scholarly journals Clinical outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients at Mthatha Regional Hospital, Eastern Cape, South Africa: A retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramprakash Kaswa ◽  
Parimalaranie Yogeswaran ◽  
Busisiwe Cawe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Regional Hospital ◽  
Sudden Expansion ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
The Mean

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health crisis that threatens the current health system. The sudden expansion in the need for inpatient and intensive care facilities raised concerns about optimal clinical management and resource allocation. Despite the pressing need for evidence to make context-specific decisions on COVID-19 management, evidence from South Africa remained limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalised patients.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of hospitalised adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness at Mthatha Regional Hospital (MRH), Eastern Cape.Results: Of the 1814 patients tested for COVID-19 between 20 March 2020 and 31 July 2020 at MRH, two-thirds (65.4%) were female. About two-thirds (242) of the 392 patients (21.6%) who tested positive for this disease were hospitalised and one-third (150) were quarantined at home. The mean age of the patients tested for COVID-19 was 42.6 years and there was no difference between males and females. The mean age of hospitalised patients was 55.5 years and the mean age of hospitalised patients who died (61.3 years) was much higher than recovered (49.5 years). Overall, 188 (77.6%) hospitalised patients had clinical comorbidity on admission. Diabetes (36.8%) and hypertension (33.1%) were the most common comorbidities amongst COVID-19 hospitalised patients.Conclusion: The majority of the patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19 were elderly and had high baseline comorbidities. Advance age and underlying comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension and HIV) were associated with high mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients.

Multi-mycotoxin exposure of children (0-24 months) in rural maize-subsistence farming areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-410
Author(s):  
R.S. Tshalibe ◽  
J.P. Rheeder ◽  
J.F. Alberts ◽  
C. Taljaard-Krugell ◽  
W.C.A. Gelderblom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Subsistence Farming ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Daily Intakes

In South Africa, child malnutrition is highly prevalent among children from in rural areas mostly at risk. In the Eastern Cape (EC) Province, maize is commonly used as complementary and weaning food. Previous studies conducted in parts of EC have indicated high levels of fumonisin B (FB) mycotoxins in home-grown maize, as well as the co-occurrence of other Fusarium mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN). A cross-sectional study of children below 24 months was conducted in rural maize-subsistence farming areas in Centane, EC to determine mycotoxin exposure. Home-grown maize samples (n=171) were collected from households in the study area and analysed by LC-MS/MS for FB, DON and ZEN. Food intakes of 129 children were quantified using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ). Individual raw maize consumption was calculated using recipes from the QFFQ. Probable daily intakes (PDIs) for each mycotoxin were determined using a deterministic approach and were compared to the respective mycotoxins’ provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI). The numerical means for total FB (sum of fumonisin B1, B2 and B3), DON and ZEN levels in home-grown maize were 1,035, 24.5 and 31.0 μg/kg, respectively. Mean daily maize intakes of children ranged from 2-321 g/day and increased with age. The mean PDIs for total FB, DON and ZEN were 8.4, 0.2 and 0.3 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day, respectively. Exposures stratified by age indicated persistent high mean PDIs for total FB, above the PMTDI of 2 μg/kg bw/day, ranging between 5.0-11.6 μg/kg bw/day. Mean exposure to DON and ZEN were below their relevant PMTDIs (1 and 0.5 μg/kg bw/day, respectively). Individually, 81 and 13% of children had exposures above the PMTDI for total FB and for ZEN, respectively. Results confirm the magnitude of FB exposure among vulnerable groups from rural maize subsistence farming areas in EC.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ter Goon ◽  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breastfeeding Practice

Abstract Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first 6 months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January to May 2018, on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice. Results The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. E Exclusive breastfeeding’s prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.08–2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.02–7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for 6 months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for 6 months. Conclusions The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ter Goon ◽  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breastfeeding Practice

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first six months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January – May 2018 on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.Results: The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. EBF’s prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval CI), 1.08-2.56] and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR =2.76, 95% CI, 1.02-7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for six months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.34-0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for six months. Conclusions: The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.

scholarly journals Environmental health community service: Confronting the human resource challenges

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience Mbola ◽  
Izanne S. Human ◽  
Paula E. Melariri
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Community Service ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Effective Selection ◽  
Chi Square Test

Orientation: The environmental health graduates are required to complete community service before they could be registered as independent practitioners by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Community service programme serves as the mechanism to recruit healthcare professionals who will improve the provision of equitable and quality healthcare.Research purpose: The study aimed to explore, identify and describe the factors that had an influence on the effective selection, placement and utilisation of environmental health graduates as well as an evaluation of the effectiveness of community service.Research approach/design and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. The study included 24 environmental health practitioners who completed their community service and 10 environmental health practitioners responsible for coordinating community service in the municipal, provincial and national spheres of government in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa during 2013–2016. Purposive sample was drawn from each population. T-test and chi-square test were used to determine the statistical significant differences. The open-ended question responses from the structured questionnaire were qualitatively analysed by an independent coder.Main findings: The findings revealed major problems regarding the effective implementation of community service that included decreasing number of community service posts, inadequate material resources, lack of induction, inconsistent supervision, and a lack of evaluation of the community service.Contribution: The study findings suggest important inequalities that should deserve urgent attention. Study concludes by presenting recommendations for the improvement of the community service in the environmental health.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for six months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ter Goon ◽  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
OLADELE VINCENT ADENIYI
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education

Abstract Background: Despite the beneficial health effects of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants, the practice of EBF remains low in South Africa, a country burdened with HIV. Given that the factors limiting EBF are multi-factorial and context-specific, we sought to examine the factors influencing EBF practice among mothers on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant socio-demographic, lifestyle and maternal information. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between socio-demographic, lifestyle factors and EBF.Results: EBF for six months was practised by a few women (32.0%). The prevalence of EBF was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08-2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR =2.76, 95% CI: 1.02-7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for six months compared to employed women and women who attained tertiary level of education. While mothers who take alcohol (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for six months compared to those who never drank alcohol. Conclusions: Factors contributing to the low prevalence of EBF among mothers in this setting are employment, tertiary education and alcohol consumption. Strategies should target these socioeconomic indicators and lifestyle behaviour in the region.

scholarly journals Analysis of the organizational culture at a hospital in Benin

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh ◽  
Michael Florian Kouckodila Nzingoula ◽  
Charles Jerome Sossa ◽  
Yolaine Hessou Ahahanzo-Glele ◽  
Edgard-Marius Dona Ouendo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Regional Hospital ◽  
Work Design ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Executive Staff ◽  
Constructive Work ◽  
The Mean

Objective: To describe the organizational culture (OC) and its strength in a Hospital in Benin.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which involved 121 participants (care providers, support and executive staff) of the Lokossa regional hospital in March 2015. Data on dimensions of OC were collected using a questionnaire developed from the Cameron and Quinn’s tools (2006).Results: The mean age of participants was 41 ± 8.3 years and working experience was less or equal to five years in 52.07%. The determined OC was clan-like, hierarchical and results-oriented. This type of OC resulted mainly from cohesion factors, strategic accents, criteria of success, and organizational leadership used by the executive staff. A proportion of 62% (or 75/121) participants had positive perceptions of this OC. However, participants wished more hierarchical and results-oriented OC.Conclusions: The study revealed a mixed OC, positively perceived by workers. This reflects their integration within the organization, adherence to the projects and values of the organization and their involvement in work, allowing a constructive work design. Strengthening the hierarchical orientation and result-based option of the OC may improve the performance of the hospital.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding for six months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
PROF DANIEL TER GOON ◽  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
OLADELE VINCENT ADENIYI
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education

Abstract Background Despite the beneficial health effects of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants, the practice of EBF remains low in South Africa, a country burdened with HIV. Given that the factors limiting EBF are multi-factorial and context-specific, we sought to examine the factors influencing EBF practice among mothers on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant socio-demographic, lifestyle and maternal information. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess associations between socio-demographic, lifestyle factors and EBF. Results EBF for six months was practised by a few women (32.0%). The prevalence of EBF was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08–2.56) and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.02–7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for six months compared to employed women and women who attained tertiary level of education. While mothers who take alcohol (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34–0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for six months compared to those who never drank alcohol. Conclusions Factors contributing to the low prevalence of EBF among mothers in this setting are employment, tertiary education and alcohol consumption. Strategies should target these socioeconomic indicators and lifestyle behaviour in the region.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Ter Goon ◽  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Breastfeeding Practice

Abstract Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is associated with a reduction of postnatal HIV transmission and optimal infant growth. Given that the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding are multi-factorial and context-specific, we examined the prevalence and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice in the first six months among mothers on antiretroviral therapy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between January – May 2018 on 469 parturient women enlisted in the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cohort study in the Eastern Cape. Mothers were asked to recall whether they breastfed their infant exclusively with breast milk from birth and if so, to state how long they did. We collected relevant sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal information by interview. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were fitted to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice.Results: The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding, measured since birth, was 32.0%. EBF’s prevalence was significantly higher among married women (36.8%), unemployed women (36.6%), non-smokers (32.7%), and those who never drank alcohol (37.0%). Unemployed women [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.66, 95% Confidence Interval CI), 1.08-2.56] and those with grade 12 or less level of education (AOR =2.76, 95% CI, 1.02-7.49) had a higher likelihood of practising EBF for six months since birth while mothers who consumed alcohol (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.34-0.85) were less likely to practice EBF for six months. Conclusions: The prevalence of six-month exclusive breastfeeding in the study, although comparable with sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide prevalence, remains suboptimal. Advocacy campaigns on EBF must target alcohol cessation and the creation of a favourable workplace environment for lactating mothers.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of peripartum blood transfusion in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Van den Berg ◽  
E M Bloch ◽  
A S Aku ◽  
M Mabenge ◽  
D V Creel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

scholarly journals Perceptions of the functioning and effectiveness of nursing regulators in Ghana and South Africa: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e050580
Author(s):  
Christmal Dela Christmals ◽  
Lydia Aziato ◽  
Laetitia Charmaine Rispel
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Functional Areas ◽  
Overall Functioning

ObjectiveNursing regulators are important governance structures for nurses who are critical to the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). This study examined the perspectives of the heads of nursing education institutions (NEIs) in Ghana and South Africa on the functioning and effectiveness of the respective nursing regulators.DesignThis was a cross-sectional survey.SettingThis study was conducted in Ghana and South AfricaParticipantsHeads of accredited NEIs in Ghana (n=65) and in South Africa (n=39).ResultsIn South Africa, the mean score for overall functioning of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) was 4.6 (SD 1.97), whereas the mean score for overall functioning of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC) was 7.1 (SD 1.7) (p<0.0001). Similarly, the mean score for effectiveness of the SANC by NEIs was 5.1, compared with the mean effectiveness score of 7.2 for the N&MC (p<0.001).Compared to the SANC, the heads of NEIs scored the N&MC higher on each of the six functional areas of policy-making (Ghana=7.06; SA=4.56); accreditation (Ghana=7.40; SA=4.10) legal and disciplinary actions (Ghana=6.45; SA=5.52); examination (Ghana=7.84; SA=5.00); registration (Ghana=8.27; SA=5.96) and communication and transparency (Ghana=6.87; SA=6.05).ConclusionBoth the N&MC and SANC are well-established regulators and are vital to ensure that the nursing workforce in each country is able to deliver quality healthcare, thereby contributing to UHC and population health improvements. However, the study findings suggest the need for concerted efforts to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the regulators, especially the SANC. The six functional areas could guide the necessary improvements in regulator functioning and effectiveness, in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

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