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.
The efficacy of a topical naturopathic complex (Allium sativum MT, Hydrastis canadensis MT, Apis mellifica D3 and Urtica urens D3) in the treatment of Tinea pedis
(2006) Maharaj, Prashadhna Devi; Hall, Cornelia Maria
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as “Athlete’s foot”, is a common acute infection that occurs in warm, humid climates (Fitzpatrick, et al. 1992:98). Warmth, humidity, trauma and occlusion such as non-breathable footwear increase the susceptibility to infection (Prescott, et al. 1999:814). The infection can become chronic in people who are more susceptible such as patients who are immuno-suppressed or those who have Diabetes mellitus (al Hassan, et al. 2004: 1). The aim of this placebo-controlled double-blind study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a topical naturopathic complex comprising of Allium sativum mother tincture (Ø), Hydrastis canadensis (Ø), Apis mellifica (D3) and Urtica urens (D3) (in an aqueous cream base) in the treatment of Tinea pedis. The complex utilized in this study is regarded as naturopathic because the remedies comprising the complex were selected for the following reasons: •Allium sativum and Hydrastis canadensis, each utilized in mother tincture, were selected for their antifungal properties. •Apis mellifica and Urtica urens, each utilized in D3 potency were selected because their skin symptomotology most accurately matched the symptoms associated with “Athlete’s foot”.
An exploratory inquiry into the implementation of prehospital thrombolysis in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction : a case study of a private emergency medical service within South Africa
(2019-09-05) Lynch, Andrew Clifford; Sobuwa, Simpiwe; Castle, Nicholas
Introduction Patency and the restoration of an occluded artery both during and after ST-segment myocardial infarction or STEMI remains the highest priority in acute coronary care. The gold standard of reperfusion therapy is percutaneous coronary intervention, which represents the internationally recommended practice for STEMI. Although technically a non-surgical procedure, percutaneous coronary intervention constitutes a specialised practice, and therefore remains subjective to the limitations of existing clinical resource capacity. Facilities supporting this procedure require specialised equipment and highly trained medical personnel, both of which are often unavailable in the developing and/or underdeveloped regions of South Africa. Thrombolysis, however, also plays a critical role in the management of STEMI, and is recommended in instances where percutaneous coronary intervention is inaccessible or when time delays are present. In 2009, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) allocated thrombolysis to emergency care practitioners in a move which, it was hoped, would improve patient access to reperfusion therapy for STEMI and, ultimately, the country’s national healthcare profile. Unfortunately, since its approval for use by emergency care practitioners, thrombolysis has yet to be integrated effectively into prehospital practice. The current study aimed to analyse the factors associated with the implementation or lack thereof regarding prehospital thrombolysis, despite the evidence and principles supporting its application. Methodology The research used a case study based on data that was obtained through individual, semi- structured interviews. Participants in various positions in a private emergency medical service were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The requisite data was collected through the interviews with participants, and was grounded in their perspectives, observations, knowledge and experience regarding the implementation of prehospital thrombolysis. Collected data was analysed through both a theoretical and data-driven approach, with the consolidated framework for implementation research conceptualising the data, and thematic analysis facilitating data coding procedures. Findings This study identified four primary themes, eight sub-themes and ultimately a total of 14 discussion points relating to the barriers to prehospital thrombolysis. The primary themes comprised interventional characteristics, inner-organisational settings, outer-organisation settings as well as the characteristics of the individuals involved. Within these primary themes, eight sub-themes recognised barriers relating to cost, complexity, cosmopolitanism, implementation climate, readiness for implementation, leadership engagement, knowledge or beliefs and self-efficacy. The 14 discussion points were focused specifically on these topics and, in a broader sense, also acknowledged the patterns as well as interrelationships between the themes. Conclusions and recommendations Implementation, as a process and science, continues to be underestimated, and within healthcare, affects populations who may have otherwise benefited from new, evidence-based practices, guidelines or policies. Healthcare implementation requires strategic planning, and until key pieces of this process are realised, and implementation gaps filled, the potential to improve outcomes through new practices such as early thrombolytic therapy, will continue to be lost. To narrow implementation gaps, the science, which constitutes this domain, requires further merit, not only from prehospital healthcare providers, but across all healthcare disciplines, especially when attempting change. Greater capacity is required for implementation research and special focus should be dedicated towards extending existing relationships between healthcare deliverance systems, specifically in terms of the continuum of care. To formulate the safest and most cost-effective means of delivering prehospital thrombolysis, South African emergency medical service providers as well as allied and even other healthcare organisations need to consider at least one or more implementation strategies to foster a stepwise progression towards this ideal.
Upper body musculoskeletal pain associated with remote working of academics at the Durban University of Technology during the COVID-19 pandemic
(2022-09-29) Narainsamy, Nevinia
BACKGROUND The world-wide pandemic COVID-19, which initiated international lockdowns and varied degrees of work considerations, enforced remote working to reduce the spread of infection. Ergonomic support for effective remote working during this rapid transition received little consideration. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) are frequently linked to poor ergonomic support at the workplace and compromises the quality of life of those affected. MSP may be aggravated by prolonged, repetitive, and awkward movements, poor posture and ergonomics, or a fast-paced workload. Additionally, the onset of upper body MSP contributes to workrelated MSDs, resulting in decreased work productivity. It is believed that the current shift to remote working may result in an increase in MSP. This study, therefore, aims to determine the prevalence and effects of upper body musculoskeletal pain (head, neck, shoulder and back) associated with the ergonomic changes of remote working during the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES 1. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among those working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. To determine the selected risk factors predisposing to upper body musculoskeletal pain as an ergonomic effect of remote working. 3. To identify the extent to which remote working has impacted the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain with particular reference to ergonomic aspects. 4. To determine the effects of musculoskeletal pain and its impact on work performance/productivity. 5. To provide guidelines/recommendations and future considerations to support the prevention of MSP during remote working. METHOD A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all Durban University of Technology (DUT) academic staff members, to obtain relevant data regarding the onset of musculoskeletal pain and ergonomical factors, whilst working remotely during the COVID19 pandemic. Data were collected through the use of an online questionnaire, administered through DUT’s electronic platform. The Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was adapted to focus more on ergonomics and working remotely. Descriptive statistics were used to provide summarised questionnaire data. All data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25 software package. Bivariate analyses, such as the Pearson’s chisquared test, ANOVA, and T-tests, where appropriate, were done. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings of similar studies, both locally and internationally, provided generalised and more contextualised recommendations related to the ergonomic effects of working remotely. RESULTS In summary, 87.2% of participants reported to having musculoskeletal pain (MSP) prior to COVID-19. However, there was a massive increase in MSP while remote working, with 81.8% of participants reporting MSP during COVID-19. A great number of academic staff members (52.7%) reported to have worked remotely and having suitable equipment (59.1%) to facilitate remote work. With a reported increase in workload (89.1%), there was also an increase in productivity (53.6%). The most severe location of pain while remote working was the back (25.5%). Ergonomic factors that were noteworthy were that 64.5% participants sat without their back supported; shoulders were not relaxed in neutral (68.2%); wrists were not in a neutral position (51.8%) and the neck was not in a neutral position while remote working (63.6%). These factors remained consistent before and during COVID-19, indicating a minute change in the statistical significance of ergonomic factors. The p-value was less than 0.001. Regarding the emotional states of the respondents, it has been revealed that there was an association between the emotional status before and during COVID-19. All corresponding p-values were less than 0.001, indicating a statistically significant relationship. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressures on governments, economies, and families, posing what many observers consider the largest global peacetime challenge since the Great Depression a century ago. In South Africa, the government moved swiftly after the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on 5 March 2020, which subsequently led to a national lockdown by 27 March 2020. This placed huge challenges on the population, especially for the poor and those working from home. The exponential rise in COVID-19 infections rapidly transformed how and if people would return to the traditional way of working. Working from home during the nationwide lockdown led to poor quality of work and a lack of efficiency, which ultimately led to poor work productivity. Many employers worldwide chose to protect both the health and job security of their employees by implementing remote working. The average household lack the components of a functional office setup such as a simple desk and good quality chair. This consequently predisposed many to work hunched over coffee tables or on kitchen stools without proper neck and back support. It is possible that many working individuals will emerge with increased incidence of MSP after the coronavirus crisis. Ergonomic support for effective remote working may have been ignored amidst the more disastrous effects of the pandemic, but the crisis becoming a major contributor to an increased onset of MSP. This is likely to remain as the norm, even after the shifting of lockdowns, for millions of workers. The adverse effects of the pandemic thus appear to extend beyond its direct consequences into an increased onset of ergonomical concerns that warrants some investigation. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and effects of upper body (head, neck, shoulder and back) musculoskeletal pain associated with ergonomic changes experienced with remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that the results of this study will inform interventions to redress such effects in remote working climates.