Welcome to the DIMAMO Population Health Research Center (PHRC)
The DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre (PHRC) is a prominent rural node within the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN), situated in the eastern region of the Capricorn District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Established in 1995, DIMAMO PHRC has evolved into a critical hub for longitudinal population health research, particularly focusing on rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Key Features and Activities
- Population Coverage: Initially covering approximately 8,000 individuals in 1995, DIMAMO PHRC has expanded its surveillance to encompass over 100,000 people across various villages under the traditional leadership of Tribal Authorities of Dikgale, J Mamabolo, A Mamabolo, and Mothiba.
- Data Collection: The centre conducts triannual surveillance using telephone-based data collection methods, capturing vital information such as births, deaths, migrations, and household socio-demographics. Additionally, an annual individual bio-behavioural survey is conducted with over 65,000 consenting individuals aged 15 and above residing in the surveillance area. The bio-behavioural survey helps track chronic and infectious disease trends (e.g. HIV, hypertension, diabetes) while also collecting data on people’s health-seeking behaviour, and social conditions — offering deep insight into the health dynamics in rural South African communities.
- Research Focus: DIMAMO PHRC’s research encompasses a broad spectrum of health and demographic topics, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), malnutrition, HIV, and lipid profiles. The centre also assesses demographic dynamics such as births, deaths, and migrations, providing risk sets for diseases like HIV and cardiovascular conditions, and outcome measures for evaluating interventions.
- Community Engagement: A strong emphasis is placed on community involvement. The Community Engagement (CE) unit develops and implements strategies to mobilize community members to contribute, advocate, and volunteer in services supporting the project’s goals. An established Community Advisory Board (CAB), comprising community members and leaders from the study area, provides guidance and strategies for planning, facilitation, and development services. Together, the CE unit and CAB create and implement a long-term community engagement plan, ensuring consistent and effective communication, engagement, and feedback.
Institutional Affiliation and Funding
DIMAMO PHRC is affiliated with the University of Limpopo and operates under the auspices of the South African Population Research Infrastructure Network (SAPRIN), which is hosted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). The centre receives funding from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation through SAPRIN, aligning with the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR).
Mission
To collect, manage, analyse, and disseminate high-quality health and demographic data for informed decision-making, scientific advancement, and positive community impact
Vision
To be a leading health and demographic surveillance site, providing high-quality data and longitudinal scientific-based research that drives improvements in public health, policy, and community well-being
Dr. Joseph Tlouyamma
Ms Katlego Mothapo
MS Diketso Mpyana
Ms Machipa Dikgale
Mr Moses Malatji
Mr Mccauley Mabedhle
Mr Jack Mashele
Ms Maite Mamabolo
Ms Evelyn Mamabolo
Ms Onica Chaba
Ms Rebecca Motokolo
Mr Given Mashaba
Kagiso Peace Seakamela
PhD candidate at DIMAMO PHRC is conducting research titled “The development of an evidence-based model for the management and prevention of multimorbidity in the DIMAMO Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems.” Socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics, and population aging influence multimorbidity, a significant public health concern associated with increased mortality. South Africa’s high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases may contribute to the rising prevalence of multimorbidity, particularly among young populations affected by HIV and TB. Despite this, there is limited research on the factors contributing to multimorbidity in rural black populations.
Seakamela’s study aims to investigate the prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, common disease combinations, and health impact of multimorbidity among young and adult populations in rural areas. Additionally, it seeks to develop an evidence-based model for preventing and managing multimorbidity in the DIMAMO HDSS in Limpopo province. The study will employ a sequential mixed methods approach, utilizing both quantitative (phase 1) and qualitative (phase 2) data collection methods from the DIMAMO HDSS. Statistical analyses including exploratory data analysis, regression models, and thematic data analysis will be conducted to achieve the study objectives.
Ethical approval has been obtained, and permissions to conduct the study within health facilities will be sought from Departments of Health in Limpopo and the Capricorn District. The study aims to contribute to understanding the relationship between multimorbidity, socio-determinants, and mortality in rural black populations. By exploring, the barriers faced by patients, clinic managers, nurses, and community health workers in managing and preventing chronic multimorbidity, the study aims to enhance knowledge and inform interventions addressing this growing epidemic. Notably, the involvement of patients in developing the prevention and management model adds a novel dimension to the study, particularly in a rural context.
Cairo Bruce Ntimana
PhD candidate at DIMAMO PHRC is conducting research titled: “Development of a framework to manage mental health disorders associated with chronic conditions among adults rural setting of Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba (DIMAMO) Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS), Limpopo Province, South Africa.”
In the DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre (PHRC) and Limpopo Province, little is known about the burden of mental health disorders in elderly people with chronic conditions. Despite the substantial literature showing that those with high HIV prevalence also have higher rates of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in South African communities, there is limited evidence on the most effective techniques to safeguard mental health from declining in these susceptible groups.
Mr Ntimana aims to explore the relationship between mental health disorders and chronic conditions among adults rural setting of DIMAMO PHRC, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Mental health disorders and chronic conditions are managed separately in health care facilities, resulting in disjointed care that can negatively impact patient outcomes. An integrated framework is essential to provide comprehensive, coordinated care that addresses the complexities of comorbid mental and chronic conditions; hence the present study aims to develop a framework that will integrate the management of mental health disorders and chronic conditions.
Sylvia Matladi
Mr Kingsley Hlungwani
Mr Mahlodi Mahowa
Mr Precious Makoti
Mr Samson Rathobotha
Ms Mmapula Raphokoana
