scholarly journals Occupational Health Risk of Waste Pickers: A Case Study of Northern Region of South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Solomon E. Uhunamure ◽  
Joshua N. Edokpayi ◽  
Karabo Shale
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Landfill Sites ◽  
Waste Pickers

In South Africa, waste pickers play a significant role in the management of waste at landfill sites. Waste picking is an income-generating venture for most people with low-income base. The activity of sorting waste at landfill sites is, however, associated with occupational health risks to waste pickers which this study has examined. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sampling method which was conducted among 114 waste pickers in three landfill sites in Limpopo Province of South Africa. A validated questionnaire was used in eliciting responses from the participants. The statistical technique employed includes the ANOVA, simple, and multiple regression. The results indicated that, in the last one year, waste pickers exposed to landfill sites were 1.7 times more likely to develop a common health disorder (AOR: 1.733; 95% CI: 1.069, 2.755; P value: 0.041). There was statistical significance between the number of days worked at the landfill and the health conditions of the waste pickers ( P  ≤ 0.001). The cofounders were adjusted for age and years worked, and the result revealed that days worked by the waste pickers’ increased their chances of occupational health risks by 1.4 times. It is unlikely that waste pickers will have a risk-free environment, but supportive policies such as provision of adequate personal protective equipment and more awareness programmes on the health risks related to such enterprises will aid in abating the associated risks.

scholarly journals Prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension amongst adults in a rural community of Limpopo Province, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel T. Ntuli ◽  
Eric Maimela ◽  
Mariannes Alberts ◽  
Solly Choma ◽  
Sekgothe Dikotope
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Hypertension is problem already faced by urban populations of South Africa, but little is known about its prevalence and risk factors in rural areas.Aim: To assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with hypertension amongst adults in a rural community in South Africa.Setting: Dikgale Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out at this site where individuals aged 15 years and older were screened using a locally adapted version of the World Health Organization STEPwise questionnaire. Demographics, anthropometry and three independent blood pressure (BP) readings were taken. The average of the three BP measurements was used in analysis, and hypertension taken as systolic and diastolic BP of ≥ 140 or ≥ 90 mmHg respectively, or at least a two-week history of antihypertensive treatment. Analysis included the Chi-square test and statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: A total of 1407 individuals were interviewed, of whom 1281 had complete BP, weight and height measurements taken. The mean age of participants was 44.2 ± 2 0.9 years (range 15–98 years), 63% were female, 55% were single and 90% were unemployed, whilst 13% were tobacco smokers and 20% reported drinking alcohol. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 41% and this was significantly associated with age and marital status.Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high. Prevention strategies are urgently needed to address this life-threatening and important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in rural Limpopo Province.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude, and practice on COVID-19 among undergraduate students of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal: An online cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
KR Pandey ◽  
DR Panday ◽  
P Pyakurel ◽  
S Marahatta ◽  
SP Rimal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Medical Institute ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Background: COVID-19, a global health crisis of the 21st century, has threatened possibly every aspect of human life. Since the pandemic is not yet over, this study was carried out among undergraduate students of a medical institute in Nepal to assess and boost their KAP status on the disease. Material and methods: It was an online cross-sectional census survey performed among consenting undergraduate healthcare students of BPKIHS. A self-made and validated questionnaire assessing KAP on COVID-19 was prepared in Google form and distributed online among target students. The study population was 745. Both descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was performed. Student’s T-Test and one-way ANOVA were applied for which level of statistical significance was kept at p<0.05. Results: Ninety-six students participated in a pilot-study (Cronbach α= 0.792). The response rate was 76.27%. Most participants (76.76%) were from Nepal.  The male/female ratio was 0.76. Most (59.2%) had not participated in such studies before. For 93.54%, the source of information was the internet. Assessed by questionnaire, right Knowledge (n=16) was 85.06% ± 8.81%; right Attitude (n=6) was 65.00% ± 16.16 and right Practice (n=6) was 82.88%± 8.50%. Male were more knowledgeable about the disease (p=0.011). However, females secured higher in practical aspects (p=0.000). Indian students possessed better knowledge (p=0.005) and a better attitude (p=0.033). MBBS students had better knowledge (p=0.000), but Nursing students secured higher in Practice (p=0.012). Attitude is better in the earlier years (p=0.045). Conclusion: We assessed KAP related to COVID-19 via score among healthcare undergraduate students. Different co-factors do impact students’ overall KAP status.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis risk factors in Lephalale local municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Takalani G Tshitangano ◽  
T M Ramaliba ◽  
H A Akinsola ◽  
M Thendele
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Treatment Interruption ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
Rural Settlement ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Local Municipality

Lephalale local municipality is the leading sub-district in Limpopo province with 9.8% of deaths caused by tuberculosis. This study aimed to describe the risk factors for TB in Lephalale local municipality. A quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to target 148 registered TB patients aged 18 years and above in the sub-district’s 6 clinics. Approval and ethical clearance was obtained from the relevant authorities (SHS/15/PH/14/2006). Only respondents who agreed in writing to be part of the study were included. Ethical research principles were observed. A researcher-developed self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analysed using the statistical Package for Social Sciences® version 22.0. Of 148 respondents, a high proportion of diagnosed TB patients (43.24%) were receiving less than R1 000 per month; the majority (53.38%) were unemployed; 22% were overcrowded in a single room; 31.8% had skipped taking TB medication at some point; 12% had previously worked in the mining industries; 37.16% never opened windows: 39.19% were from a rural settlement. TB risk factors in Lephalale include overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, TB treatment interruption, rural settlement, working in a mine, and low income. Educating communities about improving ventilation and treatment adherence as well as community empowerment with entrepreneurial skills might assist. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2017.1304734

scholarly journals Shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers in KwaZulu-

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
T Puckree ◽  
KJ Thomas
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Shoulder Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Voluntary Consent ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

Objective. To determine the incidence of shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers in KwaZulu-Natal, a province in South Africa. Design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A random sample of 96 swimmers from a pool of 300 swimmers registered with first-division clubs affiliated to the KwaZulu-Natal Aquatics Association participated in the study by informed voluntary consent. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire. Setting. Data were gathered at time trials, races and club meetings. Main measures. Variables monitored included the incidence of shoulder injuries, shoulder pain and proportion of overuse injury. Results. Seventy-one per cent of the swimmers had shoulder pain and 64% reported injury to the shoulder. Forty-six per cent of the swimmers with pain complained of anterior shoulder pain, while 65% of all injuries were due to overuse. The commonest diagnoses included tendonitis (35%), muscle imbalance (29%), impingement (19%) and other (17%). Sixty-nine per cent of the swimmers swam freestyle which was related to 70% of the injuries. Eighty-one per cent of the injured swimmers sought physiotherapy for the shoulder pain. Conclusion. The incidence of shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers is high. This study shows the need for more research into swimming injuries, and the conditioning and rehabilitation of athletes in South Africa. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (1) 2006: pp. 10-12

scholarly journals Exploring the Potential Health Risks Faced by Waste Pickers on Landfills in South Africa: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 2059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherina J Schenck ◽  
Phillip F Blaauw ◽  
Jacoba MM Viljoen ◽  
Elizabeth C Swart
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Ecological Framework ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
Collaborative Efforts ◽  
Material Saving ◽  
Waste Pickers

Landfill and street waste pickers in South Africa are responsible for collecting substantial volumes of recyclable material, saving municipalities millions and contributing to a generally healthier and cleaner environment. Yet waste pickers continue to operate on the fringes of the economy and are exposed to many risks, particularly health risks which have a direct impact on the sustainability of their livelihoods. This article, using a mixed-methods approach, explores the health risks to which waste pickers working on nine different landfills in the country are exposed. The socio-ecological framework was used to analyse and present the results. A key finding was that waste picking, by its very nature, lends itself to innumerable health risks, but that these can be lessened through concerted and collaborative efforts on the part of landfill operators, local authorities and other stakeholders. Integrating the ‘self-employed’ waste pickers into the formal waste management system should be comprehensive in order to limit health risks. Waste pickers will never have a risk-free environment, but facilitative policies and supportive institutions can collaboratively help to mitigate these risks and create a more sustainable and dignified working environment towards sustaining their livelihoods.

scholarly journals Validation of the Framework for Assessing Occupational Health Risks of Municipal Solid Waste Handlers

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
France Ncube ◽  
Esper Ncube ◽  
Kuku Voyi
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Solid Waste Management ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Municipal Solid Waste Management

BACKGROUND: The occupational health risks associated with municipal solid waste handling are widely documented in literature. However, no framework has been developed for their assessment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a tool for use by local government structures.METHODS: Epidemiological evidence on human health risks associated with municipal solid waste management (MSWM) was obtained from literature and primary data collected from the study sites. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of available human and environmental risk assessment frameworks was done and the findings were used as a base for the framework. The proposed framework was validated through iteration workshops in small, medium and large local government structures. Also, it was presented in a safety and health conference, in order obtain the input of occupational health and safety practitioners, researchers and policy makers.RESULTS: A draft framework was produced, validated and revised to incorporate resolutions made from the iteration workshops. The final framework constitutes four inputs, six phases and four principles. Each phase has defined outputs.CONCLUSION: The applicability of the framework to situations of resource-constrained economies has been tested through validation workshops in small, medium and large local government structures of a low income country. In light of the multi-methods used in developing the framework and the input of practitioners in validation workshops, the framework appears relevant for the purposes of assessing occupational health risks of municipal solid waste handlers (MSWHs).

scholarly journals Public awareness of audiology, hearing and hearing health in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Joubert ◽  
Ben Sebothoma ◽  
Khomotjo S. Kgare
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
South African ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
The South ◽  
Hearing Health

Background: The burden of hearing loss is on the increase, especially in low-income countries such as South Africa. The need for urgent action to prevent ear and hearing problems is a priority, especially as in many cases permanent hearing loss is preventable. In South Africa, as in other developing countries, there is a limited number of hearing health professionals and audiological resources. The lack of hearing health services may impact the general public’s awareness of hearing and hearing health. Limited information is available on the South African public’s knowledge of audiologists and the services they provide, especially in underserved rural communities.Aim: The aim of this study was to describe individuals’ awareness of the audiology profession, hearing and hearing loss, and hearing health in a rural area of the Limpopo Province.Method: A cross-sectional survey design was employed for the purpose of this study. Using a random sampling strategy, 297 households in four rural villages were selected and a selfdeveloped questionnaire was administered to one individual (18 years and older) per household. The questionnaire consisted of 23 questions targeting awareness of the audiology profession, as well as knowledge of hearing, hearing loss and hearing health.Results: Only 14% of participants were aware of the audiology profession, indicating that individuals living in rural communities are not aware of the role of audiologists and the services they provide. Doctors and nurses were identified by participants as the individuals who assist them with hearing-related problems. Although most participants (87%) acknowledged that it is very important to undergo a hearing test, only 5% have previously visited an audiologist. Most participants were aware that ear infections and excessive noise exposure can cause hearing loss. The majority also believed that ears must be kept clean at all times and used cotton buds to maintain ear hygiene.Conclusion: There is a general lack of public awareness of audiologists and the services they offer. This study highlighted the need for the National Department of Health in collaboration with professional associations and hearing health professionals to develop and implement effective strategies to increase the South African public’s awareness of the profession and the services they provide. South African universities can also play a significant role in teaching students to develop context-relevant strategies to increase awareness of the profession.

Comparison of Causes of Maternal Mortality in the Limpopo Province between 2011/13 and 2014/16: Findings from the National Committee of Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Ntuli ◽  
Maboya EM ◽  
FLM Hyera ◽  
S Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Maternal Death ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
National Committee ◽  
Confidential Enquiry ◽  
Maternal Deaths ◽  
Hypertensive Disorders ◽  
Obstetric Haemorrhage

Abstract Objective To review and compare underlying causes of maternal deaths in Limpopo Province (LP) using data of the National Committee of Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths in South Africa (NCCEMD). Method This is a review of the findings of the causes of maternal deaths from the two trienniums 2011-2013 and 2014-2016 of the NCCEMD. When pregnancy related deaths occur a maternal death notification form is completed and submitted to the provincial Maternal, Child and Women's Health (MCWH) units. The provincial assessors assess the death and forward the report to the NCCEMD, where the data are collated and analyzed to provide summary estimates for the extent of important public-health problems. Results In the triennial 2011/13, 750 women deaths were recorded in LP of which 728 (97.1%) were maternal deaths and 22(2.9%) were coincidental deaths. While in the triennial 2014/16, of the 623 women deaths, 607(97.4%) were maternal deaths and 16 (2.6%) were coincidental deaths. In both trienniums, non-pregnancy related infections, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and medical and surgical disorders were the leading cause of deaths and accounted for two-thirds of maternal deaths. The number of deaths due to non-pregnancy related infections significantly decreases from 228 to 135 (p<0.05), while deaths due to medical and surgical disorders slightly increased (from 66 to 69, p>0.05). There was a marked reduction in the number of obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, pregnancy-related sepsis, anaesthetic complications, ruptured ectopic pregnancy and acute collapse-cause unknown but the result did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05), and deaths due to miscarriage increased (p>0.05). The number of deaths due to pulmonary embolism increased significantly (p<0.05). Conclusion Although there is a reduction in the number of maternal deaths in LP, non-pregnancy related infections, obstetric haemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and medical and surgical disorders remain the major causes of maternal death and pulmonary embolism is an emerging concern.

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