scholarly journals Perceptions of Occupational Heat, Sun Exposure, and Health Risk Prevention: A Qualitative Study of Forestry Workers in South Africa

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna-Andrea Rother ◽  
Juanette John ◽  
Caradee Y. Wright ◽  
James Irlam ◽  
Riëtha Oosthuizen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Risk Prevention ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Forestry Workers ◽  
And Coping

Occupational exposure to heat and solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) threatens the health and wellbeing of outdoor workers. These threats are likely to increase as a result of climate change. This study examined the perceptions of occupational heat and sun exposure and health risk prevention among forestry workers removing alien invasive vegetation in the Western Cape, South Africa. The linkages between workers’ perceptions of heat, solar UVR, and herbicide exposure and impacts under the current climate were investigated to better understand potential adaptation needs under a changing climate. Using focus group discussions and participatory risk mapping, heat stresses identified by workers were either environmental (e.g., lack of shade) or work-related (e.g., wearing required personal protective equipment). Several heat and solar UVR health impacts were reportedly experienced by workers; local indigenous knowledge and coping mechanisms, such as wearing ochre for sun protection, were used to prevent these impacts. Despite workers’ current efforts to protect their health, existing gaps and opportunities to improve working conditions were identified. Institutional structures for improved reporting of adverse events are imperative, together with awareness and education campaigns about the risks associated with working in hot and sunny environments.

scholarly journals Spiritual care practices in hospices in the Western cape, South Africa: the challenge of diversity

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronita Mahilall ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
African Context ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Background South Africa is a very diverse middle-income country, still deeply divided by the legacy of its colonial and apartheid past. As part of a larger study, this article explored the experiences and views of representatives of hospices in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the provision of appropriate spiritual care, given local issues and constraints. Methods Two sets of focus group discussions, with 23 hospice participants, were conducted with 11 of the 12 Hospice Palliative Care Association registered hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa, to understand what spiritual care practices existed in their hospices against the backdrop of multifaceted diversities. The discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two prominent themes emerged: the challenges of providing relevant spiritual care services in a religiously, culturally, linguistically and racially diverse setting, and the organisational context impacting such a spiritual care service. Participants agreed that spiritual care is an important service and that it plays a significant role within the inter-disciplinary team. Participants recognised the need for spiritual care training and skills development, alongside the financial costs of employing dedicated spiritual care workers. In spite of the diversities and resource constraints, the approach of individual hospices to providing spiritual care remained robust. Discussion Given the diversities that are largely unique to South Africa, shaped essentially by past injustices, the hospices have to navigate considerable hurdles such as cultural differences, religious diversity, and language barriers to provide spiritual care services, within significant resource constraints. Conclusions While each of the hospices have established spiritual care services to varying degrees, there was an expressed need for training in spiritual care to develop a baseline guide that was bespoke to the complexities of the South African context. Part of this training needs to focus on the complexity of providing culturally appropriate services.

scholarly journals Towards a safer and more efficient neonatal transfer system in South Africa: A qualitative inquiry with advanced life support paramedics

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Ashokcoomar ◽  
Raisuyah Bhagwan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Transfer Process ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Advanced Life Support ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Introduction The inter-healthcare transfer of the critically ill neonate is a critical aspect of larger neonatal intensive care, as it influences the safe transport of neonates from the receiving to the referring hospital. It is crucial then that the transfer process be safe and efficient so as not to compromise the already fragile condition of the neonate. The aim of the study was to understand the challenges advanced life support (ALS) paramedics face during neonatal transfers and to understand how the process could be made safer and more efficient. The objectives related to understanding the transfer process, the challenges linked to the critically ill neonate and the difficulties associated with the ambulance vehicle and equipment. Methods Using a qualitative research approach we sought the views of ALS paramedics at the forefront of transfers nationally. In-depth interviews were held with eight paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal and four focus group discussions with ALS paramedics in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape in South Africa. A total of 35 ALS paramedics were involved in these group discussions. Results The study uncovered several challenges that paramedics face related to poor organisational preparation for transfer of the critically ill neonate, and other crucial issues that compromise the transfer such as inadequate or defective equipment. Conclusion There is a need for greater scrutiny of the transfer process and a commitment from stakeholders to begin addressing the challenges confronting the safe transfer of critically ill neonates.

scholarly journals Whose Jurisdiction Is Home Contamination? Para-Occupational ‘Take-Home’ Herbicide Residue Exposure Risks among Forestry Workers’ Families in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10341
Author(s):  
Bonolo Anita Pududu ◽  
Hanna-Andrea Rother
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Forestry Workers ◽  
Herbicide Residue ◽  
Exposure Risks

Para-occupational “take-home” exposure risks among forestry workers and their families in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been well characterized. This is a concern because research shows an association between chronic low-dose herbicide exposure and adverse health effects. This study explored take-home herbicide residue exposure risks among forestry workers in the Western Cape, South Africa, through the community-based participatory research approach of photovoice. A key finding of the study was the absence of provisions related to take-home exposure in the national legislation and workplace policies, which largely contributed to poor adherence to risk reduction practices at worksites, in addition to workers transporting residues to their homes. This study demonstrated evidence of the key omissions regarding take-home exposure at the policy level (e.g., recommendations for employers to reduce take-home risks among employees, and training of workers and their families on take-home exposure) and take-home herbicide residue exposure among worker’s families, including children.

scholarly journals HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS’ EXPERIENCES OF GANGSTERISM IN HANOVER PARK

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mufaro Magidi ◽  
Rinie Schenk ◽  
Charlene Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Community Life ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Exploratory Approach

The culture of gang violence has become deeply entrenched in South Africa. The present study explored the experiences of non-gang school-going adolescents regarding gangs and gangsterism in Hanover Park in the Western Cape. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Data collection instruments were focus group discussions supported by qualitative semi-structured interviews involving 18 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 from two secondary schools in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The data were thematically analysed. The results have shown that the presence of gangs affects the learners’ school attendance, restricts their mobility, increases bullying at school and seriously disrupts family and community life.

scholarly journals Spiritual care practices in hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa: The challenge of diversity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronita Mahilall ◽  
Leslie Swartz
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
African Context ◽  
Care Practices

Abstract Background: South Africa is a very diverse middle-income country, still deeply divided by the legacy of its colonial and apartheid past. As part of a larger study, this article explored the experiences and views of representatives of hospices in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the provision of appropriate spiritual care, given local issues and constraints. Methods: Two sets of focus group discussions, with 23 hospice participants, were conducted with 11 of the 12 Hospice Palliative Care Association registered hospices in the Western Cape, South Africa, to understand what spiritual care practices existed in their hospices against the backdrop of multifaceted diversities. The discussions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results:Two prominent themes emerged: the challenges of providing relevant spiritual care services in a religiously, culturally, linguistically and racially diverse setting, and the organisational context impacting such a spiritual care service. Participants agreed that spiritual care is an important service and that it plays a significant role within the inter-disciplinary team. Participants recognised the need for spiritual care training and skills development, alongside the financial costs of employing dedicated spiritual care workers. In spite of the diversities and resource constraints, the approach of individual hospices to providing spiritual care remained robust.Discussion:Given the diversities that are largely unique to South Africa, shaped essentially by past injustices, the hospices have to navigate considerable hurdles such as cultural differences, religious diversity, and language barriers to provide spiritual care services, within significant resource constraints. Conclusions:While each of the hospices have established spiritual care services to varying degrees, there was an expressed need for training in spiritual care to develop a baseline guide that was bespoke to the complexities of the South African context. Part of this training needs to focus on the complexity of providing culturally appropriate services.

scholarly journals Experiences of work-related stress and coping among palliative care staff in South Africa: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-437
Author(s):  
Paula Smith ◽  
Konstantina Vasileiou ◽  
Ashraf Kagee
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Coping

Palliative care staff are exposed to a plethora of work-related stressors that negatively affect their psychological well-being and work engagement. Using qualitative interviews, this study sought to explore the experiences of work-related stress and coping among a multidisciplinary group of 12 palliative care staff employed by a non-governmental hospice in South Africa. Data were analysed using the principles of thematic analysis. Four domains of stressors were implicated in the experience of work-related stress: stressors accruing from the nature of work and were specific to palliative care; stressors relating to working in the community; those deriving from certain encounters with patients and families; and organisational stressors. Broader structural factors pertinent to the socio-political and economic context in South Africa and the perception of palliative care were interwoven with the experience of work-related stress. Receiving social support from co-workers, professionals, and family and friends; accepting limits; setting work–life boundaries; relying on personal resources and reconstructing the hospice in positive ways were coping strategies deployed by staff to manage stress. Arguably much of the experience of work-related stress and coping among palliative care staff in South Africa is similar to that reported in resource-rich contexts. However, the particularities of the broader socio-political and economic environment and its subsequent impact on palliative care organisations appear to augment and expand work-related stress for these practitioners. Deployment of intra-individual and interpersonal coping resources could be supplemented with efforts to address structural factors contributing to the subjective experience of stress.

scholarly journals The Incidence of Skin Cancer in Relation to Climate Change in South Africa

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caradee Y. Wright ◽  
Mary Norval ◽  
Thandi Kapwata ◽  
David Jean du Preez ◽  
Bianca Wernecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Weather Patterns

Climate change is associated with shifts in global weather patterns, especially an increase in ambient temperature, and is deemed a formidable threat to human health. Skin cancer, a non-communicable disease, has been underexplored in relation to a changing climate. Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major environmental risk factor for skin cancer. South Africa is situated in the mid-latitudes and experiences relatively high levels of sun exposure with summertime UV Index values greater than 10. The incidence of skin cancer in the population group with fair skin is considered high, with cost implications relating to diagnosis and treatment. Here, the relationship between skin cancer and several environmental factors likely to be affected by climate change in South Africa are discussed including airborne pollutants, solar UVR, ambient temperature and rainfall. Recommended strategies for personal sun protection, such as shade, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, may change as human behaviour adapts to a warming climate. Further research and data are required to assess any future impact of climate change on the incidence of skin cancer in South Africa.

scholarly journals All Bad? Experiences of Aging Among LGBT Elders in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Finn Reygan ◽  
Neil Henderson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Social Belonging ◽  
Agency Support ◽  
Bisexual And Transgender ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

There is an almost complete dearth of research on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders in South Africa. This study was a qualitative exploration through focus group discussions of the lived experiences of 22 LGBT people over 50 years of age in the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces of South Africa. Given high levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa, findings from a thematic analysis of participants’ narratives foregrounded surprisingly strong themes of inclusion and belonging despite the structural challenges faced by many in South Africa. While narratives of marginalization and exclusion were present, these were juxtaposed with reports of belonging and inclusion in families, communities, through friendship networks, and in health care. Findings indicate that, while experiences of homophobia and transphobia are real among LGBT elders in South Africa, participants experience agency, support, and relatively high reported levels of social belonging as they age.

scholarly journals Work-related well-being of South African hospital pharmacists

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastiaan Rothmann ◽  
Madeleine Malan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
South African ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hospital Pharmacists ◽  
Work Related ◽  
And Coping

Orientation: Hospital pharmacists in South Africa are experiencing increased stress because of the high demand for their services, a lack of resources in hospital pharmacies, and the shortage of pharmacists in South Africa.Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether job stress and coping strategies could predict the work-related well-being (burnout and work engagement) of hospital pharmacists in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Information about the work-related well-being and coping strategies of hospital pharmacists could be used to plan individual and organisational interventions which can be used to retain them and to manage their well-being and performance.Research design, approach and method: A survey design was used. A stratified random sample (N = 187) of pharmacists in South African hospitals was studied. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Pharmacist Stress Inventory and the COPE questionnaire were administered.Main findings: The results showed that job related stress and three coping strategies (approach coping, avoidant coping, and turning to religion) predicted burnout and work engagement of South African hospital pharmacists.Practical implications: Job stressors that are in the main responsible for the unfavourable work environment and that lead to the development of burnout amongst hospital pharmacists should be addressed. It is also important to enhance the coping capabilities of the hospital pharmacists.Contribution/value-add: The findings of this study provide insight into the factors impacting on the work-related well-being of hospital pharmacists in South Africa.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document