An investigation into the use of full-body low dose x-rays imaging system in South Africa : radiographer’s perspective

INTRODUCTION : A low dose x-rays alias Lodox© statscan was originally developed in South Africa to detect smuggled diamonds in the mines. Later, hospital trauma units began to use it as a screening tool for gross pathology on trauma patients. This imaging system became popular because of its use of low radiation doses and its ability to perform anterior posterior (head to toe image) image in under 13 seconds. Anecdotal evidence confirms that patients were referred for additional regional images on conventional x-ray systems after Lodox imaging. Thus, patients were subjected to additional ionising radiation, long waiting times as well as additional charges for secondary radiological examinations. OBJECTIVE : This research aimed at investigating the extent to which Lodox was used in trauma units (n=28) in South Africa. METHOD : In this descriptive cross-sectional research. researcher invited one radiographer from each of the 28 hospitals in South Africa that were using Lodox. RESULTS : Out of twenty radiographers who responded, it was found that most hospitals were referring patients for additional conventional x-ray images (Figure 1); for example, for chest x-rays. This was done despite the patient having undergone radiological procedures and examinations by the Lodox imaging system that was similar to those performed by conventional x-ray systems. CONCLUSION : Lodox was used for a successful diagnosis Thus, researcher recommends an imaging protocol for Lodox to be developed for guiding the referral of patients after the Lodox scanning has been performed.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/afjemRadiograph

Occupational risk factors and their impact on migration of radiographers from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Radiography is one of the allied healthcare professions known to be stressful. It is often associated with long working hours, ethical dilemmas, high patient demands and frequent disruptions from ancillary departments, which are all known to result in negative physical and psychosocial effects that may motivate migration. In this context, migration means; leaving one health sector to seek employment in another (i.e. private and public), resignation to join other professions or moving to a foreign country to practise radiography. The aim of this study was to identify occupational-risk factors that contribute to the migration of radiographers in order to provide input for mechanisms that can be put in place to alleviate the negative physical and psychosocial effects identified, thereby improving staff wellbeing and service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal. A cross-sectional, quantitative study, using a questionnaire as the data collection instrument was employed. The study targeted three categories of respondents: radiographers who left the profession (n=19), those who emigrated (n=29) and those who were employed in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) (n=300). The results revealed that of the 348 participants, 221 (63 %) responded. The ages ranged from 19 to 60 (mean 39) years. The common negative occupational risk factors found across the three categories of radiographers included headaches, neck pain and spasms, lower back pain, knee pain and painful feet. The negative psychosocial effects identified were; job dissatisfaction, anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression and a sense of isolation. The study revealed that the identified occupation-related risk factors resulted in negative physical and psychosocial effects that could contribute to the migration of KZN radiographers. The introduction of employee assistance programmes and improved reporting systems are recommended to reduce the negative impact of occupation-related factors on radiographers and thereby improve staff wellbeing and reduce migration.http://www.journals.co.za/content/journal/ergosaam2020Radiograph

Factors impacting on radiographers' emigration and career exiting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The world health organisation has raised concerns on the continued global shortage of radiographers. The shortage in South Africa is hard hit by the emigration of these professionals to other parts of the world. The changing health care requirements and disease burdens have raised the need for the health professionals globally. According to records from Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) department of health on the 8th August 2013, there were 427 vacancies in the year 2008, 445 vacancies in 2009, 447 in 2010, 79 vacancies in the year 2011 and 81 vacancies in 2012 for radiography in KZN. Some vacancies in 2011 and 2012 were frozen hence low number of vacancies. This study aimed at exploring the factors that impacted on emigration and career exiting of radiographers in KZN.A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. The online questionnaire was completed by radiographers that had emigrated and those had left the profession. The findings showed that certain factors impacted on emigration and career exiting of radiographers. In order to stem this problem it is suggested that there is a need for career pathing, recognition of all qualifications obtained in radiography as well as a reduction of working hours so as to reduce social isolation and the harmful effects of radiation. These could help to improve the negative perception of radiography profession hence improving retention of professionals in the province.http://www.journals.co.za/content/journal/ajpherd1am2017Radiograph

Factors impacting on the retention of radiographers in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa

Staffing crisis in healthcare profession is not only a South African issue, but a global concern. Radiography is also one of the professions affected. According to records from Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) department as at 8th August 2013, there were 427 vacancies in the year 2008, 445 vacancies in 2009, 447 in 2010, 79 vacancies in the year 2011 and 81 vacancies in 2012. The vacancies in 2011 and 2012 were low because the government froze all posts that were not filled. Hospitals are thus understaffed. This study aimed to explore factors impacting on the retention of radiographers in KZN. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used by completing an online questionnaire. The findings indicate that, in addition to the workload, radiographers were unhappy with salary and remuneration. They also stated that their expectations regarding the profession, careers progression opportunities were hindered. This was as a result of limited opportunities for professional development in the context of a limited scope of practice and over- dependence on the professionals themselves. The issue of scope of practice should be reviewed to align with the career progression which could create greater professional satisfaction and retention of radiographers within the KZN province in South Africa.http://reference.sabinet.co.zahttp://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpherd2016-09-30hb201

Nurses’ knowledge of ionizing radiation in Northern Gauteng state hospitals in South Africa

Nurses are part of the team that often visits the radiology department and often participates in bedside procedures during mobile radiological examinations. Researchers observed that nurses often withdrew assistance during radiological examinations, standing behind curtains in wards without adhering to radiation-protection measures. To assess nurses’ knowledge of ionizing radiation, the researchers conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive research study. More than 50% (n = 123) of nurses lacked basic knowledge on principles of radiation safety, and 63% of nurses were never taught or attended a workshop on radiation safety. Radiation safety should be included as basic knowledge in nursing curricula, and radiation-safety guidelines are needed in radiography suites.http://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-radiology-nursing2020-03-01hj2019Radiograph

An investigation into the use of Full-body Low Dose X-rays Imaging system in South Africa: Radiographer's perspective

Introduction: A low dose x-rays alias Lodox© statscan was originally developed in South Africa to detect smuggled diamonds in the mines. Later, hospital trauma units began to use it as a screening tool for gross pathology on trauma patients. This imaging system became popular because of its use of low radiation doses and its ability to perform anterior posterior (head to toe image) image in under 13 seconds. Anecdotal evidence confirms that patients were referred for additional regional images on conventional x-ray systems after Lodox imaging. Thus, patients were subjected to additional ionising radiation, long waiting times as well as additional charges for secondary radiological examinations. Objective: This research aimed at investigating the extent to which Lodox was used in trauma units (n=28) in South Africa. Method: In this descriptive cross-sectional research. researcher invited one radiographer from each of the 28 hospitals in South Africa that were using Lodox. Results: Out of twenty radiographers who responded, it was found that most hospitals were referring patients for additional conventional x-ray images (Figure 1); for example, for chest x-rays. This was done despite the patient having undergone radiological procedures and examinations by the Lodox imaging system that was similar to those performed by conventional x-ray systems. Conclusion: Lodox was used for a successful diagnosis Thus, researcher recommends an imaging protocol for Lodox to be developed for guiding the referral of patients after the Lodox scanning has been performed

Nabirye Aiba

This is a children story book.This is a children's story about a young girl called Nabirye who used to steal things from her mother

Sexual knowledge and practice of adolescent learners in a rural South African school

BACKGROUND: Premature sexual activity has become a norm in South African society, often resulting in teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Occurrence of premature sexual activity is related to insufficient education, gender inequalities, household poverty and place of residence. The Stepping Stones project uses a 10-session programme to educate learners about relationships, HIV-prevention and teenage pregnancy. The purpose was to measure and describe learners’ sexual knowledge and activities in a rural technical secondary school in North-west Province, South Africa. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires were distributed to learners in grade 8 to 12. Descriptive statistics was used in analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-nine questionnaires were analysed. Despite a young sample, 26.6% were sexually active and 24.1% engaged in sexual activity. The mean age for first-time sexual intercourse was 15.2±2.3 years. The use of contraceptives was low (41.2%) and participants reported difficulty in talking to partners about condom use (54.8%). Almost half (45.5%) of the participants had never heard of STDs. Participants expressed a need to use social media as a sex education tool (12.3%). The primary source of information was from school-based programmes (58.0%). CONCLUSION: Findings point to unsafe sexual practice of learners at a school in rural South Africa, even from an early age. This concern is accompanied by the occurrence of low levels of sexually-related knowledge. The learners would benefit from continued implementation of the Stepping Stones programme. Implementation could be improved by incorporating social media and emphasising gender equality and negotiation skills in sexually vulnerable situations.http://www.bioline.org.br/hspm2020Nursing SciencePhysiotherapyRadiographySchool of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH