For nurse educator and midwifery specialist Chrissandra Steele, graduating Cum Laude for her Master of Health Sciences in Nursing at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Spring Graduation represented more than an academic achievement. It was the culmination of years of clinical experience, research and a deep commitment to improving maternal and neonatal healthcare.
The 43-year-old Durban-based healthcare professional currently teaches midwifery at the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing, Victoria Mxenge Campus, formerly the King Edward VIII Nursing Campus.
Chrissandra’s postgraduate journey at DUT enabled her to bridge her extensive clinical experience with rigorous academic research, culminating in a study that addresses an important and often overlooked aspect of maternal healthcare.
Her thesis, titled: “A Cross-Sectional Study on the Use of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine
Amongst Pregnant Women in the eThekwini District, investigated the prevalence, types and factors influencing the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) among pregnant women.”
Her research found that reported TCAM use among pregnant women ranged from 66% to 99%, with natural products such as vitamins, probiotics and herbs, as well as mind-body practices such as massage and meditation, among the commonly used approaches. Chrissandra found that cultural beliefs, spirituality, family influence, health-related anxieties and a desire for autonomy
and holistic care were significant factors influencing TCAM use. Structural challenges within conventional healthcare,
including medication shortages, financial barriers and difficulties accessing services, also contributed to reliance on alternative forms of care.
Importantly, the study found that TCAM use occurred across different socio-demographic groups, including among women with higher levels of education.
Her interest in the subject was shaped by her decade of experience working in a hospital labour ward.
“Having worked in a hospital labour ward for 10 years, I frequently witnessed patients admitted after using traditional, complementary and alternative medicines during pregnancy, sometimes resulting in detrimental clinical outcomes. This firsthand clinical exposure inspired me to investigate the utilisation patterns and implications of TCAM use during pregnancy,” she explained.
She said completing her Master’s degree Cum Laude was a significant personal and professional milestone.
“Achieving my Master’s degree Cum Laude is monumental milestone that validates the dedication, late nights and meticulous research invested into this academic endeavour.
Graduating with distinction not only honours my personal commitment to nursing excellence but also reinforces my resolve to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based maternal and neonatal care,” said Steele.
Her research recommends strengthening nursing research, introducing TCAM screening into maternal healthcare, promoting inter-professional collaboration, developing appropriate policy frameworks and increasing public awareness to encourage safe and informed use of traditional and complementary practices.
Steele credits her successful academic journey to the support and mentorship of her supervisors, Dr N Naranjee and Dr Mhlongo, whom she describes as exceptional mentors who provided consistent guidance throughout her studies.
Looking ahead, Steele intends to continue pursuing her passion for midwifery education.
“My primary professional aspiration is to continue teaching midwifery, as it remains my deepest passion. I am dedicated to producing competent, highly skilled and passionate midwives who can deliver exceptional care,” she said.
She also hopes to advance further in nurse education and contribute to shaping the next generation of healthcare
professionals.
Reflecting on her journey, Steele encourages aspiring postgraduate students to approach their studies with discipline, curiosity and commitment.
For her, the value of postgraduate research lies in its ability to translate real-world experiences into knowledge that can make a meaningful difference.
Pictured: Chrissandra Steele
Photography: Sifundo Thwale
Simangele Zuma
