Donna Southorn
Master of Public Health
Donna is a Registered Nurse currently undertaking a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Otago's Christchurch campus, while also continuing nursing part-time in high school health services.
Her research based thesis focuses on young mothers' experiences of parenting, exploring the diverse personal experiences of teenagers as mothers. Themes of stigma, identity transformation and reimagining family life are emerging.
“As a nurse I was aware that teen parenting is generally perceived as problematic and has been implicated as the source of many poor health and social outcomes for both parents and their children, yet this view did not always fit with my own experiences of working with adolescents and families in the community.
Teenage mothers have additional challenges in that they are growing and developing into adults, economically dependent, and require support from families and services to help them succeed.
I wanted to be able to know more about teen mothers' views so I could better understand their challenges and priorities and become a more effective advocate.”
Donna found there were many opportunities in papers taken as part of the Diploma in Public Health (DPH) to closely examine other issues in relation to adolescent health. Her essays and assignments often reflected these interest areas.
“The Diploma in Public Health I completed in 2014 provided me with the underlying knowledge of society, health and policy as well as the research methods and critical analysis skills I needed to take on a research based thesis. As a mature student reengaging with education I have enjoyed meeting others from diverse occupations and backgrounds, and have felt well supported to achieve by tutors, administrators and student services.”
Donna feels that postgraduate study has refreshed interest in her work and has provided her with renewed confidence that she is up to date with contemporary thinking and knowledge of Public Health issues.
View further information on Public Health postgraduate programmes at University of Otago.