Dr Bonolo Mmereki has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Health from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), following research highlighting the lasting impact of childhood trauma on young adults’ mental health in South Africa.
Awarded during SMU’s annual Spring Graduation Ceremony in September 2026, her qualification marks a significant milestone in her public health career and advances research into childhood trauma, mental health screening and interventions at the primary healthcare level.
Her doctoral study, titled The impact of childhood trauma on the mental health of young adults: a mixed method study among clinic attendees in Moretele Sub-health District, investigated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes among young adults aged 18 to 35 attending healthcare facilities in Moretele, North West.
Childhood trauma is a significant public health concern, with consequences that can persist long after the initial experience. Mmereki’s research examined how these experiences affect mental health, relationships, emotional wellbeing and everyday functioning, highlighting the need for early identification and appropriate support within healthcare services.
Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study combined quantitative screening with qualitative interviews. Data were collected from 380 participants across five healthcare facilities, while in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 participants to explore their experiences of childhood trauma. The research used standardised questionnaires to screen for childhood trauma, depressive symptoms and anxiety.
The findings showed that 9% of participants had experienced childhood trauma, while 12% presented with depressive symptoms and 8% showed signs of anxiety. The qualitative findings further revealed the complex and enduring effects of traumatic experiences, including nightmares, social isolation, anger, and challenges affecting academic performance and personal relationships.
Thirteen themes and 17 sub-themes emerged from the qualitative data. These included different forms of trauma, the impact and consequences of traumatic experiences, triggers, perceptions that justice had not been served, the need for ongoing post-trauma support, and the development of coping mechanisms.
A key outcome was the development of a protocol for healthcare workers, along with recommendations and strategies to strengthen childhood trauma screening, policy development, and mental health services in primary healthcare facilities in Moretele.
The study has also contributed to academic knowledge through publications in international and local journals, demonstrating the potential of community-based research to inform healthcare practice and policy.
Mmereki’s achievement builds on a professional nursing career spanning approximately a decade, with experience in HIV/AIDS care, non-communicable diseases and public health. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree from North-West University and a Master of Public Health from SMU. Her work also includes adolescent and youth-friendly services, reflecting her commitment to improving access to responsive healthcare for young people.
Her research aligns with SMU’s mission to advance health services through excellence and innovation, particularly through education, research and the development of evidence-based approaches to healthcare challenges. By investigating the long-term effects of childhood trauma and proposing practical interventions, her work contributes to efforts to strengthen mental health support within primary healthcare settings.
Mmereki’s doctoral achievement reflects the role of postgraduate research in addressing pressing public health challenges and generating knowledge that can inform policy, improve clinical practice, and support community wellbeing.
By Tumelo Moila
