scholarly journals P.3.24 Prevalence of non-fatal injuries in informal waste recyclers in landfill sites in johannesburg, south africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A103.1-A103
Author(s):  
Nisha Naicker ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
Vusi Ntlebi ◽  
Kerry Wilson ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
...  

BackgroundWaste recyclers at landfill sites separate, collect and sell recyclable solid waste. They do not receive Occupational Health and Saftey (OHS) training, personal protective equipment (PPE) or health support. There is limited information of the extent of adverse health outcomes experienced by waste recyclers in South Africa. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and possible risk factors for injuries experienced by waste recyclers.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among waste recyclers working in two landfill sites. Interviews were conducted with 361 waste recyclers using a structured questionnaire with information on socio-demographic history, exposures and injuries experienced. Logistic regression with OR was used to determine the significant risk factors for having experienced an injury in the last 6 months.ResultsThe average age was 33.7 years, range of 18–81 year. The majority were male (73.4%) and had completed secondary school education (77.8%). The average income earned was $119 per month and 51% lived in informal dwellings. Exposures included rodents (91%), lifting heavy object (87%), dogs (78%), chemicals (66%), needles (43 .%), falling waste (38%) and violence (20%). Although 90% of participants stated they wore some kind of PPE, this was not always suitable for the work conducted. 33% experienced an injury. The commonest injuries were bitten by rats (90%), falls on site (46.7%), muscular pain (29%), dog attacks (21%), violence from other waste pickers (20%) and needle stick injuries (20%). Logistic regression results showed that being male (crude OR 2.94, 95% CI- 1.399–6.195) and age <34 years (crude OR=2.69, 95% CI 4.145–4.988) were significant risk factors for injuries.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of injuries experienced by waste recyclers at landfill sites. OHS awareness and use of appropriate PPE should be provided to waste recyclers in order to prevent occupationally related injuries.

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 378-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
MR Banjara ◽  
W Sirawaraporn ◽  
S Petmitr ◽  
M Imwong ◽  
AB Joshi ◽  
...  

Background: Very limited information is available on epidemiology of falciparum malaria in Nepal. Such information is very important for malaria control programmes. It is believed that malaria in Eastern region is imported from border districts of India and local transmission follows whereas it is indigenous in Central region. Therefore, the characteristics and risk factors of malaria are believed to be different in Eastern and Central Nepal. Objective: The objective of the study is to describe and compare the characteristics and risk factors of falciparum malaria in Eastern and Central Nepal. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in falciparum malaria endemic districts of Eastern and Central Nepal, during the period 2007 to 2008. We identified and collected information from 106 patients (62 from Eastern and 44 from Central region). Patient examination, clinical and laboratory assessment were done and patients were interviewed using structured questionnaire for malaria related characteristics, risk factors and behaviours. Results: There were significant differences in risk factors and characteristics of falciparum malaria in the Central than the Eastern region. In the Central region, male, illiteracy and thatched roof hut were significant risk factors of falciparum malaria patients as compared to the Eastern region. Visits outside within one months, previous malaria within three months, taking antimalarial before confirmatory diagnosis were significantly higher in patients of the Eastern region as compared to the Central region. Conclusion: Falciparum malaria in Nepal should not be seen as similar entity, and different strategies for prevention and control is needed for its diverse characteristics and endemicity. Key words: Eastern and Central Nepal; falciparum malaria; risk factors DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v7i4.2758 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2009) Vol.7, No.4 Issue 28, 378-382


Salmand ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-111
Author(s):  
Ali Dadgari ◽  
◽  
Seyed Mohammad Mirrezaei ◽  
Seyedeh Solmaz Talebi ◽  
Yasaman Alaghemand Gheshlaghi ◽  
...  

Objectives: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has influenced all age groups; however, the risk of mortality increases with age. Several factors impact the development of this disease. This study aimed to determine the relationship between some risk factors in the development of COVID-19 among community dwellers of ≥50 years of age.This cross-sectional study was performed at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences from April 1, 2019, to June 20, 2020. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged ≥50 years, including middle-aged and aging suspected of COVID-19 referring to registration centers in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences from Feb. 20th to Jun. 20th, 2020. The basis for diagnosing COVID-19 in suspected cases was a positive Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test based on a nasopharyngeal swab or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. The data used included demographic information, a history of smoking, and comorbidities. Data analysis was performed in SPSS by descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, Independent Samples t-test, and logistic regression model. Results: In the first 4 months of the COVID-19 outbreak, 3945 suspicious cases were referred to Shahroud healthcare centers. After removing the missing cases, of the 3119 registered cases, 1348 participants were aged ≥50 years. Of all eligible participants, 602 cases were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 303 were males. The obtained data suggested that the Mean±SD age of the study subjects was 66.62±11.33 years. Diabetes (P=0.014) and other comorbidities, such as asthma, acute respiratory, hepatic and kidney diseases, and cancer in borderline significantly increased the incidence of COVID-19 by 38% and 32%, respectively. An increase of one unit in Body Mass Index (BMI) (P=0.002) enhanced the odds of infection by 4%. Conclusion: Based on the multivariate logistic regression results, high BMI and diabetes were significant risk factors in the development of COVID-19 among aged subjects. This conclusion emphasizes the importance of BMI and diabetes in the assessment of patients in middle-aged and aging groups.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Precious Mahlangu ◽  
Naomi Maina ◽  
John Kagira

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in Thika East Subcounty, Kenya. Further the bacterial pathogens and their antibiogram were investigated. Farm level data on risk factors were obtained from 41 farmers using questionnaires. Milk was obtained from 110 lactating dairy goats and tested for submastitis using California Mastitis Test (CMT). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis at goat level was estimated to be at 50.9% using CMT, out of which 86.5% yielded bacteria on culture. The significant risk factors associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis were cleaning schedule (p=0.022, OD=1.047) and parity of the goat (p=0048, OD=1.37). Higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed for goats residing in houses cleaned at least once a fortnight. Does in the first parity were least affected. 169 bacterial isolates were obtained from culture, of which 52 isolates from major classes of isolated bacteria were tested for antibiotic sensitivity to six antibiotics. Fourteen different bacteria were isolated and identified from the milk samples. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (20.7%), Serratia spp. (19.5%), Citrobacter spp. (16%), Klebsiella spp. (11%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.7%), Enterobacter spp. (6.5%), Escherichia coli (5.9%), Proteus spp. (3%), Corynebacterium spp. (1.8%), Morganella spp. (1.8%), Streptococcus spp. (1.2%), Providencia spp. (0.6%), Micrococcus spp. (0.6%), and Staphylococcus intermedius (0.6%) were isolated and identified from the samples. All the isolates were resistant to Penicillin G, while 98% of the isolates were sensitive to Streptomycin. In conclusion, the study showed that a large proportion of goats were affected by subclinical mastitis, with the main bacteria being Staphylococci spp. and coliforms, and that most of the tested antibiotics can be used in the treatment of mastitis. Farmers need to be trained on improved control of mastitis through adoption of good dairy husbandry and milking practices.


Author(s):  
K. Kokila ◽  
K. Chellavel Ganapathi

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent epidemic. The true prevalence of CKD with in a population are very difficult to estimate, since early to moderate CKD were usually asymptomatic. ESRD in the consequence of CKD is one of the most expensive diseases to treat.Only way is to prevent it and Hence this was conducted to estimate the prevalence of CKD and its associated risk factors among adults in selected slums of Chennai.Methods: This is a cross sectional study done from May 2013 to June 2014 in selected slums of Chennai. The study population includes adult males and females. Multi stage sampling method used. Sample size covered was 400. A semi structured questionnaire used as tool. Based on the serum creatinine eGFR calculated using modified MDRD study equation and CKD prevalence was identified. The data was entered in MS excel and analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: Total of 400 participants involved. Females were predominant in the study. Among them, 67 (16.8%) were diagnosed as CKD patients and Stage 1, 4.0% had stage 2, 3.6% had stage 3, 1.3% had stage 4 and 0.5% had stage 5 at the time of diagnosis.Conclusions: This study revealed prevalence of CKD among slum population was 16.8%. This study showed that old age, uncontrolled hypertension, uneducated, Diabetes with poor control, overuse of analgesics, H/o smoking, obesity, alcoholism, passive smoking, family H/o CKD and proteinuria were significant risk factor for CKD among study subjects. Slum population with risk factors should be regularly screened for CKD.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Siwila ◽  
Annette Olsen

Intestinal parasitic infections are common among children worldwide. This study was aimed at determining risk factors for infection with soil transmitted helminths, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, among children in preschools. The study was in two parts: a cross-sectional study in which data were collected from 403 children from 10 preschools and a longitudinal study in which 100 children from four preschools from the previous 10 were selected. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was 12.0%, while that of hookworm was 8.3%. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis was 28.0% and 29.0%, respectively. Low education level of parent/guardian was a significant risk factor for A. lumbricoides (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.02–5.41; P=0.04), while roofing types other than corrugated iron sheets were found to be protective for G. duodenalis infection in both bivariate and multivariate analyses (multivariate: OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45–0.99; P=0.04). Low socioeconomic level was found to be protective for Cryptosporidium spp. infection in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–0.99; P=0.04). In the longitudinal study, none of the factors were associated with either infection. These findings may have implications for other preschools in other districts in Zambia.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pegah Taherifard ◽  
Ali Delpisheh ◽  
Ramin Shirali ◽  
Abdorrahim Afkhamzadeh ◽  
Yousef Veisani

Background. Postpartum depression (PPD) is considered as one of the mood disturbances occurring during 2-3 months after delivery. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of PPD and its associated risk factors in border city of Ilam, western Iran.Methods. Through a descriptive cross-sectional study in 2011, overall, 197 women who attended Obstetrics & Gynecology clinics postpartumly in the border city of Ilam, western Iran, were randomly recruited. A standard questionnaire that was completed by a trained midwife through face to face interviews was used for data gathering.Results. Mean age ± standard deviations was 27.9 ± 5.2 years. Prevalence of PPD was estimated to be 34.8% (95% CI: 27.7–41.7). A significant difference was observed among depression scores before and after delivery (P≤0.001). Type of delivery (P=0.044), low socioeconomic status (P=0.011), and women having low educational level (P=0.009) were the most important significant risk factors associated with PPD. The regression analysis showed that employed mothers compared to housekeepers were more at risk for PPD (adjusted OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.22–2.28,P=0.003).Conclusions. Prevalence of PPD in western Iran was slightly higher than the corresponding rate from either national or international reports.


Author(s):  
Amina Ehsan ◽  
Farwa Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Azeem Rao

Abstract Objectives: The objectives of the study were to find out the prevalence of internet addiction and to determine the risk factors associated with internet addiction in medical students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi from July 2018 to August 2019. Our study population included medical students from all the years of MBBS aged 18-25 years, who have been using the internet for the past two years or more. A Stratified random sampling technique was used. Seventy-six self-administered questionnaires were distributed in each year. Data was entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Results: Out of the total sample of 380, the prevalence came out to be 90% (n=342). Two hundred and twenty-two 222 (58.4%) had mild, 115 (30.3%) had moderate, six (1.6%) had severe and 37 (9.7%) had no addiction. Out of the risk factors online friendships (p= 0.007), online relationships (P=0.035), online chatting (p= 0.009), online shopping (p= 0.009), online games (p=0.023) and online series/movies (p< 0.000) were statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of internet addiction is high among medical students, which is mostly of a mild type. Internet addiction is more common in males and non-hostel residents. Other significant risk factors are online relationships, online gaming, and online series/movies. Keywords: Prevalence, internet, medical students, risk factors. Continuous...


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Yajing Zuo ◽  
Yantao Wei ◽  
Wenbin Huang ◽  
Xuezhi Zhou ◽  
...  

Purpose. To determine the prevalence of peripheral retinopathy and its associated risk factors among a sample of Guangzhou office computer workers. Methods. A cross-sectional study of Guangzhou Chinese computer workstations and operators in different departments and units of the Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau, China, in 2016. Peripheral retinopathy was recorded and analyzed using a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO; Optos, Daytona, United Kingdom) and slit-lamp microscopy combined with a three-mirror contact lens. Results. The 1934 eyes of 967 subjects (513 females and 454 males) were included in this study. In total, 79.1% of the eyes were myopic in workers aged 20–29 years, 72.9% in workers aged 30–39 years, 62.2% in workers aged 40–49 years, and 43.4% in workers aged 50–59 years (p<0.001). Most eyes had optic nerve crescents (81.3%). Various peripheral degenerations were found: 7 eyes (0.4%) had microcystoid degeneration, 40 (2.1%) had peripheral pigmentary degeneration, 87 (4.5%) had lattice degeneration, and 4 (0.2%) had snail-track degeneration. Nineteen (1.0%) eyes had paving-stone degeneration, 11 (0.6%) eyes had a retinal hole or tear, and 16 (0.8%) eyes had chorioretinal degeneration. Multivariate regression confirmed that greater axial length (OR: 1.18 (1.03, 1.35), p=0.012) and more serious spherical equivalent (OR: 0.82 (0.77, 0.88), p<0.001) were significant risk factors for peripheral retinal changes. Conclusion. Peripheral retinal degenerative changes were found in a larger proportion of younger computer workers than older ones. Myopia is occurring in younger and younger people, accompanied by peripheral retinal degeneration.


Author(s):  
Nontokozo Lilian Mbatha ◽  
Kebogile Elizabeth Mokwena ◽  
Sphiwe Madiba

Postnatal depression (PND) remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in different socio-economic backgrounds in South Africa. This study determined the prevalence of and clinical and obstetric risk factors for PND symptoms among HIV positive women in health facilities in a rural health district in South Africa. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure PND from 386 women who had delivered a live infant. More than half (58.5%) tested HIV positive during the current pregnancy. The prevalence of PND symptoms was 42.5%. Logistic regression analysis yielded significant associations between clinical and obstetric variables of pre-term baby (p-value < 0.01), baby health status p-value < 0.01), baby hospitalization, (p-value < 0.01), and knowing the baby’s HIV status (p-value = 0.047). Maternal variables associated with PND were level of education (p-value < 0.01), monthly income (p-value < 0.01), and source of income (p-value = 0.05). At multivariate analysis, none of the clinical and obstetrical risk factors were independently associated with the PND. The high prevalence of PND symptoms underscore the need to integrate routine screening for PND in prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV programmes to enable early diagnosing and treatment of PND.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Huiwu Han ◽  
Fan Zheng ◽  
Weiwei Dai ◽  
Hua Peng ◽  
Shi Zhou ◽  
...  

Objectives. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is now becoming a serious public health threat. Some behaviors risk factors were considered to be associated with MetS and interacted to adversely affect MetS. However, the clustering effects of behavior risk factors of MetS among Chinese population remain unclear. The aim of this study is to observe the behavior risk factors and their clustering effects of MetS in China. Methods. A cross-sectional study design was used. Subjects were recruited in the departments of Cardiology Clinic, Endocrine Clinic, and Health Management from March to December 2019. A demographic sheet was designed to collect the demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short was applied to evaluate the level of PA in this study. Other behavior risk factors were observed by the questionnaire. The stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of MetS. The multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the clustering effects of behavior risk factors in MetS. Results. There are a total of 532 eligible subjects (56.6% females; mean age was 48.4±15.3 years), and approximately 33.3% were diagnosed as MetS. The subjects with a smoking habit (heavy and long-time history) had a 1.833-fold higher risk for MetS than their counterparts (none and light smoking), and the subjects that preferred salty taste had a 1.626-fold higher risk for MetS than the comparison cohort. Smoking and alcohol drinking had the highest clustering effect on MetS among the behavior risk factors. Conclusions. The main finding of this study was that smoking and salty taste preference were the independent determinants of MetS. Smoking and alcohol consumption had the highest clustering effect on southern Chinese MetS.


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