Thesis (MPH) -- University of Limpopo, 2011. / Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are prone to occupational exposures to blood-borne viruses (BBVs), which include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available for both HBV and HIV, and if administered correctly can reduce the risk of HBV and HIV transmission by 80%. This study investigated the knowledge and practices of HCWs regarding PEP for BBVs at Medunsa Oral Health Care Centre (MOHC). Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 166 HCWs at the MOHC using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire on knowledge and practices of HCWs regarding PEP for BBVs. Binary logistic regression method was used to determine factors associated with reporting an occupational exposure and uptake of PEP. Results: The response rate was 67%. The mean age was 27yrs (SO =7.67yrs), and 68.7% of . respondents were female. The overall knowledge regarding PEP among the HCWs was inadequate as 46.9% had poor knowledge. The majority (77.7% [128/166]) of HCWs experienced occupational exposures and amongst them 39.0% (50/128) experienced it twice or more. Almost two-thirds (60.9%) of HCWs experienced an occupational exposure while performing scaling and polishing. Only 28.9% (37/128) of those who were potentially exposed to a BBV reported the incident to the authorities. Out of those who reported, 37% (14/37) took PEP for HIV, and 32.4% (12/37) took PEP for HBV. Among those taking HIV PEP, 21.4% (3/14) indicated that they completed the course. HCWs who haq five or more years of experience j were less likely (OR=0.138, p=0.043) to report compared to those who had less than five years of experience. Conclusion: Overall, participants' knowledge regarding PEP as well as reporting of an exposure was inadequate. The majority of HCWs experienced an occupational exposure while performing scaling and polishing.

Thesis (M.Ed.(Opvoedkundige Sielkunde))-Universiteit van Pretoria, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of North Texas, May, 2009. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

M.Tech.

Thesis (MPH) -- University of Limpopo, 2012. / SUMMARY OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND DISEASES AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE AIM: To analyse and provide data on the incidence of occupational injuries and the prevalence of occupational diseases amongst healthcare workers of Department of Health in Limpopo Province. OBJECTIVES: The specific objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To determine the most common occupational types of injuries and/or diseases amongst healthcare workers with regard to the demographic profile (i.e. age, gender, occupation, workstation) of healthcare workers; 2. To establish outcomes of these injuries and diseases fatalities regard to the demographic profile (i.e. age, gender, occupation, workstation) of healthcare workers; and 3. To assess the association between the predominant injuries and diseases with the profile of the health care workers METHOD: The researcher sourced data electronically from Department of Health as quarterly reports, four (4) for each year of the financial years 2007/2008, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 respectively. The data was consolidated into financial years, cleaned out part of 2007 and 2010 so at to remain with 3 calendar years (2007, 2008 &2009) prior analysis. RESULTS: There were 725 per 100 000 healthcare workers affected by injuries and diseases during the study period. These injuries/and diseases affected more males than females above 40 years with the mean age being 43 years. Of the 631 injuries and diseases reported, 89% were injuries whist 11 % were diseases with most employees from Mopani district. The most common injuries which affected HCWs thus included needle stick injuries (24%), slip/trip/fall (23%), motor vehicle accidents (14%), injuries by external objects (10%) and assaults (7%). The most common diseases which affected HCWs were found to be TB (69%), diseases by chemical agents (12%), cholera (9%) and poisoning (2%). The needle stick injury affected clinical nurses (59%) more than other professionals; moreover, TB affected 63.6% of nurses. The captured outcome of this injury/disease was 4 fatalities among EMS personnel. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that tuberculosis is the most common occupational disease acquired whilst needle stick injury is the commonest occupational injury sustained by healthcare workers of the Department of Health, Limpopo Province. The employees were therefore affected by preventable occupational injuries and diseases. RECOMMENDATIONS: Preventative programs need to be strengthened to reduce morbidity of tuberculosis and needle stick injuries amongst employees.

Thesis (M.A. in human development)--Washington State University, May 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-52).

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-67). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.A.) -- Central Connecticut State University, 2006. / Thesis advisor: Rebecca Wood. "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 26-29). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Abstract Background: Foot screening is an important part of diabetic care as it prevents significant morbidity, loss of function and mortality from diabetic foot complications. However, foot screening is often neglected. This project was aimed at educating health care workers (HCWs) in a primary health care clinic to increase diabetic foot screening practices. Methods: A quality improvement project using a plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle was used. HCW needs were assessed using a questionnaire; this was followed by a focus group discussion with HCWs, which was recorded, transcribed and assessed using a general inductive approach for common themes. Staff training was done using the Diabetic Foot Assessment Questionnaire. Patient information pamphlets and screening tools were made available to all clinical staff. Thirty-two consecutive diabetic patient folders were audited to compare screening in 2013 to that in the first half of 2014 after initiation of the PDSA cycle. Results: HCW confidence in conducting foot screening using the Diabetic Foot Assessment Questionnaire improved markedly after initial training. Diabetic foot screening practices increased from 9% in 2013 to 69% in 2014 after the first PDSA cycle. A strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results (SOAR) analysis showed promise for continuing quality improvement cycles. Conclusions: The findings showed a significant improvement in the number of diabetic patients who received foot screening. A feedback session was held with the team of HCWs involved in the project to discuss their experience and for future improvement planning. Using strategic planning with appreciative intent based on SOAR, proved to be inspirational and will be used in the planning of the next cycle.