A South African database of samples analysed for the presence of asbestos

Background: Asbestos mining and other activities have left a legacy of environmental contamination. Asbestos was used in a large number of manufactured products but little is documented about the nature and location of these products. Compliance with asbestos regulations depends on accurate identification of the presence of asbestos. The National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) has been identifying asbestos for regulatory purposes since 2003. Objective: To analyse a database of samples submitted for asbestos analysis to the NIOH. Methods: Asbestos was identified using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The data were analysed using STATISTICA version 11. Results: From 2003 to 2012; 1514 samples were analysed. Asbestos was identified in 59.9 of the bulk samples and crocidolite was present in 45.4 of these. Information about samples containing asbestos; including their origin and associated activities; are described. Conclusions: Although asbestos is no longer mined or used in South Africa; workers remain at risk of exposure due to asbestos-containing materials which persist in the environment. Knowledge of these materials gained from routinely collected data may assist in the safe removal of asbestos and prevent further adverse health =effects

Research Productivity of Academics in a Physiotherapy Department: a Case Study

Objective: Research productivity is an important activity among academics. This study was done to document the research productivity of the academics of a physiotherapy department in South Africa. Method: An archival research design was used to document the research productivity for the physiotherapy department between 2002 and 2009. Data were analysed by two independent reviewers and consensus was reached on the information to be included in the study. Results: Among the nine academics there were 67 publications; 20 articles in progress; 7 under review and 63 conferences attended. While the overall research productivity of the department seems to be good; the bulk of the productivity rests in the hands of the senior academics. Conclusion: There is a need to facilitate the acquisition of research skills in academic staff; particularly in upgrading staff to PhD level and improving publication output

Research productivity of academics in a physiotherapy department: a case study

Objective: Research productivity is an important activity among academics. This study was done to document the research productivity of the academics of a physiotherapy department in South Africa. Method: An archival research design was used to document the research productivity for the physiotherapy department between 2002 and 2009. Data were analysed by two independent reviewers and consensus was reached on the information to be included in the study. Results: Among the nine academics there were 67 publications; 20 articles in progress; 7 under review and 63 conferences attended. While the overall research productivity of the department seems to be good; the bulk of the productivity rests in the hands of the senior academics. Conclusion: There is a need to facilitate the acquisition of research skills in academic staff; particularly in upgrading staff to PhD level and improving publication output

Orthopaedic Outreach Program in Uganda: A Strategy to Improve Inequality in Service Delivery between Rural and Urban Communities

Background: Musculoskeletal diseases are on the increase worldwide. Greater than 80of Ugandans live in rural areas; facing formidable barriers to specialized care. In 1991 the Orthopedics Outreach Program (OOP) was initiated as a plausible solution to the inequity of orthopedic care between the urban and rural disadvantaged populations. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the output; effectiveness; and barriers to access; of the OOP over 13 years. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis to quantify surgical output and effectiveness of the OOP using the outreach record and a cross-sectional analysis to assess access and efficacy of the program. Semi-structured and key informant interviews targeted to key actors involved in the OOP were conducted to provide a qualitative assessment of the program. Results: Sixty seven outreach visits were completed; 6;653 patients seen; and 1;071 surgeries performed; at a total cost of US$12;701.00. The cost per patient seen was US$1.91 and US$11.86 per surgery performed. Poverty was uniformly cited as barrier to access; others were; transportation; and lack of awareness. There was unanimous opinion on the worthiness and effectiveness of the OOP; but many operational issues and constraints were cited. Conclusion: The OOP may provide a short and medium term solution to equity and access for orthopedic care in Uganda. There is need to quantify the burden of specific orthopedics conditions. A follow-up analysis assessing operational efficacy and output from 2004 to date; under the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and Ministry of Health funding is recommended

Two year's experience of paediatric meningitis at Kamuzu Central Hospital; Lilongwe

415 patients with meningitis admitted to the children's ward; Kamuzu Central Hospital [KCH]; were studied retrospectively. Clinical features and outcome are described. Antibiotic policy was changed near the start of the study from prolonged intraveneous [IV] antibiotics to an early switch from IV antibiotics to intramuscular [IM] benzyl penicillin or oral chloramphenicol after clinical improvement. There was no suggestion that this policy had an adverse effect on outcome. Administration of phenobarbitone to convulsing children with meningitis appeared to improve outcome

HIV reactive children in KCH

Information available on HIV Elisa reactive children seen in the medical paediatric department of Kamuzu Central Hospital; Lilongwe; during the years 1986 to 1988 is reviewed. Numbers of new HIV reactive patients decreased unexpectedly in later 1988; which is encouraging; but further study is needed; with special reference to age pattern and history of previous blood transfusion

Recent experience of haemophilia at Kamuzu Central Hospital

A look at 5 new cases of hemophilia at Kamuzu Central Hospital [KCH] since the first case was reported in 1981

A paediatric handbook for Malawi

This book aims to be a practical guide to pediatrics for hospital based Malawian clinicians; both clinical officers and junior doctors. Background information is included where it helps in the understanding of disease management. The book is; as far as possible; a concensus view of pediatric practice in Malawi