Faculty of Health Sciences

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An assessment of the health hazards that employees face in relation to the recycling programme at a beverage company in KwaZulu-Natal
(2023-09) Reddy, Inderia; Ghuman, Shanaz; Adam, Jamila Kathoon
The foundational understanding of recycling in industry and the different waste streams that exist, together with the health hazards associated with these waste streams and how to manage them, is not clearly understood by all employees involved in the process. It is the duty of an organisation to provide training and information on this practice to adequately equip employees to function better in the workplace. Research suggests that not understanding the health hazards associated with recycling can lead to detrimental health consequences. However, could the lack of understanding of this practice result from a lack of poor implementation of the recycling programme, a behaviour or attitude issue linked to inadequate training or behaviours/challenges related to the training programmes? AIM AND OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the health hazards that employees were exposed to due to waste separation activities at a beverage company in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The objectives of the study were to assess if the current recycling programme had been adequately implemented. In addition, the study addressed factors associated with health hazards and varying levels of awareness, staff perceptions, challenges, and attitudes within the organisation. Health hazards related to these factors, implementation of the programme and the effectiveness of the monitoring of the programme were also addressed. METHODOLOGY A quantitative study using the stratified random sampling method was used to collect data from 136 participants. Data from the questionnaires were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software (SPSS Version 26) with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The data presents the descriptive statistics using graphs, figures, cross-tabulations, and tables. The inferential statistics used were the chi-square test and correlations values and were interpreted using the p-values. RESULTS Biographical data of respondents reported a ratio of 3:1 (p<0.001) males to females in the organisation. A post-school qualification was held by 50%. From an awareness perspective, it could be seen that awareness was evident in a few respondents. Most respondents exhibited the correct attitude to the recycling programme and had positive perceptions towards the programmes. CONCLUSION Recycling is of concern both in South Africa and internationally, therefore, the need for this research was necessary. This study found that the existing programmes are inadequate to meet the training needs of the employees due to various barriers. There is an action plan in place to address the concerns of this programme. Recycling programmes share many similarities and differences with those of other sustainability programmes. It is for this reason that the training and implementation processes should be reviewed and assessed to derive best practices that can be incorporated into current recycling programmes.
Primary caregiver experiences and perspectives on caring for a child with chronic kidney disease within a South African context
(2024) Govender, Shamanie; Adam, Jamila Kathoon
Background: Informal and unpaid caregivers play an important role in the management of paediatric patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The burdens that the caregivers experience during their caregiving roles and responsibilities have not been extensively researched, particularly within this patient population. The high physical, psychosocial and economic burdens experienced by the caregiver can in turn lead to negative impact on the child’s health outcomes and medical treatment. This study ascertained the burdens that caregivers experienced, in their care of paediatric CKD patients, who were receiving haemodialysis, in the renal unit of a large public hospital in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Methods of communication and types of information provided by the renal healthcare team and the support needs of caregivers to reduce burden, anxiety and social dysfunction was elicited. Methods: Two standardized instruments, namely, the General Health Questionnaire - 12 and the Paediatric Renal-Care Burden Scale were used to ascertain burden, anxiety, and social dysfunction experienced among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients on haemodialysis. Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered. In the first instance, caregivers were asked to provide information on areas that could assist them to alleviate the burden of caregiving and the second questionnaire was used to ascertain from renal staff, the methods they used to communicate with, and the information they provided to caregivers. Results: Twenty-one caregivers participated in the study, with females providing most of the caregiving duties (76.2%). Using the PR-CBS, financial burden emerged as the highest burden experienced (mean = 4,86 and SD = 0,77). The use of the GHQ – 12, revealed that anxiety and distress were significantly high in caregivers (mean = 0.95 and 0.85) respectively. Overall, 18 caregivers had moderate to high burden. The total mean burden score for the PR-CBS for females was significantly higher than that for males (11.30; SD = 6.11 vs 7.83; SD = 4.70). This is confirmed by the total mean burden score declared by females for GHQ – 12, which was also significantly higher than that declared by males (6.58; SD = 2.83 vs 3.75; SD = 1.80). There was significant positive correlation between GHQ-12 anxiety score (p= 0.003) and PR-CBS burden score (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The prevalence of burdens, anxiety and social dysfunction was significantly high among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients and is often overlooked by the renal Background: Informal and unpaid caregivers play an important role in the management of paediatric patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The burdens that the caregivers experience during their caregiving roles and responsibilities have not been extensively researched, particularly within this patient population. The high physical, psychosocial and economic burdens experienced by the caregiver can in turn lead to negative impact on the child’s health outcomes and medical treatment. This study ascertained the burdens that caregivers experienced, in their care of paediatric CKD patients, who were receiving haemodialysis, in the renal unit of a large public hospital in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Methods of communication and types of information provided by the renal healthcare team and the support needs of caregivers to reduce burden, anxiety and social dysfunction was elicited. Methods: Two standardized instruments, namely, the General Health Questionnaire - 12 and the Paediatric Renal-Care Burden Scale were used to ascertain burden, anxiety, and social dysfunction experienced among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients on haemodialysis. Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered. In the first instance, caregivers were asked to provide information on areas that could assist them to alleviate the burden of caregiving and the second questionnaire was used to ascertain from renal staff, the methods they used to communicate with, and the information they provided to caregivers. Results: Twenty-one caregivers participated in the study, with females providing most of the caregiving duties (76.2%). Using the PR-CBS, financial burden emerged as the highest burden experienced (mean = 4,86 and SD = 0,77). The use of the GHQ – 12, revealed that anxiety and distress were significantly high in caregivers (mean = 0.95 and 0.85) respectively. Overall, 18 caregivers had moderate to high burden. The total mean burden score for the PR-CBS for females was significantly higher than that for males (11.30; SD = 6.11 vs 7.83; SD = 4.70). This is confirmed by the total mean burden score declared by females for GHQ – 12, which was also significantly higher than that declared by males (6.58; SD = 2.83 vs 3.75; SD = 1.80). There was significant positive correlation between GHQ-12 anxiety score (p= 0.003) and PR-CBS burden score (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The prevalence of burdens, anxiety and social dysfunction was significantly high among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients and is often overlooked by the renal healthcare team. The experiences of this unique population of caregivers are complex and multifaceted, but despite the various challenges they encounter, they continue to provide care and support for their young patients. Renal healthcare practitioners may use the findings to develop and provide suitable supportive interventions and resources for these caregivers. It is essential that these be included in treatment guidelines for the ill child, not only to reduce caregiver burdens but also to improve the overall CKD paediatric patient outcomes.