The socioeconomic and environmental health situation of international migrants in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. Around the world, cities are dealing with growing numbers of international migrants (IMs). Many migrants are likely to have encountered exceptional challenges through the migration process, with implications for their health. Nevertheless, studies conducted in several developed countries point to a pattern of better health in migrant groups – the ‘healthy migrant’ effect. However, little is known about the health of migrants in poorly resourced destination countries, especially in African settings.Objectives. To compare living conditions and environmental health status in IMs relative to South African (SA) households, both living in settings of poverty in Johannesburg, SA.Methods. Data were extracted from a long-term panel study underway in five neighbourhoods of Johannesburg. Cross-sectional studies, undertaken annually from 2006 to 2010, involved the annual administration of questionnaires to around 500 households to obtain information on living conditions and health.Results. Most of the differences observed through univariate analyses in living conditions and health status between IM and SA households were explained by controlling for socioeconomic and neighbourhood factors.Conclusion. This study revealed that SA respondents and IMs in settings of urban poverty in Johannesburg had remarkably similar health status, with little evidence of a ‘healthy migrant’ effect. Nevertheless the authors argue for vigilance and a finer understanding of the unique sociocultural dimensions of health in migrant communities in Johannesburg as they continue to transform the profile of urban health in SA and other African cities

Food insecurity in households in informal settlements in urban South Africa

Food insecurity in the urban poor is a major public health challenge. The Health, Environment and Development study assessed trends in food insecurity and food consumption over a period of 7 years in an informal settlement in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). Annual cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the informal settlement (Hospital Hill). The degree of household food insecurity decreased significantly from 2006 (85%) to 2012 (70%). There was a spike in 2009 (91%), possibly owing to global food price increases. Childhood food insecurity followed the same trend as household food insecurity. During the first 3 study years, consumption of protein, vegetables and fruit decreased by 10 - 20%, but had returned to previous levels by 2012. In this study, although declining, food insecurity remains unacceptably high. Hunger relief and poverty alleviation need to be more aggressively implemented in order to improve the quality of life in poor urban communities in SA

A cross-sectional analytical study of geophagia practices and blood metal concentrations in pregnant women in Johannesburg, South Africa

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A review of rodent infestation in selected locations within the city of johannesburg (2009 - 2010)

Abstract:Background Rodent infestation is a public health challenge globally. Cities in high and low income countries have been ravaged by rodent infestation. The lack of basic services has exposed communities to health risks and rodent-borne diseases. Objective The study aimed at determining the rodent infestation in the five study sites within the City of Johannesburg namely: Bertrams; Braamfischerville; Hillbrow; Hospital Hill; and Riverlea with special focus on 2009 to 2010, seeing that previous articles have dealt with infestation of rodents from 2006 to 2008. Methods Secondary data extracted from Head, Environment, and Development (HEAD) study project was used to analyse and interpret the trend of rodent infestation over a period of five years. Sampling comprised of households from the afore-mentioned study sites. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire from members of households above the age of 18 years residing in the study sites. Data was analysed using STATA software version 13. Results The study indicated significant differences in rodent prevalence across the study sites. For instance, residents living in Hillbrow (high rise buildings) reported the lowest (17.4%) prevalence from 2009 to 2010 study period, while those living in Hospital Hill (informal settlement) reported the highest (79.7%) prevalence compared with other study sites during the same study period. However, overall there is a significant decrease in rodent infestation across the study sites except in Bertrams where an increase of 7.8% was reported. Conclusion Informal settlements are more exposed to rodent’s infestation than formal settlements due to lack of proper basic sanitation services e.g. waste management. Municipal departments such as Solid Waste and Public Works should work together with communities towards a sustainable resolution of rodent problem. Socio-economic and environmental variables such as type of dwelling, toilet facilities, absence of refuse containers and rodents’ access to water sources were noted as contributing factors of rodents infestation

The role of the South African Medical Research Council in reducing lead exposure and preventing lead poisoning in South Africa

Even at low levels in blood, lead has been associated with reduced IQ scores, behavioural problems, learning impediments, aggression and violent behaviour. Since the 1980s, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has been investigating the sources of exposure to lead in South Africa (SA), the groups at highest risk of lead poisoning and a selection of the myriad associated health and social consequences. SAMRC research evidence contributed to the phasng out of leaded petrol, restrictions on lead in paint and other interventions. Subsequently, childhood blood lead levels in SA declined significantly. More recent studies have revealed elevated risks of lead exposure in subsistence fishing and mining communities, users of arms and ammunition, those ingesting certain traditional medicines, and users of certain ceramicware and artisanal cooking pots. Lead-related cognitive damage costs the SA economy ~USD17.7 (ZAR261.3) billion annually, justifying further SAMRC investment in lead exposure research in the country

The role of the South African Medical Research Council in reducing lead exposure and preventing lead poisoning in South Africa

Abstract: Even at low levels in blood, lead has been associated with reduced IQ scores, behavioural problems, learning impediments, aggression and violent behaviour. Since the 1980s, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has been investigating the sources of exposure to lead in South Africa (SA), the groups at highest risk of lead poisoning and a selection of the myriad associated health and social consequences. SAMRC research evidence contributed to the phasng out of leaded petrol, restrictions on lead in paint and other interventions. Subsequently, childhood blood lead levels in SA declined significantly. More recent studies have revealed elevated risks of lead exposure in subsistence fishing and mining communities, users of arms and ammunition, those ingesting certain traditional medicines, and users of certain ceramicware and artisanal cooking pots. Lead-related cognitive damage costs the SA economy ~USD17.7 (ZAR261.3) billion annually, justifying further SAMRC investment in lead exposure research in the country

The nutritional status of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients at a Johannesburg hospital

Objectives: To assess the nutritional status of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients in our hospital using different assessment tools, and to assess the correlation between nutritional status and other parameters such as solute clearance. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on end-stage renal disease patients treated with CAPD at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. The nutritional status of each patient was assessed using subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometric parameters including body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skin fold (TSF), arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA), and biochemical parameters including serum albumin and total cholesterol levels. Dialysis adequacy was assessed by solute clearance measurement. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37.9 ± 13.4 years, 54% were males and 74 % were black. The mean BMI was 24.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2, mean MUAC was 28.5 ± 3.9 cm, mean TSF 85.6 ± 41.5 cm, mean serum albumin was 37.1 ± 7.6 mg/dl, while mean serum cholesterol was 5.32 ± 1.7 mmol/l. Based on SGA scores, 42% were well nourished, 50% moderately undernourished, while 8% were severely malnourished. We noted significant correlation between the SGA score and anthropometric parameters (BMI, MUAC) and there was no significant correlation between the nutritional parameters and the solute clearance. Conclusion: Malnutrition is common among CAPD patients in our centre, without a significant correlation between the nutritional status and the solute clearance. There is thus a need for ongoing nutritional assessment and support among these patients.Keywords: nutritional status, peritoneal dialysis patients, Johannesburg, Afric

Lead poisoning in shooting-range workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa: Two case studies

Background. Lead exposure constitutes a major public health concern globally. Relative to developed nations, lead exposure is understudied and poorly addressed in Africa, and there is a dearth of information available to inform lead poisoning prevention strategies, even in highrisk groups such as workers in shooting ranges who are potentially exposed to lead daily.Methods. Two workers at a private shooting range in Gauteng, South Africa (SA), had blood lead levels and exposure histories taken.Results. Workers had highly elevated blood lead levels and clinical symptoms associated with elevated blood lead levels.Conclusion. Workers in private SA shooting ranges are vulnerable to lead exposure and poisoning, and scaled-up action is required to protect them and their families, as well as shooting-range users, from lead and the related health risks