The Conceptualisation of Tourism and Hospitality within a Public Administration Framework in South Africa: A Case study of a Tourism Provincial Administrative Authority in KwaZulu Natal

Objectives of this paper are to: locate the study into a conceptual framework by conceptualising and clarifying Tourism and Public administration and management; Constitutional and legislative provisions relevant to the tourism and hospitality industries; National, provincial and local government administration with a view to locating Tourism and the Tourism Provincial Authority. Paper clarifies the intrinsic relationship between Government functions at national, provincial and local levels and the tourism and hospitality industries. The essence of the paper depicts the policy and a legislative framework formulated by government for the purposes of effective and efficient application to relevant structures at central, provincial and local levels. The welfare of the tourism and hospitality industries depend to a large extent on the delivery of services from public institutions at all levels of government

The application of the theory of Visitor Attractions and its impact on the competitive advantage of the Tourism Sector in Durban, South Africa

Visitor attractions become the nexus in the relationship between the Tourism sector and the city of Durban as a competitive destination and are arguably the most significant component within the tourism system. To become competitive within the attraction sector there is a need to have a combination of attractions, like sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, gaming, culture and recreation and these plays an important role in determining the competitiveness of a destination. The increase in tourist activity creates an environment where all stakeholders within the tourism system have an opportunity to exercise their function in the most appropriate way. This however does not occur without challenges and clearly, from general observations, the Tourism sector is faced with several challenges in Durban such as the lack of synergy between the stakeholders within the tourism system; standards and quality between various groups differ which impact on service delivery, price structure and foreign expectations; sustaining a high cost capital and labour intensive industry throughout the year; domestic tourists having to compete with currency fluctuations; and the social, political, economic and technological challenges. The development of a competitive model would contribute to tourism sustainability, which is vital for the economy, growth and further development of the Tourism sector in Durban, South Africa

Psychological Distress and Weight Gain in Pregnancy: a Population-Based Study.

Background Psychological distress and inappropriate or excessive weight gain are common in pregnancy and are associated with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. Psychological well-being and weight status of women during pregnancy might be interrelated. We aimed to examine whether psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with gestational weight gain. Method In a population-based cohort of 3393 pregnant women, information about psychological distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms was assessed at 20 weeks of gestation using the Brief Symptom Inventory questionnaire. Weight was repeatedly measured during pregnancy and obtained by questionnaire before and after pregnancy. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used. Weight gain in the second half of pregnancy, total weight gain, and the risks of inadequate and excessive total weight gain were the main outcome measures. Results In total, 7.0% of all women experienced psychological distress. Overall psychological distress and anxiety were associated with lower weight gain in the second half of pregnancy (differences − 1.00 kg (95% confidence interval (CI) − 1.62, − 0.37) and − 0.68 kg (95% CI - 1.24, -0.11), respectively). These associations fully attenuated into non-significance after taking account for socio-demographic variables. Similar results were observed for total weight gain. Only women with anxiety symptoms had, independently of potential confounders, a lower risk of excessive weight gain (odds ratio (OR) 0.61 (95% CI 0.48, 0.91)). Conclusions In this large prospective cohort study, the observed associations of psychological distress with weight gain during pregnancy seem to be largely explained by common socio-demographic factors

Psychological Distress and Weight Gain in Pregnancy: a Population-Based Study

Background: Psychological distress and inappropriate or excessive weight gain are common in pregnancy and are associated with adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. Psychological well-being and weight status of women during pregnancy might be interrelated. We aimed to examine whether psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with gestational weight gain. Method: In a population-based cohort of 3393 pregnant women, information about psychological distress, depressive and anxiety symptoms was assessed at 20 weeks of gestation using the Brief Symptom Inventory questionnaire. Weight was repeatedly measured during pregnancy and obtained by questionnaire before and after pregnancy. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used. Weight gain in the second half of pregnancy, total weight gain, and the risks of inadequate and excessive total weight gain were the main outcome measures. Results: In total, 7.0% of all women experienced psychological distress. Overall psychological distress and anxiety were associated with lower weight gain in the second half of pregnancy (differences − 1.00 kg (95% confidence interval (CI) − 1.62, − 0.37) and − 0.68 kg (95% CI - 1.24, -0.11), respectively). These associations fully attenuated into non-significance after taking account for socio-demographic variables. Similar results were observed for total weight gain. Only women with anxiety symptoms had, independently of potential confounders, a lower risk of excessive weight gain (odds ratio (OR) 0.61 (95% CI 0.48, 0.91)). Conclusions: In this large prospective cohort study, the observed associations of psychological distress with weight gain during pregnancy seem to be largely explained by common socio-demographic factors

Clinical presentations and outcomes of Filipino juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) varies by location and ethnicity. This study describes the clinical, laboratory profile and outcome of juvenile SLE seen at Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from 2004-2008.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Medical charts of all Filipino Juvenile SLE cases admitted at PGH during the 5-year period were reviewed collecting demographic profile, clinical and laboratory manifestations and treatment during disease course.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventy-eight cases of juvenile SLE were reviewed. There were 7 boys and 71 girls. The mean age at diagnosis was 14 years (SD 2.7) with a range of 8-18 years. Fever (52.5%) and malar rash (41.0%) were the most common features at disease onset. At the time of diagnosis, the most common features were malar rash (65.3%), renal involvement (62.8%) and photosensitivity (55.1%). Mucocutaneous (92.3%), renal (71.7%) and hematologic (69.2%) involvement were the most common features during the entire course of illness. Infection (34.5%) and neurologic (19.0%) complications were observed most frequently. Corticocosteroid treatment was given in most of the patients in the form of prednisone (97.4%) and concomitant methylprednisolone intravenous pulses (29.4%). Nine patients died during the study period. The overall 5-year mortality rate was 11.5%. Infection (77.0%) was the most frequent cause of death.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Malar rash was a common feature at disease onset and at diagnosis among Filipinos with juvenile SLE. Throughout the disease course, renal involvement occurs in 71.7% of patients. Infection was the leading cause of complication and death. The clinical presentations of Filipinos with juvenile SLE were similar to juvenile SLE in other countries.</p

A Preliminary Investigation of Periodontal Disease and Diabetes in Trinidad

Objectives: To describe periodontal disease status in diabetic patients in Trinidad. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients attending a tertiary referral centre for diabetes at an out-patient clinic were invited to undergo oral examinations. The basic periodontal examination (BPE) was used to assess periodontal disease status. Results: Seventy-two patients participated in the study. Mean age was 55.7 years, 54.2% were female, with 66.7% and 22.2% being of Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian ethnicity respectively. There were 61.1% who had not attended for dental treatment within the last year and 56.9% only attended when in pain; 15.3% had a history of cigarette smoking and 31.9% currently wore a denture. Plaque was detectable with the use of a probe in 40.3% of the 67% that underwent a BPE assessment; 38.8% were found to have advanced periodontal disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of periodontal disease in this sample of diabetic patients suggests that regular dental examinations, oral health education, and collaborative patient care between medical and dental practitioners should form part of the routine management of diabetic patients in Trinidad. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, oral health, periodontal disease, West Indies "Una Investigación de la Enfermedad Periodontal y la Diabetes en Trinidad" RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir el estado de la enfermedad periodontal en los pacientes diabéticos en Trinidad. Método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal. Un número de pacientes que asistían a un centro terciario de remisión terciario para la diabetes en una clínica ambulatoria, fue invitado a recibir exámenes orales. Se usó el examen periodontal básico (EPB) para evaluar el estado de la enfermedad periodontal. Resultados: Setenta y dos pacientes participaron en el estudio. La edad promedio fue 55.7 años, 54.2% fueron hembras; 66.7% y 22.2% fueron de etnicidad indotrinitense y afrotrinitense respectivamente. Hubo un 61.1% que no habían asistido para recibir tratamiento dental en el último año, y 56.9% que sólo asistieron cuando tuvieron dolor; el 15.3% tenía una historia de hábito de fumar cigarrillos, y el 31.9% usaba una prótesis dental. La placa era detectable usando una sonda dental en el 40.3% del 67% que recibió la evaluación del EPB, en tanto que se halló que el 38.8% tenía la enfermedad periodontal en estado avanzado. Conclusión: La prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal en esta muestra de pacientes diabéticos indica que los exámenes dentales regulares, la educación para la salud oral, y el cuidado colaborativo entre pacientes y trabajadores de la salud dental, deben formar parte del manejo de los pacientes diabéticos en Trinidad. Palabras claves: Diabetes mellitus, salud oral, enfermedad periodontal, West Indie