Abstract
Poor foot health status can be characterised as a person having increased foot pain, poor foot function, difficulties in mobility, finding shoes that fit their feet and a perceived poor general foot heath. Poor foot health status may lead to an increased risk of falls, a poorer quality of life and a substantial negative impact on the health status of a country. Literature has identified that one in four people may experience foot discomfort at some point in their lives. Previous studies in South Africa explored foot health status in students, diabetic patients, pregnant women, and those consulting at various podiatry clinics in public healthcare facilities. The results of which have shown that there are various factors that do influence foot health status in the country. No studies have explored the foot health status in retail staff in South Africa.
This research study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design and a quantitative methodology. The data was analysed using simple frequencies, descriptions and presented in the form of tables, graphs, charts, and pie. The collected data was assessed using a Likert scale format and analysed with Microsoft Excel application then imported into A Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 1.04, for further analysis.
The findings of this study indicate a negative correlation between the duration of employment in the retail sector and the foot health status of individuals. Moreover, it has been noted that there is a natural deterioration in foot health as individuals age, working 1-4 hours, more years in retail, with a specific emphasis on the female population. There were no significant differences in foot health status between working hours. Additionally, the results of this study indicate a potential correlation between retail employees engaging in work-related tasks while standing and an increased susceptibility to foot-related conditions. Retailers experience a reduction in foot health in areas related to vigour, except for those working more than 12 hours per day.
Multi-disciplinary educational foot health seminars or wellness programmes can be implemented for retail employers to reduce the impact of the long-term effects on foot health.