Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2006 / Occupational noise affects industries in many countries around the world, and there is strong evidence from previous research linking it to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). More than 30 million workers in the United States of America alone were exposed to hazardous noise at the workplace before 1998. In South Africa, workers are not supposed to be exposed to a noise rating limit at or above 85dB(A). Abattoir employees are subjected to high noise levels when compared to the occupational noise rating limit of 85dB(A). Noise is generated from various mechanised and manual processes and activities in the abattoir during the slaughter of different animal species. Noise sources include conveyers, circular saws, air conditioners and pumps, pneumatic and other mechanical equipment. The aim of this study was to characterise noise exposure in different grades of abattoirs during the slaughter of cattle and sheep. The grading of abattoirs was previously done according to Grade A-E. Grade A-C is now referred to as high throughput abattoirs while Grade D and E are referred to as low throughput abattoirs. Personal and environmental noise exposure levels of workers in Grade A, C and D abattoirs in the Free State were therefore investigated. Noise measurements were done in accordance with the methods stipulated in the South African National Standards (SANS) Code of Practice 10083. Environmental and personal sampling were conducted with a calibrated Type 1 Quest integrated sound level meter (ISLM) and a Quest noise dosimeter respectively. Calibration was checked before and after taking measurements to ensure reliability and validity of results. The average noise exposure level in the high throughput abattoirs was above the recommended standard of 85dB(A). In the low throughput abattoirs the noise exposure levels were below this level. There were no statistically significant differences between the noise exposure levels during the slaughter of different species (P>0.05), or between Grade A and Grade C (P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) however between Grade A and Grade D noise exposure levels. The results indicate that workers in Grade A and C abattoirs are exposed to unacceptable noise levels. Further research is recommended to include all categories of abattoirs and to determine the impact of noise exposure on the worker’s hearing in order to develop strategies to protect employees from the effects of excessive exposure to noise.

Recent and past events in the South Durban Basin (SDB) have highlighted the possible connection between perceived air pollution concerns and deteriorating health. The aim of this study is to explore how the SDB community perceives air pollution and if this can be related to some of the health problems that are experienced in these communities. The ultimate aim is to determine whether the respondents connect air pollution to specific illnesses and also how they perceive the actions used to combat air pollution and its negative health impacts. This information is gathered through a questionnaire conducted in various study areas both within and outside the SDB, then compared with demographic variables. This is done to determine if perception is related to direct industrial activity or if there are other factors influencing results. Variables such as race and level of education had little impact on the results. The results showed that areas within the SDB experience a high neighborhood satisfaction despite the current general belief of air pollution being connected to ill health. The control areas outside of the SDB support theories of gender and race and its relationship to air pollution, currently presented by researchers in the perception field. Strong associations’ do exist between general environmental satisfaction and gender. Perception of current legal enforcement is exerting a strong effect on air pollution perception formation. Vitally important is the connection of daily concrete experiences of air pollution with the lack of transparency and communication between industry and communities. It is resulting in the current perception of illness being connected to tangible air pollution. The aim is to further future studies on establishing links between health and air quality. Gaining insight from the study of public risk perceptions based on local knowledge and experience in particular places, will help shape the role of environmental policy and management response systems. / Geography / M.A. (Geography)

Prior 1994 South Africa had a fragmented health system designed along racial lines. One system was highly resourced and benefitted the few and the other was under-resourced and was for the black majority. Attempts to deal with these disparities did not fully address the inequities. The objective of the NHI is to address the inequalities by ensuring that all South African have access to affordable, quality healthcare services regardless of their socio-economic status. The majority of the participants do not understand the meaning and the implications of the national health insurance. Among the health professionals that were interviewed, there were no consultations before the implementation of the NHI. The health economists verbalized that it will be too expensive as the majority of citizens do not pay taxes. More roadshows need to be done to make communities aware of the planned strategy which will benefit all. / Health Studies

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Introduction High maternal, perinatal and under-five morbidity and mortality are some of the formidable development challenges in Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that worldwide, as many as 1500 women die every day due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth (WHO 2010). The partograph or partogram, an inexpensive tool, was designed by WHO to be used by midwives for decision-making during labour. Many studies conducted in and out of Africa reflect sub-optimal use of the partograph. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to describe the utilisation of the partograph by registered midwives working in the maternity sections of public hospitals in the uMgungundlovu District in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was used to describe the use of the partograph in the selected hospitals, and carried out in two phases. In phase one, 197 participants completed a questionnaire. In phase two, retrospective audits on 310 completed maternity records were done. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations and graphs. Results The results revealed that there were certain parameters that were given more focus when it came to correct and consistent recording, such as contractions (80.0%) and cervical dilatation (89%) whilst others were poorly done, such as the duration of labour (13.5%), pain relief (23.5%) and unrecorded partographs from the primary health care clinics and community health centres (80.8%).

Thesis (DPhil (Psychology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / HIV/AIDS has emerged as one of the biggest epidemics in modern human history, and is perhaps the most researched and written about epidemic. Southern Africa is at the epicentre of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, with almost one third of the world’s HIVpositive population living here. HIV is known to affect predominantly vulnerable populations; thus it is surprising that persons with disabilities have been largely overlooked. Little is known about how HIV/AIDS affects persons with disabilities in South Africa. This dissertation, therefore, aims to explore the extent to which organizations and schools working with persons with disabilities are dealing with HIV/AIDS, and how they are dealing with it. The study made use of an integration of quantitative and qualitative research methods. An existing survey questionnaire used in the World Bank/Yale University Global Survey on HIV/AIDS and Disability was used, with permission, as the survey instrument in a national survey of disability organizations and special needs (LSEN) schools in South Africa. The survey was distributed by post and email to 601 organizations and schools across the country, in all nine provinces. Various contacts and postings of the survey were made to organizations and schools, in an attempt to improve response rates. The response rate from national disability organizations was 57%, while the response rate for regional and local organizations and schools was very poor, with an overall response rate of 18%. The sample, however, was representative of the population. The results of the survey indicate a high level of concern about HIV/AIDS as a risk for persons with disabilities. The majority of organizations and schools were involved in providing HIV prevention education. However, most organizations and schools felt that persons with disabilities were excluded from general HIV prevention campaigns, and were thus receiving less information. A second study, using qualitative research methods, used case studies of three organizations/schools to explore more in-depth staff difficulties, challenges and particularly anxieties related to dealing with sex, sexuality and HIV among persons with disabilities. The case studies were analysed from a psychosocial framework, using social constructionist theory with psychoanalytic theory, to explore how social discourses about HIV and disabilities are internalized by staff. It is theorized that people draw on particular social discourses, in this case about HIV and disability, as a defence against threats to the self. Texts were analysed using discourse analysis to identify social discourses. A further analytic layer used psychoanalytic theory to identify unconscious communication of emotions and defence mechanisms. The case studies found that staff have considerable anxiety with regards raising issues of sex, sexuality and HIV with persons with disabilities. Staff from all three organizations were varyingly anxious about needing to protect the people they work with from harm. Disabled people were constructed as innocent, vulnerable, and needing protection. In other cases disabled people were constructed as deviant and their behaviour needing to be controlled. The use of an integration of qualitative and quantitative methods is useful, in allowing to explore more in-depth the lived experience of research participants. While the survey indicated that organizations were providing HIV prevention education, the case studies revealed much anxiety about this, and in some cases education was partly avoided. The results also suggest that HIV prevention education may be used in a way to control and restrict disabled people’s sexual expression, using a demonizing discourse about sex as dangerous and in some circumstances immoral. This may be done in an absence of a discourse of pleasure, where disabled people may be empowered to have fulfilling sexual lives. The study also highlights sexual abuse and rape of persons with disabilities as a serious issue. The dissertation ends with recommendations for further research, including exploring the experience of disabled people themselves, and the need to address the silence around sexual abuse and rape of persons with disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the database system used at the South African Radiation Control Authority and compare it with RAIS (Regulatory Authority Information System). A radiation regulatory authority requires an adequate and effective data management system in order to carry out its regulatory control program efficiently and effectively. RAIS is a comprehensive system that includes all of the main functionality required to support a regulatory framework. A mixed methods approach, including a quantitative descriptive comparative evaluation research study was conducted to determine if the database system currently used by the South African Radiation Control Authority is effective as a data management tool for a regulatory body. Two analyses were conducted. Firstly, the specification records of the South African database system were compared with that of RAIS. Secondly, current database users were surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire. Both analyses reveal that RAIS performs better than the Radiation Control database in the main areas of the regulatory framework. The study results also highlight some of the shortcomings and strengths of the Radiation Control database / Medical Informatics / M.A. (Public Health)

Introduction Run-off from Johannesburg mine dumps is a source of environmental pollution and a public health concern. This study focussed on assessing and developing remediation strategies for Manuel Street Park (MSP) that has been affected by run-off from the Princess Mine dump. Study objectives were threefold: to use a survey involving residents living around MSP to determine community use and perception of rehabilitation of the Park; to determine the impact of the addition of a preparation known as “Effective Micro-organisms” (EM®) to polluted Park soil and; to prepare a remediation plan for this Park. Methodology A qualitative survey was conducted amongst users of the park as to their use and perceptions of rehabilitation of the park and their understanding of mine-related pollution and acid mine drainage. Controlled greenhouse trials were conducted to determine optimal germination and growth of Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu grass) in Park soil, with and without EM® or compost. A landscaper was consulted to collate research results to facilitate park rehabilitation. Results Survey participants understood the risks of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and other mine pollution and gave valuable information which assisted in understanding local issues concerning the park. Tests with soil polluted with AMD showed that it promoted seed germination while treatment of park soil with fertiliser, compost and enhanced microorganisms improved plant development and growth. Practically, it was determined that the use of EM1 at the park would be difficult because of on-going flooding of the park with contaminated water. For this reason, an improved drainage plan was suggested, along with raised walkways. Conclusion A remediation plan can be implemented on site involving installation of French drains, raised walkways, and soil remediation involving EM® / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Environmental Management Ornamental Horticulture)

Health and safety issues have always been a major problem and concern in the construction industry. Wherever reliable records are available, construction is found to be one of the most dangerous on health and safety criteria, particularly in developing countries. Efforts have been made to address this problem, but the results have been far from satisfactory, as construction accidents continue to dominate the overall construction industry. Despite the programs implemented by government authorities and measures introduced by companies themselves, the number of construction accidents still remains alarmingly high. In developing countries, safety rules usually do not exist; if they do, the regulatory authority is usually very weak in implementing such rules effectively. The UAE is one of developing countries that are currently enjoying a strong growth in construction activities. Unfortunately, some sectors of its construction industry suffer from poor safety and health conditions. Any framework of the existing occupational and health conditions is fragmented and inadequately enforced, making construction sites more hazardous. It may even be argued that relevant regulations are outdated and irrelevant in day-to-day construction operations. From this perspective this research explores the approved methods adopted in the UK in order to improve the existing code of practice in the UAE and thus introduce the foundations on which appropriate health and safety systems may be built. A framework for Health and Safety management in the UK is suggested. To reach this objective an overview of the published materials as well as the legislation has been undertaken. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to potential construction industry players and interview sessions have been conducted to meet the first objective of the project which to determine the health and safety measures currently applied on construction sites. In addition, structured interviews were carried out with selected managers from a selection of construction and oil companies, medium and large size. This thesis specifically, it investigates the safety perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of construction workers and management safety practices. Based upon the analysis of the results, this study has demonstrated that the majority of those questioned UAE construction companies have a poor degree of risk awareness and do not seems to take health and safety as an important issue.

Thesis (MComm (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Numerous individuals daily partake in injurious consumption, such as excessive or unhealthy food choices. Individuals’ incorrect food choices can have a negative effect on their weight, health and general quality of life. Marketers could and should play a pivotal role in influencing consumers’ food choices, which will ultimately contribute to healthier individuals and societies as a whole. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between self-concept and food choice, self-efficacy and food choice, emotional states and food choice, and weight perception and food choice, and to highlight implications for marketers based on these findings. These relationships were investigated in a Generation Y sample. A sample of 383 college-aged1 students of Generation Y completed a self-administered questionnaire that was designed based on previous studies. Respondents’ weight perception was also investigated as many students from Generation Y try to change their weight perceptions through their food choices. Respondents’ food choice was compared to the recommended food choice of the South African Department of Health (Department of Health, 2009). Based on this comparison, it was proposed that marketers of food products should promote a decrease in respondents’ meat consumption and an increase in milk, fruit, vegetable and starch consumption. Small yet significant relationships between respondents’ specific food choices and self-concept, self-efficacy, emotional states and weight perception were found. Marketers can incorporate these relationships into their advertising campaigns and brand slogans in order to positively influence Generation Y to make healthier food choices. Another significant finding was that male respondents indicated a higher ideal weight than their actual weight, while female respondents indicated a lower ideal weight than their actual weight. A relationship was also found between self-concept and weight perception for both men and women from Generation Y. The significance of this study lies in the expansion of knowledge regarding the food choice behaviour of a Generation Y sample and the recommendations made to marketers based on relationships found between food choice and the constructs at hand. These recommendations can ultimately improve consumers’ food choice. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Verskeie individue neem daagliks deel aan nadelige verbruik, met inbegrip van oormatige of ongesonde voedselkeuses. Individue se foutiewe voedselkeuse kan hul gewig, gesondheid en lewensgehalte negatief beïnvloed. Bemarkers kan en behoort 'n belangrike rol te speel om individue te oortuig om gesonde voedselkeuses te maak. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om die verhouding tussen self-konsep en voedselkeuse, selfekwiteit (‘self-efficacy’) en voedselkeuse, emosionele toestande en voedselkeuse en gewigspersepsie en voedselkeuse te ondersoek en om die implikasies hiervan gebaseer op hierdie bevindings aan bemarkers voor te lê. ʼn Steekproef van 383 lede van Generasie Y het ’n vraelys ingevul wat ontwerp is op grond van vorige navorsing. Respondente se gewigspersepsie is ook bestudeer aangesien verskeie studente (universiteitsouderdom) van Generasie Y poog om hul gewigspersepsie te verander deur middel van hul voedselkeuses. Respondente se voedselkeuses is vergelyk met die voedselkeuses wat aanbeveel word deur die Suid-Afrikaanse Departement van Gesondheid (Department of Health 2009). Op grond van die vergelyking is bevind dat bemarkers ʼn afname in individue se vleisinname, en ʼn toename in individue se melk-, vrugte-, groente- en styselinname behoort te bevorder. Die ondersoek het getoon dat daar klein, maar beduidende verhoudings aangetref is tussen respondente se spesifieke voedselkeuses en self-konsep, self-effektiwiteit, emosionele toestande en gewigspersepsie. Bemarkers kan hierdie verhoudings in hul bemarkingsveldtogte en handelsmerk-slagspreuke inkorporeer. Nog ʼn beduidende resultaat was dat die manlike respondente ʼn hoër ideale gewig as hul huidige gewig aangedui het, terwyl vroulike respondente ʼn laer ideale gewig as hul huidige gewig aangedui het. Die resultate toon ook dat daar vir beide mans en vroue van Generasie Y ʼn verhouding tussen self-konsep en gewigspersepsie is. Deur middel van hierdie studie is kennis rakende die voedselkeuses van ʼn steekproef van Generasie Y uitgebrei. Aan die hand van die verhoudings tussen voedselkeuse en respondente se self-konsep, self-effektiwiteit, emosionele toestande en gewigspersepsie, is daar aanbevelings vir bemarkers gemaak. Hierdie aanbevelings sal uiteindelik bydra tot die verbetering van Generasie Y se voedselkeuses.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Unhealthy behaviour is a key modifiable factor that underlies much of the South African (SA) burden of disease and primary care morbidity. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lung diseases and some cancers are linked to underlying behavioural issues such as tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating. Evidence shows that brief behaviour change counselling by primary care providers can be effective in helping patients to change risky lifestyle behaviours. However, the capacity of South African primary care providers to educate and counsel patients on lifestyle modification is generally poor. The need for primary care provider training in lifestyle counselling, is stated as a critical objective in ‘re-orientating’ the primary health care system to effectively address NCDs in the National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and their risk factors in SA. The overall aim of this research was to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a training intervention for primary care providers in the South African setting, which is based on teaching best practice, behaviour change counselling (BBCC) methods that can be used for patients with risky lifestyle behaviours associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “Effectiveness” relates to the effect of the training on PCPs adoption of a patient centred approach, and skills acquisition after the training, and not the effectiveness in changing, or improving patient outcomes. The sequence of the abstracts of the four articles that were published from this research, gives an overview of the process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ongesonde lewenstyl kan gekoppel word aan die meeste chroniese siektes wereldwyd, en dra grootliks by tot die las van primere sorg morbiditeit, asook in Suid Afrika. Rook, ongesonde dieet, fisiese onaktiwiteit, en alkohol misbruik word beskou as die onderliggende risiko faktore wat verantwoordelik is vir die ontwikkeling van kardiovaskulere siektes, tipe 2 diabetes, respiratoriese siektes, sowel as sommige kankers. Navorsing het bewys dat primere gesondheidsorg werkers effektief kan wees om pasiente te help om hierdie gewoontes te bekamp. Nieteenstaande hierdie bewyse, is die huidige kapasiteit van primere sorg dokters en verpleegsters in Suid-Afrika nie voldoende om sodanige diens te verskaf nie. In die Nationale Strategiese Plan vir die beheer van chroniese siektes, word opleiding vir primere gesondheidsorg werkers geprioritiseer as n kritiese uitkomste vir die beheer van chroniese siektes, en die onderliggende risiko faktore. Dit is dus duidelik dat daar n behoefte is om sodanige opleidingprogramme te ontwikkel. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om n bewysgebaseerde opleidingsprogram te ontwikkel, te implementeer, en die effektiwiteit daarvan te evalueer in ons unieke primere gesondheidsorg sisteem in Suid-Afrika. Die opleidingsprogram moes ontwikkel word, vir beide primere sorg dokters en verpleegsters, sodat dit hulle in staat kan stel om pasiente te beraad oor enige van die vier risiko faktore.