Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
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Item The epidemiology of low back pain in construction workers in the eThekwini Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal(2024) Moodley, Verushan; Pillay, Julian DavidBackground Low back pain (LBP) is a significant musculoskeletal disorder and a major occupational health concern globally. In developing countries, occupational LBP remains a major public health crisis, with high levels of LBP reported, resulting in high levels of absenteeism, disability, and a loss of productivity. Construction workers are involved in one of the most physically demanding occupations, making them exceedingly susceptible to LBP. They are also exposed to a variety of demographic, lifestyle, and occupational risk factors that may further predispose them to LBP. In South Africa, research on LBP amongst construction workers is currently lacking. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the epidemiology of LBP in construction workers in the eThekwini Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology This study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Participants were recruited from the two largest construction companies in the eThekwini Municipality. A sample size of 256 construction workers was used and questionnaires were provided to the participants at their respective companies. The questionnaire was divided into four sections, namely demographic factors, lifestyle factors, occupational factors, and LBP history. IBM SPSS version 28 was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics, such as mean, standard deviation and range, were used to summarise continuous data. Frequency counts and percentages were used to summarise categorical data. Risk factors for LBP were assessed for those who reported LBP. Pearson’s chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact tests were deemed as appropriate and were used to assess categorical factors, while t-tests were used to assess mean differences for continuous variables. A p-value of <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results A total of 256 construction workers in the eThekwini Municipality were investigated in this study. The mean age of the male participants was 34.2 ± 9.2 years, while the female participants were 37.5 ± 8.1 years. The mean BMI of the men was calculated as 24.1 ± 3.9 kg/m2 and for the women it was 32.0 ± 10.1 kg/m2. The females had a mean weight of 78.7 ± 18.7kg and the men had a mean weight of 69.8 ± 9.9 kg. The males had a mean height of 1.7 ± 0.1kg and the females had a mean weight of 1.6 ± 0.1 kg. The point and period prevalences were 16.8% (n=43) and 26.2% (n=67) respectively. The study reported that 54.3% of the participants experienced LBP on both sides of the lumbar spine, 43.2% experienced it daily, and 48.1% had mild pain. Factors such as height (p=0.507), weight (p=0.657), and BMI (p=0.657) were not significantly associated with LBP. It was noted that age (n=81; p=0.124) was marginally non-significantly higher in those with LBP. No association between LBP and sex was noted (p=0.517) and LBP was equally likely in men and women (31% in men and 37.5% in women). A longer duration of smoking (p=0.015), a higher number of cigarettes smoked per day (p=0.047), the presence of work-related stress (p=<0.001), personal stress, or both, were significantly associated with LBP. The general workers (43.2%; n=16), followed by the erectors (33.3%; n=6), were most likely to have LBP. The most frequently used treatment was getting advice from a general practitioner, 56.7% (n=17), followed by self-medication, 30% (n=9). Conclusion LBP continues to be a major health burden on construction workers, impacting their daily activities and causing disability. The prevalence of LBP reported in the study was similar to some of the previous studies, whilst it varied from others. Notwithstanding this, LBP in construction workers is a concern requiring urgent attention. A joint intervention strategy between health professionals and the construction industry is required. This will reduce absenteeism, stress, decreased productivity, and activity limitations.Item An epidemiological investigation into musculoskeletal pain in KwaZulu-Natal orchestral musicians(2024) Muhondo, Linley; Thandar, Yasmeen; Kell, ColetteBackground Non-communicable diseases pose a significant health threat worldwide. Of those diseases, musculoskeletal diseases are most responsible for a significant portion of occupational injuries in all job-sectors, including the musical sector. Musicians are prone to suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, more so than other populations. These injuries are termed playing-related musculoskeletal diseases (PRMDs). There are several risk factors associated with acquiring PRMDs including being of the female gender, age, and the type of instrument played. While most literature on musicians’ has been documented in countries abroad, there is a paucity of literature looking at the risk factors and attributes of African, and specifically South African, musicians. This is notable, as African musicians may have different characteristics to their international counterparts. The aim of this research was to examine orchestral musicians in Kwa Zulu-Natal from all sections of the orchestra to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and the potential risk factors for these injuries, as well as their musculoskeletal injury profile. Methodology This study was a quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive study based on a self administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was piloted electronically and the necessary alterations were made. The final questionnaire was administered to members of 2 orchestras in Kwa Zulu-Natal, namely the Pietermaritzburg City Orchestra (25 members) and the Durban City Orchestra (30 members), making the targeted sample 55 musicians in total. All musicians who met the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in the study. The anonymously completed questionnaires were placed into marked boxes after completion to ensure musician anonymity. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 28. Association between specific risk factors and 12-month prevalence of MSK was assessed using Fisher’s exact 2-sided tests for categorical risk factors, and t-tests for continuous risk factors. A p-value of <0.05 was taken as statistical significance. Results Of the 55 musicians targeted, 30 of them participated, resulting in a response rate of 54.5%. Majority of the respondents were female (n=20). The data showed that the annual prevalence of PRMDs in the two orchestras was 46.7%. The point and one month prevalence were both 40%. The most injured section of the orchestra were the strings, followed by the woodwind section. The string section also reported the highest number of average affected areas in the orchestra (n=4). The most frequently injured anatomical sites of the body were the shoulders and wrists. There was no statistical significance found between the risk factors and injuries acquired. However, the results showed that females were injured more than the males (55%). Most of the respondents that reported musculoskeletal injury fell within the 18-24 age range and majority of the injured musicians fell in the overweight BMI body category. Most of the music teachers and the single career musicians in the study reported suffering from PRMDs and playing instruments for more than 16 hours a week on average. Conclusion The prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders among musicians was relatively high among the orchestral musicians in Kwa Zulu-Natal. Though not statistically significant, factors such as instrument played, age, and female gender were the factors that had the greatest influence on injury rates. The pain experienced was mild in nature and felt worse after playing their instruments. While the pain did not affect their activities of daily living, it did cause a few to change their way of playing or stop playing entirely for a period of time due to their pain. Majority of the players were aware of musician’s playing related health problems, and acknowledged that they are a problem, but none of them had received formal methods of education regarding them. The COVID-19 pandemic was a phenomenon that also affected the musicians in various ways.Item The epidemiology of work related back pain in full-time restaurant waitron staff within the eThekwini Municipality(2020-11-30) Wolff, Alexia Michaela; Haffejee, FirozaBackground Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of morbidity in high-, middle- and lowincome populations and is one of the most common and most expensive occupational health problems in developed and developing countries. This affects the working population as LBP has a detrimental effect on work performance, therefore it is an important clinical, social, economic, and public health problem affecting the population. Internationally, risk factors in the development of LBP in the working population include prolonged standing, awkward posture and incorrect lifting. There is limited literature on prevalence of LBP, the risk factors associated with LBP and its impact on waitrons in South Africa. This study aims to determine the prevalence, clinical presentation, risk factors and impact of work-related LBP amongst full-time restaurant waitron staff within the eThekwini Municipality. Methodology This study was a mixed methods study comprising qualitative and quantitative components. The quantitative research tool consisted of a previously validated selfadministered questionnaire whilst the qualitative component consisted of voice recorded semi-structured interviews using an interview guide to obtain information on low back pain from participants. The data collected from the questionnaires were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and thereafter analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used to describe categorical outcomes, whilst Pearson’s chi square or Fisher’s exact tests in the case of categorical variables, and t-tests for continuous variables were used to assess factors associated with LBP. The audio recordings from the qualitative interviews were transcribed verbatim and exported into a Microsoft Word document. Thereafter, thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data to identify common themes and subthemes. Results Of the 340 questionnaires which were distributed, a total of 180 questionnaires were completed by waitrons in the eThekwini Municipality, resulting in a 52.9% response rate. The point, three-month period and annual prevalence was recorded at 50.0%, 62.2% and 78.2%, respectively. Within this population, LBP was associated with the ethnicity of the participants (p=0.002) where Indians had a 7.7 times increase in the odds of prevalent LBP compared with Black Africans (OR = 7.713; 95% CI = 1.273-46.718; p = 0.026) and Whites a 5.9 times increase in the odds of prevalent LBP than Black Africans (OR = 5.891; 95% CI = 1.429-24.289; p = 0.014). Low back pain was associated with the education of the participants (p = 0.002) where participants with high school education had an almost 12 times increase in the odds of prevalent LBP than those with tertiary education (OR = 11.967; 95% CI = 1.399-102.387; p = 0.023). Prolonged standing or walking during a work shift was associated with LBP (OR = 42.808; 95% CI = 2.346-780.985; p = 0.011). Onset of LBP was common during a long single shift or when working a double shift and pain sessions tended to last between one to two hours. The frequency of LBP experienced averaged two to three times a week, where pain was at its worst in the evenings. Low back pain in waitrons commenced gradually without injury and the severity of LBP was unchanged since it initially started. Low back pain resulted in moderate impact on the work of waitron staff, sometimes resulting in absenteeism and bed rest. Eight in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted. Two main themes emerged from the data: low back pain characteristics and type of treatment. Interviewees discussed pain, onset and duration, and relieving factors as part of LBP characteristics, where they reported first experiencing LBP as young adults. Their onset of LBP was common during a long single work shift or when working a double shift. They re-iterated that prolonged standing and lifting or carrying heavy objects aggravated their LBP. Various therapies were used by interviewees to relieve the pain which included analgesics, antiinflammatories, heat therapy and topical gels. Type of treatment included chiropractic. There was good knowledge of the services offered by chiropractors and various types of chiropractic treatment available. Conclusion The prevalence of LBP amongst waitron staff within the eThekwini Municipality was high. Work-related factors were associated with the onset of LBP. These included prolonged standing, constant walking for long periods of time, carrying heavy loads and falling. Low back pain negatively impacted on their work due to absenteeism as bed rest was required. Various treatment options, including chiropractic were utilized. Participants had some knowledge of what constitutes chiropractic treatment and the types of services offered.Item The epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in competitive lifesavers in KwaZulu-Natal(2020-11-30) Billson, Carmel Beth; O'Connor, Laura; Clifton, Stuart RonaldLifesaving is a multidimensional sport which can lead to injury and a high likelihood of overuse-related injuries. The environment within which lifesaving occurs is unique, with the soft beach sand and unpredictable nature of the ocean. It is difficult to assess the effects that injuries may have on the training and competitive performance of lifesavers as the incidence and severity of these injuries have not previously been studied in South Africa. Thus, this study investigated the epidemiology of lifesaving induced musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries in competitive lifesavers in KwaZulu-Natal. Lifesavers are under-investigated, yet the growth and development of the sport requires that athletes are assessed for injury. This study could aid in educating federations, coaches and athletes regarding MSK injuries sustained by lifesavers, thereby assisting athletes to be more competitive at national and international competition levels. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological survey was used to collect data from 100 competitive lifesavers in KwaZulu-Natal. The questionnaire was pre-validated and hand delivered to the lifesaving clubs that agreed to participate, where the lifesavers selfselected to participate. Informed consent was obtained. The survey contained questions related to demographics, activity participation, psychosocial factors and the occurrence of lifesaving related musculoskeletal pain. Results: The respondents were male (65%, n=65) and had a mean age of 28.6 years (±SD 14, range 16-73). The lifetime prevalence of MSK injury from lifesaving was 72% (n=72), with a total of 177 injuries being reported with shoulder pain being the most prevalent (38%). The 12- month prevalence showed 133 injuries were sustained whereas for current prevalence there were 86 injuries. Lower back pain was most frequently reported over these periods (26% and 22% respectively). The board race was the most popular event participated in at 76% (n=76), followed by surf ski 69% (n=69) and thirdly surf swim 67% (n=67). Seventy-four percent (74%) of board paddlers, 68% of surf ski paddlers and 67% of beach sprint and flags participants had experienced MSK pain related to lifesaving. Of the 72 competitors that experienced lifesaving MSK injuries more than half reported that it negatively affected them psychologically either in training, competition or overall. Injuries cause athletes to miss training sessions, which result in loss of fitness and falling behind the other athletes, this could cause a lack of confidence, lack of self-belief and lack of motivation to continue training and competing. The worst injury that the respondents had sustained occur mostly due to running (44%), was overuse related (43%), occurring in season (70%) and was described as a sharp, shooting severe pain with a constant and recurrent nature. It affected the athlete’s participation in the sport (75%) and required them to seek medical attention (89%). The only factor found to be related to MSK injuries was the number of rest days, which was significantly lower in those who suffered injuries (p=0.04). All other demographic, health, lifestyle and lifesaving activity participation factors were not associated with MSK lifesaving injuries (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study to document MSK injuries in lifesaving athletes in South Africa. The high prevalence of injuries necessitates that mechanisms are put in place to prevent injury. In addition, the mechanics of running on sand requires further investigation to understand its impact on injuryItem The epidemiology of low back pain in radiographers working in the eThekwini Municipality(2018) Erasmus, Mynhardt; Maharaj, Praveena; Ally, FazilaBackground Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of occupational disability in healthcare professionals, including radiographers. Radiographers experience several difficulties at work, which include continuous radiation exposure, long working hours; shift work; high physical work load; inadequate staffing; heavy weight of the mobile x-ray machine; wearing a lead apron; bending and lifting patients. There is a paucity in the literature on the epidemiology of LBP in radiographers working in the public and private sectors of South Africa. To date no study has been performed which determines the risk factors for developing LBP in diagnostic radiographers within the eThekwini Municipality. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiology of LBP in diagnostic radiographers working in the public and private sectors of the eThekwini Municipality, and to identify the risk factors for LBP to which diagnostic radiographers are exposed. Research methodology The research conducted was a quantitative study with a descriptive design which targeted diagnostic radiographers working in both the public and private sectors of the eThekwini Municipality. The research tool was an online survey administered through ‘SurveyMonkey’ which included questions and statements relating to the epidemiology of LBP in order to meet the study objectives. Results and discussion One hundred and thirty-one radiographers (55,0%) participated in this study, of which 43 had to be excluded as per the exclusion criteria. The final response rate was 37,0% (n=88), with 43,2% of the respondents from the public sector and 56,8% from the private sector. The point prevalence of LBP was found to be 42,1% and 36,0% in the private sector. The period prevalence rates of LBP in the public sector were i) 0-3 months 10,5%; ii) 3-6 months 2,6%; iii) 4-9 months 15,8%; and iv) 9-12 months 23,7%. The private sector LBP period prevalence rates were i) 0-3 months 6,0%; ii) 3- 6 months 0%; iii) 4-9 months 4,0%; and iv) 9-12 months 34,0%. The cumulative annual LBP prevalence rate was 52,6% in the public sector and 44,0% in the private sector. Lifetime prevalence for LBP in the public sector and private sector radiographers was 89,5% and 90,0% respectively. The participants were characterised with bilateral, intermittent LBP that was moderate in nature, described as stiffness, a dull ache or sharp/shooting pain that was worse at work, reduced on days off work and affecting their daily and leisure activities. Work-related LBP activities reported by radiographers included sitting for long periods; lifting heavy objects and patients; twisting; working at a computer; bending; continuous pulling; and working with forward positioned arms. Other activities included wearing a lead apron; transferring patients to a bed/chair; positioning of the overhead x-ray tube; sitting and standing for >3 hours; pushing hospital bed patients; carrying imaging cassettes; and working fast due to radiation exposure. Radiographers involved in these activities had an 80,0-100,0% risk of experiencing LBP. The were 45% of the participants who reported previously injuring their lower back at work. Female radiographers were more prone to LBP compared with male radiographers. High stress levels and smoking were associated with an increased incidence of LBP, and exercise was found to reduce the incidence of LBPItem The epidemiology of postpartum low back pain within the eThekwini Municipality area(2018) Bhoodram, Bhavna; Padayachy, KeseriBackground Previous investigations into the epidemiology of low back pain (LBP) in South Africa were limited to various ethnic groups, student population and work-related activities. There have been many international studies on postpartum low back pain experienced by females which have shown varied results, largely attributed to the various time frames and risk factors. Consequently, there has been a remarkable increase in the use of epidural anaesthesia during delivery. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, postpartum low back pain within the eThekwini Municipality. Method A quantitative paradigm and a cross sectional epidemiological design was used to survey 384 postpartum females in selected areas within the eThekwini Municipality, having 128 participants in each of the three suburbs (high-, medium- and low-income areas). A pre-validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the females who agreed to participate. The survey contained questions related to low back pain, pregnancy, socio-demographic, psycho-social, lifestyle and occupational factors. The data was analysed using the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Results The prevalence of LBP was recorded as follows: Of the entire population a 41.1% prevalence for postpartum low back pain was reported, with 54.7% at La Lucia municipal clinic (high-income region), 36.7% at Bluff municipal clinic (low-income region) and 32% at Overport municipal clinic (middle-income region). 57% of the participants who experienced postpartum LBP reported that it had an effect on their daily tasks with 62% stating that the pain presented with a slow/gradual onset. The most common type of pain was described as “sharp/poking” with “dull ache” being the second most common. Non-progression of LBP was reported by 46% of participants, while 26% reported a decrease in pain, 18% noted an increase in pain and 10% were unsure. 28% of the participants noted that the individual episodes of pain they experienced were usually 60 minutes or longer. The population group was split almost uniformly in quarters with regards to how frequently the individual pain episodes occurred i.e.: daily (23%), twice a week (24%), weekly (26%) and monthly (27%). A logistic regression model was fitted in order to establish which variables are associated with lower back pain. The significant variables (p<0.05) were stress levels, type of birth, clinic, race and whether lower back pain was experienced before pregnancy. Conclusion More studies are warranted on this group of individuals as the factors associated with the predisposition of postpartum LBP were in some instances not in keeping with the existing literature. Postpartum LBP has a significant impact on females and their quality of life and therefore effective strategies to prevent and manage postpartum LBP in females are obligatory.Item 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, DorindaBackground 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.Item The epidemiology of injuries of female high school soccer players in the eThekwini district(2015) Sentsomedi, Keamogetse Refilwe; Puckree, Threethambal; Kell, ColetteIntroduction: Participation of young females in soccer has started to increase in the past few years. Females participating in soccer are more vulnerable to injuries than males due to the nature of the sport especially because the sport is characterised as a vigorous, high intensity, intermittent ball and contact activity. Objective: This study sought to determine the epidemiology of injuries in high school female soccer players in the eThekwini district. Method: A quantitative approach using a cross sectional survey was used to determine the epidemiology of injuries in female high school soccer players in the eThekwini district. One-hundred-and-ninety-seven female high school soccer players, between the ages of 14 to 19 years who have played soccer for at least one season, from 27 female high schools in the eThekwini district were invited to participate. A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the demographic profile of the players and the reported prevalence of injuries in the soccer players. The study also determined the profile of soccer related injuries, management of injuries, identified risk factors for injury, and compared injuries occurring during training and during matches. Results: Out of a total of 85 respondents only 31 sustained injuries. The injury prevalence for the season was 36.5%. Only 61 injuries (71.8%) were reported by the injured players. The rate of injury was 90 per 1000 athlete exposure hours during the season. Only two female players reported the five injuries while all 29 female players sustained at least one injury. The defenders (31.7%) and midfielders (28.6%) sustained the most injuries. Most injuries reported were contact in nature (12.9%). More injuries occurred during training (12.9%) rather than during matches (8.2%). The lower extremity (77.8%) was injured more than the upper extremity (22.2%). The knee (22.2%) and ankle (15.9%) were the most frequently injured body parts. Muscle injury (23.5%) was the most commonly reported followed by bruising (10.6%). Conclusion: Prevalence of injuries was high in the cohort studied. The lower limb, specifically the knee and ankle were most commonly injured. Muscle injury and bruising were the most common injury affecting the lower extremity. It is recommended that the study be extended to a larger cohort of school children.Item Patients at Marburg Haven Clinic : a demographic and disease profile(2014-05-20) Hitge, Candice Elaine; Ndlovu, Prisca Zandile; Korporaal, Charmaine MariaAim: A paucity of information on chiropractic patients presenting in public community clinics in South Africa (SA) exists. The purpose of this study was to carry out a demographic and disease survey of the patients that presented to the Marburg Haven Clinic, so to identify the patients that presented in a rural community outreach programme. Methods: A retrospective analysis on the patient files at Marburg Haven Clinic was completed in September 2012. Data recorded included demographic data, presenting complaints, patient history and management protocols. Results: Data of 117 patients were documented. Most patients were female (76.1%), with a mean age of 53.3 years. Indian patients (50.4%) presented most often, with a quarter of the patients unemployed (26.5%) or pensioners (21.4%). Of the employed patients, 26.5% had not specified the type of occupation and 9.4% were non-manual workers. Musculoskeletal complaints (21.2%) were the most common complaints at the Marburg Haven Clinic, with the primary diagnosis of sacroiliac syndrome (16.2%), followed by general myofascitis (22.4%). Common co-morbidities reported were hypertension, diabetes and asthma. Less than half the patient population had undergone previous surgeries and/or sought previous treatment from other medical practitioners. Sixteen patients were contra-indicated for manipulation. Common treatment protocols used were spinal manipulation, spinal mobilisation and stretching. Conclusion: This is a demographic and descriptive study of a public community outreach centre in South Africa. In relation to international studies, similarities were that the majority of the patients were female, anatomical sites of complaint (lumbar and cervical pain), common usage of radiographs, co-morbidities including cardiovascular and endocrine pathologies and manipulation were used as the treatment of choice. A prospective longitudinal study with more specific criteria for patient tracking and more defined data capture requirements is recommended to more accurately gather all data within similar settings.Item An epidemiological investigation of neck pain in the white population in the greater Durban area(2010) Slabbert, Warren Neville; Boodhoo, Vilash; Korporaal, Charmaine MariaThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for neck pain in the white population in the greater Durban area. The rational for this study was that there have been few epidemiological studies done on neck pain and even less when concerning different population groups. Discrepancies between population groups have been found in various pain related studies. The present epidemiological study eliminated any possible variables between population groups by studying only the white population in a specific geographical area (Durban). Therefore, physicians treating people with neck pain should use the risk factors that were established in this and other studies and integrate them in their treatment protocol. The study was conducted at three shopping centres around Durban that were randomly selected. Each shopping centre was grouped by the socio-economic status of the surrounding suburbs. There were 900 participants surveyed at three shopping centres by means of a questionnaire. The data were then statistically analysed using SPSS version 15. It was found that the overall prevalence of neck pain was 45%. The participants in this study that had neck pain were more likely to be females that were married or previously married, had a job that caused their heads to turn or to work with their arms above their heads. Lifestyle factors included one or a combination of the following: lead a stressful lifestyle, were emotional, had perceived bad posture, had previously experienced neck or head trauma, slept in awkward positions, watched television, required glasses and did not play squash.