South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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To prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, many countries instituted lockdown measures. As the virus was initially slow to spread to rural areas in South Africa, Mopani district in Limpopo Province did not experience a high incidence of COVID-19 until the second wave in December 2020. Until then, lockdown measures were more likely than SARS-CoV-2 infections to have an adverse impact on health services. ⋯ Declines were recorded for most indicators in Mopani, with HC being affected the most at the start of the first wave and not showing any significant recovery between waves. Strategies are required to mitigate the effects of future COVID-19 waves and encourage positive health-seeking behaviour.
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People with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience preventable secondary health conditions (SHCs) that worsen the disability, reduce the quality of life and affect health and wellbeing. There is limited information on the prevalence of SHCs and the associated factors to inform planning and practice in South Africa (SA). ⋯ Secondary health conditions were prevalent among patients with SCI. People with SCI experience multimorbidity that requires multiple management strategies. These findings point to the need for prevention strategies to minimise the occurrence of SHCs.
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Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Most deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with the incidence predicted to increase as populations undergo socioeconomic and epidemiological changes. Knowledge of contributing factors in a South African (SA) population can be used to drive healthcare initiatives to modify this burden of disease. ⋯ Stroke is an important healthcare concern for SA. Our study demonstrated a lower mean age of patients presenting with stroke compared with high- and upper middle-income countries, and a higher proportion of haemorrhagic strokes. Several modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes were identified. Data collection on a regional and national level is important to drive targeted healthcare initiatives.
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A scenario is presented in which a wife's request for religious reasons, and in accordance with her husband's wishes, that her husband not be given a potentially life-saving blood transfusion was ignored by the doctors. Her husband subsequently died. The question then arose whether her husband's estate, or she as his legal proxy, could bring an action for pain and suffering and sentimental damages against the doctors on behalf of her husband. ⋯ The spouse may only claim damages for pain and suffering and sentimental damages if he or she can show that the defendants' conduct regarding the deceased directly affected the spouse concerned. Where emotional shock was caused negligently, a spouse may only recover patrimonial damages and damages for pain and suffering. Where such shock was caused by intentional conduct, additional sentimental damages may also be claimed.