Prevalence of COVID-19 at the Wahgnion-Gold mining site in Burkina Faso and use of RT-PCR initial cycle threshold to monitor the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 load

Background: To control the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is necessary to adequately identify and isolate infectious patients particularly at the work place. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the recommended confirmatory method for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARSCoV-2 infection in Burkina Faso and to use the initial cycle threshold (Ct) values of RT-PCR as a tool to monitor the dynamics of the viral load. Methodology: Between September 2021 and February 2022, oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal swab samples of consecutively selected COVID-19 symptomatic and apparently healthy workers from the Wahgnion mining site in the South-western Burkina Faso who consented to the study were collected according to the two weeks shift program and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR assay. Patients positive for the virus were followed-up weekly until tests were negative. Association of the initial RT-PCR Ct values with disease duration was assessed by adjusted linear regression approach. Two-sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1506 (92.9% males) participants were recruited into the study, with mean age and age range of 37.18.7 and 18-68 years respectively. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 14.3% (216/1506). Of the 82 patients included in the follow-up study, the longest duration of positive RT-PCR test, from the first positive to the first of the two negative RT-PCR tests, was 33 days (mean 11.6 days, median 10 days, interquartile range 8- 14 days). The initial Ct values significantly correlated with the duration of RT-PCR positivity (with ß=-0.54, standard error=0.09 for N gene, and ß=-0.44, standard error=0.09 for ORF1ab gene, p<0.001). Participants with higher Ct values corresponding to lower viral loads had shorter viral clearance time than those of lower Ct values or higher viral loads. Conclusion: Approximately 1 out of 7 tested miners had SARS-CoV-2 infection and the duration of their RT-PCR tests positivity independently correlated with the initial viral load measured by initial Ct values. As participants with lower initial Ct values tended to have longer disease duration, initial RT-PCR Ct values could be used to guide COVID-19 patient quarantine duration particularly at the work place.

Contexte: Pour contrôler la propagation de la maladie à coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) causée par le syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère coronavirus-2 (SRAS-CoV-2), il est nécessaire d'identifier et d'isoler de manière adéquate les patients infectieux, en particulier sur le lieu de travail. Le test de réaction en chaîne par polymérase en temps réel (RT-PCR) est la méthode de confirmation recommandée pour le diagnostic de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 au Burkina Faso et d'utiliser les valeurs du seuil initial du cycle (Ct) de la RT-PCR comme outil de suivi de la dynamique de la charge virale. Méthodologie: Entre septembre 2021 et février 2022, des écouvillonnages oropharyngés et/ou nasopharyngés de travailleurs symptomatiques COVID-19 et apparemment en bonne santé sélectionnés consécutivement du site minier de Wahgnion dans le sud-ouest du Burkina Faso qui ont consenti à l'étude ont été prélevés selon les deux programme de quart de semaines et testé pour le SRAS-CoV-2 à l'aide d'un test RT-PCR. Les patients positifs pour le virus ont été suivis chaque semaine jusqu'à ce que les tests soient négatifs. L'association des valeurs Ct initiales de la RT-PCR avec la durée de la maladie a été évaluée par une approche de régression linéaire ajustée. Une valeur p bilatérale < 0,05 a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. Résultats: Un total de 1506 participants (92,9% d'hommes) ont été recrutés dans l'étude, avec un âge moyen et une tranche d'âge de 37,1 à 8,7 ans et de 18 à 68 ans, respectivement. La prévalence globale de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 était de 14,3% (216/1506). Sur les 82 patients inclus dans l'étude de suivi, la plus longue durée de test RT-PCR positif, du premier test positif au premier des deux tests RT-PCR négatifs, était de 33 jours (moyenne 11,6 jours, médiane 10 jours, intervalle interquartile 8-14 jours). Les valeurs Ct initiales étaient significativement corrélées à la durée de positivité de la RT-PCR (avec ß=-0,54, erreur standard=0,09 pour le gène N et ß=-0,44, erreur standard=0,09 pour le gène ORF1ab, p<0,001). Les participants avec des valeurs de Ct plus élevées correspondant à des charges virales plus faibles avaient un temps de clairance virale plus court que ceux avec des valeurs de Ct plus basses ou des charges virales plus élevées. Conclusion: Environ 1 mineur testé sur 7 était infecté par le SRAS-CoV-2 et la durée de la positivité de ses tests RTPCR était indépendamment corrélée à la charge virale initiale mesurée par les valeurs Ct initiales. Comme les participants avec des valeurs Ct initiales inférieures avaient tendance à avoir une durée de maladie plus longue, les valeurs Ct initiales de la RT-PCR pourraient être utilisées pour guider la durée de la quarantaine des patients COVID19, en particulier sur le lieu de travail.

Strategies to enhance resilience to cope with workplace adversities post-COVID-19 among ICU nurses

Background: It is critical for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to develop resilient coping strategies to cope with workplace adversities. The coping strategies will mitigate the development of maladaptive psychological disorders prone to working in a stressful environment. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyse previous literature conducted on strategies that enhance resilience in ICU nurses to cope with workplace adversities beyond the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study was conducted by examining all available global literature in the context of the aim of the study. Method: An integrative literature review was chosen for the study. Purposive sampling method was used to select the relevant databases to answer the review question, namely Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, Medline and Nursing/Academic Edition. The search terms used were 'strategies', 'resilience', 'intensive care unit nurses', 'coping', 'workplace adversities', 'beyond COVID-19' and post 'COVID-19'. Results: Three themes emerged from the study, namely promoting personal attributes, effective relational support and active psychological support. Conclusion: Enhancing resilience among ICU nurses requires both intentional individualised care from the ICU nurses and a systematic approach by nursing management that will meet the psychological needs of ICU nurses when working in a stressful ICU environment.Contribution: The findings of the review have highlighted specific strategies of improving resilience in ICU nurses, which can ultimately create a safe working environment in the ICU.

Cost and consequence analysis of the Healthy Choices at Work programme to prevent non-communicable diseases in a commercial power plant, South Africa

Background: The workplace is an ideal setting for the implementation of a health promotion programmes to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD). There are limited resources assigned to workplace health promotion programmes in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Aim: This study aimed to conduct a cost and consequence analysis of the Healthy Choices at Work programme. Setting: This study was conducted at a commercial power plant in South Africa. Methods: Incremental costs were obtained for the activities of the Healthy Choices at Work programme over a two-year period. A total of 156 employees were evaluated in the intervention, although the effect was experienced by all employees. An annual health risk factor assessment at baseline and follow up evaluated the consequences of the programme. Results: The total incremental costs over the two-year period accumulated to $4015 for 1743 employees. The cost per employee on an annual basis was $1.15 and was associated with a −10.2mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure, −3.87mmHg in diastolic blood pressure, −0.45mmol/l in total cholesterol and significant improvement in harmful alcohol use, fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between sickness absenteeism and risk factors for NCDs. Conclusion: The cost to implement the multicomponent HCW programme was low with significant beneficial consequences in transforming the workplace environment and reducing risks factors for NCDs. Findings of this study will be useful for small, medium and large organisations, the national department of health, and similar settings in LMICs

Breastfeeding support practices in designated workplaces in the Breede Valley sub-district, Western Cape, South Africa

Background. Globally, mothers have identified employment as one of the leading barriers to exclusive and continued breastfeeding. The workplace and employment setting has been highlighted as one component of an enabling environment for breastfeeding.Objectives. To assess breastfeeding support practices in designated workplaces in the Breede Valley sub-district, Western Cape, South Africa.Methods. A quantitative, cross-sectional design study was used. An online survey was conducted amongst human resource managers and/or company managers to determine breastfeeding support practices in designated workplaces.Results. Fourteen participants completed the online survey. Breastfeeding support practices in designated workplaces were limited and inadequate, with few supportive breastfeeding practices. Onsite or nearby crèche facilities (n=2; 14.3%), breastfeeding counsellors (n=1; 7.1%), promotion of the benefits of breastfeeding to employees (n=2; 14.3%) and provision of private space for expressing (n=2; 14.3%) were not common practices. Workplace breastfeeding policies (n=4; 28.6%) were not common practice, and were mostly found in the public sector. Forty-three percent of workplaces (n=6; 42.9%) did not provide time for expressing at work.Conclusion. There is an urgent need to create advocacy regarding the benefits of breastfeeding support in the workplace for employers, employees and society as well as the breastfeeding rights of women in the workplace. The legislated breastfeeding break times need to be monitored to ensure better compliance in workplaces

Workplace assault and its' impact to service delivery amongst dental professionals at Tertiary Hospitals in Northern Nigeria

Objective: The growing global public health concern of workplace assaults has necessitated that workers' health and safety be given same priority as patient's safety. The study assessed the prevalence of workplace assault and its' impact on service delivery among dental professionals at tertiary hospitals in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 60 dental professionals working in tertiary hospitals actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate trainings for dental workforce in Northern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selection of respondents and participation was voluntary. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0 and p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was received. Results: Sixty percent dentists and 40.0% dental auxiliaries participated in the study. Assault prevalence was 38.3% observed more among dental professionals (44.0%) in their first year in practice. Types of assaults experienced were; non-physical 19 (82.6%) with loud shouting and threats as most frequent, physical 3 (13.0%) with bullying and mobbing most frequent, and combination was 1 (4.4%). Patients (60.9%) and relatives (52.2%) were major culprits, and long appointment (65.2%) and treatment cost (60.9%) were main reasons for assault. Respondents (39.1%) expressed impact on their productivity and 69.6% respondents were ill-prepared to handle it. Conclusion: The prevalence of workplace assaults on dental professionals was fairly high and those in their first year in practice suffer more assault than others. Assault preventive programs should however specifically target this group in consideration with the unique nature and varied needs of each healthcare institutions

Self-managing individual wellness for the health professional: a somatology perspective

Background: Health professionals play a vital role in the stability and sustainability of any healthcare system. However, the well-documented long working hours, lack of wellness support structures, regular occurrence of burnout and low retention rates are concerning. Aim: The aim of this research study was to understand how a group of therapists self-manage their own individual wellness, to provide insight on how other health professionals, working in a demanding environment, could potentially address their individual wellness more effectively. Setting: The research was conducted in a private room at the place of participant employment, in two metropolitans in Gauteng, South Africa. Method: Qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual designs were used within the paradigm of constructivism. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field notes and reflective practices, and analysed through open coding. Results: This study revealed disequilibrium between the theoretical knowledge and practical realities of therapists, and indicated that these therapists experience various personal obstacles that hinder the self-management of their individual wellness. Conclusions: Somatology therapists use various personal strategies that allow them to better self-manage their individual wellness. Individual wellness seems to be a personal phenomenon, indicating the need to self-reflect on personal perceptions of wellness, individual wellness obstacles and individual wellness strategies to effectively self-manage individual wellness

Self-reported hearing-related complaints among dental professionals: a questionnaire-based survey

Background: As a result of workplace noise, dental personnel are potentially predisposed to auditory and non-auditory effects of noise which may expose hidden or imminent hearing impairment. There is the need to capture these self-reported hearing and hearing-related complaints using well designed questionnaires as a prelude to formal audiometric tests. Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire study conducted between the periods April to August 2015. Participants were given questionnaires to fill and return which captured socio-demographic data and exposure to noise at workplace and symptoms experienced. Upon return of the questionnaire, each questionnaire was examined to ensure they were properly filled with signed consent. All data and findings were evaluated anonymously. Results: One hundred and thirty eight questionnaires were returned giving 86% response rate, 35(25.4%) reported hearing impairment. Eighteen (13.0%) respondents have experienced tinnitus, while 20 (14.5%) of the respondents experienced Hyperacusis, another 53(38.4%) of the respondents also have difficulty hearing in places with competing noise. Stress and sleep disturbance were also common complains. Conclusion: The presence of especially tinnitus, hyperacusis, impaired hearing in areas with competing sounds are all symptoms indicative of imminent hearing impairment that could be used to predict undetected hearing losses among dental personnel

A Comparative Study of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lower Back Pain among Aircraft Technicians in Ethiopian Airlines

Lower back pain (LBP) is a global concern among workers in various occupational settings. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of LBP and its risk factors among aircraft technicians (ACTs) in Ethiopian Airlines. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data from 294 ACTs. The prevalence of LBP among ACTs was 47.1 during the past six months. Duration of employment was signifi cantly associated with experiencing LBP as ACTs with 7 - 9 years working experience were almost eight times more likely to experience LBP that those with 1- 3 years of experience (OR = 7.86; 95 CI 1.59-52.55 ). Significant associations were observed between the prevalence of LBP and pulling and pushing heavy loads (OR = 3.17; 95 CI 1.49-6.74); lifting heavy objects (OR = 1.90; 95 CI 1.01-3.60); and carrying heavy loads (OR = 2.02; 95 CI 1.15-3.57). Bending (OR = 2.13; 95 CI 1.30-3.49); lifting hard to hold loads (OR = 2.78; 95 CI 1.72-4.49); and working with twisted trunks (OR = 2.15; 95 CI 1.34-3.43) were also signifi cantly associated with LBP. Relevant occupational health and safety interventions should be designed and implemented to reduce the prevalence of LBP in these ACTs; taking into account the nature of the work conducted

Testing for Drugs of Abuse: Part 1

Drugs of abuse are commonly encountered in the workplace and the occupational health specialist is often asked to perform and interpret tests to check for the presence of such substances. A clear understanding regarding the limitations of testing is required for this purpose as this field has many potential pitfalls. This is the first of two articles that provide a broad overview of the commonly encountered drugs of abuse (DOA); the biological samples that can be used; possible interferants and adulterants that may be encountered; and the role of the laboratory and pathologist. The second article in this series examines the technology involved; looking briefly at immunoassays and mass spectrometry; and issues regarding cut-points and interpretations

Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Absenteeism at a Foundry

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major health problem globally and a significant cause of disability in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to describe tasks and body movements associated with the high rate of musculoskeletal-related complaints and absenteeism at a foundry in South Africa.Methods: A quantitative study design was used. The data sources were a questionnaire administered to 38 participants; structured observation and company records. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results: All the participants were exposed to poor ergonomics which resulted in repetitive movements; twisting; gripping; and standing or sitting for long periods of time. Pain in the back and shoulders was the most common complaint; followed by stiffness of the fingers; wrists and shoulders. Most participants reported absence from work due to musculoskeletal complaints

Ethical Issues that Confront Nurses in Private Hospitals in the Western Cape Metropolitan Area

Background: Nurses are faced daily with a variety of ethical issues which could be as a result of budget cuts; target setting; the shortage of nurses and expertise. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to identify ethical issues related to patient care; to describe ethical issues related to patient diversity; rights and human dignity. To describe ethical issues related to caring in nursing and to the workplace environment.Method: A quantitative explorative descriptive research design was applied. A stratified sample of (n = 142/5) was drawn from all nurses and caregivers (N = 2990) working in a selected group of eight private hospitals. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Statistical tests were applied to determine statistical relationships between variables.Results: Results included (95) of respondents provided safe and committed care to their patients; (99) loved to care for their patients and (93) believed in the Nurses' Pledge of Service. Fifty percent (50) of the respondents indicated verbal abuse from patients and only (59) experienced openness and transparency in the work environment. Analysis further identified that the caregivers did not respect the noble tradition of the profession and experienced the most verbal abuse. Conclusion: This study has identified ethical issues which may give rise to conflict within the workplace environment if not adequately addressed by management. The study further showed that the use of caregivers not regulated in nursing practice may pose as a threat to the safety of the patient

Empowering Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in the Workplace

The prevalence of obesity in South Africa has risen alongside the growth in consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs). This escalation in obesity places the population at greater risk for non-communicable diseases; and is increasing employee absenteeism and turnover and decreasing productivity in the workplace. Research shows that reducing SSBs will signifi cantly impact the prevalence of obesity and its related diseases. Fiscal and legislative levers are one way of addressing SSB consumption and obesity. Worksite interventions are a complementary nudge to create healthier social norms for eating

Occupational health and safety management systems - a review of practices in enterprises in Botswana

Unsafe working conditions create heavy burdens in workplaces and on the wellbeing of workers. Despite this; Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) to reduce accidents and diseases in workplaces remain inadequate in many countries; including Botswana. An exploratory cross-sectional study; using secondary data; was undertaken to establish OHSMS practices in various industrial sectors in Botswana. The results showed that a quarter (27.6) and about half of small and medium enterprises (SMEs); respectively; and just over half (60) of large enterprises; have existing OHSMS. Only 29.2 of enterprises had an OHS policy statement. The elements of OHSMS were not uniformly implemented across all enterprises; with SMEs faring poorly. However; 71.1 of enterprises reported provision of induction courses. OHSMS is not widely practiced in Botswana; raising concerns for worker wellbeing; particularly in SMEs. Further research is needed to identify gaps and the development of a coherent OHSMS for the country

Social Impact of HIV/AIDS on Clients Attending a Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

People living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWHA) face numerous social challenges. The objectives of this study were to assess the level of self-disclosure of status by PLWHA; to describe the level and patterns of stigma and discrimination; if any; experienced by the PLWHA and to assess the effect of sero-positivity on the attitude of friends; family members; health workers; colleagues and community. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among PLWHA attending the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Uyo; Southern Nigeria. Information was obtained using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire; which was analysed using the Epi 6 software. A total of 331 respondents were interviewed. A majority; 256 (77.3); of the respondents were within the age range of 25-44 years. A total of 121 (36.6) PLWHA were single and 151 (46.6) were married; while the rest were widowed; divorced or separated. A majority; 129 (85.4); of the married respondents disclosed their status to their spouses and 65 (50.4) were supportive. Apart from spouses; disclosure to mothers (39.9) was highest. Most clients (57.7) did not disclose their status to people outside their immediate families for fear of stigmatization. Up to 111 (80.4) of the respondents working for others did not disclose their status to their employers. Among those whose status was known; discrimination was reported to be highest among friends (23.2) and at the workplace (20.2). Attitudes such as hostility (14.5); withdrawal (11.7) and neglect (6.8) were reported from the private hospitals. Apart from disclosure to spouses; the level of disclosure to others was very low. Those whose status was known mainly received acceptance from their families but faced discriminatory attitudes such as hostility; neglect and withdrawal from friends; colleagues and hospital workers. There is a need for more enlightenment campaigns on HIV/AIDS by stakeholders to reduce stigma and discrimination and ensure adequate integration of PLWHA into the society

Proposed Guidelines for a Workplace Health Promotion Policy and Implementation Framework

Since workplace health promotion programmes are often not guided by a specific policy or health promotion framework; a study was conducted to develop guidelines for the implementation of health promotion in South African workplaces. A Delphi technique involving twelve health promotion experts was used to reach consensus about the proposed policy framework and guidelines. These guidelines are directed towards implementing a comprehensive workplace health promotion programme that aims to accommodate all employee health and safety needs. They can be used to develop relevant health promotion or wellness policies that are easy to implement; monitor and evaluate

We also have Cases of the Disease that you are researching about. Small-scale Enterprises and the Challenges of HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Kabale; Uganda

At the workplace; the HIV epidemic has brought about loss of productivity; staff turnover and increased labour costs among others. HIV stigma presents barriers to HIV prevention in different settings including the workplace. Unlike large scale enterprises; small-scale enterprises have received less attention in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This study employed a qualitative case study design. Data were collected from eighteen participants in three small-scale enterprises in Kabale; Uganda. Findings indicate that although there are effectively no workplace policies in small-scale enterprises; employees in the visited workplaces do not fear HIV/AIDS testing and disclosing their HIV/AIDS status as main sources of HIV-stigma although their perceptions remain hypothetical. Integrating clear anti-discriminatory HIV/AIDS policies may empower some small-scale enterprises with related HIV knowledge and skills in an effort to overcome the challenges of HIV-related stigma and discrimination

Psychosocial and Behavioural Correlates of Attitudes Towards Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in a Sample of South African Mineworkers

Despite being one of the worst affected sectors in South Africa; the mining sector has proven to be one of the most active in intervention efforts in the fight against HIV and AIDS (Ellis; 2007). Owing to low uptake rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in mining companies in recent years (Connelly et Rosen; 2006) and the positive relationship between attitudes towards ART and ART uptake (Cooper et al.; 2002; Horne; Cooper; Gellaitry; Leake; et Fisher; 2007); this study sought to describe and investigate the psychosocial and behavioural correlates of attitudes towards ART in a sample of South African mineworkers. A total of 806 mineworkers from a large South African mine participated in this quantitative study. Despite a high rate of HIV testing behaviour (83.0) as well as favourable attitudes towards ART; analysis indicated that temporary employees and contractors were more vulnerable in terms of HIV risk; HIV testing behaviours and ART knowledge and attitudes. Employees who had more positive attitudes towards ART were more knowledgeable of ART and; importantly; had a more favourable attitude towards the mine's HIV/AIDS treatment programme. These findings are discussed in relation to the low ART uptake rates in this context and recommendations for the improvement of ART uptake amongst employees at this mining site