A study protocol to determine the association between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour in young males in conflict with the law
- Mbonane, Thokozani P., Mathee, Angela, Swart, André, Naicker, Nisha
- Authors: Mbonane, Thokozani P. , Mathee, Angela , Swart, André , Naicker, Nisha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bone , Blood , Lifetime
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395889 , uj:32847 , Citation: Mbonane, T.P. 2019. A study protocol to determine the association between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour in young males in conflict with the law.
- Description: Abstract: Background: Low-level lead exposure has harmful and persistent effects on behaviour. Recent studies have linked environmental lead exposure and the development of aggressive, violent and criminal behaviour. This protocol is designed to study an association between lifetime (bone) lead levels and violent criminal behaviour among young males in conflict with the law in Gauteng youth development centres. Methods: This paper describes a study to determine a link between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour. Lifetime lead exposure will be measured using bone lead measurement, while blood lead levels will be observed for current exposure. Thereafter, criminal records of participants will be reviewed whereas violent behaviour and risk factors will be observed using a questionnaire. The study focused on young males in conflict with the law in three centres within Gauteng Provence, South Africa. After stratifying the centres, we randomly selected participants. The researcher shall adhere to ethical requirements throughout the study. Data will be analysed for descriptive and inferential analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Discussion: The study will provide a strong foundation for an improved understanding of the relationship between environmental contamination from lead exposure and aggression/violent criminal behaviour. Beyond the health sector, the study findings may be able to inform new approaches to crime prevention through environmental action with an emphasis on the role of non-health sectors.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbonane, Thokozani P. , Mathee, Angela , Swart, André , Naicker, Nisha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bone , Blood , Lifetime
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395889 , uj:32847 , Citation: Mbonane, T.P. 2019. A study protocol to determine the association between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour in young males in conflict with the law.
- Description: Abstract: Background: Low-level lead exposure has harmful and persistent effects on behaviour. Recent studies have linked environmental lead exposure and the development of aggressive, violent and criminal behaviour. This protocol is designed to study an association between lifetime (bone) lead levels and violent criminal behaviour among young males in conflict with the law in Gauteng youth development centres. Methods: This paper describes a study to determine a link between lifetime lead exposure and violent criminal behaviour. Lifetime lead exposure will be measured using bone lead measurement, while blood lead levels will be observed for current exposure. Thereafter, criminal records of participants will be reviewed whereas violent behaviour and risk factors will be observed using a questionnaire. The study focused on young males in conflict with the law in three centres within Gauteng Provence, South Africa. After stratifying the centres, we randomly selected participants. The researcher shall adhere to ethical requirements throughout the study. Data will be analysed for descriptive and inferential analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Discussion: The study will provide a strong foundation for an improved understanding of the relationship between environmental contamination from lead exposure and aggression/violent criminal behaviour. Beyond the health sector, the study findings may be able to inform new approaches to crime prevention through environmental action with an emphasis on the role of non-health sectors.
- Full Text:
Climatic factors in relation to diarrhoea hospital admissions in rural Limpopo, South Africa
- Ikeda, Takayoshi, Kapwata, Thandi, Behera, Swadhin K., Minakawa, Noboru, Hashizume, Masahiro, Sweijd, Neville, Mathee, Angela, Wright, Caradee Yael
- Authors: Ikeda, Takayoshi , Kapwata, Thandi , Behera, Swadhin K. , Minakawa, Noboru , Hashizume, Masahiro , Sweijd, Neville , Mathee, Angela , Wright, Caradee Yael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Diarrhoeal disease , Climate change , Hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397845 , uj:33089 , Citation: Ikeda, T. et al. 2019. Climatic factors in relation to diarrhoea hospital admissions in rural Limpopo, South Africa. Atmosphere 2019, 10, 522; doi:10.3390/atmos10090522
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ikeda, Takayoshi , Kapwata, Thandi , Behera, Swadhin K. , Minakawa, Noboru , Hashizume, Masahiro , Sweijd, Neville , Mathee, Angela , Wright, Caradee Yael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Diarrhoeal disease , Climate change , Hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397845 , uj:33089 , Citation: Ikeda, T. et al. 2019. Climatic factors in relation to diarrhoea hospital admissions in rural Limpopo, South Africa. Atmosphere 2019, 10, 522; doi:10.3390/atmos10090522
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
Common mental health disorders among informal waste pickers in Johannesburg, South Africa 2018—a cross-sectional study
- Makhubele, Matimba, Ravhuhali, Khuliso, Kuonza, Lazarus, Mathee, Angela, Kgalamono, Spo, Made, Felix, Tlotleng, Nohlanhla, Kootbodien, Tahira, Ntlebi, Vusi, Wilson, Kerry, Naicker, Nisha
- Authors: Makhubele, Matimba , Ravhuhali, Khuliso , Kuonza, Lazarus , Mathee, Angela , Kgalamono, Spo , Made, Felix , Tlotleng, Nohlanhla , Kootbodien, Tahira , Ntlebi, Vusi , Wilson, Kerry , Naicker, Nisha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Common mental disorders , Waste pickers , Landfill sites
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395925 , uj:32851 , Citation: Makhubele, M. et al. 2019. Common mental health disorders among informal waste pickers in Johannesburg, South Africa 2018—a cross-sectional study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2618; doi:10.3390/ijerph16142618
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhubele, Matimba , Ravhuhali, Khuliso , Kuonza, Lazarus , Mathee, Angela , Kgalamono, Spo , Made, Felix , Tlotleng, Nohlanhla , Kootbodien, Tahira , Ntlebi, Vusi , Wilson, Kerry , Naicker, Nisha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Common mental disorders , Waste pickers , Landfill sites
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/395925 , uj:32851 , Citation: Makhubele, M. et al. 2019. Common mental health disorders among informal waste pickers in Johannesburg, South Africa 2018—a cross-sectional study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2618; doi:10.3390/ijerph16142618
- Description: Abstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.
- Full Text:
Development for children’s environmental health in South Africa: Past gains and future opportunities
- Mathee, Angela, Barnes, Brendon, Naidoo, Shan, Swart, Andre, Rother, Hanna-Andrea
- Authors: Mathee, Angela , Barnes, Brendon , Naidoo, Shan , Swart, Andre , Rother, Hanna-Andrea
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Children , Environmental health , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/281214 , uj:30254 , Citation: Mathee, A. et al. 2018. Development for children’s environmental health in South Africa: Past gains and future opportunities. Development Southern Africa, 35(2):283–293. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2017.1419857
- Description: Abstract: In poorly resourced countries children may face multiple health risks associated with environmental hazards and under-development. It is estimated that exposure to harmful environmental factors (e.g. air pollution, poor water quality and harmful chemicals) accounts for 33% of the global burden of disease, with the highest burden being borne by children. While accelerated housing and settlement development over the past two decades has benefitted hundreds of thousands of young children in South Africa, large numbers continue to face major environmental threats to their health, some of which have hitherto been neglected. Such children are likely to be particularly vulnerable to the unfolding ramifications of climate change. In this light greater urgency and momentum is needed to improve living conditions and other socio-environmental determinants of children’s health in South Africa and other under-resourced countries. Children should be a central focus for policy and development as our global society strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Development for children’s environmental health in South Africa: Past gains and future opportunities
- Authors: Mathee, Angela , Barnes, Brendon , Naidoo, Shan , Swart, Andre , Rother, Hanna-Andrea
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Children , Environmental health , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/281214 , uj:30254 , Citation: Mathee, A. et al. 2018. Development for children’s environmental health in South Africa: Past gains and future opportunities. Development Southern Africa, 35(2):283–293. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2017.1419857
- Description: Abstract: In poorly resourced countries children may face multiple health risks associated with environmental hazards and under-development. It is estimated that exposure to harmful environmental factors (e.g. air pollution, poor water quality and harmful chemicals) accounts for 33% of the global burden of disease, with the highest burden being borne by children. While accelerated housing and settlement development over the past two decades has benefitted hundreds of thousands of young children in South Africa, large numbers continue to face major environmental threats to their health, some of which have hitherto been neglected. Such children are likely to be particularly vulnerable to the unfolding ramifications of climate change. In this light greater urgency and momentum is needed to improve living conditions and other socio-environmental determinants of children’s health in South Africa and other under-resourced countries. Children should be a central focus for policy and development as our global society strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change
- Shezi, Busisiwe, Mathee, Angela, Siziba, Wellington, Street, Renée A., Naicker, Nisha, Kunene, Zamantimande, Wright, Caradee Y.
- Authors: Shezi, Busisiwe , Mathee, Angela , Siziba, Wellington , Street, Renée A. , Naicker, Nisha , Kunene, Zamantimande , Wright, Caradee Y.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397373 , uj:33026 , Citation: Shezi, B. et al. 2019. Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change. BMC Public Health (2019) 19:54 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6378-5
- Description: Abstract: Background: Vulnerable population groups in South Africa, especially those living in poverty, young children, women, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases, are susceptible to new or exacerbated health threats resulting from climate change. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) can play an important role in helping communities adapt to climate change health impacts, however, effective coordination of this requires further understanding of their roles in implementing climate change-related adaptation actions in communities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was undertaken at the January 2017 conference for EHPs hosted by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in Cape Town. All EHPs who attended the conference were invited to complete a study questionnaire that requested information on participant demographics, as well as climate change related-knowledge, practices and perceptions. Results: Majority of participating EHPs (n = 48; 72.8%) had received formal or informal training on climate change and health. Thirty-nine percent of EHPs indicated that they had a climate change and health-related committee / working group in their department, a policy or strategy (41.0%) and budget allocated for climate change and health-related work (51.5%). A total of 33.3% had participated in climate change-related projects. Majority (62.2%) of EHPs believed that they should play a supportive role in addressing climate change while 37.8% believed that EHPs should play a leading role. Conclusions: Recognising the need for raising awareness about climate change adaptation as well as implementing appropriate interventions to combat climate-related ill health effects, especially among vulnerable groups, EHPs are wellplaced to adopt significant roles in helping communities to adapt to climate change.
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- Authors: Shezi, Busisiwe , Mathee, Angela , Siziba, Wellington , Street, Renée A. , Naicker, Nisha , Kunene, Zamantimande , Wright, Caradee Y.
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397373 , uj:33026 , Citation: Shezi, B. et al. 2019. Environmental health practitioners potentially play a key role in helping communities adapt to climate change. BMC Public Health (2019) 19:54 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-6378-5
- Description: Abstract: Background: Vulnerable population groups in South Africa, especially those living in poverty, young children, women, the elderly and people with pre-existing diseases, are susceptible to new or exacerbated health threats resulting from climate change. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) can play an important role in helping communities adapt to climate change health impacts, however, effective coordination of this requires further understanding of their roles in implementing climate change-related adaptation actions in communities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was undertaken at the January 2017 conference for EHPs hosted by the South African Institute of Environmental Health in Cape Town. All EHPs who attended the conference were invited to complete a study questionnaire that requested information on participant demographics, as well as climate change related-knowledge, practices and perceptions. Results: Majority of participating EHPs (n = 48; 72.8%) had received formal or informal training on climate change and health. Thirty-nine percent of EHPs indicated that they had a climate change and health-related committee / working group in their department, a policy or strategy (41.0%) and budget allocated for climate change and health-related work (51.5%). A total of 33.3% had participated in climate change-related projects. Majority (62.2%) of EHPs believed that they should play a supportive role in addressing climate change while 37.8% believed that EHPs should play a leading role. Conclusions: Recognising the need for raising awareness about climate change adaptation as well as implementing appropriate interventions to combat climate-related ill health effects, especially among vulnerable groups, EHPs are wellplaced to adopt significant roles in helping communities to adapt to climate change.
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Environmental silica dust exposure and pulmonary tuberculosis in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Kootbodien, Tahira, Iyaloo, Samantha, Wilson, Kerry, Naicker, Nisha, Kgalamono, Spo, Haman, Tanya, Mathee, Angela, Rees, David
- Authors: Kootbodien, Tahira , Iyaloo, Samantha , Wilson, Kerry , Naicker, Nisha , Kgalamono, Spo , Haman, Tanya , Mathee, Angela , Rees, David
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pulmonary tuberculosis , Occupational dust exposure , Silica
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397414 , uj:33031 , Citation: Kootbodien, T. et al. Environmental silica dust exposure and pulmonary tuberculosis in Johannesburg, South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 1867; doi:10.3390/ijerph16101867
- Description: Abstract: Background: Occupational crystalline silica dust exposure is associated with an elevated risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, there is less evidence for an association with environmental silica dust exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 310 participants was conducted in an exposed community living within 2 km of gold mine tailings and an unexposed population residing more than 10 km from the nearest gold mine tailing. Chest radiographs (n = 178) were read for PTB, past or current, by three readers. Results: Past or current PTB was radiologically identified in 14.4% (95%CI 9.2–21.8) in the exposed and 7.5% (95%CI 2.8–18.7) in the unexposed groups. Multivariate logistic regression models suggested that PTB prevalence was independently associated with exposure to second-hand smoke (OR = 8.13, 95%CI 1.16–57.22), a lower body mass index (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.80–0.98), previous diagnosis and treatment of PTB (OR = 8.98, 95%CI 1.98–40.34), and exposure to dust in the workplace from sand, construction, and/or mining industries (OR = 10.2, 95%CI 2.10–50.11). Conclusion: We found no association between PTB and environmental exposure to gold mine tailing dust. However, workplace silica dust exposure is a significant risk factor for PTB in South Africa, and PTB patients of working age should be screened for silica exposure.
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- Authors: Kootbodien, Tahira , Iyaloo, Samantha , Wilson, Kerry , Naicker, Nisha , Kgalamono, Spo , Haman, Tanya , Mathee, Angela , Rees, David
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Pulmonary tuberculosis , Occupational dust exposure , Silica
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/397414 , uj:33031 , Citation: Kootbodien, T. et al. Environmental silica dust exposure and pulmonary tuberculosis in Johannesburg, South Africa. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 1867; doi:10.3390/ijerph16101867
- Description: Abstract: Background: Occupational crystalline silica dust exposure is associated with an elevated risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, there is less evidence for an association with environmental silica dust exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 310 participants was conducted in an exposed community living within 2 km of gold mine tailings and an unexposed population residing more than 10 km from the nearest gold mine tailing. Chest radiographs (n = 178) were read for PTB, past or current, by three readers. Results: Past or current PTB was radiologically identified in 14.4% (95%CI 9.2–21.8) in the exposed and 7.5% (95%CI 2.8–18.7) in the unexposed groups. Multivariate logistic regression models suggested that PTB prevalence was independently associated with exposure to second-hand smoke (OR = 8.13, 95%CI 1.16–57.22), a lower body mass index (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.80–0.98), previous diagnosis and treatment of PTB (OR = 8.98, 95%CI 1.98–40.34), and exposure to dust in the workplace from sand, construction, and/or mining industries (OR = 10.2, 95%CI 2.10–50.11). Conclusion: We found no association between PTB and environmental exposure to gold mine tailing dust. However, workplace silica dust exposure is a significant risk factor for PTB in South Africa, and PTB patients of working age should be screened for silica exposure.
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Household fuel use for heating and cooking and respiratory health in a low-income, South African coastal community
- Buthelezi, Sikhumbuzo Archibald, Kapwata, Thandi, Wernecke, Bianca, Webster, Candice, Mathee, Angela, Wright, Caradee Yael
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sikhumbuzo Archibald , Kapwata, Thandi , Wernecke, Bianca , Webster, Candice , Mathee, Angela , Wright, Caradee Yael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Respiratory health, Indoor air pollution, Household air pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396540 , uj:32931 , Citation : Buthelezi, S.A. et al. 2019. Household fuel use for heating and cooking and respiratory health in a low-income, South African coastal community
- Description: Abstract : In low-income communities, non-electric fuel sources are typically the main cause of Household Air Pollution (HAP). In Umlazi, a South African coastal, informal settlement, households use electric- and non-electric (coal, wood, gas, paraffin) energy sources for cooking and heating. The study aimed to determine whether respiratory ill health status varied by fuel type use. Using a questionnaire, respondents reported on a range of socio-demographic characteristics, dwelling type, energy use for cooking and heating as well as respiratory health symptoms. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to obtain the adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) for the effects of electric and non-electric energy sources on prevalence of respiratory infections considering potential confounding factors. Among the 245 households that participated, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI, n = 27) were prevalent in respondents who used non-electric sources compared to electric sources for heating and cooking. There were statistically significant effects of non-electric sources for heating (adjusted OR = 3.6, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.2–10.1, p < 0.05) and cooking (adjusted OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.9, p < 0.05) on prevalence of URTIs. There was a statistically significant effect of electric sources for heating (adjusted OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1–6.4, p < 0.05) on prevalence of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) but no evidence for relations between non-electric sources for heating and LRTIs, and electric or non-electric fuel use type for cooking and LRTIs. Energy switching, mixing or stacking could be common in these households that likely made use of multiple energy sources during a typical month depending on access to and availability of electricity, funds to pay for the energy source as well as other socio-economic or cultural factors. The importance of behaviour and social determinants of health in relation to HAP is emphasized.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sikhumbuzo Archibald , Kapwata, Thandi , Wernecke, Bianca , Webster, Candice , Mathee, Angela , Wright, Caradee Yael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Respiratory health, Indoor air pollution, Household air pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/396540 , uj:32931 , Citation : Buthelezi, S.A. et al. 2019. Household fuel use for heating and cooking and respiratory health in a low-income, South African coastal community
- Description: Abstract : In low-income communities, non-electric fuel sources are typically the main cause of Household Air Pollution (HAP). In Umlazi, a South African coastal, informal settlement, households use electric- and non-electric (coal, wood, gas, paraffin) energy sources for cooking and heating. The study aimed to determine whether respiratory ill health status varied by fuel type use. Using a questionnaire, respondents reported on a range of socio-demographic characteristics, dwelling type, energy use for cooking and heating as well as respiratory health symptoms. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to obtain the adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) for the effects of electric and non-electric energy sources on prevalence of respiratory infections considering potential confounding factors. Among the 245 households that participated, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI, n = 27) were prevalent in respondents who used non-electric sources compared to electric sources for heating and cooking. There were statistically significant effects of non-electric sources for heating (adjusted OR = 3.6, 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.2–10.1, p < 0.05) and cooking (adjusted OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1–7.9, p < 0.05) on prevalence of URTIs. There was a statistically significant effect of electric sources for heating (adjusted OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1–6.4, p < 0.05) on prevalence of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) but no evidence for relations between non-electric sources for heating and LRTIs, and electric or non-electric fuel use type for cooking and LRTIs. Energy switching, mixing or stacking could be common in these households that likely made use of multiple energy sources during a typical month depending on access to and availability of electricity, funds to pay for the energy source as well as other socio-economic or cultural factors. The importance of behaviour and social determinants of health in relation to HAP is emphasized.
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National Health Insurance and climate change : planning for South Africa’s future
- Wright, Caradee Y., Chersich, Matthew, Mathee, Angela
- Authors: Wright, Caradee Y. , Chersich, Matthew , Mathee, Angela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Weather , Environmental health , prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398849 , uj:33222 , Citation: Wright, C.Y., Chersich, M. & Mathee, A. 2019. National Health Insurance and climate change : planning for South Africa’s future. S Afr J Sci. 2019;115(9/10), Art. #5800, 3 pages. https://doi. org/10.17159/sajs.2019/5800
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa we have witnessed a gripping drought in the Western Cape, devastating heavy rains, fires, flooding and strong winds caused by an upper-air cut-off low in October 2017 in Durban,1 and regular heatwave and fire risk warnings in several provinces. One foremost cause of weather-related deaths is heat (leading to heatstroke), which is on the rise as towns and cities across South Africa shatter record all-time high temperatures year-on-year.2 In January 2016, for example, the North-West Health Department reported that 11 people (aged 22–58 years) died over a period of 48 h in the province from heatstroke.3 Deaths among groups such as the elderly, those with chronic disease and infants rise during heatwaves. These deaths may not be directly related to ‘heat shock’, but to the additional physiological stress associated with high heat. While there is some uncertainty as to whether these weather events are linked to climate change, the increase in heat levels generally, extreme weather events and current climate predictions for warming temperatures are strongly indicative that this is the case.
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- Authors: Wright, Caradee Y. , Chersich, Matthew , Mathee, Angela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Weather , Environmental health , prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/398849 , uj:33222 , Citation: Wright, C.Y., Chersich, M. & Mathee, A. 2019. National Health Insurance and climate change : planning for South Africa’s future. S Afr J Sci. 2019;115(9/10), Art. #5800, 3 pages. https://doi. org/10.17159/sajs.2019/5800
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa we have witnessed a gripping drought in the Western Cape, devastating heavy rains, fires, flooding and strong winds caused by an upper-air cut-off low in October 2017 in Durban,1 and regular heatwave and fire risk warnings in several provinces. One foremost cause of weather-related deaths is heat (leading to heatstroke), which is on the rise as towns and cities across South Africa shatter record all-time high temperatures year-on-year.2 In January 2016, for example, the North-West Health Department reported that 11 people (aged 22–58 years) died over a period of 48 h in the province from heatstroke.3 Deaths among groups such as the elderly, those with chronic disease and infants rise during heatwaves. These deaths may not be directly related to ‘heat shock’, but to the additional physiological stress associated with high heat. While there is some uncertainty as to whether these weather events are linked to climate change, the increase in heat levels generally, extreme weather events and current climate predictions for warming temperatures are strongly indicative that this is the case.
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Socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors associated with adverse heat-health effects reportedly experienced during hot weather in South Africa
- Wright, Caradee Yael, Dominick, Friederike, Kapwata, Thandi, Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin, Engelbrecht, Jacobus Christoffel, Stich, Heribert, Mathee, Angela, Matooane, Mamopeli
- Authors: Wright, Caradee Yael , Dominick, Friederike , Kapwata, Thandi , Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin , Engelbrecht, Jacobus Christoffel , Stich, Heribert , Mathee, Angela , Matooane, Mamopeli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , Heat
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403710 , uj:33840 , Citation: Wright, C.Y. et al. 2019. Socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors associated with adverse heat-health effects reportedly experienced during hot weather in South Africa. , DOI:10.11604/pamj.2019.34.40.17569
- Description: Abstract: Introduction: poor urban communities are likely to bear the brunt of climate change impacts on health and well-being. The City of Johannesburg, South Africa, is predicted to experience an average increase in ambient temperature of 4°C by 2100. Focusing on the urban environment, this study aimed to determine socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors for heat-related adverse health effects. Methods: this was a crosssectional study. Data of interest were collected using a pretested and validated questionnaire administered to parents of children attending schools participating in a school heat study. Information related to demographic, socio-economic and household-level determinants of health, which has an impact on the individual prevalence of adverse heat-health effects associated with hot weather, was collected for 136 households and 580 individuals. Results: sweating (n = 208 individuals; 35%), headache and nausea (n = 111; 19%) and weakness, fatigue and dizziness (n = 87; 15%) were the most common heat-health effects reportedly experienced by individuals (n = 580) during hot weather. Individuals who suffered from hypertension (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.34 - 4.05, p = 0.003) and individuals older than 60 years (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27-1.99, p < 0.001) compared to other age groups were more likely to experience 'any heat-health effects'. Living in government-sponsored detached housing and in houses with asbestos roofs were associated with an increase in reported experience of 'any heat-health effects' compared to living in other housing types. Conclusion: heathealth awareness campaigns should target people suffering from pre-existing diseases and the elderly, as these groups are especially vulnerable to heat. Focus should also be given to appropriate roofing and insulation in government-sponsored housing since summertime temperatures are projected to increase.
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- Authors: Wright, Caradee Yael , Dominick, Friederike , Kapwata, Thandi , Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin , Engelbrecht, Jacobus Christoffel , Stich, Heribert , Mathee, Angela , Matooane, Mamopeli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climate change , Environmental health , Heat
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403710 , uj:33840 , Citation: Wright, C.Y. et al. 2019. Socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors associated with adverse heat-health effects reportedly experienced during hot weather in South Africa. , DOI:10.11604/pamj.2019.34.40.17569
- Description: Abstract: Introduction: poor urban communities are likely to bear the brunt of climate change impacts on health and well-being. The City of Johannesburg, South Africa, is predicted to experience an average increase in ambient temperature of 4°C by 2100. Focusing on the urban environment, this study aimed to determine socio-economic, infrastructural and health-related risk factors for heat-related adverse health effects. Methods: this was a crosssectional study. Data of interest were collected using a pretested and validated questionnaire administered to parents of children attending schools participating in a school heat study. Information related to demographic, socio-economic and household-level determinants of health, which has an impact on the individual prevalence of adverse heat-health effects associated with hot weather, was collected for 136 households and 580 individuals. Results: sweating (n = 208 individuals; 35%), headache and nausea (n = 111; 19%) and weakness, fatigue and dizziness (n = 87; 15%) were the most common heat-health effects reportedly experienced by individuals (n = 580) during hot weather. Individuals who suffered from hypertension (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.34 - 4.05, p = 0.003) and individuals older than 60 years (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27-1.99, p < 0.001) compared to other age groups were more likely to experience 'any heat-health effects'. Living in government-sponsored detached housing and in houses with asbestos roofs were associated with an increase in reported experience of 'any heat-health effects' compared to living in other housing types. Conclusion: heathealth awareness campaigns should target people suffering from pre-existing diseases and the elderly, as these groups are especially vulnerable to heat. Focus should also be given to appropriate roofing and insulation in government-sponsored housing since summertime temperatures are projected to increase.
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