2. Public Health Science Departments

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Open Access
The prevalence of work related respiratory signs and symptoms among maintenance and transport section employees at Mapulaneng Hospital
(2009-09) Radebe, Philemon Lovers Ngowakhe; Pengpid, Supa
Open Access
Sexual behaviour survey of resident students at the University of Venda, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2010-05) Miti, Mavuto Andrew Michael; Akinsola, H. A.; Gerritsen, A. M.
Open Access
Educational programme to improve perceptions of young adults regarding VCT use in Limpopo Province
(2010-09) Risenga, Patrone Rebecca; Davhana-Maselelsele, Mashudu; Obi, C. L.
See the attached abstract below
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Prevalence of parental disclosure in the legal termination of pregnancy among adolescents in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2010-09-18) Ramuhaheli, Litshani Fredah; Gerritsen, A. A. M.; Akinsola, H. A.
Open Access
An evaluation of the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among workers at University of Venda
(2012) Nkuna, Thokho; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli. A. K.
Occupational hazards cause or contribute to the premature death of millions of people worldwide and results in the ill health or disablement of hundreds of millions more each year. World Health Organisation reports, indicated that occupational risk factors account globally for a number of morbidity conditions, including 37% of back pains, 16% of hearing loss, 13% of chronic obstructive lungs disease, 11% of asthma, 10% of injuries and 9% of lung cancer. According to the report, mortality is also due to work related injuries causing nearly 310,000 deaths each year and nearly 146,000 deaths are attributable to work related carcinogens (WHO, 2005). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among University of Venda workers. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive design. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population was all the workers who were more at risk of occupational health hazards on daily basis than others from the following departments: Ground I horticulture, Technical services, Protection and cleaning services. The questionnaire was self - administered and the data was analysed descriptively using the SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Sciences). The results of the study revealed that the level of awareness about occupational health and safety was poor based on the following findings: 46 (3.7%) never heard about Occupational Health and Safety Act before, while 37 (30.3%) heard about OHS Act from their previous jobs. Forty nine percent revealed that there is no OHS in the premises, while 65 (53.3%) revealed that there have no representatives in the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Furthermore, 57 (46.72%) knew nothing about the role of safety representatives. It was recommended that the University should create awareness among the workers by establishing health and safety education programmes.
Open Access
An evaluation of the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among workers at University of Venda
(2013-02-26) Nkuna, Thoko; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A. K.
Occupational hazards cause or contribute to the premature death of millions of people worldwide and results in the ill health or disablement of hundreds of millions more each year. World Health Organisation reports, indicated that occupational risk factors account globally for a number of morbidity conditions, including 37% of back pains, 16% of hearing loss, 13% of chronic obstructive lungs disease, 11% of asthma, 10% of injuries and 9% of lung cancer. According to the report, mortality is also due to work related injuries causing nearly 310,000 deaths each year and nearly 146,000 deaths are attributable to work related carcinogens (WHO, 2005). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among University of Venda workers. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive design. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population was all the workers who were more at risk of occupational health hazards on daily basis than others from the following departments: Ground I horticulture, Technical services, Protection and cleaning services. The questionnaire was self - administered and the data was analysed descriptively using the SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Sciences). The results of the study revealed that the level of awareness about occupational health and safety was poor based on the following findings: 46 (3.7%) never heard about Occupational Health and Safety Act before, while 37 (30.3%) heard about OHS Act from their previous jobs. Forty nine percent revealed that there is no OHS in the premises, while 65 (53.3%) revealed that there have no representatives in the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Furthermore, 57 (46.72%) knew nothing about the role of safety representatives. It was recommended that the University should create awareness among the workers by establishing health and safety education programmes.
Open Access
Learner performance in accounting grade 12 in the Vhembe District
(2013-10-01) Tshiovhe, Elizabeth Takalani; Monobe, R.J.; Mulaudzi, N. O.
Open Access
The impact of HIV/AIDS on elderly people in the Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2013-10-01) Singo, Vhudivhusi Julia; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Maluleke, Thelma Xabela
HIV/AIDS causes serious burdens on the lives of elderly people, and more particularly so because they are often expected to take care of their terminally ill children and assume the responsibility of looking after children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, in most cases with very little resources. The overall aim of this study was to explore and describe the impact of HIV/AIDS on elderly people infected with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS (EPLWHA) in the Thulamela municipality. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: describing the views of elderly people regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives, determining the challenges that EPLWHA face in their daily lives, and gaining a sense of the coping strategies they use to overcome the obstacles they face in relation to HIV/AIDS. Ethical issues such as permission to conduct the study, informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity, withdrawal of participation and measure to ensure trustworthiness were taken into consideration. A qualitative explorative descriptive study was conducted in two phases. During the first phase, key participants were interviewed using an interview guide.. In the second phase, general participants were interviewed, also using an interview guide. Information provided by the participants was captured on a tape recorder. Data collected during interviews over a period of three weeks, with key participants and general participants, were collated into themes, categories and subcategories. The data were analyzed using an open coding method. The study findings revealed that HIV/AIDS has serious negative impacts on the lives of elderly people, particularly those living in poverty. The following key areas in relation to EPLWHA were established: psychological or emotional health, household and socioeconomic burdens. Considering the role that elderly people plays in the community insofar as HIV/AIDS is concerned, primary health promotion and social welfare programmes should be directed at educating all elderly people and their service providers how to cope with the health and social problems related to HIV/AIDS.
Open Access
Factors contributing to low tuberculosis cure rate in primary health care facilities within the Greater Giyani Municipalities of Limpopo Province
(2013-10-01) Maswanganyi, Nandzumuni Velaphi; Lebese, Rachel Tsakani; Mashau, Ntsieni Stella
Tuberculosis is a disease that is curable when a person takes full course of treatment within a prescribed period. However, as the prevalence of TB is increasing worldwide, many countries still experience low TB cure rates. Globally, there are targets for TB cure rates so that it is possible to monitor its progress. This study explored and described the factors that contributed to the low TB cure rates in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities of the Greater Giyani Municipality in the Mopani District of the Limpopo Province. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: determine the factors that contributed to the low TB cure rates in the Greater Giyani Municipality; explore how TB patients are managed after discharge from hospital; identify the challenges faced by TB patients when taking treatment at home; and determine the strategies that can be used to improve the low TB cure rate within Greater Giyani Municipality. The research design in this study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual in nature. The study population consisted of professional nurses working in PHC facilities which have a cure rate below the national target of 85%. The study population also consisted of TB patients collecting treatment at these facilities. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the facilities, professional nurses and patients. The objectives of the study were met during data collection which was conducted through the use of individual face-to-face interviews followed by data analysis. Data collection was done up to 12 patients because no new information was forthcoming from the patients. Patients were 3 males and 9 females, the professional nurses were 18 and all were females. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 57 and those of professional nurses ranged between 31 and 48. Tech's open coding methodology was used to analyze data in this study. Data from both participant groups were collated into themes and sub-themes. The following themes emerged from raw data: themes from professional nurses: poor management of TB patients on discharge from the hospital and the impact of stigma on the management of TB patients. One theme emerged from TB patients: the experience of TB patients on barriers to treatment adherence. Complications such as the poor referral system of TB patients from the hospital to PHC facilities, and the latter frequently running out of stock for food supplements and TB treatment, together with cultural beliefs and the stigma attached to TB resulted in TB patients seeking assistance from traditional health practitioners and faith-based healers, also impacted negatively on treatment adherence and TB cure rate. It is recommended that TB patients and their family members be counseled on diagnosis so that they understand their condition and comply with treatment. The inclusion of TB patients in community projects for food security and financial support was proposed as was the involvement of community stakeholders in the management of TB to remove stigma of TB in the community. The study suggested that policy about the referral of TB patients need to be developed in order to improve the poor referral system. It wa concluded that most of the TB patients have poor family support structures which made it difficult for them to secure financial and food security, and hence to comply with the demands imposed between TB treatment schedules.
Open Access
Factors contributing to high blood pressure among adults at Folovhodwe Village in Mutale Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Ramaano, Ntovholeni Sylvia; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A.
The aim of the study was to identify factors contributing to high blood pressure among adults at Folovhodwe village Mutale municipality, Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. From the clinic register, 91 patients who were hypertensive in the year 2010 were identified. Of those 76 were females and 15 were males. All patients were included since the number was not big. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect data. All were followed from their place and complete the questionnaires. They were requested to give consent before participating in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Data were entered into SPSS. Frequency tables were used. The findings indicate that majority of participants do not have enough knowledge on factors contributing to high blood pressure. The results show that the followings contribute to high blood pressure: smoking cigarette, alcohol drinking, social problems, and family history, snoring and overweight. The researcher recommends that awareness campaign and researches on high blood pressure should be conducted on a regular basis including factors contributing to high blood pressure to add knowledge that can help in prevention and good management of high blood pressure. Females should be encouraged to empower themselves in order to live better lives and not depend on their partner for daily living as low socioeconomic contribute to high blood pressure. Community health involvement programmes should be encouraged with regards to how to live good lives including physical fitness.
Open Access
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of University of Venda resident students regarding substance abuse, Thohoyandou, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Ajao, Babajide; Akinsola, H. A.; Tshitangano, T. G.;
Open Access
Evaluation of the implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV interventions in Mafikeng sub-district clinics, North West Province, South Africa
(2013-12-10) Mangale, Ndivhuho; Amusa, L. O.; Mashau, N. S.
Open Access
The prevalence of zink deficiency among children age 3-5 years in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
(2015-01-30) Motadi, Selekane Ananias; Mbhenyane X G; Mabapa N S; Mbhatsani H V
Background. Children under five years constitute the most vulnerable group and their nutritional status is a sensitive indicator of community health and nutrition. Diet of many South Africans consists of porridge as staple food which is usually consumed with vegetables, legumes and a small amount of animal derived food. These animal derived food sources are not consumed extensively due to their high cost, limited supply and religious or cultural practices. Objective. To determine the prevalence of zinc and iron deficiency among pre-school children aged 3-5 years in Vhembe district of the Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods. This study was carried out on 400 pre-school children in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Municipalities were purposively selected and subjects were chosen by simple random sampling methods. Anthropometric measurements were made following standard techniques. Serum zinc, iron, ferritin, Tsauration, transferrin and CRP levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results. Of the 400 children, 349 were included in the final analysis of results. The prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight was 1.4%, 18.6% and 0.3% respectively while 20.9% of the children were overweight and 9.7% were obese. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 42.6% and anaemia was 28%, both were significantly higher in females as compared to males. When using both serum ferritin and Tsaturation levels as markers of iron deficiency 7(2%) children were found to have IDA. Combined iron and zinc deficiencies using ferritin as a marker of iron deficiency was found in 8(2.3%) of the children while when using Tsaturation as a marker of iron 42(12%) of the children had combined iron and zinc deficiencies. Conclusion. Zinc deficiency and anaemia are common in pre-school children of Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Iron and zinc deficiency in children is associated with poor growth development, alteration in neurological function, immunological response and behaviour changes.
Open Access
Challenges faced by HIV positive parents regarding disclosure to their children in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District in South Africa
(2015-01-30) Ramakulukusha, Tshilidzi Olga; Akinsola, H. A; Mashau, N. S.; HIV positive women -- South Africa -- Limpopo
Open Access
Perceptions regarding occupational injuries by employees at Letaba Hospital in Mopani District, Limpopo Province
(2015-02-02) Malatjie, S. K.; Makatu, M.
The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of employees regarding Occupational injuries at Letaba Hospital, Mopani District in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study followed the qualitative-explorative design. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants·to partake in focus group Interviews. The discussions were tape recorded with the permission from the respondents. Tesch's eight steps of data analysis were utilized to analyse the data. The findings revealed that even though the participants know about occupational injuries, some still blame other people and witchcraft as causes of injuries. The participants experienced occupational injuries like burns, falling from ladders and needle pricks due to negligence in the use of Personal Protective Equipments. It emerged in the findings that occupational injuries can cause death at times. The study also revealed that negative perceptions and experiences of the employees towards the use of Personal Protective Equipment are still a challenge to some participants. The institution and the provincial office were perceived to be responsible for provision of Personal Protective Equipments that should be done twice or thrice a year and that in-service training and awareness campaigns should be organized for the employees in the Mopani district. The study concluded that if employees have negative perceptions and experiences regarding occupational injuries their preventive effort becomes low and become exposed to injuries as a result of not using personal protective equipment. The study recommends that employees get workshops regarding the value of occupational injuries and be supported by both the local institution and the provincial Occupational Health and Safety office.
Open Access
An evaluation of the implementation of vitamin a supplementation protocol in health institutions in Mookgophong Municipality: a case study of Waterberg District
(2015-02-04) Mamaregane, Dihlolelo Vivian; Mbhenyane, X. G.
Aim: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation process of the Vitamin A Supplementation Protocol in institutions in the Mookgophong sub-district of Waterberg, Limpopo Province. Design: Multi-stage sampling was used. setting: The study was conducted in 6 clinics in Mookgophong sub-district and in one hospital in Mogalakwena which supports the clinics with resources. Subjects: There were 13 nurses, 2 pharmacists and 1 medical doctor. These health professionals served as informants. Methods: Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data. The researcher did observations during data collection using a checklist. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: The results indicated that Vitamin A supplements were not always available at the health institutions studied. Most of the health workers were not trained on the Vitamin A Protocol although they could describe it. The staff said they adhered to the protocol. Conclusions: The Vitamin A Protocol was not well implemented because most staff was not trained and the capsules were not always available. T
Open Access
Experiences of HIV postitive patients on antiretroviral treatement at Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2015-02-06) Ndou, Tshifhiwa Violet; Risenga, P. R.; Maputle, M. S.
Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has improved the quality of people who are (human immune virus) HIV positive. They have been document to decrease the morbidity and mortality of people its introduction in the late 1990's. The study addressed the experiences of HIV positive patients in the Vhembe District of Limpopo South Africa. The aim and purpose of the study is to identify, explore, and describe the experiences of HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART). A qualitative research method was used where experiences of HIV positive patients was explored and described in detail. A non-probability purposive sampling was used and the target population was those HIV positive patients on ART treatment who are eighteen and above. The researcher used an in depth interview as a means for data collection. The open coding method was used for data analysis. Six themes emanated from the study as presented underneath; each theme consists of sub-themes: Dominant tales of perceived family support for HIV positive relative on ART resulting in feelings of despair and those of being accepted; Stigma and discrimination related to taking ART; Participants' experiences while on ART; Knowledge related to ART process; Disclosure of HIV positive status; and Experiences on healthcare providers' practices in the ART clinic. The study revealed that the role of family support is of utmost important to HIV positive patients and the government should carry out intensive support, education making awareness campaigns to affected families and patients in order to reduce stigma and discrimination and improve care and support.
Open Access
Relationship of feeding practices, anthropometric status and gut function in infants in Dzimauli Community in South Africa
(2015-02-11) Mahopo, Tjale Cloupas; Bessong Pascal; Nesamvuni Cebisa
Background and objectives: Inappropriate feeding practices affect gut function in infants by damaging the mucosa of the small intestine. Feeding practices such as formula feeding and early introduction of weaning food can have profound consequences on growth, development, and survival chances of infants and young children. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between feeding practices and gut function in infants in Dzimauli community in South Africa. Methods: A prospective birth cohort study was carried out in Dzimauli community in Limpopo Province, South Africa. One hundred and thirty three children were recruited. Length and weight were measured monthly for the duration of 12 months for anthropometric assessment. Data on feeding practices was collected twice weekly using the 24 hour recall methods. Lactulose: mannitol data was obtained at 3, 6 and 9 months intervals. Bivariate analysis was used to correlate the relationships. Result: Although almost all infants (92.5%) 123/133 were breastfed, none were breastfed exclusively for six months. On average, exclusively breastfeeding was only for 21 days. Water and formula milk were the first foods introduced to infants. Intestinal permeability was mostly poor at three months (67.6%) but improved with time as shown by 43.5% by month nine. No significant relationship was observed between any forms of feeding in exception of feeding colostrum which correlated positively with intestinal permeability. Children who were introduced to water and semi solids before three months had poorer anthropometric status at months 6 and 9. Mother's age had a negative influence on introduction of solid foods as older mothers introduced solids food earlier. Conclusion: Poor trends of infant feeding still prevail in Dzimauli community shown in the current study. Infants fed colostrum showed better intestinal permeability as compared to their counterpart. Gut function was not associated with any of the reported feeding practices. Stunting was also observed as one of the challenges in the current study. Health education campaigns focusing on mothers to exclusively breastfeed up to six months in Dzimauli are needed. Studies to discover why mothers still introduce non-breast milk food earlier to their infants need to be conducted. Key words: Feeding practices, gut function, lactulose:Mannitol, anthropometric status
Open Access
Challenges faced by community caregivers rendering services to children in drop-in-centres in Musina Municipality, South Africa
(2015-02-18) Mbedzi, Azwinndini; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli, A.
Open Access
Iodine status of pregnant women and children aged 6 to 12 years feeding from the same basket in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2015-02-26) Mabasa, Eric; Mbhenyanem X. G.; Mabapa, N. S.
Introduction: Iodine deficiency (ID) is a worldwide problem that leads to impaired cognitive development, clinical goiter and the syndrome of endemic cretinism. Pregnant women and school age children are the most vulnerable groups for ID. Sufficient iodine is required during pregnancy to ensure adequate maternal thyroid hormones production. ID in utero and early childhood damages the developing brain, leading to the loss of millions of intelligent quotient (IQ) points globally. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess iodine status of pregnant women and children aged 6 to 12 years feeding from the same food basket in Mopani district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: The study was cross-sectional conducted in five municipalities of Mopani District in Limpopo Province. The total number of clinics selected was 41. A total of 565 pregnant women and 116 children aged 6-12 years were recruited. Urine iodine concentration (UIC) and drinking water iodine concentration were analyzed using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. The salt samples were analyzed by means of the iodometric titration method. Dried blood spots on filter paper were analyzed for whole blood thyrotropin /Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH) with an immunoassay. Results: The findings showed that 52.5% of household salt had iodine concentration level more than 15ppm. Most of household drinking water (41.3%) had iodine concentration level greater than 60µg/L. The median iodine concentration of drinking water in Mopani District was 46.2µg/L. Almost half of pregnant women (44.9%) had UIC level less than 150µg/L. The maternal overall median UIC level was 164µg/L indicating maternal iodine sufficiency. However, median UIC in the first and third trimesters was below 150µg/L, indicating iodine insufficiency. The TSH levels of pregnant women were measured per trimester and majority of study participants had normal TSH levels. Most children (64.3%) had UIC level greater than 300µg/L. The median UIC level of children was 386µg/L indicating excessive iodine status. Conclusion: Iodine status of children in this study was excessively high. It was twice times higher than the iodine status of pregnant women. It is difficult to explain this significant difference in iodine status of these two groups since they were feeding from the same food basket. It can then be concluded that the median UIC of school aged children may not be an adequate surrogate for monitoring iodine nutrition in pregnant women as was previously assumed.