South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Illuminating paraffin (kerosene) is the primary cooking fuel for approximately two million South Africans. The highly flammable and toxic fuel is burnt in poorly made stoves that are prone to malfunction and are associated with accidental fires, burns and household air pollution. ⋯ It is anticipated that increased and enforced home congestion during COVID-19 lockdowns will exacerbate exposure of homebound families to unsafe energy, especially during the cold winter months. Based on an accumulation of evidence on the health and socioeconomic impacts of paraffin, this article advocates for its expedited phase-out and substitution with safer energy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Substance use and depressive and anxiety symptoms among out-of-school adolescent girls and young women in Cape Town, South Africa.
There is a high prevalence of substance use among youth in South Africa (SA), and adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) experience high rates of depression and anxiety. Substance use behaviours and mental health are associated with other public health problems among AGYW such as HIV and unintended pregnancy. Therefore, understanding the relationship between substance use and mental health is imperative to improve AGYW's health. ⋯ Our findings highlight the need to address substance use, especially Mandrax use and its associated risk, and depression in an integrated, youth-friendly setting.
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Emerging evidence reveals a strong association between COVID-19 and obesity in terms of disease severity, need for hospitalisation and risk of mortality. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular mechanisms potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in obese patients. Understanding the relationship between COVID-19 and obesity is pertinent for the clinical management of these patients.