ABSTRACT
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among nurses at a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 125 nurses. The mean age of the nurses was 42 years. A high proportion of the nurses reported experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort and related disorders. Most (80.8) worked 12 hour shifts and 84 experienced some form of musculoskeletal discomfort (related to MSDs) in the past year. The lower back was the most commonly reported body site (58); followed by the shoulder (21); and neck (20). Logistic regression analysis showed that nurses working 12 hour shifts had an increased risk of MSD of 14.17 (OR= 14.17; 95 CI: 4.586; 43.766) when compared to those working 8 hours shifts. The number of working hours per shift needs to be reduced to prevent MSDs in nurses. One way of doing this is to increase nursing staff numbers
Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology , Nurses , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
The aims of this study were to identify the demographic characteristics of injury victims and the types of injury cases seen and admitted for treatment in Khorixas District Hospital; Namibia. A descriptive retrospective survey of all injuries attended to and admitted in the hospital from January 2001 to December 2004 was done using document review of patients' medical records. A total of 331 injury cases (6.8of all admissions) were admitted. The age group 20-29 years was the most commonly affected; with 18injured. Injury was common among the males (76). The unemployed constituted 36of all the injuries; followed by children/infants (19). Over two-thirds (68) of the injuries were unintentional. Cuts and stabs were the most common (24) type of injury among the injury cases admitted. Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 21of all injuries admitted. Over a third (36) of all the injuries were alcohol related. Farmers (11) constitute the most affected group among the employed. Type of injury and occupation were significantly associated (?2=107.879; p 0.001). Mass propagation of anti-violence education is needed to reduce the high rate of intentional injuries among the injuries such as cuts/stabs; assaults; human bite and gunshot injuries
Subject(s)
Prevalence , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
Cervical cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Botswana. Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical cytology screening has helped to reduce cervical cancer rates dramatically through early detection of premalignant lesions in countries with screening programmes that have been well implemented. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to describe the women's perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer and the association between socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 300 participants were selected by convenience sampling techniques. Participants' mean age was 37 years (SD=11). Results indicated that cervical cancer screening rates were 39. Most of those that had ever been screened for cervical cancer (64); had been screened in the previous three years. Most of the participants (75) were aware of their perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. There was a significant association between perceived susceptibility and screening for cervical cancer (c2=20.86; p0.001). Among those with low perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer; 31had screened for cervical cancer as compared to 59screening rates among those with high perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Those with high perceived susceptibility were 3.2 times more likely to screen for cervical cancer (OR=3.24; 95CI:1.937-5.43) than those with low perceived susceptibility. High susceptibility rates significantly associated with being married (c2=9.44; p=0.051); employed (c2 = 13.077; p 0.001); monthly income more than $411 (c2