Musculoskeletal pain among school teachers are we underestimating its impact?

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common occupational health condition which may significantly impact both work attendance and performance. School teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Epidemiological data on NSP and LBP in South African teachers are limited.Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NSP and LBP among primary school teachers in the Central Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; to identify predominant occupational factors associated with NSP and LBP pain; and to highlight key actions associated with such factors so as to direct future preventive measures/interventions.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted on teachers from 12 randomly selected primary schools.Results: Among the 97 completed questionnaires, the prevalence of NSP and LBP was 80.4% and 68.0%, respectively. There was no association between age and NSP (p < 0.250) or LBP (p < 0.595). However, there were higher prevalence rates of NSP and LBP among the 45-54 years age group (39.2% and 33.0%, respectively). Factors associated with NSP included marking of assessments (56.7%; n = 55), and writing on a blackboard (39.2%; n = 38); prolonged standing was associated with LBP (83.5%; n = 81). These findings highlighted specific actions, such as forward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (61.9%; n = 60), backward-bending of the head for prolonged periods (20.6%; n = 20), and reaching/stretching with arms above chest height (41.2%; n = 40). Conclusion: Key occupational factors associated with MSP, and associated actions identified in this study can be used as a basis to direct strategies that can be applied to reduce the prevalence of MSP and the onset of MSD in teachers

Training requirements for the administration of intravenous contrast media by radiographers: Radiologists' perspective

Background. The administration of intravenous contrast media (IVCM) is one of the key areas currently under investigation for inclusion in the South African (SA) radiographers' scope of practice. However, for the radiographers to legally administer IVCM, training guidelines must first be identified, developed and accredited by the Health Professions Council of SA.Objective. To investigate the radiologists' perspective of the knowledge, skills and medicolegal training required of radiographers for the administration of IVCM to provide input for the development of national training guidelines. Methods. A quantitative, cross-sectional research study using an online survey, administered by SurveyMonkey, was conducted. The target population included all radiologists residing and practising in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, SA.Results. Fifty-nine participants (60.8%) completed the online survey. Twelve were excluded owing to incomplete surveys, resulting in a final response rate of 48.5% (n=47). The study revealed that various theoretical, clinical/practical and medicolegal study units should be included in the training, i.e. the study of the pharmacology of contrast media, practical training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support, as well as the rights and responsibilities of a healthcare professional. In addition, both theory and practical/clinical assessments need to be included.Conclusion. Key data have been provided for the development of national training guidelines for radiographers to administer IVCM, based on scientific evidence that is relevant to the SA context. The study may be of value to other related health professions where scopes of practice are expanded through transforming the education and training curricula

Using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Methodology to Evaluate the uThukela District Child Survival Project of KwaZulu-Natal

Health services programmes and interventions require objective measures on coverage and quality to ensure that managers have the evidence to adopt and expand health interventions effectively and efficiently. Over the past 15 years; the uThukela District Child Survival Project of South Africa achieved this through regular two- to three-year project evaluations using cluster sampling. Results of these surveys have improved the ability of Child Survival Projects to identify priorities; define objectives based on data; and measure progress towards these objectives. However; the inability to disaggregate information to composite Supervision Areas (SAs) was a limitation. Lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) was adopted as an improved method based on its ability to assess performance in disaggregated units within a study population and to reliably compare coverage and health status indicators for routine monitoring of child survival activities. This study assessed the feasibility and reliability of LQAS to evaluate the Child Survival Project and compare the results of a rapid manual analysis with a secondary electronic analysis of the same data. The accuracy of the manual analysis was comparable and provides evidence that LQAS and rapid manual analysis can be used to evaluate intervention programmes; particularly in settings of limited electronic technology and expertise