of Healthcare Workers’ Views. AIDS Care; 24(9): 1120-1125.
De Vries et al “Adolescents’ Beliefs about Forced Sex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa” Archives of Sexual Behavior),2012
Taylor M, Dlamini N, Khanyile Z, Mpanza L, Sathiparsad R. Exploring the use of role play in a school-based programme to reduce teenage pregnancy. SA Journal of Education; 32 (4):441-448.
Davidson LL, Kauchali S, Chhagan M, Kvalsvig J, Craib M, Bah F, Arpadi SM, Taylor M, Mellins CA, Stein ZA. Screening for childhood neurodisability in a cohort of preschool children in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. J Intellectual Disability Research; 56: P. 768. (Abstract). 2011
Sathiparsad R, Taylor M. Making meaning of teenage pregnancy among school-going youth: The case of selected eThekwini Municipality secondary schools. Agenda 89//25.3:72-84.
Berge ST, Kabatereine N, Gundersen SG, Taylor M, Kvalsvig JD, Mkhize-Kwitshana Z, Jinabhai C, Kjetland EF. Generic Praziquantel in South Africa: the necessity for policy change to provide cheap, safe and efficacious schistosomiasis drugs for the poor, rural population. SAJEI 2011; 26(1), 22-25.
Vella V, Govender T, Dlamini S, Moodley I, David V, Taylor M, Jinabhai CC. Cost-effectiveness of staff and workload profiles in retaining patients on antiretroviral therapy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. AIDS Care, 1-8.
Shasha Y, Taylor M, Dlamini S, Aldouss-Mycock C. A situational analysis for the implementation of the national school health policy in KwaZulu-Natal. Development Southern Africa;28(2).June 2011.DOI:10.1080/0376835.2011.570077
Naidoo S, Taylor M, Esterhuizen TM, Nordstrom DL, Mohamed O, Knight SE, Jinabhai CC. Changes in Healthcare workers’ Knowledge about Tuberculosis Following a Tuberculosis training programme. Education for Health;24 (2): 1-6.
Parboosing R, Naidoo A, Gordon M, Taylor M, Vella V. Resistance to antiretroviral drugs in newly diagnosed young treatment naïve HIV-positive pregnant women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Journal of Medical Virology; 83 1508-1513. 2010
Thomassen Morgas DE, Kvalsvig JD, Gundersen SG, Taylor M, Kjetland EF. Schistosomiasis and water-related practices in school girls in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South Afr J Epidemiol Infect; 25(4): 30-33.
Vella V, Govender T, Dlamini S, Taylor M, Moodley I, David V, Jinabhai C. Retrospective study on the Critical factors for retaining Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr; 55:109-116.
Taylor M, Dlamini SB, Meyer-Weitz A, Sathiparsad R, Jinabhai CC.
Changing sexual behaviour to reduce HIV transmission – a multi-faceted approach to HIV prevention and treatment in a rural South African setting. AIDS Care;Vol. 00. No.0 :1-8. DOI:10.1080/09540121003720960
Naidoo P, Jinabhai CC, Taylor M. Identification of sources for seeking HIV and AIDS information amongst private sector doctors. South African Family Practice, 42(2)
Naidoo P, Jinabhai CC, Taylor M.Private sector doctors’ willingness to manage public sector HIV and AIDS patients in the eThekwini Metro of KwaZulu-Natal. African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine, 2(1)
Naidoo P,Jinabhai CC, Taylor M.Adherence monitoring practices of private healthcare sector doctors managing HIV and AIDS patients in the eThekwini Metro of KwaZulu-Natal.
Naidoo P, Esterhuizen T,Jinabhai CC, Taylor M.Evaluation of the clinical management of HIV-infected patients by private sector doctors in the eThekwini Metro, KwaZulu-Natal. South African Family Practice, 52(5);448-451.
Gwala-Ngozo J, Taylor M, Aldous C. Understanding the experiences of doctors who undertake elective surgery on HIV/AIDS patients in an area of high incidence in South Africa. AJAR:9(1):11-16, 2009
Taylor M, Meyer-Weitz A, Jinabhai CC, Sathiparsad R. Meeting the Challenges of the Ottawa Charter: comparing South African responses to AIDS and tobacco control. Health Promotion International 2009:doi:10.1093/heapro/dap021, 2008
Taylor M. Global trends in schistosomiasis control. Editorial. Bulletin of the World health Organization 2008; 86(10):738.
Sathiparsad R, Taylor M, Dlamini S. Patriarchy and family life: Alternative views of male youth in rural South Africa. Agenda 2008; 76: 4-16.
Dlamini SB, Taylor M, Nyawo NN, Huver R, de Vries H, Sathiparsad R. Gender factors associated with sexual abstinent behaviour of rural South African high School going youth in KwaZulu-Natal. Health Education Research. 2009; 24 (3)450-460. (doi:10.1993/her/cyn041. August 18 2008).
Frank S, Esterhuizen T, Jinabhai CC, Sullivan KR, Taylor M. Risky sexual behaviours of high -school pupils in an era of HIV and AIDS. SAMJ 2008; 98(5): 384-388.
Taylor M, Kvalsvig JD. Scaling up support for children in HIV-affected families by involving early childhood development workers: community views from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Development Southern Africa 2008;25(1):59-71.
Naidoo S, Taylor M, Jinabhai CC. Critical risk factors driving the tuberculosis epidemic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection 2007; 22 (2,3):45-49.
Taylor M, Dlamini SD, Nyawo N, de Vries H, Sathiparsad R, Jinabhai CC, Huver RME, Sullivan KR.The association between HIV testing and sexual behaviour amongst rural Zulu high school students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection 2007;22(1):23-29.
Naidoo P, Jinabhai CC, Taylor M. Role and contribution of private healthcare sector doctors in the management of HIV-Infected patients in the eThekwini Metropolitan area of KwaZulu-Natal. The Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection 2007;22(1):13-17.
Taylor M, Dlamini SB, Sathiparsad R, Jinabhai C, de Vries H. Perceptions and attitudes of secondary school students in KwaZulu-Natal towards virginity testing. Health SA Gesondheid 2007;12(2) 27-36.
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Reddy P, Monyeki D, Kamabaran N, Omardien R., Sullivan KR. Sex differences in under and over nutrition among school-going Black teenagers in South Africa: an uneven nutrition trajectory. Tropical Medicine & International Health 2007:12(8):944-952.
Buthelezi T, Mitchell C, Moletsane R, De Lange N, Taylor M, Stuart J. Youth voices about sex and AIDS; implications for life skills education through the “Learning Together “ project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. International Journal of Inclusive Education 2007; 11(4)445-459
Taylor M, Dlamini SB, Nyawo N, Jinabhai CC, Huver R, de Vries H. Reasons for Inconsistent Condom Use by Rural South African High School Students. Acta Paediatrica 2007;86:287-91.
Mahomed O, Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Yancey. The preparedness of emergency medical services against occupationally acquired communicable diseases in the pre-hospital environment in South Africa. Emergency Medicine Journal 30/4/07:17:18:05.
Moletsane R, de Lange N, Mitchell C, Stuart J, Buthelezi T, Taylor M. Photo-voice as a tool for analysis and activism in response to HIV and AIDS stigmatization in a rural KwaZulu-Natal school. Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2007;19(1):19-28
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Sullivan K. Persistent undernutrition amongst preschool children a decade after democracy. The South African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection 2006;21 (1):26-30.
Sathiparsad R, Taylor M. “Diseases come from girls: perspectives of male learners in rural KwaZulu-Natal on HIV infection and AIDS. Journal of Education 2006;38:117-137.
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Sullivan KR. Changing patterns of under- and over-nutrition in South African children – future risks of non-communicable diseases. Annals of Tropical Paediatrics 2005;25: 3-15.
James S, Reddy P, Ruiter R, Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Van den Borne B. The effects of a systematically developed photo-novella on knowledge, attitudes, communication and behavioural intentions with respect to sexually transmitted infections among secondary school learners in South Africa. Health Promotion International 2005;20:147-155.
Sathiparsad R, Taylor M. Towards social work interventions in schools: Perceptions of Educators. Journal of Social work 2005;41 (3)265-275.
Kvalsvig JD, Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Coovadia HM. Improving the Health of School Age Children in an era of HIV/AIDS, in Durban, South Africa. Journal Of Tropical Paediatrics 2004, 50 (4). 251-254
Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Naidoo K, Dlamini SB, Sullivan KR. The Epidemiology of Schistosomiasis among Zulu Children in a Rural District in South Africa. Determining Appropriate Community-Based Diagnostic Tools. The South African Journal of Epidemiology & Infection 2004.
James S, Reddy P, Taylor M, Jinabhai CC. Young people, HIV/AIDS/STIs and sexuality in South Africa: the Gap between awareness and behaviour. Acta Paediatric 2004: 93: 264-269,
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Rangongo MF, Mkhize NJ, Anderson S, Pillay BJ and Sullivan.KR Investigating the Mental Abilities of Rural Zulu Primary School Children in South Africa. Ethnicity and Health 2004; 9 (1):17-36.
Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Naidoo K, Kleinschmidt I, Dlamini SB. An epidemiological perspective of substance use among high school pupils in rural KwaZulu-Natal. S Afr Med J 2003; 93(2) 136-140.
Taylor M, Dlamini S, Kagoro H, Jinabhai CC, de Vries H. Understanding high school students risk behaviors to help reduce the HIV/AIDS epidemic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. J Sch Health. 2003;73(3):97-100.
Taylor M, Dlamini S, Kagoro H, Jinabhai CC, Sathipersad R, de Vries H. Self-Reported risk behavior of learners at rural KwaZulu-Natal high schools. Agenda 53;69-74, 2002.
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M. Health and Development of School-Age Children in an era of HIV/AIDS: Future Imperfect. (Invited Commentary). United Nations System, Standing Committee, SCN News 25, December 2002.
Taylor M, Jinabhai CC. Working with community health workers to improve nutrition in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Development Southern Africa 2001; 18 (2):125-140.
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Coutsoudis A, Coovadia HM, Tomkins AM, Sullivan KR. Epidemiology of helminth infections: implications for parasite control programmes, a South African perspective. Public Health Nutrition 2001;4(6):1211-1219.
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Coutsoudis A, Coovadia HM, Tomkins AM, Sullivan KR. A randomised controlled trial of the effect of anthelminthic treatment and micronutrient fortification on health status and school performance of rural primary school children. Annals of Tropical Paediatrics 2001;21:319-333
Jinabhai CC, Taylor M, Coutsoudis A, Coovadia HM, Tomkins AM, Sullivan KR. A health and nutritional profile of rural school children in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Annals of Tropical Paediatrics 2001;21:50-58.
Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Couper I, Kleinschmidt I, Jogessar VB. The effect of different anthelminthic treatment regimens combined with iron supplementation on the nutritional status of schoolchildren in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a randomised controlled trial. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2001;95: 211-216.
Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Dladla NA, Rangongo MF, Connolly C. HIV/AIDS health education for rural KwaZulu-Natal primary school pupils. The South African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection 2000;15(4):100-107.
Taylor M, Coovadia HM, Kvalsvig JD, Jinabhai CC, Reddy P. Helminth Control as an Entry Point for Health Promoting Schools in KwaZulu-Natal. South African Medical Journal 1999;89(3):273-279.
Taylor M, Jinabhai CC, Memela D, Bruce-Brand J, Nzimakwe D, Morar N. Evaluation of School Health Services in KwaZulu-Natal. The South African Journal of Public Health 1997;87(11);1603
Taylor M. Pillai G, Kvalsvig JD.Targeted chemotherapy for parasite infestations in rural black preschool children. South African Medical Journal 1995; 85(9): 870-4.

CHAPTERS IN BOOKS:

Kvalsvig JD, Taylor M, Chhagan M, Kauchali S. Acknowledging methodological complexity in assessing children in HIV-affected communities in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. In eds Boivin MJ & Giordani B, Neuropsychology of Children in Africa: Perspectives of Risk and Resilience, Springer 2013. 37-68
Taylor M, de Lange N, Dlamini S, Nyawo N, Sathiparsad R. Using photovoice to study the challenges facing women teachers in rural KwaZulu-Natal. In, eds de Lange N, Mitchell C, Stuart J. Putting People in the Picture. Visual methodologies for social change. Rotterdam, Sense Publishers, 2007. p45-58.
Sathiparsad R, Taylor M. The School as a Context for Promoting Gender equity; Perpectives of Rural Male Youth in South Africa. In ed: Muthukrishna A, Educating for Social Justice and Inclusion in an African Context. New York; Nova. 2008. p107-118

Discipline of Public Health Medicine

Biosketch

Research Interests

List of Publications

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