http://hdl.handle.net/10386/63 2013-06-16T06:07:20Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/859 Title: Radiation safety standards at public hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa Authors: Shika, Matsepane Rebecca Description: Thesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/814 Title: Factors influencing performance of nurses in the Makhuduthamaga Sub-District, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa Authors: Makunyane, Coshiwe Matildah Abstract: The purpose of the research was to explore the factors that affect the performance of nurses in the Makhuduthamaga Sub-district. The Research Design was quantitative descriptive. The population consisted of all categories of nurses working in the eighteen clinics of the Makhuduthamaga Sub-district that render a 24-hour service, seven days a week. The Stratified Random sampling technique was used to obtain the sample. Data were collected by means of designed performance instrument questionnaires. The study revealed that nurses were dissatisfied with their work, something that had a tremendous influence on their performance. Description: Thesis (MPH.) --University of Limpopo, 2012 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/797 Title: Evaluating attitudes and perception of HIV and AIDS related stigma among health care professionals in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province Authors: Ramaano, Pfananani Nancy Abstract: Objectives: To assess the extent of HIV and AIDS related stigma among health care professionals, to identify factors that cause attitudes and perception towards HIV and AIDS related stigma and to determine if HIV and AIDS influence stigma. Study design: A descriptive cross sectional survey. Settings: Tshilidzini Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Subjects: A total of two hundred and sixty five health care professionals participated in the study. The study employed convenience sampling, when collecting data. The majority of health care professionals were females (77.7%). The average age of participants was 39.5 years with a standard deviation of 9.6. Outcome measures: Subject’s demographic information was determined by use of questionnaire. Age, gender educational level and race were included. Attitudes and perception towards HIV and AIDS patients were also assessed. Analysis: Data were analyzed by SPSS windows version 15.0. Means and frequencies were calculated. ANOVA and T test were employed to assess the comparison of attitudes between health care professionals. Findings: The results showed that the majority of health care professionals do not have negative attitudes towards people living with HIV and AIDS. Out of 265 health care professionals, 69% agreed that they needed to eliminate shame and rejection associated with HIV and AIDS, and 84% indicated that they needed more training to be more sensitive to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS.Conclusion: Findings from the study showed high positive attitudes and perception among health care professionals towards people living with HIV and AIDS. Government should make provision of protective clothing a priority to reduce the perceived risk of HIV infection. Government should also introduce HIV and AIDS education at the primary level of health care. Description: Thesis (MPH.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/777 Title: Occupational injuries and diseases amongst healthcare workers of the department of health in Limpopo Province Authors: Lekgothoane, Adelaide Maropeng Abstract: SUMMARY OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND DISEASES AMONGST HEALTHCARE WORKERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE AIM: To analyse and provide data on the incidence of occupational injuries and the prevalence of occupational diseases amongst healthcare workers of Department of Health in Limpopo Province. OBJECTIVES: The specific objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To determine the most common occupational types of injuries and/or diseases amongst healthcare workers with regard to the demographic profile (i.e. age, gender, occupation, workstation) of healthcare workers; 2. To establish outcomes of these injuries and diseases fatalities regard to the demographic profile (i.e. age, gender, occupation, workstation) of healthcare workers; and 3. To assess the association between the predominant injuries and diseases with the profile of the health care workers METHOD: The researcher sourced data electronically from Department of Health as quarterly reports, four (4) for each year of the financial years 2007/2008, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 respectively. The data was consolidated into financial years, cleaned out part of 2007 and 2010 so at to remain with 3 calendar years (2007, 2008 &2009) prior analysis. RESULTS: There were 725 per 100 000 healthcare workers affected by injuries and diseases during the study period. These injuries/and diseases affected more males than females above 40 years with the mean age being 43 years. Of the 631 injuries and diseases reported, 89% were injuries whist 11 % were diseases with most employees from Mopani district. The most common injuries which affected HCWs thus included needle stick injuries (24%), slip/trip/fall (23%), motor vehicle accidents (14%), injuries by external objects (10%) and assaults (7%). The most common diseases which affected HCWs were found to be TB (69%), diseases by chemical agents (12%), cholera (9%) and poisoning (2%). The needle stick injury affected clinical nurses (59%) more than other professionals; moreover, TB affected 63.6% of nurses. The captured outcome of this injury/disease was 4 fatalities among EMS personnel. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that tuberculosis is the most common occupational disease acquired whilst needle stick injury is the commonest occupational injury sustained by healthcare workers of the Department of Health, Limpopo Province. The employees were therefore affected by preventable occupational injuries and diseases. RECOMMENDATIONS: Preventative programs need to be strengthened to reduce morbidity of tuberculosis and needle stick injuries amongst employees. Description: Thesis (MPH) -- University of Limpopo, 2012. 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z