scholarly journals Dietary habits among health professionals working in a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyabonga H. Kunene ◽  
Nomathemba P. Taukobong
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
District Hospital ◽  
Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Introduction: The burden of diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours continues to increase in the low- and middle-income countries including South Africa. Among the affected population are the health professionals who are assumed to be knowledgeable about healthy eating.Aim: This study aimed to determine the dietary habits of health professionals in a public district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012 among 109 randomly selected health professionals. Each received a questionnaire consisting of mostly closed and few open-ended questions. Its main focus was the dietary and eating habits of the professionals. An ethical clearance was granted by the Medunsa Research and Ethics committee at the University of Limpopo. Permission to conduct the study was sought and obtained from participants as well. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyse data.Results: A 100% (109) response rate was achieved. The majority skipped meals especially breakfast with a significant positive correlation between breakfast intake per week and age (r = 0.98, p = 0.048). The majority consumed a lot of unhealthy foods and carbonated beverages with sugar. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, high fibre and whole grain foods was less common.Conclusion: The study showed poor eating habits among participants. Urgent health interventions are therefore indicated to highlight the importance of healthy eating habits among the entire population.

scholarly journals Level of physical activity of health professionals in a district hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siyabonga H. Kunene ◽  
Nomathemba P. Taukobong
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Metabolic Equivalent Of Task ◽  
Global Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Health professionals have a role to play in the promotion of physical activity in order to prevent the ever-increasing burden of diseases associated with physical inactivity. Determination of the level of physical activity amongst health professionals managing patients presenting with various lifestyle-related conditions is most pertinent.Object: The purpose of the present study was to ascertain the level of physical activity of health professionals at Estcourt Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province.Method: A cross-sectional survey of 109 health professionals was conducted over a period of three consecutive weeks in 2012. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and other related data such as socio-demographic characteristics was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine relationships between variables. An analysis guide was used to determine the level of physical activity with reference to the GPAQ guidelines recommended by the Word Health Organization using the metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-minutes per week indicators.Results: The overall level of physical activity was: 31% of participants were high, with METminutes/week ≥ 3000; 29% were moderate, with MET-minutes/week ≥ 600; and 40% were low, with MET-minutes/week < 600. Although black women predominantly reported low levels of physical activity, age was found to be significantly related to the level of physical activity (p = 0.000, r = -0.637).Conclusion: An intervention to promote physical activity amongst health professionals is essential to promote healthy living.

scholarly journals A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY STUDY TO ASSESS THE PREVALENCE OF PALITYA IN YOUTH WSR TO PRAKRITI

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1929-1932
Author(s):  
Temani Rashmi ◽  
Sharma Surendra Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modern Era ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Ayurveda is a science of vast knowledge of Ahar, Vihar and Prakriti. In this modern era due to stress, lifestyle changes, eating habits and many psychological and environmental factors are responsible for premature greying of hair. The present cross-sectional survey study was planned to know about etiological factors of Palitya in youth and the prevalence of Prakriti also. Total 500 patients of premature canities fulfilling the criteria of inclusion as per GSS1 were selected from O.P.D. of department Rog Nidana and Vikriti Vigyana, National Institute of Ayurved, Jaipur. A structured questionnaire will be administered to each subject of Nidanatmaka survey to collect data on Prakriti, Socio-demographic profile, Dietary patterns and other Ayurvedic variables. Results: Max. 37% have Akala bhojana,36.4% having Vishmagni,35 and 32% habituated to Katu and Lavan Rasa,42% consuming Amla Rasa, and max.36.4% were having Vata -Pitta Prakriti. Overall, it was observed that in youth diet, dietary habits were prone to vitiate Pitta dosha. especially in the Pitta Prakriti persons. The faulty dietary habits like Vishamashana, Adhyashana, Ajeernashana, Amla-Lavana Rasa Atisevana can accelerate the process of greying hair. Keywords: Premature canities, Prakriti

scholarly journals Knowledge of Health Professionals Regarding Vegetarian Diets from Pregnancy to Adolescence: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Enrica Bettinelli ◽  
Elena Bezze ◽  
Laura Morasca ◽  
Laura Plevani ◽  
Gabriele Sorrentino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Vegetarian Diet ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Correct Definition ◽  
Vegetarian Diets

The number of people adopting vegetarian diets is constantly increasing, and many among them are young parents who decide to share their diet with their children. The aim of this study was to investigate health professionals’ knowledge regarding the adoption of vegetarian diets from pregnancy to adolescence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The administered questionnaire, which was based on the recommendations of the most up-to-date guidelines, included two macro areas: The first investigated the sociodemographic and professional profile of the interviewees and the second addressed the knowledge of the participants regarding vegetarian diets. A total of 418 health professionals in Italy were interviewed, of whom 65.8% were nursing staff. Among the participants, 79.9% had not attended a nutrition course in the previous five years. A correct definition of a vegetarian/vegan diet was provided by 34.1% of the participants. The answers regarding knowledge of nutrients were correct in 20% of cases, whereas correct answers to questions assessing knowledge of the risk and benefits of a vegetarian diet and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the life cycle were given by 45% and 39.4% of the participants, respectively. A significant correlation between the items of the second macro area that investigated the knowledge and dietary habits of the participants was found for seven items. The results of the study indicate that health professionals do not have complete and exhaustive knowledge about vegetarian diets and lack information on health outcomes and the adoption of a vegetarian diet throughout the different life cycles and nutrients. Improving pre- and in-service learning opportunities in vegetarian nutrition for health professionals is strongly advisable.

scholarly journals Assessment of cardiovascular behavioural risk factors in medical student

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Manoj Bundela ◽  
Jayant Kumar ◽  
ND Soni ◽  
Raghuveer Choudhary ◽  
Rajnee
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Life Style ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Exercise Counseling

It is an established fact that life-style related behavioral factors are mainly responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Doctors are playing very important role in imparting knowledge to the society as to how to stay away from diseases by adopting preventive measures. We studied the prevalence of life-style related risk behavior in medical students and to determine the effect of these factors on blood pressure. The study was conducted on 249 medical students, from which 182 were boys and 67 were girls of age group 16-29 years. In a random cross-sectional survey of medical students were interviewed for anthropometric measurements, BMI, dietary habits, physical activity and cardiovascular parameters. Cardiovascular risk factors in boys of medical college are more than girls. Out of 182 boys studied 48 [26.37%] were having their blood pressure values higher than 130/90 mm Hg. because of their faulty living/eating habits. Junk food, cola, alcohol and smoking is on rising trend with predominance of physical inactivity and overweight and as a consequence rise in the blood pressure. Dietary and exercise counseling is required for such students. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v30i2.22675 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 30(2):1-8

scholarly journals Risk factors for undernutrition of young children in a rural area of South Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 645-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mickey Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Health District ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Social ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Height For Age

AbstractObjective:To identify the factors associated with childhood undernutrition.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Hlabisa health district in KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa.Subjects:Eight hundred and sixty-eight children aged 3–59 months.Methods:Questionnaire survey and anthropometric survey of 516 random house-holds with children in the health district. Multivariate analysis took into account the hierarchical relationships between the proposed risk factors. This conceptual model was built up during qualitative studies and with reference to international research in this area.Results:The mean Z-scores for weight-for-age and height-for-age were −0.52 (95% confidence interval (CI)−0.44 to −0.60) and −1.25 (95% CI −1.15 to −1.35), respectively. Of the children, 26.3% (95% CI 23.3–29.3%) were stunted, 12.0% (95% CI 9.8–4.2%) were underweight-for-age (UWFA) and only 1.3% were wasted. Migrant father, mother's education, literate mother, whether the house was made of traditional materials, the presence of a toilet, whether the last child was breast-fed, duration of breast-feeding and birth weight were found to be significantly related to UWFA, the latter with an odds ratio of more than eight.Conclusion:While there are individual health and feeding behaviours that need to be addressed, this study has also uncovered the maternal and socio-economic factors which present an array of constraints in the social environment shaping the infant feeding and caring practices employed by women. For the full potential of nutrition promotion activities to be realised, there is a need to address some of these ‘deeper’ constraints.

scholarly journals Shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers in KwaZulu-

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
T Puckree ◽  
KJ Thomas
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Shoulder Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Voluntary Consent ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Competitive Swimmers

Objective. To determine the incidence of shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers in KwaZulu-Natal, a province in South Africa. Design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A random sample of 96 swimmers from a pool of 300 swimmers registered with first-division clubs affiliated to the KwaZulu-Natal Aquatics Association participated in the study by informed voluntary consent. Data were gathered using a validated questionnaire. Setting. Data were gathered at time trials, races and club meetings. Main measures. Variables monitored included the incidence of shoulder injuries, shoulder pain and proportion of overuse injury. Results. Seventy-one per cent of the swimmers had shoulder pain and 64% reported injury to the shoulder. Forty-six per cent of the swimmers with pain complained of anterior shoulder pain, while 65% of all injuries were due to overuse. The commonest diagnoses included tendonitis (35%), muscle imbalance (29%), impingement (19%) and other (17%). Sixty-nine per cent of the swimmers swam freestyle which was related to 70% of the injuries. Eighty-one per cent of the injured swimmers sought physiotherapy for the shoulder pain. Conclusion. The incidence of shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers is high. This study shows the need for more research into swimming injuries, and the conditioning and rehabilitation of athletes in South Africa. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 18 (1) 2006: pp. 10-12

scholarly journals Market Awareness and Participation for Cattle Farmers in the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Scheme in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Ngarava ◽  
Mushunje
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Marketing Channels ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Income Source ◽  
Auction Market ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

The objective of the study was to outline the determinants of market awareness and participation in the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) scheme in South Africa. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey of a randomly selected sample of 116 KyD farmers in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A Logit model was used to analyse the data. The results show that more farmers are aware of farmgate market channels, but however, they tended to utilise auction market channels. Furthermore, gender, marital status, educational level, employment status, farm income, source of income, herd size, labour and training were significant variables in the awareness and use of butcheries, auctions and farm gate markets. The study concludes that the scheme is particularly effective in influencing commercialisation through utilisation of more lucrative market channels such as auctions. Furthermore, socio-economic factors had a bearing on the awareness and use of marketing channels for smallholder farmers in the KyD scheme. Labour was particularly significant across butchery, auction and farm gate market channels. The study recommends that the scheme needs to improve awareness and use of market channels through utilisation of information platforms such as radio, television and direct communication though mobile phones. Furthermore, extension should assist farmers not only in awareness of markets, but also in the utilisation of those markets.

scholarly journals Knowledge of diabetes mellitus and its ocular complications amongst diabetic patients attending private and public hospitals in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Van Staden ◽  
Luke P. Deutshmann ◽  
Sameer Ganas ◽  
Maxine Manickam ◽  
Amishka Manillal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Ocular Complications ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Private And Public

Background: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is increasing in South Africa as a result of changes in lifestyles and rising levels of obesity. Knowledge of management protocols for DM may empower patients to better control the disease and prevent secondary complications.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the level of knowledge of DM and its ocular complications amongst public and private hospital diabetic patients.Setting: The study was conducted in four private and four public hospitals in the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province.Methods: A cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data from diabetic patients attending selected hospitals. Convenience sampling was used and analysis of descriptive and correlation statistics was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results: Participants (N = 370) consisted of 44% males and 56% females with 41.6% being from private and 58.4% from public hospitals. The ages of participants ranged from 20 to 79 years. Although most of the participants (74.8%) were knowledgeable about DM and its management, private sector patients were more knowledgeable about DM management than were public sector patients (p = 0.000). Furthermore, private patients had better knowledge of ocular complications related to DM (p = 0.000). Those (74%) who had previously attended a diabetic seminar had significantly better knowledge than those who had not (p = 0.000).Conclusion: Patients with DM attending public hospitals will benefit from targeted education campaigns or seminars related to diabetes and its complications.

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