Risk factors for self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome among hairstylists in Gaborone, Botswana.

OBJECTIVES: Hairstylists form an occupational group whose tasks involve repetitive and forced movements of hands and wrists, thus posing a risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with CTS symptoms among hairstylists in Gaborone, Botswana. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed among randomly selected hairstylists. The questionnaire gathered information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, work-related characteristics and psychosocial factors. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire was used to determine the severity of CTS symptoms and its functional effects. Data were then analyzed using χ2 and logistic regression models. The level of significance was determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 165 hairstylists took part in the study, with 92 (56%) of the respondents being females. The mean age (M±SD) of the respondents was 35.05±7.54 years with an age range of 22-63 years. Seventy-three (42.2%) hairstylists reported CTS symptoms, with the majority (73%) being females. Out of all the CTS cases, 53 (72.6%) and 16 (21.9%) had mild and moderate symptoms, respectively. Over 80% of the hairstylists did not know about CTS. Among individual factors, CTS symptoms were associated with being female (the odds ratio [OR] of 9.99, and the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.64-27.44), increasing age (OR 9.84, 95% CI: 2.74-35.36), the length of employment (OR 3.73, 95% CI: 1.39-9.95), hair washing (OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.41-5.85), an awkward posture (OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.03-6.19), and the use of a great muscular effort when performing a task (OR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.01-5.72). Perceived heavy workload and stressful work were also risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a high prevalence of CTS among female hairstylists in Gaborone, and also point out that individual, work-related and psychosocial factors are associated with this syndrome. Future large-scale research is needed to establish the extent of CTS countrywide to influence policy-making. Currently, CTS is not listed amongst occupational health diseases in Botswana. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(3):437-50.

Foreign nurse educators' lived experiences of incivility: The case for Botswana.

BACKGROUND: In light of current economic prosperity and subsequent attainment of upper-middle-income country status, Botswana attracted nurse educators from other African countries. Within this cross-cultural environment, anti-immigrant sentiments have catalysed incidents of incivility, affecting the quality of teaching and learning outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore experiences of incivility amongst foreign nurse educators and how it impacts their work and livelihood. METHOD: This study employed a qualitative approach, using interpretive phenomenology. In-depth interviews using a developed guide were conducted with 13 foreign nurse educators working as nurse educators in Botswana. Thematic analysis was conducted in accordance with interpretive phenomenology, where transcriptions were drafted after each interview. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the study findings: hostile behaviour, discrimination and inequitable application of procedures and processes. Discrimination as a theme has two sub-themes, namely, workplace injustice and individual injustice. CONCLUSION: The study found that foreign nurse educators working in Botswana experience incivility. From the findings, the study strongly recommends application of equitable job opportunities to all employees, including foreign nurse educators who are employed to meet the shortage of nurse educators in Botswana. The researchers are of the opinion that the nurse educator shortage will persist in Botswana, partly because of the nursing profession rendered unattractive by hostile social interactions amongst nurse educators' exclusion of foreign nurses from benefits enjoyed by local nurse educators, workplace injustice targeting foreign nurse educators, as well as inequitable application of policies and processes that affect foreign nurse educators.