ABSTRACT
The novel coronavirus (NCOVID-19) has quickly become a public health concern globally and needs urgent attention. While there is no current evidence of vaccines and specific drugs to prevent and treat the ailments emanating from NCOVID-19 infections, complementary and conventional medical treatments could prove beneficial in ameliorating some of the respiratory difficulties, especially in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. These treatments include specific breathing exercises, a diet that strengthens the immune system, as well as avoiding tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. On the other hand, for those who have not contracted the virus, participation in indoor and within-the-yard physical activity could be beneficial in preventing unwanted weight gain as well as associated conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/therapy , Exercise , Pneumonia, Viral/therapy , Africa South of the Sahara , Anxiety/prevention & control , Betacoronavirus , Breathing Exercises , COVID-19 , Coronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Coronavirus Infections/psychology , Coronavirus Infections/virology , Depression/prevention & control , Diet , Dyspnea/therapy , Exercise/psychology , Healthy Lifestyle , Humans , Immunity , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Pneumonia, Viral/psychology , Pneumonia, Viral/virology , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous research highlighted the importance of identifying the modifiable risk factors among shift workers in specific industries to take effective preventative and therapeutic steps to decrease the risks associated with non-communicable chronic diseases. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors among shift workers within the automotive industry. SETTING: This study was conducted at a car manufacturing company in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. METHODS: The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design. Body mass index was calculated, and the American College for Sports Medicine classification for normal weight, overweight and obesity was used to assess the weight status of the workers. Fasting blood glucose and cholesterol as well as blood pressure (BP) were also measured. RESULTS: Seventy-five automotive shift workers participated in the research. Twenty-three per cent of the participants had no risk factors, 30.6% had one risk factor, 34.7% had two risk factors and only 5.3% exhibited four risk factors. Sixty-six percent of participants were classified as either pre-obese or obese, while 55% were hypertensive. Systolic BP (r = 0.258; p < 0.05), diastolic BP (r = 0.342; p < 0.01), cholesterol (r = 0.258; p < 0.05) and age (r = 0.271; p < 0.05) significantly correlated with body mass index. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among employees in the automotive industry. However, it does not show any risk factors for metabolic diseases.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe the perceptions and experiences of individuals with brain injury with regard to return to work rehabilitation programmes. PARTICIPANTS: Nine males and one female who were diagnosed with a moderate to mild brain injury participated in the study. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using a qualitative approach to explicate patterns and themes. RESULTS: Two themes emerged that reflected the lived experiences of individuals with brain injury regarding intervention programmes that influenced their ability to return to work after the brain injury: 1) Enablers of return to work programmes, 2) Barriers related to return to work programmes. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational therapy practitioners as well as rehabilitation personnel should identify and eliminate the barriers that impact on return to work intervention programmes, incorporate the enablers identified in this study when designing return to work programmes.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/rehabilitation , Rehabilitation, Vocational/psychology , Return to Work , Adult , Brain Injuries/diagnosis , Brain Injuries/psychology , Communication , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Therapy , Patient Satisfaction , Perception , Professional Role , Program Evaluation , Qualitative Research , Quality of Life , Rehabilitation, Vocational/methods , Self Concept , Severity of Illness Index , South AfricaABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the central concepts of a model that would facilitate the return to work process of individuals with brain injury. However for the purpose of this paper there will be a focus only on the barriers and facilitators that influence the return to work process. PARTICIPANTS: Ten individuals who were diagnosed with a mild to moderate brain injury participated in this study. METHODS: Qualitative research methods were used in order to explore the research question. The participants were selected by means of purposive sampling and the data was collected by means of in depth interviews. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that the participants experienced a sense of loss of function after the brain injury, a fear of the future and loss of confidence in their worker roles. The participants also indicated that by means of adapting occupational routines an actively engaging in rehabilitation they developed confidence in their worker roles. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapists have to use a client centred holistic work integrative approach in order to successfully rehabilitate as well as facilitate the return to work process with people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.