South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause premature mortality among youth. Associated with lifestyle and behavioural choices, these diseases and deaths can and should be prevented among young people. This article presents data showing the gains in life expectancy among youth in the absence of NCD causes of death. ⋯ Urgent action needs to be taken to prevent further mortality from non-communicable causes among youth. The results of this study are important to the SA healthcare system and to public health practitioners whose aim is to reduce the strain on public resources and reduce mortality among youth. Future studies should estimate the extent of NCD mortality in households and communities with the aim of developing macro-level interventions.
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Workplace bullying and other negative workplace behaviours are problems that need to be addressed across many work settings, including at universities. ⋯ A combination of strategies is needed, including clear FHS policies to prevent bullying, training in bullying prevention and critical diversity, and positive practice environments.
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The use of analgesics is prevalent in runners, with an associated potential for serious harm. More information is needed regarding runners' practices and the factors that may influence their use of analgesics, to identify potential sources of misuse or abuse. ⋯ A large percentage of runners in our study displayed unsafe practices regarding analgesic use during training and competition, predominantly for perceived injury management. Importantly, the lack of education and recommendations regarding analgesics from health professionals is very concerning, as there is a risk of potentially life-threatening analgesic-induced adverse effects, especially as a high percentage were using two NSAIDs concomitantly. Knowledge of these practices, gained through this study, could allow for the development and implementation of corrective strategies to promote education and safe practice of analgesic use in runners.
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The role of the district hospital (DH) in surgical care has been undervalued. However, decentralised surgical services at DHs have been identified as a key component of universal health coverage. Surgical capacity at DHs in Western Cape (WC) Province, South Africa, has not been described. ⋯ WC DH surgical capacity varied by hospital size. However, FPs could play an essential role in surgery at DHs with appropriate training, oversight and support from SAO specialists. Strategies to scale up surgical capacity include dedicated financial and human resources.
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Accurate laboratory reference intervals (RIs) are essential to differentiate between health and disease. There are variations in haematological indices within populations relating to gender, age, ethnicity and environment. Iron deficiency is common, has a wide range of clinical morbidities and affects red cell indices. Locally derived RIs for full blood count (FBC) parameters are needed for the Western Cape region of South Africa, after the exclusion of iron deficiency. In addition, information regarding the prevalence of iron deficiency in first-time blood donors would inform blood transfusion services regarding policies to screen for and treat iron deficiency. ⋯ Locally established, population-specific RIs are essential for the accurate interpretation of haematological indices. This study established locally derived gender-specific RIs for the Cape Town region, after exclusion of iron deficiency. These new RIs have implications for the accurate diagnoses of cytopenias, cytoses and other blood count abnormalities. Iron deficiency is common in first-time blood donors, and screening for iron deficiency using point-of-care testing should be considered.