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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Communicable diseases--Prevention

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Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    An investigation into the occupational risk factors, and prevalence of communicable diseases amongst health care risk waste handlers at a treatment plant at eThekwini district in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    (2023-06) Myeni, Siphephile Innocentia; Ghuman, Shanaz; Dalasile, Monica Ntombohlanga
    The well-being of health care risk waste handlers in treatment plants is a concern. As health care risk waste increases, reported cases of communicable diseases also increase. Various studies have shown that health care risk waste potentially impairs health because of the infectious agents, leading to skin irritation, blood infections, and respiratory problems. Treatment plants play a huge role in decreasing waste capacities. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of communicable disease and the occupational risk factors amongst health care risk waste handlers in a treatment plant at EThekwini District in KwaZulu-Natal. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to a purposively selected stratified sample of 67 drivers, 85 driver assistants, and 15 machine operators. The sample populous was found to be aware of the dangers inherent in their occupation. Furthermore, a large proportion of the sample population indicated that they had suffered from a cough since the commencement of their occupational duties. However, needle prick and contact with waste medical fluids were two of the most experienced incidences by the sample population. Protective personal equipment (PPE) based studies, with a focus on capturing the use of gloves to get a clearer picture and to help provide standards for regulators to implement, are recommended.
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    Development of a disinfection protocol for the public sector Emergency Medical Services in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal
    (2013) Williams-Claassen, Natalee Jean; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Naguran, Sageshin
    Background In the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), paramedics play a vital role in the treatment of critically ill or injured patients, as they are often the first link or point of contact for the patient in the healthcare setting. They may therefore also play a vital role in the prevention and control of the transmission of communicable diseases, provided that proper infection control measures are in place. The objectives of the study There is presently no national policy on communicable diseases and infection control that is specifically designed for use in the South African prehospital environment. Given the paucity of research in the area, qualitative multiple case studies were conducted to develop an ambulance specific disinfection protocol and to evaluate its effectiveness in the public sector EMS in the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology The study comprised of three phases. In the first phase focus group discussions were conducted to identify the factors needed to develop a disinfection protocol. The study population consisted of both operational and management staff from the EMS under study. The first four focus groups consisted of eight to ten EMS operational staff each and the fifth focus group consisted of five EMS management staff. Thereafter, the information gathered was used in conjunction with internationally accepted guidelines to develop an ambulance specific disinfection protocol (Phase Two). The third phase entailed the implementation of the protocol at seven ambulance bases in the eThekwini health district and the evaluation of the protocol with the use of an open-ended questionnaire at two weeks and four weeks after implementation. A single ambulance crew and their immediate supervisor from each base were utilized in this phase. Conclusion and recommendations An ambulance specific disinfection protocol was developed and implemented in the EMS under study. During the development, implementation and evaluation of the protocol, many themes with regard to infection control in EMS were identified. These themes were used to better understand the present situation in EMS in relation to infection control and in the formulation of recommendations to assist in the improvement of the present situation. The researcher recommended that all EMS staff require training and education with regard to infection control and prevention. The development and implementation of a protocol and policy document for infection control specifically for EMS is required. There is a need for the deployment of more ambulances and the employment of more operational EMS staff together with the appointment of Infection Control Supervisors at all ambulance bases. Without adequate infrastructure needed to meet infection control and prevention requirements, there may be a serious risk to both staff and the patients they serve.
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    Factors influencing the uptake of the revised expanded immunisation programme at Umlazi township, KwaZulu-Natal
    (2015) Chonco, Nomfundo Prudence Hedwig; Sibiya, Maureen Nokuthula; Ngxongo, Thembelihle Sylvia Patience
    Brief background: The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health programmes to improve child survival. In South Africa the programme remained fragmented because of the system of apartheid until 1995 when the national EPI was formed through the unification of all immunisation services in the country. Since then there have been significant advances in immunisation service delivery in South Africa. Amongst the revisions that were made in 2009 was the change of the EPI schedule. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to investigate the factors that influence the uptake of the revised EPI for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years at Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal in order to improve immunisation coverage. Methodology A descriptive quantitative design was used to conduct the study. A total of ten primary health care clinics were included in the study. Data was collected from child caregivers and health care workers using self-directed questionnaires. Results: It was worth noting that although the results of the study revealed that the EPI coverage for children between the ages 6 to 12 years remained low in Umlazi Township, however, the programme was well-implemented. Several factors that influenced the uptake of the immunisations were identified and these factors could be used to strengthen the EPI programme in Umlazi. Factors that had a negative influence on the uptake of immunisations were also identified and these factors could be used to develop strategies address the challenges.