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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

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    The epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in beauty therapists working within the hotel spa industry in the eThekwini municipality
    (2017) Jacquire, Jolene; O'Connor, Laura; Borg, Dorinda
    Background The growing popularity and competitive nature of the beauty industry has resulted in beauty therapists performing an extensive range of treatments to meet the demand, often at the jeopardy of their own well-being. Treatments include massage, waxing, pedicures and facials. These techniques involve vigorous and repetitive movements that may lead to overuse and strain on the musculoskeletal system, resulting in injury. Work-related activities together with factors such as socio-demographic, psychosocial, environmental and anthropometric can influence the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). There has been little investigation into the WRMDs of beauty therapists both locally and internationally. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, selected risk factors and impact of self-reported work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) in beauty therapists working within the hotel spa industry in the eThekwini municipality. Method A cross sectional epidemiological design was used to survey 254 beauty therapists working in the hotel spa industry in the eThekwini municipality of Durban. A pre-validated questionnaire was hand delivered to beauty therapists working at all hotel spas that agreed to participate. Informed consent was obtained. The survey contained questions related to musculoskeletal pain, socio-demographic, psycho-social, lifestyle and occupational factors. Results A response rate of 70% was obtained (n=178). The majority of the respondents were female (94.3%; n=165), the mean age of the respondents was 27.74 (SD±4.83) years. The respondents had been working as beauty therapists for an average of 5.91 (SD±4.19; n=176) years and performed on average 27.89 (SD±13.33; n=170) treatments per week, working 47.38 (SD±13.36; n=175) hours per week. Those working overtime worked on average 5.43 (SD±2.94; n=59) hours of overtime per week. There was a high rate of reported WRMDs with the lifetime, current and 12 month period prevalence being 86% (n=153), 85% (n=151) and 83% (n=148), respectively. The area most affected were the low back followed by the neck, the hand and wrist. Ninety percent of the respondents indicated that their pain was mild to moderate in nature, with half expressing an inability to cope with the pain, and 78% reporting that it interfered with their ability to work. Mental exhaustion (p=0.032), suffering from a concomitant co-morbidity (p=0.031), years worked as a beauty therapist (p˂0.001) and treating clients after hours (p=0.007) were significantly associated with the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Performing manual massage (p=0.043) and reporting feelings of exhaustion whilst performing specialised massage techniques (p=0.014) and applying makeup/eyelashes (p=0.022) were associated with the presence of WRMDs. Those who reported having co-worker (p=0.006) and managerial support (p˂0.001) were less likely to experience musculoskeletal pain. In contrast, feeling frustrated by work (p=0.007), being under pressure (p=0.005) and over worked (p=0.009) increased the chances of experiencing WRMDs. Working with the back in an awkward position (p˂0.001), standing for prolonged periods (p˂0.001), lifting heavy loads (p=0.019) and working in a hot and humid environment (p<0.001) increased the risk of WRMDs. Conclusion WRMDs have a significant impact on beauty therapists’ ability to work. Effective strategies to prevent and manage WRMDs in hotel spa beauty therapists is required, along with governmental regulation.
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    An analysis of the Somatology programme offered at South African Universities of Technology to determine whether it meets the needs of industry
    (2015-03-11) Rammanhor, Kiveshni; Bhagwan, Raisuyah
    The beginning of the 20th century presented the Somatology profession with unprecedented challenges of acquiring a scientific base and achieving professionalisation. It is in this milieu that a few research studies were previously undertaken with regard to Somatology education however, none particularly focused in relation to areas that are preparing graduates for industry. The current study was a national study that explored the existing National Diploma offering through the lens of students, educators and members of the Durban University of Technology’s Advisory Board. In particular, it focused on developing broad guidelines to guide academics on what further content was required to be integrated into the current Somatology education. A triangulated approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to guide the operationalisation of the research process. Five Universities of Technology participated in the study, viz. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg. Third year and B.Tech students were surveyed with regard to the current Somatology Programme and what further aspects needed to be integrated into it to better prepare graduates for industry. In addition, in-depth interviews were also held with ten academics, two from each University of Technology, to examine what they thought needed to be included in education to strengthen the current programme. The same was done through a focus group discussion with members of the Durban University of Technology Advisory Board. A programme analysis of current content being taught at the five Universities was also undertaken. The results reflected that although most of the samples were satisfied with the current educational programme, they still believed that gaps existed and that graduates were still not adequately prepared for industry. It was found that both students and educators saw the need for more therapies to be included in the training. Both educators and the Advisory Board sample also saw the need for a stronger emphasis to be placed on practical skill development. The Advisory Board sample also strongly articulated for training to occur in an industry context as opposed to the University based experiential setting. Using data from these multiple samples, a set of guidelines was developed and presented. These guidelines were based on what further therapies needed to be integrated into education. The Duke Integrative Medicines Wheel of Health was adopted as the theoretical framework of the study. It was also utilised to identify specific areas that needed to be interwoven into education to further strengthen graduates’ preparedness for industry.