Thesis (MTech (Environmental Health))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2003 / Recent studies have reported an increased prevalence (19%) of respiratory symptoms among furm workers exposed to pesticides. International studies suggest excessive pesticide use and biological factors such as outdoor mites as important factors responsible for asthma symptoms. Studies in Korea suggest that spider mites may be responsible for allergic asthma symptoms among workers on fruit (citrus, apple, and . pear) furms. The fuming of wine and table grapes in South Africa involves about 3000 farms employing over 50,000 workers. Workers on table grape farms, in contrast to other fruit farms have not been previously investigated for occupational respiratory allergy to spider mites. Objectives • To determine the spectrum and prevalence of work-related allergy and asthma among table grape farm workers • To determine the environmental and host factors associated with work-related symptoms and allergic outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 workers employed on nine table grape farms in the Hex River valley of South Africa. A modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire was used to interview workers. Skin prick tests used 8 commercial extracts of common airborne allergens (ALK) and potential occupational allergens, which included grape mould (Botrytis cinerea) and an in-house extract of spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. Specific IgE to Tetranychus urticae was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to house dust mite (Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus) and storage mite (Lepidoglyphus Destructor) using Pharrnacia CAPRAST. Results: The mean age of the workers was 36 years with a standard deviation of 11 years.

M.Tech. (Public Health) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

No description available.

Thesis (M.M. (Public and Development Management))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits School of Governance, 2016. / The political and constitutional changes in South Africa brought about fundamental features through the transformation agenda in the public service. Of primary importance is that the South African political transformation processes have been characterised by a culture of transparency, participation and accountability. These values are in direct contrast to what presently obtains in the Department of Health’s exmineworker compensation system. Within this context it emerged as a concern that that the system of governance that managed the compensation system was not responsive to the needs of ex-mineworkers. Ex-mineworkers experienced serious delays in time before accessing government compensation. There were claimants that were deceased whilst awaiting an outcome of their applications for compensation. The enormity and complexity of the system was underestimated by government departments. Legal firms and related professionals handling the cases of ex-mineworkers earned more than £1.3-billion in fees for taking up the cases of claimants. The costs of administration in the handling of claims surpassed the actual amounts paid out to claimants eventually. At the centre of the civil service management in South Africa, was the Department of Public Service and Administration. It was here that policies on governance were developed. The Department of Public Service and Administration was responsible for the establishment of norms and standards for the entire Public Service. Under the auspices of this centralised function, service delivery mechanisms were ensured, there was access to integrated systems, the framework for human resources management was developed, and in the development of policies focus was given to the needs of the citizens. ii The purpose of this study was to explore reasons for the low compensation uptake, and to examine systems and inform changes that would allow exmineworkers in the Eastern Cape, Oliver Tambo District to better manage their access to government compensation. The mining industry plays a significant role in the South African economy long after the discovery of gold in 1886. With little evidence of policy and legislative reform, and after 22 years into South Africa’s democracy, the scourge of failing respiratory health amongst ex-mineworkers has not decreased. miners face an epidemic of occupational lung disease. The challenge of tracking and tracing ex-miners to capacitate them on their rights and benefits of compensation, owed and owing to them, forms the basis of this study. The governance of the system of compensation for ex-miners is not bringing the large numbers closer to easy access. Whilst the challenges may well be present, this study is intended to raise awareness of the problem, investigate the cause/s and offer recommendations that will provide relief to a population in South Africa that could be seemingly lost if not told of what benefits are available to themselves (if alive) and nominated beneficiaries (in the case of those who are deceased). This study was concerned with gaining a better understanding of why exmineworkers in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were not accessing their compensation benefits, rather than to measure certain outputs and outcomes. It was primarily interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of how information is being disseminated and how it is being influenced by different variables. A qualitative approach was chosen in order to portray the detailed understanding and specific dynamics experienced by ex-mineworkers in accessing compensation benefits from the Department of Health. iii The importance of good governance in improving service delivery was explained and spoke to what constituted good governance, the importance of proper planning during periods of transition and why governance should be a continuous activity as well as the importance of planning in public institutions. In this study, the need for good governance to improve service delivery, were identified, with specific reference to those aspects of good governance that could better equip the ex-mineworkers in the Eastern Cape to better understand the compensation and in so doing would guide the research process. / GR2018

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Health Sciences in Nursing, Durban University of Technology. Durban. South Africa, 2017. / Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are classified as occupational disease. They are described as disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system, and affect the health, productivity and careers of the working population. Dental technicians are at risk of MSDs as much as other members of the dental professionals as a result of their daily activities which involves manual work or they could be labour intensive. The risk factors for MSDs among dental professionals are multifactorial. Problem Statement There are currently no established statistics on the prevalence and risk of musculoskeletal disorders among dental technicians in South Africa. Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk of MSDs among dental technicians in South Africa. Research Method A quantitative research approach using a cross sectional correlational survey design was adopted for this study. Using a purposive sampling, the data base of all the dental technicians was obtained from the South African Dental Technician Council (SADTC) and those with valid e-mail addresses and telephone numbers were invited to participate in the study. A modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to collect data, 79 technicians responded with only 72 valid questionnaires available for analysis. Results The twelve month prevalence rate of MSDs among dental technicians in South Africa is 90%. MSDs was reported in all body parts and across all ages and genders. The prevalence for neck, hand/wrist, upper back and low back pain were the highest, having the same prevalence rate of 68.1%. The risk factors for MSDs in at least one body part that were identified in this study are age, prolonged standing and vibration. There was no significant relationship between gender, alcohol intake, smoking, having children and MSDs in any body part. However, a relationship exists between age and MSDs in the wrist/hand, standing and elbow pain, vibration and lower back symptoms. Conclusion The study showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder is high (90%) among dental technicians in South Africa. The prevalence of MSD is not age or gender related. However, some affected body parts were directly linked to age, standing and vibration. More research needs to be done on the ergonomics and workplace in order to address the high incidence of MSDs. / M

A case control study was performed in 6 cotton mills in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study used questionnaire and pulmonary function testing results to categorise respiratory symptoms in 52 exposed symptomatic, 30 exposed asymptomatic and 46 unexposed control subjects. These categorisation results were used to explore the relationship between serum IgG subclasses and cotton-specific IgG to byssinosis. No definitive relationships between the serum IgG subclasses and clinical and functional symptoms of byssinosis were found . Whereas, exposed symptomatic (22.72 mg All) subjects had significantly higher (P = 0.01) mean specific IgG concentrations than exposed asymptomatic (15.02 mg All) or unexposed control (13.08 mg All) subjects. A pathoaetiological or marker-aetiological role is indicated for specific IgG in the development of byssinosis. The findings of this research challenged the status quo in terms of the accepted aetiological pathways of byssinosis. In turn the acceptance of a different aetiological pathway provided a possible answer to the varying presentation of the disease and by implication contested the current definition of byssinosis. / Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An investigation was undertaken to ascertain whether there could be a connection between noise levels in a dental environment and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a sample of South African dentists. This took the form of a questionnaire sent to dentists in the Central Gauteng and Cape Western areas, followed by the measurement of noise emissions of airotor / air-turbine handpieces. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'n Ondersoek is geloods om te bepaal of daar 'n verband bestaan tussen die geraas vlakke in 'n tandheelkundige omgewing en Geraas Geïnduseerde Gehoor Verlies ("Noise Induced Hearing Loss") in 'n groep Suid-Afrikaanse tandartse. Die ondersoek het bestaan uit 'n vraelys wat tandaartse in Sentraal Gauteng en die Wes Kaap voltooi het, opgevolg deur die meting of registrasie van geraas vlakke veroorsaak deur lugturbine handstukke.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / INTRODUCTION: The study investigated dietary intake, physical activity and risk for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL) among employees at a South African open-cast diamond mine. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the habits and barriers to a healthy lifestyle in order to determine the need for workplace interventions at De Beers Venetia Mine (DB-VM) to decrease the risk for CDL and optimise employee wellness. DESIGN: An analytical, cross-sectional, observational study. SAMPLING: A representative proportional stratified sample of 88 permanent employees at DB-VM was randomly selected to participate in the study. The sample was stratified according to work-shift configuration and occupational category. Permanent employees were limited to subjects with at least six months employment at DB-VM. Temporary employees and contractors were excluded from the sample. METHODS: Subjects were required to complete a validated self-administered sociodemographic-, meal frequency- and physical activity questionnaire. A validated quantified food frequency questionnaire was administered by the investigator. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height and waist circumference were performed by the investigator. RESULTS: The study documented a high prevalence of obesity among female (45%) and male (32%) employees. A total energy intake above the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) was found in 38% of males and 64% of female subjects. Fourty eight percent of males and 64% of female subjects exceeded the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Rate (AMDR) for total fat intake, while the mean saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake was above the recommendation of less than 10% of total energy intake. An inadequate fibre intake was observed for 87% of males and 55% of female subjects. Folate intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) were found in 62% male and 82% of female subjects. A “low active” physical activity level (PAL) was found in 91% of females and 67% of professionals. Significantly more females (p=0.01) and professionals (p=0.00005) demonstrated a “low active” PAL compared to males and other occupational categories. Work-related barriers to a healthy lifestyle such as long working hours, work demands, a long commute and working shifts contributed to skipping of meals and prevention of physical activity participation among employees. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among employees characterised by high fat and inadequate fibre intakes, increasing the risk for CDL. Work-related barriers contributed to an unhealthy lifestyle and specific interventions at the workplace would appear necessary to decrease the high prevalence of obesity and risk for CDL. RECOMMENDATIONS: Wellness interventions should be introduced at DB-VM to improve the health and well-being of employees.

Thesis (MMed)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The morbidity and mortality associated with tuberculosis (TB) disease is of grave consequences for the health and employment of afflicted individuals. Healthcare workers are identified amongst high risk groups in communities. The prevalence/incidence of TB is dependent on the presence of associated risk factors which varies in diversity and intensity in different communities and workplaces. Understanding the risk factors operating in any given environment is indispensable to any tuberculosis control programme. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence and trends of TB disease as well as to determine the risk factors associated with the disease among Tygerberg hospital employees. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design with a nested case-control component was used to determine the occurrence (and trends) and risk factors of TB disease respectively. Occurrence and trends of tuberculosis: The frequencies, distribution and trends of TB disease from 2008 to 2011 were obtained by calculating and comparing the annual incidence rates for each variable. Cases were identified from the occupational health clinic TB register, while the various denominator data were obtained from the Human Resource database. Determination of risk factors: Cases were recruited from the occupational health clinic TB register and controls were randomly selected from unaffected workers during the study period. Self-administered risk factor questionnaires were completed by both cases and controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between known and suspected risk factors and the occurrence of TB disease amongst employees. Results: Sixty six cases of TB disease occurred in the workforce during the study period resulting in an annual average incidence rate of 397/100,000 population (95% CI: 307/100,000-505/100,000). Twenty three (34.8%) of the 66 cases occurred in Housekeeping staff, making them the most affected sub-group [1181/100,000 population (95% CI: 747/100,000-1768/100,000)]. The rate of TB disease in nurses was 1.7 times (95%CI: 1.4-2.0) that of doctors. Workers in the 40-49 years age-group experienced the highest incidence [490/100,000 population (95%CI: 329.6/100,000-706.8/100,000)] of TB disease compared to the other age-groups. There was no obvious difference in gender occurrences. Disease rates varied among different racial groups, with the highest rate in black employees [1473/100,000 population, (95%CI: 924/100,000-1981/100,000)]. Distribution of TB disease in the institution was widespread, with security department being the most affected [2500/100,000 population (95%CI: 311/100,000- 9262/100,000)]. There was a downward but statistically insignificant (annual range 9-23; p=0.28) trend in the rate of disease occurrence over the study period. No previous training on TB prevention (OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.15 - 7.71), HIV (OR: 67.08, 95% CI: 7.54 – 596.64) and working without knowledge of TB risk profile of the workplace (OR: 8.66, 95% CI: 1.10 – 67.96) were associated with TB disease occurrence. Conclusion: Occurrence of TB disease among Tygerberg hospital employees was low compared to that of the general population of its drainage areas. Disease occurrence in the facility was wide and varied with respect to occupational groups, workplaces and time. Well-established risk factors for TB infection (and disease) were found to be determinants of disease occurrence in the facility.